Thermoelectric module and power generation device including same

Abstract

A thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate, thermoelectric elements spaced apart from one another on the substrate, and cover members disposed on the substrate and on one side of the thermoelectric elements, the cover members including a first side closest to one side of the thermoelectric elements and a second side opposite the first side, the first side including a first groove recessed toward the second side, the second side including a second groove recessed toward the first side, and the width of the first groove being greater than the width of the second groove.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric module and a power generation device including the same, and more particularly to a thermoelectric module that utilizes the temperature difference between a low temperature portion and a high temperature portion of a thermoelectric element and a power generation device including the same, as well as a Peltier device that cools or heats a specific target such as a fluid. [Background technology]

[0002] Thermoelectricity is a phenomenon that occurs due to the movement of electrons and holes within a material, and refers to the direct energy conversion between heat and electricity.

[0003] A thermoelectric element is a general term for elements that use the thermoelectric phenomenon, and has a structure in which a P-type thermoelectric material and an N-type thermoelectric material are joined between metal electrodes to form a PN junction pair.

[0004] Thermoelectric elements can be classified into elements that use a change in electrical resistance due to temperature, elements that use the Seebeck effect, which is a phenomenon in which an electromotive force is generated due to a temperature difference, and elements that use the Peltier effect, which is a phenomenon in which heat absorption or heat generation occurs due to an electric current.

[0005] Thermoelectric elements are widely used in home appliances, electronic components, communication components, etc. For example, thermoelectric elements can be used in cooling devices, heating devices, power generation devices, etc. Accordingly, the requirements for the thermoelectric performance of thermoelectric elements are becoming higher and higher.

[0006] Recently, there is a need to generate electricity using high-temperature waste heat generated from engines of automobiles, ships, etc. and a thermoelectric element. In this case, a fluid flow part through which a first fluid passes is disposed on the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric element, and a heat sink is disposed on the high-temperature side of the thermoelectric element, and a second fluid having a higher temperature than the first fluid can pass through the heat sink. In this way, electricity can be generated by the temperature difference between the low-temperature and high-temperature parts of the thermoelectric element. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric module that utilizes the temperature difference between a low temperature portion and a high temperature portion of a thermoelectric element, a power generation device including the same, and a Peltier device that cools or heats a specific target such as a fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate, thermoelectric elements spaced apart from each other on the substrate, and cover members disposed on the substrate and on one side of the thermoelectric elements, the cover members including a first side closest to one side of the thermoelectric elements and a second side opposite the first side, the first side including a first groove recessed toward the second side, the second side including a second groove recessed toward the first side, and a width of the first groove being greater than a width of the second groove.

[0009] The substrate may include a first region and a second region, the thermoelectric element may be disposed on the first region, and a connector part electrically connected to the thermoelectric element may be disposed on the second region.

[0010] The cover member may be disposed on the connector portion.

[0011] The connector portion may include a first connector and a second connector that are symmetrically arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and at least a portion of the first connector and the second connector may be arranged to overlap vertically with the first groove.

[0012] An electric wire may be connected to at least one end of the first connector or at least one end of the second connector, which are arranged to overlap the first groove vertically.

[0013] The cover member may include a first cover area disposed on the first connector and a second cover area disposed on the second connector, and the first groove may be disposed between the first cover area and the second cover area.

[0014] The cover member may further include a first guide area and a second guide area protruding from the first cover area and the second cover area, respectively, toward the substrate, and the first guide area may be positioned on a side of the first connector and the second guide area may be positioned on a side of the second connector.

[0015] The first guide region and the second guide region may contact the substrate.

[0016] Of both surfaces of the cover member, a surface disposed facing the substrate may be formed with a plurality of grooves.

[0017] The second groove may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

[0018] A third groove may be formed in one edge of the substrate.

[0019] At least one of the shape and size of the second groove and the third groove may be the same as each other.

[0020] The device may further include a fluid flow section having the substrate disposed on one surface thereof.

[0021] A plurality of first through holes spaced apart from each other may be formed on both sides of the cover member, and the fluid-flow part, the substrate, and the cover member may be coupled to each other through the plurality of first through holes.

[0022] The width of each of the first cover area and the second cover area may be 0.8 to 0.95 times the width of each of the first connector and the second connector.

[0023] A width of each of the first and second cover areas may be greater than a width of each of the first and second connectors.

[0024] A system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power generation device including a duct and a plurality of thermoelectric modules arranged on at least one surface of the duct, and a chamber including an interior space in which the power generation device is arranged and a coupling portion coupled to the power generation device, the coupling portion including a first recess arranged on an outer surface facing the interior space.

[0025] a first weld bead disposed in the first recess.

[0026] The first recess may be inclined from an outer surface of the coupling portion toward an inner surface of the coupling portion.

[0027] The first weld bead may be disposed to wrap around a side of the duct.

[0028] A portion of the first weld bead may be positioned to protrude from an outer surface of the chamber.

[0029] The first weld bead may be positioned so as not to protrude relative to an outer surface of the chamber.

[0030] The coupling portion may include a second recess disposed on the inner surface.

[0031] The first weld bead may be disposed in the second recess.

[0032] The duct may include a plurality of unit ducts, each of which has one surface in contact with an adjacent unit duct, and a second weld bead may be disposed along a joint portion formed by the contact of the one surface.

[0033] The unit duct may include a plurality of fastening holes, and a distance between a first coupling surface contacting an adjacent unit duct and a fastening hole among the plurality of fastening holes that is most adjacent to the first coupling surface may be smaller than a distance between the plurality of fastening holes.

[0034] A distance between a second coupling surface contacting an adjacent unit duct and a fastening hole among the plurality of fastening holes that is most adjacent to the second coupling surface may be smaller than a distance between the plurality of fastening holes. Effect of the Invention

[0035] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a thermoelectric module that is easy to assemble and has excellent power generation performance, and a power generation device including the same.

[0036] In particular, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a power generating device in which the thermal stress applied to the thermoelectric module is alleviated, thereby reducing thermal deformation, and the thermoelectric module and the fluid-flow portion are firmly bonded to each other.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a power generating device can be obtained in which electric wires can be easily connected to a connector.

[0038] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a power generation system having excellent sealing force can be obtained.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a power generation system with high coupling strength between a power generation device including a thermoelectric module and a chamber can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a top view of one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 2 is a top view of a first substrate of a thermoelectric module included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a top view of a plurality of thermoelectric modules arranged on one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a top view of a plurality of thermoelectric modules and a plurality of cover members arranged on one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a top view of a plurality of thermoelectric modules arranged on one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of cover members arranged thereon, and electric wires connected to connectors. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 14a] 3 shows a cover member included in a power generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14b] 3 shows a cover member included in a power generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a coupling portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling portion taken along a first direction AA'. FIG. [Figure 18] 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling portion taken along the second direction BB'. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a first plate and a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first plate and a power generating device taken along a first direction AA'. FIG. [Figure 21] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first plate and the power generating device taken along the second direction BB'. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a first plate, a power generating device, and a weld bead according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first plate, a power generating device, and a weld bead taken along a first direction AA'. FIG. [Figure 24] 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first plate, the power generation device, and the weld bead along the second direction BB'. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 illustrates a fluid flow section according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the connection between unit fluid-flow sections. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but may be embodied in various different forms, and one or more of the components may be selectively combined or substituted between the embodiments within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as meanings that are commonly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined and described, and commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0045] In this specification, the singular form can include the plural form unless otherwise specified in the phrase, and when it is described as "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C", it can include one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C.

[0046] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Such terms are used only to distinguish a component from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or procedure of the component.

[0048] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it includes not only the case where the component is directly coupled, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also the case where the component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" by yet another component between the component and the other component.

[0049] In addition, when described as being formed or disposed "above or below" each component, above or below includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when described as "above or below," it can include not only the upward direction based on one component, but also the downward direction.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 1 and 2, a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a power generation device 1000, a chamber 2000, a guide member 3000, a wiring tube 4000, a channel cover 5000, and a junction box 6000.

[0052] The power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the chamber 2000. There may be a plurality of power generating devices 1000, and a plurality of power generating devices 1000 may be disposed in the chamber 2000. A portion of the power generating device 1000 may be coupled to a coupling portion of the chamber 2000. The portion of the power generating device 1000 may be coupled by being inserted into a hole in the chamber 2000. A weld bead may be disposed between the portion of the power generating device 1000 inserted into the coupling portion of the chamber 2000 and the chamber 2000. The power generating device 1000 may be fixed to the chamber 2000 by a welding member, and the inside and the outside of the chamber 2000 may be sealed by the welding member.

[0053] The power generating device 1000 may include a duct and a plurality of thermoelectric modules. The duct may include a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage pipe. There may be a plurality of fluid inlets, fluid outlets, and fluid passage pipes. A fluid inlet may be disposed on at least one surface of the duct, and a fluid outlet may be disposed on at least one surface of the duct. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be communicated with the fluid passage pipe. A plurality of thermoelectric modules may be disposed on at least one surface of the duct. A plurality of thermoelectric modules may be disposed on at least one surface of the duct, the first surface, or a second surface opposite to the first surface. The thermoelectric module may include a plurality of thermoelectric elements disposed on a substrate. The plurality of thermoelectric modules may be electrically connected to each other. The plurality of thermoelectric modules may be electrically connected via wires.

