Thermoelectric power generation device, sunshade, and manufacturing method of thermoelectric power generation device

Abstract

To provide a thermoelectric power generation device capable of limiting a line of sight from the outside and efficiently generating power.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric power generation device 1 comprises: a first storage case 32 in which a thermoelectric element is stored; a second storage case 32 which is provided side by side at a position adjacent with the first storage case 32 while being spaced from each other; and a hold member 5 which is formed from a transparent material and holds the first storage case 32 and the second storage case 32 in a state where the cases are disposed side by side. The first storage case 32 and the second storage case 32 are frustum-shaped and the cross-sectional shape thereof in a thickness direction is formed in a tapered shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation device, a sunshade, and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermoelectric generation element and a thermoelectric generation device, which are formed by sequentially joining a high-temperature electrode that is a good conductor both electrically and thermally, a thermoelectric material, and a low-temperature electrode that is a good conductor both electrically and thermally, wherein the thermoelectric material is a semiconductor thermoelectric material whose electrical conductivity depends more on temperature than its thermal conductivity, and the thermoelectric material is in the form of a flat plate having a repeated shape along a surface, and the repeated shape has a cross-sectional area for the passage of electricity and heat that is smaller on the high-temperature side and larger on the low-temperature side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-155376 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric power generation device that can limit visibility from the outside and efficiently generate power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention comprises a first housing case housing a thermoelectric element, a second housing case housing a thermoelectric element arranged adjacent to the first housing case with a gap therebetween, and a holding member formed of a transparent material and holding the first housing case and the second housing case side-by-side, and the first housing case and the second housing case have a tapered cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction.

[0006] Preferably, the holding member is a transparent or translucent, or mesh-like sheet material or storage container, and the first storage case and the second storage case are frustum-shaped and are provided with a surface located at the lower base connected to the holding member.

[0007] Preferably, the first storage case and the second storage case have a cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction that is an isosceles trapezoid, and two adjacent first storage cases and two adjacent second storage cases have opposing faces that are symmetrically inclined.

[0008] Preferably, the first accommodating case and the second accommodating case are formed of an insulator, and further include a first thermoelectric generation unit accommodating a thermoelectric element in the first accommodating case, a second thermoelectric generation unit accommodating a thermoelectric element in the second accommodating case, and a power transmission section formed of a conductor for transmitting power between the first thermoelectric generation unit or the second thermoelectric generation unit and an external power source.

[0009] In addition, the sunshade of the present invention has a first housing case that houses a thermoelectric element, a second housing case that houses a thermoelectric element and is arranged next to the first housing case with a gap between them, and a holding member that holds the first housing case and the second housing case in a lined-up state, and the first housing case and the second housing case have a tapered cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction.

[0010] Moreover, a thermoelectric power generation device according to the present invention includes a thermoelectric element, a housing case that houses the thermoelectric element, and a buoyant body that keeps the housing case floating on the liquid surface.

[0011] In addition, a thermoelectric power generation device according to the present invention includes a thermoelectric element and a storage case that houses the thermoelectric element and is installed in a hot water storage tank in a hot water supply system, the storage case being arranged in contact with a plurality of water layers having different water temperatures in a state in which there is a temperature difference in the water stored in the hot water storage tank, and the thermoelectric element generates electricity using the temperature difference between the water layer with a higher water temperature and the water layer with a lower water temperature.

