Combustion thermoelectric power generation device

Abstract

The application discloses a combustion temperature difference power generation device and belongs to the technical field of driving thermoelectric generators. The combustion temperature difference power generation device comprises a burner base, a multi-sonic backflow shield, a heat collector shell and a temperature difference power generation module. The heat collector shell is surrounded to form a combustion cavity, the burner base is arranged at the bottom of the cavity and provides fuel and oxidants. The multi-sonic backflow shield is coaxially arranged or embedded in the combustion cavity and is located between the flame periphery and the heat collector shell. The outer wall of the heat collector shell is provided with heat collecting ribs, the gradient flow guiding pore structure with sparse lower part and dense upper part is arranged, and the flow resistance of the flue gas escaping upward is artificially increased. The high-temperature flue gas is forced to make multiple turns, swirl and mix inside the multi-sonic backflow shield, an efficient passive heat backflow mechanism is constructed, the residence time of the flue gas in the combustion core area is significantly prolonged, and the thermal efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of driving thermoelectric generators, and more specifically to a combustion temperature difference power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Thermoelectric generators are primarily based on the Seebeck effect, directly converting the temperature difference between the two ends of a thermoelectric element into electrical energy, demonstrating significant application potential in outdoor and extreme environments. In existing technologies, combustion-driven thermoelectric generators are the most common. Their working mechanism typically involves guiding the high-temperature flue gas generated by combustion to a collector. The heat collected by the collector is transferred to the hot end of the thermoelectric element, while the cold end is often cooled by water or air to enhance the temperature difference and improve the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. The flue gas, after heat exchange with the collector, is ultimately discharged into the environment as waste gas.

[0003] Existing technologies mostly employ a vertical burner structure, where the high-temperature flue gas generated by combustion escapes rapidly towards the outlet under the action of buoyancy. This results in a short residence time of the high-temperature flue gas in the core combustion zone, and a large amount of heat is emitted without sufficient heat exchange, which seriously restricts the improvement of thermal efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems in the prior art and provide a combustion temperature difference power generation device.

[0005] This invention provides a combustion-based thermoelectric power generation device, comprising a burner, a porous reflux shroud, a collector shell, and a thermoelectric power generation module. The collector shell encloses a combustion chamber, and the burner is located at the bottom of the combustion chamber for supplying fuel and oxidant into the combustion chamber. The porous reflux shroud is coaxially nested within the combustion chamber, and a plurality of guide holes are formed on the wall surface of the porous reflux shroud. The guide holes are distributed in a gradient along the height direction of the porous reflux shroud: in the lower region near the burner, the spacing of the guide holes is large, forming a low flow resistance zone; in the upper region away from the burner, the spacing of the guide holes is small, forming a high flow resistance zone. The inner wall of the collector shell is provided with heat collection ribs, and the thermoelectric power generation module is attached to the outer wall of the collector shell. The cold end of the thermoelectric power generation module is connected to the cold end heat dissipation system.

[0006] Preferably, the flow guide holes are arranged in an array on the porous return shield, and the positions of the flow guide holes and the positions of the heat collection fins are spatially offset from each other.

[0007] Preferably, the collector shell is composed of at least three wall panels with heat-collecting ribs, and the porous reflux shield is integrated into the inner side of the wall panels, so that the combustion chamber and the collector are combined into one, eliminating the need for a separate heat-spreading metal block structure.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a cold-end heat dissipation system, which is a liquid-cooled radiator or an air-cooled finned radiator, and the cold-end heat dissipation system also serves as a fastener to press the thermoelectric power generation module tightly against the heat collection fin column.

[0009] Preferably, the top of the porous reflux shield is provided with a spherical or arc-shaped guide cover, which is used to guide the rising high-temperature flue gas to the surrounding area and force it to flow through the guide holes to the heat collection fin column.

[0010] Preferably, the porous reflux shield is made of a high thermal conductivity and high temperature resistant alloy, and the shield thickness is much smaller than the thickness of the heat collection fins.