[0054] The chamber 2000 may include an internal space formed by a plurality of plates. The power generation device 1000 may be disposed in the internal space of the chamber 2000. The chamber 2000 may include a coupling portion to which the power generation device 1000 is coupled. Since a plurality of power generation devices 1000 may be disposed in the internal space of the chamber 2000, there may be a plurality of coupling portions. The coupling portion may include a first hole and a recess.

[0055] The chamber 2000 may include a plurality of plates. There may be a plurality of plates. The plates may include a first plate 2100 and a second plate 2300. The first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300 may be disposed opposite to each other. The first plate 2100 may be disposed at a predetermined interval from the second plate 2300. The distance between the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300 may be smaller than the length of the power generating device 1000.

[0056] A coupling portion may be disposed in the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300. Accordingly, a first hole and a recess may be disposed in the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300. The first hole formed in the first plate 2100 and the first hole formed in the second plate 2300 may be disposed opposite to each other. The number of the first holes formed in the first plate 2100 and the number of the first holes formed in the second plate 2300 may be the same. One end of the power generating device 1000 may be inserted into the first hole formed in the first plate 2100, and the other end of the power generating device 1000 may be inserted into the first hole of the second plate 2300 disposed opposite to the hole formed in the first plate 2100. After the power generating device is inserted into the first hole, a weld bead may be disposed in the recess.

[0057] The plates may include a third plate 2500 and a fourth plate 2700. The third plate 2500 and the fourth plate 2700 may be disposed facing each other. The third plate 2500 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the fourth plate 2700. The third plate 2500 may be coupled to the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300. The fourth plate 2700 may be coupled to the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300. An internal space may be formed by coupling the first plate 2100, the second plate 2300, the third plate 2500, and the fourth plate 2700. The third plate 2500 and the fourth plate 2700 may be coupled to the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300 after the power generating device 1000 is inserted into the first hole of the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300.

[0058] The guide member 3000 may be coupled to the chamber 2000. The guide member 3000 may be coupled to a second hole formed in a first plate of the chamber 2000. The guide member 3000 may be disposed on an upper surface of one side of the power generating device 1000.

[0059] The guide member 3000 may include a case 3100 and a cover 3500. A durable space capable of accommodating a molding member may be formed in the case 3100. An upper surface of the case 3100 may be open. A wiring hole through which wiring extending from the power generating device 1000 can pass may be disposed in a lower surface of the case 3100. A pipe may be disposed in one side of the case 3100. The pipe may be inserted into a second hole formed in the first plate. The wiring that passes through the wiring hole may pass through the inside of the pipe. The cover 3500 may be disposed on an upper surface of the case 3100. The cover 3500 may be coupled to the upper surface of the case 3100 after the molding member is filled in the internal space of the case 3100.

[0060] The channel cover 5000 may be disposed on an outer surface of the chamber 2000. The channel cover 5000 may be disposed on an outer surface of a first plate of the chamber 2000. A groove may be formed on one side of the channel cover 5000 in which a pipe of the guide member 3000 can be disposed.

[0061] The wiring tube 4000 may be disposed between the guide member 3000 and the junction box 6000. The wires passing through the pipe of the guide member 3000 may pass through the inside of the wiring tube 4000. The wires passing through the wiring tube 4000 may be connected to the junction box 6000.

[0062] The junction box 6000 may be disposed on one side of the channel cover 5000. The junction box 6000 may be disposed on an outer surface of the channel cover. The junction box 6000 may be connected to a wire passing through a tube. The junction box 6000 may be electrically connected to a thermoelectric module of the power generation device 1000 via the wire.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a power generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the power generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] 3 and 4, the power generating device 1000 includes a fluid-flowing part 1100 and a thermoelectric module 1200 disposed on a surface of the fluid-flowing part 1100. A plurality of power generating devices 1000 may be disposed in parallel at predetermined intervals to configure a power generating system.

[0065] The power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate electricity using the temperature difference between a first fluid flowing through the inside of the fluid-flowing part 1100 and a second fluid passing outside the fluid-flowing part 1100.

[0066] The first fluid flowing into the fluid-flow unit 1100 may be water, but is not limited thereto, and may be various types of fluids having cooling properties. The temperature of the first fluid flowing into the fluid-flow unit 1100 may be less than 100° C., preferably less than 50° C., and more preferably less than 40° C., but is not limited thereto, and may be a fluid having a lower temperature than the second fluid. The temperature of the first fluid discharged after passing through the fluid-flow unit 1100 may be higher than the temperature of the first fluid flowing into the fluid-flow unit 1100.

[0067] The first fluid flows in through the fluid inlet of the fluid-flow unit 1100 and is discharged through the fluid outlet. To facilitate the inflow and discharge of the first fluid and to support the fluid-flow unit 1100, an inlet flange (not shown) and an outlet flange (not shown) may be further disposed on the fluid inlet side and the fluid outlet side of the fluid-flow unit 1100, respectively. Alternatively, a plurality of fluid inlets (not shown) may be formed on the first surface 1110 of the fluid-flow unit 1100, a second surface 1120 facing the first surface 1110, and a fifth surface 1150 disposed perpendicular to a third surface 1130 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, and a plurality of fluid outlets 1162 may be formed on a sixth surface 1160 facing the fifth surface 1150. The plurality of fluid inlets (not shown) and the plurality of fluid outlets 1162 may be connected to a plurality of fluid passage pipes (not shown) in the fluid-flow unit 1100. Accordingly, the first fluid that has flowed into each fluid inlet can be discharged from each fluid outlet 1162 after passing through each fluid passage tube.

[0068] However, this is merely an example, and the number, positions, shapes, etc. of the fluid inlets and fluid outlets are not limited to these. The fluid-flow unit 1100 may be formed with one fluid inlet, one fluid outlet, and a fluid passage pipe connecting them.

[0069] Meanwhile, the second fluid passes outside the fluid-flow unit 1100, for example, through the heat sink 1220 of the thermoelectric module 1200 arranged outside the fluid-flow unit 1100. The second fluid may be exhaust heat generated from an engine of an automobile, ship, or the like, but is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature of the second fluid may be 100° C. or higher, preferably 200° C. or higher, and more preferably 220° C. to 250° C., but is not limited thereto, and may be a fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid.

[0070] In this specification, a case will be described in which the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inside of the fluid-flow unit 1100 is lower than the temperature of the second fluid passing through the heat sink 1220 of the thermoelectric module 1200 arranged outside the fluid-flow unit 1100. Accordingly, in this specification, the fluid-flow unit 1100 may be referred to as a duct or a cooling unit. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inside of the fluid-flow unit 1100 may be higher than the temperature of the second fluid passing through the heat sink 1220 of the thermoelectric module 1200 arranged outside the fluid-flow unit 1100.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelectric module 1200 includes a thermoelectric element 1210 and a heat sink 1220 disposed on the thermoelectric element 1210. The thermoelectric element 1210 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the structure of the thermoelectric element 100 illustrated in FIGS.

[0072] 5 and 6, the thermoelectric device 100 includes a first substrate 110, a first electrode 120, a P-type thermoelectric leg 130, an N-type thermoelectric leg 140, a second electrode 150, and a second substrate 160.

[0073] The first electrode 120 is disposed between the first substrate 110 and the lower bottom surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and the N-type thermoelectric legs 140, and the second electrode 150 is disposed between the second substrate 160 and the upper bottom surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and the N-type thermoelectric legs 140. Accordingly, the plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs 140 are electrically connected by the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 150. A pair of the P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and the N-type thermoelectric legs 140 disposed between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 150 and electrically connected may form a unit cell.

[0074] For example, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 150 through the lead wires 181 and 182, the substrate in which a current flows from the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 to the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 due to the Peltier effect absorbs heat and acts as a cooling part, and the substrate in which a current flows from the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 to the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 is heated and can act as a heating part. Alternatively, when a temperature difference is applied between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 150, charges in the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 move due to the Seebeck effect, generating electricity.

[0075] Here, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may be bismuth telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric legs containing bismuth (Bi) and tellurium (Te) as main materials. The P-type thermoelectric leg 130 may be a bismuth telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric leg containing at least one of antimony (Sb), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), tellurium (Te), bismuth (Bi), and indium (In). For example, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 may contain 99 to 99.999 wt% of Bi-Sb-Te as a main raw material with respect to a total weight of 100 wt%, and may contain 0.001 to 1 wt% of at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In). The N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may be a bismuth telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric leg containing at least one of selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), tellurium (Te), bismuth (Bi), and indium (In). For example, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may contain 99 to 99.999 wt% of the main raw material Bi-Se-Te with respect to a total weight of 100 wt%, and 0.001 to 1 wt% of at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In).

[0076] The P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may be formed in a bulk type or a laminate type. In general, the bulk type P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the bulk type N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may be obtained by heat treating a thermoelectric material to manufacture an ingot, crushing the ingot and sieving it to obtain a powder for the thermoelectric legs, sintering the powder, and cutting the sintered body. In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may be polycrystalline thermoelectric legs. In this way, when the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 are polycrystalline thermoelectric legs, the strength of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may be increased. The stacked P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the stacked N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be obtained by applying a paste containing a thermoelectric material onto a sheet-like substrate to form unit components, and then stacking and cutting the unit components.

[0077] In this case, the pair of P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and N-type thermoelectric legs 140 may have the same shape and volume or may have different shapes and volumes. For example, since the electrical conduction characteristics of the P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and the N-type thermoelectric legs 140 are different, the height or cross-sectional area of ​​the N-type thermoelectric legs 140 may be formed to be different from the height or cross-sectional area of ​​the P-type thermoelectric legs 130.

