Thermoelectric generation device

Abstract

To provide a thermoelectric generation device in which intrusion of moisture into a thermoelectric generation module is inhibited to improve the durability.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric generation device 1 includes a heat reception plate 2 having a first surface 2a, a heat removal plate 3 having a second surface 3b facing the first surface 2a, a thermoelectric generation module 4 disposed between the first surface 2a and the second surface 3b, an inner sealing part 51 that is disposed between the first surface 2a and the second surface 3b and seals the thermoelectric generation module 4 at a peripheral edge of a first fastening member 7 fastening the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3 together, an outer sealing part 52 that is disposed between the first surface 2a and the second surface 3b and seals a peripheral edge of the thermoelectric generation module 4, a high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 disposed between the first surface 2a and the thermoelectric generation module 4, and a low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 disposed between the second surface 3b and the thermoelectric generation module 4. The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 at least partially overlap with the outer sealing part 52 in a thickness direction view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermoelectric power generation devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a thermoelectric power generation device in which a heat transfer sheet such as a carbon sheet is disposed only in a portion that corresponds to a thermoelectric element of a thermoelectric power generation module in a plan view. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-009787 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Thermoelectric power generation devices are sometimes used in environments where they are in contact with moisture or in humid environments. In such environments, the bonding surfaces of the sealing parts of the thermoelectric power generation modules are prone to deterioration and peeling, making it easy for moisture to penetrate into the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermoelectric power generation device that suppresses the intrusion of moisture into the inside of a thermoelectric power generation module and improves durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a thermoelectric power generation device comprising: a heat receiving plate having a first surface; a heat removal plate having a second surface facing the first surface; a thermoelectric power generation module arranged between the first surface and the second surface; an inner sealing portion arranged between the first surface and the second surface and sealing the thermoelectric power generation module at a peripheral portion of a fastening member fastening the heat receiving plate and the heat removal plate; an outer sealing portion arranged between the first surface and the second surface and sealing a peripheral portion of the thermoelectric power generation module; a high-temperature side heat transfer sheet arranged between the first surface and the thermoelectric power generation module; and a low-temperature side heat transfer sheet arranged between the second surface and the thermoelectric power generation module, wherein at least a portion of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet overlap the outer sealing portion when viewed in the thickness direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermoelectric power generation device in which intrusion of moisture into the inside of a thermoelectric power generation module is suppressed and durability is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the thermoelectric power generation module. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] In the embodiment, the positional relationship of each part will be described using the terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "upper", and "lower". These terms indicate relative positions or directions based on the center of the thermoelectric power generation device 1. The left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the upper-lower direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] First embodiment [Thermoelectric power generation device] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of a thermoelectric power generation module.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 includes a heat receiving plate 2, a heat removal plate 3, a thermoelectric power generation module 4, an inner sealing portion 51, an outer sealing portion 52, a high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55, and a low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56.

[0013] The heat receiving plate 2 is placed in equipment that performs exhaust heat recovery thermoelectric power generation. The heat receiving plate 2 is a rectangular plate-shaped member. The heat receiving plate 2 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The heat receiving plate 2 is made of a metal such as steel, copper (Cu), or an aluminum alloy containing aluminum (Al). The heat receiving plate 2 receives heat from the equipment. The heat of the heat receiving plate 2 is conducted to the thermoelectric power generation module 4 via a high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 described later. The heat receiving plate 2 has an upper surface (first surface) 2a facing upward.

[0014] The heat removal plate 3 is disposed facing and spaced apart from the heat reception plate 2 in the vertical direction. The heat removal plate 3 is a rectangular plate-shaped member. The heat removal plate 3 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The heat removal plate 3 is made of a metal such as steel, copper, or an aluminum alloy. The heat removal plate 3 receives heat from the thermoelectric power generation module 4 via a high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 described below. The heat of the heat removal plate 3 is dissipated to the surroundings of the thermoelectric power generation device 1 or is water-cooled. The heat removal plate 3 has a lower surface (second surface) 3b facing downward and facing the upper surface 2a of the heat reception plate 2.

