Thermal power generation module and thermal power generation device equipped with same

Abstract

To provide a power generation module utilizing heat and capable of exhibiting a performance meeting the need, and a thermoelectric power generation device including the same.SOLUTION: A power generation module utilizing heat, comprises: a first power generation element utilizing heat, and having a first thermoelectric conversion layer and a first electrolyte layer which are superposed on each other along a laminating direction; a second power generation element utilizing heat, overlapping with the first power generation element utilizing heat in the laminating direction, and having a second electrolyte layer and a second thermoelectric conversion layer which are superposed on each other along the laminating direction; a first collector electrode located on the side of one end in the laminating direction; a second collector electrode located on the side of the other end in the laminating direction; and an electron-conducting layer located between the first power generation element utilizing heat and the second power generation element utilizing heat in the laminating direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal power generation module and a thermoelectric power generation device including the same, and more particularly to a thermal power generation module that exhibits a thermoelectric conversion function and a thermoelectric power generation device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of thermal power generation using geothermal energy or waste heat from factories include a method using the Seebeck effect. Examples of thermal power generation not using the Seebeck effect include a thermal power generation element disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. Patent Document 1 below discloses that thermal energy is converted into electrical energy by combining an electrolyte with a thermoelectric conversion material that generates thermally excited electrons and holes. By using such a thermal power generation element as a power source for electronic components, it is possible to supply stable power to the electronic components, for example, even in high-temperature environments (e.g., 50°C or higher) where general batteries are prone to degradation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 038988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned power generation device utilizing heat can be used under various conditions and for various purposes. For this reason, it is desirable to realize a thermal power generation device that can exhibit performance (e.g., high electromotive force, high output current, etc.) according to needs.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a thermal power generation module that can exhibit performance suited to needs, and a thermal power generation device including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A thermal power generation module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first thermal power generation element having a first thermoelectric conversion layer and a first electrolyte layer overlapping each other along a stacking direction, a second thermal power generation element overlapping the first thermal power generation element in the stacking direction and having a second thermoelectric conversion layer and a second electrolyte layer overlapping each other along the stacking direction, a first collector located at one end side in the stacking direction, a second collector located at the other end side in the stacking direction, and an electronic conductive layer located between the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element in the stacking direction, and the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are located between the first collector and the second collector in the stacking direction.

[0007] The thermal power generation module has a first thermal power generation element and a second thermal power generation element that are located between the first collector electrode and the second collector electrode in the stacking direction and overlap each other. For example, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in series to increase the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module. Alternatively, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in parallel to increase the output current of the thermal power generation module. In this way, by providing a thermal power generation module with multiple thermal power generation elements and appropriately adjusting the connection state of each thermal power generation element, a thermal power generation module that can demonstrate performance according to needs can be provided.

[0008] In the thermal power generation module, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element may be connected in series with each other via an electronic conductive layer. In this case, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are separated from each other via the electronic conductive layer. This makes it easier for electrons in the thermal power generation module to flow only in a desired direction, thereby improving the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module.

[0009] The first thermoelectric conversion layer has an electronic thermal excitation layer and an electron transport layer stacked in the stacking direction, the electronic thermal excitation layer is located between the electron transport layer and the first electrolyte layer, the electron conductive layer is in contact with the electron transport layer and the second electrolyte layer, and the work function or band gap of the electron conductive layer may be larger than the band gap of the electron transport layer. In this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an oxidation reaction of the electrolyte at the interface between the electron conductive layer and the second electrolyte layer. This makes it easier for electrons in the second electrolyte layer to flow only along the desired direction.

[0010] The second electrolyte layer may be an organic or inorganic electrolyte layer containing metal ions, and the electron-conducting layer may contain a metal, graphite, a conductive oxide, or an electron-conducting polymer material that has a lower ionization tendency than the metal ions in the second electrolyte layer. In this case, even if an organic or inorganic electrolyte layer is used, the electrons in the second electrolyte layer tend to flow only along the desired direction.

[0011] In the above case, the electron conductive layer may include at least one of platinum, gold, silver, and an aluminum alloy as a metal having a lower ionization tendency than the metal ions in the second electrolyte layer, and may include at least one of indium tin oxide and fluorine-doped tin oxide as a conductive oxide.

[0012] A thermal power generation module according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first thermal power generation element having a first thermoelectric conversion layer and a first electrolyte layer overlapping each other along a stacking direction, a second thermal power generation element having a second thermoelectric conversion layer and a second electrolyte layer overlapping the first thermal power generation element in the stacking direction and overlapping each other along the stacking direction, a first collector electrode located at one end side in the stacking direction, a second collector electrode located at the other end side in the stacking direction, and an insulating member arranged between the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element in the stacking direction, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element being located between the first collector electrode and the second collector electrode in the stacking direction, and the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element being connected in parallel to each other. By appropriately adjusting the connection mode of each thermal power generation element, this thermal power generation module can provide a thermal power generation module that can exhibit performance according to needs. In addition, an insulating member is arranged between the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element, and the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in parallel to each other. Therefore, the thermal power generation module can be made smaller when viewed in the stacking direction, while the output current of the thermal power generation module can be increased.

[0013] The thermal power generation module may further include a third collector located between the insulating member and the first thermal power generation element in the stacking direction, and a fourth collector located between the insulating member and the second thermal power generation element in the stacking direction, wherein the first collector and the third collector are electrically connected to each other, and the second collector and the fourth collector are electrically connected to each other.

[0014] The thermal power generation module may further include a third thermal power generation element located between the insulating member and the second thermal power generation element in the stacking direction and having a third thermoelectric conversion layer and a third electrolyte layer overlapping each other along the stacking direction, and an electron conductive layer located between the second thermal power generation element and the third thermal power generation element in the stacking direction, and the second thermal power generation element and the third thermal power generation element may be connected in series to each other via the electron conductive layer. In this case, it is possible to achieve both an improvement in the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module and an increase in the current output from the thermal power generation module.

