Integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device

Abstract

The utility model provides an integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device, and relates to the technical field of power supplies. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device comprises a rack, a vacuum cavity, a heat source, a photoelectric conversion module and a cooling module, the vacuum cavity is installed on the rack and provided with a vacuum cavity and a vacuumizing connector communicated with the vacuum cavity. The heat source is mounted in the vacuum cavity; the photoelectric conversion module comprises a filter and a transducer which are arranged in the vacuum cavity, and the heat source, the filter and the transducer are sequentially arranged from bottom to top; the cooling module is installed in the vacuum cavity, and the cooling module is matched with the energy converter and used for conducting heat exchange with the energy converter so as to reduce the temperature of the energy converter; wherein the heat source is a radioactive isotope heat source or a simulated heat source. The device can test the performance of a simulated thermo-photoelectric isotope power supply system while testing a miniaturized thermo-photoelectric isotope power supply, and meets the stability of long-time operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of power supply, in particular to an integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device. Background Art

[0002] Driven by the strategy of scientific and technological development, the demand for deep space, deep sea and deep earth exploration is becoming more and more urgent. However, in these extreme environments, traditional chemical batteries cannot provide enough energy due to the limitation of energy density, and solar cells are also greatly limited. In addition, detectors that run for a long time require a stable energy supply and will not be disturbed by environmental factors. Therefore, in order to meet the normal operation of detector equipment, radioisotope thermophotovoltaic power supply is a very feasible solution. With the rapid development of MEMS devices today, low-power, small-size and highly portable detectors have become the main development direction. However, there has been no in-depth research on power supplies with milliwatt to watt output energy, so this integrated small thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test platform can provide an experimental basis for related device and principle research. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device, which can test the performance of a simulated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply system while testing a miniaturized thermophotoelectric isotope power supply, thereby meeting the stability requirements of long-term operation.

[0004] The embodiment of the utility model is achieved as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, the utility model provides an integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device, comprising:

[0006] A frame, a vacuum chamber, a heat source, a photoelectric conversion module and a cooling module; the vacuum chamber is mounted on the frame, the vacuum chamber has a vacuum chamber and a vacuum port connected to the vacuum chamber; the heat source is mounted in the vacuum chamber; the photoelectric conversion module includes a filter and a transducer both arranged in the vacuum chamber, the heat source, the filter and the transducer are arranged in sequence from bottom to top; the cooling module is mounted in the vacuum chamber, the cooling module cooperates with the transducer, and is used to perform heat exchange with the transducer to reduce the temperature of the transducer;

[0007] Wherein, the heat source is set as a radioisotope heat source or a simulated heat source.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the photoelectric conversion module further includes a bracket, and the filter and the transducer are both mounted on the bracket; the bracket is connected to the vacuum chamber.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the bracket is configured as a retractable bracket.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the bracket is slidably matched with the vacuum chamber to adjust the height of the filter relative to the heat source.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, a heat-insulating sleeve is installed in the vacuum chamber, a positioning groove is provided on the top of the heat-insulating sleeve, and the heat source is installed in the positioning groove.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the vacuum chamber includes a bottom shell and a top cover, the bottom shell is provided with a chamber with an open top, the bottom shell is movably connected to the top cover, and the top cover is used to open or close the opening; the heat source, the filter and the transducer are all arranged in the chamber; the cooling module passes through the top cover and extends into the chamber.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the cooling module includes a water chiller and a cooling block, the cooling block is provided with a cooling channel having a water inlet and a water outlet, the water chiller is connected to the water inlet and the water outlet at the same time; the cooling block passes through the top cover and is in contact with the transducer.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the cooling block is slidably engaged with the top cover to adjust the position of the cooling block relative to the transducer.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device also includes a power supply operation status detection module, which includes a temperature measurer and an output voltage and current meter. The temperature measurer is used to measure the temperature of the heat source and the heat exchanger, and the output voltage and current meter is used to display the output voltage and current.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the temperature measurer includes a first thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the heat source and a second thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the heat exchanger.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the utility model are:

[0018] In summary, the integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device provided in this embodiment uses radioactive isotope materials or simulated heat sources as heat sources, selectively transmits the band photons required by the transducer through the filter, that is, the filter selectively transmits the band photons matched with the transducer, and uses the transducer to convert light energy into electrical energy. Compared with conventional chemical batteries and solar cells, it has a higher energy density, can provide energy stably for a long time, and is not affected by external environmental factors. At the same time, the device has a compact structure, and all components are static, with good stability. During long-term operation, there is no need to consider the mechanical loss of parts. It is very suitable for use in areas where there is no one on duty for a long time, including but not limited to deep earth exploration, deep sea exploration, deep space environment, etc., overcoming the problem that the battery needs to be replaced and is greatly affected by the environment. In addition, the heat source, filter and transducer are all arranged in a vacuum chamber, which can suppress gas convection heat transfer and reduce gas thermal conductivity, thereby reducing the impact of gas. The design of the cooling module makes it easy to dissipate heat when the transducer is working, the temperature of the transducer is not easy to be too high, and the transducer operates stably and reliably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the utility model, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the utility model and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram along the AA line of an embodiment of the utility model.

