Power generation device

Abstract

A power generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit, a thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element disposed on one surface of the cooling unit and a heat sink disposed on the thermoelectric element, a guide plate disposed opposite the thermoelectric module, and a branch portion disposed on another surface perpendicular to the one surface of the cooling unit, the heat sink including a plurality of heat dissipation fins spaced apart from each other, and a ratio of the shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the guide plate to the shortest horizontal distance between the branch portion and the guide plate is 0.0625 to 0.25.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device, and more particularly to a power generation device that produces electric power by utilizing the temperature difference between the low-temperature part and the high-temperature part of a thermoelectric element.

Background Art

[0002] The thermoelectric phenomenon is a phenomenon generated by the movement of electrons and holes inside a material, and means a direct energy conversion between heat and electricity.

[0003] A thermoelectric element is a general term for elements that utilize 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 utilize the temperature change of electrical resistance, elements that utilize the Seebeck effect, which is a phenomenon in which an electromotive force is generated due to a temperature difference, elements that utilize the Peltier effect, which is a phenomenon in which heat absorption or heat generation occurs due to an electric current, and the like.

[0005] Thermoelectric elements are variously applied to home appliances, electronic components, communication components, and the like. For example, thermoelectric elements can be applied to cooling devices, heating devices, power generation devices, and the like. Along with this, the requirements for the thermoelectric performance of thermoelectric elements are increasing more and more.

[0006] Recently, there has been a need to generate electricity using the high-temperature waste heat generated from engines such as automobiles and ships and thermoelectric elements. At this time, a duct through which a first fluid passes is arranged on the low-temperature part side of the thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fin is arranged on the high-temperature part side of the thermoelectric element, and a second fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid can pass through the heat dissipation fin. Along with this, electricity can be generated by the temperature difference between the low-temperature part and the high-temperature part of the thermoelectric element, and the power generation module performance can vary depending on the structure of the power generation device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a power generation device that generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the low-temperature part and the high-temperature part of a thermoelectric element.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling part, a thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element disposed on one surface of the cooling part and a heat sink disposed on the thermoelectric element, a guide plate disposed opposite to the thermoelectric module, and a branch part disposed on the other surface perpendicular to one surface of the cooling part. The heat sink includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins spaced apart from each other, and the ratio of the shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the guide plate to the shortest horizontal distance between the branch part and the guide plate is 0.0625 to 0.25.

[0009] The cooling part is a duct through which a first fluid passes, the branch part branches a second fluid having a higher temperature than the first fluid, and the second fluid can pass between the thermoelectric module and the guide plate.

[0010] The shortest horizontal distance between the branch part and the guide plate can be the shortest horizontal distance between the virtual extension surface of the guide plate facing the thermoelectric module and the branch part.

[0011] The ratio of the shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the guide plate to the shortest horizontal distance between the branch part and the guide plate can be 0.0625 to 0.167.

[0012] The shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the guide plate can be 1 to 3 mm.

[0013] The thermoelectric module includes a first thermoelectric module disposed on a first surface of the duct and a second thermoelectric module disposed on a second surface of the duct facing the first surface. The guide plate includes a first guide plate disposed opposite to the first thermoelectric module and a second guide plate disposed opposite to the second thermoelectric module. The second fluid can be branched between the first thermoelectric module and the first guide plate and between the second thermoelectric module and the second guide plate by the branch portion.

[0014] The branch portion is disposed on a third surface between the first surface and the second surface of the duct and can be disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the first surface.

[0015] The third surface can be perpendicular to the first surface.

[0016] The duct and the guide plate may further include a spacer for separating them at a predetermined interval.

[0017] The spacer is disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the duct and includes a first region disposed on a fourth surface perpendicular to the third surface, a second region extending from the first region toward the first surface, and a third region extending from the first region toward the second surface. A first surface of the second region is disposed on the first surface, a second surface of the second region is disposed on the first guide plate, a first surface of the third region is disposed on the second surface, and a second surface of the third region can be disposed on the second guide plate.

[0018] A power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit, a thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element disposed in a first region on a surface of the cooling unit and a heat sink disposed on the thermoelectric element, a guide plate disposed opposite to the thermoelectric module, and a spacer disposed between a second region on a surface of the duct and the guide plate. The heat sink is separated from the guide plate by a predetermined distance, and the spacer is in contact with the guide plate and the cooling unit.

[0019] The cooling unit is a duct through which a first fluid passes, and a second fluid can pass between the heat sink and the guide plate.

[0020] The duct includes a branch portion that branches the second fluid, and the second fluid branched by the branch portion can pass between the thermoelectric module and the guide plate.

[0021] The shortest horizontal distance between the branch portion and the guide plate can be 6.5 to 20 mm.

[0022] The shortest horizontal distance between the branch portion and the guide plate can be the shortest horizontal distance between an imaginary extension surface of the guide plate facing the thermoelectric module and the branch portion.

[0023] The shortest distance between the heat sink and the guide plate can be 1 to 3 mm.

[0024] The thermoelectric module includes a first thermoelectric module disposed on a first surface of the duct and a second thermoelectric module disposed on a second surface of the duct facing the first surface. The guide plate includes a first guide plate disposed opposite to the first thermoelectric module and a second guide plate disposed opposite to the second thermoelectric module. The second fluid can be branched by the branch portion between the first thermoelectric module and the first guide plate and between the second thermoelectric module and the second guide plate.

[0025] A power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of power generation devices arranged adjacent to each other. Each power generation device includes a cooling unit, a first thermoelectric element disposed on a first surface of the cooling unit, and a first heat sink disposed on the first thermoelectric element, a first thermoelectric module including a second thermoelectric element disposed on a second surface of the cooling unit, and a second heat sink disposed on the second thermoelectric element, and a spacer member disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the cooling unit. One of the first heat sink and the second heat sink of each power generation device is separated from one of the first heat sink and the second heat sink of an adjacent power generation device, and the spacer member of each power generation device contacts the spacer member of an adjacent power generation device.

[0026] A first guide plate arranged to be separated from the first heat sink of a first power generation device, which is one of the plurality of power generation devices, and a second guide plate arranged to be separated from the second heat sink of a second power generation device, which is another one of the plurality of power generation devices, are further included. The spacer member of the first power generation device can contact the first guide plate, and the spacer member of the second power generation device can contact the second guide plate.

[0027] The remaining power generation devices of the plurality of power generation devices may be arranged between the first power generation device and the second power generation device.

[0028] A power generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit having a flow path therein; and a thermoelectric module disposed on one surface of the cooling unit. The flow path includes a plurality of first flow path portions arranged along a first direction, a plurality of second flow path portions arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of bending portions connecting the first flow path portions and the second flow path portions. The plurality of second flow path portions include a first straight portion, a second straight portion, and a concavo-convex portion that are arranged straight and separated from each other in the first direction. The concavo-convex portion is disposed between the first straight portion and the second straight portion.

[0029] The cooling unit can be connected to the flow path and include a plurality of protruding portions separated from each other in the second direction.

[0030] The cooling unit may include a plurality of through-holes penetrating through one surface on which the thermoelectric module is disposed and the other surface facing the one surface.

[0031] It includes a plurality of coupling members that couple the cooling unit and the thermoelectric module, and the coupling members may be disposed in the plurality of through-holes.

[0032] The plurality of through-holes may include a plurality of first through-holes disposed between the uneven portion and the protruding portion.

[0033] The flow path includes a bent portion disposed between the plurality of first through-holes and the protruding portion, and the first straight portion may be disposed between the bent portion and the uneven portion.

[0034] A plurality of curvature portions having the same curvature as each other may be periodically disposed on the uneven portion.

[0035] The bent portion may include regions having a plurality of curvatures different from each other.

[0036] The cooling unit includes a first side surface on which the plurality of protruding portions are located and a second side surface facing the first side surface, and the plurality of through-holes may include a plurality of second through-holes disposed between the uneven portion and the second side surface.

[0037] The plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes overlap with the flow path in the first direction, and the plurality of through-holes include a plurality of third through-holes that do not overlap with the flow path in the first direction. The plurality of third through-holes may include a third-1 through-hole that is further adjacent to the first side surface than the plurality of first through-holes, and a third-2 through-hole that is further adjacent to the second side surface than the plurality of second through-holes.

[0038] The cooling unit is disposed between the first side surface and the second side surface, includes a third side surface disposed along the first direction, and a fourth side surface facing the third side surface, includes an overlapping portion overlapping the flow path in the second direction, a first region located between the overlapping portion and the third side surface, and a second region located between the overlapping portion and the fourth side surface, and the width of the second region in the second direction may be larger than the width of the first region in the second direction.

