Thermoelectric converter

Abstract

The temperature cannot be controlled properly. [Solution] The thermoelectric conversion device comprises a first thermoelectric element section having one or more thermoelectric elements, and a second thermoelectric element section having one or more thermoelectric elements, wherein the first thermoelectric element section and the second thermoelectric element section are connected in series, and the first control element section has one or more control elements connected in parallel or in series with the first thermoelectric element section to control the current flowing through the first thermoelectric element section, and the second control element section has one or more control elements connected in parallel or in series with the second thermoelectric element section to control the current flowing through the second thermoelectric element section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, thermoelectric conversion devices that use cooling elements such as thermoelectric elements to cool or heat the surroundings are known. Such thermoelectric conversion devices need to cool or heat while maintaining the surroundings at an appropriate temperature. Therefore, techniques for controlling the thermoelectric elements of thermoelectric conversion devices are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling system having an automatic temperature controller that opens and closes according to the temperature detected by a temperature sensor for a plurality of thermoelectric elements connected in series. In this cooling system, when the detected temperature rises above a predetermined temperature, the automatic temperature controller closes, power is supplied to the thermoelectric elements, and the surrounding area is cooled. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-258968 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the aforementioned technology has a problem in that it cannot properly control the temperature because the automatic temperature controller uniformly controls multiple thermoelectric elements connected in series.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a technology that can appropriately control temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve this problem, for example, the thermoelectric conversion device of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, It has a first thermoelectric element part having one or more thermoelectric elements and a second thermoelectric element part having one or more thermoelectric elements, the first thermoelectric element part and the second thermoelectric element part are connected in series, it has one or more control elements connected in parallel or in series with the first thermoelectric element part, and a first control element part for controlling the current flowing through the first thermoelectric element part, it has one or more control elements connected in parallel or in series with the second thermoelectric element part, and a second control element part for controlling the current flowing through the second thermoelectric element part, and is provided with.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the temperature can be appropriately controlled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the second embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the third embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the experimental results of the third embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an overall configuration diagram showing the arrangement of the thermoelectric element parts of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the seventh embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any way. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the first embodiment. The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the thermoelectric conversion device 10 of the first embodiment has a plurality of thermoelectric element sections 111, 112, 113, ..., thermoelectric element section 11 n And multiple control elements 121, 122, 123, ..., control element 12 n and multiple temperature detection units 131, 132, 133, ..., temperature detection unit 13 n It has a control unit 14 and a power supply 15. n is a positive integer. In the following description, thermoelectric element units 111, 112, 113, ..., thermoelectric element unit 11 n When there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as thermoelectric element section 11. Also, multiple control elements 121, 122, 123, ..., control element 12 n , and multiple temperature detection units 131, 132, 133, ..., temperature detection unit 13 n Similarly, the control element 12 and temperature detection unit 13 are also referred to as such. Each of the multiple thermoelectric element units 11 is an example of a thermoelectric element, a first thermoelectric element unit, and a second thermoelectric element unit. The multiple thermoelectric element units 11 are an example of a thermoelectric unit. The control element 12 is an example of a control element, as well as an example of a first control element unit and a second control element unit.

[0013] Multiple thermoelectric element sections 11 are connected in series with each other. The thermoelectric element section 11 may be, for example, a π-type thermoelectric conversion module in which one or more pairs of P-type thermoelectric elements and N-type thermoelectric elements are connected in series or in parallel via electrodes, or a Unireg-type thermoelectric conversion module in which one or more pairs of P-type or N-type thermoelectric elements and conductive elements are connected in series via electrodes, or the conductive elements also serve as electrodes. The thermoelectric element section 11 cools one side and heats the other side when power is supplied and current flows. The thermoelectric conversion module may have various parts necessary to constitute the module, such as a substrate, a heat conduction section, a solder joint section, and a current extraction section. The thermoelectric conversion module described above is just an example and is not limited to these.

