Thermoelectric power generation cylinder block

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of internal combustion engine cylinder bodies, in particular to a thermoelectric power generation cylinder body. Comprising an air cylinder body, a plurality of sheet-shaped cooling fins are arranged on the outer surface of the air cylinder body, thermoelectric power generation modules are embedded in the portions, located at the roots of every two adjacent cooling fins, of the outer surface of the air cylinder body and an upper end cover, and the hot ends of the thermoelectric power generation modules are tightly attached to the air cylinder body. According to the Seebeck effect, the thermoelectric power generation semiconductor is embedded in the cylinder body of the internal combustion engine, the internal and external temperature difference of the cylinder body of the internal combustion engine in the working process is utilized, heat energy is recycled, and the heat efficiency of a traditional internal combustion engine is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of internal combustion engine cylinder blocks, and in particular to a temperature difference generator cylinder block. Background Technology

[0002] A cylinder is a cylindrical metal component that guides a piston to perform linear reciprocating motion inside the cylinder.

[0003] During engine operation, air or gas expands and burns in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, converting most of the thermal energy into mechanical energy. Through the cylinder walls and heat sinks, in conjunction with the cooling system, some of the residual heat from the combustion is dissipated, allowing the engine to maintain a normal operating temperature and preventing the engine block temperature from becoming too high, which would affect its normal operation.

[0004] However, this heat is dissipated through the air / water cooling system. Although the purpose is to reduce the temperature of the engine block, it still results in some heat energy being wasted.

[0005] Therefore, this utility model provides a temperature difference generator cylinder block, which allows the heat dissipated from the surface of the engine cylinder block to be recovered and utilized, thereby improving the heat utilization rate. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to solve the problems existing in the prior art by proposing a temperature difference generator cylinder body.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A thermoelectric generator cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plurality of thin heat sinks arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder body. Thermoelectric generator modules are embedded in the outer surface of the cylinder body at the roots of two adjacent heat sinks and on the upper end cover. The hot end of the thermoelectric generator module is in close contact with the cylinder body.

[0009] Preferably, only the heat sink near the base of the cylinder body's upper end cover has a thermoelectric power generation module embedded in it.

[0010] Preferably, the thermoelectric power generation module on the upper end cover of the cylinder body is embedded at different depths and in different volumes depending on the shape of the inner surface of the cylinder body.

[0011] Preferably, the thermoelectric power generation module has an annular structure surrounding the upper end cover of the cylinder body and a sheet-like structure that fits the root of the heat sink.

[0012] Preferably, the cylinder body is made of aluminum alloy.

[0013] Preferably, multiple sets of plate-shaped thermoelectric power generation modules are provided at intervals at the base of two adjacent heat sinks.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes an encapsulation structure that encapsulates the thermoelectric power generation module on the cylinder body;

[0015] The encapsulation structure includes a hollow plate. The outer edge of the hollow plate has the same shape and size as the upper end cover of the cylinder body. The bottom end of the hollow plate is also provided with a buckle that is fastened to the outer edge of the upper end cover of the cylinder body. The buckle is detachably mounted with a card plate around the cylinder body. Multiple top plates are vertically spaced on the card plate, and the top plates abut against the sheet-like thermoelectric generator module.

[0016] Preferably, the outer edge of the hollow plate is provided with wedge-shaped grooves around the cylinder body. The wedge-shaped surface of the wedge-shaped groove faces the cylinder body at an angle downward. The end of the wedge-shaped groove facing the cylinder body is provided with a threaded hole. The upper end of the clamping plate is provided with a wedge-shaped block that cooperates with the wedge-shaped groove on the side facing the cylinder body. The wedge-shaped block is provided with a through hole corresponding to the threaded hole. The clamping plate is fastened to the buckle by passing screws through the through hole and the threaded hole.

[0017] Preferably, the multiple card plates exhibit different structural states due to variations in the size of the outer surface of the heat sinks disposed outside the cylinder body.

[0018] Preferably, each of the top plates is provided with a number of air holes.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a temperature difference generator cylinder body, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] Based on the Seebeck effect, this scheme utilizes the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the internal combustion engine cylinder to reuse thermal energy and improve the thermal efficiency of traditional internal combustion engines by embedding thermoelectric semiconductors inside the cylinder.

