Power generation system

Abstract

The vehicle's hood generates electricity. [Solution] The power generation system comprises a hood provided in front of the vehicle's windshield, a flow path through which at least a portion of the hood passes and through which airflow flows, and a thermoelectric element having a first surface and a second surface, which generates an electromotive force corresponding to the temperature difference between the first surface and the second surface, and is provided on the inner surface of the flow path such that the first surface is exposed to the flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation system.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with a battery for storing electric power. For the purpose of charging the battery and the like, various technologies related to power generation have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for generating power by using the heat generated in the engine room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, various technologies related to power generation in vehicles have been proposed. Here, as a technology for generating power on the hood of a vehicle, for example, a technology of installing a solar panel on the hood can be considered. However, when a solar panel is installed on the hood, it may affect the appearance of the vehicle and cause an aesthetic problem. Therefore, a new proposal for generating power while solving the above problems is desired.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation system capable of generating power on the hood of a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a hood provided in front of the windshield of a vehicle; a flow path at least partially penetrating the hood through which the traveling wind flows; A thermoelectric element having a first surface and a second surface, which generates an electromotive force corresponding to the temperature difference between the first surface and the second surface, and which is provided on the inner surface of the flow path such that the first surface is exposed to the flow path, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to generate electricity in the hood of a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a power generation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a power generation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a vehicle according to the first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a vehicle according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc., shown in these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0010] <Outline of the vehicle configuration> Referring to Figure 1, the schematic configuration of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of vehicle 1. In the diagrams referred to below, the vehicle's front direction, rear direction, upward direction, downward direction, left direction, and right direction are indicated as front, rear, upward, downward, left, and right, respectively. Furthermore, below, the vehicle's front direction, rear direction, upward direction, downward direction, left direction, and right direction will also be simply referred to as front, rear, upward, downward, left, and right, respectively.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, vehicle 1 comprises a passenger compartment 2, a windshield 3, a motor room 4, a hood 5, a drive motor 6, a battery 7, and a control device 8. For example, vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle equipped with the drive motor 6 as its power source. However, as will be described later, vehicle 1 may be equipped with an engine as a power source in addition to, or instead of, the drive motor 6.

[0013] The passenger compartment 2 is the space where the occupants of vehicle 1 are seated and is separated by the windshield 3. The motor room 4 is a space located in front of the passenger compartment 2 and opens upwards. The hood 5 is a cover that covers the upper opening of the motor room 4 from above and is also called a bonnet. The hood 5 is located in front of the windshield 3. As indicated by arrow A1, the hood 5 is located at the rear end of the hood 5 and is rotatable around a central axis that extends in the left-right direction. When vehicle 1 is in motion, the upper opening of the motor room 4 is closed by the hood 5, as shown by the solid line in Figure 1. When the hood 5 rotates from that state to the state shown by the dashed line, the upper opening of the motor room 4 is opened, making it possible to perform maintenance on the motor room 4.

[0014] The traveling motor 6 is housed in the motor room 4. The traveling motor 6 outputs the power transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle 1. The traveling motor 6 is, for example, a three-phase alternating current motor. The traveling motor 6 is driven using the power of the battery 7 and outputs power.

[0015] The battery 7 can charge and discharge power. As the battery 7, for example, a lithium ion battery, a lithium ion polymer battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel cadmium battery or a lead storage battery is used, but other batteries may also be used. The battery 7 stores the power supplied to the traveling motor 6.

[0016] The control device 8 has one or more processors 8a and one or more memories 8b connected to the processor 8a. The processor 8a includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 8b includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM is a storage element that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU. The RAM is a storage element that temporarily stores data such as variables and parameters used for the processing executed by the CPU. For example, by the processor 8a executing the program stored in the memory 8b, various processes are executed.

[0017] The control device 8 controls the operations of the devices in the vehicle 1. The control device 8 controls the operation of the traveling motor 6, for example, by controlling the power supply between the traveling motor 6 and the battery 7. Specifically, the control device 8 can control the power supply between the traveling motor 6 and the battery 7 by controlling the operation of an inverter (not shown) interposed between the traveling motor 6 and the battery 7.

[0018] For example, the control device 8 can control the output of the driving force by the driving motor 6 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 7 to the driving motor 6. Further, for example, the control device 8 can control the charging of the battery 7 with the power obtained by the regenerative power generation by controlling the regenerative power generation by the driving motor 6.

