Power generation module

Abstract

To provide a power generation module capable of effectively utilizing unused optical energy.SOLUTION: A power generation module generates power based on energy emitted from a heat source, and includes: a plurality of reflectors that are arranged so as to cover the heat source, have a diameter that gradually decreases as the distance from the heat source increases, and have an opening at a tip; an optical rectenna element that is provided at the opening of each reflector; and an infrared wavelength selection film that is provided on the heat source side relative to the optical rectenna element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power generation module.

Background Art

[0002] Attention has been focused on power generation technologies that utilize unused energy such as waste heat from plants. As an example of this type of technology, the one described in Patent Document 1 below is known. In the technology according to Patent Document 1 below, it is said that power can be generated using waste heat as a heat source by a metamaterial-coupled antenna.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the part where waste heat of the plant as described above is generated, in addition to heat, light energy such as infrared rays actually exists. Conventionally, the idea of utilizing such light energy has not been presented, and there has been a problem that the effective utilization of unused energy is limited.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power generation module capable of effectively utilizing unused light energy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a power generation module according to the present disclosure is a power generation module that generates power based on energy emitted from a heat source, and a plurality of the power generation modules are arranged so as to cover the heat source, and the diameter gradually decreases as the distance from the heat source increases along the axis, and a reflector having an open tip, a light rectenna element provided at the opening of the reflector, and an infrared wavelength selection film provided on the heat source side in the axial direction with respect to the light rectenna element.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power generation module capable of effectively utilizing unused light energy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <First Embodiment> (Configuration of Power Generation Module) Hereinafter, the power generation module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1, this power generation module 1 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of a pipe 100 through which a fluid at a high temperature (for example, about 200°C) such as the drainage pipe of a power generation plant flows. That is, the pipe 100 is a heat source, and radiant heat from the heat source is radiated as light energy in the form of infrared rays. The power generation module 1 is a device for generating electric power from these energies.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the power generation module 1 includes an infrared wavelength selection film 10, a reflector 20, a photoreceptor element 30, a Peltier element 40, and an outer cover 50.

[0011] (Infrared wavelength selection film) The infrared wavelength selection film 10 has a cylindrical shape covering from the outer peripheral side of the pipe 100. The infrared wavelength selection film 10 transmits only a part of the wavelength components of the infrared rays emitted from the pipe 100 as a heat source. Specifically, the infrared wavelength selection film 10 transmits infrared rays having the wavelength at which the power generation efficiency of the photoreceptor element 30 described later is the highest. Components other than the selected wavelength are reflected by the infrared wavelength selection film 10 and return to the heat source side again. As the infrared wavelength selection film 10, a metamaterial in which a plurality of cylinders having a desired wavelength size as the longitudinal dimension are combined is preferably used. More specifically, a metamaterial in which a plurality of cylindrical members opening at intervals on a plane are combined, or a metamaterial in which a plurality of cavities are formed on a plane can be considered.

[0012] (Reflector) The reflector 20 is provided on the further outer peripheral side of the infrared selective film. The reflector 20 is a condenser that converges the infrared rays transmitted through the infrared wavelength selective film 10. More specifically, this reflector 20 has a Winston cone shape with the direction away from the heat source as the axis. That is, the reflector 20 has a conical shape that gradually decreases in diameter as it moves away from the heat source side. Put another way, the reflector 20 constitutes a compound parabolic concentrator. An opening is formed at the tip of the reflector 20 (that is, the end on the side opposite to the heat source). The infrared rays incident on the inner peripheral side of the reflector 20 are repeatedly reflected a plurality of times on the inner peripheral surface and finally converge at the focus at the opening. A plurality of such reflectors 20 are arranged in a grid pattern at intervals along the outer surface of the infrared wavelength selective film 10.

[0013] (Optical rectenna element) The optical rectenna element 30 is provided at the opening of the above-described reflector 20. The optical rectenna element 30 converts the light energy of the infrared rays that have passed through the reflector 20 and are incident on itself into electric power. The electric power energy generated by the optical rectenna element 30 is collected by wiring laid in the outer surface cover 50 that covers the outside of these optical rectenna elements 30 and taken out to the outside.

