Multi-station thermoelectric generator device thermal durability aging performance testing device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the test technical field of thermoelectric device, especially relate to a kind of multi-station thermoelectric device heat endurance aging performance testing device, the device includes glove box, vacuum system, cooling system and test system, at least one vacuum tank for installing the thermoelectric device to be measured in the glove box is built, the vacuum system, the cooling system and the test system are all connected with each vacuum tank through the glove box;Wherein the vacuum system is at least used to provide vacuum environment for the thermoelectric device to be measured;The cooling system is at least used to carry away residual heat in testing process to make the atmosphere temperature of the glove box maintain at preset temperature;The test system is at least used to monitor in real time and carry out power generation performance test and analysis to the thermoelectric device to be measured in each vacuum tank.The utility model can make multiple thermoelectric devices can be simultaneously in anaerobic anhydrous environment heat endurance aging test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of thermoelectric generator testing technology, and in particular relates to a multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Thermoelectric devices used in space power supplies operate in harsh environments such as high temperature and high vacuum for extended periods. High temperature and high vacuum are the main causes of device performance degradation. Therefore, testing the device under real-world conditions is necessary to more accurately reflect its lifespan.

[0003] However, traditional thermal aging tests are usually conducted in an atmospheric environment. Thermoelectric devices are susceptible to corrosive gases such as oxygen and water vapor, which can cause the test results to deviate from the actual performance. Some devices reduce the oxygen content by purging with inert gas, but this cannot completely eliminate residual water vapor and oxygen.

[0004] Chinese patent CN105203940A discloses a reliability evaluation system and method for thermoelectric components, Chinese patent CN107607849A discloses a thermoelectric device and method for measuring the power generation performance of thermoelectric devices, and the PEM series of commercial thermoelectric performance testing equipment launched by Advance Riko of Japan all use inert gas purging method, which is not suitable for long-term evaluation of thermoelectric power generation devices under such operating conditions.

[0005] In addition, most current testing equipment is single-station mode, meaning that each device can only test one sample. Therefore, single-station testing is inefficient and costly, making it difficult to meet the needs of comparative analysis of multiple batches of devices. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention proposes a multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device, which enables multiple thermoelectric generators to undergo thermal aging tests simultaneously in an oxygen-free and water-free environment, thereby improving the level of degradation analysis of their long-term working performance and the accuracy of life prediction.

[0007] The first aspect of this utility model provides a device for testing the thermal aging performance of a multi-station thermoelectric generator, comprising: The system comprises a glove box, a vacuum system, a cooling system, and a testing system. The glove box contains at least one vacuum container for mounting the thermoelectric generator under test. The vacuum system, the cooling system, and the testing system are all connected to the respective vacuum containers via the glove box. The vacuum system is at least used to provide a vacuum environment for the thermoelectric generator under test; The cooling system is at least used to remove residual heat during the test to maintain the atmosphere temperature of the glove box at a preset temperature. The testing system is used at least to monitor the operating parameters of each vacuum tank in real time and to test and analyze the power generation performance of the thermoelectric generators under test in each vacuum tank.

[0008] As an optional implementation, each vacuum tank is connected to the vacuum system via a vacuum valve; each vacuum tank is connected to the cooling system via a ball valve; and each vacuum tank is connected to the testing system via an electrical connector.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the vacuum tank includes at least a thermoelectric generator to be measured, a first heating module, a second heating module, a pressure frame, and a vacuum tank shell.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the thermoelectric generator to be measured includes at least one or more of the following: bismuth telluride thermoelectric generator, lead telluride thermoelectric generator, cobaltite thermoelectric generator, semi-Hessler thermoelectric generator, and silicon germanide thermoelectric generator.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the outer shell of the vacuum tank is made of stainless steel.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the glove box is equipped with a purification system, an oxygen partial pressure real-time monitoring module, and a water content real-time monitoring module.