[0021] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows; and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description; or may be taught from practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional illustration of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0023] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional illustration of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0024] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional illustration of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0025] Figure 4 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 For the present utility model Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of point A.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the packaging mechanism of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional inverted schematic diagram of the packaging mechanism of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the thermoelectric power generation module of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the detachable connection structure between the card plate and the top plate of this utility model.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Cylinder body; 2. Heat sink; 3. Plate-shaped thermoelectric generator module; 4. Ring-shaped thermoelectric generator module; 5. Hollow plate; 6. Buckle ring; 7. Clamping plate; 8. Top plate; 9. Air hole; 10. Wedge block; 11. Wedge groove; 12. Threaded hole; 13. Through hole; 14. Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following will refer to the appendix in the embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1-10 The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0034] Example 1: In order to make reasonable use of the heat energy that originally dissipated from the cylinder surface during engine operation, this example provides a thermoelectric generator cylinder block, including a cylinder body 1. A plurality of thin heat sinks 2 are arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder body 1. The thermoelectric generator module is embedded in the outer surface of the cylinder body 1 at the root of two adjacent heat sinks 2 and on the upper end cover. The hot end of the thermoelectric generator module is in close contact with the cylinder body 1.

[0035] Principle details of this embodiment:

[0036] A thermoelectric generator cylinder block includes a cylinder body 1, which is an air-cooled internal combustion engine cylinder block. The cylinder body 1 is cast from a high-temperature resistant aluminum alloy material.

[0037] The outer surface of the cylinder body 1 is covered with several thin heat sinks 2, with gaps between them for the passage of cold air from the air-cooling system. The area where the heat sinks 2 on the cylinder body 1 connect with the air-cooling system is a low-temperature zone, while the combustion space inside the cylinder body 1 is a high-temperature zone.

[0038] The shape and size of the heat sink 2 adapt to the shape of the cylinder body 1. For example, if the diameter of the upper and lower end caps of the cylinder body 1 is smaller than the diameter of the middle part, the diameter of the heat sink 2 at both ends will be smaller than the diameter of the heat sink 2 in the middle part.

[0039] Thermoelectric modules are embedded on the outer surface of the cylinder body 1 at the base of two adjacent heat sinks 2 and on the upper end cover. The hot end of the thermoelectric module is in close contact with the cylinder body 1, and the cold end of the thermoelectric module is in contact with the cold air passing through the space.

[0040] The thermoelectric power generation module, also known as a thermoelectric generator, such as a semiconductor thermoelectric generator, utilizes the Seebeck effect to directly convert heat energy into electrical energy. A single thermoelectric element (either a p-type or n-type thermoelectric element) is formed by connecting its hot end with a metal conductor electrode and its cold end with a cold end electrode. An external load with a resistance of RL is connected to the open circuit terminal of the thermoelectric element. If heat is input to the hot side of the thermoelectric element, a temperature difference is established between the hot and cold ends, resulting in current flowing through the circuit. The load will then receive electrical power I²RL, thus creating a generator that directly converts heat energy into electrical energy.

[0041] Based on the above technical solution:

[0042] During use, the gas / fuel expands and burns in the combustion chamber inside the cylinder body 1 to generate heat energy, some of which is converted into mechanical energy; some of the heat energy is transferred from the wall of the cylinder body 1 to the heat sink 2. The heat sink 2 expands the heat dissipation area and the contact area with the outside cold air, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect and achieving the purpose of balancing the temperature of the cylinder body 1 with the working state.

[0043] Because the hot end of the thermoelectric generator module is in close contact with the cylinder body 1, the heat transferred from inside the cylinder body 1 to the wall surface will first come into contact with the hot end of the thermoelectric generator module before being conducted to the heat sink 2 and overflowing, thus continuously heating the hot end of the thermoelectric generator module. The cold end of the thermoelectric generator module comes into contact with cold air passing through the space and undergoes air cooling treatment, so that the cold end of the thermoelectric generator module continuously dissipates heat. When the internal combustion engine is running, the average temperature inside the cylinder body 1 reaches 400°C or above; when the internal combustion engine is running, the air outside the cylinder is flowing, and its average temperature is less than 50°C. Therefore, the thermoelectric generator module will obtain a temperature difference of not less than 350°C. This creates a stable temperature difference between the hot and cold ends of the thermoelectric generator module. Due to the temperature difference, charge diffusion and forward movement will occur, resulting in a potential difference. This potential difference is captured by the external circuit and converted into electrical energy, thereby realizing the reuse of thermal energy and improving the thermal efficiency of the traditional internal combustion engine.

[0044] In this embodiment, only the heat sink 2 closest to the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1 has a thermoelectric power generation module embedded at its base. That is, the thermoelectric power generation module is set in the area close to the internal combustion chamber of the cylinder body 1, where the internal temperature difference of the cylinder body 1 is relatively large, resulting in higher electro-conversion efficiency.