[0019] Here, in the hood 5, a flow path 5a penetrating the hood 5 is provided. One end of the flow path 5a opens to the front surface of the hood 5, and the other end of the flow path 5a opens to the rear part of the upper surface of the hood 5. The flow path 5a extends in the front-rear direction within the hood 5. The shape in the cross section orthogonal to the extending direction of the flow path 5a is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a polygon such as a rectangle, or may be an ellipse. When the vehicle 1 is running, running wind flows through the flow path 5a. Specifically, as indicated by the arrow A2, the running wind flows into the flow path 5a from the front of the vehicle 1 through the opening at the front part of the flow path 5a. Then, the running wind flows rearward within the flow path 5a. Thereafter, the running wind is discharged above the hood 5 from the opening at the rear part of the flow path 5a. The flow path 5a is provided, for example, for the purpose of weight reduction of the vehicle 1 or air cooling of each device within the vehicle 1.

[0020] By the way, as a technique for generating power in the hood 5 of the vehicle 1, for example, a technique of installing a solar panel on the hood 5 can be considered. However, when a solar panel is installed on the hood 5, it may affect the appearance of the vehicle 1 and may cause an appearance problem. Therefore, hereinafter, as a new proposal for generating power while solving the above problems, a power generation system using the flow path 5a of the hood 5 will be described. Hereinafter, as such a power generation system, the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment and the power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment will be described in order.

[0021] <Configuration of the power generation system according to the first embodiment> Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the power generation system 10-1 comprises a hood 5, a flow path 5a, a thermoelectric element 11, a plurality of cooling fins 12, and a heat insulating material 13.

[0023] The thermoelectric element 11 is an element in which two types of materials, such as metal or semiconductor, are connected in series, and can produce the Seebeck effect and the Peltier effect. Specifically, the thermoelectric element 11 has a first surface F1 and a second surface F2. One of the two types of materials is connected to the first surface F1, and the other of the two types of materials is connected to the second surface F2. In Figure 2, the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 extend in the depth direction of the paper. The thermoelectric element 11 is formed by bonding the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 so that they overlap each other. Therefore, the thermoelectric element 11 has a flat plate shape.

[0024] The thermoelectric element 11 can generate an electromotive force (EMF) between its first surface F1 and second surface F2 in accordance with the temperature difference. This effect is called the Seebeck effect. Here, the first surface F1 is connected to one of the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 7, and the second surface F2 is connected to the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 7. When a temperature difference exists between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, an EMF is generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 in accordance with that temperature difference. The larger the temperature difference between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, the greater the EMF generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2. When an EMF is generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, current flows to the battery 7, and the battery 7 is charged.

[0025] The power generation using the thermoelectric element 11 and the charging of the battery 7 are controlled, for example, by the control device 8. For example, the control device 8 may prohibit power generation using the thermoelectric element 11 if the remaining capacity of the battery 7 exceeds a standard value. An example of when the remaining capacity of the battery 7 exceeds a standard value is when the battery 7 is fully charged.

[0026] Furthermore, the control device 8 can supply current from the battery 7 to the thermoelectric element 11. In this case, a temperature difference can be created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 depending on the current flowing between them. This effect is called the Peltier effect.

[0027] The thermoelectric element 11 is installed on the inner surface of the channel 5a such that its first surface F1 is exposed to the channel 5a. Specifically, in the power generation system 10-1, the thermoelectric element 11 is installed on the inner surface of the channel 5a such that its first surface F1 is located below the second surface F2 and is exposed to the channel 5a facing downwards. For example, the thermoelectric element 11 is installed on the upper surface of the inner surface of the channel 5a, along that surface.

[0028] Here, the interior of the hood 5 is basically hollow. An upper space S1 is provided above the flow path 5a of the hood 5. On the other hand, a lower space S2 is provided below the flow path 5a of the hood 5. As described above, the first surface F1 is exposed to the flow path 5a. On the other hand, the second surface F2 is not exposed to the flow path 5a, but is exposed facing upward to the upper space S1.

[0029] Multiple cooling fins 12 are provided on the first surface F1. Each cooling fin 12 dissipates heat from the first surface F1 into the air in the flow path 5a. Each cooling fin 12 protrudes downward from the first surface F1 and extends in the front-to-back direction. Each cooling fin 12 extends from the front to the rear of the first surface F1. Each cooling fin 12 is spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction.

[0030] Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 3, the cooling fin 12 includes a base portion 12a and a projection portion 12b. The base portion 12a is the part of the cooling fin 12 that is attached to the first surface F1 and extends in the left-right direction. The projection portion 12b protrudes downward from the center of the base portion 12a in the left-right direction. In the power generation system 10-1, a plurality of cooling fins 12, including the base portion 12a and projection portion 12b as described above, are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. As a result, the airflow through the channel 5a can pass smoothly between the cooling fins 12.