[0039] The plurality of third through holes can be located in the second region.

[0040] A connector can be located in the second region.

[0041] The thermoelectric module is coupled through a coupling member to the cooling unit, and the coupling member can be disposed in the plurality of through holes.

[0042] The coupling member and the flow path can be non-overlapping along a third direction from one surface to the other surface of the cooling unit.

[0043] The plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be non-overlapping with the plurality of third through holes in the first direction.

[0044] The plurality of protrusions can include a third protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the second direction.

[0045] A power generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit having a flow path therein and a plurality of protrusions connected to the flow path; and a thermoelectric module coupled to the cooling unit. The plurality of protrusions are disposed on a first outer surface of the cooling unit and include a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from each other in a first direction. The flow path includes a first flow path spirally extending from the first protrusion toward a central portion of the cooling unit and a second flow path spirally extending from the central portion toward the second protrusion. The first flow path is disposed adjacent to the first outer surface and includes an irregular first uneven portion and a second uneven portion disposed adjacent to the central portion and having a regular period.

[0046] The cooling unit further includes a second outer surface facing the first outer surface. The first flow path includes a first straight portion extending along the first direction. The second flow path includes a second straight portion, a third straight portion, and a fourth straight portion extending along the first direction. The third straight portion is disposed between the second straight portion and the second outer surface, and the fourth straight portion is disposed between the second straight portion and the first outer surface. The second uneven portion may be disposed between the second straight portion and the fourth straight portion.

[0047] The cooling unit includes a third outer surface and a fourth outer surface disposed opposite to each other between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, includes one surface on which the thermoelectric module is disposed, and the other surface facing the one surface, and includes a plurality of through holes penetrating the one surface and the other surface. The plurality of through holes include a first through hole disposed between the first uneven portion and the fourth straight portion, a second through hole disposed between the second straight portion and the third straight portion, and a plurality of third through holes disposed between the flow path and the fourth outer surface. The plurality of third through holes further include a third-1 through hole disposed closer to the first outer surface than the first through hole and a third-2 through hole disposed closer to the second outer surface than the second through hole. A first horizontal distance between the flow path and the fourth outer surface may be greater than a second horizontal distance between the flow path and the third outer surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a power generation device with excellent power generation module performance can be obtained. Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a power generation device with improved heat transfer efficiency to a thermoelectric element can be obtained.

[0049] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure difference and flow rate of the fluid before and after passing through the power generation device can be optimized to maximize the efficiency of the power generation module.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0050]

Figure 1

[0051]

Figure 2

[0052]

Figure 3

[0053]

Figure 4

[0054]

Figure 5

[0055]

Figure 6

[0056]

Figure 7(a)

Figure 7(b)

[0057]

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0058]

Figure 10

[0059]

Figure 11

[0060]

Figure 12(a)

Figure 12(b)

Figure 12(c)

[0061]

Figure 13

[0062]

Figure 14

[0063]

Figure 15

[0064]

Figure 16

[0065]

Figure 17

[0066]

Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0067] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments, and can be embodied in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components can be selectively combined or replaced and used among the embodiments.

[0069] Also, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted in a meaning generally understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless specifically defined and described otherwise, and terms generally used like those defined in a dictionary can be interpreted considering their meaning in the context of the related art.

[0070] Also, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for explaining the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0071] In this specification, the singular form can include the plural form unless otherwise specifically mentioned in the text, and when described as "at least one (or one or more) of A and (or) B, C", it can include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0072] Also, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used.

[0073] Such terms are merely for distinguishing their constituent elements from other constituent elements, and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or sequence of the corresponding constituent elements by such terms.

[0074] And when it is described that a certain constituent element is "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another constituent element, that constituent element can include not only the case where it is directly connected, coupled, or joined to the other constituent element, but also the case where it is "connected", "coupled", or "joined" by still another constituent element between that constituent element and the other constituent element.

[0075] Also, when it is described that something is formed or disposed "above or below" each constituent element, "above or below" includes not only the case where two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more additional constituent elements are formed or disposed between the two constituent elements. Further, when expressed as "above or below", it can include the meaning not only in the upward direction but also in the downward direction with respect to one constituent element as a reference.

[0076] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a power generation device included in the power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a power generation module included in the power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8 to 9 are cross-sectional views and perspective views of a thermoelectric element included in the power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, the power generation system 10 includes a power generation device 1000 and a fluid pipe 2000.

[0078] The fluid flowing into the fluid pipe 2000 can be a heat source generated in engines such as automobiles and ships, or in power plants, steel mills, etc., but is not limited thereto. The temperature of the fluid discharged from the fluid pipe 2000 is lower than the temperature of the fluid flowing into the fluid pipe 2000. For example, the temperature of the fluid flowing into the fluid pipe 2000 can be 100 °C or higher, preferably 200 °C or higher, more preferably 220 °C to 250 °C, but is not limited thereto, and can be variously applied according to the temperature difference between the low-temperature part and the high-temperature part of the thermoelectric element.

[0079] The fluid pipe 2000 includes a fluid inlet part 2100, a fluid passage part 2200, and a fluid discharge part 2300. The fluid flowing in through the fluid inlet part 2100 passes through the fluid passage part 2200 and is discharged through the fluid discharge part 2300. At this time, a power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the fluid passage part 2200, and the power generation device 1000 generates electricity by using the temperature difference between the first fluid passing through the power generation device 1000 and the second fluid passing through the fluid passage part 2200. Here, the first fluid can be a cooling fluid, and the second fluid can be a high-temperature fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid. The power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate electricity by using the temperature difference between the first fluid flowing on one surface of the thermoelectric element and the second fluid flowing on the other surface of the thermoelectric element. Therefore, in this specification, the first fluid and / or the second fluid can include gases, liquids, etc. When the cross-sectional shapes of the fluid inlet part 2100 and the fluid discharge part 2300 are different from the cross-sectional shape of the fluid passage part 2200, the fluid pipe 2000 may further include a first connecting part 2400 connecting the fluid inlet part 2100 and the fluid passage part 2200 and a second connecting part 2500 connecting the fluid passage part 2200 and the fluid discharge part 2300. For example, the general fluid inlet part 2100 and the fluid discharge part 2300 can be cylindrical. On the contrary, the fluid passage part 2200 where the power generation device 1000 is disposed can be in the shape of a square cylinder or a polygonal cylinder. Accordingly, one end of the fluid inlet part 2100 and the fluid passage part 2200 can be connected through the first connecting part 2400 and the second connecting part 2500, one end of which is cylindrical and the other end is square cylindrical, and the other end of the fluid discharge part 2300 and the fluid passage part 2200 can be connected.

[0080] At this time, the fluid inlet portion 2100, the first connecting portion 2400, the first connecting portion 2400 and the fluid passage portion 2200, the fluid passage portion 2200 and the second connecting portion 2500, and the second connecting portion 2500 and the fluid discharge portion 2300, etc. can be connected by fastening members.

[0081] As described above, the power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be disposed within the fluid passage portion 2200. In order to facilitate the assembly of the power generation system 10, one surface of the fluid passage portion 2200 can be designed to have an openable structure. After opening one surface 2210 of the fluid passage portion 2200, the power generation device 1000 can be accommodated within the fluid passage portion 2200, and the opened one surface 2210 of the fluid passage portion 2200 can be covered with a cover 2220. At this time, the cover 2220 can be fastened to the opened one surface 2210 of the fluid passage portion 2200 by a plurality of fastening members.

[0082] After the first fluid is supplied from the outside to the power generation device 1000 and then discharged to the outside again, and when the wiring connected to the power generation device 1000 is drawn out to the outside, a plurality of holes 2222 may be formed in the cover 2220 for the inflow and discharge of the first fluid and for drawing out the wiring.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a duct 1100, a first thermoelectric module 1200, a second thermoelectric module 1300, a branch portion 1400, a separation member 1500, a shield member 1600, and a heat insulating member 1700. And the power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a guide plate 1800 and a support frame 1900.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the duct 1100, the first thermoelectric module 1200, the second thermoelectric module 1300, the branch portion 1400, the separation member 1500, the shield member 1600, and the heat insulating member 1700 can be assembled as one module, and this can be referred to as a power generation module in this specification.

[0085] The power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can produce electric power by utilizing the temperature difference between a first fluid flowing through the inside of a duct 1100 and a second fluid passing through heat sinks 1220 and 1320 of a first thermoelectric module 1200 and a second thermoelectric module 1300 disposed outside the duct 1100.