[0078] In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may have a cylindrical shape, a polygonal column shape, an elliptical column shape, or the like.

[0079] As used herein, the thermoelectric legs may also be referred to as thermoelectric structures, semiconductor elements, semiconductor structures, and the like.

[0080] The performance of the thermoelectric device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be expressed by a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). The thermoelectric figure of merit ZT can be expressed as Equation 1.

[0081]

number

[0082] where α is the Seebeck coefficient [V / K], σ is the electrical conductivity [S / m], and α 2 σ is the power factor ([W / mK 2 ]), where T is temperature and k is thermal conductivity [W / mK]. k can be expressed as a·cp·ρ, and a is thermal diffusivity [cm 2 / S], cp is the specific heat [J / gK], and ρ is the density [g / cm 3 ].

[0083] To obtain the thermoelectric figure of merit of a thermoelectric element, a Z meter is used to measure the Z value (V / K), and the measured Z value can be used to calculate the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT.

[0084] Here, the first electrode 120 disposed between the first substrate 110 and the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the second electrode 150 disposed between the second substrate 160 and the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may contain at least one of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al) and nickel (Ni) and have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm. If the thickness of the first electrode 120 or the second electrode 150 is less than 0.01 mm, the function as an electrode may deteriorate and the electrical conduction performance may be reduced, and if the thickness exceeds 0.3 mm, the conduction efficiency may be reduced due to an increase in resistance.

[0085] The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 160 facing each other may be metal substrates, and their thicknesses may be 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. If the thickness of the metal substrate is less than 0.1 mm or exceeds 1.5 mm, the heat dissipation characteristics or thermal conductivity may be too high, and the reliability of the thermoelectric element may be reduced. In addition, when the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 160 are metal substrates, an insulating layer 170 may be further formed between the first substrate 110 and the first electrode 120 and between the second substrate 160 and the second electrode 150. The insulating layer 170 may include a material having a thermal conductivity of 1 to 20 W / mK. In this case, the insulating layer 170 may be a resin composition containing at least one of an epoxy resin and a silicone resin and an inorganic material, or a layer made of a silicon complex containing silicon and an inorganic material, or an aluminum oxide layer. Here, the inorganic material may be at least one of an oxide, a nitride, and a carbide of aluminum, boron, silicon, etc.

[0086] At this time, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 160 may be formed to have different sizes. That is, the volume, thickness, or area of ​​one of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 160 may be formed to be larger than the volume, thickness, or area of ​​the other. Here, the thickness may be the thickness in the direction from the first substrate 110 to the second substrate 160, and the area may be the area in the direction perpendicular to the direction from the first substrate 110 to the second substrate 160. Accordingly, the heat absorption or heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element may be improved. Preferably, the volume, thickness, or area of ​​the first substrate 110 may be formed to be larger than at least one of the volume, thickness, or area of ​​the second substrate 160. At this time, when the first substrate 110 is disposed in a high temperature region due to the Seebeck effect, when it is applied to a heat generation region due to the Peltier effect, or when a sealing member for protecting the thermoelectric element from the external environment described later is disposed on the first substrate 110, at least one of the volume, thickness, or area may be larger than that of the second substrate 160. In this case, the area of ​​the first substrate 110 may be formed to be in the range of 1.2 to 5 times larger than the area of ​​the second substrate 160. If the area of ​​the first substrate 110 is formed to be less than 1.2 times larger than the area of ​​the second substrate 160, the effect on improving the heat transfer efficiency is not large, and if it exceeds 5 times, the heat transfer efficiency may be significantly reduced and it may be difficult to maintain the basic shape of the thermoelectric module.

[0087] In addition, a heat dissipation pattern, for example, a concave-convex pattern, may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 160. This can improve the heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element. When a concave-convex pattern is formed on a surface that contacts the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, the bonding characteristics between the thermoelectric leg and the substrate can also be improved.

[0088] Although not shown, a sealing member may be further disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 160. The sealing member may be disposed on the sides of the first electrode 120, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the second electrode 150 between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 160. Accordingly, the first electrode 120, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the second electrode 150 may be sealed from external moisture, heat, dirt, and the like.

[0089] 3 and 4, a thermoelectric module 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a thermoelectric element 1210 and a heat sink 1220 disposed on the thermoelectric element 1210. In Fig. 3 and 4, two thermoelectric modules 1200-1 and 1200-2 are disposed on the first surface 1110 of the fluid-flow unit 1100, and two thermoelectric modules 1200-3 and 1200-4 are disposed on the second surface 1120, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two or more thermoelectric modules may be disposed on one surface.

[0090] As described above, each thermoelectric element 1210 includes a first substrate 110 arranged to be in contact with the fluid-flow unit 1100, a plurality of first electrodes 120 arranged on the first substrate 110, a plurality of thermoelectric legs 130, 140 arranged on the plurality of first electrodes 120, a plurality of second electrodes 150 arranged on the plurality of thermoelectric legs 130, 140, and a second substrate 160 arranged on the plurality of second electrodes 150, and a heat sink 1220 is arranged on the second substrate 160. An insulating layer 170 may be further arranged between the first substrate 110 and the plurality of first electrodes 120, and between the plurality of second electrodes 150 and the second substrate 160, respectively.

[0091] At this time, the first substrate of the thermoelectric element 1210 disposed on the fluid-flow part 1100 may be a metal substrate, and the metal substrate may be bonded to the surface of the fluid-flow part 1100 with a thermal interface material (TIM, not shown). The metal substrate has excellent heat transfer performance, so that heat transfer between the thermoelectric element and the fluid-flow part 1100 is easy. In addition, when the metal substrate and the fluid-flow part 1100 are bonded with a thermal interface material (TIM), the heat transfer between the metal substrate and the fluid-flow part 1100 is not hindered. Here, the metal substrate may be one of a copper substrate, an aluminum substrate, and a copper-aluminum substrate, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of thermoelectric modules 1200 are disposed on a surface of the fluid-flow unit 1100. Each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules 1200 may include a connector for applying electricity so that the electricity produced can be extracted to the outside or used as a Peltier element. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cover member 1400 may be disposed on the connector to uniformly maintain the bonding force between the thermoelectric module 1200 and the fluid-flow unit 1100 and protect the wires connected to the connector.

[0093] Fig. 7 is a top view of one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a top view of a first substrate of a thermoelectric module included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a top view of a plurality of thermoelectric modules arranged on one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 is a top view of a plurality of thermoelectric modules arranged on one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of cover members arranged on one surface of the fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a top view of a plurality of thermoelectric modules arranged on one surface of a fluid-flow unit included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of cover members arranged, and electric wires connected to connectors. Fig. 13 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 12, and Figs. 14a and 14b show cover members included in a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] 7 to 14b, a thermoelectric module 1200 is disposed on a first surface 1110 of the fluid-flux unit 1100. For convenience of explanation, only the thermoelectric module 1200 disposed on the first surface 1110 of the fluid-flux unit 1100 is described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the same structure may be applied to the second surface 1120 opposite to the first surface 1110. With regard to the fluid-flux unit 1100 and the thermoelectric module 1200, duplicated descriptions of the same contents as those described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 will be omitted.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200 is disposed on the first surface 1110 of the fluid-fluid unit 1100. At this time, the first substrate 1212 may be disposed to be in direct contact with the first surface 1110 of the fluid-fluid unit 1100 or indirectly contact with the first surface 1110 via a thermal interface material (TIM) or the like. The first substrate 1212 may be the first substrate 110 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Accordingly, with regard to the first substrate 1212, the same contents as those of the first substrate 110 described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 will not be described again.

[0096] 8 to 9, the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200 may include a first region A1 and a second region A2. In this case, the first electrodes, the thermoelectric legs, the second electrodes, the second substrate, and the heat sink 1220 may be disposed in the first region A1, and the connectors 210 and 220 connected to the first electrodes may be disposed in the second region A2, which is one side of the first region A1. Here, the first electrodes, the thermoelectric legs, the second electrodes, and the second substrate may be the first electrodes 120, the thermoelectric legs 130 and 140, the second electrodes 150, and the second substrate 160 described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid-flow unit 1100 and the thermoelectric module 1200 may be coupled together by a coupling member 1300. To this end, a plurality of 1-1 through-holes S11 may be formed in the first surface 1110 of the fluid-flow unit 1100, and a plurality of 1-2 through-holes S12 corresponding to the plurality of 1-1 through-holes S11 may also be formed in the first region A1 of the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200. In addition, a plurality of 1-3 through-holes S13 corresponding to the plurality of 1-1 through-holes S11 and the plurality of 1-2 through-holes S12 may also be formed in the second substrate (not shown) and the heat sink 1220 of the thermoelectric module 1200. According to this, as shown in Figures 10 to 13, a plurality of first connecting members 1310 are coupled to a plurality of 1-1 through holes S11, a plurality of 1-2 through holes S12 and a plurality of 1-3 through holes S13, and thus the fluid-flow section 1100 and the thermoelectric module 1200 can be coupled to each other.