[0014] The control elements 12 are connected in series with each other. The control elements 12 are provided in correspondence with each thermoelectric element section 11. There is a one-to-one relationship between the control elements 12 and the thermoelectric element section 11. Each control element 12 is connected in parallel with one of the thermoelectric element sections 11. The control elements 12 may be switches such as transistors. The control elements 12 are electrically opened and closed based on a control signal from the control unit 14, switching between on and off. For example, when a control element 12 is closed by a control signal and enters a closed state, current flows through the control element 12, but no current flows through the thermoelectric element section 11 connected in parallel with the control element 12. On the other hand, when a control element 12 is opened by a control signal and enters an open state, no current flows through the control element 12, but current flows through the thermoelectric element section 11. As a result, the thermoelectric element section 11 cools the surroundings. In other words, each control element 12 switches the supply of current to the parallel-connected thermoelectric element section 11 on and off.

[0015] The temperature detection unit 13 is a sensor that detects temperature. The temperature detection unit 13 is installed near the thermoelectric element unit 11 and is associated with one of the thermoelectric element units 11. The temperature detection unit 13 is connected to the control unit 14. The temperature detection unit 13 outputs temperature information, which is information related to the detected temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the detected temperature), to the control unit 14.

[0016] The control unit 14 may be a computer, such as a microcomputer. The control unit 14 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), storage such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and SSD (Solid State Drive). The control unit 14 is connected to the control element 12 and the temperature detection unit 13. The control unit 14 may be implemented by one or more circuits, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) including an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 14 acquires temperature information from the temperature detection unit 13 and controls the control element 12 based on the detected temperature indicated by the temperature information.

[0017] The power supply 15 is connected to both ends of the series-connected thermoelectric element section 11 and the series-connected control element 12. This allows the power supply 15 to supply power to the thermoelectric element section 11 and the control element 12, thereby causing current to flow. The power supply 15 may be, for example, a DC power supply. The series connection of the power supply 15 and the multiple thermoelectric element sections 11 makes it easier to reduce the current value to an appropriate range and stabilize current fluctuations. Therefore, the control element 12 facilitates the control of the heat radiation or removal from the thermoelectric element section 11, and makes it easier to control the temperature of only some of the multiple thermoelectric element sections 11.

[0018] In the thermoelectric conversion device 10 of the first embodiment, the control unit 14 compares a predetermined temperature threshold value with the detected temperature and controls the control element 12. Specifically, when the detected temperature acquired from any one of the temperature detection units 13 is higher than the temperature threshold value, the control unit 14 outputs a control signal for turning on to the control element 12 corresponding to the temperature detection unit 13. As a result, the control element 12 is turned on, and current flows through the thermoelectric element unit 11 connected in parallel with the control element 12, and the thermoelectric element unit 11 cools the surroundings. On the other hand, when the detected temperature acquired from the temperature detection unit 13 is lower than the temperature threshold value, the control unit 14 outputs a control signal for turning off to the control element 12 corresponding to the temperature detection unit 13. As a result, the control element 12 is turned off, current flows through the control element 12, and no current flows through the thermoelectric element unit 11 connected in parallel with the control element 12.

[0019] As described above, the thermoelectric conversion device 10 of the first embodiment has a plurality of control elements 12 (specifically, the same number of control elements 12) provided for a plurality of thermoelectric element units 11 connected in series. Thereby, compared with the case of uniformly controlling a plurality of thermoelectric element units 11 connected in series, the first embodiment can individually control the thermoelectric element units 11, so that the temperature can be appropriately controlled. Further, the first embodiment can suppress unnecessary cooling and reduce power consumption by appropriately controlling the temperature.