[0031] Here, a gap D1 in the left-right direction is provided between the base portions 12a of adjacent cooling fins 12. This prevents adjacent cooling fins 12 from interfering with each other when force acts on the hood 5 and the hood 5 deforms, thereby preventing the deformation of the hood 5 from being hindered.

[0032] Furthermore, the distance D2 between the lower end of the protrusion 12b of each cooling fin 12 and the lower surface of the inner surface of the flow path 5a is set to a length such that the cooling fins 12 and the inner surface of the flow path 5a do not come into contact when force is applied to the hood 5 and the hood 5 deforms. This also helps to suppress the inhibition of the deformation of the hood 5.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the thermal insulation material 13 is provided in the upper space S1, which is the space above the flow path 5a in the hood 5. For example, the thermal insulation material 13 is formed in an annular shape when viewed in the vertical direction and is arranged along the front, left, rear, and right parts of the upper space S1. As will be described later, the thermal insulation material 13 is provided to suppress heat from escaping from the upper space S1 to the outside of the hood 5.

[0034] As described above, in the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment, the thermoelectric element 11 is provided on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is exposed to the flow path 5a. Specifically, the thermoelectric element 11 is provided on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is located below the second surface F2 and is exposed to the flow path 5a facing downward. As mentioned above, when the vehicle 1 is in motion, airflow flows through the flow path 5a, as indicated by arrow A2 in Figure 2. Therefore, the first surface F1 is cooled by the airflow.

[0035] Here, the surface of the hood 5 that is exposed to the outside is easily heated by sunlight and the outside air, and becomes hot. Therefore, the upper space S1 inside the hood 5 also easily becomes hot. Thus, the second surface F2 becomes hotter than the first surface F1. As described above, the power generation system 10-1 can create a temperature difference between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, so that an electromotive force can be generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 by the Seebeck effect. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric element 11 in this way can be used, for example, to charge the battery 7.

[0036] <Effects of the power generation system according to the first embodiment> The effects of the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0037] The power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment comprises a hood 5 provided in front of the windshield 3 of the vehicle 1, a flow path 5a through which at least a portion of the hood 5 passes and through which airflow flows, and a thermoelectric element 11 having a first surface F1 and a second surface F2, which generates an electromotive force in accordance with the temperature difference between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and is provided on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is exposed to the flow path 5a. By cooling the first surface F1 with the airflow, a temperature difference can be created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, so that an electromotive force can be generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 by the Seebeck effect. Therefore, power can be generated in the hood 5 of the vehicle 1. The power generated by the thermoelectric element 11 can be used, for example, to charge the battery 7.

[0038] In particular, in the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment, the thermoelectric element 11 is installed on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is located below the second surface F2 and is exposed to the flow path 5a facing downward. This allows the first surface F1 to be cooled by the airflow while the second surface F2 is heated to a higher temperature than the first surface F1 by the hood 5 heated by sunlight and the outside air. In other words, the second surface F2 can be heated to a higher temperature than the first surface F1 by utilizing the heat of sunlight and the outside air. Thus, a temperature difference is created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and the generation of an electromotive force between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 by the Seebeck effect is appropriately realized.

[0039] Furthermore, in the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment, a heat insulating material 13 is provided on the part of the hood 5 above the flow path 5a. This suppresses the outflow of heat from the upper space S1, which is the space where the second surface F2 is exposed, to the outside of the hood 5, making it easier to maintain the upper space S1 at a high temperature. Therefore, the second surface F2 can be made hotter than the first surface F1. Thus, a larger temperature difference can be created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and a larger electromotive force can be generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 due to the Seebeck effect.

[0040] The insulation material 13 may be omitted from the power generation system 10-1.

[0041] Furthermore, in the power generation system 10-1 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of cooling fins 12 are provided on the first surface F1. As a result, the heat from the first surface F1 can be dissipated into the atmosphere in the flow path 5a by the plurality of cooling fins 12. Therefore, the first surface F1 can be cooled more effectively. Consequently, a larger temperature difference can be created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and a larger electromotive force can be generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 due to the Seebeck effect.

[0042] Note that multiple cooling fins 12 may be omitted from the power generation system 10-1.

[0043] <Configuration of the power generation system according to the second embodiment> Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the configuration of the power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the power generation system 10-2 comprises a hood 5, a flow path 5a, a thermoelectric element 11, and a plurality of cooling fins 12.