[0098] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of 2-1 through holes S21 may be further formed in the first surface 1110 of the fluid-flux unit 1100, and a plurality of 2-2 through holes S22 corresponding to the plurality of 2-1 through holes S21 may be further formed in the second region A2 of the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200. In addition, a cover member 1400 may be further disposed in the second region A2 of the first substrate 1212, and a plurality of 2-3 through holes S23 corresponding to the plurality of 2-1 through holes S21 and the plurality of 2-2 through holes S22 may be formed in the cover member 1400 as shown in Figures 14a and 14b. The plurality of second connecting members 1320 are coupled to the plurality of 2-1 through holes S21, the plurality of 2-2 through holes S22 and the plurality of 2-3 through holes S23, and thus the fluid-flow section 1100, the thermoelectric module 1200 and the cover member 1400 can be coupled.

[0099] According to this, not only the first region A1 but also the second region A2 of the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200 can be coupled to the fluid-flow section 1100, so that the entire first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200 can have a uniform bonding force with the fluid-flow section 1100, and heat can be distributed uniformly throughout the entire first substrate 1212.

[0100] 13, when the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200 and the fluid-flowing unit 1100 are coupled together using the cover member 1400, the application of the cover member 1400 can increase the fastening torque of the second coupling member 1320. As a result, the second coupling member 1320 is less likely to come off even under vibration conditions, so that the thermoelectric module 1200 can be more firmly attached to the fluid-flowing unit 1100.

[0101] In this case, the width D of the cover member 1400 may be approximately the same as the width D' of the first substrate 1212 on which the cover member 1400 is disposed. For example, the width D of the cover member 1400 may be 0.9 to 1 times, preferably 0.925 to 1 times, and more preferably 0.95 to 1 times the width D' of the first substrate 1212 on which the cover member 1400 is disposed. In this way, the cover member 1400 applies pressure to the entire width D' of the first substrate 1212, and therefore deformation or detachment of the first substrate 1212 can be prevented.

[0102] More specifically, a plurality of 2-3 through holes S23 are formed on both sides of the cover member 1400, thereby enabling both sides of the second region A2 of the first substrate 1212 to be supported uniformly and in a well-balanced manner, and preventing thermal deformation of the first substrate 1212. At this time, the distance d3 between the two 2-3 through holes S23 in one cover member 1400 can be greater than the distance d4 between the two 1-3 through holes S13 in one heat sink 1220. This allows the cover member 1400 to support both sides of the second region A2 of the first substrate 1212 uniformly and in a well-balanced manner.

[0103] Meanwhile, as shown in Figures 14a and 14b, the 2-3rd through holes S23 formed on both sides of the cover member 1400 may have a stepped inner wall. That is, the diameter d1 of the 2-3rd through hole S23 on the first surface 1402 arranged toward the first substrate 1212 among both surfaces of the cover member 1400 may be smaller than the diameter d2 of the 2-3rd through hole S23 on the second surface 1404, which is the surface opposite to the first surface 1402 of the cover member 1400, and a step 1406 may be formed on the inner wall of the 2-3rd through hole S23. Accordingly, the head of the second coupling member 1320 may be disposed on the step 1406 formed on the inner wall of the 2-3rd through hole S23.

[0104] Here, the cover member 1400 may include an insulating material, for example, a plastic material, such that the head of the second coupling member 1320 contacts the cover member 1400, and therefore the first substrate 1212 including metal and the head of the second coupling member 1320 may be insulated from each other, thereby improving the withstand voltage performance of the thermoelectric module 1200.

[0105] Furthermore, when the cover member 1400 includes a plastic material, the cover member 1400 can be easily molded into various sizes and shapes. More specifically, the cover member 1400 can be made of a plastic material that can be used at high temperatures, such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). This can prevent the problem of the shape of the cover member 1400 being deformed by the high-temperature second fluid.

[0106] As described above, the cover member 1400 and the first substrate 1212 are coupled by the second coupling member 1320 passing through the plurality of second-third through holes S23, and therefore the region including the plurality of second-third through holes S23 may be referred to as the coupling portion 1400A. The coupling portion 1400A includes a first side surface 1410 closest to one side of the thermoelectric element 1210, and a second side surface 1420 facing the first side surface 1410. The second side surface 1420 of the cover member 1400 may be disposed along the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212. Here, the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 may be disposed in the second region A2 among the four edges of the first substrate 1212, and may be an edge in a direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of connectors 210, 220 are disposed. In this manner, when the second side surface 1420 of the cover member 1400 is disposed along the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212, the cover member 1400 presses the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212, thereby preventing the edge of the thermoelectric module 1200 from lifting up from the fluid-flux unit 1100. In this manner, the first side surface 1410 of the cover member 1400 may be formed with a first groove 1412 recessed toward the second side surface 1420, and the second side surface 1420 may be formed with a second groove 1422 recessed toward the first side surface 1410. In this manner, when grooves are formed on both the first side surface 1410 and the second side surface 1420 of the cover member 1400, thermal stress is applied to both sides of the cover member 1400 in a balanced manner, thereby preventing warping of the cover member 1400 due to imbalance in thermal stress. In this manner, the width B1 of the first groove 1412 is greater than the width B2 of the second groove 1422. For example, the width B1 of the first groove 1412 may be 1.5 to 3 times the width B2 of the second groove 1422. In this manner, when the width B1 of the first groove 1412 is larger than the width B2 of the second groove 1422, the electric wires W1, W2 can be easily connected to the connector parts 210, 220. Furthermore, when the width B1 of the first groove 1412 disposed close to the connector parts 210, 220 is larger than the width B2 of the second groove 1422, heat generated in the connector parts 210, 220 can be efficiently discharged through the first groove 1412, and the rigidity of the cover member 1400 can be maintained through the second side surface 1420.In addition, if the width of the second groove 1422 positioned near the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 is smaller than the width of the first groove 1412, the contact area between the cover member 1400 and the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 at the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 becomes larger, and the force with which the cover member 1400 presses the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 becomes larger. As a result, the bonding force between the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200 and the fluid-flow section 1100 becomes larger, and lifting up at the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200 can be prevented.

[0107] Specifically, the cover member 1400 may be disposed on at least a portion of the connector parts 210, 220. As described above, when the connector parts 210, 220 include the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other, at least a portion of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 may be exposed by the first groove 1412. This allows the electric wires W1, W2 to be easily connected to one end or the other end of the first connector 210 exposed by the first groove 1412 and one end or the other end of the second connector 220 exposed by the first groove 1412. That is, since the electric wires W1, W2 can be connected after the cover member 1400 is fixed onto the first substrate 1212 of the thermoelectric module 1200, it is possible to rewire the electric wires W1, W2 or change the connection path of the electric wires W1, W2.

[0108] At this time, the connector portions 210, 220 include a first connector 210 and a second connector 220 arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the same distance h2 from the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212, so that the cover member 1400 includes a first cover area 1430 arranged on at least a portion of the first connector 210 and a second cover area 1432 arranged on at least a portion of the second connector 220, and a first groove 1412 can be arranged between the first cover area 1430 and the second cover area 1432.

[0109] 13, the first cover area 1430 and the second cover area 1432 may be disposed so that ends of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 are exposed from side surfaces thereof. For example, the width C1 of each of the first cover area 1430 and the second cover area 1432 may be 0.8 to 0.95 times, preferably 0.85 to 0.9 times, the width C2 of each of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220. This provides the advantage that the first cover area 1430 and the second cover area 1432 can protect the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 while facilitating the connection of the electric wires W1 and W2.

[0110] However, if the electric wires W1, W2 can be easily connected, the width C1 of each of the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432 may be 0.8 to 1.1 times the width C2 of each of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220. This allows the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432 to more effectively prevent damage, etc. due to warping caused by a temperature difference applied to and / or generated in the thermoelectric module while protecting the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 from external temperatures, etc.

[0111] In this case, of both surfaces of the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432, the surface arranged to face the connectors 210, 220 may be arranged to be separated from the connectors 210, 220. In this way, the connectors 210, 220 may be protected from external physical pressure, moisture, the second fluid, or dirt by the first and second cover regions 1430, 1432, and the first and second cover regions 1430, 1432 block the possibility of contact between the connectors 210, 220 and a shield member made of a metallic material, thereby increasing the withstand voltage of the thermoelectric module 1200.

[0112] Meanwhile, each end of the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432 may be bent toward the first substrate 1212. That is, the cover member 1400 may further include a first guide region 1440 and a second guide region 1442 protruding from the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432 toward the first substrate 1212. The first guide region 1440 may be disposed on a side surface of the first connector 210, and the second guide region 1442 may be disposed on a side surface of the second connector 220. This can prevent the electric wires W1 and W2 connected to the first and second connectors 210 and 220 from sliding up toward the electrode side of the thermoelectric element or coming off. At this time, the first and second guide regions 1440 and 1442 may contact the first substrate 1212. According to this, pressure may be applied to the first substrate 1212 by the first and second guide regions 1440 and 1442, so that the bonding force between the first substrate 1212 and the fluid-flow unit 1100 may be increased. As described above, the first cover region 1430 may be connected to the first guide region 1440, and the second cover region 1432 may be connected to the second guide region 1442. In this case, the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432 may support the first guide region 1440 and the second guide region 1442, respectively. When the width C1 of each of the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432 is within a predetermined range, for example, 0.85 times or more of the width C2 of each of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220, the cover member 1400 may have high rigidity to the extent that it can support the first guide region 1440 and the second guide region 1442, respectively.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the coupling portion 1400A of the cover member 1400, the first surface 1402 arranged to face the first substrate 1212 among both surfaces of the coupling portion 1400A is in contact with the first substrate 1212, and a plurality of recesses R1 at uniform intervals may be formed on the first surface 1402. This facilitates injection molding of the cover member 1400, prevents warping due to thermal deformation, and reduces the amount of material for molding the cover member 1400 and the weight of the cover member 1400, while allowing the first substrate 1212 to be uniformly pressed over the entire area of ​​the cover member 1400.