[0086] In this specification, the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inside of the duct 1100 may be lower than the temperature of the second fluid passing through the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 of the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 disposed outside the duct 1100. In this specification, the first fluid may be cooling cooling water, and the second fluid may be a high-temperature gas. For this purpose, the first thermoelectric module 1200 may be disposed on one surface of the duct 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300 may be disposed on the other surface of the duct 1100. At this time, among both surfaces of each of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300, the surface disposed to face the duct 1100 becomes a low-temperature part, and electric power can be produced by utilizing the temperature difference between the low-temperature part and the high-temperature part. Accordingly, in this specification, the duct 1100 may be referred to as a cooling part.

[0087] The first fluid flowing into the duct 1100 can be water, but is not limited thereto, and can be various types of fluids having cooling performance. The temperature of the first fluid flowing into the duct 1100 can be less than 100°C, preferably less than 50°C, and more preferably less than 40°C, but is not limited thereto. The temperature of the first fluid discharged after passing through the duct 1100 may be higher than the temperature of the first fluid flowing into the duct 1100. Each duct 1100 includes a first surface 1110, a second surface 1120 disposed parallel to and facing the first surface 1110, a third surface 1130 disposed between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, and a fourth surface 1140 disposed perpendicular to the third surface 1130 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, a fifth surface 1150 disposed to face the third surface 1130, and a sixth surface 1160 disposed to face the fourth surface 1140, and the first fluid passes through the inside of the duct. When the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed on the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100, respectively, the third surface 1130 is a surface disposed in the direction in which the second fluid flows in, and the fourth surface 1140 can be a surface disposed in the direction in which the first fluid flows in and out. For this purpose, a first fluid inlet 1142 and a first fluid outlet 1144 can be formed in the fourth surface 1140 of the duct 1100. The first fluid inlet 1142 and the first fluid outlet 1144 can be connected to a fluid passage pipe in the duct 1100. Accordingly, the first fluid flowing in from the first fluid inlet 1142 can be discharged from the first fluid outlet 1144 after passing through the fluid passage pipe.

[0088] Although not shown, heat dissipation fins may be arranged on the inner wall of the duct 1100. The shape, number, and the area occupying the inner wall of the duct 1100 of the heat dissipation fins can be variously changed according to the temperature of the first fluid, the temperature of the waste heat, the required power generation module capacity, and the like. The area that the heat dissipation fins occupy on the inner wall of the duct 1100 can be, for example, 1 to 40% of the cross-sectional area of the duct 1100. According to this, it is possible to obtain high thermoelectric conversion efficiency while not hindering the flow of the first fluid. At this time, the heat dissipation fins can have a shape that does not hinder the flow of the first fluid. For example, the heat dissipation fins can be formed along the direction in which the first fluid flows. That is, the heat dissipation fins can be in the shape of a plate extending in the direction from the first fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins can be arranged so as to be separated at a predetermined interval. The heat dissipation fins may be integrally formed with the inner wall of the duct 1100.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the second fluid flowing through the fluid passage portion 2200 and the inflow / discharge direction of the first fluid flowing through the duct 1100 can be different. For example, the inflow / discharge direction of the first fluid and the passage direction of the second fluid can be about 90° different. According to this, it is possible to obtain uniform heat conversion performance in the entire region.

[0090] On the other hand, the first thermoelectric module 1200 is arranged on the first surface 1110 of the duct 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be arranged on the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100 so as to be symmetric with respect to the first thermoelectric module 1200.

[0091] The first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be fastened to the duct 1100 using screws or coil springs. Accordingly, the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be stably coupled to the surface of the duct 1100. Alternatively, at least one of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 may be adhered to the surface of the duct 1100 using a thermal interface material (TIM). By using coil springs and / or thermal interface material (TIM) and / or screws, the uniformity of the heat applied to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be uniformly controlled even at high temperatures.

[0092] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(a), each of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 includes thermoelectric elements 1210, 1310 disposed on the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, respectively, and heat sinks 1220, 1320 disposed on the thermoelectric elements 1210, 1310. In this way, when the duct 1100 through which the first fluid flows is disposed on one side of both sides of the thermoelectric elements 1210, 1310, and the heat sinks 1220, 1320 are disposed on the other side, and the second fluid passes through the heat sinks 1220, 1320, the temperature difference between the heat absorption surface and the heat dissipation surface of the thermoelectric elements 1210, 1310 can be increased, and accordingly, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased. At this time, when the direction from the first surface 1110 toward the thermoelectric element 1210 and the heat sink 1220 is defined as the first direction, the length of the heat sink 1220 in the first direction may be longer than the length of the thermoelectric element 1210 in the first direction. According to this, since the contact area between the second fluid and the heat sink 1220 increases, the temperature of the heat absorption surface of the thermoelectric element 1210 can be increased.

[0093] At this time, referring to FIG. 7(b), the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 and the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 can be fastened by a plurality of fastening members 1230 and 1330. Here, the fastening members 1230 and 1330 can be coil springs or screws, etc. For this purpose, through holes S through which the fastening members 1230 and 1330 penetrate can be formed in at least a part of the heat dissipation fins 1220 and 1320 and the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310. Here, separate insulators 1240 and 1340 can be further arranged between the through holes S and the fastening members 1230 and 1330. The separate insulators 1240 and 1340 can be insulators surrounding the outer peripheral surfaces of the fastening members 1230 and 1330 or insulators surrounding the wall surfaces of the through holes S. For example, the insulators 1240 and 1340 can be ring-shaped. The inner peripheral surfaces of the ring-shaped insulators 1240 and 1340 are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the fastening members 1230 and 1330, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the insulators 1240 and 1340 can be arranged on the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes S. According to this, the fastening members 1230 and 1330 and the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 and the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 can be insulated from each other.

[0094] At this time, the structures of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 can have the structure of the thermoelectric element 100 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 9. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 9, the thermoelectric element 100 includes a lower substrate 110, a lower electrode 120, a P-type thermoelectric leg 130, an N-type thermoelectric leg 140, an upper electrode 150, and an upper substrate 160.

[0095] The lower electrode 120 is disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the lower bottom surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the upper electrode 150 is disposed between the upper substrate 160 and the upper bottom surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140. Accordingly, the plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs 140 are electrically connected by the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150. A pair of P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and N-type thermoelectric legs 140 disposed between and electrically connected to the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150 can form a unit cell.

[0096] For example, when a voltage is applied to the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150 through the output lines 181 and 182, a substrate in which 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 a substrate in which current flows from the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 to the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 can be heated to act as a heat generating part. Or when a temperature difference is applied between the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150, charges in the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may move due to the Seebeck effect to generate electricity.

[0097] Here, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be bismuth telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric legs containing bismuth (Bi) and tellurium (Te) as main raw materials. The P-type thermoelectric leg 130 can 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 contains 99 to 99.999 wt% of Bi-Sb-Te, which is the main raw material substance, with respect to the total weight of 100 wt%, and can contain at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In) at 0.001 to 1 wt%. The N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can 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 contains 99 to 99.999 wt% of Bi-Se-Te, which is the main raw material substance, with respect to the total weight of 100 wt%, and can contain at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In) at 0.001 to 1 wt%.

[0098] The P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be formed in a bulk type or a laminated type. Generally, the bulk type P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the bulk type N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be obtained through a process of heat-treating a thermoelectric material to manufacture an ingot, crushing and sieving the ingot to obtain powder for the thermoelectric leg, sintering the powder, and cutting the sintered body. At this time, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be polycrystalline thermoelectric legs. Thus, 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 can be increased. The laminated type P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the laminated type N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be obtained through a process of applying a paste containing a thermoelectric material onto a sheet-like base material to form a unit member, and then laminating and cutting the unit members.

[0099] At this time, the pair of P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and N-type thermoelectric legs 140 can have the same shape and volume, or can have different shapes and volumes from each other. For example, since the electrical conduction characteristics of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 are different, the height or cross-sectional area of the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may be formed to be different from the height or cross-sectional area of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130.

[0100] At this time, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can have a cylindrical shape, a polygonal column shape, an elliptical column shape, etc.

[0101] The performance of the thermoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention can be represented by a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) can be represented as in Mathematical Formula 1.

[0102] [Mathematical Formula 1] TIFF0007684312000001.tif8143

[0103] Here, α is the Seebeck coefficient [V / K], σ is the electrical conductivity [S / m], α 2σ is the power factor ([W / mK 2 ). And T is the temperature, and k is the thermal conductivity [W / mK]. k can be expressed as a·cp·ρ, where a is the thermal diffusivity [cm 2 / S], cp is the specific heat [J / gK], and ρ is the density [g / cm 3 .