[0045] In this embodiment, refer to the appendix Figure 5 As shown, the thermoelectric power generation module on the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1 is embedded to varying depths and volumes depending on the shape of the inner surface of the cylinder body 1. That is, regardless of the internal shape of the cylinder body 1, the distance between the hot end of the thermoelectric power generation module inserted into the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1 and the interior of the cylinder body 1 remains stable, resulting in more even and higher heating of the hot end of the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0046] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module has an annular structure surrounding the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1 and a sheet-like structure that fits the root of the heat sink 2. This ensures that it can be embedded in the cylinder body and effectively utilize the temperature difference.

[0047] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module uses thermoelectric materials suitable for high-temperature environments, such as bismuth telluride and silicon-germanium alloys, to prevent damage from prolonged use in high-temperature environments. The outer surface of the thermoelectric power generation module is covered with an insulating layer, such as a ceramic coating, to prevent direct contact with the aluminum alloy, which could lead to short circuits or heat loss.

[0048] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module is integrally cast with the cylinder body 1 using a special process:

[0049] 1. Pre-design the fixed position of the thermoelectric power generation module in the casting mold.

[0050] 2. Before casting, use high-temperature resistant clamps or adhesives to stably fix the thermoelectric power generation module in the preset fixed position in the mold.

[0051] 3. Molten aluminum alloy is injected into the mold, and the molten aluminum alloy metal encapsulates the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0052] 4. After casting is completed, the cylinder is cooled slowly to reduce internal stress; then it is demolded to obtain an integrally formed thermoelectric generator cylinder body.

[0053] In Example 2, the thermoelectric power generation module is integrally molded with the cylinder block, resulting in a tighter fit, higher structural strength, and the ability to withstand high temperature, high pressure, and high vibration environments. However, if damage occurs, it is difficult to replace the module individually; the entire cylinder block may need to be replaced, leading to high repair costs.

[0054] Therefore, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module is made detachable to reduce maintenance costs and time; it also facilitates the replacement of the thermoelectric power generation module with a more efficient one as thermoelectric material technology advances.

[0055] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation modules at the base of two adjacent heat sinks 2 are not a single integrated structure, but are divided into multiple groups of sheet-like thermoelectric power generation modules 3 for combined use. The upper end cover surface of the cylinder body 1 is provided with several grooves for embedding annular thermoelectric power generation modules 4.

[0056] In this embodiment, a packaging structure is also included to encapsulate the thermoelectric power generation module on the cylinder body 1, so as to ensure that the thermoelectric power generation module can remain stable after being embedded in the cylinder body 1.

[0057] The encapsulation structure includes a perforated plate 5, which is a mesh-like material formed by mechanical perforation / engraving of an aluminum alloy plate. The outer edge of the perforated plate 5 has the same shape and size as the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1. The bottom end of the perforated plate 5 is also provided with a retaining ring 6 that fastens to the outer edge of the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1. The retaining ring 6 is detachably mounted with a retaining plate 7 around the cylinder body 1. Multiple top plates 8 are vertically spaced on the retaining plate 7. The top plates 8 pass through the space between two heat sinks 2 and abut against the plate-shaped thermoelectric generator module.

[0058] Based on the above technical solution:

[0059] The thermoelectric power generation module is a subsequent embedded component. After the thermoelectric power generation module is clipped onto the base of the heat sink 2 and embedded into the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1, the perforated plate 5 is placed on the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1 and fastened using the retaining ring 6. Then, the retaining plates 7 are installed one by one on the retaining rings 6 and are embedded between the heat sink 2 by the top plate 8, thereby tightly fastening the entire device to the cylinder body 1; the thermoelectric power generation module is held in place by the top plate 8 and stably installed on the cylinder body 1.

[0060] During disassembly and assembly, remove the clips 7 and buckles 6 one by one. Once the thermoelectric generator module is unobstructed, it can be removed for replacement or repair.

[0061] The structural design of the hollow plate 5 not only ensures the locking and limiting of the thermoelectric power generation module embedded on the upper end cover of the cylinder body 1, but also reduces the shielding effect on the heat dissipation of the cylinder body 1.

[0062] Due to the change in shape of the cylinder body 1, the multiple clamping plates 7 exhibit different structural states as the outer surface dimensions of the heat sink 2 installed outside the cylinder body 1 change.

[0063] Each top plate 8 has several vents 9. This reduces interference with the airflow between the heat sinks 2.

[0064] In this embodiment, the outer edge of the hollow plate 5 is provided with wedge-shaped grooves 11 around the cylinder body 1. The wedge-shaped surface of the wedge-shaped grooves 11 faces the cylinder body 1 at an angle downward. The end of the wedge-shaped grooves 11 facing the cylinder body 1 is provided with a threaded hole 12. The upper end of the retaining plate 7 is provided with a wedge-shaped block 10 that mates with the wedge-shaped grooves 11 on the side facing the cylinder body 1. The wedge-shaped block 10 is provided with a through hole 13 corresponding to the threaded hole 12. The retaining plate 7 is fastened to the retaining ring 6 by a screw 14 passing through the through hole 13 and the threaded hole 12. The diameter of the through hole 13 is larger than the diameter of the threaded hole 12 to allow space for the wedge-shaped block 10 to move within the wedge-shaped grooves 11.