[0020] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the second embodiment. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Note that the description of the configuration of the second embodiment that is the same as that of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the thermoelectric conversion device 20 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of thermoelectric element units 211, 212, 213, ···, thermoelectric element unit 21 n and a plurality of control elements 221, 222, 223, ···, control element 22 n and a power source 25. In the following description, the thermoelectric element units 211, 212, 213, ···, thermoelectric element unit 21 nWhen there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as thermoelectric element section 21. Also, multiple control elements 221, 222, 223, ..., control element 22 n Similarly, this is also referred to as control element 22. Control element 22 is an example of a first parallel control element and a second parallel control element, as well as an example of a first control element section and a second control element section.

[0022] Multiple thermoelectric element units 21 are connected in series with each other, and have the same configuration as thermoelectric element unit 11.

[0023] The control elements 22 are connected in series with each other. The control elements 22 are provided in correspondence with each thermoelectric element section 21. There is a one-to-one relationship between the control elements 22 and the thermoelectric element section 21. Each control element 22 is connected in parallel with one of the thermoelectric element sections 21. The control elements 22 may be, for example, positive thermistors (PTC: Positive Temperature Coefficient) whose resistance increases with increasing temperature.

[0024] The power supply 25 is connected to both ends of the series-connected thermoelectric element section 21 and the series-connected control element 22.

[0025] In the thermoelectric converter 20 of the second embodiment, when the ambient temperature rises, the resistance of the control element 22 increases, making it more difficult for current to flow. As a result, the current flowing through the thermoelectric element section 21 connected in parallel with the control element 22 increases, causing the thermoelectric element section 21 to cool the surroundings more effectively. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature decreases, the resistance of the control element 22 decreases, making it easier for current to flow. As a result, the current flowing through the thermoelectric element section 21 connected in parallel with the control element 22 decreases, causing the thermoelectric element section 21 to cool the surroundings less effectively.

[0026] As described above, the thermoelectric conversion device 20 of the second embodiment has a plurality of control elements 22 provided for a plurality of thermoelectric element sections 21 connected in series, and therefore achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0027] In the second embodiment, the thermoelectric converter 20 can omit a control unit having a processor or the like by using a thermistor as the control element 22. As a result, the second embodiment can simplify its configuration by omitting temperature sensors and the like, and can also simplify the control process by omitting on / off control of switches.

[0028] (Third embodiment) Figure 3 is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the third embodiment. The third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Note that the configuration of the third embodiment, which is the same as that of the embodiments described above, will be omitted or simplified in the description.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the thermoelectric conversion device 30 of the third embodiment has multiple thermoelectric element sections 311, 312, 313, ..., thermoelectric element section 31 n And multiple control elements 321, 322, 323, ..., control element 32 n And multiple control elements 331, 332, 333, ..., control element 33 n It has a power supply 35 and a thermoelectric element section 311, 312, 313, ... thermoelectric element section 31 n When there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as thermoelectric element section 31. Also, multiple control elements 321, 322, 323, ..., control element 32 n and multiple control elements 331, 332, 333, ..., control element 33 n Similarly, these are referred to as control element 32 and control element 33. Control element 33 is an example of a first series control element and a second series control element. Control element 32 is an example of a first parallel control element and a second parallel control element. In this embodiment, a combination of a first series control element or a second series control element and a first parallel control element or a second parallel control element is an example of a first control element section and a second control element section.

[0030] Multiple thermoelectric element units 31 are connected in series with each other, and have the same configuration as thermoelectric element unit 11.

[0031] Multiple control elements 32 are connected in series with each other, and have the same configuration as control element 22.

[0032] Multiple control elements 33 are associated one-to-one with any of the thermoelectric element sections 31 and are connected in series with the thermoelectric element section 31. The series-connected thermoelectric element sections 31 and control elements 33 are connected in parallel with a control element 32. The control elements 33 may be, for example, negative thermistors (NTC: Negative Temperature Coefficient) whose resistance decreases as the temperature rises.

[0033] The power supply 35 is connected to both ends of the series-connected thermoelectric element section 31 and control element 33, and the series-connected control element 32.

