Natural circulation cooling deep sea thermoelectric power generation device

Abstract

The invention discloses a natural circulation cooling deep sea thermoelectric power generation device and belongs to the technical field of new energy and ocean energy utilization. The problems that an existing deep sea thermoelectric power generation system is prone to being corroded by a heat source and depends on mechanical pump circulation heat dissipation are solved. The hot liquid recovery module is a heat collection cavity, the heat pipe array module is a heat pipe set arranged in an inclined mode, the low-position end of the heat pipe set is inserted into the hot liquid recovery module, the high-position end of the heat pipe set is fixedly connected with the hot end face of the thermoelectric generator, and the cold end face of the thermoelectric generator is fixedly connected with the side face of the seawater cooling device. The folding pipeline comprises a fixed end, and the fixed end is communicated and fixedly connected with the outlet end of the seawater cooling device. The problem that the reliability of the device is low due to corrosion of the power generation device is solved through the heat pipe array module, the channel height is flexibly changed through the folding adjusting device, the circulating driving force and the heat exchange area are dynamically adjusted, and the system is made to adapt to heat load changes and the ocean current environment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of new energy and ocean energy utilization, in particular, especially relates to a natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermoelectric power generation device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a unique deep-sea geological phenomenon, there is a temperature difference of hundreds of degrees Celsius between the hydrothermal fluid spouted by the hydrothermal vent and the surrounding low-temperature seawater, which contains huge thermal energy. Using thermoelectric power generation technology to directly convert this thermal energy into electrical energy can provide long-term and reliable energy supply for deep-sea observation stations, robots and other equipment, which has important strategic value and application prospect.

[0003] At present, there have been some explorations of technical solutions for hydrothermal power generation. Chinese invention patent "CN202221919066.7 A temperature difference power generation device using hydrothermal fluid as heat source" discloses a scheme for generating electricity by placing a thermoelectric power generation module directly above the hydrothermal vent and utilizing the temperature difference between the hydrothermal fluid and seawater. The implementation process of this background technology is: collecting the heat of the hydrothermal fluid through a heat collector and directly conducting it to the hot end of the thermoelectric module; at the same time, using an external water pump to actively extract the surrounding cold seawater to forcibly circulate and cool the cold end of the thermoelectric module. Although this scheme can realize thermoelectric conversion, it has obvious defects in function implementation: first, the high-temperature and strongly corrosive hydrothermal fluid directly contacts or impacts the thermoelectric module and its heat collection structure at close range, which easily leads to equipment corrosion and damage, short system life and poor reliability; second, the cooling end relies on a mechanical water pump with high energy consumption, which not only increases the overall energy consumption of the system and reduces the net output power, but also introduces a key failure point. The reliability of the water pump in long-term operation in a high-pressure and complex deep-sea environment is difficult to guarantee, and it cannot meet the "long-term and stable" operation requirements. In terms of natural circulation principle, Chinese invention patent "CN111648927A An in-situ heat extraction combined heat and power system based on natural circulation principle" discloses an in-situ heat extraction combined heat and power system based on natural circulation principle, which adopts a closed loop and cannot adjust the power of the system according to the heat load.

[0004] Despite the immense thermal energy contained in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, existing thermoelectric conversion devices suffer from inherent structural deficiencies in reliability and adaptability when dealing with this extreme environment. Specifically, at the heat source end, some solutions employ a heat collection hood, bringing the power generation unit into close contact with the high-temperature, highly corrosive hydrothermal fluid. While this approach achieves heat transfer, it inevitably leads to increased susceptibility to corrosion and damage, essentially sacrificing long-term reliability for heat collection. At the cooling end, many designs rely on electrically driven mechanical pumps for forced circulation to address heat dissipation. Although this technology is mature on land, it directly introduces high energy consumption and susceptibility to failure, contradicting the low-maintenance and high-robustness requirements for long-term unattended operation in the deep sea. Furthermore, in terms of overall system architecture, existing devices are mostly fixed in structure, with no dynamic adjustment possible to their cooling capacity and heat source interface configuration. This design fundamentally limits their ability to cope with the diversity of hydrothermal vents and fluctuations in heat load, resulting in severely inadequate environmental adaptability.

[0005] In summary, existing technologies cannot solve the corrosion and reliability problems caused by direct contact with hydrothermal vents, nor can they achieve efficient and adaptive adjustment functions in the cooling system, thus restricting the practical application of subsea hydrothermal power generation technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is: a natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermoelectric power generation device, comprising a heat source recovery and transfer module, a thermoelectric generator, a seawater cooling device, and a folding adjustment device. The heat source recovery and transfer module includes a hydrothermal recovery module and a heat pipe array module. The hydrothermal recovery module is a heat collection cavity. The heat pipe array module is an inclined heat pipe group. The lower end of the heat pipe group is inserted into the hydrothermal recovery module. The higher end of the heat pipe group is fixedly connected to the hot end face of the thermoelectric generator. The cold end face of the thermoelectric generator is fixedly connected to the side of the seawater cooling device. The seawater cooling device is a tubular structure. The folding adjustment device includes a folding pipe. The folding pipe includes a fixed end, which is connected and fixedly connected to the outlet end of the seawater cooling device.