[0015] The thermoelectric power generation module 4 is disposed between the heat receiving plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3. More specifically, the thermoelectric power generation module 4 is disposed between the upper surface 2a of the heat receiving plate 2 and the lower surface 3b of the heat removal plate 3. The thermoelectric power generation module 4 generates power by the Seebeck effect by creating a temperature difference between both sides (up and down in the figure) by the heat receiving plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3. The thermoelectric power generation module 4 includes a first substrate 41, a second substrate 42, and a thermoelectric conversion element 43 disposed between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42.

[0016] Each of the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 is made of an electrically insulating material. In the embodiment, each of the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 is made of ceramics, polyimide, or the like. In the embodiment, the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 are configured to have a rectangular shape.

[0017] The first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 face each other with a gap therebetween in the up-down direction. In the embodiment, the second substrate 42 is disposed higher than the first substrate 41. The first substrate 41 has an upper surface 41a facing upward and a lower surface 41b facing downward. The second substrate 42 has an upper surface 42a facing upward and a lower surface 42b facing downward and facing the upper surface 41a of the first substrate 41.

[0018] One or more thermoelectric conversion elements 43 are disposed between the upper surface 41a of the first substrate 41 and the lower surface 42b of the second substrate 42. The multiple thermoelectric conversion elements 43 are electrically connected by a first electrode 44 and a second electrode 45.

[0019] The thermoelectric conversion element 43 is made of a thermoelectric material. Examples of the thermoelectric material constituting the thermoelectric conversion element 43 include manganese silicide compounds (Mn-Si), magnesium silicide compounds (Mg-Si-Sn), skutterudite compounds (Co-Sb), half-Heusler compounds (Zr-Ni-Sn), and bismuth telluride compounds (Bi-Te). The thermoelectric conversion element 43 may be made of one compound selected from the manganese silicide compounds, magnesium silicide compounds, skutterudite compounds, half-Heusler compounds, and bismuth telluride compounds, or may be made of a combination of at least two compounds.

[0020] Thermoelectric conversion element 43 includes a p-type element and an n-type element. A plurality of p-type elements and a plurality of n-type elements are arranged in a predetermined plane. In the front-rear direction, the p-type elements and the n-type elements are arranged alternately. In the left-right direction, the p-type elements and the n-type elements are arranged alternately.

[0021] The first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 are made of a metal. Examples of metals that may be used to form the first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 include copper, an alloy containing copper, nickel (Ni), an alloy containing nickel, aluminum, and an aluminum alloy containing aluminum. The first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 may have a two-layer or three-layer structure that combines two or three of Cu, Al, and Ni. The surfaces of the first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 may be covered with a nickel film.

[0022] The first electrode 44 is provided on the upper surface 41a of the first substrate 41. A plurality of first electrodes 44 are provided in a predetermined plane parallel to the upper surface 41a of the first substrate 41. The second electrode 45 is provided on the lower surface 42b of the second substrate 42. A plurality of second electrodes 45 are provided in a predetermined plane parallel to the lower surface 42b of the second substrate 42. The first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 are connected to each of adjacent pairs of p-type element and n-type element.

[0023] The first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 connect the multiple thermoelectric conversion elements 43 in series. The first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 form a series circuit in which the multiple thermoelectric conversion elements 43 are connected in series. A p-type element and an n-type element are electrically connected via the first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 to form a pn element pair. A multiple pn element pairs are connected in series via the first electrode 44 and the second electrode 45 to form a series circuit including the multiple thermoelectric conversion elements 43.

[0024] When a current is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element 43, the thermoelectric power generation module 4 absorbs or generates heat due to the Peltier effect. When a temperature difference is provided between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42, the thermoelectric power generation module 4 generates power due to the Seebeck effect.

[0025] The lower surface 41b of the first substrate 41 on which the first electrode 44 is arranged is the cooling surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 4. The upper surface 42a of the second substrate 42 on which the second electrode 45 is arranged is the heating surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 4.