[0034] In the thermoelectric converter 30 of the third embodiment, when the ambient temperature rises, the resistance of the control element 32 increases, making it difficult for current to flow, while the resistance of the control element 33 decreases, making it easier for current to flow. As a result, the current flowing through the thermoelectric element section 31 corresponding to the control elements 32 and 33 increases, so the thermoelectric element section 31 cools the surroundings more effectively. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature falls, the resistance of the control element 32 decreases, making it easier for current to flow, while the resistance of the control element 33 increases, making it difficult for current to flow. As a result, the current flowing through the thermoelectric element section 31 corresponding to the control elements 32 and 33 decreases, so the thermoelectric element section 31 does not cool the surroundings as effectively.

[0035] The thermoelectric converter 30 of the third embodiment provides the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0036] The thermoelectric converter 30 of the third embodiment has a control element 33 connected in series with the thermoelectric element 31. As a result, the third embodiment can increase the current flowing through the thermoelectric element 31 and improve the cooling rate. In addition, the third embodiment can reduce the resistance value of the control element 32, thereby lowering the component cost of the control element 32.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the experimental results of the third embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates the temperature characteristics of the resistance value of the control element of the third embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the resistance and current flowing through each control element were investigated at ambient temperatures of 25°C, 75°C, and 100°C. The values ​​are as follows:

[0039] Rm: Resistance value of thermoelectric element 31 (Ω) Rpt: Resistance value of control element 32 (Ω) Rnt: Resistance value of control element 33 (Ω) Ipt: Current value of control element 32 Im-nt: Current value of thermoelectric element 31 and control element 33 Control element 32 was a positive thermistor with model number B59301 manufactured by TDK. Control element 33 was a negative thermistor with model number NRCE201L2800 manufactured by Eaton-Electronics Division.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, as the ambient temperature rises, the resistance of control element 32 increases, and the resistance of control element 33 decreases. It can be seen that when the temperature reaches 100°C, the current values ​​Ipt and Im-nt are reversed. It can be seen that the resistance value Rpt of control element 32 is 15Ω when the temperature reaches 100°C. This shows that, compared to the case without control element 33 as in the second embodiment, the current supplied to the thermoelectric element section 31 can be increased even if the resistance value Rpt of control element 32 is not very large.

[0041] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 5 is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Note that the configuration of the fourth embodiment, which is the same as that of the embodiments described above, will be omitted or simplified in the description.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the thermoelectric conversion device 40 of the fourth embodiment has multiple thermoelectric element sections 411, 412, 413, ..., thermoelectric element section 41 nAnd multiple resistors 421, 422, 423, ..., resistor 42 n And multiple control elements 431, 432, 433, ..., control element 43 n It has a power supply 45 and a thermoelectric element section 411, 412, 413, ..., thermoelectric element section 41 n When there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as the thermoelectric element section 41. Also, multiple resistors 421, 422, 423, ..., resistor 42 n and multiple control elements 431, 432, 433, ... control element 43 n Similarly, these are denoted as resistor 42 and control element 43. Resistor 42 is an example of the first resistor and second resistor. Control element 43 is an example of the first control element and second control element.

[0043] Multiple thermoelectric element units 41 are connected in series with each other, and have the same configuration as thermoelectric element unit 11.

[0044] Multiple resistors 42 are connected in series with each other. Each resistor 42 is provided in correspondence with each thermoelectric element section 41. Each resistor 42 has a one-to-one relationship with the thermoelectric element section 41. Each resistor 42 is connected in parallel with one of the thermoelectric element sections 41. The resistors 42 may be, for example, resistors with a fixed resistance value. In this case, the resistance value of all resistors 42 may be the same. Alternatively, the resistors 42 may be variable resistors whose resistance value can be manually changed by a user. Therefore, in this embodiment, a fixed resistance value includes a resistance value that hardly changes due to control signals and temperature. The resistance value of the resistors 42 may be set based on the ambient temperature that the thermoelectric converter 40 wants to maintain (hereinafter referred to as the maintenance temperature). For example, the resistance value of the resistors 42 may be set to be greater than the resistance value of the control element 43 if the ambient temperature is higher than the maintenance temperature. As a result, if the ambient temperature is higher than the maintenance temperature, current will flow through the thermoelectric element section 41, and the thermoelectric element section 41 will cool the ambient temperature.