[0012] In addition, a manufacturing method for a thermoelectric power generation device according to the present invention includes the steps of forming a housing case for housing a thermoelectric element, the housing case having a tapered cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction, housing a thermoelectric element in the housing case thus formed, and holding the housing cases on a holding member while arranging a plurality of the housing cases with spaces between them. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to limit visibility from the outside and to efficiently generate power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a thermoelectric power generation device 1 according to the present embodiment is installed in a vehicle. [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view illustrating a thermoelectric power generation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a thermoelectric power generation device 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric power generation unit 3 in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric element 300 having a pn junction. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of a thermoelectric module 30. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining how light enters the thermoelectric power generation device 1. [Figure 9]4 is a flowchart illustrating a method (S10) for manufacturing the thermoelectric generator 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric power generation device 1 installed in a tank (Modification 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a thermoelectric power generation device 1 according to this embodiment is installed in a vehicle. Fig. 1(A) is a diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 1 installed in a vehicle, and Fig. 1(B) is a diagram illustrating a power supply system. As shown in FIG. 1(A), the thermoelectric power generation device 1 is detachably installed on a window glass such as a windshield, sunroof, door glass, or rear glass of a vehicle. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 installed on the window glass generates power by utilizing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 is connected to a storage battery SB so as to be able to supply generated power, and the power can be stored in the connected storage battery SB. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 is connected to the storage battery SB so as to be able to supply power by wired power supply or wireless power supply (wireless power supply). The thermoelectric power generation device 1 in this example uses a power transmission method using wireless power supply. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 is not only a power generation device, but also has a function of blocking sunlight, so it can be used as a sunshade.

[0016] The thermoelectric power generation device 1 is a device that converts thermal energy and electric energy into each other. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 generates power by utilizing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle, or generates a temperature difference by utilizing the electric power stored in the storage battery SB. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 in this example generates power by utilizing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle, and supplies the generated electric power to the storage battery SB. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 also has a first coil 7. The first coil 7 is made of a conductor and is a coil for transmitting power between the thermoelectric power generation device 1 and the storage battery SB, and in this example, functions as a power transmission coil for transmitting power generated by the thermoelectric power generation device 1 to the storage battery SB. The first coil 7 is an example of a power transmission section according to the present invention.

[0017] The storage battery SB is a device with charging and discharging functions. The storage battery SB stores the electric power generated by the thermoelectric power generation device 1 or supplies the stored electric power to the thermoelectric power generation device 1, and the storage battery SB in this example is charged with the electric power generated by the thermoelectric power generation device 1. The storage battery SB may be charged with the electric power generated by only one thermoelectric power generation device 1, or may be charged with the electric power generated simultaneously by a plurality of thermoelectric power generation devices 1, and in this example, it can be charged with the electric power of a plurality of thermoelectric power generation devices 1 at the same time. The storage battery SB also has a second coil. The second coil is made of a conductor and is a coil for transmitting power between the thermoelectric power generation device 1 and the storage battery SB, and in this example, functions as a power receiving coil for receiving the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation device 1.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 1 in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 and 3, the thermoelectric generator 1 is installed on the inside of a door glass of a vehicle. The thermoelectric generator 1 includes a thermoelectric power generation unit 3 and a holding member 5. The thermoelectric generating unit 3 is a device including a thermoelectric module 30 that converts thermal energy and electric energy into each other. The thermoelectric generating unit 3 generates electricity by utilizing a temperature difference, or generates a temperature difference by utilizing the electric power stored in the storage battery SB. The thermoelectric generating unit 3 of this example generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle, and supplies the generated electric power to the storage battery SB. The thermoelectric generating unit 3 is, for example, in the shape of a truncated pyramid or a column, and the cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction is formed in a linear or curved tapered shape. When the thermoelectric generating unit 3 is in the shape of a truncated pyramid, it is in the shape of a truncated cone or a truncated square pyramid, and when it is in the shape of a column, it is in the shape of a square column. The thermoelectric generating unit 3 of this example is in the shape of a truncated regular square pyramid, and the cross-sectional shape is an isosceles trapezoid. A plurality of thermoelectric generating units 3 are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical and horizontal directions shown in FIG. 2. The thermoelectric generating unit 3 is an example of the first thermoelectric generating unit and the second thermoelectric generating unit according to the present invention, and a detailed configuration will be described later.

[0019] The holding member 5 is a sheet material or a storage container made of a transparent, semi-transparent, or mesh-like see-through material. The holding member 5 is made of a material that is see-through enough to allow the outside of the vehicle to be seen when the holding member 5 is installed on the inside of the door glass. The holding member 5 is flexible enough to be rolled or folded into a cylindrical shape, and can maintain an extended state. The holding member 5 holds a plurality of thermoelectric generation units 3 arranged at intervals from each other. The holding member 5 holds a plurality of thermoelectric generation units 3 arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical and horizontal directions shown in FIG. 2. The holding member 5 is an example of a holding member according to the present invention.