[0045] In power generation system 10-2, the arrangement of the thermoelectric element 11 differs from that of power generation system 10-1 described above. Specifically, in power generation system 10-2, the thermoelectric element 11 is installed on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is located above the second surface F2 and is exposed to the flow path 5a facing upward. For example, the thermoelectric element 11 is installed on the lower surface of the inner surface of the flow path 5a, along that surface. As described above, the first surface F1 is exposed to the flow path 5a. On the other hand, the second surface F2 is not exposed to the flow path 5a, but is exposed to the lower space S2 facing downward.

[0046] In the power generation system 10-2, as in the power generation system 10-1 described above, multiple cooling fins 12 are provided on the first surface F1. Each cooling fin 12 protrudes upward from the first surface F1 and extends in the front-to-back direction. Each cooling fin 12 extends from the front to the rear of the first surface F1. Each cooling fin 12 is spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction.

[0047] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic view of the power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the front. As shown in Figure 5, in the power generation system 10-2, as with the power generation system 10-1 described above, a plurality of cooling fins 12, including a base portion 12a and a protruding portion 12b, are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. As a result, the airflow through the channel 5a can pass smoothly between the cooling fins 12. In the power generation system 10-2, the base portion 12a is attached to the upper part of the first surface F1, and the protruding portion 12b protrudes upward from the center of the base portion 12a in the left-right direction.

[0048] In addition, in the power generation system 10-2, as with the power generation system 10-1 described above, a gap D1 in the left-right direction is provided between the base portions 12a of adjacent cooling fins 12. Also in the power generation system 10-2, as with the power generation system 10-1 described above, the distance D2 between the upper end of the protruding portion 12b of each cooling fin 12 and the upper surface of the inner surface of the flow path 5a is set to a length such that the cooling fins 12 and the inner surface of the flow path 5a do not come into contact when a force acts on the hood 5 and the hood 5 deforms.

[0049] As described above, in the power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment, the thermoelectric element 11 is provided on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is exposed to the flow path 5a. Specifically, the thermoelectric element 11 is provided on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is located above the second surface F2 and is exposed to the flow path 5a facing upward, and the motor room 4, which is the space below the hood 5, houses the drive motor 6, which is the drive source of the vehicle 1. As mentioned above, when the vehicle 1 is running, airflow flows through the flow path 5a, as shown by arrow A2 in Figure 2. Therefore, the first surface F1 is cooled by the airflow.

[0050] Here, the lower part of the hood 5 that covers the motor room 4 is easily heated by the heat emitted from the drive motor 6 and becomes hot. Therefore, the lower space S2 inside the hood 5 also easily becomes hot. Thus, the second surface F2 becomes hotter than the first surface F1. As described above, the power generation system 10-2 can create a temperature difference between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, so that an electromotive force can be generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 by the Seebeck effect. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric element 11 in this way can be used, for example, to charge the battery 7.

[0051] <Effects of the power generation system according to the second embodiment> The effects of the power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0052] The power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment, similar to the power generation system 10-1 described above, comprises a hood 5 provided in front of the windshield 3 of the vehicle 1, a flow path 5a through which at least a portion of the hood 5 passes and through which airflow flows, and a thermoelectric element 11 having a first surface F1 and a second surface F2, which generates an electromotive force corresponding to the temperature difference between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and is provided on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is exposed to the flow path 5a. As a result, by cooling the first surface F1 with the airflow, a temperature difference can be created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and an electromotive force can be generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 by the Seebeck effect. Therefore, power generation can be performed in the hood 5 of the vehicle 1. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric element 11 can be used, for example, to charge the battery 7.

[0053] In particular, in the power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment, the thermoelectric element 11 is provided on the inner surface of the flow path 5a such that the first surface F1 is located above the second surface F2 and is exposed to the flow path 5a facing upward, and the motor room 4, which is the space below the hood 5, houses the drive motor 6, which is the drive source of the vehicle 1. As a result, the first surface F1 is cooled by the airflow while the second surface F2 is heated by the heat emitted from the drive motor 6, making it hotter than the first surface F1. In other words, the second surface F2 can be heated to a higher temperature than the first surface F1 by utilizing the heat from the drive source. Thus, a temperature difference is created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and the generation of an electromotive force between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 by the Seebeck effect is appropriately realized.

[0054] In the above description, an example was given in which a drive motor 6 is provided as a drive source for vehicle 1, but the drive source for vehicle 1 is not limited to the above example. For example, in addition to or instead of the drive motor 6, an engine may be provided as a drive source for vehicle 1. In that case, the space below the hood 5 may be called the engine room, and the second surface F2 is heated by the heat emitted from the engine housed in the engine room.