[0013] As an alternative implementation, the glove box includes an operating port through which the vacuum canister can be placed inside the glove box.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the testing system is used to monitor the operating parameters of each vacuum tank in real time, and periodically test and analyze the power generation performance of each vacuum tank, plot the curves of open circuit voltage, internal resistance and peak power change over time, and record and store the test results.

[0015] The second aspect of this utility model provides a test method for the thermal aging performance testing device of the multi-station thermoelectric generator as described in the first aspect of this utility model, including: The thermoelectric generator to be tested is fixed inside the corresponding vacuum chamber; Place the vacuum container into the glove box and connect it to the vacuum system, cooling system, and testing system accordingly. Initialize the glove box and start the purification system until the oxygen partial pressure is not greater than the preset oxygen partial pressure value and the water content is not greater than the preset water content value. Start the test system, set the corresponding hot-side temperature, cold-side temperature, heating rate, cooling rate, sampling interval, and power generation performance timed test time, and start heating; When the hot-side and cold-side temperatures are stable, perform power generation performance tests according to the set test intervals, record the test time, open-circuit voltage, internal resistance, and peak power, and plot the curves of open-circuit voltage, internal resistance, and peak power over time.

[0016] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. This utility model enables parallel testing of multiple thermoelectric generators by simultaneously placing multiple vacuum chambers inside a glove box, with each chamber having its temperature independently controlled. This multi-station design can shorten the testing cycle. 2. By placing the vacuum container inside the glove box, this utility model can ensure that the thermoelectric generator under test is in an oxygen-free and water-free inert environment throughout the entire testing process, eliminating the corrosive interference of oxygen and water vapor on the device and ensuring that the test data truly reflects the intrinsic aging characteristics of the material. 3. This utility model achieves full-process traceability of the testing process by integrating real-time monitoring and data recording of environmental parameters and electrical output performance parameters (such as voltage, current and peak power). Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device is shown in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a vacuum tank according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 The diagram shows a flowchart of a method for testing the thermal durability aging performance of a multi-station thermoelectric generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 The diagram shows the trend of open-circuit voltage change of a thermoelectric generator under long-term aging test according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 The diagram shows the trend of internal resistance change of a thermoelectric generator under long-term aging test according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 The figure shows the peak power variation trend of a thermoelectric generator under long-term aging test according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Attached Figure

[0024] 1-Vacuum container; 2-Glove box; 3-Vacuum system; 4-Cooling system; 5-Testing system; 101-Thermoelectric device under test; 102-First heating module; 103-Second heating module; 104-Pressure frame; 105-Vacuum container shell. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used for illustration and explanation of the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the present utility model. In the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" generally refer to up, down, left, and right in the actual use or working state of the device, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings.

[0026] It should be noted that the order of description of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the preferred order of embodiments of this utility model. Furthermore, the descriptions of each embodiment in the following embodiments have their own emphasis; for parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the first aspect of this utility model provides a thermal aging performance testing device for multi-station thermoelectric generators, comprising: The system comprises a glove box 2, a vacuum system 3, a cooling system 4, and a testing system 5. The glove box 2 contains at least one vacuum container 1 for mounting the thermoelectric generator 101 to be tested. The vacuum system 3, cooling system 4, and testing system 5 are all connected to the respective vacuum containers 1 via the glove box 2. The vacuum system 3 is at least used to provide a vacuum environment for the thermoelectric generator 101 to be tested; The cooling system 4 is at least used to remove residual heat during the test so that the atmosphere temperature of the glove box 2 is maintained at a preset temperature. The test system 5 is used at least to monitor the working parameters of each vacuum tank 1 in real time and to test and analyze the power generation performance of the thermoelectric generators to be tested in each vacuum tank 1.

[0028] Specifically, the vacuum environment is preferably a high vacuum environment, with a vacuum degree ≤ 1×10⁻⁶. -3 Pa.

[0029] Specifically, since the glove box 2 can accommodate multiple vacuum tanks 1 for installing thermoelectric generators 101 under test, it can improve the pain point that most testing devices in the prior art are single-station mode, meet the comparative analysis needs of multiple batches of devices of different materials, improve testing efficiency and reduce testing costs.