[0022] icon:

[0023] 100-frame; 200-vacuum chamber; 201-vacuum chamber; 202-vacuum extraction interface; 300-heat source; 400-photoelectric conversion module; 410-filter; 420-transducer; 430-bracket; 500-cooling module; 510-cooling block; 511-cooling channel; 600-insulation sleeve; 700-temperature and output monitoring point; 800-power supply operation status detection module; 810-first thermocouple; 820-output measurement table; 830-temperature control table; 840-input measurement table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the utility model clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the utility model described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0025] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to be protected, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0027] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the positions or positional relationships in which the utility model product is usually placed when in use, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific position, be constructed and operated in a specific position, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used to distinguish the description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In addition, the terms "horizontal", "vertical" and the like do not mean that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0030] Example

[0031] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device includes a frame 100, a vacuum chamber 200, a heat source 300, a photoelectric conversion module 400 and a cooling module 500; the vacuum chamber 200 is installed on the frame 100, and the vacuum chamber 200 has a vacuum chamber 201 and a vacuum extraction interface 202 connected to the vacuum chamber 201; the heat source 300 is installed in the vacuum chamber 201; the photoelectric conversion module 400 includes a filter 410 and a transducer 420 both arranged in the vacuum chamber 201, and the heat source 300, the filter 410 and the transducer 420 are arranged in sequence from bottom to top; the cooling module 500 is installed in the vacuum chamber 200, and the cooling module 500 cooperates with the transducer 420 to perform heat exchange with the transducer 420 to reduce the temperature of the transducer 420; wherein the heat source 300 is set as a radioactive isotope heat source 300 or a simulated heat source 300. The heat source 300 is set as a radiation isotope heat source 300, which can also be understood as the heat source 300 is made of radioactive isotope materials. The use of radioactive isotope materials to make the heat source 300 is a well-known technology. In order to avoid repeated description, it is not specifically described in this embodiment.

[0032] Based on the above, the working principle of the integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0033] A radioactive isotope material or a simulated heat source 300 is used as the heat source 300 , and the filter 410 selectively transmits the photons of the wavelength band required by the transducer 420 , that is, the filter 410 selectively transmits the photons of the wavelength band matched with the transducer 420 , and the transducer 420 is used to convert the light energy into electrical energy.

[0034] It should be understood that compared with conventional chemical batteries and solar cells, its energy density is higher, and it can provide energy stably for a long time, and is not affected by external environmental factors. At the same time, the device has a compact structure, and all components are static, with good stability. During long-term operation, there is no need to consider the mechanical loss of components. It is very suitable for use in areas where there is no one on duty for a long time, including but not limited to deep earth exploration, deep sea exploration, deep space environment, etc., overcoming the problem that the battery needs to be replaced and is greatly affected by the environment. In addition, the heat source 300, the filter 410 and the transducer 420 are all arranged in the vacuum chamber 201, which can suppress gas convection heat transfer and reduce gas thermal conductivity, thereby reducing the impact of gas. The design of the cooling module 500 makes it easy for the transducer 420 to dissipate heat when working, the temperature of the transducer 420 is not easy to be too high, and the transducer 420 operates stably and reliably.

[0035] It should be noted that the radioactive isotope material used to make the heat source 300 may be, but is not limited to, 238 PuO2,90 SrTiO3, 241 AmO2 or 244 Cm2O2. In order to meet the requirements of the power supply operating temperature range, that is, the input thermal power limit, the thickness of the radioisotope material can be adjusted. After the heat source 300 emits heat, it emits thermal radiation of different wavelengths upward. Under normal circumstances, the heat generated by the spontaneous decay of the heat source 300 in the vacuum chamber 201 can keep it stable and maintain working at 800-1000°C. At the same time, a heat insulation sleeve 600 is set for the non-power generation surface of the heat source 300 to further reduce heat loss. That is, the heat insulation sleeve 600 is installed in the vacuum chamber 200, and a positioning groove is set on the top of the heat insulation sleeve 600, and the heat source 300 is installed in the positioning groove.

[0036] The details of the integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device of the present application are described below by way of examples.