[0011] Preferably, a chimney is installed on the top of the collector housing, and an observation window is provided on at least one side of the collector housing.

[0012] Preferably, the burner includes an ignition needle, a delivery pipe, and a base. The delivery pipe is vertically fixed to the top of the base. The delivery pipe is provided with a fuel inlet base and an air inlet. Swirl blades are provided inside the delivery pipe. The ignition needle base is inserted into one side of the collector housing, and the ignition end is located inside the collector housing.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: By setting up a gradient flow-guiding pore structure with sparse lower sections and dense upper sections, the flow resistance for flue gas to escape upwards is artificially increased. This forces the high-temperature flue gas to undergo multiple reversals, swirls, and mixes within the porous recirculation shield, constructing a highly efficient passive thermal recirculation mechanism. This significantly extends the residence time of the flue gas in the combustion core region, thereby greatly improving thermal efficiency.

[0014] The gradient flow-guiding perforation design, combined with the constraint of the porous recirculation shield, breaks the traditional linear upward flow of flue gas in vertical combustion. The dense perforation at the top forces more flue gas flow to the top region, compensating for the temperature drop caused by heat dissipation at the top, while also preventing the flame from directly licking the wall surface. This allows the high-temperature flue gas to evenly overflow from the surrounding perforations and wash over the heat collector fins. The uniform jet distribution keeps the temperature difference on the outer wall of the heat collector within a small range, preventing the thermoelectric power generation module from failing due to localized overheating.

[0015] The porous recirculation shield serves both flow guidance and auxiliary heat homogenization functions, replacing the bulky and cumbersome independent heat homogenization metal block in traditional designs. Simultaneously, the heat-collecting fins are directly integrated with the outer shell, eliminating unnecessary connecting transition components. This reduces size and weight while significantly optimizing the heat conduction path and improving thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the power generation device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the porous reflux shield structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the porous reflux shield structure of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 The comparison diagram shows the heat collection capacity of the present invention with and without a shield. No shield (left) with shield (right).

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Burner; 101. Ignition needle; 102. Delivery pipe; 103. Base; 104. Fuel inlet; 105. Air inlet; 2. Porous reflux shield; 21. Flow guide hole; 3. Collector shell; 31. Collector fin; 4. Thermoelectric power generation module; 5. Cold end heat dissipation system; 6. Swirl blades; 7. Observation window; 8. Chimney. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-5 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the described 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. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this patent application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Words such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "far," "near," "front," and "rear" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. The drawings in this invention are not strictly drawn to scale; the specific dimensions and quantity of each structure can be determined according to actual needs. The drawings described in this invention are merely structural schematic diagrams.

[0024] This invention provides a combustion temperature difference power generation device, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes a burner 1, a porous reflux shield 2, a collector housing 3, and a thermoelectric generator module 4. The collector housing 3 encloses a combustion chamber, and the burner 1 is located at the bottom of the combustion chamber to supply fuel and oxidant into the combustion chamber. The porous reflux shield 2 is coaxially nested within the combustion chamber, and several guide holes 21 are formed on the wall surface of the porous reflux shield 2. The guide holes 21 are distributed in a gradient along the height direction of the porous reflux shield 2: in the lower region near the burner 1, the spacing of the guide holes 21 is large, forming a low flow resistance region; in the upper region away from the burner 1, the spacing of the guide holes 21 is small, forming a high flow resistance region. The inner wall of the collector housing 3 is provided with heat collection ribs 31, and the thermoelectric generator module 4 is attached to the outer wall of the collector housing 3. The cold end of the thermoelectric generator module 4 is connected to a cold end heat dissipation system 5.

[0025] In this embodiment, by setting a gradient guide hole 21 gap structure with sparse lower part and dense upper part, the flow resistance of flue gas escaping upward is artificially increased. This forces the high-temperature flue gas to undergo multiple reversals, swirls and mixes inside the porous recirculation shield 2, constructing an efficient passive thermal recirculation mechanism, significantly extending the residence time of flue gas in the combustion core area, thereby greatly improving thermal efficiency.