[0104] To obtain the thermoelectric performance index of the thermoelectric element, a Z-meter can be used to measure the Z value (V / K), and the measured Z value can be used to calculate the thermoelectric performance index (ZT).

[0105] Here, the lower electrode 120 disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the upper electrode 150 disposed between the upper substrate 160 and the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 include at least one of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), and nickel (Ni), and can have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm. If the thickness of the lower electrode 120 or the upper electrode 150 is less than 0.01 mm, its function as an electrode will fail and the electrical conduction performance may be low. If it exceeds 0.3 mm, the conduction efficiency may be low due to the increase in resistance.

[0106] Moreover, the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 facing each other may be metal substrates, and their thickness may be from 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 the thermal conductivity may become excessively high, and thus the reliability of the thermoelectric element may decrease. Further, when the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 are metal substrates, an insulating layer 170 may be further formed between the lower substrate 110 and the lower electrode 120 and between the upper substrate 160 and the upper electrode 150, respectively. The insulating layer 170 may include a material having a thermal conductivity of 1 to 20 W / mK. At this time, the insulating layer 170 may be a resin composition containing at least one of an epoxy resin and a silicone resin and an inorganic substance, a layer made of a silicon composite containing silicon and an inorganic substance, or an aluminum oxide layer. Here, the inorganic substance may be at least one of oxides, nitrides, and carbides such as aluminum, boron, and silicon.

[0107] At this time, the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 may be formed to have different sizes. That is, the volume, thickness, or area of one of the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 can be formed larger than the volume, thickness, or area of the other. Here, the thickness can be the thickness in the direction from the lower substrate 110 to the upper substrate 160, and the area can be the area in the direction perpendicular to the direction from the substrate 110 to the upper substrate 160. Accordingly, the heat absorption performance or heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element can be enhanced. Preferably, the volume, thickness, or area of the lower substrate 110 can be formed larger than at least one of the volume, thickness, or area of the upper substrate 160. At this time, when the lower substrate 110 is disposed in the high-temperature region due to the Seebeck effect, applied to the heat generation region due to the Peltier effect, or when a sealing member for protecting from the external environment of the thermoelectric element described later is disposed on the lower substrate 110, at least one of the volume, thickness, or area can be made larger than that of the upper substrate 160. At this time, the area of the lower substrate 110 can be formed in the range of 1.2 to 5 times the area ratio of the upper substrate 160. When the area of the lower substrate 110 is formed less than 1.2 times that of the upper substrate 160, the influence on the improvement of the heat transfer efficiency is not high, and when it exceeds 5 times, on the contrary, the heat transfer efficiency drops significantly, and it may be difficult to maintain the basic shape of the thermoelectric module.

[0108] Also, a heat dissipation pattern, such as a concavo-convex pattern, may be formed on at least one surface of the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160. Accordingly, the heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element can be enhanced. When the concavo-convex pattern is formed on the surface in contact with 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. The thermoelectric element 100 includes a lower substrate 110, a lower electrode 120, a P-type thermoelectric leg 130, an N-type thermoelectric leg 140, an upper electrode 150, and an upper substrate 160.

[0109] Although not shown, a sealing member may be further disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160. The sealing member may be disposed on the sides of the lower electrode 120, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the upper electrode 150 between the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160. Accordingly, the lower electrode 120, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the upper electrode 150 may be sealed from external moisture, heat, contamination, and the like.

[0110] At this time, the lower substrate 110 disposed on the duct 1100 may be an aluminum substrate, and the aluminum substrate may be bonded to the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, respectively, by a thermal interface material (TIM). Since the aluminum substrate has excellent heat transfer performance, heat transfer between one of the two surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 and the duct 1100 through which the first fluid flows is easy. In addition, the aluminum substrate and the duct 1100 through which the first fluid flows are made of a thermal interface material. When bonded with a TIM (Tin-Ace Material), the aluminum substrate and the first-phase Heat transfer between the ducts 1100 through which the body flows can be unimpeded. Here, the thermal transfer material (TIM) is a material having heat transfer and adhesive properties, and may be, for example, a resin composition containing at least one of epoxy resin and silicone resin and an inorganic substance. Here, the inorganic substance may be an oxide, carbide, or nitride of aluminum, boron, silicon, etc.

[0111] Referring back to FIGS. 3 to 7, in order to enhance the sealing and heat insulation effects between the first thermoelectric module 1200, the duct 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300, the power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a shield member 1600 and a heat insulation member 1700. The heat insulation member 1700 may be disposed, for example, on the surface of the duct 1100 excluding the regions where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed. Accordingly, heat loss of the first fluid and the second fluid can be prevented, and the temperature difference between the low-temperature part and the high-temperature part of each of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be increased to enhance the performance of the power generation module. Further, the shield member 1600 may be disposed on the surface of the duct 1100 excluding the regions where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed. Wiring and connectors connected to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be protected from external moisture or contamination.

[0112] On the other hand, the guide plate 1800 is a plate that guides the flow of the second fluid within the fluid passage portion 2200, and the second fluid that has flowed into the fluid passage portion 2200 may flow along the guide plate 1800 and then be discharged.

[0113] The first guide plate 1800-1 may be disposed to face the first thermoelectric module 1200, the second guide plate 1800-2 may be disposed to face the second thermoelectric module 1300, and the second fluid may pass between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2.

[0114] At this time, both sides of the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 can extend to the fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2 and the fluid diffusion plates 1820-1 and 1820-2. The fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2 are plates that extend toward the inlet of the fluid passage portion 2200, that is, the first connection portion 2400, and the fluid diffusion plates 1820-1 and 1820-2 can mean plates that extend toward the outlet of the fluid passage portion 2200, that is, the second connection portion 2500. At this time, the fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2, and the fluid diffusion plates 1820-1 and 1820-2 can be integrally connected plates. The first guide plate 1800-1 disposed opposite the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second guide plate 1800-2 disposed opposite the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be symmetrically disposed while maintaining a certain distance d3. Here, the distance d3 between the first guide plate 1800-1 and the second guide plate 1800-2 can be the horizontal distance from the first guide plate 1800-1 toward the second guide plate 1800-2. According to this, since the second fluid can pass between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2 at a constant flow rate, uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained. On the contrary, the distances d4 and d4' between the first fluid collection plate 1810-1 extending from the first guide plate 1800-1 and the second fluid collection plate 1810-2 extending from the second guide plate 1800-2 can be symmetrically disposed so as to be farther away as they approach the inlet of the fluid passage portion 2200. Here, the distance between the first fluid collection plate 1810-1 and the second fluid collection plate 1810-2 can be the horizontal distance from the first fluid collection plate 1810-1 toward the second fluid collection plate 1810-2. Similarly, the distance between the first fluid diffusion plate 1820-1 extending from the first guide plate 1800-1 and the second fluid diffusion plate 1820-2 extending from the second guide plate 1800-2 can also be symmetrically disposed so as to be farther away as they approach the outlet of the fluid passage portion 2200.Accordingly, the second fluid flowing in through the inlet of the fluid passage portion 2200 can be collected by the fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, then pass between the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 and the guide plate 1800, diffuse through the fluid diffusion plates 1820-1 and 1820-2, and then be discharged through the outlet of the fluid passage portion 2200. According to this, since the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after passing between the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 and the guide plate 1800 can be minimized, the problem of the second fluid flowing backward in the inlet direction of the fluid passage portion 2200 can be prevented.

[0115] At this time, the support frame 1900 supports the first to second guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2, the first to second fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, and the first to second fluid diffusion plates 1820-1 and 1820-2. That is, the support frame 1900 includes a first support frame 1900-1 and a second support frame 1900-2, and the first to second guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2, the first to second fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, and the first to second fluid diffusion plates 1820-1 and 1820-2 can be fixed between the first support frame 1900-1 and the second support frame 1900-2.

[0116] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the branch portion 1400 can branch the second fluid flowing into the fluid passage portion 2200. The second fluid branched by the branch portion 1400 can pass between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2.

[0117] The branch portion 1400 can be disposed between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100. For example, when the third surface 1130 of the duct 1100 is arranged to face the direction in which the second fluid flows in, the branch portion 1400 can be disposed on the third surface 1130 side of the duct 1100. Or the branch portion 1400 can also be disposed on the fifth surface 1150 side facing the third surface 1130 of the duct 1100 according to the hydrodynamic principle.