[0015] The first thermoelectric conversion layer has an electronic thermal excitation layer and an electron transport layer stacked in the stacking direction, the electronic thermal excitation layer is located between the electron transport layer and the first electrolyte layer, the electron conductive layer is in contact with the electron transport layer and the third electrolyte layer, and the work function or band gap of the electron conductive layer may be larger than the band gap of the electron transport layer. In this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an oxidation reaction of the electrolyte at the interface between the electron conductive layer and the third electrolyte layer. This makes it easier for electrons in the third electrolyte layer to flow only along the desired direction.

[0016] A thermoelectric power generation device according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned multiple thermal power generation modules, and in each of the multiple thermal power generation modules, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in series to each other, and the multiple thermal power generation modules are arranged in a direction intersecting the stacking direction, connected in parallel to each other, and integrated with each other. In this case, it is possible to realize a thermoelectric power generation device that achieves both improved electromotive force and increased output current. Therefore, for example, by adjusting the number of thermal power generation modules included in the thermoelectric power generation device, it is possible to provide a thermoelectric power generation device that can demonstrate performance according to needs.

[0017] A thermoelectric power generation device according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned multiple thermal power generation modules, and in each of the multiple thermal power generation modules, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in series to each other, and the multiple thermal power generation modules are arranged in a direction intersecting the stacking direction, connected in series to each other, and integrated with each other. In this case, a thermoelectric power generation device capable of further improving electromotive force can be realized. Therefore, for example, by adjusting the number of thermal power generation modules included in the thermoelectric power generation device, a thermoelectric power generation device capable of exhibiting performance according to needs can be provided.

[0018] The thermal power generation device may further include an insulating member provided between adjacent thermal power generation modules, which makes it possible to effectively prevent short circuits between adjacent thermal power generation modules. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermal power generation module capable of exhibiting performance according to needs, and a thermal power generation device including the same. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a single heat-utilization power generating element and a terminal, and FIG. 2(b) is a schematic view for explaining the power generating mechanism of the heat-utilization power generating element. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the movement of electrons within a thermal power generation module relating to a comparative example, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the movement of electrons within a thermal power generation module relating to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a thermoelectric power generation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a thermoelectric power generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0022] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of the thermal power generation module according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the thermal power generation module according to the first embodiment. The thermal power generation module 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an assembly of members that generate electricity when heat is supplied from the outside (i.e., a thermoelectric generator that converts thermal energy into electrical energy). The thermal power generation module 1 includes a plurality of thermal power generation elements 2, a plurality of electron conductive layers 3, and a pair of collector electrodes 4, 5. The shape of the thermal power generation module 1 is not particularly limited. The shape of the thermal power generation module 1 in a plan view may be, for example, a polygonal shape such as a rectangle, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape.

[0023] The thermal power generation elements 2, the electronic conductive layers 3, and the pair of collector electrodes 4, 5 are stacked on top of each other in a predetermined direction. The thermal power generation elements 2 and the electronic conductive layers 3 are located between the pair of collector electrodes 4, 5. Hereinafter, the predetermined direction is simply referred to as the "stacking direction." In addition, in this specification, "same" is a concept that includes not only "completely same" but also "substantially same."

[0024] Each of the multiple thermal power generation elements 2 is a thermoelectric generator having the same shape, and generates thermally excited electrons and holes when heat is supplied from the outside. The generation of thermally excited electrons and holes by the thermal power generation elements 2 is performed, for example, at a temperature of 25°C or higher and 300°C or lower. From the viewpoint of generating a sufficient number of thermally excited electrons and holes, the thermal power generation elements 2 may be heated to, for example, 50°C or higher when the thermal power generation module 1 is in use. From the viewpoint of effectively preventing deterioration of the thermal power generation elements 2, the thermal power generation elements 2 may be heated to, for example, 200°C or lower when the thermal power generation module 1 is in use. The temperature at which a sufficient number of thermally excited electrons are generated is, for example, a temperature at which "the thermally excited electron density of the thermal power generation elements 2 is 10 15 / cm 3 "The temperature at which the temperature is equal to or higher than this."

[0025] In the first embodiment, the multiple thermal power generation elements 2 overlap each other along the stacking direction and are connected in series to each other. The number of the multiple thermal power generation elements 2 varies depending on the performance required for the thermal power generation module 1.

[0026] The thermal power generation element 2 is a laminate having a thermoelectric conversion layer 12 and an electrolyte layer 13 overlapping each other in the stacking direction. The thermoelectric conversion layer 12 has an electron thermal excitation layer 12a and an electron transport layer 12b overlapping each other in the stacking direction. In the first embodiment, the stacking order of the electron thermal excitation layer 12a, the electron transport layer 12b, and the electrolyte layer 13 in each thermal power generation element 2 is uniform.

[0027] The electronic thermal excitation layer 12a is a layer that generates thermally excited electrons and holes in the thermal power generation element 2, and is in contact with the electrolyte layer 13. The electronic thermal excitation layer 12a includes a thermoelectric conversion material. The thermoelectric conversion material is a material in which excited electrons increase in a high-temperature environment, and is, for example, a semiconductor material such as a metal semiconductor (Si, Ge), a tellurium compound semiconductor, a silicon germanium (Si-Ge) compound semiconductor, a silicide compound semiconductor, a skutterudite compound semiconductor, a clathrate compound semiconductor, a Heusler compound semiconductor, a half-Heusler compound semiconductor, a metal oxide semiconductor, a metal sulfide semiconductor, or an organic semiconductor. From the viewpoint of generating sufficient thermally excited electrons at a relatively low temperature, the thermoelectric conversion material may be germanium (Ge).

