Vehicle thermal power generation structure

Abstract

To address an issue of conventional vehicle thermal power generation structures that struggle to achieve efficient thermal power generation due to an insufficient temperature difference between vehicle components.SOLUTION: In a vehicle thermal power generation structure 10, a thermal power generation element 25 is arranged between a vehicle body panel 12 and an air-conditioning duct 33. The vehicle thermal power generation structure 10 generates power with a Seebeck effect according to a temperature difference between the vehicle body panel 12 and the air-conditioning duct 33. Thus, the vehicle thermal power generation structure can increase the temperature difference between the vehicle body panel 12 and the air-conditioning duct 33 and thereby realizing efficient power generation with the thermal power generation element 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generating structure for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of the structure of a vehicle equipped with a conventional thermoelectric generator is the structure described in Patent Document 1. In this thermoelectric generator, thermal power generation is performed by a thermoelectric conversion element by utilizing the temperature difference between the high-temperature heat of the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine and the low-temperature heat of the cooling water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-521139 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned thermoelectric generator, the thermoelectric conversion element needs to be disposed between the exhaust pipe through which the exhaust gas flows and the cooling pipe through which the cooling water flows, and the exhaust pipe and the cooling pipe need to be disposed close to each other, which causes a problem that the vehicle piping design is easily restricted. Also, depending on the region in which the thermoelectric conversion element is disposed, there is a problem that the temperature difference between the exhaust pipe and the cooling pipe becomes small, making it difficult to realize efficient thermal power generation.

[0005] In addition, due to the recent trend of electrifying vehicles as a result of exhaust gas regulations, etc., the internal combustion engine is eliminated from the vehicle, and the peripheral parts are also eliminated. As a result, there is a problem that it is not possible to configure a thermoelectric generator using an internal combustion engine in an electrified vehicle.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and relates to a thermoelectric generation structure for a vehicle that realizes efficient thermal power generation by arranging a thermoelectric generation element in an area inside the vehicle where the temperature difference between the high-temperature side and the low-temperature side is large. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a thermoelectric generation structure for a vehicle that generates thermal electricity by utilizing a temperature difference generated in the vehicle, and is characterized in that it comprises a body panel of the vehicle, an air conditioning duct at least a portion of which is assembled along the body panel, and a thermoelectric generation element arranged on the interior side of the body panel, wherein an opening area is formed on the surface of the air conditioning duct facing the body panel, the thermoelectric generation element is arranged opposite the opening area of ​​the air conditioning duct, a first surface of the thermoelectric generation element is connected to the body panel, and a second surface of the thermoelectric generation element is exposed to the air conditioned air flowing through the air conditioning duct. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelectric generator structure for a vehicle is provided between a vehicle body panel and an air conditioning duct. The thermoelectric generator structure for a vehicle generates thermoelectric power by generating the Seebeck effect according to the temperature difference between the vehicle body panel and the air conditioning duct. This structure increases the temperature difference between the vehicle body panel and the air conditioning duct, allowing the thermoelectric generator to generate thermoelectric power efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle having a thermal power generation structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle having a thermal power generation structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a thermal power generation structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thermal power generation structure for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A vehicle thermal power generation structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. The front-rear direction of the paper indicates the overall length of the vehicle 11, the left-right direction of the paper indicates the width direction of the vehicle 11, and the up-down direction of the paper indicates the height direction of the vehicle 11.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle 11 in which a thermal power generation structure 10 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is installed. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle 11 in which a thermal power generation structure 10 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is installed. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle 11 in which a thermal power generation structure 10 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is installed. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the thermal power generation structure 10 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, showing a cross section along line AA shown in Fig. 3.

[0012] 1, for example, a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc. are adopted as the vehicle 11. Note that the vehicle 11 is not limited to the above-mentioned electric vehicles, but also includes a vehicle 11 that runs on an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline or the like.

[0013] The vehicle 11 has a vehicle body frame (not shown) and a vehicle body panel 12 attached to the vehicle body frame. A roof panel 12A as the vehicle body panel 12 is attached to the vehicle body frame on the ceiling surface of the interior of the vehicle 11.

