An immersion-type thermoelectric conversion device

Abstract

This application provides an immersion thermoelectric conversion device, including a fixed frame, a medium piping system, a power management module, and multiple energy conversion modules. All energy conversion modules are fixed inside the fixed frame. The medium piping system is located at the top of the fixed frame. Each energy conversion module mainly consists of an energy conversion unit and a heat exchange unit. The heat exchange units in the multiple energy conversion modules are connected through the medium piping system. The heat exchange units are used to exchange heat with the external medium connected to the medium piping system. The energy conversion units are used to generate electrical energy under the influence of the temperature difference between the heat exchange units. The power management module has functions of power collection, circuit series-parallel switching, and DC-DC transformation, used to convert the DC power output from the energy conversion units in the multiple energy conversion modules into DC power with a stable voltage. This application addresses the technical problem of the lack of adaptability of existing static thermoelectric conversion devices to scenarios such as pool reactors and underwater fixed power sources by adopting a frame-type fixed multi-module design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of thermoelectric conversion technology, specifically relating to an immersion thermoelectric conversion device. Background Technology

[0002] Static thermoelectric conversion devices, based on the thermoelectric effect of semiconductor materials, directly convert heat energy into electrical energy. They utilize radioactive isotopes, nuclear reactors, and industrial waste heat as heat sources to create power sources for various applications. While already applied to space isotope batteries, nuclear power sources are mostly in the conceptual research stage. Current static thermoelectric conversion devices transfer heat that cannot be converted into electrical energy to the final heat source through heat exchangers such as heat pipes, plate heat exchangers, or heat sinks. These devices are suitable for vacuum environments, enclosed chambers, or fixed land-based locations, but lack adaptability for scenarios such as pool reactors and underwater fixed power sources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an immersion thermoelectric conversion device, which adopts a frame-type fixed multi-module design to solve the technical problem that existing static thermoelectric conversion devices lack adaptability to scenarios such as pool reactors and underwater fixed power sources.

[0004] This application provides an immersion-type thermoelectric conversion device, which includes a fixed frame, a medium piping system, a power management module, and multiple energy conversion modules. The multiple energy conversion modules are all fixed inside the fixed frame. The medium piping system is located at the top of the fixed frame. Each energy conversion module mainly consists of an energy conversion unit and a heat exchange unit. The heat exchange units in the multiple energy conversion modules are connected through the medium piping system. The heat exchange units are used to exchange heat with the external medium connected to the medium piping system. The energy conversion units are used to generate electrical energy under the influence of the temperature difference between the heat exchange units. The output wires of the energy conversion units are connected to the power management module. The power management module has functions of power collection, circuit series-parallel switching, and DC-DC transformation, used to convert the DC power output from the energy conversion units in the multiple energy conversion modules into DC power with a stable voltage.

[0005] In one specific embodiment of this application, the heat exchange unit includes a folded metal protective layer, an interface material layer, a heat insulation layer, and a thermoelectric device layer. The thermoelectric device layer is placed between two interface material layers, and the heat insulation layer is placed between two interface material layers and located circumferentially to the thermoelectric device layer. The folded metal protective layer surrounds the interface material layer and the heat insulation layer and is welded to the surface of the heat exchange unit.

[0006] In one specific embodiment of this application, the side of the folded metal protective layer is provided with an air extraction hole and a vacuum through-hole for wire threading.

[0007] In one specific embodiment of this application, the multiple sets of DC wires output by the transducer unit, with the heat exchange plate as the unit, are directly connected to the input terminal of the power management module. The voltage monitoring device in the power management module measures and compares the output voltage values ​​of each circuit. When the output voltage is lower than the start-up threshold, the series-parallel circuit does not work, and there is no output at the output terminal. When the output voltage is higher than the start-up threshold but lower than the parallel setting threshold, the relay in the unit trips to achieve series connection and output to the DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit. When the output voltage is higher than the parallel setting threshold, it is directly output to the DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit in parallel. The DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit is responsible for converting the input DC voltage into the designed DC output voltage value. When the output voltage exceeds the voltage regulation upper limit, the DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit is disconnected, triggering an alarm signal, and there is no output at the output terminal.

[0008] In one specific embodiment of this application, the immersion thermoelectric conversion device further includes multiple baffles. Baffles are placed on both sides of each transducer module, and the tops of the baffles are fixed to a fixed frame or a medium piping system.

[0009] In one specific embodiment of this application, the fixed frame is in the shape of an "I".

[0010] In one specific embodiment of this application, the output wire of the transducer unit is led out along the conduit fixed on the fixed frame and connected to the power management module.