[0030] Specifically, Chinese patent CN105203940B discloses a thermoelectric element reliability evaluation system and method, which includes a thermoelectric element reliability testing device and a testing system. The testing system used in this utility model is the same testing system mentioned in that patent.

[0031] In one embodiment of this utility model, each vacuum tank 1 is connected to the vacuum system 3 via a vacuum valve; each vacuum tank 1 is connected to the cooling system 4 via a ball valve; and each vacuum tank 1 is connected to the testing system 5 via an electrical connector.

[0032] Since each vacuum tank 1 is connected to each system in a one-to-one manner, the test parameters of each vacuum tank 1 do not affect each other, thus improving test efficiency and accuracy.

[0033] It should be noted that the thermoelectric generator under test 101 and the thermoelectric generator 101 are different expressions of the device in different testing stages, and those skilled in the art can distinguish them according to the actual situation.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum tank 1 includes at least a thermoelectric generator 101 to be measured, a first heating module 102, a second heating module 103, a pressure frame 104, a vacuum tank shell 105, and a thermocouple temperature sensor.

[0035] Specifically, the vacuum tank shell 105 includes a bottom flange and a vacuum cover. The flange is placed horizontally, and the vacuum cover is placed above the flange and vacuum-sealed by an O-ring. The vacuum tank shell 105 is connected to the cooling system via a water pipe connector. The thermoelectric generator 101 to be tested is located between the first heating module 102 and the second heating module 103. The pressure frame 104, also known as a pressure frame or test frame, includes two tie rods vertically fixed to the flange and a pressure plate passing through the two tie rods to press the thermoelectric generator 101 to be tested. The first heating module 102 corresponds to the cold side temperature, and the second heating module 103 corresponds to the hot side temperature. Thermocouple temperature sensors are located on the lower end face of the second heating module 103 and the upper end face of the first heating module 102, respectively, for detecting the hot side temperature and cold side temperature of the thermoelectric generator 101 to be tested. The thermocouple temperature sensors, the first heating module 102, and the second heating module 103 are electrically connected to the test system 5. The first heating module 102 is also connected to the cooling system 4 via a water pipe connector.

[0036] The thermoelectric device 101 to be tested is a bismuth telluride thermoelectric device, lead telluride thermoelectric device, cobaltite thermoelectric device, semi-Hessler thermoelectric device, silicon germanide thermoelectric device or other thermoelectric devices.

[0037] Specifically, the first heating module 102 and the first heating module 103 can precisely control the operating temperature of the thermoelectric generator 101. The two modules use PID precise temperature control with a temperature control accuracy of ±0.1℃.

[0038] This method allows the thermoelectric generator 101 to be sandwiched between two controllable heat sources, achieving precise temperature control and reducing the impact of hot-side and cold-side temperature fluctuations and temperature difference on the test results, resulting in more accurate test results.

[0039] Specifically, the outer shell of the vacuum tank 1 is made of stainless steel or other metal materials, such as 316 stainless steel, and its ultimate vacuum degree can reach 5×10⁻⁶. -5 Pa.

[0040] In one embodiment of this utility model, the glove box 2 is equipped with a purification system, an oxygen partial pressure real-time monitoring module, and a water content real-time monitoring module to maintain the oxygen partial pressure inside the box at no greater than a preset oxygen partial pressure value (e.g., no greater than 10 ppm) and the water content at no greater than a preset water content value (e.g., no greater than 10 ppm). The purification system, oxygen partial pressure real-time monitoring module, and water content real-time monitoring module are inherent to the glove box itself. The glove box provides an anhydrous and oxygen-free testing environment for the vacuum tanks and is shared by all vacuum tanks. The vacuum tanks themselves are connected to the vacuum system via vacuum pipelines. Furthermore, the functions and connections of the purification system, oxygen partial pressure real-time monitoring module, and water content real-time monitoring module within the purification system are existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0041] This method is used to maintain the environmental stability within glove box 2.