[0014] The roof panel 12A is formed as a design surface of the vehicle 11, and is a member that is easily affected by the external environment. On a clear day in summer, direct sunlight is shining directly onto the roof panel 12A, and the temperature of the roof panel 12A may rise to, for example, about 100 degrees. Meanwhile, a trim 30 (see FIG. 3) serving as an interior part is attached to the interior side of the roof panel 12A. An air conditioning duct 33 (see FIG. 4) of the air conditioning unit 27 (see FIG. 2), an airbag unit (not shown), and the like are disposed in a hollow space 41 between the roof panel 12A and the trim 30.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 11 includes, for example, a vehicle control unit 21, a power receiving unit 22, a rectifier circuit 23, a battery 24, a thermoelectric generator 25, a rectifier circuit 26, an air conditioner 27, a motor drive unit 28, and a motor 29.

[0016] The vehicle control unit 21 is configured to have a CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT), a ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY), a RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY), etc. The vehicle control unit 21 is an electronic control unit (ECU) having one or more processors for executing various calculations for controlling the drive devices (not shown) of the vehicle 11, such as the motor 29, etc.

[0017] The vehicle control unit 21 also includes a storage unit (not shown), which is configured, for example, with a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory). The storage unit stores various data required for calculations in the vehicle control unit 21 and one or more programs executable by the one or more processors.

[0018] Power receiving unit 22 is, for example, a power receiving coil, and is disposed in an underfloor space (not shown) of vehicle 11. Power receiving unit 22 receives power from a power supply unit of a charging path (not shown) by, for example, an electromagnetic induction system, a magnetic field resonance system, an electric field coupling system, or the like. Note that power receiving unit 22 is not limited to a non-contact charging system, and may also be a contact charging system via a charging gun.

[0019] The rectifier circuit 23 is supplied with an AC input voltage based on the current generated by the power receiving unit 22. The rectifier circuit 23 functions as an AC (Alternating Current) / DC (Direct Current) conversion circuit, converts the input voltage as an AC voltage into a DC voltage, and supplies the DC voltage to the battery 24.

[0020] The battery 24 is connected to the power receiving unit 22 via the rectifier circuit 23, and is disposed, for example, in the underfloor space. A secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery, or an all-solid-state battery is used as the battery 24. The battery 24 supplies power to a motor 29, which is a drive source of the vehicle 11, and the like.

[0021] The thermoelectric power generating element 25 is, for example, a Peltier element, and generates thermal power by generating a Seebeck effect according to the temperature difference occurring between the members constituting the vehicle 11. Details will be described later with reference to Fig. 4, but a first surface 25A of the thermoelectric power generating element 25 is fixed to the roof panel 12A, and a second surface 25B of the thermoelectric power generating element 25 is exposed to the inside of the air conditioning duct 33 (see Fig. 4). The thermoelectric power generating element 25 generates thermal power by utilizing the temperature difference between the roof panel 12A and the inside of the air conditioning duct 33.

[0022] A DC input voltage is supplied to the rectifier circuit 26 based on the current generated by the thermoelectric generator 25. The rectifier circuit 26 functions as a DC / DC converter circuit, adjusts the DC voltage, and supplies it to the battery 24.

[0023] The air conditioner 27 includes a blower, a cooler, a heater, an air conditioning duct, etc. (not shown), takes in air inside the vehicle cabin and outside air, and adjusts the temperature of the conditioned air to be blown into the vehicle cabin. The conditioned air is then blown into the vehicle cabin through an air conditioning duct 33, thereby adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle cabin to a comfortable temperature for the occupants.

[0024] The air conditioning duct 33 is formed by extrusion molding using, for example, a multi-layered synthetic resin plate. With this structure, when the air conditioner 27 performs cooling operation, the air conditioning wind cooled by the cooler flows through the air conditioning duct 33, thereby cooling the air conditioning duct 33 itself. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 27 performs heating operation, the air conditioning wind warmed by the heater flows through the air conditioning duct 33, thereby warming the air conditioning duct 33 itself.

[0025] The motor drive unit 28 includes an inverter, a DC / DC converter, and the like for driving the motor 29. The motor drive unit 28 generates an AC current for driving the motor 29 based on the power supply voltage of the battery 24, and supplies the AC current to the motor 29. The motor drive unit 28 controls the torque of the motor 29 by controlling the AC current.

[0026] The motor 29 is configured as a motor generator having a power generating function, and drives the wheels of the vehicle 11 based on the supplied AC current.