[0028] The electron thermal excitation layer 12a may include a plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials. The electron thermal excitation layer 12a may include materials other than thermoelectric conversion materials. For example, the electron thermal excitation layer 12a may include a binder that binds the thermoelectric conversion materials, a sintering aid that assists in molding the thermoelectric conversion materials, and the like. The electron thermal excitation layer 12a is formed by, for example, a squeegee method, a screen printing method, a discharge plasma sintering method, a compression molding method, a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, a chemical vapor deposition method (CVD method), a spin coating method, and the like.

[0029] The electron transport layer 12b is a layer that transports thermally excited electrons generated in the electron thermal excitation layer 12a to the outside, and is located on the opposite side of the electrolyte layer 13 via the electron thermal excitation layer 12a in the stacking direction. Therefore, in the thermal power generation element 2, the electron transport layer 12b, the electron thermal excitation layer 12a, and the electrolyte layer 13 are stacked in order in the stacking direction. The electron transport layer 12b includes an electron transport material. The electron transport material is a material whose conductive charge potential is the same as or more positive than that of the thermoelectric conversion material. The difference between the conductive charge potential of the electron transport material and the conductive charge potential of the thermoelectric conversion material is, for example, 0.01 V or more and 0.1 V or less. The electron transport material is, for example, a semiconductor material, an electron transporting organic material, or the like. The electron transport layer 12b is formed by, for example, a squeegee method, a screen printing method, a discharge plasma sintering method, a compression molding method, a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, a CVD method, a spin coating method, or the like.

[0030] The semiconductor material used for the electron transport material is, for example, the same as the semiconductor material contained in the electron thermal excitation layer 12a. The electron transport organic material is, for example, an N-type conductive polymer, an N-type low molecular weight organic semiconductor, a π-electron conjugated compound, or the like. The electron transport layer 12b may contain a plurality of electron transport materials. The electron transport layer 12b may contain a material other than the electron transport material. For example, the electron transport layer 12b may contain a binder that binds the electron transport material, a sintering aid that assists in forming the electron transport material, or the like. From the viewpoint of electron transportability, the semiconductor material may be n-type Si. The electron transport layer 12b containing n-type Si is formed, for example, by doping a silicon layer with phosphorus or the like.

[0031] The electrolyte layer 13 is a layer containing an electrolyte in which charge transport ion pairs can move inside at a temperature at which a sufficient number of thermally excited electrons are generated in the thermal power generation element 2. The charge transport ion pairs move inside the electrolyte layer 13, causing a current to flow through the electrolyte layer 13. The "charge transport ion pair" is a stable pair of ions with different valences, such as metal ions. When one ion is oxidized or reduced, it becomes the other ion and can move electrons and holes. The redox potential of the charge transport ion pair in the electrolyte layer 13 is more negative than the valence potential of the thermoelectric conversion material contained in the electronic thermal excitation layer 12a. Therefore, at the interface between the electronic thermal excitation layer 12a and the electrolyte layer 13, the ion that is easily oxidized among the charge transport ion pairs is oxidized and becomes the other ion. The electrolyte layer 13 may contain ions other than the charge transport ion pair. The electrolyte layer 13 can be formed by, for example, a squeegee method, a screen printing method, a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, a CVD method, a sol-gel method, or a spin coating method.

[0032] The electrolyte contained in the electrolyte layer 13 is not particularly limited. The electrolyte may be, for example, a liquid electrolyte, a solid electrolyte, or a gel electrolyte. In the first embodiment, the electrolyte layer 13 includes a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is, for example, a substance that is physically and chemically stable at the above temperature and may contain multivalent ions. The solid electrolyte is, for example, a sodium ion conductor, a copper ion conductor, an iron ion conductor, a lithium ion conductor, a silver ion conductor, a hydrogen ion conductor, a strontium ion conductor, an aluminum ion conductor, a fluorine ion conductor, a chloride ion conductor, an oxide ion conductor, or the like. The solid electrolyte may be, for example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecular weight of 600,000 or less or a derivative thereof. When the solid electrolyte is PEG, a multivalent ion source such as copper ions or iron ions may be contained in the electrolyte layer 13. From the viewpoint of improving the life span, alkali metal ions may be contained in the electrolyte layer 13. The molecular weight of PEG corresponds to the weight average molecular weight measured in terms of polystyrene by gel permeation chromatography.

[0033] The electrolyte layer 13 may be an organic electrolyte layer or an inorganic electrolyte layer. Whether the electrolyte layer 13 is an organic electrolyte layer or an inorganic electrolyte layer is determined, for example, according to the composition of the electron conductive layer 3. The organic electrolyte layer is, for example, an electrolyte layer mainly composed of one or more organic substances. The organic substance includes at least one of a low molecular weight organic compound and a high molecular weight organic compound. The inorganic electrolyte layer is, for example, an electrolyte layer mainly composed of one or more inorganic substances. The inorganic substance may be a single substance or an inorganic compound. The organic electrolyte layer may include an inorganic substance, and the inorganic electrolyte layer may include an organic substance. Each of the above organic substances and inorganic substances may be an electrolyte or may be different from the electrolyte. For example, the electrolyte layer 13 may include an organic substance or an inorganic substance that functions as a binder that binds the electrolyte, a sintering aid that assists in forming the electrolyte, or the like. The organic substance is, for example, PEDOT / PSS, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetonitrile, etc., and the inorganic substance is, for example, silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminum oxide (AlOx), etc. In addition, an organic compound with a molecular weight of 10,000 or more is considered a polymer organic compound.