[0011] In one specific embodiment of this application, the immersion thermoelectric conversion device further includes a top header. The top header includes an inlet header and an outlet header. The fixing frame and the medium piping system are welded and fixed at the top header location. The medium piping system includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a secondary medium pipe. External medium flows into the inlet header through the inlet pipe, is then distributed to the secondary medium pipe to enter the heat exchange unit, flows through the heat exchange unit, returns to the outlet header, and flows out through the outlet pipe.

[0012] In one specific embodiment of this application, the medium piping system is made of metal material and employs a heat shield design.

[0013] In one specific embodiment of this application, the power management module is configured as either non-immersion or immersion type.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: By adopting a frame-type integrated design, the entire immersion thermoelectric conversion device can be placed in a heat source or cold source medium. During use, if the immersion thermoelectric conversion device is placed in a heat source medium, the cold source medium connected to the medium piping system flows through the heat exchange unit to provide a stable cold surface temperature for the energy conversion unit; if the immersion thermoelectric conversion device is placed in a cold source medium, the heat source medium connected to the medium piping system flows through the heat exchange unit to provide a stable hot surface temperature for the energy conversion unit. By setting up a power management module with power collection, circuit series-parallel switching, and DC transformation functions, the engineering applicability of the heating and cooling process of the immersion thermoelectric conversion device is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an immersion thermoelectric conversion device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of an immersion thermoelectric conversion device.

[0017] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a functional schematic of an energy management module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] In the diagram, 1 is the fixed frame; 2 is the transducer unit; 3 is the heat exchange unit; 4 is the baffle plate; 5 is the heat exchange plate medium interface; 5-1 is the inlet pipe; 5-2 is the outlet pipe; 6 is the conduit; 7 is the top header; 7-1 is the inlet header; 7-2 is the outlet header; F-1 is the folded metal protective layer; F-2 is the interface material layer; F-3 is the insulation layer; F-4 is the thermoelectric device layer; F-5 is the evacuation port; and F-6 is the vacuum through-hole type conduit. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] At least one embodiment of this application provides an immersion thermoelectric conversion device, which is applicable to pool reactors, cooling water pools, deep sea, and deep water environments. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2The immersion-type thermoelectric conversion device includes a fixed frame 1, a medium piping system, a power management module, and multiple energy conversion modules. All energy conversion modules are fixed inside the fixed frame 1. The medium piping system is located at the top of the fixed frame 1. Each energy conversion module mainly consists of an energy conversion unit 2 and a heat exchange unit 3. The heat exchange units 3 are connected through the medium piping system among the multiple energy conversion modules. The heat exchange units 3 are used to exchange heat with the external medium connected to the medium piping system. The energy conversion units 2 are used to generate electrical energy under the effect of the temperature difference between the heat exchange units. The output wires of the energy conversion units 2 are connected to the power management module. The power management module has functions of power collection, circuit series-parallel switching, and DC-DC transformation, used to convert the DC power output from the energy conversion units 2 in the multiple energy conversion modules into DC power with a stable voltage.

[0021] It should be noted that the external medium can be either a cold source medium or a hot source medium. When the immersion thermoelectric conversion device is placed in a hot source medium, heat exchange unit 3 exchanges heat with the cold source medium connected to the medium piping system to provide a stable cold surface temperature for the energy conversion unit 2. When the immersion thermoelectric conversion device is placed in a cold source medium, heat exchange unit 3 exchanges heat with the hot source medium connected to the medium piping system to provide a stable hot surface temperature for the energy conversion unit 2. The medium piping system can also be called the interface piping system. The power management module can also have a voltage alarm light function. The output of the power management module can also be further expanded to output AC power via an inverter circuit according to user needs.

[0022] For example, multiple transducer modules are suspended and fixed inside the fixed frame 1. In this way, by adopting a frame-type suspended multi-module design, the thermoelectric conversion device can be directly immersed in a cold / hot medium.

[0023] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by adopting a frame-type integrated design, the entire immersion thermoelectric conversion device can be placed in a heat source or cold source medium. During use, if the immersion thermoelectric conversion device is placed in a heat source medium, the cold source medium connected to the medium piping system flows through the heat exchange unit 3 to provide a stable cold surface temperature for the energy conversion unit 2; if the immersion thermoelectric conversion device is placed in a cold source medium, the heat source medium connected to the medium piping system flows through the heat exchange unit 3 to provide a stable hot surface temperature for the energy conversion unit 2. By setting the power management module to have power collection, circuit series-parallel switching, and DC transformation functions, the engineering applicability of the immersion thermoelectric conversion device's heating and cooling process is improved.