[0026] The gradient guide hole 21 gap design, combined with the constraint effect of the porous return shield 2, breaks the traditional linear rise of flue gas in vertical combustion. The dense group of holes at the top forces more flue gas flow to the top area, compensating for the temperature drop caused by heat dissipation at the top, while also preventing the flame from directly licking the wall surface, allowing the high-temperature flue gas to evenly overflow from the surrounding holes and wash over the heat collection fins 31. The uniform jet distribution controls the temperature difference on the outer wall of the heat collector within a small range, preventing the thermoelectric power generation module 4 from failing due to localized overheating.

[0027] The porous reflux shield 2 serves both as a flow field guide and an auxiliary heat homogenizer, replacing the bulky and cumbersome independent heat homogenizer metal block in traditional designs. Meanwhile, the heat-collecting fins 31 are directly integrated with the outer shell, eliminating unnecessary connecting transition parts. This significantly optimizes the heat conduction path and improves thermoelectric conversion efficiency while reducing size and weight.

[0028] Preferred, such as Figures 3-4 As shown, the flow guide holes 21 are arranged in an array on the porous return shield 2, and the positions of the flow guide holes 21 and the positions of the heat collection fins 31 are spatially offset from each other.

[0029] In this embodiment, if the guide hole 21 is directly opposite the heat-collecting rib 31, the high-temperature flue gas will directly and concentratedly impact the root of the rib, resulting in excessively high local heat flux density and generating extremely high thermal stress, which can easily cause the thermoelectric generator to be damaged due to local overheating. This feature, through staggered arrangement, allows the high-speed, high-temperature jet ejected from the guide hole 21 to mix and diffuse within the cavity between the shield and the outer shell before reaching the rib surface, forming a uniform air cushion thermal film. This effectively buffers the direct radiant heat of the flame, avoids the generation of hot spots, and significantly reduces temperature fluctuations at the hot end of the rib and thermoelectric generator. Simultaneously, the staggered arrangement geometrically forms a continuous baffle channel, extending the residence time of the flue gas in the heat-collecting area and enhancing the sufficiency of convective heat transfer.

[0030] Preferred, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the collector shell 3 is composed of at least three wall panels with heat collection ribs 31 spliced ​​together. The porous reflux shield 2 is integrated into the inner side of the wall panel, so that the combustion chamber and the collector are combined into one, eliminating the independent heat-spreading metal block structure.

[0031] In this embodiment, firstly, it achieves complete integration of the combustion chamber and the collector, eliminating the complex connecting flanges, gaskets, and transition sections found in traditional split structures. This eliminates contact thermal resistance between components, allowing heat to be transferred seamlessly from the fins to the thermoelectric generator. Secondly, the modular assembly structure greatly facilitates precision machining and quality control. The tiny holes in the perforated cover and its misalignment with the fins can be formed in one piece using high-precision CNC machining on a single wall panel, avoiding the alignment difficulties encountered when machining large cavities as a whole and significantly improving assembly accuracy. Furthermore, this design facilitates maintenance and cleaning. When the perforated cover becomes carbonized or clogged due to long-term use, only the corresponding wall panel needs to be disassembled for cleaning or replacement, without scrapping the entire collector, thus reducing maintenance costs throughout its entire lifecycle.

[0032] Preferred, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, it also includes a cold end heat dissipation system 5, which is a liquid-cooled radiator or an air-cooled finned radiator. The cold end heat dissipation system 5 also serves as a fastener to press the thermoelectric power generation module 4 tightly against the heat collection fin column 31.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cold-end heat dissipation system 5 is forcibly pressed against the cold end of the thermoelectric generator module 4. This not only provides the necessary heat dissipation capacity to maintain the large temperature difference between the hot and cold ends, but more importantly, this pressing force eliminates the microscopic air gaps between the thermoelectric generator and the cold-end heat sink and hot-end fins. Air has an extremely low thermal conductivity, and these microscopic air gaps are the main source of thermal resistance hindering heat transfer. This design significantly reduces contact thermal resistance through mechanical pre-tightening force, optimizes the heat conduction path, and thus directly improves the thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0034] Preferred, such as Figures 3-4 As shown, the top of the porous reflux shield 2 is provided with a spherical or arc-shaped guide cover, which is used to guide the rising high-temperature flue gas to the surrounding area and force it to flow through the guide hole 21 to the heat collection fin column 31.