[0118] The branch portion 1400 can have a shape in which the distance from the third surface 1130 increases as it goes from both ends of the third surface 1130 to the center between both ends of the third surface 1130 on the third surface 1130 of the duct 1100. That is, the third surface 1130 where the branch portion 1130 is disposed is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, and the branch portion 1400 can be disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100. For example, the branch portion 1400 can have an umbrella shape or a roof shape. Accordingly, the second fluid, for example, waste heat, can be branched through the branch portion 1400 and guided to contact the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 disposed on both sides of the power generation device. That is, the second fluid is branched through the branch portion 1400 and can pass between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2.

[0119] On the one hand, the width W1 between the outside of the first heat sink 1220 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the outside of the second heat sink 1320 of the second thermoelectric module 1300 may be larger than the width W2 of the branch portion 1400. Here, the outside of each of the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 may mean the side opposite to the side facing the duct 1100. Here, each of the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 can include a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins can be formed in a direction that does not obstruct the flow of the gas. For example, the plurality of heat dissipation fins can have a plate shape extending along the second direction in which the gas flows. Or the plurality of heat dissipation fins may have a shape that is folded so that a flow path is formed along the second direction in which the gas flows. At this time, the maximum width W1 between the first heat sink 1220 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second heat sink 1320 of the second thermoelectric module 1300 may mean the distance from the farthest point of the first heat sink 1220 to the farthest point of the second heat sink 1320 with reference to the duct 1100, and the maximum width W2 of the branch portion 1400 may mean the width of the branch portion 1400 in the region closest to the third surface 1130 of the duct 1100. According to this, the flow of the second fluid can be directly transmitted to the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 without being obstructed by the branch portion 1400. Along with this, the contact area between the second fluid and the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 will increase, so that the amount of heat received by the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 from the second fluid will increase, and the efficiency of the power generation module can be increased.

[0120] On the one hand, the first guide plate 1800-1 is symmetrically arranged so as to be separated from the first heat sink 1220 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 by a predetermined distance, and the second guide plate 1800-2 can be symmetrically arranged so as to be separated from the second heat sink 1320 of the second thermoelectric module 1300 by a predetermined distance. Here, the distance between the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 and the heat sinks of each thermoelectric module can affect the pressure difference before and after the second fluid that contacts the heat sink of each thermoelectric module passes through the heat sink, and accordingly, it can affect the performance of the power generation module.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an attempt is made to maintain the distance between the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 and the heat sinks of each thermoelectric module at a distance required to optimize the performance of the power generation module.

[0122] FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) are partial cross-sectional views of a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the ratio of the shortest horizontal distance d2 between the heat sinks 1220, 1320 and the guide plates 1800-1, 1800-2 to the shortest horizontal distance d1 between the branch portion 1400 and the guide plates 1800-1, 1800-2 can be 0.0625 to 0.25, preferably 0.0625 to 0.167. Here, the horizontal direction can be defined as the direction from the first guide plate 1800-1 to the second guide plate 1800-2. If, as illustrated in FIG. 10(b), the guide plates 1800-1, 1800-2 are not arranged in the horizontal direction of the branch portion 1400 and the fluid collection plates 1810-1, 1810-2 are arranged in the horizontal direction of the branch portion 1400, that is, the first fluid collection plates 1810-1, the branch portion 1400, and the second fluid collection plates 1810-2 are arranged in sequence in the horizontal direction, and the boundaries between the first fluid collection plate 1810-1 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second fluid collection plate 1810-2 and the second guide plate 1800-2 are arranged in the horizontal direction on the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 between the branch portion 1400 and the thermoelectric modules 1200, 1300, the shortest horizontal distance d1 between the branch portion 1400 and the guide plates 1800-1, 1800-2 can mean the shortest horizontal distance between the virtual extension surfaces 1800-E1, 1800-E2 of the guide plates 1800-1, 1800-2 facing the thermoelectric modules 1200, 1300 and the branch portion 1400.

[0124] To satisfy such conditions, the ratio of the shortest distance d2 between the heat sinks 1220, 1320 and the guide plates 1800-1, 1800-2 to the shortest distance d1 between the branch portion 1400 and the guide plates 1800-1, 1800-2 can be 0.25 or less, preferably 0.0625 to 0.25, more preferably 0.0625 to 0.167.

[0125] For example, the horizontal length of the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 can be 6.5 to 15 mm. And the shortest horizontal distance d2 between the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 and the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 can be 5 mm or less, preferably 1 to 5 mm, more preferably 1 to 3 mm. Accordingly, the shortest horizontal distance between the branch portion 1400 and the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 can be 6.5 to 20 mm.

[0126] For example, when the length of the first heat sink 1220 is 15 mm, the shortest distance d1 between the first heat sink 1220 and the first guide plate 1800-1 can be 5 mm or less, preferably 1 to 5 mm, more preferably 1 to 3 mm.

[0127] According to this, the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after passing through the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 can be minimized, and the flow space of the second fluid can be optimized. Accordingly, the contact area between the second fluid and the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 of the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 can be maximized to increase the temperature difference between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part of the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300, and as a result, the power generation performance can be improved.

[0128] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to maintain the ratio of the shortest distance d2 between the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 and the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 to the shortest distance d1 between the branch portion 1400 and the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 at 0.25 or less, preferably 0.0625 to 0.25, more preferably 0.0625 to 0.167, a separation member 1500 for separating the duct 1100 from the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 can be further included.

[0129] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 11, the separation member 1500 contacts the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 and the duct 1100, and can separate the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 from the duct 1100 at a predetermined interval. Here, the contact may not only mean direct contact but also indirect contact through other mediators.

[0131] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the separation member 1500 may be disposed between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100. When the branch portion 1400 is disposed on the third surface 1130 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100, the separation member 1500 may be disposed on the fourth surface 1140 that is disposed perpendicular to the third surface 1130 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100.

[0132] Here, the third surface 1130 where the branch portion 1400 is disposed is a surface disposed in the direction in which the second fluid flows, and the fourth surface 1140 where the separation member 1500 is disposed may be a surface disposed in the direction in which the first fluid flows.

[0133] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the separation member 1500 separates the horizontal distance between the first surface 1110 of the duct 1100 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and the horizontal distance between the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100 and the second guide plate 1800-2 at a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the horizontal distance between the first heat sink 1220 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and the horizontal distance between the second heat sink 1320 of the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2 may be separated at a predetermined distance. At this time, the separation member 1500 may include a heat insulating material. Accordingly, heat insulation can be achieved between the second fluid flowing along the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 and the first fluid flowing inside the duct 1100.

[0134] For this purpose, the separation member 1500 can include a first region 1510 disposed on a fourth surface 1140 perpendicular to a third surface 1130 of the duct 1100 where the branch portion 1400 is disposed, a second region 1520 extending from the first region 1510 toward the first surface 1110, and a third region 1530 extending from the first region 1510 toward the second surface 1120. At this time, a first surface 1522 of the second region 1520 can be disposed on the first surface 1110, and a second surface 1524 of the second region 1520 can be disposed on the first guide plate 1800-1. And, a first surface 1532 of the third region 1530 can be disposed on the second surface 1120, and a second surface 1534 of the third region 1530 can be disposed on the second guide plate 1800-2. Accordingly, the first surface 1110 of the duct 1100 and the first guide plate 1800-1 can be separated by a distance T between the first surface 1522 and the second surface 1524 of the second region 1520, and the second surface 1120 of the duct 1100 and the second guide plate 1800-2 can be separated by a distance T between the first surface 1532 and the second surface 1534 of the third region 1530. Since the heat sink and the guide plate can maintain a predetermined distance t, the pressure difference of the second fluid and the flow space of the second fluid can be optimized. In this specification, the pressure difference of the second fluid can mean the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after the second fluid passes through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module. When the length of the heat sink is l, the sum of the length l of the heat sink and the distance t between the heat sink and the guide plate can be the same as the distance T between the first surface 1522 and the second surface 1524 of the second region of the separation member 1500 or the distance T between the first surface 1532 and the second surface 1534 of the third region of the separation member 1500, that is, the distance between the duct 1100 and the guide plate 1800.

[0135] Hereinafter, the results of simulating the performance according to the length l of the heat sink and the distance t between the heat sink and the guide plate in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0136] Table 1 shows the temperature difference of the thermoelectric element according to the length of the heat sink and the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate, and the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after the second fluid passes through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module. Figure 12(a) shows the relationship between the distance (t, mm) between the heat sink and the guide plate and the temperature difference (DT, K) of the thermoelectric element with respect to the length l of the heat sink. Figure 12(b) shows the relationship between the distance (t, mm) between the heat sink and the guide plate and the pressure difference (DP, mmH 2 O) of the second fluid with respect to the length l of the heat sink. Figure 12(c) is a graph showing the relationship between the distance (t, mm) between the heat sink and the guide plate after correcting the temperature difference (DT, K) of the thermoelectric element and the pressure difference (DP, mmH 2 O) of the second fluid.