[0027] 3, in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 11, an air outlet 34 of the air conditioner 27 is disposed in the trim 30 above a window portion 32 on the rear side of a rear seat 31. The air outlet 34 is formed at the tip of one of the air conditioning ducts 33 extending from a housing (not shown) of the air conditioner 27. As described above, when the air conditioner 27 performs cooling operation, cooled conditioned air flows through the air conditioning duct 33, and when the air conditioner 27 performs heating operation, heated conditioned air flows through the air conditioning duct 33.

[0028] 4, the air conditioning duct 33 is disposed in a hollow space 41 between the roof panel 12A and the trim 30. A portion of the air conditioning duct 33 is formed along the roof panel 12A, so that the roof panel 12A and the air conditioning duct 33 are formed in close proximity to each other. In the region of the air conditioning duct 33 that is in close proximity to the roof panel 12A, an opening region 33C that opens to the roof panel 12A side is formed.

[0029] As shown in the figure, the air conditioning duct 33 is formed with an opening protrusion 33A that protrudes toward the roof panel 12A in, for example, a cylindrical shape. The air conditioning duct 33 is assembled in the hollow space 41 so that the tip of the opening protrusion 33A comes into contact with the roof panel 12A. With this structure, the opening area 33C at the tip of the opening protrusion 33A of the air conditioning duct 33 is blocked or partially blocked by the roof panel 12A, thereby preventing the conditioned air from leaking into the hollow space 41.

[0030] The thermoelectric power generating element 25 is fixed to the roof panel 12A on the inside of the opening protrusion 33A, for example, by bolting. Specifically, the thermoelectric power generating element 25 is fixed to the roof panel 12A so that the first surface 25A of the thermoelectric power generating element 25 is in contact with the roof panel 12A. Meanwhile, the second surface 25A of the thermoelectric power generating element 25 is exposed to the inside of the opening protrusion 33A of the air conditioning duct 33.

[0031] With this structure, heat from the roof panel 12A is transferred to the first surface 25A of the thermoelectric generator 25. On the other hand, heat from the air conditioning wind flowing through the air conditioning duct 33 is transferred to the second surface 25B of the thermoelectric generator 25.

[0032] Here, when the outside temperature is high, such as on a clear day in summer, the first surface 25A side of the thermoelectric generating element 25 functions as the high temperature side, and the second surface 25B side of the thermoelectric generating element 25 functions as the low temperature side. As described above, when the roof panel 12A is exposed to direct sunlight, the roof panel 12A becomes, for example, about 100 degrees. On the other hand, when the air conditioning air is cooled to about 25 degrees by the cooling operation of the air conditioner 27, the inside of the air conditioning duct 33 becomes, for example, about 25 degrees. As a result, a temperature difference of about 75 degrees is applied to the thermoelectric generating element 25, which generates a Seebeck effect, and the thermoelectric generating element 25 generates a DC voltage.

[0033] Furthermore, when the outside temperature is low, such as during snowfall in winter, the first surface 25A of the thermoelectric generating element 25 functions as the low temperature side, and the second surface 25B of the thermoelectric generating element 25 functions as the high temperature side. When snow accumulates on the roof panel 12A, the roof panel 12A becomes, for example, at about 0 degrees. On the other hand, when the air conditioning air is heated to about 25 degrees by the heating operation of the air conditioner 27, the inside of the air conditioning duct 33 becomes, for example, at about 25 degrees. As a result, a temperature difference of about 25 degrees is applied to the thermoelectric generating element 25, which generates a Seebeck effect, and the thermoelectric generating element 25 generates a DC voltage.

[0034] That is, in the thermoelectric generation structure 10 for a vehicle of this embodiment, thermoelectric generation is performed by the thermoelectric element 25 using the roof panel 12A, which is easily affected by the external environment, and the air conditioning duct 33, which allows easy temperature adjustment of the conditioned air. By using the roof panel 12A and the air conditioning duct 33, it is possible to increase the temperature difference generated between the components of the vehicle 11, particularly during high temperatures in summer, and efficient thermoelectric generation is realized. In addition, the air conditioning duct 33 has a structure that has been conventionally assembled into the hollow space 41, and the thermoelectric generation structure 10 for a vehicle is realized by adding the opening protrusion 33A to the air conditioning duct 33, and the thermoelectric generation structure 10 for a vehicle is prevented from becoming complicated.