[0065] Based on the above technical solution:

[0066] When assembling the retaining plate 7 onto the retaining ring 6, first place the wedge block 10 into the wedge groove 11. Then, pass the screw 14 through the through hole 13 and tighten it in alignment with the threaded hole 12, thereby enabling the detachable installation of the retaining plate 7. During the tightening of the screw 14, the end of the screw 14 abuts against the outer end of the wedge block 10, causing the wedge block 10 to gradually rise along the wedge surface of the wedge groove 11, thereby causing the top plate 8 to abut against the lower end surface of the heat sink 2. This makes the connection between the retaining ring 6 and the cylinder body 1 through the retaining plate 7 and the top plate 8 more secure, adapting to the vibration state of the cylinder operation.

[0067] Furthermore, the packaging structure of this solution is based on snap-fit, without making any process modifications such as drilling the cylinder body 1. This reduces additional modifications to the cylinder body 1, ensuring the packaging effect of the thermoelectric power generation module while avoiding damage to the cylinder body 1 caused by the packaging structure.

[0068] The packaging structure is made of high-temperature resistant materials, such as high-temperature resistant aluminum alloy, which can adapt to high-temperature working environments.

[0069] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto, and includes, but is not limited to: the structural layout of the cold and hot ends of the power generation semiconductor, the design positions of the cold and hot ends, the cylinder body shape, the shape of the heat sink 2, the number of heat sinks 2, etc. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this utility model, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this utility model, should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0070] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric power cylinder body, comprising a cylinder body (1), the outer surface of which is arranged with a plurality of thin sheet-shaped cooling fins (2), characterized in that, The outer surface of the cylinder body (1) is embedded with a thermoelectric module at the root of each adjacent two radiating fins (2) and the upper end cover, and the hot end of the thermoelectric module is in close contact with the cylinder body (1); Only the thermoelectric module is embedded at the root of the radiating fin (2) close to the upper end cover of the cylinder body (1) among the several radiating fins (2). The thermoelectric module has a ring structure surrounding the upper end cover of the cylinder body (1) and a sheet structure adhering to the root of the radiating fin (2). The packaging structure for packaging the thermoelectric module on the cylinder body (1) is further included. The packaging structure includes a hollow plate (5), the outer edge surface of the hollow plate (5) is the same in shape and size as the upper end cover of the cylinder body (1), the bottom end of the hollow plate (5) is further provided with a clasp ring (6) buckled on the outer edge surface of the upper end cover of the cylinder body (1), the clasp ring (6) is detachably mounted with a clamping plate (7) around the cylinder body (1), a plurality of top plates (8) are vertically and spaced apart on the clamping plate (7), and the top plates (8) are abutted on the sheet-shaped thermoelectric module.

2. A thermoelectric generator cylinder as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The thermoelectric module on the upper end cover of the cylinder body (1) has different depths and volumes embedded in the upper end cover of the cylinder body (1) according to the shape change of the inner surface of the cylinder body (1).

3. A thermoelectric generator cylinder as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The cylinder body (1) is made of aluminum alloy material.

4. The thermoelectric cylinder of claim 1, wherein, A plurality of sheet-shaped thermoelectric modules are spaced apart between the roots of the adjacent two radiating fins (2).

5. The thermoelectric cylinder of claim 1, wherein, The outer edge surface of the hollow plate (5) is provided with a wedge-shaped notch (11) around the cylinder body (1), the wedge-shaped surface of the wedge-shaped notch (11) faces obliquely downward on the side of the cylinder body (1), the wedge-shaped notch (11) is provided with a threaded hole (12) at one end facing the cylinder body (1), the upper end of the clamping plate (7) is provided with a wedge-shaped block (10) matched with the wedge-shaped notch (11) on the side facing the cylinder body (1), the wedge-shaped block (10) is provided with a through hole (13) corresponding to the threaded hole (12), and the clamping plate (7) is fastened on the clasp ring (6) by a screw (14) passing through the through hole (13) and the threaded hole (12).

6. A thermoelectric generator cylinder as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that, The plurality of clamping plates (7) have different structural states due to the size change of the outer eaves surface of the radiating fin (2) arranged outside the cylinder body (1).

7. A thermoelectric generator cylinder as defined in claim 1, wherein Each top plate (8) is provided with a plurality of air holes (9).

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