[0042] In one embodiment of this utility model, the testing system 5 is connected to the cooling system 4 and is used to monitor the flow rate in real time. When the flow rate is lower than the set value, the corresponding vacuum tank 1 test stops and is cooled down. Specifically, the testing system is connected to the flow meter through an RS-485 interface to read the flow rate.

[0043] This method is used to maintain the accuracy of the testing environment.

[0044] In one embodiment of this utility model, the test system 5 monitors the working parameters of each vacuum tank 1 in real time, and periodically tests and analyzes the power generation performance of each vacuum tank 1, plots the curves of open circuit voltage, internal resistance and peak power change over time, and records and stores the test results.

[0045] Here, by plotting the curves of open-circuit voltage, internal resistance, and peak power of thermoelectric generators over time, the long-term operating performance of one or more thermoelectric generators can be evaluated.

[0046] like Figure 3As shown, the second aspect of this utility model provides a test method for the thermal aging performance testing device for multi-station thermoelectric generators based on any of the above embodiments, comprising: Step S100: Fix the thermoelectric generator 101 to be tested inside the corresponding vacuum container 1; Step S200: Place vacuum tank 1 into glove box 2 and connect vacuum system 3, cooling system 4 and testing system 5 accordingly; Step S300: Initialize glove box 2, start the purification system until the oxygen partial pressure is not greater than the preset oxygen partial pressure value (e.g., the preset oxygen partial pressure value is equal to 10 ppm) and the water content is not greater than the preset water content value (e.g., the preset water content value is equal to 10 ppm). The glove box 2 is equipped with a purification system, an oxygen partial pressure real-time monitoring module, and a water content real-time monitoring module. Step S400: Start the test system 5, set the corresponding hot side temperature, cold side temperature, heating rate, cooling rate, sampling interval, power generation performance timed test time, and start heating; Step S500: When the hot side temperature and cold side temperature are stable, perform the power generation performance test according to the set test interval, record the test time, open circuit voltage, internal resistance, peak power, and plot the curves of open circuit voltage, internal resistance, and peak power over time.

[0047] Specifically, in step S200, the vacuum canister 1 is placed into the glove box 2 through the operating port of the glove box 2.

[0048] In addition, after step S200, leak tests for air and water leakage and room temperature resistance are required to ensure the accuracy of the test environment.

[0049] For example, the purification system of glove box 2 is started to circulate the gas in the box for more than 24 hours until the environment is stable, with oxygen partial pressure ≤10ppm and water content ≤10ppm.

[0050] Specifically, in step S500, the test system is started to fill in the sample information, the test temperature gradient and heating rate of each station are set, the heating begins and the working parameters of the thermoelectric generator are recorded; when the hot side temperature and cold side temperature are stable, the power generation performance test of each station is performed at the set interval, and the data is processed, analyzed, recorded and stored; the open circuit voltage, internal resistance and peak power of the thermoelectric generator are plotted as a function of time to evaluate the long-term working performance of the thermoelectric generator.

[0051] The following describes in detail the thermal aging performance test method of the multi-station thermoelectric generator of this utility model through specific implementation scenarios.

[0052] The first step involves cleaning both sides (hot and cold sides) of the sample to be tested (i.e., the thermoelectric generator). The sample is then placed inside a vacuum chamber 1 made of 316L stainless steel. Vacuum chamber 1 is placed in a glove box 2 and positioned on the corresponding pressure frame. It is then connected to the vacuum system 3, cooling system 4, and testing system 5. Leakage checks (air leakage, water leakage, and room temperature resistance) are performed. Vacuum system 3 and cooling system 4 are then activated until the vacuum level is ≤1×10⁻⁶. -3 Pa.

[0053] The second step is to initialize glove box 2 and start the purification system until the oxygen partial pressure is ≤10ppm and the water content is ≤10ppm.