[0008] Furthermore, the folding adjustment device also includes two pipe bases and two flanges. The two pipe bases are arranged opposite each other and are fixedly connected by bolt assemblies. Each end of the folded pipe is connected to a flange, and the flange at the fixed end is fixedly connected to the pipe base.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixed end is the end closest to the seawater cooling device.

[0010] Furthermore, the folded pipe also includes a movable telescopic end, which is the end away from the seawater cooling device.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat pipe assembly includes six heat pipes arranged in parallel.

[0012] Furthermore, the angle between the heat pipe assembly and the horizontal plane is 20°.

[0013] Furthermore, a heat-conducting plate is provided between the heat pipe assembly and the thermoelectric generator.

[0014] Furthermore, the hydrothermal recovery module is positioned above the seabed hydrothermal vent.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: This invention constructs a collaborative system for long-distance heat transfer and adaptive cooling through a combination of heat pipe heat transfer and a foldable adjustable cooling channel structure. Using a heat pipe array module as the core component for heat source recovery and transfer ensures efficient heat transfer at the hot end, achieving physical isolation between the high-temperature corrosive hydrothermal fluid and the thermoelectric generator. This fundamentally solves the problem of low device reliability caused by corrosion of the power generation device at the heat source end. Furthermore, its flexible arrangement gives this invention compatibility with various seafloor hydrothermal vent configurations. This invention creatively designs a folding adjustment device as the core of heat dissipation and system regulation at the cold end of the thermoelectric generator. This structure utilizes the inherent density difference of seawater in the deep-sea environment to drive the cooling cycle, achieving zero-energy cooling; and adjusts the circulation height and heat exchange area according to the power generation, dynamically adjusting the circulation driving force and heat exchange area, enabling the system to adapt to changes in heat load and complex ocean currents, maintaining the optimal temperature difference required for power generation, possessing good anti-interference and environmental adaptability, thereby ensuring power generation efficiency and long-term operational stability; This invention utilizes heat pipes to transfer heat from hydrothermal fluid to the power generation module, avoiding direct contact between the high-temperature hydrothermal fluid and the power generation unit, thus preventing damage and improving system stability. The heat pipe length can be flexibly designed to accommodate hydrothermal outlets of different shapes, while maintaining a lower seawater temperature at the cooling end, thereby improving thermoelectric conversion efficiency. The folding adjustment device of this invention achieves natural gravity circulation based on the density difference of seawater, completing cold-end heat exchange without the need for a mechanical pump. This design is simple in structure, consumes little energy, and can operate stably for extended periods in deep-sea environments, making it suitable for deep-sea energy recovery and self-powered equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Fig. 1 A schematic diagram of a deep-sea thermal power generation device with natural circulation cooling. Fig. 2 A schematic diagram of the folding adjustment device in a natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device; Fig. 3 A front view of the pipe base in a natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device; In the diagram: 1. Hydrothermal vent recovery module; 2. Submarine hydrothermal vent; 3. Heat pipe array module; 4. Heat pipe assembly; 4-1. Low end of heat pipe assembly; 4-2. High end of heat pipe assembly; 5. Thermoelectric generator; 5-1. Hot end face of thermoelectric generator; 5-2. Cold end face of thermoelectric generator; 6. Seawater cooling device; 7. Folding adjustment device; 10. Folding pipe; 10-1. Fixed end; 10-2. Movable telescopic end; 11. Bolt assembly; 12. Flange; 13. Pipe base; Detailed Implementation It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0022] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] See appendix Figs. 1-3This embodiment describes a natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermoelectric power generation device, comprising a heat source recovery and transfer module, a thermoelectric generator 5, a seawater cooling device 6, and a folding adjustment device 7. The heat source recovery and transfer module includes a hydrothermal recovery module 1 and a heat pipe array module 3. The hydrothermal recovery module 1 is a heat collection cavity, and the heat pipe array module 3 is an inclined heat pipe group 4. The lower end 4-1 of the heat pipe group is inserted into the hydrothermal recovery module 1, and the higher end 4-2 of the heat pipe group is fixedly connected to the hot end face 5-1 of the thermoelectric generator. The cold end face 5-2 of the thermoelectric generator is fixedly connected to the side of the seawater cooling device 6, which has a tubular structure. The folding adjustment device 7 includes a folding pipe 10, which includes a fixed end 10-1 connected to the outlet end of the seawater cooling device 6.

[0025] The hydrothermal recovery module 1 serves as the system's base, with a semi-open heat collection cavity structure for collecting and guiding heat from the high-temperature hydrothermal fluid. The thermoelectric generator 5, or TEG module, absorbs heat transferred from the heat pipes at its hot end, while its cold end is in close contact with the seawater cooling device 6. When a stable temperature difference is established between the opposing surfaces of the TEG module, its internal semiconductor thermoelectric stack generates direct current based on the Seebeck effect. The seawater cooling device 6 contains low-temperature seawater, which absorbs heat from the cold end of the TEG module, thus cooling the cold end and creating a stable temperature difference between the hot and cold ends. The folding adjustment device 7 is a natural gravity circulation channel extending upwards from the seawater cooling device 6.