[0026] The inner sealing portion 51 is formed in a ring shape. The inner diameter of the inner sealing portion 51 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the bolt portion 71 of the first fastening member (fastening member) 7. When viewed in the vertical direction, which is viewed in the thickness direction, the inner sealing portion 51 is a peripheral portion of the first fastening member 7 that fastens the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3, and is arranged inside the thermoelectric power generation module 4. The inner sealing portion 51 is arranged inside the outer sealing portion 52. The inner sealing portion 51 is arranged between the upper surface 2a of the heat reception plate 2 and the lower surface 3b of the heat removal plate 3, and seals the thermoelectric power generation module 4 at the peripheral portion of the first fastening member 7.

[0027] The outer sealing portion 52 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. When viewed in the up-down direction, the outer sealing portion 52 is a peripheral portion between the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3, and is disposed outside the thermoelectric power generation module 4. The outer sealing portion 52 is disposed between the upper surface 2a of the heat reception plate 2 and the lower surface 3b of the heat removal plate 3, and seals the peripheral portion of the thermoelectric power generation module 4. The outer sealing portion 52 is disposed between the upper surface 2a of the heat reception plate 2 and the lower surface 3b of the heat removal plate 3, and seals the thermoelectric power generation module 4 at the peripheral portion of the upper surface 2a of the heat reception plate 2 and the peripheral portion of the lower surface 3b of the heat removal plate 3.

[0028] The inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 are made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than the heat receiving plate 2 and the heat removing plate 3. The inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 are made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. The inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 are made of a resin such as PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane), PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone), polyimide, or graphite. This suppresses heat leakage through the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52.

[0029] The high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 55 is interposed between the upper surface 2a of the heat receiving plate 2 and the lower surface 4b, which is the cooling surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 4. At least a portion of the high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 55 overlaps the outer sealing portion 52 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, the high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 55 overlaps the entire surface of the outer sealing portion 52 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, the high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 55 is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the lower surface 4b of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 that faces the upper surface 2a of the heat receiving plate 2. The high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 55 transfers heat from the heat receiving plate 2 to the lower surface 4b of the thermoelectric power generation module 4.

[0030] The low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 is interposed between the lower surface 3b of the heat removal plate 3 and the upper surface 4a, which is the heating surface, of the thermoelectric power generation module 4. At least a portion of the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 overlaps the outer sealing portion 52 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 overlaps the entire surface of the outer sealing portion 52 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the upper surface 4a of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 that faces the lower surface 3b of the heat removal plate 3. The low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 transfers heat from the thermoelectric power generation module 4 to the heat removal plate 3.

[0031] In this embodiment, the high temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 have a rectangular shape with the same size as the thermoelectric power generation module 4 when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0032] In the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56, holes having diameters approximately the same as those of the first fastening member 7, the second fastening member 8, and the lead terminal 9 described below are formed at positions corresponding to each other when viewed from the top and bottom.

[0033] The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are made of a material having thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and moisture resistance.

[0034] The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 may be made of, for example, a graphite sheet, gold foil, aluminum foil, copper foil, or lead foil. The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 may be made of, for example, a fluororesin coating film such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane), FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene), ETFE (Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylen), or ECTFE (Ethylene Chloro Tri Fluoro Ethylene). The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 may be made of, for example, a material obtained by dispersing fluororesin in clay containing aluminum or silicon and forming it into a sheet shape. The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 may be made of, for example, a material obtained by adding a filler (filling agent) to a highly heat-resistant engineering plastic to increase its thermal conductivity and forming it into a sheet shape. The engineering plastic is, for example, polyimide, fluororesin, PEEK, or the like. A silicone synthetic resin may be used. The filler may be, for example, boron nitride, magnesium oxide, aluminum nitride, or the like.

[0035] The thermal conductivity in the thickness direction of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 will be described. The higher the thermal conductivity in the thickness direction, the lower the thermal resistance, and the more heat input to the thermoelectric conversion element 43, improving the power generation performance. This lowers the temperature of the joint surfaces of the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52, suppressing deterioration of the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 due to heat. The thermal conductivity in the thickness direction of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 is desirably, for example, 1 [W / mk] or more.