[0035] In this embodiment, in the micro burner 1, the flue gas naturally gathers at the top under the action of buoyancy. Without guidance, a high-temperature dead zone or vortex can easily form at the top, resulting in ineffective heat dissipation and even causing overheating and ablation of the top material. The spherical or arc-shaped top cover acts like a deflector, smoothly guiding the vertically upward high-speed flue gas to the horizontal direction, forcing the flue gas to turn around along the curved surface of the top cover, and then flowing out through the densely packed guide holes 21 at the top. This smooth, streamlined guide design avoids violent airflow impact and energy loss at the top, reduces flow dead zones, ensures that the temperature in the top area can be maintained at a uniform level consistent with other wall surfaces, and eliminates local hot spots. At the same time, the dense perforations at the top, combined with the guide of the top cover, form a highly efficient suction effect, which helps to accelerate the flue gas circulation in the entire combustion chamber and further enhances the heat recirculation effect.

[0036] Preferred, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the porous reflux shield 2 is made of a high thermal conductivity and high temperature resistant alloy, and the shield thickness is much smaller than the thickness of the heat collection fin 31.

[0037] In this embodiment, a high thermal conductivity and high temperature resistant alloy is selected, which not only ensures the long service life of the shield in a high temperature oxidation environment, but also utilizes its high thermal conductivity to make the shield itself an auxiliary temperature homogenizer, which can quickly respond to and balance local temperature fluctuations in the cavity and help improve the temperature uniformity of the wall surface.

[0038] Preferred, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, a chimney 8 is installed on the top of the collector shell 3, and an observation window 7 is provided on at least one side of the collector shell 3; the burner 1 includes an ignition needle 101, a delivery pipe 102 and a base 103, the delivery pipe 102 is vertically fixed to the top of the base 103, and the delivery pipe 102 is provided with a fuel inlet 104, a base 103 and an air inlet 105, and a swirl vane 6 is provided inside the delivery pipe 102. The ignition needle 101 is inserted into one side of the collector shell 3, and the ignition end is located inside the collector shell 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, the swirl blades 6 create a strong swirling motion between the air and fuel entering the combustion chamber before they enter the nozzle of the burner 1. This swirling airflow promotes microscopic mixing of the fuel and oxidant, forming a high-quality premixed gas. This excellent premixing effect results in more complete combustion, a higher and more uniform flame temperature, reduced black smoke and carbon monoxide caused by incomplete combustion, and improved efficiency in converting the chemical energy of the fuel into thermal energy. Simultaneously, the central recirculation zone generated by the swirl blades 6 helps stabilize the flame, preventing blow-out phenomena that easily occur at the microscale, thus improving combustion stability and lean-burn limit. Furthermore, the swirling airflow and the porous shield create a synergistic effect: the swirling airflow forms a more complex turbulent structure inside the shield, further extending the flue gas residence time and enhancing heat exchange with the shield and fins. This deep coupling between the burner 1 and the heat collection structure ensures that the device maintains good combustion and thermoelectric conversion performance under different operating conditions, providing a fundamental guarantee for achieving high power density output.

[0040] The method of using the combustion temperature difference power generation device of the present invention is as follows: Before use, first check the airtightness of all connections to ensure the cold-end heat dissipation system 5 is correctly connected and filled with coolant or in a well-ventilated state. Connect the fuel delivery pipe 102 to the fuel inlet 104 of the burner base 103, and connect the air inlet 105 to the air source. Open the observation window 7 cover on the collector housing 3 to confirm that there are no foreign objects blocking the porous return shield 2 and the collector fins 31. Check whether the circuit connection of the thermoelectric generator module 4 is normal, and ensure that the load or energy storage device is connected to the output terminal. After confirming that everything is correct, open the fuel supply valve and the combustion air valve, and set the required air-fuel ratio.