[0026] The folding adjustment device 7 also includes two pipe bases 13 and two flanges 12. The two pipe bases 13 are arranged vertically opposite each other and are fixedly connected by bolt assemblies 11. Each end of the folded pipe 10 is connected to a flange 12, and the flange 12 of the fixed end 10-1 is fixedly connected to the pipe base 13. The folding adjustment device 7 can adjust the circulation height and heat exchange area according to the power generation, thereby improving cooling efficiency. At the same time, the folding adjustment device 7 can adapt to complex environments such as seafloor hydrothermal flow and undercurrents, and has good anti-interference and environmental adaptability.

[0027] The fixed end 10-1 is the end closest to the seawater cooling device 6.

[0028] The folded pipe 10 also includes a movable telescopic end 10-2, which is the end furthest from the seawater cooling device 6. The movable telescopic end 10-2 enables the expansion and contraction of the folded pipe structure. By flexibly changing the channel height, the circulating driving force and heat exchange area are dynamically adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to changes in heat load and complex ocean current environments, thus maintaining the optimal temperature difference required for power generation.

[0029] The heat pipe assembly 4 includes six heat pipes arranged in parallel.

[0030] The angle between the heat pipe assembly 4 and the horizontal plane is 20°. By arranging each heat pipe at a preset angle, and utilizing the extremely high thermal conductivity of the heat pipes, heat is efficiently and over long distances transferred from the hydrothermal vent 2 on the seabed to the thermoelectric generator 5 above, thus achieving physical isolation between the heat source and the power generation unit.

[0031] A heat-conducting plate is installed between the heat pipe assembly 4 and the thermoelectric generator 5.

[0032] The hydrothermal recovery module 1 is positioned above the seabed hydrothermal vent 2. By collecting and guiding the heat from the high-temperature hydrothermal fluid in the seabed hydrothermal vent 2 through the hydrothermal recovery module 1, and then transferring it to the heat pipe array module 3, the heat pipe array module 3 can avoid directly containing the hydrothermal fluid, thereby ensuring the long-term stability of the natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device.

[0033] The present invention discloses a natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermoelectric power generation device. Its specific working principle is described below: The heat pipe array module 3 efficiently recovers the heat from the hydrothermal vents 2 on the seabed and transfers it to the TEG module, raising the temperature of its hot end. Simultaneously, the system utilizes the density difference between the low-temperature and high-temperature seawater in the deep-sea environment to drive seawater into the seawater cooling device 6, forming a natural gravity circulation that requires no external power. This continuously dissipates heat from the cold end of the TEG module, thereby establishing a stable temperature difference for power generation. Furthermore, the system can dynamically adjust the height of the folding adjustment device 7 to adaptively change the circulation driving force and heat exchange area. This not only ensures that the device can withstand interference from sudden undercurrents on the seabed but also ensures that the system maintains optimal thermoelectric conversion efficiency and operational stability under different heat loads.

[0034] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device, characterized in that: The device includes a heat source recovery and transfer module, a thermoelectric generator (5), a seawater cooling device (6), and a folding adjustment device (7). The heat source recovery and transfer module includes a hot liquid recovery module (1) and a heat pipe array module (3). The hot liquid recovery module (1) is a heat collection cavity. The heat pipe array module (3) is an inclined heat pipe group (4). The lower end (4-1) of the heat pipe group is inserted into the hot liquid recovery module (1). The upper end (4-2) of the heat pipe group is fixedly connected to the hot end face (5-1) of the thermoelectric generator. The cold end face (5-2) of the thermoelectric generator is fixedly connected to the side of the seawater cooling device (6). The seawater cooling device (6) is a tubular structure. The folding adjustment device (7) includes a folding pipe (10). The folding pipe (10) includes a fixed end (10-1). The fixed end (10-1) is connected and fixedly connected to the outlet end of the seawater cooling device (6).

2. The natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding adjustment device (7) also includes two pipe bases (13) and two flanges (12). The two pipe bases (13) are arranged opposite each other and are fixedly connected by bolt assembly (11). Each end of the folded pipe (10) is connected to a flange (12). The flange (12) of the fixed end (10-1) is fixedly connected to the pipe base (13).

3. The natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed end (10-1) is the end closest to the seawater cooling device (6).

4. The natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folded pipe (10) also includes a movable telescopic end (10-2), which is the end away from the seawater cooling device (6).

5. A natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat pipe assembly (4) includes six heat pipes arranged in parallel.

6. A natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the heat pipe assembly (4) and the horizontal plane is 20°.

7. A natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-conducting plate is provided between the heat pipe assembly (4) and the thermoelectric generator (5).

8. A natural circulation cooling deep-sea thermal power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrothermal recovery module (1) is located above the seabed hydrothermal vent (2).

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