[0114] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second groove 1422 of the cover member 1400 may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and a third groove G may be formed on the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212, and the second groove 1422 and the third groove G may be arranged to correspond to each other. That is, the second groove 1422 and the third groove G may have the same size and shape and be aligned at the same position on the first surface 1110 of the fluid-flow unit 1100. This makes it easy to guide the position of the cover member 1400 when disposing the cover member 1400 after disposing the thermoelectric module 1200 on the fluid-flow unit 1100.

[0115] In addition, the second groove 1422 of the cover member 1400 and the third groove G formed on the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 can relieve thermal stress in the first substrate 1212, thereby reducing thermal deformation of the first substrate 1212 and thereby increasing the bonding strength between the first substrate 1212 and the fluid-flow section 1100.

[0116] In particular, at least one of the second groove 1422 and the third groove G may have a gentle curved shape having a predetermined curvature, thereby preventing the problem of thermal stress concentrating at the corners, and further improving the thermal stress relaxation performance of the first substrate 1212.

[0117] Here, the second groove 1422 may be formed between a plurality of second and third through holes S23 formed on both sides of the cover member 1400, and the third groove G may be formed between the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 disposed in the second region A2 of the first substrate 1212. In this case, the depth h1 of the third groove G may be smaller than the distance h2 from the edge E1 of the first substrate 1212 to the connectors 210, 220. This allows the bonding force between the first substrate 1212 and the fluid-flow unit 1100 to be maintained, and the voltage resistance performance of the thermoelectric module 1200 to be improved.

[0118] The above has been described focusing on a single thermoelectric module 1200 and cover member 1400 arranged on the fluid-flow section 1100. However, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, multiple thermoelectric modules 1200 may be arranged on one side of the fluid-flow section 1100, and a cover member 1400 may be arranged for each thermoelectric module 1200.

[0119] Throughout this specification, the thermoelectric element 100, 1210 is described as including a first substrate 110, a first electrode 120, a P-type thermoelectric leg 130, an N-type thermoelectric leg 140, a second electrode 150, and a second substrate 160, however, the definition of the thermoelectric element 100, 1210 is not limited thereto, and the thermoelectric element 100, 1210 may also mean one including a first electrode 120, a P-type thermoelectric leg 130, an N-type thermoelectric leg 140, a second electrode 150, and a second substrate 160, and disposed on the first substrate 110.

[0120] Furthermore, throughout this specification, the power generation device 1000 is described as including a fluid-flow section 1100, a thermoelectric module 1200, and a cover member 1400, and the thermoelectric module 1200 is described as including a thermoelectric element 1210 and a heat sink 1220, but this is not limited to this, and the thermoelectric module may also mean one including all of the fluid-flow section 1100, the thermoelectric element 1210, the heat sink 1220, and the cover member 1400.

[0121] In this specification, the width is defined as the direction in which a plurality of thermoelectric modules are arrayed, that is, the first direction (1 st For example, the width D of the cover member 1400, the width D' of the first substrate 1212, the width B1 of the first groove 1412, the width B2 of the second groove 1422, the width C1 of each of the first cover region 1430 and the second cover region 1432, and the width C2 of each of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220 may refer to the width in the first direction (1 direction) shown in FIGS. st It can mean the width in one direction.

[0122] 15 is a perspective view of a plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a first plate and a second plate among a plurality of plates included in a chamber.

[0123] The chamber according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates may include a first plate 2100 and a second plate 2300. The first plate 2100 may be disposed at the front of the chamber, and the second plate 2300 may be disposed at the rear of the chamber. The front of the chamber may refer to a direction in which a junction box is disposed based on the power generating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the rear of the chamber may refer to a direction opposite to the front. Therefore, the first plate 2100 and the second plate 2300 may be disposed opposite to each other.

[0124] The first plate 2100 may include a coupling portion 2110. The coupling portion 2110 may include a first hole 2120 and a recess 2130.

[0125] The first hole 2120 may have a shape that is long in one direction. For example, the first hole 2120 may have a rod shape formed in a direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the chamber. The first hole 2120 may be formed penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the first plate 2100. The first hole 2120 may be formed penetrating from the second surface to the first surface of the first plate 2100. The first surface of the first plate 2100 may refer to the outer surface of the chamber, and the second surface of the first plate 2100 may refer to the inner surface of the chamber.

[0126] The recess 2130 may be disposed along an edge of the first hole 2120. The recess 2130 may include a first recess and a second recess. The first recess may be disposed on a first surface of the first plate 2100, among the edges of the first hole 2120. The second recess may be disposed on a second surface of the first plate 2100, among the edges of the first hole 2120. That is, the first recess may be disposed on an outer surface of the chamber, and the second recess may be disposed on an inner surface of the chamber.

[0127] A power generating device may be inserted into the first hole 2120. A part of the power generating device may be inserted into the first hole 2120. There may be a plurality of first holes 2120. The plurality of first holes 2120 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals.

[0128] The first plate 2100 may include a second hole 2140 and a third hole 2160 .

[0129] The second hole 2140 may have a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. The second hole 2140 may be formed penetrating from a first surface to a second surface of the first plate 2100. The second hole 2140 may be formed penetrating from a second surface to a first surface of the first plate 2100. The first surface of the first plate 2100 may refer to an outer surface of the chamber, and the second surface of the first plate 2100 may refer to an inner surface of the chamber. A pipe included in the guide member may be inserted into the second hole 2140. There may be a plurality of second holes 2140. The plurality of second holes 2140 may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

[0130] The third hole 2160 may have a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. The third hole 2160 may be formed penetrating from a first surface to a second surface of the first plate 2100. The third hole 2160 may be formed penetrating from a second surface to a first surface of the first plate 2100. The first surface of the first plate 2100 may refer to an outer surface of the chamber, and the second surface of the first plate 2100 may refer to an inner surface of the chamber. A screw for connecting the channel cover, the chamber, and the guide member may be inserted into the third hole 2160. The third hole 2160 may be multiple. The multiple third holes 2160 may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval.

[0131] The second plate 2300 may include a coupling portion 2310. The coupling portion 2310 may include a first hole 2320 and a recess 2320. The coupling portion 2310 may include a first hole 2320 and a recess 2320.

[0132] The coupling portion 2310 may include a first hole 2320. The first hole 2320 may be elongated in one direction. For example, the first hole 2320 may be rod-shaped formed in a direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the chamber. The first hole 2320 may be formed penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the second plate 2300. The first hole 2320 may be formed penetrating from the second surface to the first surface of the second plate 2300. The first surface of the second plate 2300 may refer to the outer surface of the chamber, and the second surface of the second plate 2300 may refer to the inner surface of the chamber.

[0133] The recess 2320 may be disposed along an edge of the first hole 2320. The recess 2320 may include a first recess and a second recess. The first recess may be disposed on a first surface of the first plate 2100, on an edge of the first hole 2320. The second recess may be disposed on a second surface of the first plate 2100, on an edge of the first hole 2320. That is, the first recess may be disposed on an outer surface of the chamber, and the second recess may be disposed on an inner surface of the chamber.

[0134] A power generating device may be inserted into the first hole 2320. A part of the power generating device may be inserted into the first hole 2320. There may be a plurality of first holes 2320. The plurality of first holes 2320 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals.

[0135] The first hole 2320 of the second plate 2300 may be disposed opposite the first hole 2120 of the first plate 2100. The plurality of first holes 2320 disposed in the second plate 2300 may be disposed corresponding to the plurality of first holes 2120 disposed in the first plate 2100.

[0136] 16-18 are used to take a closer look at a joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Figure 16 is an oblique view of a coupling portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling portion along a first direction A-A', and Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling portion along a second direction B-B'.

[0138] When the first plate 2100 shown in Fig. 16 is cut along the first direction A-A', the coupling portion may be illustrated as shown in Fig. 17. Here, the first direction A-A' may be a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the chamber. The first direction A-A' may be a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the power generation system.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 17, when the first plate 2100 is cut along the first direction AA′ to look closely at the coupling portion 2110 , the coupling portion 2110 can be divided into a first region 2111 , a second region 2112 , and a third region 2113 .

[0140] The first region 2111 may include a first hole 2120 and a first recess 2131. The first region 2111 may include a first recess 2131 disposed along a side of the first hole 2120. The first recess 2131 may have a predetermined shape. In FIG. 17, the first recess 2131 is depicted as having a straight surface shape, but is not limited thereto. The first recess 2131 may also have a curved surface shape. In addition, the first recess 2131 may have an uneven shape. The first region 2111 may include a first opening open1 having a first width w1 in the first direction A-A', and a second opening open2 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A'. The first opening open1 may be disposed on a first surface of the first plate 2100. The first opening open1 may be disposed on an outer surface of the first plate 2100. The first opening open1 and the second opening open2 can be in communication with each other.

[0141] The second region 2112 may have a first hole 2120 disposed therein. The second region 2112 may include a second opening open2 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A' and a third opening open3 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A'. The second opening open2 included in the second region 2112 may be the second opening open2 included in the first region 2111. Thus, the second region 2112 may extend from the first region 2111. The second opening open2 and the third opening open3 may be connected to each other.