[0036] The thermal conductivity in the planar direction of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 will be described. Due to its structure, the temperature of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 tends to be higher at the periphery than at the center. For this reason, the higher the thermal conductivity in the planar direction of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56, the more uniform the temperature of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 becomes, and the temperature rise of the outer sealing portion 52 in particular is reduced, thereby suppressing deterioration due to heat. The thermal conductivity in the planar direction of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 is desirably, for example, 100 [W / mk] or more.

[0037] The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 may have anisotropic thermal conductivity.

[0038] The heat resistance of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 will now be described. In waste heat recovery thermoelectric power generation from flames, heat treatment furnaces, steelmaking furnaces, steel slab heat, etc., the temperature of the heat receiving surface is expected to be up to about 300°C. Therefore, the heat resistance temperature of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 is 300°C or higher.

[0039] The moisture resistance of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 will now be described. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 is used in a humid environment. It is desirable that the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are made of a material that is impermeable to liquids and gases, is resistant to creep (stretching), and has excellent sealing properties.

[0040] In such a thermoelectric power generation device 1, the thermoelectric power generation module 4 is sandwiched vertically between the heat receiving plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3, and fastened by fastening members, a first fastening member 7 and a second fastening member 8. The first fastening member 7 and the second fastening member 8 are arranged to avoid the area where the thermoelectric power generation module 4 is arranged.

[0041] The first fastening member 7 is, for example, a hanging bolt for suspending and fixing the thermoelectric power generation device 1 to an object to be attached. The first fastening member 7 is screwed into female threads formed on the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3 to fasten the thermoelectric power generation module 4 while the thermoelectric power generation module 4 is sandwiched vertically between the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3. The first fastening member 7 is disposed inside (toward the center) the second fastening member 8 in a plan view. The first fastening member 7 fastens the heat reception plate 2, the heat removal plate 3, and the thermoelectric power generation module 4 closer to the center than the second fastening member 8 in a plan view. In the embodiment, five first fastening members 7 are disposed spaced apart from each other in a plan view.

[0042] The first fastening member 7 includes a bolt portion 71, a bolt head 72, and a spring 73. The bolt portion 71 screws into female threads formed in the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3. The bolt head 72 formed integrally with the bolt portion 71 is located above the upper surface 3a of the heat removal plate 3. The spring 73 is located between the lower surface 72b of the bolt head 72 and the upper surface 3a of the heat removal plate 3. The spring 73 urges the heat removal plate 3 downward.

[0043] The second fastening members 8 are screwed into female threads formed on the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3 to fasten the thermoelectric power generation module 4 while the thermoelectric power generation module 4 is sandwiched vertically between the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3. The second fastening members 8 are arranged outside the thermoelectric power generation module 4. In the embodiment, the second fastening members 8 are arranged on the outer periphery side of the first fastening members 7. In the embodiment, eight second fastening members 8 are arranged spaced apart in a plan view. In the embodiment, two second fastening members 8 are arranged on each side of the heat removal plate 3 in a plan view.

[0044] Similar to the first fastening member 7, the second fastening member 8 includes a bolt portion (not shown), a bolt head 82, and a spring 83. The bolt portion screws into female threads formed in the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3. The bolt head 82 formed integrally with the bolt portion is located above the heat removal plate 3. The spring 83 is located between the lower surface of the bolt head 82 and the upper surface 3a of the heat removal plate 3. The spring 83 urges the heat removal plate 3 downward.

[0045] The thermoelectric generator 1 includes a lead terminal 9. The lead terminal 9 includes a main body 91, a terminal portion 92, a lead wire 93, and a liquid gasket 94. The main body 91 and the terminal portion 92 are integrally configured. The main body 91 is electrically connected to an electrode of the thermoelectric generator module 4 via the terminal portion 92. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main body 91 is electrically connected to the second electrode 45 via the terminal portion 92. The main body 91 is drawn out to the outside of the thermoelectric generator 1 through a through hole in the heat removal plate 3. A liquid gasket 94 is disposed on the outer periphery of the main body 91. The lead wire 93 is connected to the upper end portion of the main body 91.