[0024] In at least one embodiment of this application, the transducer unit 2 includes a folded metal protective layer F-1, an interface material layer F-2, a heat insulation layer F-3, and a thermoelectric device layer F-4. The thermoelectric device layer F-4 is placed between two interface material layers F-2, and the heat insulation layer is placed between two interface material layers F-2 and located circumferentially around the thermoelectric device layer F-4. The folded metal protective layer F-1 surrounds the interface material layer F-2 and the heat insulation layer F-3 and is welded to the surface of the heat exchange unit 3. In this way, a single transducer module is fixed together by welding the transducer unit 2 and the heat exchange unit 3 through the folded protective layer F-1.

[0025] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, an interface material layer F-2 is provided on the upper surface of heat exchange unit 3. Thermoelectric device layer F-4 is placed on the interface material layer F-2 on the upper surface of heat exchange unit 3. An interface material layer F-2 is also provided between the folded metal protective layer F-1 and the thermoelectric device layer F-4 (in the cross-sectional normal direction). A heat insulation layer is placed between the two interface material layers F-2 and located circumferentially on the thermoelectric device layer F-4. The folded metal protective layer F-1 is welded to the surface of the heat exchange unit to achieve an integrated structure of transducer unit 2 and heat exchange unit 3.

[0026] For example, the heat exchange unit 2 may include a multi-layer thermoelectric device layer F-4, which can be connected in series or parallel according to actual needs. The thermoelectric device layer can convert heat energy into electrical energy. For example, two thermoelectric device layers F-4 are arranged symmetrically around the heat exchange unit 3.

[0027] It should be noted that the medium within heat exchange unit 3 can be determined as either a heat source medium (such as water, steam, liquid metal, etc.) or a cold source medium (such as water, organic solvent, etc.) based on the operating environment. The corresponding interface materials (such as silicone grease, gel, indium gallium alloy, polymer composite materials, phase change materials, etc.) and the arrangement of the thermoelectric device layers can be adjusted accordingly based on changes in the cold and heat source media. For temperature differences within 200℃ and absolute temperatures not exceeding 550K, a single-stage bismuth telluride thermoelectric device layer can be used. For temperature differences within 200℃ but with an absolute temperature range exceeding 500K, a single-stage medium-temperature lead-based thermoelectric device, a single-stage cobaltite thermoelectric device, or a single-stage semi-Hessler alloy thermoelectric device layer can be used. For temperature differences exceeding 300℃, multi-stage thermoelectric devices are recommended. Heat exchange unit 3 mainly consists of heat exchange plates adapted to the thermoelectric device layers. The heat exchange plate medium interface 5 corresponding to the heat exchange plate can extend out of the top of the fixing frame 1. The conduit 6 can also extend out of the top of the fixing frame 1.

[0028] In at least one embodiment of this application, the side of the folded metal protective layer F-1 is provided with a vacuum extraction hole F-5 and a vacuum-through wire hole F-6. Thus, to reduce the influence of air or non-condensable gases on the integrated structure, the side of the folded metal protective layer F-1 is provided with a vacuum extraction hole F-5 and a vacuum-through wire hole F-6 to meet vacuum requirements. This allows for vacuuming through the vacuum extraction hole F-5 after welding in an inert atmosphere.

[0029] In at least one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the multiple DC wires output by the heat exchange plate of the transducer unit 2 are directly connected to the input line of the power management module. The voltage monitoring device in the power management module measures and compares the output voltage values ​​of each circuit. When the output voltage is lower than the start-up threshold, the series-parallel circuit does not work, and there is no output at the output terminal. When the output voltage is higher than the start-up threshold but lower than the parallel setting threshold, the relay in the unit trips to achieve series connection and output to the DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit. When the output voltage is higher than the parallel setting threshold, it is directly output to the DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit in parallel. The DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit is responsible for converting the input DC voltage into the designed DC output voltage value. When the output voltage exceeds the voltage regulation upper limit, the DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit is disconnected, triggering an alarm signal, and there is no output at the output terminal. In this way, the voltage monitoring device in the power management module measures and compares the output voltage values ​​of each circuit. After voltage comparison, the relay circuit automatically trips the series-parallel connection according to the set threshold and connects to the DC voltage transformer and voltage regulator circuit. After transformer and voltage regulation, a stable DC voltage is output.

[0030] For example, the DC transformer and voltage regulator circuit in the power management module controls the ripple to no more than ±2% through voltage regulation design. The output DC voltage can be set according to user requirements.