[0034] The electron conductive layer 3 is a layer for conducting electrons moving in the thermal power generation module 1 only in a predetermined direction. In the first embodiment, the electron conductive layer 3 is a layer that exhibits electronic conductivity but does not exhibit ionic conductivity. Therefore, the electron conductive layer 3 can also be called an ion conduction prevention layer. The electron conductive layer 3 is located between the thermal power generation elements 2 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction. Therefore, the two thermal power generation elements 2 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected in series to each other via the electron conductive layer 3. In the first embodiment, the electron conductive layer 3 is in contact with both the electrolyte layer 13 of one thermal power generation element 2 and the electron transport layer 12b of the other thermal power generation element 2.

[0035] The electron conductive layer 3 is formed by, for example, a squeegee method, a screen printing method, a discharge plasma sintering method, a compression molding method, a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, a CVD method, a spin coating method, a plating method, or the like. For example, when the electrolyte layer 13 is an organic electrolyte layer, the electron conductive layer 3 located between the adjacent heat power generation elements 2 is provided on the surface of the electron transport layer 12b included in one of the heat power generation elements 2 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the electron thermal excitation layer 12a is provided). For example, when the electrolyte layer 13 is an inorganic electrolyte layer, the electron conductive layer 3 is provided on the surface of the electrolyte layer 13 included in the heat power generation element 2. The thickness of the electron conductive layer 3 is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the work function (or band gap) of the electron conductive layer 3 is larger than the band gap of the electron transport layer 12b. The difference between the work function or band gap of the electron conductive layer 3 and the band gap of the electron transport layer 12b is, for example, 0.1 eV or more. The valence charge potential of the electron conductive layer 3 may be more positive than the reduction potential of the ions contained in the electrolyte layer 13. In this case, the oxidation reaction of the ions is unlikely to occur at the interface between the electron conductive layer 3 and the electrolyte layer 13. For example, when the electrolyte layer is an organic electrolyte layer, the electron conductive layer 3 includes a conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide) and FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide), an electron conductive polymer material, etc. For example, when the electrolyte layer is an inorganic electrolyte layer, the electron conductive layer 3 includes Pt (platinum), Au (gold), Ag (silver), an aluminum alloy (for example, duralumin, Si-Al alloy), an electron conductive polymer material, etc. The electron conductive polymer material is, for example, PEDOT / PSS. The conductive charge potential of the electron conductive layer 3 may be more negative than the conductive charge potential of the electron transport layer 12b. In this case, electrons are more likely to move from the electron transport layer 12b to the electron conductive layer 3. When the electrolyte layer 13 contains metal ions, the electron conductive layer 3 may contain a metal, graphite, a conductive oxide, or an electron conductive polymer material that has a lower ionization tendency than the metal ions. Examples of such metals, conductive oxides, and electron conductive polymer materials are as described above.

[0037] The collector 4 is an electrode that functions as one of the positive and negative electrodes in the thermal power generation module 1, and is located at one end of the thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction. The collector 5 is an electrode that functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes in the thermal power generation module 1, and is located at the other end of the thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction. Each of the collectors 4 and 5 is, for example, a conductive plate having a single layer structure or a laminated structure. The conductive plate is, for example, a metal plate, an alloy plate, or a composite plate thereof. From the viewpoint of exhibiting the performance of the thermal power generation module 1 well, at least one of the collectors 4 and 5 may exhibit high thermal conductivity. Since a temperature difference is not necessary in the thermal power generation module 1, it is desirable that both of the collectors 4 and 5 exhibit high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of at least one of the collectors 4 and 5 may be 10 W / m·K or more.

[0038] Next, an overview of the power generation mechanism of the thermal power generation element will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a single thermal power generation element and terminals, and FIG. 2(b) is a schematic view for explaining the power generation mechanism of the thermal power generation element. For the purpose of explanation, the charge transport ion pair contained in the electrolyte layer 13 shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) is assumed to be iron ions (Fe 2+ ,Fe 3+ As shown in FIG. 2(b), when the electron thermal excitation layer 12a absorbs heat in a high-temperature environment, the electrons e excited in the electron thermal excitation layer 12a are - This electron e - The electrons move to the electron transport layer 12b. As a result, the electron thermal excitation layer 12a receives positive holes h + This hole h + At the first interface BS1 between the electron thermal excitation layer 12a and the electrolyte layer 13, Fe 2+ That is, this hole h + At the first interface BS1, Fe 2+ As a result, the Fe 2+ Fe 3+ On the other hand, the excess electrons e - The electrons e move to the outside, pass through the resistor R and the terminal T, and reach the electrolyte layer 13. The electrons e- At the second interface BS2 between the electrolyte layer 13 and the terminal T, 3+ This reduces the Fe 3+ Fe 2+ Then, the oxidized Fe at the first interface BS1 3+ is diffused toward the second interface BS2, and reduced Fe 2+ is diffused toward the first interface BS1. This maintains the above-mentioned oxidation-reduction reaction between the first interface BS1 and the second interface BS2. The thermal energy generating element 2 generates electricity by generating electrons through such thermal excitation and the oxidation-reduction reaction. Note that the work generated when the electrons pass through the resistor R corresponds to power generation.

[0039] Next, the effects of the thermal power generation module 1 according to the first embodiment described above will be described with reference to a comparative example shown below. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to the comparative example. The thermal power generation module 101 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the thermal power generation module 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include an electron conductive layer. Therefore, in the thermal power generation module 101, the thermal power generation elements 2 are in contact with each other and are connected in series with each other. Therefore, between adjacent thermal power generation elements 2, the electron transport layer 12b included in one thermal power generation element 2 and the electrolyte layer 13 included in the other thermal power generation element 2 are in contact with each other.