[0020] Next, the installation state of the thermoelectric power generation unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the thermoelectric power generation device 1. As shown in FIG. A plurality of thermoelectric power generating units 3 are arranged in the vertical direction (column direction) at intervals from each other, and a plurality of thermoelectric power generating units 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction (row direction) at intervals from each other. That is, a plurality of housing cases 32 are similarly arranged in the vertical direction (column direction) at intervals from each other, and a plurality of housing cases 32 are similarly arranged in the horizontal direction (row direction) at intervals from each other. Details will be described below focusing on housing cases 32A1-E1 in the first column and housing cases 32A1-A3 in row A. Note that housing cases 32 in the second and third columns and rows B-E have the same configuration, and therefore repeated description will be omitted. The first row of housing cases 32A1 to E1 house thermoelectric modules 30 including thermoelectric elements 300. Housing case 32A1 is arranged next to housing case 32B1 at a distance, and the surfaces of adjacent housing cases 32A1 and 32B1 are symmetrically inclined at opposing positions. Housing case 32B1 is arranged next to housing case 32C1 at a distance, and the surfaces of adjacent housing cases 32B1 and 32C1 are symmetrically inclined at opposing positions. Housing case 32C1 is arranged next to housing case 32D1 at a distance, and the surfaces of adjacent housing cases 32C1 and 32D1 are symmetrically inclined at opposing positions. The housing case 32D1 is provided next to the housing case 32E1 with a gap therebetween, and the two adjacent housing cases 32D1 and 32E1 have opposing surfaces that are symmetrically inclined.

[0021] Similarly, the housing cases 32A1 to A3 in row A house thermoelectric modules 30 including thermoelectric elements 300. Housing case 32A1 is provided next to housing case 32A2 at a distance, and the surfaces facing the two adjacent housing cases 32A1 and 32A2 are symmetrically inclined. Housing case 32A2 is provided next to housing case 32A3 at a distance, and the surfaces facing the two adjacent housing cases 32A2 and 32A3 are symmetrically inclined. In this manner, two adjacent housing cases 32 (thermoelectric power generation units 3) are arranged on the holding member 5 with their inclined surfaces facing each other.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the thermoelectric power generation unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric power generation unit 3 in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric element 300 having a pn junction. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the thermoelectric module 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the thermoelectric power generation unit 3 includes a thermoelectric module 30, a housing case 32, and a housing chamber 34. The thermoelectric power generation unit 3 is configured by housing the thermoelectric module 30 in the housing case 32.

[0023] The thermoelectric module 30 is a thermoelectric power generation module that is located inside a housing case 32 described below and includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements 300 that convert thermal energy and electrical energy into each other. As illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the thermoelectric module 30 includes the thermoelectric elements 300, an electrode plate 302, lead wires 305 (not shown), and a substrate 306 (not shown). The thermoelectric element 300 is an element that converts thermal energy and electric energy into each other, and is, for example, a thermoelectric element such as a Bi-Te-based thermoelectric material, a Pb-Te-based thermoelectric material, a Sn-Se-based thermoelectric material, or a Si-Ge-based thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric element 300 includes a p-type thermoelectric element 300A and an n-type thermoelectric element 300B. The p-type thermoelectric element 300A and the n-type thermoelectric element 300B are joined to an upper electrode plate 302A and electrically connected to each other. The p-type thermoelectric element 300A and the n-type thermoelectric element 300B have a so-called π-type structure. A plurality of thermoelectric elements 300 illustrated in FIG. 7 are connected in series or in parallel to form a thermoelectric module 30 having a π-type structure. If the p-type thermoelectric element 300A is a Si-Ge based thermoelectric material, it is a SiGe alloy with boron (B) added, and if the p-type thermoelectric element 300A is a Bi-Te based thermoelectric material, it is a BiTe alloy. When the n-type thermoelectric element 300B is made of a Si-Ge based thermoelectric material, it is a SiGe alloy with antimony (Sb) added thereto, and when the n-type thermoelectric element 300B is made of a Bi-Te based thermoelectric material, it is a BiSbTe alloy.