[0014] (Peltier element) A Peltier element 40 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reflector 20. The Peltier element 40 generates electric power based on the thermal energy generated on the outer peripheral surface of the reflector 20 to which it is attached. That is, while a specific wavelength component of the infrared rays radiated from the heat source is converted into electric power by the optical rectenna element 30, the thermal energy that has not reached the optical rectenna element 30 heats the reflector 20, creating a temperature difference between the outer peripheral surface of the reflector 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the Peltier element 40. The Peltier element 40 generates electric power based on this temperature difference.

[0015] (Outer surface cover) The outer cover 50 covers the outside of the plurality of arranged reflectors 20. The outer cover 50 protects members such as the reflector 20 from impact and dirt, and incorporates wiring for recovering the electric power (current) generated by the above-described optical rectenna element 30 and Peltier element 40.

[0016] (Function and effect) In recent years, attention has been focused on power generation technologies using unused energy such as waste heat from plants. As an example of this type of technology, a device for generating electricity using waste heat as a heat source has been proposed by a metamaterial-coupled antenna. However, in the part where waste heat of the above-mentioned plant occurs, light energy such as infrared rays as heat actually exists. Conventionally, the idea of using such light energy has not been presented, and there has been a problem that the scope of utilization of unused energy is limited. Therefore, in the present embodiment, each of the above-described configurations is adopted.

[0017] According to the above configuration, infrared rays emitted from a high-temperature heat source can be converged by the reflector 20 to the opening and irradiated to the optical rectenna element 30. Thereby, the optical rectenna element 30 generates electric power (generates electricity) from light energy. Further, an infrared wavelength selection film 10 is provided on the heat source side rather than the optical rectenna element 30. Thereby, only infrared rays having a wavelength at which the power generation efficiency of the optical rectenna element 30 is maximized can be selectively extracted and directed to the optical rectenna element 30. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform power generation by light energy with high efficiency. In addition, the remaining wavelength components not selected by the infrared wavelength selection film 10 are reflected by the film and returned to the heat source side. The infrared rays whose wavelength is converted again by touching the heat source are radiated again toward the power generation module 1 from the heat source, and the above-described power generation cycle is repeated. In this way, by using only the heat source and the power generation module 1, electric power can be generated from the heat source semi-permanently. Therefore, it becomes possible to further effectively utilize unused energy.

[0018] Here, some components of the infrared rays radiated from the heat source are absorbed as thermal energy by the reflector 20 itself and heated while traveling inside the reflector 20. According to the above configuration, a temperature difference occurs between the inner surface and the outer surface of the Peltier element 40 provided on the outer surface of the reflector 20. Electric power can be generated based on the thermal energy based on the above temperature difference. That is, the thermal energy of the infrared rays absorbed by the reflector 20 can also be effectively utilized by the Peltier element 40 to generate electricity. As a result, the effective utilization of unused energy can be realized with further efficiency. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the overall energy efficiency of a plant or the like provided with a heat source.

[0019] According to the above configuration, since the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is provided between the reflector 20 and the heat source, the wavelength of the infrared rays heading toward the reflector 20 is pre-converted into a band in which the power generation efficiency of the photorectenna element 30 is the highest. As a result, it becomes possible to further increase the power generation efficiency by the photorectenna element 30.

[0020] According to the above configuration, since the reflector 20 has a Winston cone shape, the infrared rays emitted from the heat source can be efficiently converged to the tip of the reflector 20 according to the shape. As a result, it becomes possible to concentrate infrared rays on the photorectenna element 30 provided at the tip of the reflector 20, so that the power generation efficiency by the photorectenna element 30 can be further improved.

[0021] The first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configurations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0022] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 3. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0023] The power generation module 1 according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it does not include a Peltier element 40 but includes a heat insulation cover 60.