[0040] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the movement of electrons in a thermal power generation module according to a comparative example, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the movement of electrons in a thermal power generation module according to the first embodiment. For the purpose of explanation, in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), one of the adjacent thermal power generation elements 2 is the first thermal power generation element 11, and the other is the second thermal power generation element 21. In addition, the electron thermal excitation layer 12a includes a first semiconductor, the electron transport layer 12b includes a second semiconductor, and the electrolyte layer 13 includes a charge transport ion pair (I1, I2). In addition, the redox potential of the charge transport ion pair included in the electrolyte layer 13 is located within the band gap of the first semiconductor and is more negative than the valence charge potential of the first semiconductor. Furthermore, the valence charge potential of the second semiconductor is more positive than the valence charge potential of the first semiconductor. In other words, the redox potential of the charge transport ion pair is more negative than the valence charge potential of the second semiconductor. The valence of the ion I1 is greater than the valence of the ion I2.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the electrolyte layer 13 of the first heat power generating element 11 is in contact with both the electron thermal excitation layer 12a included in the first heat power generating element 11 and the electron transport layer 12b included in the second heat power generating element 21. As described above, in the first heat power generating element 11, ions I1 diffuse to the first interface BS1 in the electrolyte layer 13. Although not shown, ions I2 diffuse to the third interface BS3 between the electron transport layer 12b of the second heat power generating element 21 and the electrolyte layer 13 of the first heat power generating element 11. As a result, electrons e from the second heat power generating element 21 to the first heat power generating element 11. - That is, electrons e move along one side of the stacking direction in the thermal power generation module 101. - moves.

[0042] Here, since the electron transport layer 12b contains the second semiconductor, the excited electrons e - This electron e - As a result, holes h are also transported to the electron transport layer 12b. +As described above, the valence charge potential of the second semiconductor is more positive than that of the first semiconductor, and the redox potential of the charge transport ion pair is more negative than that of the second semiconductor. Therefore, the holes h generated in the electron transport layer 12b + At the third interface BS3, the ions I1 contained in the electrolyte layer 13 are oxidized. Thus, an oxidation reaction occurs at both ends of the electrolyte layer 13 in the stacking direction. In this case, the ions I1 diffuse not only toward the first interface BS1 side, but also toward the third interface BS3 side. As a result, in the electrolyte layer 13, electrons e - Not only does the electron e move from the first heat energy generating element 11 to the second heat energy generating element 21, - In other words, when multiple heat-utilizing power generating elements 2 are simply stacked, electrons e - may move to both sides in the stacking direction in the thermal power generation module 101. In such a case, it becomes difficult to widen the potential difference between adjacent thermal power generation elements 2. Therefore, in the comparative example, even when multiple thermal power generation elements 2 are used, it is difficult to increase the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module 101, and as a result, the output of the thermal power generation module 101 may become lower than the theoretical value.

[0043] In contrast, in the thermal power generation module 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(b), an electron conductive layer 3 is located between adjacent thermal power generation elements 2. By providing such an electron conductive layer 3, the electrolyte layer 13 of one thermal power generation element 2 and the electron transport layer 12b of the other thermal power generation element 2 are separated from each other. In this case, holes h + Even if a hole h +cannot take electrons from the ions I1 contained in the electrolyte layer 13. Therefore, the oxidation reaction of the ions I1 can occur only at the first interface BS1. Therefore, the ions I1 contained in the electrolyte layer 13 are less likely to diffuse toward the fourth interface BS4 between the electrolyte layer 13 and the electron conductive layer 3. In other words, the ions I1 tend to diffuse only toward the first interface BS1 in the electrolyte layer 13. As a result, the electrons e - is likely to flow only in the desired direction. Therefore, in the thermal power generation module 1, the potential difference between adjacent thermal power generation elements 2 is likely to widen, so that the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module 1 can be improved favorably. In addition, by adjusting the number of thermal power generation elements 2 included in the thermal power generation module 1, the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module 1 can be set to a value that meets the needs.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion layer 12 has an electron thermal excitation layer 12a and an electron transport layer 12b stacked in the stacking direction, the electron thermal excitation layer 12a is located between the electron transport layer 12b included in one heat power generation element 2 and the electrolyte layer 13 included in the other heat power generation element 2, the electron conductive layer 3 is in contact with the electron transport layer 12b and the electrolyte layer 13, and the work function or band gap of the electron conductive layer 3 may be larger than the band gap of the electron transport layer 12b. In this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an oxidation reaction of the electrolyte (ions I1) at the fourth interface BS4 between the electron conductive layer 3 and the electrolyte layer 13. This prevents the electrons e in the electrolyte layer 13 from oxidizing. - tends to flow only along the desired direction.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the electrolyte layer 13 is an organic electrolyte layer or an inorganic electrolyte layer containing metal ions, and the electron conducting layer 3 may contain a metal, graphite, a conductive oxide, or an electron conducting polymer material that has a lower ionization tendency than the metal ions in the electrolyte layer 13. In this case, even if an organic electrolyte layer or an inorganic electrolyte layer is used as the electrolyte layer 13, the electron e - tends to flow only along the desired direction.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the electron conductive layer 3 may contain at least one of platinum, gold, silver, and an aluminum alloy as a metal having a lower ionization tendency than the metal ions in the electrolyte layer 13, and may contain at least one of indium tin oxide and fluorine-doped tin oxide as a conductive oxide.

[0047] Second embodiment The following describes a thermal power generation module according to the second embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and only differences from the first embodiment will be described. In other words, to the extent technically possible, the descriptions of the first embodiment may be used appropriately in the second embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the thermal power generation module 1A includes a plurality of thermal power generation elements 2 stacked on top of each other in the stacking direction, a plurality of collector electrodes 4A, 5A, outer electrodes 31, 32, and a plurality of insulating members 33.