[0024] The electrode plate 302 is a thin plate or film of a metal or transparent electrode material formed of a conductive material. The electrode plate 302 can be formed of, for example, metal-based materials such as aluminum, copper and its alloys, and silver and its alloys, and transparent electrode material-based materials such as indium tin oxide, zinc oxide, and tin oxide. In this example, the electrode plate 302 is a copper thin plate. The electrode plate 302 includes an upper electrode plate 302A and a lower electrode plate 302B. The upper electrode plate 302A electrically connects two adjacent thermoelectric elements 300 to each other. The lower electrode plate 302B electrically connects two adjacent thermoelectric elements 300 to each other. The lower electrode plate 320B also includes an electrode plate that connects to a lead wire 305 that protrudes from the inside of the accommodation chamber to the outside.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the storage case 32 is a storage container that stores the thermoelectric module 30 including the thermoelectric element 300. The storage case 32 is made of an insulating material, for example, synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. The storage case 32 is, for example, in the shape of a frustum or a column, and the cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction is formed in a linear or curved tapered shape. The storage case 32 in this example is in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid truncated, and the cross-sectional shape is an isosceles trapezoid. In the cross-sectional shape of the storage case 32, the length of the bottom surface is 2 to 3 times the length of the top surface. In other words, the length of the top surface is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 times the length of the bottom surface. In this example, the length of the top surface is 2.5 times the length of the bottom surface. In the cross-sectional shape of the storage case 32, the thickness is 1.3 to 1.5 times the length of the top surface and 0.5 to 0.7 times the length of the bottom surface. The housing 32 also includes an upper housing 320 and a lower housing 322 . The upper accommodating case 320 is an upper member of the accommodating case 32 and, together with the lower accommodating case 322 , forms an accommodating chamber 34 that accommodates the thermoelectric module 30 . The lower accommodating case 322 is a lower member of the accommodating case 32, and together with the upper accommodating case 320 forms an accommodating chamber 34 that accommodates the thermoelectric module 30. The bottom surface of the lower accommodating case 322 is also the bottom surface of the accommodating case 32, and is provided to be connected to the holding member 5. The accommodation chamber 34 is a space for accommodating the thermoelectric module 30, and is formed by an upper accommodation case 320 and a lower accommodation case 322. The accommodation chamber 34 may be in a vacuum state, may be in a normal pressure state, or may be in a sealed state.

[0026] Next, how light enters the thermoelectric power generation device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how light enters the thermoelectric power generation device 1. As shown in FIG. 1 and 8, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 is installed with a plurality of thermoelectric power generation units 3 lined up in the vertical and horizontal directions so that the bottom surface of the housing case 32 is located on the door window side. Two adjacent thermoelectric power generation units 3 are spaced apart by a distance in the range of 5 to 10 mm, for example. A user looks at the outside of the vehicle through the door window and the thermoelectric power generation device 1 from various angles. Specifically, the user looks at the outside of the vehicle through the gap between two adjacent thermoelectric power generation units 3. Light entering the interior of the vehicle from the outside enters through the gaps between two adjacent thermoelectric generation units 3 and is also reflected by the inclined surfaces of the thermoelectric generation units 3. Therefore, even if the gaps between the thermoelectric generation units 3 are small, a sufficient amount of light can enter the interior of the vehicle. In addition, because the shape of the thermoelectric generation units 3 is a truncated quadrangular pyramid and its cross-sectional shape is an isosceles trapezoid, the view from outside the vehicle is sufficiently blocked, while the outside of the vehicle can be seen sufficiently not only from the front but also from diagonally.