[0142] The third region 2113 may include a first hole 2120 and a second recess 2132. The third region 2113 may include a second recess 2132 along a side of the first hole 2120. The second recess 2132 may have a predetermined shape. In FIG. 17, the second recess 2132 is expressed as a straight surface shape, but is not limited thereto. The second recess 2132 may also have a curved surface shape. In addition, the second recess 2132 may have an uneven shape. The third region 2113 may include a third opening open3 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A' and a fourth opening open4 having a first width w1 in the first direction A-A'. The third opening open3 included in the third region 2113 may be the third opening open3 included in the second region 2112. Thus, the third region 2113 may extend from the second region 2112. The fourth opening open4 may be disposed on a second surface of the first plate 2100. The second surface of the first plate 2100 may be a surface facing the first surface of the first plate 2100. The fourth opening open4 may be disposed on an inner surface of the first plate 2100. The third opening open3 and the fourth opening open4 may be in communication with each other.

[0143] The average width of the first region 2111 in the first direction A-A' can be greater than the average width of the second region 2112 in the first direction A-A'. The average width of the second region 2112 in the first direction A-A' can be less than the average width of the first region 2111 in the first direction A-A'. The average width of the third region 2113 in the first direction A-A' can be greater than the average width of the second region 2112 in the first direction A-A'. The average width of the second region 2112 in the first direction A-A' can be less than the average width of the third region 2113 in the first direction A-A'.

[0144] The sidewall surrounding the first region 2111 may be inclined in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The inclination may be in the form of a straight surface, but is not limited thereto, and may be in the form of a curved surface. The width of the first region 2111 in the first direction A-A' may be reduced in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The sidewall surrounding the third region 2113 may be inclined in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. The width of the third region 2113 in the first direction A-A' may be reduced in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 18, when the first plate 2100 is cut along the second direction BB′ to closely examine the joint, the joint can be divided into a first region 2111, a second region 2112, and a third region 2113.

[0146] The first region 2111 may include a first hole 2120 and a first recess 2131. The first region 2111 may include a first recess 2131 disposed along a side of the first hole 2120. The first recess 2131 may have a predetermined shape. In FIG. 18, the first recess 2131 is depicted as having a straight surface, but is not limited thereto. The first recess 2131 may also have a curved surface. In addition, the first recess 2131 may have an uneven shape. The first region 2111 may include a first opening open1 having a third width w3 in the second direction B-B' and a second opening open2 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B'. The first opening open1 may be disposed on a first surface of the first plate 2100. The first opening open1 may be disposed on an outer surface of the first plate 2100. The first opening open1 and the second opening open2 can be in communication with each other.

[0147] The second region 2112 may have a first hole 2120 disposed therein. The second region 2112 may include a second opening open2 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B' and a third opening open3 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B'. The second opening open2 included in the second region 2112 may be the second opening open2 included in the first region 2111. Thus, the second region 2112 may extend from the first region 2111. The second opening open2 and the third opening open3 may be connected to each other.

[0148] The third region 2113 may include a first hole 2120 and a second recess 2132. The third region 2113 may include a second recess 2132 along a side of the first hole 2120. The second recess 2132 may have a predetermined shape. In FIG. 18, the second recess 2132 is expressed as a straight surface shape, but is not limited thereto. The second recess 2132 may also have a curved surface shape. In addition, the second recess 2132 may have an uneven shape. The third region 2113 may include a third opening open3 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B' and a fourth opening open4 having a third width w3 in the second direction B-B'. The third opening open3 included in the third region 2113 may be the third opening open3 included in the second region 2112. Thus, the third region 2113 may extend from the second region 2112. The fourth opening open4 may be disposed on a second surface of the first plate 2100. The second surface of the first plate 2100 may be a surface facing the first surface of the first plate 2100. The first opening open1 may be disposed on an inner surface of the first plate 2100. The third opening open3 and the fourth opening open4 may be in communication with each other.

[0149] The average width of the first region 2111 in the second direction B-B' can be greater than the average width of the second region 2112 in the second direction B-B'. The average width of the second region 2112 in the second direction B-B' can be less than the average width of the first region 2111 in the second direction B-B'. The average width of the third region 2113 in the second direction B-B' can be greater than the average width of the second region 2112 in the second direction B-B'. The average width of the second region 2112 in the second direction B-B' can be less than the average width of the third region 2113 in the second direction B-B'.

[0150] The sidewall surrounding the first region 2111 may be inclined in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The width of the first region 2111 in the second direction B-B' may decrease in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The sidewall surrounding the third region 2113 may be inclined in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. The width of the third region 2113 in the second direction B-B' may decrease in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3.

[0151] The second plate is the same as the first plate described above, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0152] 19 to 21, the connection between the connection portion and the power generating device will be examined in detail.

[0153] Figure 19 is a partial oblique view of a first plate and a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first plate and the power generating device along a first direction A-A', and Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first plate and the power generating device along a second direction B-B'.

[0154] When cutting along the first direction A-A' with a portion of the power generation device 1000 inserted into the first hole 2120 of the first plate 2100 as shown in Fig. 19, the coupling portion and the power generation device 1000 may be illustrated as shown in Fig. 20. Here, the first direction A-A' may be a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the chamber. The first direction A-A' may be a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the power generation system.

[0155] 20, when the first plate 2100 is cut along a first direction A-A', the coupling portion may be divided into a first region 2111, a second region 2112, and a third region 2113. A portion of the power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion. Specifically, a portion of the fluid-flow unit 1100 included in the power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion. The thermoelectric module 1200 included in the power generating device 1000 may not be inserted into the coupling portion.

[0156] The first region 2111 may include a first opening open1 having a first width w1 in the first direction A-A' and a second opening open2 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A'. The first opening open1 and the second opening open2 may be connected to each other. The power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111. The power generating device 1000 is inserted into the first hole 2120 of the first plate 2100, so that the width of the power generating device 1000 in the first direction A-A' may be the same as the second width w2 of the second opening open2.

[0157] Since the first width w1 of the first opening open1 and the second width w2 of the second opening open2 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the first region 2111 may be inclined in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The width of the first region 2111 in the first direction A-A' may become smaller in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. Therefore, even if the power generating device 1000 is disposed in the first region 2111 of the first hole 2120, an empty space may be formed in the first recesses a1 and a2.

[0158] The second region 2112 may include a second opening open2 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A' and a third opening open3 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A'. The second opening open2 included in the second region 2112 may be the first opening open1 included in the first region 2111. Thus, the second region 2112 may extend from the first region 2111. The second opening open2 and the third opening open3 may be connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the width of the power generating device 1000 in the first direction A-A' may be the same as the second width w2 of the second opening open2 and the second width w2 of the third opening open3, and the sidewall of the second region 2112 may not be inclined, so that there may be no groove between the sidewall of the second region 2112 and the power generating device 1000, unlike the first region 2111.

[0159] The third region 2113 may include a third opening open3 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A' and a fourth opening open4 having a first width w1 in the first direction A-A'. The third opening open3 included in the third region 2113 may be the third opening open3 included in the second region 2112. Thus, the third region 2113 may extend from the second region 2112. The third opening open3 and the fourth opening open4 may be connected to each other.

[0160] Since the first width w1 of the fourth opening open4 and the second width w2 of the third opening open3 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the third region 2113 may be inclined in the direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. The width of the third region 2113 in the first direction A-A' may become smaller in the direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. Therefore, even if the power generating device 1000 is disposed in the third region 2113 of the first hole 2120, an empty space may be formed in the second recesses b1 and b2 of the third region 2113.

[0161] As shown in Fig. 21, when the power generating device 1000 is cut along the second direction B-B' with a part of the power generating device 1000 inserted into the first hole 2120 of the first plate 2100, the first plate 2100 and the power generating device 1000 may be illustrated as shown in Fig. 21. Here, the second direction B-B' may be perpendicular to the first direction A-A'.

[0162] 21, when the first plate 2100 is cut along the second direction B-B', the coupling portion may be divided into a first region 2111, a second region 2112, and a third region 2113. A portion of the power generation device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion. Specifically, a portion of the fluid-flow unit 1100 included in the power generation device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion.

[0163] The first region 2111 may include a first opening open1 having a third width w3 in the second direction B-B' and a second opening open2 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B'. The first opening open1 and the second opening open2 may be connected to each other. The power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111. Since the power generating device 1000 is inserted into the first hole 2120 of the coupling part, the width of the power generating device 1000 in the second direction B-B' may be the same as the fourth width w4 of the second opening open2.

[0164] Since the third width w3 of the first opening open1 and the fourth width w4 of the second opening open2 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the first region 2111 may be inclined in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The width of the first region 2111 in the second direction B-B' may be smaller in a direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. Therefore, even if the power generating device 1000 is disposed in the first region 2111 of the coupling part, an empty space may be formed in the first recesses c1 and c2 between the sidewall of the first region 2111 and the power generating device 1000 in the second direction B-B'.

[0165] The second region 2112 may include a second opening open2 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B' and a third opening open3 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B'. The second opening open2 included in the second region 2112 may be the first opening open1 included in the first region 2111. Thus, the second region 2112 may extend from the first region 2111. The second opening open2 and the third opening open3 may be connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the width of the power generating device 1000 in the second direction B-B' may be the same as the fourth width w4 of the second opening open2 and the third width w3 of the third opening open3, and the sidewall of the second region 2112 may not be inclined, so that there may be no groove between the sidewall of the second region 2112 and the power generating device 1000, unlike the first region 2111.