[0041] The ignition needle 101 is activated for spark ignition. The observation window 7 confirms that the gas mixture in the burner 1 is ignited and forms a stable blue flame. The flame burns within the combustion chamber, and the resulting high-temperature flue gas is blocked by the porous recirculation shield 2, creating strong thermal recirculation and turbulence inside the shield, uniformly heating the shield wall. Subsequently, the flue gas passes through the gradient-distributed guide holes 21 on the shield, bypassing and scouring the external heat-collecting fins 31. The heat is rapidly conducted to the hot end of the thermoelectric generator module 4 attached to the outside of the fins. Simultaneously, the cold-end heat dissipation system 5 operates, removing heat from the cold end of the generator. Under the influence of the temperature difference, the generator module continuously outputs electrical energy based on the Seebeck effect. During operation, the flame status can be monitored through the observation window 7, and the fuel flow can be fine-tuned by the control system to match the load demand.

[0042] After use, first turn off the fuel supply. Once the flame is extinguished and the device temperature has dropped to a safe range, turn off the combustion air and cold-end heat dissipation system 5. During regular maintenance, the splicing panel of the collector housing 3 can be removed to check for carbon deposits or particulate blockages in the guide holes 21 on the porous return shield 2. Clean with a soft brush or compressed air if necessary. Check that the contact surfaces between the thermoelectric generator module 4, the collector fins 31, and the cold-end radiator are flat and clean. Apply thermal grease if necessary to ensure thermal conductivity. Check that the chimney 8 outlet is unobstructed to ensure smooth exhaust during the next startup. Store the device properly in a dry environment for future outdoor or emergency use.

[0043] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A combustion temperature difference power generation device, characterized in that, Includes burner, porous recirculation shield, collector housing and thermoelectric power generation module; The outer shell of the solar collector encloses a combustion chamber, and the burner is located at the bottom of the combustion chamber for supplying fuel and oxidant into the combustion chamber. The porous reflux shield is coaxially nested in the combustion chamber, and a plurality of guide holes are formed on the wall surface of the porous reflux shield. The flow guide holes are distributed in a gradient along the height direction of the porous recirculation shield: in the lower region near the burner, the spacing between the flow guide holes is large, forming a low flow resistance region; in the upper region away from the burner, the spacing between the flow guide holes is small, forming a high flow resistance region. The inner wall of the collector shell is provided with heat collection ribs, the hot end of the thermoelectric generator module is attached to the outer wall of the collector shell, and the cold end of the thermoelectric generator module is connected to the cold end heat dissipation system.

2. The combustion temperature difference power generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guide holes are arranged in an array on the porous return shield, and the positions of the flow guide holes and the positions of the heat collection fins are spatially offset from each other.

3. The combustion temperature difference power generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The collector shell is composed of at least three wall panels with heat collection ribs, and the porous reflux shield is integrated into the inner side of the wall panels.

4. The combustion temperature difference power generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cold-end heat dissipation system is a liquid-cooled radiator or an air-cooled finned radiator, and the cold-end heat dissipation system also serves as a fastener to press the thermoelectric power generation module tightly against the heat collection fin column.

5. The combustion temperature difference power generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the porous reflux shield is provided with a spherical or arc-shaped flow guide cover.

6. The combustion temperature difference power generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The porous reflux shield is made of a high thermal conductivity and high temperature resistant alloy, and the shield thickness is less than the thickness of the heat collection fins.

7. The combustion temperature difference power generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A chimney is installed on the top of the collector casing, and an observation window is provided on at least one side of the collector casing.

8. The combustion temperature difference power generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The burner includes an ignition needle, a delivery pipe, and a base. The delivery pipe is vertically fixed to the top of the base. The base of the delivery pipe is provided with a fuel inlet base and an air inlet. The delivery pipe is provided with swirl vanes. The ignition needle is inserted into one side of the collector shell, and the ignition end is located inside the collector shell.

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