[0031] In at least one embodiment of this application, the immersion thermoelectric conversion device further includes multiple baffles 4. Each transducer module has baffles 4 placed on both sides, and the tops of the baffles 4 are fixed to the fixed frame 1 or the medium piping system. Thus, the heat transfer performance of the device is enhanced by employing a baffle design between different transducer modules.

[0032] It should be noted that the form of the baffle plate 4 can be diversified to enhance the heat transfer of the medium flow between modules.

[0033] When applied to a pool-type reactor, the fixed frame 1 is connected and secured to the internal structure of the pool. The baffle 4 ensures full contact between the pool medium and the surface of the transducer unit 2, transferring heat to the hot surface of the transducer unit 2. The heat exchange medium pipe passes through a heat-shielded through-hole to exit the reactor pressure vessel and connects to the cooling medium pipe. The cooling medium carries away any heat energy that cannot be converted into electrical energy from the reactor pressure vessel. The electrical energy generated by the transducer unit passes through a conduit to exit the reactor pressure vessel and connects to the power management module. This immersion-type thermoelectric conversion device utilizes the electrical energy generated by the temperature difference between the heat source and cold source within the reactor pool to directly power a dynamic load or an emergency load. The immersion arrangement reduces the external output of reactor cooling medium, utilizing natural circulation on the cold side to remove core heat and improve reactor safety characteristics.

[0034] When used in a water-cooled environment, the frame of the immersion thermoelectric converter is fixed inside the water-cooled container. The heat exchange medium inlet is connected to the outside of the water-cooled container via a heat shield sleeve. The heat medium flows through the heat exchange medium inlet into the heat exchange unit, transferring heat to the hot surface of the converter unit. The cooling medium, under the action of the baffle, directly and fully contacts the converter unit, absorbing the heat energy that is not converted into electrical energy. The electrical energy generated by the converter unit under the temperature difference between the hot side medium and the water-cooled medium is connected to the power management module outside the water-cooled container via conduit. This method of inserting the immersion thermoelectric converter into the cooling medium eliminates the need for a circulating cooling loop, greatly simplifying the design of nuclear power sources and nuclear batteries, and enhancing the engineering practicality of the thermoelectric converter.

[0035] In at least one embodiment of this application, the fixing frame 1 is in the shape of an "I". In this way, the fixing frame 1 can provide a fixed foundation for the spoiler 4.

[0036] In at least one embodiment of this application, the output wire of the transducer unit 2 is led out along the conduit 6 fixed to the fixed frame 1 and connected to the power management module. This ensures that the output wire of the transducer unit 2 can be directly connected to the power management module.

[0037] It should be noted that the fixing frame 1 can be made of metal, and the conduit 6 can be a metal conduit.

[0038] In at least one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the immersion thermoelectric conversion device also includes a top header 7. The top header 7 includes an inlet header 7-1 and an outlet header 7-2. The fixing frame 1 is welded and fixed to the medium piping system at the location of the top header 7. The medium piping system includes an inlet pipe 5-1, an outlet pipe 5-2, and a secondary medium pipe. External medium flows into the inlet header 7-1 through the inlet pipe 5-1, and is then distributed to the secondary medium pipe to enter the heat exchange unit 3. After flowing through the heat exchange unit 3, it returns to the outlet header 7-2 and flows out through the outlet pipe 5-2.

[0039] It should be noted that the fixed frame 1 is manufactured independently and fixed together with the medium piping system, serving as the skeleton of the immersion thermoelectric conversion device; alternatively, depending on the operating environment, the medium piping system can be used directly as the main body of the solid frame 1. The inlet pipe 5-1 serves as the main pipe connecting to the external medium. The inlet pipe 5-1 can also be called the inlet medium interface. The inlet manifold 7-1 can also be called the top inlet manifold. The outlet manifold 7-2 can also be called the top outlet manifold.

[0040] In at least one embodiment of this application, the media piping system is made of metallic material and employs a heat-shielding design. This heat-shielding design prevents circumferential heat dissipation from the external media and reduces the impact of the media piping system on the immersion environment.

[0041] In at least one embodiment of this application, the power management module is configured as either non-immersion or immersion type. Thus, if the power management module is configured as immersion type, a protective layer can be added to the outside of the power management module before it is placed in an immersion environment, as needed. If the power management module is configured as non-immersion type, the output wire of the transducer unit 2 can be remotely connected to the power management module in the non-immersion environment.

[0042] It should be noted that the combination of the technical features in the embodiments of this application is not limited to the combination methods described in the embodiments of this application or the combination methods described in specific embodiments. All technical features described in this application can be freely combined or combined in any way, unless they contradict each other.

[0043] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the term "comprising" only indicates that it includes the explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0044] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

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