[0024] (Heat insulation cover) The heat insulation cover 60 is provided further inside, that is, on the heat source side of the infrared wavelength selection film 10. The heat insulation cover 60 covers the pipe 100 (heat source) from the outside. Further, a space is formed between the heat insulation cover 60 and the infrared wavelength selection film 10. This space forms a vacuum heat insulation layer 70. That is, a part or most of the heat generated from the pipe 100 is absorbed by this vacuum heat insulation layer 70 and is not dissipated to the outside.

[0025] (Function and effect) According to the above configuration, a vacuum heat insulation layer 70 by the heat insulation cover 60 is formed between the heat source and the infrared wavelength selection film 10. Therefore, most of the heat emitted from the heat source is absorbed by the vacuum heat insulation layer 70 and is not dissipated to the outside. As a result, it becomes possible to replace the conventional heat insulation material. In addition, since it becomes difficult for heat to reach the reflector 20, other members such as the Peltier element 40 for utilizing the heat become unnecessary, and it becomes possible to configure the power generation module 1 more simply and at a lower cost. Thereby, even when a long-distance object such as the pipe 100 of a plant or the like is used as a heat source, the disadvantage in terms of cost can be avoided, and the power generation module 1 can be widely applied with high versatility.

[0026] The second embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configuration without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, while providing the heat insulation cover 60, it is also possible to attach the Peltier element 40 described in the first embodiment to the reflector 20. In this case, even if heat energy that could not be completely absorbed by the vacuum heat insulation layer 70 is generated, it can be recovered without residue by the Peltier element 40 and converted into electric energy. Therefore, it is possible to further effectively utilize unused energy.

[0027] <Third Embodiment> Next, the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0028] (Infrared wavelength selection film) In this embodiment, the position where the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is provided is different from that in the above embodiments. Specifically, the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is in contact with the photoreceptor element 30 and is provided for each photoreceptor element 30. More specifically, the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is attached to the surface of the photoreceptor element 30 facing the heat source side. Therefore, the area of the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is equivalent to the area of the opening of the reflector 20.

[0029] (Inner cover) The heat source side of the reflector 20 is covered by the inner cover 80. As the inner cover 80, a film material made of synthetic resin and capable of transmitting infrared rays is preferably used.

[0030] (Function and effect) According to the above configuration, the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is in contact with the photoreceptor element 30 and is provided for each photoreceptor element 30. Thereby, the usage amount of the infrared wavelength selection film 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the power generation module 1 can be significantly reduced. Further, according to the above configuration, since the area of the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is limited, all wavelength bands of the infrared rays generated from the heat source are once taken into the reflector 20. Therefore, for example, when a Peltier element 40 is provided on the reflector 20, it is possible to convert the heat energy of the infrared rays in all the above wavelength bands into electric power by the Peltier element 40. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both cost reduction of the device and further improvement of energy efficiency.

[0031] (Other embodiments) As described above, each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included.

[0032] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the power generation module 1 is applied to the pipe 100 as a heat source has been described. However, the heat source is not limited to the pipe 100, and it may be a wall surface 110 in which a heat source such as a high-temperature fluid or a mechanical device exists inside as shown in FIG. 5. By attaching the power generation module 1 to this wall surface 110, the same operational effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0033] Also, the reflector 20 does not necessarily have to have a Winston cone shape, and any optical element that can converge light to a single point can be used as the reflector 20.

[0034] Furthermore, depending on the temperature range of the heat source, it is possible to provide a heat insulating material 90 between the heat source and the power generation module 1. Even in this case, the same operational effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0035] Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which there is no filling material between the reflectors 20 and it is a space has been described. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength and rigidity of the entire power generation module 1, it is possible to fill this space with a translucent synthetic resin or the like that does not obstruct the propagation of light. In addition, in order to further prevent heat dissipation to the outside, it is also possible to fill the space with a resin or a porous body having high heat insulation performance.

[0036] <Supplementary Note> The power generation module 1 described in each embodiment is understood as follows, for example.