[0049] Each heat-utilizing power generating element 2 is located between the collector electrodes 4A and 5A in the stacking direction. That is, each heat-utilizing power generating element 2 is sandwiched between the collector electrodes 4A and 5A in the stacking direction. In the heat-utilizing power generating module 1A, an insulating member 33 is provided between each heat-utilizing power generating element 2. Specifically, an insulating member 33 is provided between the collector electrodes 4A and 5A adjacent to each other in the stacking direction. Therefore, between two adjacent heat-utilizing power generating elements 2, the collector electrode 5A, the insulating member 33, and the collector electrode 4A are stacked in order along the stacking direction. In other words, the collector electrode 5A is located between the insulating member 33 and one of the heat-utilizing power generating elements 2 in the stacking direction, and the collector electrode 4A is located between the insulating member 33 and the other heat-utilizing power generating element 2 in the stacking direction. In addition, the collector electrode 4A, the heat-utilizing power generating element 2, and the collector electrode 5A are stacked in order between the insulating members 33 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction.

[0050] The collector 4A is a conductor that functions as one of the positive and negative electrodes of the heat-utilizing power generating element 2, and has a substantially plate shape. The collector 5A is a conductor that functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the heat-utilizing power generating element 2, and has a substantially plate shape. The collectors 4A and 5A are made of, for example, the same material as the collectors 4 and 5 of the first embodiment. Parts of the collectors 4A and 5A protrude from each of the heat-utilizing power generating elements 2 in a direction (for example, the horizontal direction) intersecting the stacking direction. From the viewpoint of preventing contact between the outer electrodes 31 and 32, it is desirable that a part of the collector 4A and a part of the collector 5A protrude in opposite directions to each other.

[0051] The outer electrode 31 is a conductor that functions as one of the positive and negative electrodes of the thermal power generation module 1A, and is electrically connected to each collector electrode 4A. The outer electrode 32 is a conductor that functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the thermal power generation module 1A, and is electrically connected to each collector electrode 5A. Therefore, in the thermal power generation module 1A, the thermal power generation elements 2 are connected in parallel to each other. From the viewpoint of exhibiting good performance of the thermal power generation module 1A, at least one of the outer electrodes 31, 32 may exhibit high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of at least one of the outer electrodes 31, 32 may be 10 W / m·K or more. Since the outer electrodes 31, 32 are separated from the thermal power generation elements 2, the outer electrodes 31, 32 may contain copper or the like. Since a temperature difference is not necessary in the thermal power generation module 1A, it is desirable that both the outer electrodes 31, 32 exhibit high thermal conductivity.

[0052] The insulating member 33 is an insulator that prevents short circuits between the heat-utilizing power generating elements 2 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction, and has a substantially plate shape. In the horizontal direction, the edge of the insulating member 33 may be aligned with the edge of the heat-utilizing power generating element 2, or may not be aligned with the edge. From the viewpoint of favorably exerting the function of the insulating member 33, the edge of the insulating member 33 may be located outside the edge of the heat-utilizing power generating element 2 in the horizontal direction. In this case, at least a part of the edge of the insulating member 33 may be located outside the edge of the heat-utilizing power generating element 2. The insulating member 33 includes, for example, an organic insulator or an inorganic insulator that exhibits heat resistance. The organic insulator is, for example, a heat-resistant plastic. The inorganic insulator is, for example, a ceramic such as alumina. From the viewpoint of favorably exerting the performance of each heat-utilizing power generating module 1, the insulating member 33 may exhibit high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of the insulating member 33 may be 10 W / m·K or more. Alternatively, the insulating member 33 may include a member, particle, or the like that exhibits high thermal conductivity. The member may be electrically conductive, in which case it is completely covered with an insulating material, for example by painting, vapor deposition, powder coating, extrusion coating, cold spraying, etc.

[0053] From the viewpoint of achieving good performance of the thermal power generation module 1A, the insulating member 33 may exhibit high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of the insulating member 33 may be 10 W / m·K or more. Alternatively, the insulating member 33 may include a thermally conductive member exhibiting high thermal conductivity. This thermally conductive member may be electrically conductive. In this case, the member is completely covered with an insulator. The insulating member 33 is formed by, for example, painting, vapor deposition, powder coating, extrusion coating, cold spray, or the like.

[0054] In the thermal power generation module 1A according to the second embodiment described above, the thermal power generation elements 2 are stacked in the stacking direction and connected in parallel to each other, which makes it possible to increase the output current of the thermal power generation module 1A while suppressing the area of ​​the thermal power generation module 1A as viewed in the stacking direction.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the thermal power generation module 1A includes a collector 5A located between the insulating member 33 and one of the thermal power generation elements 2 in the stacking direction, and a collector 4A located between the insulating member 33 and the other of the thermal power generation elements 2 in the stacking direction, and the collectors 4A are electrically connected to each other, and the collectors 5A are electrically connected to each other. In this case, short circuits between the thermal power generation elements 2 can be effectively suppressed.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a modified example of the second embodiment. The thermal power generation module 1B shown in Fig. 6 is a combination of the thermal power generation module 1 shown in the first embodiment and the thermal power generation module 1A shown in the second embodiment. Specifically, a plurality of thermal power generation elements 2 are stacked in the stacking direction between a pair of collector electrodes 4A, 5A in the thermal power generation module 1B and connected in series. In addition, an electron conductive layer 3 is located between adjacent thermal power generation elements 2 in the plurality of thermal power generation elements 2.

[0057] If the thermal power generation elements 2 and the electron conductive layers 3 sandwiched between the pair of collector electrodes 4A, 5A are defined as an assembly 41, the thermal power generation module 1B has a plurality of assemblies 41. From the viewpoint of stabilizing the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module 1B, it is desirable that the numbers of the thermal power generation elements 2 and the electron conductive layers 3 included in each assembly 41 match each other.