[0137]

Table 1

[0138] Referring to Table 1 to FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c), when comparing No. 3 and No. 7, it can be seen that as the length of the heat sink increases, the contact area between the heat sink and the second fluid becomes wider, so the temperature difference between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part of the thermoelectric element becomes larger. And when comparing No. 1 to No. 5 with No. 6, when there is a guide plate, the contact area between the heat sink and the second fluid becomes wider, so the temperature difference between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part of the thermoelectric element is large. However, in No. 6 where the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate becomes wide and the function of the guide plate cannot be achieved, it can be seen that the temperature difference between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part of the thermoelectric element becomes very low. Also, when comparing No. 1 to No. 5, it can be seen that as the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate increases, the temperature difference between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part of the thermoelectric element decreases, and the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after passing through the thermoelectric module decreases. However, the power generation performance is proportional to the temperature difference of the thermoelectric element and inversely proportional to the pressure difference of the second fluid. Accordingly, in order to find the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate that optimizes the power generation performance, the temperature difference of the thermoelectric element and the pressure difference of the second fluid are converted into an inverse relationship, and corrected to have a displacement at a certain ratio for simultaneous comparison to derive the graph of FIG. 12(c). According to this, it can be seen that the sum of the two numerical values has a high value when the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate is 1 to 3 mm.

[0139] On the other hand, although the above has been described assuming that one power generation device is arranged for a pair of guide plates, it is not limited thereto. A plurality of power generation devices may be arranged between a pair of guide plates.

[0140] FIG. 13 shows a power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 13, a power generation system 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of power generation devices 1000-1, ..., 1000-N arranged adjacent to each other. Each power generation device 1000-1, ..., 1000-N includes a cooling unit 1100-1, ..., 1100-N, a first thermoelectric module 1200-1, ..., 1200-N disposed on the first surface of the cooling unit 1100-1, ..., 1100-N, a second thermoelectric module 1300-1, ..., 1300-N disposed on the second surface of the cooling unit 1100-1, ..., 1100-N, and a spacer member 1500-1, ..., 1500-N disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the cooling unit 1100-1, ..., 1100-N. One of the first heat sinks (1220-1, ..., 1220-N and the second heat sinks 1320-1, ..., 1320-N) of each power generation device 1000-1, ..., 1000-N is separated from one of the first heat sinks (1220-1, ..., 1220-N and the second heat sinks 1320-1, ..., 1320-N) of the adjacent power generation devices 1000-1, ..., 1000-N. The spacer members 1500-1, ..., 1500-N of each power generation device 1000-1, ..., 1000-N are in contact with the spacer members 1500-1, ..., 1500-N of the adjacent power generation devices 1000-1, ..., 1000-N. At this time, a first guide plate 1800-1 arranged to be separated from the first heat sink 1220-1 of the first power generation device 1000-1, which is one of the plurality of power generation devices 1000-1, ..., 1000-N, and a second guide plate 1800-2 arranged to be separated from the second heat sink 1320-N of the second power generation device 1000-N, which is another one of the plurality of power generation devices 1000-1, ..., 1000-N, are further included. The spacer member 1500-1 of the first power generation device 1000-1 can be in contact with the first guide plate 1800-1, and the spacer member 1500-N of the second power generation device 1000-N can be in contact with the second guide plate 1800-N. And the remaining power generation devices can be arranged between the first power generation device 1000-1 and the second power generation device 1000-N.

[0142] On the other hand, the interior of the duct included in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention can have the following flow path design.

[0143] FIG. 14 is a top view of a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 14, a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit 1100 and a first thermoelectric module 1200 disposed on a first surface 1110 of the cooling unit 1100. As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the cooling unit 1100 may be used interchangeably with the duct 1100 in this specification. A second thermoelectric module 1300 may be further disposed on a second surface 1120 facing the first surface 1110 of the cooling unit 1100.

[0145] On the other surface perpendicular to the first surface 1110 of the cooling unit 1100, that is, the fourth surface 1140, a fluid inlet portion 1142 and a fluid outlet portion 1144 are spaced apart from each other, and a fluid storage portion 300 is disposed in one region A1 of the cooling unit 1100. In this specification, since the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed on the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the cooling unit 1100, the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the cooling unit 1100 may be referred to as one surface and the other surface of the cooling unit 1100. Also, the third to sixth surfaces 1130 to 1160 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the cooling unit 1100 may be referred to as side surfaces or outer surfaces of the cooling unit 1100. Alternatively, in this specification, the first surface 1110 to the sixth surface 1160 of the cooling unit 1100 may be respectively referred to as the first surface 1110 to the sixth surface 1160. The first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion 1142 may be discharged through the fluid outlet portion 1144 after passing through the fluid storage portion 300. Here, the arrangement order of the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 is not limited as shown in the figure, and the positions of the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 may be opposite. The fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 are formed to protrude from the fourth surface 1140 of the cooling unit 1100. Accordingly, in this specification, the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 may be referred to as protrusions.

[0146] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first thermoelectric module 1200 is disposed on the surface of one region A1 of the cooling unit 1100. Accordingly, the thermoelectric legs of the first thermoelectric module 1200 may be disposed in the region where the fluid storage portion 300 is disposed. The second fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid passing through the cooling unit 1100 can pass through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module 1200 in a direction from the third surface 1130 of the cooling unit 1100 toward the fifth surface 1150 facing the third surface 1130.

[0147] On the one hand, a coupling member 400 can be used for the coupling between the cooling unit 1100 and the first thermoelectric module 1200. In order to symmetrically arrange the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 on both surfaces of the cooling unit 1100, the coupling member 400 can be arranged to pass through the first thermoelectric module 1200, the cooling unit 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300. For this purpose, a plurality of through-holes S1 to S4 for the coupling member 400 to pass through can be formed in the cooling unit 1100. The plurality of through-holes S1 to S4 can be arranged to penetrate both surfaces of the cooling unit 1100 where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are arranged.

[0148] At this time, the plurality of through-holes S1 to S4 can be arranged separately from the fluid storage unit 300 within a region A1 of the cooling unit 1100, which is the region where the fluid storage unit 300 is arranged. That is, the plurality of through-holes S1 to S4 can be formed independently of the fluid storage unit 300, and accordingly, the problem that the first fluid passing through the fluid storage unit 300 flows out to the outside through the plurality of through-holes S1 to S4 can be prevented.

[0149] On one side, on the first surface 1110 of another region A2 of the cooling unit 1100 disposed on the side surface of one region A1 of the cooling unit 1100, a wiring part (not shown) connected to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and a shield member 1600 covering the wiring part may be further disposed. A coupling member 500 may be used for the coupling between the cooling unit 1100 and the shield member 1600, and a plurality of through holes S5 to S6 for the coupling member 500 for the coupling between the cooling unit 1100 and the shield member 1600 to pass through may be formed in another region A2 of the cooling unit 1100. That is, the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 may be formed so as not to overlap the fluid storage unit 300 except for one region A1 of the cooling unit 1100 where the fluid storage unit 300 is disposed. At this time, the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 may be disposed in consideration of the position of the wiring part. That is, the wiring part connected to the thermoelectric module may include a connection electrode (not shown) connected to the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric module, a connector 600 disposed on the connection electrode, and an electric wire (not shown) connected to the connector 600. At this time, the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 may be disposed avoiding the position of the connector 600. Accordingly, the through hole S5 may be disposed to be further adjacent to the fourth surface 1140 than the plurality of through holes S1 and S2, and the through hole S6 may be disposed to be further adjacent to the sixth surface 1160 than the plurality of through holes S3 and S4.

[0150] Here, the positions and the number of the plurality of through holes S1 to S6 are exemplary, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0151] Hereinafter, various embodiments regarding the shape of the fluid storage unit of the cooling unit and the arrangement relationship of the through holes will be described using FIGS. 15 to 18. Hereinafter, since the fluid storage unit can form a flow path from the fluid inlet 1142 to the fluid outlet 1144, it may be referred to as a flow path.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 15, the fluid storage portion 300 in the cooling portion 1100 is disposed in the A1 region of the cooling portion 1100 corresponding to the region where the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 are disposed. The first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion 1142 can be discharged from the fluid discharge portion 1144 after passing through the fluid storage portion 300.