[0046] [effect] As described above, in the embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module 4 arranged between the heat receiving plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3 is sealed by the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52. In the embodiment, the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are arranged on the entire surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 43 and the high-temperature side and low-temperature side of the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52. As a result, the embodiment can suppress deterioration and peeling of the joint surface of the sealing portion of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 even in a moisture environment such as humidity, and suppress intrusion of moisture into the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52.

[0047] In the embodiment, the high temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are made of a material with low thermal conductivity. According to the embodiment, it is possible to reduce heat input from the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 to the thermoelectric conversion element 43. According to the embodiment, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 4.

[0048] In the embodiment, the high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 55 is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the lower surface 4b of the thermoelectric power generation module 4. In the embodiment, the low-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 56 is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the upper surface 4a of the thermoelectric power generation module 4. According to the embodiment, the intrusion of moisture from the peripheral portion of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 can be suppressed.

[0049] In the embodiment, the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are made of, for example, a graphite sheet, a gold foil, an aluminum foil, a copper foil, or a lead foil. According to the embodiment, the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 have thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and moisture resistance, and therefore can suppress the intrusion of moisture into the thermoelectric power generation module 4 even in a moisture environment such as a humid environment.

[0050] In the embodiment, the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 are made of iron, stainless steel, PFA resin, PEEK resin, polyimide resin, or graphite. According to the embodiment, it is possible to suppress heat leakage through the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52. According to the embodiment, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 4.

[0051] In the embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation module 4 can be pressed without any gaps between the heat reception plate 2 and the heat removal plate 3 by the multiple first fastening members 7 and second fastening members 8. According to the embodiment, the intrusion of moisture into the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 can be suppressed.

[0052] In the embodiment, by setting the thermal conductivity in the thickness direction of high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 to, for example, 1 [W / mk] or more, the thermal resistance in the thickness direction can be reduced, the amount of heat input to thermoelectric conversion element 43 can be increased, and power generation performance can be improved. According to the embodiment, the temperature of the bonding surfaces of inner sealing portion 51 and outer sealing portion 52 can be reduced, so that deterioration of inner sealing portion 51 and outer sealing portion 52 due to heat can be suppressed.

[0053] In the embodiment, the thermal conductivity in the planar direction of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 is set to, for example, 100 [W / mk] or more, thereby making it possible to uniformize the temperature of the thermoelectric power generation module 4. According to the embodiment, it is possible to reduce the temperature rise of the outer sealing portion 52 in particular, thereby suppressing deterioration due to heat.

[0054] In this embodiment, the high temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are impermeable, are not permeable to liquids or gases, and are less susceptible to creep, so that high sealing properties can be achieved.

[0055] In the embodiment, the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 are made of a material with low thermal conductivity, and therefore it is possible to reduce heat input from the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52. The embodiment can improve the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 4.

[0056] Second Embodiment 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the configurations of the high temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0057] When viewed from the top and bottom, the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 is separated into an inner portion 551 that covers the thermoelectric power generation module 4 and an outer portion 552 that covers the outer sealing portion 52. There may be a gap between the inner portion 551 and the outer portion 552, or the inner portion 551 and the outer portion 552 may be in contact with each other. The inner portion 551 and the outer portion 552 are made of the same material.

[0058] When viewed from the top and bottom, the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 is separated into an inner portion 561 that covers the thermoelectric power generation module 4 and an outer portion 562 that covers the outer sealing portion 52. There may be a gap between the inner portion 561 and the outer portion 562, or the inner portion 561 and the outer portion 562 may be in contact with each other. The inner portion 561 and the outer portion 562 are made of the same material.

[0059] The inner portion 551 and the inner portion 561 are rectangular. The inner portion 551 and the inner portion 561 are arranged to cover at least the range in which the thermoelectric conversion element 43 is arranged when viewed in the vertical direction. The outer portion 552 and the outer portion 562 are frame-shaped surrounding the inner portion 551. The outer portion 552 and the outer portion 562 are arranged to cover at least the outer sealing portion 52 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0060] [effect] As described above, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even in a moisture environment such as a humid environment, deterioration and peeling of the bonding surface of the sealing portion of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 can be suppressed, and penetration of moisture into the inner sealing portion 51 and the outer sealing portion 52 can be suppressed.