[0058] The thermal power generation module 1B according to this modified example achieves the effects of both the first and second embodiments. For example, by adjusting the number of thermal power generation elements 2 included in each assembly 41, the electromotive force of the thermal power generation module 1B can be set to a value suited to needs. Alternatively, by adjusting the number of assemblies 41, the output current of the thermal power generation module 1B can be set to a value suited to needs.

[0059] Third embodiment Hereinafter, a thermoelectric power generation device including a thermal power generation module according to the third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and only differences from the first and second embodiments will be described. In other words, to the extent technically possible, the descriptions of the first and second embodiments may be used appropriately in the third embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a thermal power generation device. The thermal power generation device 200 shown in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of thermal power generation modules 1 according to the first embodiment. In the thermal power generation device 200, the plurality of thermal power generation modules 1 are connected in parallel with each other and arranged in a direction intersecting the stacking direction (for example, horizontal direction). In addition, the plurality of thermal power generation modules 1 are integrated with each other. In this example, each pair of collector electrodes included in each thermal power generation module 1 is shared. Specifically, the thermal power generation device 200 includes a pair of collector electrodes 51, 52 that sandwich the thermal power generation element 2 and the electron conductive layer 3 included in each thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction. In addition, the thermal power generation device 200 includes an insulating member 53 sandwiched between the pair of collector electrodes 51, 52 in the stacking direction.

[0061] The collector 51 is an electrode that functions as one of the positive and negative electrodes of the thermal power generation device 200, and is located at one end of each thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction. That is, the collector 51 functions as one of the positive and negative electrodes for each thermal power generation module 1. The collector 52 is an electrode that functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the thermal power generation device 200, and is located at the other end of each thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction. That is, the collector 52 functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes for each thermal power generation module 1. Each of the collectors 51 and 52 is made of, for example, the same material as the collectors 4 and 5 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, each of the collectors 51 and 52 has a single plate shape, but is not limited to this. For example, each of the collectors 51 and 52 may be a complex of an electrode provided in each thermal power generation module and a wiring or conductive plate that electrically connects these electrodes to each other.

[0062] The insulating member 53 is an insulator located between adjacent thermal power generation modules 1 when viewed from the stacking direction. The insulating member 53 is made of the same material as the insulating member 33 shown in the second embodiment, for example. From the viewpoint of protecting the thermal power generation device 200, the insulating member 53 surrounds the thermal power generation module 1 when viewed from the stacking direction. From the viewpoint of preventing contact between adjacent thermal power generation modules 1, it is desirable for the insulating member 53 to be in contact with both of the collector electrodes 51, 52 without any gaps.

[0063] In such a thermal power generation device 200, the electromotive force of the thermal power generation device 200 can be set to a value that meets the needs by adjusting the number of thermal power generation elements 2 included in each thermal power generation module 1. In addition, the output current of the thermal power generation device 200 can be set to a value that meets the needs by adjusting the number of thermal power generation modules 1. Therefore, it is possible to provide a thermal power generation device 200 that can demonstrate performance that meets the needs.

[0064] The thermal power generation device 200 includes an insulating member 53 provided between adjacent thermal power generation modules 1. This makes it possible to effectively prevent short circuits between adjacent thermal power generation modules 1.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a thermal power generation device. As shown in FIG. 8, the thermal power generation device 300 includes a plurality of thermal power generation modules 1 that are connected in series with each other and arranged in a direction intersecting the stacking direction (for example, horizontal direction). The plurality of thermal power generation modules 1 are integrated with each other. For the sake of explanation below, it is assumed that the thermal power generation device 300 includes a first thermal power generation module 1a, a second thermal power generation module 1b, and a third thermal power generation module 1c that are arranged in this order from the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 8. The first thermal power generation module 1a and the second thermal power generation module 1b are adjacent to each other, and the second thermal power generation module 1b and the third thermal power generation module 1c are adjacent to each other. The stacking order of the thermal power generation elements 2 included in the first thermal power generation module 1a is the same as the stacking order of the thermal power generation elements 2 included in the third thermal power generation module 1c. On the other hand, the stacking order of the thermal power generation elements 2 included in the second thermal power generation module 1b is different from the stacking order of the first thermal power generation module 1a and the third thermal power generation module 1c.

[0066] The thermal power generation device 300 includes collector electrodes 61 to 64. The collector electrode 61 is a conductor that functions as one of the positive and negative electrodes of the first thermal power generation module 1a, and is located at one end of the thermal power generation device 300 in the stacking direction. The collector electrode 62 is a conductor that functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the first thermal power generation module 1a and one of the positive and negative electrodes of the second thermal power generation module 1b, and is located at the other end of the thermal power generation device 300 in the stacking direction. The collector electrode 63 is a conductor that functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the second thermal power generation module 1b and one of the positive and negative electrodes of the third thermal power generation module 1c, and is located at one end of the thermal power generation device 300 in the stacking direction. The collector electrode 64 is a conductor that functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the third thermal power generation module 1c, and is located at the other end of the thermal power generation device 300 in the stacking direction. 8, each of the collector electrodes 62, 63 has a single plate shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the collector electrode 62 may be a composite of an electrode provided in the first thermal power generation module 1a, an electrode provided in the second thermal power generation module 1b, and wiring or a conductive plate that electrically connects these electrodes together.

[0067] The thermal power generation device 300 includes insulating members 65 and 66. The insulating member 65 is an insulator provided between the first thermal power generation module 1a and the second thermal power generation module 1b. From the viewpoint of preventing a short circuit between the first thermal power generation module 1a and the second thermal power generation module 1b, the insulating member 65 is provided between the collector electrodes 61 and 63. The insulating member 66 is an insulator provided between the second thermal power generation module 1b and the third thermal power generation module 1c. From the viewpoint of preventing a short circuit between the second thermal power generation module 1b and the third thermal power generation module 1c, the insulating member 66 is provided between the collector electrodes 62 and 64. The insulating members 65 and 66 are made of the same material as the insulating member 33 shown in the second embodiment, for example.