[0153] Here, the fluid storage portion 300 does not form a separate flow path pipe, and a plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be arranged so as to be separated from the fluid storage portion 300. Accordingly, according to this, since the region where the fluid storage portion 300 is disposed corresponds to the region where the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 are disposed, the low-temperature portion of the thermoelectric module can obtain high cooling performance. Further, since the through holes S1 to S4 are formed in the first region A1 of the cooling portion 1100, the first thermoelectric module 1200, the cooling portion 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be directly coupled through the coupling member 400. Moreover, since the through holes S1 to S4 are formed independently and separated from the fluid storage portion 300, it is possible to prevent the problem that the first fluid in the fluid storage portion 300 flows out to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the fluid storage portion 300 can have a form of a flow path connected from the fluid inlet portion 1142 to the fluid discharge portion 1144. The first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion 1142 can be discharged through the fluid discharge portion 1144 after flowing along the flow path. In this way, when the fluid storage portion 300 has the form of a flow path, the first fluid can pass through the A1 region where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed as a whole with a minimum flow rate depending on the arrangement structure of the flow path. At this time, the diameter of the flow path can be 0.3 to 0.9 times, preferably 0.4 to 0.8 times, and more preferably 0.5 to 0.7 times the diameter of the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the diameter of the fluid discharge portion 1144. According to this, the flow velocity of the first fluid passing through the flow path can be increased to enhance the cooling performance of the thermoelectric module.

[0155] At this time, the flow path can be separated from the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 and can be arranged so as to surround at least a part of the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. According to this, it is possible to prevent the problem that the first fluid in the fluid containing portion 300 flows out to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4.

[0156] For example, referring to FIG. 16, the fluid containing portion 300 can include a plurality of first flow path portions 310-1, ..., 310-n arranged in parallel in the direction toward the flow path, that is, the X1 direction, at the fluid inflow portion 1142 or the fluid discharge portion 1144, and the plurality of first flow path portions 310-1, ..., 310-n arranged in parallel can be connected through a plurality of bending portions 330-1, ..., 330-l.

[0157] Here, the plurality of first flow path portions 310-1, ..., 310-n can extend in the X1 direction from the fourth surface 1140 where the fluid inflow portion 1142 and the fluid discharge portion 1144 are arranged toward the sixth surface 1160 facing the fourth surface 1140. At this time, at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions 310-1, ..., 310-n can be a straight portion arranged linearly along the first direction.

[0158] At this time, a part of the intervals between two adjacent flow path portions arranged in parallel can be different from another part of the intervals between two adjacent flow path portions arranged in parallel.

[0159] For example, the interval between two adjacent first flow path portions 310-1 and 310-2 arranged in parallel can be the first interval d1, and the interval between two adjacent first flow path portions 310-3 and 310-4 arranged in parallel can be the second interval d2 larger than the first interval d1.

[0160] On the other hand, through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 can be arranged in one region between the plurality of flow path portions, and through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 do not have to be arranged in other regions between the plurality of flow path portions.

[0161] At this time, the width in the X2 direction perpendicular to the X1 direction between the two first flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 are formed may be larger than the width in the X2 direction perpendicular to the X1 direction between the two first flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 are not formed. That is, at least a part S1, S3 of the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be arranged between the two first flow path portions 310-3 and 310-4 forming the second interval d2. According to this, the first flow path portion 310 can be arranged avoiding the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 so as not to overlap with the region where the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 are formed.

[0162] And, the intervals between the two first flow path portions 310-1, 310-2 arranged at the edges among the plurality of first flow path portions 310-1,..., 310-n arranged in parallel and between the two first flow path portions 310-n-1, 310-n may be the first interval d1. According to this, uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module. In particular, since the temperature of the first fluid discharged from the fluid discharge portion 1144 can be higher than the temperature of the first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion 1142, the cooling performance of the first fluid can be lower as it approaches the fluid discharge portion 1144. Along with this, if the interval between two adjacent flow path portions arranged in parallel is arranged to be narrower as it approaches the fluid discharge portion 1144, it is possible to obtain uniform thermoelectric performance in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 17, the fluid housing portion 300 can include a plurality of second flow path portions 320-1,..., 320-m arranged in parallel, and the plurality of second flow path portions 320-1,..., 320-m arranged in parallel can be connected through a plurality of bending portions 330-1,..., 330-l.

[0164] The plurality of second flow path portions 320-1,..., 320-m can be arranged in parallel in the X2 direction horizontal to the fourth surface 1140 where the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid discharge portion 1144 are arranged. At this time, at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions 320-1,..., 320-m can be a straight portion arranged straight along the second direction.

[0165] At this time, a part of the distance between two flow path portions arranged adjacent to each other in parallel may be different from the other part of the distance between two flow path portions arranged adjacent to each other in parallel.

[0166] For example, the distance between two second flow path portions 320-1 and 320-2 arranged adjacent to each other in parallel is the second distance d2, and the distance between two second flow path portions 320-m-1 and 320-m arranged adjacent to each other in parallel may be the first distance d1 which is narrower than the second distance d2.

[0167] On the other hand, through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 may be arranged in one region between a plurality of flow path portions, and through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 may not be arranged in other regions between a plurality of flow path portions.

[0168] At this time, the width in the X1 direction perpendicular to the X2 direction between two second flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 are formed may be smaller than the width in the X1 direction perpendicular to the X2 direction between two second flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 are not formed. For example, as shown in the figure, through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 are formed between two flow path portions 320-1 and 320-2, and through holes S1 to S4 for arranging the coupling member 400 may not be formed between two flow path portions 320-2 and 320-3. At this time, the distance between two flow path portions 320-1 and 320-2 is d2, and may be smaller than d3 which is the distance between two flow path portions 320-2 and 320-3.

[0169] According to this, the flow path 320 can be arranged avoiding the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 so as not to overlap with the region where the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 are formed.

[0170] Further, the distance between the flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may become narrower as they move away from the fourth surface 1140 where the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid discharge portion 1144 are disposed. For example, the distance between two second flow path portions 320-m-1 and 320-m disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be a first interval d1 that is smaller than the second interval d2. According to this, uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained over the entire region of the thermoelectric module. In particular, the temperature of the first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion 1142 may increase as it moves away from the fluid inlet portion 1142. Along with this, if the distance between two flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel is arranged to be narrower as it moves away from the fluid inlet portion 1142, it is possible to obtain uniform thermoelectric performance over the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0171] On the other hand, according to still another embodiment of the present invention, although a part of the flow path is arranged in parallel in the X1 direction and another part is arranged in parallel in the X2 direction, it may include a plurality of curved flow paths that are meandering. When the flow path includes a plurality of curved flow paths, since the length of the flow path arranged per unit area can be increased, the cooling performance on the low-temperature part side of the thermoelectric module can be improved.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 18, the cooling unit 1100 may include a first region B1, a second region B2, and a third region B3 that are sequentially arranged so as to have the same height from the fourth surface 1140 to the sixth surface 1160 facing the fourth surface 1140. At this time, among the plurality of through holes S1 to S4, some S1 and S2 may be arranged closer to the fourth surface 1140 than the other parts S3 and S4, and the distances between the through hole S1 and the through hole S2 and the fourth surface 1140 may be the same. For example, some S1 and S2 of the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be arranged in the first region B1, and the other parts S3 and S4 may be arranged in the third region B3.

[0173] Here, the coupling member 400 disposed in the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be arranged so as not to overlap the flow path along the direction from the first surface 1110 to the second surface 1120 of the cooling unit 1100. Along with this, it is possible to prevent the problem that the first fluid flowing along the flow path flows out to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4.

[0174] At this time, the plurality of through holes S1 to S2 and the plurality of through holes S3 to S4 may overlap with the flow path in the X1 direction. And the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 may not overlap with the flow path in the X1 direction. As described above, the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 are located in the area where the wiring part is arranged, which is not the area where the flow path is arranged. Considering the position of the connector of the wiring part, the through hole S5 may be arranged to be further adjacent to the fourth surface 1140 than the plurality of through holes S1 and S2, and the through hole S6 may be arranged to be further adjacent to the sixth surface 1160 than the plurality of through holes S3 and S4.