[0045] Multiple control elements 43 are connected in series with each other, and have the same configuration as control element 33.

[0046] The power supply 45 is connected to both ends of the series-connected thermoelectric element section 41 and control element 43, and the series-connected resistor 42.

[0047] In the thermoelectric converter 40 of the fourth embodiment, when the ambient temperature rises, the resistance of the control element 43 becomes lower than that of the resistor 42, making it easier for current to flow. As a result, the current flowing through the thermoelectric element section 41 corresponding to the resistor 42 and the control element 43 increases, so the thermoelectric element section 41 cools the surroundings more. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature falls, the resistance of the control element 43 becomes higher than that of the resistor 42, making it more difficult for current to flow. As a result, the current flowing through the thermoelectric element section 41 corresponding to the resistor 42 and the control element 43 decreases, so the thermoelectric element section 41 does not cool the surroundings as much.

[0048] The thermoelectric converter 40 of the fourth embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0049] In the fourth embodiment, the thermoelectric element 41 is controlled using a resistor 42 having a fixed resistance value, thus reducing component costs.

[0050] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 6 is an overall configuration diagram showing the arrangement of the thermoelectric elements in the thermoelectric conversion device of the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Note that control elements and the like are omitted in Figure 6.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the thermoelectric conversion device 50 of the fifth embodiment has a plurality of thermoelectric element sections 511 to thermoelectric element section 51 16 The device has multiple thermoelectric element units 51 connected in series by wiring 56. There are 16 thermoelectric element units 51. The 16 thermoelectric element units 51 are arranged in a matrix of 4x4. The number of thermoelectric element units 51 and the arrangement method may be changed as appropriate.

[0052] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 7 is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Note that the configuration of the sixth embodiment, which is the same as that of the embodiments described above, will be omitted or simplified in the description.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the thermoelectric conversion device 60 of the sixth embodiment has a plurality of thermoelectric element sections 611, 612, 613, ..., thermoelectric element section 61 n And multiple control elements 621, 622, ..., control element 62 m It has a power supply 65 and a thermoelectric element unit 611, 612, 613, ..., thermoelectric element unit 61 n When there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as thermoelectric element section 61. Also, multiple control elements 621, 622, ..., control element 62 m Similarly, this is also referred to as control element 62.

[0054] Multiple thermoelectric element units 61 are connected in series with each other, and have the same configuration as thermoelectric element unit 11.

[0055] Multiple control elements 62 are connected in series with each other. In this embodiment, one control element 62 is connected to two thermoelectric element units 61 connected in series. In this embodiment, two thermoelectric element units 61 connected to one control element 62 are an example of a first thermoelectric element unit and a second thermoelectric element unit. Note that the number of thermoelectric element units 61 to which one control element 62 is connected is not limited to two. The control elements 62 may be connected to the thermoelectric element units 61 at predetermined intervals, for example. In other words, the control elements 62 may be connected to the thermoelectric element units 61 periodically.

[0056] The thermoelectric converter 60 of the sixth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the thermoelectric converter 20 of the second embodiment.

[0057] The configuration of the sixth embodiment may be applied to other embodiments. For example, in the first embodiment, one control element 12 may be connected in parallel to a plurality of thermoelectric element units 11. Also, in the third embodiment, one control element 32 or one control element 33 may be connected to a plurality of thermoelectric element units 31.

[0058] (Seventh Embodiment) Figure 8 is an overall configuration diagram of the thermoelectric conversion device of the seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Note that the configuration of the seventh embodiment, which is the same as that of the embodiments described above, will be omitted or simplified in the description.