[0055] Furthermore, in the power generation system 10-2 according to the second embodiment, the first surface F1 is provided with a plurality of cooling fins 12. As a result, the heat from the first surface F1 can be dissipated into the atmosphere in the flow path 5a by the plurality of cooling fins 12. Therefore, the first surface F1 can be cooled more effectively. Consequently, a larger temperature difference can be created between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, and a larger electromotive force can be generated between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 due to the Seebeck effect.

[0056] Note that multiple cooling fins 12 may be omitted from the power generation system 10-2.

[0057] <Variation> In the above, Figure 1 was used as an example of a vehicle 1 equipped with power generation system 10-1 or power generation system 10-2. However, the configuration of vehicle 1 equipped with power generation system 10-1 or power generation system 10-2 is not limited to the example in Figure 1. Below, vehicles 1A and 1B relating to various modifications will be described.

[0058] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of vehicle 1A according to the first modified example of the present invention. Vehicle 1A differs from vehicle 1 described above in the arrangement of the flow path 5a in the hood 5. As shown in Figure 6, in vehicle 1A, one end of the flow path 5a that penetrates the hood 5 opens to the front of the upper surface of the hood 5, and the other end of the flow path 5a opens to the rear of the lower surface of the hood 5. Therefore, as indicated by arrow A2, the airflow flows from the upper surface of the hood 5 into the flow path 5a and flows through the flow path 5a toward the rear of the vehicle. After that, the airflow is discharged downwards and toward the rear from the lower surface of the hood 5.

[0059] The power generation system 10-1 or power generation system 10-2 described above may be installed in the vehicle 1A. In this case, the thermoelectric element 11 described above is installed, for example, in the flow path 5a in Figure 6.

[0060] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of vehicle 1B according to a second modification of the present invention. Compared to vehicle 1 described above, vehicle 1B differs in the arrangement of the flow path 5a in the hood 5. As shown in Figure 7, in vehicle 1B, one end of the flow path 5a that penetrates the hood 5 opens to the front of the lower surface of the hood 5, and the other end of the flow path 5a opens to the rear of the upper surface of the hood 5. Here, in the example of Figure 7, a flow path 4a is provided in the motor room 4. With the hood 5 closed, the flow path 4a extends from the front grille at the front of the motor room 4 to one end of the flow path 5a. Therefore, as indicated by arrow A2, the airflow flows into the flow path 4a from the front grille at the front of the motor room 4 and flows upward and backward within the flow path 4a. Then, the airflow flows from the flow path 4a into the flow path 5a and flows upward and backward within the flow path 5a. After that, the airflow is discharged upward and backward from the upper surface of the hood 5. Thus, in vehicle 1B, airflow channels are formed by channels 4a and 5a, and channel 5a, which corresponds to a portion of these channels, penetrates the hood 5.

[0061] The power generation system 10-1 or power generation system 10-2 described above may be installed in the vehicle 1B. In this case, the thermoelectric element 11 described above may be installed in the flow path 5a in Figure 7, or in the flow path 4a.

[0062] Furthermore, both the power generation system 10-1 and the power generation system 10-2 described above may be installed in vehicle 1, vehicle 1A, or vehicle 1B, etc.

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 vehicle Vehicle 1A Vehicle 1B 2 Cabin 3. Windshield 4. Motor Room 4a Channel 5 Food 5a Flow channel 6. Motor for driving (drive source) 7 Batteries 8 Control device 8a processor 8b memory 10-1 Power Generation System 10-2 Power Generation System 11 Thermoelectric element 12 cooling fins 12a Base section 12b Projection 13. Insulation D1 Gap D2 distance F1 front page F2 2nd side S1 upper space S2 lower space

Claims

1. A hood positioned in front of the vehicle's windshield, At least a portion of the hood penetrates the aforementioned hood, forming a passage through which airflow flows, A thermoelectric element having a first surface and a second surface, which generates an electromotive force corresponding to the temperature difference between the first surface and the second surface, and which is provided on the inner surface of the flow path such that the first surface is exposed to the flow path, Equipped with, Power generation system.

2. The thermoelectric element is provided on the inner surface of the channel such that the first surface is located below the second surface and is exposed to the channel facing downward. The power generation system according to claim 1.

3. An insulating material is provided in the hood above the flow path. The power generation system according to claim 2.

4. The thermoelectric element is provided on the inner surface of the channel such that the first surface is located above the second surface and is exposed to the channel facing upward. The space below the hood houses the vehicle's power source. The power generation system according to claim 1.

5. The first surface is provided with a plurality of cooling fins. The power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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