[0037] (1) The power generation module 1 according to the first aspect is a power generation module 1 that generates electricity based on the energy emitted from a heat source, and a plurality of them are arranged so as to cover the heat source, and gradually decrease in diameter as they move away from the heat source along the axis, and the reflector 20 having an open tip, a light rectenna element 30 provided at the opening of the reflector 20, and an infrared wavelength selection film 10 provided on the heat source side in the axial direction with respect to the light rectenna element 30.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the infrared rays emitted from the high-temperature heat source can be converged to the opening by the reflector 20 and irradiated onto the light rectenna element 30. Thereby, it becomes possible to generate electric power from light energy by the light rectenna element 30.

[0039] (2) The power generation module 1 according to the second aspect is the power generation module 1 of (1), and further includes a Peltier element 40 provided on the outer surface of the reflector 20.

[0040] Here, a part of the components of the infrared rays radiated from the heat source heats the reflector 20 itself with thermal energy while traveling inside the reflector 20, and a temperature difference occurs between the outer surface of the reflector 20 and the outer surface of the Peltier element 40 provided on the outer surface of the reflector 20, and electric power can be generated based on the thermal energy based on the above temperature difference.

[0041] (3) The power generation module 1 according to the third aspect is the power generation module 1 of (1) or (2), and the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is provided between the reflector 20 and the heat source.

[0042] According to the above configuration, since the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is provided between the reflector 20 and the heat source, the wavelength of the infrared rays heading toward the reflector 20 is pre-converted to the band where the power generation efficiency of the light rectenna element 30 is the highest. Thereby, it becomes possible to further increase the power generation efficiency by the light rectenna element 30.

[0043] (4) The power generation module 1 according to the fourth aspect is the power generation module 1 of (3), and further includes a heat insulation cover 60 that forms a vacuum heat insulation layer 70 between the heat source and the infrared wavelength selection film 10.

[0044] According to the above configuration, a vacuum heat insulation layer 70 by the heat insulation cover 60 is formed between the heat source and the infrared wavelength selection film 10. Therefore, most of the heat emitted from the heat source is absorbed by the vacuum heat insulation layer 70 and is not dissipated to the outside. This makes it possible to replace the conventional heat insulation material.

[0045] (5) The power generation module 1 according to the fifth aspect is the power generation module 1 of (1) or (2), and the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is in contact with the photoreceptor element 30 and is provided for each photoreceptor element 30.

[0046] According to the above configuration, the infrared wavelength selection film 10 is in contact with the photoreceptor element 30 and is provided for each photoreceptor element 30. This can reduce the usage amount of the infrared wavelength selection film 10 and significantly reduce the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost of the power generation module 1.

[0047] (6) The power generation module 1 according to the sixth aspect is the power generation module 1 according to any one of (1) to (5), and the reflector 20 has a Winston cone shape with the direction away from the heat source as the axis.

[0048] According to the above configuration, since the reflector 20 has a Winston cone shape, the infrared rays emitted from the heat source can be efficiently converged to the tip of the reflector 20 according to the shape.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0049] 1... Power generation module 10... Infrared wavelength selection film 20... Reflector 30... Photoreceptor element 40... Peltier element 50... Outer cover 60... Heat insulation cover 70... Vacuum heat insulation layer 80... Inner cover 90... Heat insulation material 100... Pipe 110... Wall surface

Claims

1. A power generation module that generates electricity based on energy emitted from a heat source, a plurality of reflectors arranged to cover the heat source, gradually decreasing in diameter as they move away from the heat source, and having an open tip; an optical rectenna element provided at the opening of the reflector; an infrared wavelength selective film provided on the heat source side of the optical rectenna element; and a power generation module comprising the same.

2. The power generation module according to claim 1, further comprising a Peltier element provided on the outer surface of the reflector.

3. The power generation module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the infrared wavelength selective film is provided between the reflector and the heat source.

4. The power generation module according to claim 3, further comprising a heat insulation cover that forms a vacuum heat insulation layer between the heat source and the infrared wavelength selective film.

5. The power generation module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the infrared wavelength selective film abuts against the optical rectenna element and is provided for each optical rectenna element.

6. The power generation module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflector has a Winston cone shape with the direction away from the heat source as the axis.

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