[0166] The third region 2113 may include a third opening open3 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B' and a fourth opening open4 having a third width w3 in the second direction B-B'. The third opening open3 included in the third region 2113 may be the third opening open3 included in the second region 2112. Thus, the third region 2113 may extend from the second region 2112. The third opening open3 and the fourth opening open4 may be in communication with each other.

[0167] Since the third width w3 of the fourth opening open4 and the fourth width w4 of the third opening open3 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the third region 2113 may be inclined in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. The width of the third region 2113 in the second direction B-B' may be smaller in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. Therefore, even if the power generating device 1000 is disposed in the third region 2113 of the coupling part, an empty space may be formed in the second recesses d1 and d2 between the sidewall of the third region 2113 and the power generating device 1000.

[0168] The second plate may be the same as the first plate described above, and a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0169] 22 to 24, the joining state of the first plate, the power generating device, and the weld bead will be examined in detail.

[0170] FIG. 22 is a partial oblique view of a first plate, a power generating device, and a weld bead according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first plate, the power generating device, and the weld bead along a first direction A-A', and FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first plate, the power generating device, and the weld bead along a second direction B-B'.

[0171] When the first plate 2100 is cut along the first direction A-A' with a portion of the power generation device 1000 inserted into the first hole 2120 of the first plate 2100 as shown in Fig. 22, the first plate 2100 and the power generation device 1000 may be illustrated as shown in Fig. 23. Here, the first direction A-A' may be a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the chamber. The first direction A-A' may be a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the power generation device.

[0172] 23, when the first plate 2100 is cut along the first direction A-A', the coupling portion may be divided into a first region 2111, a second region 2112, and a third region 2113. A portion of the power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion. In particular, a portion of the fluid-flow unit 1100 included in the power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion. The thermoelectric module 1200 included in the power generating device 1000 may not be inserted into the first hole 2120.

[0173] The first region 2111 may include a first opening open1 having a first width w1 in the first direction A-A' and a second opening open2 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A'. The first opening open1 and the second opening open2 may be connected to each other. The power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111. Since the power generating device 1000 is inserted into the first hole 2120 of the first plate 2100, the width of the power generating device 1000 in the first direction A-A' may be the same as the second width w2 of the second opening open2.

[0174] Since the first width w1 of the first opening open1 and the second width w2 of the second opening open2 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the first region 2111 may be inclined in the direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The width of the first region 2111 in the first direction A-A' may become smaller in the direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2.

[0175] A first weld bead 2200 may be disposed in the first recess between the sidewall of the first region 2111 and the power generating device 1000. Accordingly, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed to wrap the side of the duct. The first weld bead 2200 may be disposed in a groove formed between the sidewall of the first region 2111 and the power generating device 1000, so that the contact area of ​​the first weld bead 2200 with the first plate 2100 and the power generating device 1000 may be increased. As a result, the bonding force between the first plate 2100 and the power generating device 1000 may be improved, and the sealing force between the inside and the outside of the chamber may be improved. According to an embodiment, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed to protrude from the outer side of the chamber. Specifically, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed to protrude not only into the first recess but also to the outside of the first recess. According to another embodiment, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed not to protrude based on the outer side of the chamber. Specifically, first weld bead 2200 may be disposed so as not to protrude outside of the first recess, that is, first weld bead 2200 may be disposed only within the first recess.

[0176] The second region 2112 may include a second opening open2 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A' and a third opening open3 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A'. The second opening open2 included in the second region 2112 may be the first opening open1 included in the first region 2111. Thus, the second region 2112 may extend from the first region 2111. The second opening open2 and the third opening open3 may be connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the width of the power generating device 1000 in the first direction A-A' may be the same as the second width w2 of the second opening open2 and the second width w2 of the third opening open3, and the sidewall of the second region 2112 may not be inclined, so that there may be no groove between the sidewall of the second region 2112 and the power generating device 1000, unlike the first region 2111.

[0177] The third region 2113 may include a third opening open3 having a second width w2 in the first direction A-A' and a fourth opening open4 having a first width w1 in the first direction A-A'. The third opening open3 included in the third region 2113 may be the third opening open3 included in the second region 2112. Thus, the third region 2113 may extend from the second region 2112. The third opening open3 and the fourth opening open4 may be connected to each other.

[0178] Since the first width w1 of the fourth opening open4 and the second width w2 of the third opening open3 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the third region 2113 may be inclined in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. The width of the third region 2113 in the first direction A-A' may be smaller in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. According to an embodiment, unlike the first recess, the first weld bead 2200 may not be disposed in the third recesses b1 and b2. However, this is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the first weld bead 2200 may also be disposed in the third recesses b1 and b2. For example, if a predetermined interval is formed between the sidewall of the first plate and the side surface of the duct in the second region 2112, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed in the second recess through the predetermined interval during the process of disposing the first weld bead 2200 in the first recess.

[0179] When the power generating device 1000 is cut along the second direction B-B' with a portion of the power generating device 1000 inserted into the first hole 2120 of the first plate 2100 as shown in Fig. 22, the first plate 2100 and the power generating device 1000 may be illustrated as shown in Fig. 24. Here, the second direction B-B' may be perpendicular to the first direction A-A'.

[0180] 24, when the first plate 2100 is cut along the second direction B-B', the coupling portion may be divided into a first region 2111, a second region 2112, and a third region 2113. A portion of the power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion. In particular, a portion of the fluid-flow unit 1100 included in the power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111, the second region 2112, and the third region 2113 of the coupling portion. The thermoelectric module 1200 included in the power generating device 1000 may not be inserted into the first hole 2120.

[0181] The first region 2111 may include a first opening open1 having a third width w3 in the second direction B-B' and a second opening open2 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B'. The first opening open1 and the second opening open2 may be connected to each other. The power generating device 1000 may be disposed in the first region 2111. Since the power generating device 1000 is inserted into the first hole 2120 of the coupling part, the width of the power generating device 1000 in the second direction B-B' may be the same as the fourth width w4 of the second opening open2.

[0182] Since the third width w3 of the first opening open1 and the fourth width w4 of the second opening open2 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the first region 2111 may be inclined in the direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. The width of the first region 2111 in the second direction B-B' may be smaller in the direction from the first opening open1 to the second opening open2. Therefore, even if the power generating device 1000 is disposed in the first region 2111 of the first hole 2120, a groove may be formed between the sidewall of the first region 2111 and the power generating device 1000 in the second direction B-B'. The first weld bead 2200 may be disposed in the groove formed between the sidewall of the first region 2111 and the power generating device 1000 in the second direction B-B'. By disposing the first weld bead 2200 in the first recess, the contact area of ​​the first weld bead 2200 with the first plate 2100 and the power generating device 1000 may be expanded. This may improve the bonding strength between the first plate 2100 and the power generating device 1000, and may improve the sealing strength between the inside and outside of the chamber. According to one embodiment, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed so as to protrude from an outer side of the chamber. Specifically, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed so as to protrude not only into the first recess but also out of the first recess. According to another embodiment, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed so as not to protrude based on the outer side of the chamber. Specifically, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed so as not to protrude out of the first recess. That is, the first weld bead 2200 may be disposed only in the first recess.

[0183] The second region 2112 may include a second opening open2 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B' and a third opening open3 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B'. The second opening open2 included in the second region 2112 may be the first opening open1 included in the first region 2111. Thus, the second region 2112 may extend from the first region 2111. The second opening open2 and the third opening open3 may be connected to each other. According to an embodiment, the width of the power generating device 1000 in the second direction B-B' may be the same as the fourth width w4 of the second opening open2 and the third width w3 of the third opening open3, and the sidewall of the second region 2112 may not be inclined, so that there may be no groove between the sidewall of the second region 2112 and the power generating device 1000, unlike the first region 2111.

[0184] The third region 2113 may include a third opening open3 having a fourth width w4 in the second direction B-B' and a fourth opening open4 having a third width w3 in the second direction B-B'. The third opening open3 included in the third region 2113 may be the third opening open3 included in the second region 2112. Thus, the third region 2113 may extend from the second region 2112. The third opening open3 and the fourth opening open4 may be connected to each other.

[0185] Since the third width w3 of the fourth opening open4 and the fourth width w4 of the third opening open3 are different from each other, the sidewall surrounding the third region 2113 may be inclined in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. The width of the third region 2113 in the second direction B-B' may be smaller in a direction from the fourth opening open4 to the third opening open3. Unlike the first recess, the first weld bead 2200 may not be disposed in the second recesses d1 and d2 formed between the sidewall of the third region 2113 and the power generation device 1000. However, this is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the first weld bead 2200 may also be disposed in the third recesses b1 and b2. For example, when a predetermined interval is formed between the sidewall of the first plate and the side surface of the duct in the second region 2112, the first weld bead may be disposed in the second recess through the predetermined interval during the process of disposing the first weld bead in the first recess.

[0186] The second plate may be the same as the first plate described above, and a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0187] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a fluid-flow unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the connection between unit fluid-flow units.