[0068] In such a thermoelectric power generation device 300, a plurality of thermal power generation modules 1 are connected in series with each other, so that it is possible to further improve the electromotive force. Therefore, it is possible to provide a thermoelectric power generation device 300 that can exhibit performance that meets the needs of each customer.

[0069] The thermal power generation device 300 includes insulating members 65, 66 provided between adjacent thermal power generation modules 1. In this case, short circuits between adjacent thermal power generation modules 1 can be effectively prevented.

[0070] The thermal power generation module and the thermal power generation device including the same according to the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and the above-mentioned modified examples, and various other modifications are possible. For example, the first embodiment includes a plurality of electron conductive layers, but is not limited to this. When the thermal power generation module includes two thermal power generation elements, the thermal power generation module may have one electron conductive layer.

[0071] In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the thermal power generation element has a thermoelectric conversion layer and an electron transport layer, but is not limited to this. The thermal power generation element may have a layer other than the above two layers. In addition, the electron conductive layer is in contact with both the electron transport layer and the electrolyte layer, but is not limited to this. For example, some layer may be provided between the electron conductive layer and the electron transport layer. That is, some layer may be provided between the electron conductive layer and the thermal power generation element.

[0072] In the above embodiment and the above modified example, each of the thermal power generation module and the thermal power generation device may be covered with a protective material or the like. In this case, damage to the thermal power generation module and the thermal power generation device can be suppressed. The protective material may cover the entire thermal power generation module or may cover a part of it. For example, the protective material may cover only the side surface of the thermal power generation module. In this case, it is preferable that the protective material covers the side surface without any gaps. Similarly, the protective material may cover the entire thermal power generation device or may cover a part of it. From the viewpoint of thermal power generation efficiency, it is preferable that the protective material exhibits high thermal conductivity. The protective material is, for example, a resin containing Si (Si heat transfer resin), ceramics, high thermal conductivity glass, etc. The protective material may include a thermal conductive member exhibiting high thermal conductivity. This thermal conductive member may be electrically conductive. In this case, the thermal conductive member is completely covered by an insulator.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the electron transport layer is not limited to a semiconductor material. For example, the electron transport layer may be a metal material. The metal material may be, for example, a metal, an alloy, an N-type metal oxide, an N-type metal sulfide, an alkali metal halide, an alkali metal, or the like. The N-type metal may be, for example, niobium, titanium, zinc, tin, vanadium, indium, tungsten, tantalum, zirconium, molybdenum, or manganese. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1, 1A, 1B...thermal power generation module, 1a...first thermal power generation module, 1b...second thermal power generation module, 1c...third thermal power generation module, 2...thermal power generation element, 3...electron conduction layer, 4, 4A, 5, 5A, 51, 52, 61-64...collector electrode, 11...first thermal power generation element, 12...thermoelectric conversion layer, 12a...electron thermal excitation layer, 12b...electron transport layer, 13...electrolyte layer, 21...second thermal power generation element, 31, 32...outer electrode, 33, 53, 65, 66...insulating member, 200, 300...thermal power generation device.

Claims

1. a first heat utilization power generating element having a first thermoelectric conversion layer and a first electrolyte layer overlapping each other along a stacking direction; a second heat utilization power generating element that overlaps the first heat utilization power generating element in the stacking direction and has a second thermoelectric conversion layer and a second electrolyte layer that overlap each other along the stacking direction; A first collector electrode located at one end side in the stacking direction; a second collector electrode located on the other end side in the stacking direction; an electron conductive layer located between the first heat recovery element and the second heat recovery element in the stacking direction; A thermal power generation module comprising: the first heat utilization power generating element and the second heat utilization power generating element are located between the first collector electrode and the second collector electrode in the stacking direction, The first thermoelectric conversion layer has a first electron thermal excitation layer and a first electron transport layer stacked in the stacking direction, the first electronic thermal excitation layer is located between the first electron transport layer and the first electrolyte layer; The second thermoelectric conversion layer has a second electron thermal excitation layer and a second electron transport layer stacked in the stacking direction, the second electronic thermal excitation layer is located between the second electron transport layer and the second electrolyte layer; the second electrolyte layer is in direct contact with the electron conductive layer that conducts electrons moving within the thermal power generation module only in a predetermined direction; Thermal power generation module.

2. The thermal power generation module according to claim 1 , wherein the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in series to each other via the electron conductive layer.

3. the second electrolyte layer is an organic electrolyte layer or an inorganic electrolyte layer containing metal ions, The thermal power generation module according to claim 2 , wherein the electronically conductive layer comprises a metal, graphite, a conductive oxide, or an electronically conductive polymer material having a lower ionization tendency than the metal ions in the second electrolyte layer.

4. The thermal power generation module according to claim 3 , wherein the electronic conductive layer includes at least one of platinum, gold, silver, and an aluminum alloy as the metal, or includes at least one of indium tin oxide and fluorine-doped tin oxide as the conductive oxide.

5. A thermoelectric power generation device comprising a plurality of thermal power generation modules according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In each of the plurality of thermal power generation modules, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in series to each other, The thermoelectric power generation device, wherein the plurality of thermal power generation modules are arranged in a direction intersecting the stacking direction, connected in parallel to each other, and integrated with each other.

6. A thermoelectric power generation device comprising a plurality of thermal power generation modules according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In each of the plurality of thermal power generation modules, the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element are connected in series to each other, The plurality of thermal power generation modules are arranged in a direction intersecting the stacking direction, connected in series to each other, and integrated with each other.

7. The thermoelectric power generating device according to claim 5 , further comprising an insulating member provided between adjacent ones of the thermal power generating modules.

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