[0061] Third embodiment 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the configurations of the high temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are different from those in the second embodiment.

[0062] High temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 has inner portion 551 and outer portion 552 made of different materials.

[0063] Low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 has inner portion 561 and outer portion 562 made of different materials.

[0064] [effect] As described above, in the embodiment, the inner portion 551 and the outer portion 552 of the high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 55 and the inner portion 561 and the outer portion 562 of the low-temperature-side heat transfer sheet 56 can be made of appropriate materials. According to the embodiment, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 can be improved.

[0065] Fourth embodiment 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generation device according to a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configurations of the high temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 and the low temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0066] The thickness d55 of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 is thicker than the thickness d56 of the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56. For example, d55 is twice as thick as d56. Since the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 becomes hot, d55 is made thick to suppress deformation. The low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 has a thin d56 to reduce thermal resistance.

[0067] [effect] As described above, in the embodiment, the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet 55 can suppress deformation due to heat. In the embodiment, the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet 56 can reduce thermal resistance. In the embodiment, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 4 can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...Thermoelectric generator, 2...Heat receiving plate, 2a...Top surface (first surface), 2b...Bottom surface, 3...Heat removal plate, 3a...Top surface, 3b...Bottom surface (second surface), 4...Thermoelectric power generation module, 4a...Top surface, 4 b...bottom surface, 41...first substrate, 41a...top surface, 41b...bottom surface, 42...second substrate, 42a...top surface, 42b...bottom surface, 43...thermoelectric conversion element, 44...first electrode, 45...second electrode , 51...inner sealing portion, 52...outer sealing portion, 55...high temperature side heat transfer sheet, 56...low temperature side heat transfer sheet, 7...first fastening member (fastening member), 71...bolt portion, 72...bolt head, 73...spring, 8...second fastening member, 82...bolt head, 83...spring, 9...lead terminal, 91...main body portion, 92...terminal portion, 93...lead wire, 94...liquid gasket.

Claims

1. A heat receiving plate having a first surface; a heat rejector plate having a second surface facing the first surface; a thermoelectric power generation module disposed between the first surface and the second surface; an inner sealing portion that is disposed between the first surface and the second surface and seals the thermoelectric power generation module at a peripheral portion of a fastening member that fastens the heat receiving plate and the heat removing plate; an outer sealing portion disposed between the first surface and the second surface and sealing a periphery of the thermoelectric power generation module; a high-temperature side heat transfer sheet disposed between the first surface and the thermoelectric power generation module; a low-temperature side heat transfer sheet disposed between the second surface and the thermoelectric power generation module; Equipped with The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet at least partially overlap the outer sealing portion when viewed in the thickness direction. Thermoelectric power generation device.

2. the high-temperature-side heat transfer sheet is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the thermoelectric power generation module that faces the heat removal plate, the low-temperature-side heat transfer sheet is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the thermoelectric power generation module that faces the heat receiving plate. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 1 .

3. The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet are, for example, composed of a graphite sheet, a gold foil, an aluminum foil, a copper foil, or a lead foil. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inner sealing portion and the outer sealing portion are made of iron, stainless steel, PFA resin, PEEK resin, polyimide resin, or graphite. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a plurality of fastening members for fastening the thermoelectric power generation module in a state in which the thermoelectric power generation module is sandwiched between the heat receiving plate and the heat removing plate in the vertical direction; The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

6. The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet are separated into an inner portion covering the thermoelectric power generation module and an outer portion covering the outer sealing portion when viewed in the thickness direction. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The high-temperature side heat transfer sheet and the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet are made of different materials in the inner portion and the outer portion. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 6 .

8. The thickness of the high-temperature side heat transfer sheet is thicker than the thickness of the low-temperature side heat transfer sheet. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2.

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