[0188] 25, the fluid-flow unit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of unit fluid-flow units. The plurality of unit fluid-flow units may contact one side with an adjacent unit fluid-flow unit. For example, the first unit fluid-flow unit 1100-1 and the second unit fluid-flow unit 1100-2 may contact one side, the second unit fluid-flow unit 1100-2 and the third unit fluid-flow unit 1100-3 may contact one side, and the third unit fluid-flow unit 1100-3 and the fourth unit fluid-flow unit 1100-4 may contact one side. The unit fluid-flow unit disposed at the outermost edge of the plurality of unit fluid-flow units may be coupled to a coupling unit of the chamber.

[0189] The unit fluid-flow parts may have an uneven shape on one surface that comes into contact with an adjacent unit fluid-flow part. For example, the first unit fluid-flow part 1100-1 may have an uneven shape on one surface that is coupled to the second unit fluid-flow part 1100-2. The second unit fluid-flow part 1100-2 may have an uneven shape on one surface that is coupled to the third unit fluid-flow part 1100-3 and one surface that is coupled to the first unit fluid-flow part 1100-1.

[0190] The unit fluid-flowing parts may be embodied such that the uneven shapes formed on one side of the first unit fluid-flowing part 1100-1 to be coupled to the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-2 may be embodied such that the uneven shape of one side of the first unit fluid-flowing part 1100-1 to be coupled to the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-2 may be embodied such that the uneven shape of one side of the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-2 to be coupled to the first unit fluid-flowing part 1100-1 ...1 may be embodied such that the uneven shape of one side of the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-2 to be coupled to the first unit fluid-flowing part 1100-1 may be embodied such that the uneven shape of one side of the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-1 may be embodied such that the uneven shape of one side of the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-2 to be coupled to the first unit fluid-flowing part 1100-1 may be embodied such that the uneven shape of one side of the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-1 may be embodied such that the uneven shape of one side of the second unit fluid-flow

[0191] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second weld bead 2220 may be disposed along a joint portion formed by contacting one surface of a plurality of unit fluid-flowing parts. The second weld bead 2220 may be disposed to surround the joint portion between the unit fluid-flowing parts. For example, referring to FIG. 26, the second weld bead 2220 may be disposed at a joint portion formed by coupling the second unit fluid-flowing part 1100-2 and the third unit fluid-flowing part 1100-3. The second weld bead 2220 may be disposed on the surface of the joint portion and the unit fluid-flowing part adjacent to the joint portion. The second weld bead 2220 may be disposed along the joint portion, but may extend to the surface of the unit fluid-flowing part adjacent to the joint portion. Even if the unit fluid-flowing parts are coupled by meshing with a concave-convex shape, the fluid in the fluid-passing pipe in the fluid-flowing part may flow out of the fluid-flowing part due to pressure, so it is necessary to increase the coupling force of the joint portion between the unit fluid-flowing parts. In the present invention, the joint portion is surrounded by second weld bead 2220, thereby making it possible to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0192] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a plan view of a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0193] 27, a plurality of thermoelectric elements 1201-1206 and a shield member 1500 may be arranged on one side of a unit fluid-flow unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of thermoelectric elements 1201-1206 and a shield member 1500 may be arranged on a front side of the unit fluid-flow unit. A plurality of thermoelectric elements 1201-1206 and a shield member 1500 may be arranged on a rear side of the unit fluid-flow unit. The shield member 1500 may have the same length as the unit fluid-flow unit, and openings may be formed at corresponding positions so that the plurality of thermoelectric elements 1201-1206 may be exposed.

[0194] A plurality of fastening holes may be formed in the shield member 1500, and the fastening holes of the shield member 1500 may correspond to a plurality of fastening holes h1-h7 arranged on one side of the unit fluid-flow portion. That is, a plurality of fastening holes h1-h7 may be arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the unit fluid-flow portion. The shield member 1500 and the unit fluid-flow portion may be coupled together by a screw passing through the plurality of fastening holes of the shield member 1500 and the plurality of fastening holes h1-h7 of the unit fluid-flow portion.

[0195] The multiple fastening holes h1 to h7 formed in the unit fluid-flow portion may be arranged at regular intervals from one another. For example, the distance between the first fastening hole h1 and the second fastening hole h2 may be the same as the distance between the second fastening hole h2 and the third fastening hole h3.

[0196] Of the plurality of fastening holes h1 to h7 arranged in the unit fluid flow portion, the distance w6 between the fastening hole h1 closest to the first joint surface of the unit fluid flow portion and the first joint surface can be made smaller than the interval w5 between the plurality of fastening holes h1 to h7 (w6 < w5). Of the plurality of fastening holes h1 to h7 arranged in the unit fluid flow portion, the distance w7 between the fastening hole h7 closest to the second joint surface of the unit fluid flow portion and the second joint surface can be made larger than the interval w5 between the plurality of fastening holes h1 to h7 (w7 > w5). That is, the plurality of fastening holes h1 to h7 arranged on one surface of the unit fluid flow portion can be arranged asymmetrically with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the unit fluid flow portion. In this way, the plurality of fastening holes h1 to h7 arranged on one surface of the unit fluid flow portion are arranged asymmetrically with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the unit fluid flow portion, so that the plurality of fastening holes h1 to h7 arranged on the front and rear surfaces of the unit fluid flow portion can also be arranged asymmetrically. As a result, even if the thickness of the unit fluid flow portion is thin, there is an advantage that the bonding force between the shield member 1500 and the unit fluid flow portion can be strengthened.

[0197] The power generation system can generate electricity by using heat sources generated from ships, automobiles, power plants, geothermal energy, etc., and a plurality of power generation devices can also be arranged to efficiently converge the heat sources. At this time, each power generation device can improve the bonding force between the thermoelectric module and the fluid flow portion to improve the cooling performance of the low-temperature part of the thermoelectric element, and accordingly, the efficiency and reliability of the power generation device can be improved, so that the fuel efficiency of transportation devices such as ships and vehicles can be improved. Therefore, in the shipping industry and the transportation industry, it is possible to reduce transportation costs and create an environmentally friendly industrial environment, and when applied to the manufacturing industry such as steel mills, it is possible to reduce material costs and the like.

[0198] In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art in the relevant technical field will understand that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A substrate; A thermoelectric element disposed on the substrate; a connector portion electrically connected to the thermoelectric element; a cover member disposed on a connector portion of the thermoelectric element; the cover member includes a first side surface adjacent to the thermoelectric element and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, the first side includes a first groove recessed toward the second side, the second side includes a second groove recessed toward the first side, A thermoelectric module, wherein a width of the first groove is greater than a width of the second groove.

2. the substrate includes a first region and a second region; the thermoelectric element is disposed on the first region; The thermoelectric module of claim 1 , wherein the connector portion is disposed on the second region.

3. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1 , wherein the connector portion includes a first connector and a second connector that are symmetrically arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

4. The thermoelectric module of claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the first connector and the second connector are disposed to vertically overlap the first groove.

5. The thermoelectric module of claim 4 , wherein an electric wire is connected to at least one of one end of the first connector and one end of the second connector, which are arranged to overlap the first groove perpendicularly.

6. 5. The thermoelectric module of claim 4, wherein the cover member includes a first cover area disposed on the first connector and a second cover area disposed on the second connector, and the first groove is disposed between the first cover area and the second cover area.

7. the cover member further includes a first guide area and a second guide area protruding from the first cover area and the second cover area toward the substrate, the first guide region is disposed on a side surface of the first connector, The thermoelectric module of claim 6 , wherein the second guide region is disposed on a side of the second connector.

8. a power generating device including a fluid-flow section and a plurality of thermoelectric modules disposed on at least one surface of the fluid-flow section; a chamber including an internal space in which the power generation device is disposed and a coupling portion coupled to the power generation device; The thermoelectric module includes: substrate, Thermoelectric elements spaced apart from one another on the substrate; and cover members disposed on the substrate and disposed on one side of the thermoelectric element, the cover member includes a first side surface closest to one side of the thermoelectric element and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, the first side includes a first groove recessed toward the second side, the second side includes a second groove recessed toward the first side, The width of the first groove is greater than the width of the second groove, The coupling portion includes a first recess disposed on an outer surface facing the interior space.

9. The power generation system of claim 8 including a first weld bead disposed in the first recess.

10. The power generation system according to claim 9 , wherein the first recess is inclined from an outer surface of the coupling portion toward an inner surface of the coupling portion.

11. The thermoelectric module of claim 7 , wherein the first guide region and the second guide region contact the substrate.

12. The thermoelectric module according to claim 7 , wherein a plurality of grooves are formed in the surface of the cover member that faces the substrate.

13. The thermoelectric module of claim 7 , wherein the second groove includes a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

14. The thermoelectric module of claim 13 , wherein one edge of the substrate has a third groove formed therein.

15. The thermoelectric module of claim 14 , wherein the second groove and the third groove are identical in shape and size to each other.

16. The thermoelectric module of claim 7 , further comprising a fluid-flow section having the substrate disposed on one surface thereof.

17. 17. The thermoelectric module of claim 16, wherein a plurality of first through holes are formed on both sides of the cover member and spaced apart from each other, and the fluid-flow portion, the substrate, and the cover member are coupled to each other through the plurality of first through holes.

18. The thermoelectric module of claim 17 , wherein a width of each of the first and second cover areas is between 0.8 and 0.95 times a width of each of the first and second connectors.

19. The thermoelectric module of claim 17 , wherein a width of each of the first and second cover areas is greater than a width of each of the first and second connectors.

20. The thermoelectric module of claim 1 , wherein the cover member comprises an insulating material.

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