[0037] In this embodiment, optionally, the photoelectric conversion module 400 further includes a bracket 430, and the filter 410 and the transducer 420 are both mounted on the bracket 430; the bracket 430 is connected to the vacuum chamber 200. The bracket 430 is made of high temperature resistant material, and the bracket 430 includes an upper frame, an intermediate rod and a lower frame. The intermediate rod can be set as a telescopic rod, so that the upper frame and the lower frame are connected by the intermediate rod, and the height between the upper frame and the lower frame can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the intermediate rod. The intermediate rod can be made by plugging and matching multiple rod segments in sequence, and the adjacent rod segments can be locked by structures such as screws. That is, when the length of the intermediate rod needs to be adjusted, the screws are loosened, and the adjustment is pulled. After the adjustment is completed, the adjacent rod segments are locked with screws to maintain the set length. The filter 410 is installed on the lower frame, and the transducer 420 is installed on the upper frame. By adjusting the intermediate rod, the distance between the filter 410 and the transducer 420 can be adjusted to meet different scene requirements.

[0038] Furthermore, the bracket 430 can also be slidably matched with the vacuum chamber 200, and the bracket 430 as a whole can slide relative to the vacuum chamber 200, so as to adjust the distance between the filter 410 and the heat source 300 at the bottom, and has a wide range of uses. For example, a plurality of support rods arranged at intervals in the height direction of the vacuum chamber 200 can be set on the inner wall of the vacuum chamber 200, and the support rods rotate with the vacuum chamber 200, and the support rods rotate upward to fit on the inner wall of the vacuum chamber 200, at this time, it is in a folded state and does not play a supporting role. When the support rods rotate downward and extend horizontally, the support rods are restricted and cannot continue to rotate, and the bracket 430 can be placed on the horizontally extending support rods. By rotating the support rods of the corresponding height to a horizontal state, the height adjustment of the bracket 430 relative to the vacuum chamber 200 is achieved. Among them, a limit block can be set on the inner wall of the vacuum chamber 200, and each support rod has a limit block at the bottom. When the support rods rotate to a horizontal state, the support rods abut against the limit blocks and cannot continue to rotate.

[0039] It should be understood that the bracket 430 may also be threadedly connected to the vacuum chamber 200 , and the height of the bracket 430 may be adjusted by rotating the bracket 430 .

[0040] It should be noted that the function of the filter 410 is to project as much light as possible in the usable band of the transducer 420 and reflect the light in the remaining band back to the heat source 300. Generally, the light transmittance of the useful band is ≮90, and the light reflectivity of other bands is ≮90, and the working temperature can be stabilized to be not less than 150°C.

[0041] In addition, the transducer 420 generally uses GaSb wafers, and of course InGaAs, InGaAsSb, etc. can also be used. However, for different transducer 420 materials, a filter 410 matching the spectrum is used to improve the power generation efficiency of the system. During actual assembly, a material that improves thermal conductivity, such as thermal conductive silicone grease, can be used to fix it at the center of the bottom of the cooling module 500 to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0042] In this embodiment, optionally, the vacuum chamber 200 includes a bottom shell and a top cover, the bottom shell is provided with a chamber with an open top, the bottom shell is movably connected to the top cover, and the top cover is used to open or close the opening; the heat source 300, the filter 410 and the transducer 420 are all arranged in the chamber; the cooling module 500 passes through the top cover and extends into the chamber. For example, the bottom shell and the top cover can be connected by multiple bolts. After removing the bolts, the top cover can be removed from the top of the bottom shell to open the opening, which is convenient for installing components such as the heat source 300. At the same time, an assembly hole is opened in the middle of the top cover to facilitate the installation of the cooling module 500.

[0043] Optionally, the cooling module 500 includes a water chiller (not shown) and a cooling block 510, wherein the cooling block 510 is provided with a cooling channel 511 having a water inlet and a water outlet, and the water chiller is connected to the water inlet and the water outlet at the same time; the cooling block 510 passes through the top cover and fits with the transducer 420. It should be understood that the water chiller can input cooling water from the water inlet to the cooling water channel, and the cooling water takes away the heat of the transducer 420 after passing through the transducer 420, thereby cooling the transducer 420. Then, the heated cooling water can enter the water inlet again after being cooled by a heat exchange system such as a cooling water tower in the process of returning to the water chiller, and can be reused. Since the transducer 420 is in contact with the cooling block 510, the heat exchange effect is good. During assembly, the cooling block 510 is arranged vertically and inserted into the assembly hole.