[0054] The third step is to start the test system, fill in the sample name, set the hot side temperature to 750 degrees, the cold side temperature to 275 degrees, the heating rate to 10 degrees / min, the cooling rate to 6 degrees / min, the sampling interval to 30 seconds, and the power generation performance timed test time to 1 hour, and then start heating.

[0055] Fourth, once the temperature stabilizes, perform a power generation performance test every hour according to the set test interval, record the test time, open-circuit voltage, internal resistance, and peak power, and plot the curves of open-circuit voltage, internal resistance, and peak power over time, such as... Figures 4-6 The results of the 1050-hour thermal aging test of the semi-Hessler thermoelectric generator are shown.

[0056] Specifically, Figure 4 The diagram shows the trend of open-circuit voltage variation of a thermoelectric generator under long-term aging test according to an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Specifically, Figure 5 The diagram shows the trend of internal resistance change of a thermoelectric generator under long-term aging test according to an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Specifically, Figure 6 The diagram shows the peak power variation trend of a thermoelectric generator under long-term aging test according to an embodiment of this application.

[0059] This invention achieves full-process traceability of the testing process by integrating real-time monitoring and data recording of environmental parameters and electrical output performance parameters (such as voltage and current).

[0060] It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used in this disclosure and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure and claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations.

[0061] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order according to the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of each example have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0063] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for testing the thermal aging performance of a multi-station thermoelectric generator, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a glove box, a vacuum system, a cooling system, and a testing system. The glove box contains at least one vacuum chamber for mounting the thermoelectric generator under test. The vacuum system, the cooling system, and the testing system are connected to each vacuum chamber. The vacuum system is at least used to provide a vacuum environment for the thermoelectric generator under test; The cooling system is at least used to remove residual heat during the test to maintain the atmosphere temperature of the glove box at a preset temperature. The testing system is used at least in real time to monitor and test and analyze the power generation performance of the thermoelectric generators under test in each vacuum tank.

2. The multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each vacuum tank is connected to the vacuum system via a vacuum valve; each vacuum tank is connected to the cooling system via a ball valve; and the thermoelectric generator to be tested in each vacuum tank is connected to the testing system via an electrical connector.

3. The multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum tank includes at least a vacuum tank shell, a first heating module, a second heating module, a pressure frame, and a thermocouple temperature sensor. The vacuum tank shell includes a bottom flange and a vacuum cover. The flange is placed horizontally, and the vacuum cover is placed above the flange and vacuum-sealed by an O-ring. The vacuum tank shell is connected to the cooling system through a water pipe joint. During testing, the thermoelectric generator under test is located between the first heating module and the second heating module; The pressure frame includes two tie rods vertically fixed to the flange and a pressure plate passing through the two tie rods to press the thermoelectric generator under test; thermocouple temperature sensors are located on the lower end face of the second heating module and the upper end face of the first heating module, respectively, to detect the hot and cold side temperatures of the thermoelectric generator under test. The thermocouple temperature sensor, the first heating module, and the second heating module are electrically connected to the testing system. The first heating module is also connected to the cooling system via a water pipe connector.

4. The multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The thermoelectric generator to be tested includes at least one or more of the following: bismuth telluride thermoelectric generator, lead telluride thermoelectric generator, cobaltite thermoelectric generator, semi-Hessler thermoelectric generator, and silicon germanide thermoelectric generator.

5. The multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer shell of the vacuum tank is made of stainless steel.

6. The thermal aging performance testing device for multi-station thermoelectric generators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glove box is equipped with a purification system, a real-time oxygen partial pressure monitoring module, and a real-time water content monitoring module.

7. The multi-station thermoelectric generator thermal aging performance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glove box includes an operating port through which the vacuum canister can be placed inside the glove box.

8. The thermal aging performance testing device for multi-station thermoelectric generators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The testing system is used to monitor the operating parameters of the thermoelectric generators under test in each vacuum tank in real time, and to perform power generation performance tests and analyses on each vacuum tank at regular intervals, plotting the curves of open-circuit voltage, internal resistance and peak power change over time, and recording and storing the test results.

Images