[0027] Next, a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric generator 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method (S10) for manufacturing the thermoelectric generator 1 in this embodiment. 9, in step 100 (S100), a worker who manufactures the thermoelectric power generation device 1 (hereinafter, the worker) produces the upper housing case 320 and the lower housing case 322 illustrated in FIG. 5 for the housing case 32 that houses the thermoelectric module 30. The worker forms a housing chamber 34 that houses the thermoelectric module 30 inside the housing case 32, and forms the upper housing case 320 and the lower housing case 322 so that the cross-sectional shape of the housing case 32 has an outer shape of a quadrangular pyramid that is an isosceles trapezoid. In other words, the worker forms the housing case 32 so that the cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction of the housing case 32 is tapered. In step 102 (S102), a worker produces the thermoelectric module 30. The worker forms the thermoelectric module 30 including the thermoelectric element 300 illustrated in FIG.

[0028] In step 104 (S104), the worker houses the thermoelectric module 30 in the formed upper housing case 320 and lower housing case 322, thereby fabricating the thermoelectric power generation unit 3. The worker fabricates the required number of thermoelectric power generation units 3. In step 106 (S106), the worker installs the thermoelectric generation unit 3, which has the thermoelectric module 30 housed in the housing case 320, on the holding member 5. The worker can install the thermoelectric generation unit 3 on the holding member 5 by connecting the bottom surface of the lower housing case 322 to the holding member 5. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the worker installs the thermoelectric generation unit 3 in the first column, row A (1-A), and installs the thermoelectric generation unit 3 in the second column, row A (2-A) at a position adjacent to the installed thermoelectric generation unit 3 in 1-A with a gap therebetween. The worker also installs the thermoelectric generation unit 3 in the first column, row B (2-B) at a position adjacent to the installed thermoelectric generation unit 3 in 1-A with a gap therebetween. In this manner, the other thermoelectric generation units 3 are installed in order.

[0029] As described above, according to the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the housing case that houses the thermoelectric module is tapered, specifically, an isosceles trapezoid, thereby limiting visibility from the outside and enabling efficient power generation. Furthermore, by forming the thermoelectric power generation device 1 in a tapered shape such as an isosceles trapezoid, it can be stored by being rolled up along an inclined surface. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0030] Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. In the modified example, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations as those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted. [Variation 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a thermoelectric power generation device 1 includes a thermoelectric power generation unit 3 and a holding member 5. The thermoelectric power generation unit 3 and a holding member 5 are arranged in a substantially rectangular shape. The thermoelectric power generation unit 3 has a thermoelectric module 30, a housing case 32, and a housing chamber 34. The thermoelectric power generation unit 3 is configured by housing the thermoelectric module 30 in the housing case 32. The housing case 32 may have a frustum shape, or may have a rectangular parallelepiped or cubic shape. The holding member 5 is a sealed case capable of protecting the housed thermoelectric power generation unit 3 from water or dust. The holding member 5 has a float 50. The float 50 is an example of a buoyant body according to the present invention, and is provided on the holding member 5 housing the thermoelectric power generation unit 3, and keeps the holding member 5 floating on the liquid surface. In this way, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of this example can be placed in a floating state on the surface of water in a pool, seawater, hot spring, etc., by sealingly housing the thermoelectric module 30 in the holding member 5 equipped with the float 50. This allows the thermoelectric power generation device 1 to generate a temperature difference between solar heat and the water, enabling efficient power generation.