[0035] Furthermore, in the air conditioning duct 33, a protrusion 33B is formed below the opening protrusion 33A, protruding toward the opening region 33C. Arrow 42 indicates the air conditioning wind flowing through the air conditioning duct 33, and the air conditioning wind collides with the protrusion 33B, changing its flow direction toward the opening protrusion 33A. After that, the air conditioning wind collides with the second surface 25B of the thermoelectric generator 25, and flows toward the air outlet 34.

[0036] This structure makes it easier for the second surface 25B of the thermoelectric generator 25 to collide with the conditioned air, which makes it easier for the heat of the conditioned air to be transferred to the second surface 25B of the thermoelectric generator 25. The conditioned air has a stable temperature according to the temperature setting in the air conditioner 27, and the temperature difference applied to the thermoelectric generator 25 is also stably ensured. As a result, efficient thermal power generation in the thermoelectric generator 25 is achieved.

[0037] Furthermore, between the air conditioning duct 33 in the hollow space 41 and the roof panel 12A, a heat insulating material 38 is disposed around the opening protrusion 33A. The heat insulating material 38 is, for example, a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane. As described above, the air conditioning duct 33 itself is cooled and heated by the air conditioning wind flowing therethrough. In the area where the thermoelectric generator 25 is disposed and its surrounding area, the air conditioning duct 33 is disposed adjacent to the roof panel 12A.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow 43, a heat insulating material 38 is disposed around the opening protrusion 33A, so that the roof panel 12A is less likely to be cooled or heated by heat transfer from the air conditioning duct 33. With this structure, heat corresponding to the external environment of the vehicle 11 is transferred to the first surface 25A side of the thermoelectric generating element 25, so that the above-mentioned temperature difference applied to the thermoelectric generating element 25 is stably ensured. As a result, efficient thermoelectric generation is achieved in the thermoelectric generating element 25.

[0039] In this embodiment, the roof panel 12A is used as the vehicle body panel 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a door panel, a pillar panel, or the like may be used as the vehicle body panel 12. As described above, by disposing the vehicle body panel 12 exposed to direct sunlight and the air conditioning duct 33 on the passenger compartment side of the vehicle body panel 12, the above temperature difference is realized, and the vehicle thermoelectric generation structure 10 can provide the same effects as those described above.

[0040] Furthermore, if the vehicle 11 is, for example, a BEV, engine parts are not required, and the front compartment of the vehicle 11 can be used as a front storage space. By providing an outside air intake duct below the front hood, the above-mentioned temperature difference is realized, and the same effect as that described above can be obtained for the vehicular thermoelectric generator structure 10. In addition, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10. Vehicle thermoelectric generation structure 11 Vehicles 12 Body Panel 12A Roof Panel 21 Vehicle control unit 22 Power receiving section 23 Rectifier circuit 24 Battery 25 Thermoelectric element 25A First Side 25B Second Side 26 Rectifier circuit 27 Air conditioner 28 Motor drive unit 29 Motor 30 Trim 31 Back Seat 32 Window 33 Air conditioning duct 33A Opening protrusion 33B Protrusion 33C opening area 34 Air outlet 38 Insulation 41 Hollow space

Claims

1. A vehicle thermoelectric power generation structure that generates thermal power by utilizing a temperature difference generated in a vehicle, A body panel of the vehicle; an air conditioning duct, at least a portion of which is attached along the vehicle body panel; a thermoelectric generating element disposed on the interior side of the vehicle body panel, an opening area is formed on a surface of the air conditioning duct facing the vehicle body panel, and the thermoelectric generator is disposed opposite the opening area of ​​the air conditioning duct; A thermoelectric generation structure for a vehicle, characterized in that a first surface of the thermoelectric generation element is connected to the vehicle body panel, and a second surface of the thermoelectric generation element is exposed to air conditioning air flowing through the air conditioning duct.

2. The vehicle thermoelectric generating structure according to claim 1 , wherein a protrusion is formed inside the air conditioning duct, the protrusion protruding toward the opening area.

3. 3. The vehicle thermoelectric generating structure according to claim 2, wherein a heat insulating material is provided around the opening area between the vehicle body panel and the air conditioning duct.

4. 4. The thermoelectric generating structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body panel is a roof panel.

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