[0044] Optionally, the cooling block 510 and the top cover can be slidably matched to adjust the position of the cooling block 510 relative to the transducer 420 so that the cooling block 510 can fit closely with the transducer 420. The cooling block 510 can be threadedly connected to the top cover to adjust the height of the cooling block 510. The cooling block 510 can also clamp the top cover with two nuts to achieve fixation with the top cover, and adjust the relative positions of the two nuts to achieve adjustment of the height of the cooling block 510.

[0045] Optionally, a temperature and output monitoring point 700 is installed on the top cover, that is, it integrates a temperature monitoring point and an output monitoring point. The temperature monitoring point can monitor the temperature of the transducer and the cooling block, and the output monitoring point can measure the current and voltage output by the transducer.

[0046] In this embodiment, optionally, the integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply testing device also includes a power supply operation status detection module 800, which includes a temperature measuring device and an output voltage and current meter. The temperature measuring device is used to measure the temperature of the heat source 300 and the heat exchanger, and the output voltage and current meter is used to display the output voltage and current.

[0047] Optionally, the temperature measuring device includes a first thermocouple 810 for measuring the temperature of the heat source 300 and a second thermocouple (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the heat exchanger. It should be understood that the first thermocouple 810 can be a B-type thermocouple with a temperature measurement range of 50 to 1600°C, and the remaining temperature measurement points can use T-type thermocouples with a temperature measurement range of 200 to +350°C, with a total of 3 acquisition channels and a display resolution of 0.1°C. The output voltage and current meter is initially selected as a low-range meter with a display resolution of up to 0.01mV and 0.01mA.

[0048] Optionally, an output measurement meter 820, a temperature control meter 830 and an input measurement meter 840 are installed on the base shell, and the first thermocouple 810 and the second thermocouple are connected to the temperature control meter 830. The output measurement meter is connected to the transducer to measure the output current and voltage of the transducer; the input measurement meter is electrically connected to the first thermocouple to monitor the temperature of the heat source in real time.

[0049] The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device provided in this embodiment, in the initial assembly and debugging work, due to different requirements for the power generation size of the power supply system, the height of the filter 410, the transducer 420 and the cooling block 510 in the system can be adjusted. By adjusting these structures up and down, the system can control the relative position between the transducer 420, the filter 410 and the heat source 300 to control the power generation size of the power supply system. After reasonable adjustment of the power supply system, the vacuum interface 202 can be closed, the first thermocouple 810 can be disconnected, and the temperature and output monitoring lines can be used independently, and the integrated power supply operation status detection does not need to work with the power supply.

[0050] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device, characterized in that: include: A frame, a vacuum chamber, a heat source, a photoelectric conversion module and a cooling module; the vacuum chamber is mounted on the frame, the vacuum chamber has a vacuum chamber and a vacuum port connected to the vacuum chamber; the heat source is mounted in the vacuum chamber; the photoelectric conversion module includes a filter and a transducer both arranged in the vacuum chamber, the heat source, the filter and the transducer are arranged in sequence from bottom to top; the cooling module is mounted in the vacuum chamber, the cooling module cooperates with the transducer, and is used to perform heat exchange with the transducer to reduce the temperature of the transducer; Wherein, the heat source is set as a radioisotope heat source or a simulated heat source.

2. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photoelectric conversion module further comprises a bracket, on which the filter and the transducer are both mounted; and the bracket is connected to the vacuum chamber.

3. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support is configured as a retractable support.

4. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bracket is slidably matched with the vacuum chamber to adjust the height of the filter relative to the heat source.

5. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-insulating sleeve is installed in the vacuum chamber, a positioning groove is provided on the top of the heat-insulating sleeve, and the heat source is installed in the positioning groove.

6. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum chamber includes a bottom shell and a top cover, the bottom shell is provided with a chamber with an open top, the bottom shell is movably connected to the top cover, and the top cover is used to open or close the opening; the heat source, the filter and the transducer are all arranged in the chamber; the cooling module passes through the top cover and extends into the chamber.

7. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cooling module includes a water chiller and a cooling block. The cooling block is provided with a cooling channel having a water inlet and a water outlet. The water chiller is connected to the water inlet and the water outlet at the same time. The cooling block passes through the top cover and fits with the transducer.

8. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cooling block is slidably engaged with the top cover to adjust the position of the cooling block relative to the transducer.

9. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device also includes a power supply operation status detection module, which includes a temperature measuring device and an output voltage and current meter. The temperature measuring device is used to measure the temperature of the heat source and the heat exchanger, and the output voltage and current meter is used to display the output voltage and current.

10. The integrated thermophotoelectric isotope power supply test device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The temperature measurer includes a first thermocouple for measuring a temperature of the heat source and a second thermocouple for measuring a temperature of the heat exchanger.

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