[0031] [Variation 2] In the first modification, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 is described as floating on the water surface, but it may be submerged in water. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of the present embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric power generation device 1 installed in a tank. Fig. 12(A) is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric power generation device 1 installed in a vertical tank of an electric hot water water heater, and Fig. 12(B) is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric power generation device 1 installed in a horizontal tank of a heat pump water heater. 11, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 has a configuration in which the float 50 is removed from the configuration described in Modification 1. In the thermoelectric power generation device 1, a thermoelectric module 30 including a thermoelectric element and a housing case 32 (thermoelectric power generation unit 3) housing the thermoelectric module 30 are positioned inside a holding member 5. The holding member 5 is sealed to prevent water or dust from entering the inside. Instead of the holding member 5, the housing case 32 may be a sealed case that can provide protection against water or dust. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 is disposed in a hot water storage tank of a water heater such as a heat pump water heater, an electric hot water heater, or a gas water heater. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 is disposed in contact with a plurality of water layers with different water temperatures in a state where there is a temperature difference in the water stored in the hot water storage tank. Specifically, there are a water layer (high temperature layer) with a water temperature of 65°C to 90°C (specifically, 80°C to 90°C), a water layer (low temperature layer) with a water temperature of 30°C or less, and a water layer (mixed layer) with a water temperature between the two (mixed layer), and the thermoelectric power generation device 1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the mixed layer. The installed thermoelectric power generation device 1 generates electricity by contacting one side of the housing case 32 with the high temperature layer and the other side of the housing case 32 with the low temperature layer. In addition, since the position of the mixed layer in the tank changes vertically depending on the ratio of high temperature and low temperature layers stored in the tank, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 may be fixedly arranged at multiple positions in the vertical direction within the tank, or may be arranged so that it can move appropriately depending on the position of the mixed layer. As shown in FIG. 12(A), a mixed layer is located between the baffle plate and the heater in the hot water storage tank. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 is installed on the plate surface of the baffle plate and is located between the baffle plate, the heater, and the baffle plate. As shown in FIG. 12(B), a water supply pipe is arranged below the hot water storage tank, a hot water supply pipe is arranged above the tank, and a mixed layer is located near the top of the water supply pipe. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 is installed above the water supply pipe. In this way, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 can efficiently generate power by utilizing the temperature difference of the water stored in the hot water tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1 Thermoelectric power generation device 3 Thermoelectric power generation unit 30 Thermoelectric module 300 Thermoelectric element 32 Storage Case 320 Upper Storage Case 322 Lower Storage Case 5 Retaining member 50 Float

Claims

1. a first housing case housing a thermoelectric element; a second housing case that houses a thermoelectric element and is arranged adjacent to the first housing case with a gap therebetween; a holding member formed of a transparent material and configured to hold the first storage case and the second storage case in a side-by-side state; having The first storage case and the second storage case are formed to have a tapered cross-sectional shape in a thickness direction. Thermoelectric power generation device.

2. The holding member is a transparent, semi-transparent, or mesh-like sheet material or a storage container; The first housing case and the second housing case are frustum-shaped and are provided with a surface located at a lower base connected to the holding member. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 1 .

3. the first housing case and the second housing case each have an isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in a thickness direction, The two adjacent first and second housing cases have opposing surfaces that are symmetrically inclined. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 2 .

4. the first housing case and the second housing case are formed of an insulator, a first thermoelectric power generation unit in which a thermoelectric element is accommodated in a first housing case; a second thermoelectric power generation unit in which a thermoelectric element is accommodated in a second housing case; a power transmission section that is made of a conductor and transmits power between the first thermoelectric power generation unit or the second thermoelectric power generation unit and an external power source; Further having The thermoelectric generating device according to claim 3 .

5. a first housing case housing a thermoelectric element; a second housing case that houses a thermoelectric element and is arranged adjacent to the first housing case with a gap therebetween; a holding member that holds the first storage case and the second storage case in a lined-up state; having The first storage case and the second storage case are formed to have a tapered cross-sectional shape in a thickness direction. sunshade.

6. A thermoelectric element; a housing case housing the thermoelectric element; A buoyant body that holds the container case in a floating state on the liquid surface; A thermoelectric power generation device having the above structure.

7. A thermoelectric element; a storage case that stores the thermoelectric element and is installed in a hot water storage tank of a hot water supply facility; having The storage case is arranged in a state where the storage case is in contact with a plurality of layers of water having different temperatures in a state where there is a temperature difference in the water stored in the hot water storage tank, The thermoelectric element generates electricity using the temperature difference between a high-temperature water layer and a low-temperature water layer. Thermoelectric power generation device.

8. forming a case for accommodating a thermoelectric element, the case having a tapered cross-sectional shape in a thickness direction; A step of housing a thermoelectric element in the housing case thus formed; a step of holding the plurality of storage cases on a holding member in a state in which the storage cases are arranged at intervals; A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device having the above structure.

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