[0059] The thermoelectric conversion device 70 of the seventh embodiment includes a plurality of thermoelectric element sections 711, 712, 713, ..., thermoelectric element section 71 2n And multiple control elements 721, 722, 723, ..., control element 72 2n It has a power supply 75 and a thermoelectric element section 711, 712, 713, ..., thermoelectric element section 71 2n When there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as thermoelectric element section 71. Also, multiple control elements 721, 722, 723, ..., control element 72 2n Similarly, this is also referred to as control element 72.

[0060] Thermoelectric element section 711~ Thermoelectric element section 71 n They are connected in series. Thermoelectric element section 71 n+1 ~Thermoelectric element section 71 2n They are connected in series. Thermoelectric element section 711 to thermoelectric element section 71 n and thermoelectric element section 71 n+1 ~Thermoelectric element section 71 2n They are connected in parallel.

[0061] Control elements 721 to 72 n They are connected in series. Control element 72 n+1 ~Control element 72 2n They are connected in series. Control element 721 to control element 72 n and control element 72 n+1 ~Control element 72 2nThese are connected in parallel. The control element 72 is connected in parallel to correspond to one of the thermoelectric element sections 71.

[0062] The thermoelectric converter 70 of the seventh embodiment can achieve the same effects as the thermoelectric converter 20 of the second embodiment.

[0063] The configuration of the seventh embodiment may be applied to other embodiments. That is, in each embodiment, the multiple thermoelectric elements connected in series may be connected in parallel.

[0064] The embodiments described above describe a configuration in which the thermoelectric element cools the surroundings, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the techniques of each of the above embodiments may be applied to a thermoelectric conversion device in which the thermoelectric element heats the surroundings.

[0065] In the second embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the control element 22 is a positive thermistor whose resistance increases with increasing temperature. However, when the thermoelectric element heats the surroundings, the control element 22 may be a negative thermistor whose resistance decreases with increasing temperature. Similarly, in the third embodiment, when the thermoelectric element heats the surroundings, the control element 32 may be a negative thermistor and the control element 33 may be a positive thermistor.

[0066] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70... Thermoelectric conversion devices 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71... Thermoelectric element section 12, 22, 32, 33, 43, 62, 72... control elements 15, 25, 35, 45, 65, 75...Power supply 42... Resistor

Claims

1. It has a first thermoelectric element section having one or more thermoelectric elements, and a second thermoelectric element section having one or more thermoelectric elements, The first thermoelectric element section and the second thermoelectric element section are connected in series. A first control element unit having one or more control elements connected in parallel or in series with the first thermoelectric element unit, which controls the current flowing through the first thermoelectric element unit, A second control element unit having one or more control elements connected in parallel or in series with the second thermoelectric element unit, which controls the current flowing through the second thermoelectric element unit, A thermoelectric converter equipped with the following features.

2. The control element of the first control element section is connected in parallel with the first thermoelectric element section and is a switch that switches the supply of current to the first thermoelectric element section on and off. The control element of the second control element section is connected in parallel with the second thermoelectric element section and is a switch that switches the supply of current to the second thermoelectric element section on and off. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

3. The first control element section is connected in parallel with the first thermoelectric element section and has a first parallel control element whose resistance increases as the temperature rises or falls. The second control element section is connected in parallel with the second thermoelectric element section and includes a second parallel control element whose resistance increases as the temperature rises or falls. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

4. The first control element section is connected in series with the first thermoelectric element section and has a first series control element whose resistance decreases as the temperature rises or falls. The second control element section is connected in series with the second thermoelectric element section and has a second series control element whose resistance decreases as the temperature rises or falls. A thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1 or claim 3.

5. A first resistor with a fixed resistance value is connected in parallel with the first thermoelectric element, A second resistor with a fixed resistance value is connected in parallel with the second thermoelectric element, The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 4, comprising:

6. The plurality of control element sections, including the first control element section and the second control element section, are periodically provided with respect to the plurality of thermoelectric element sections. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

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