[0175] On the other hand, the cooling part 1100 may be divided into an R1 area overlapping with the flow path in the X2 direction, an R2 area located between the R1 area and the third surface 1130, and an R3 area located between the R1 area and the fifth surface 1150. As shown in the figure, the width of the R3 area in the X2 direction may be larger than the width of the R2 area in the X2 direction, and the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 for arranging the coupling member 500 may be formed in the R3 area. That is, the horizontal distance between the flow path and the fifth surface 1150 may be larger than the horizontal distance between the flow path and the third surface 1130. Accordingly, the wiring part including the connector C may be arranged in the R3 area, and the fluid inlet part 1142 and the fluid discharge part 1144 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 in the X1 direction.

[0176] The flow path includes a plurality of first flow paths 310-1,..., 310-n arranged in parallel in the X1 direction within the R1 area of the cooling part 1100, and a plurality of second flow paths 320-1,..., 320-m arranged in parallel in the X2 direction perpendicular to the X1 direction. It may further include a plurality of bending parts 330-1,..., 330-l that connect one of the plurality of first flow paths 310-1,..., 310-n and one of the plurality of second flow paths 320-1,..., 320-m, or connect the plurality of first flow paths 310-1,..., 310-n, or connect the plurality of second flow paths 320-1,..., 320-m. It can further include a winding flow path. The flow paths arranged along the X1 direction and the flow paths arranged along the X2 direction may be alternately arranged to form a spiral shape.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 18, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first fluid circulating between the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 of the cooling portion 1100 can have a spiral shape. That is, the flow path can include a first spiral flow path extending from one of the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 of the cooling portion 1100 toward the central portion C of the cooling portion 1100 and a second spiral flow path extending from the central portion C toward the other one of the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 of the cooling portion 1100. At this time, the third flow path portion 340 arranged adjacent to the fourth surface 1140 and having an irregular flow path and the fourth flow path portion 350 arranged adjacent to the central portion C of the cooling portion 1100 and having a regular period can be included in the first spiral flow path. And the first spiral flow path includes a second flow path portion 320-4 extending along the X4 direction, and the second spiral flow path can include a plurality of second flow path portions 320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-m. At this time, the second flow path portions 320-3, 320-5 are arranged between the second flow path portion 320-2 and the sixth surface 1160, the second flow path portion 320-1 is arranged between the second flow path portion 320-2 and the fourth surface 1140, and the fourth flow path portion 350 can be arranged between the second flow path portion 320-1 and the second flow path portion 320-2. At this time, the plurality of through holes S3, S4 can be arranged between the second flow path portion 320-2 and the second flow path portion 320-3.

[0178] Thus, when the flow path circulates spirally in the region where the thermoelectric legs of the thermoelectric module are arranged in the cooling portion and the third flow path portion 340 and the fourth flow path portion 350 having curvature are arranged as in the embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance on the low temperature portion side of the thermoelectric module can be maximized.

[0179] More specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow path may include a third flow path portion 340 that is a plurality of curved flow paths extending in a meandering manner along the X2 direction. The third flow path portion 340 may be disposed between the plurality of through holes S1, S3 and the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144, and may be referred to as a bent portion. The total length l of the third flow path portion 340 may be longer than the straight-line distance l' in the X2 direction in the region where the third flow path 340 is disposed. The third flow path portion 340 may be disposed in the first region B1 of the cooling portion 1100.

[0180] The first region B1 is the region closest to the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 among the first region B1 to the third region B3. The first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion 1142 flows into the fluid storage portion 300 in the X1 direction, and the first fluid circulated through the fluid storage portion 300 may be discharged from the fluid outlet portion 1144 along the X2 direction, which is the opposite direction of the X1 direction. Accordingly, if a flow path is not separately disposed between the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 in the first region B1, a dead zone where the first fluid does not reach may occur.

[0181] To solve such a problem, as in the embodiment of the present invention, when the third flow path portion 340, which is a plurality of curved flow paths, is disposed in the first region B1, the area of the dead zone can be minimized, and uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0182] More specifically, the third flow path portion 340 may be a curved flow path including regions having a plurality of curvatures with different curvatures from each other. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third flow path portion 340 may include first convex portions 343-1 to 343-3 that bulge in the X2 direction arranged along the X2 direction and second convex portions 343-3 to 343-5 that bulge in the direction opposite to the first convex portions 343-1 to 343-3, and the first convex portions 343-1 to 343-3 and the second convex portions 343-3 to 343-5 may overlap in the X1 direction. For example, the first convex portions 343-1 to 343-3 and the second convex portions 343-3 to 343-5 may be arranged in a region corresponding to between the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 between the fourth surface 1140 and the through holes S1 and S2, and more specifically, between the fourth surface 1140 and the through holes S1 and S2. According to this, since the first fluid passes through a region close to the fourth surface 1140 and arranged between the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144, the area of the dead zone can be minimized, and uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0183] At this time, in relation to the first through hole S1 and the second through hole S2 arranged so as to be separated from each other, the third flow path portion 340 may include a first region 341 arranged on the first through hole S1, a second region 341 arranged on the second through hole S2, and a third region 343 connecting the first region 341 and the second region 342. At this time, the first region 341 may be sequentially connected to a first sub-region 341-1 extending in the X1 direction (X1) from the fourth surface 1140 toward the sixth surface 1160, a first sub-region 341-2 extending in the X2 direction parallel to the fourth surface 1140, and a first sub-region 341-3 extending in the X2 direction toward the X2 direction which is the opposite direction of the X1 direction. In particular, according to the first sub-region 341-1, since the fluid flowing in from the fluid inlet portion 1142 and flowing in the X1 direction along the first sub-region 341-1 can flow again toward the fourth surface 1140, the area of the dead zone between the fluid inlet portion 1142 and the fluid outlet portion 1144 can be minimized.

[0184] Then, the second region 342 can be arranged to surround the second through-hole S2. For example, the second region 342 can be formed by sequentially connecting a second-1 sub-region 342-1 extending in the X3 direction from the side surface of the second through-hole S2, a second-2 sub-region 342-2 extending in the X2 direction, and a second-3 sub-region 342-3 extending in the X2 direction toward the X1 direction.

[0185] Then, the third region 343 is arranged between the first region 341 and the second region 342, and includes a third-1 sub-region 343-1 extending in the X2 direction from the first-3 sub-region 341-3, a third-2 sub-region 343-2 extending in the X1 direction, a third-3 sub-region 343-3 extending in the X4 direction (opposite to the X2 direction), a third-4 sub-region 343-4 extending in the X1 direction, and a third-5 sub-region 343-5 extending to the second-1 sub-region 342-1 in the X2 direction (X2). At this time, the third region 343 can be the aforementioned first convex portions 343-1 to 343-3 and second convex portions 343-3 to 343-5.

[0186] When the first to third regions 341, 342, and 343 are arranged in this way, the flow path through which the first fluid passes between the fluid inlet 1142 and the fluid outlet 1144 becomes longer, so that the area of the dead zone can be minimized.

[0187] On the other hand, the flow path according to the embodiment of the present invention can further include a fourth flow path portion 350 in which a predetermined pattern repeats. The fourth flow path portion 350 can include a plurality of curved flow paths in which a plurality of curved portions having the same curvature are periodically arranged, and since it has an uneven shape, it can be referred to as an uneven portion. The fourth flow path portion 350 can have a shape in which concave portions 351 recessed in the X1 direction and convex portions 352 bulging are alternately arranged.

[0188] That is, the fourth flow path portion 350 can be arranged to face the X1 direction and the X3 direction alternately and extend along the X2 direction.

[0189] According to this, when the fourth flow path portion 350 has a plurality of flow paths 320-1,... 、Compared with the case of being arranged in a straight line parallel to 320 - m, since the length of the flow path per unit area can be increased, the cooling performance on the low - temperature part side of the thermoelectric module can be enhanced.

[0190] At this time, the fourth flow path part 350 can be arranged between one second flow path part 320 - 1 and the other second flow path part 320 - 2 which are arranged straight and separated from each other in the X1 direction. And the fourth flow path part 350 can be arranged in the second region B2 of the cooling part 1100. That is, the plurality of through - holes S1, S2 can be arranged between the fourth flow path part 350 and the fourth surface 1140 where the fluid inflow part 1142 and the fluid discharge part 1144 are arranged, and the through - holes S3, S4 can be arranged between the fourth flow path part 350 and the sixth surface 1160. According to this, when the flow path is constituted only by the straight - line flow path part and the bending part of the cooling part 1100, since the residence time of the first fluid can be extended even in the middle region where the first fluid is difficult to reach, the cooling performance on the low - temperature part side of the thermoelectric module can be improved.

[0191] In particular, one second flow path part 320 - 1 can be arranged between the fourth flow path part 350 and the third flow path part 340. Along with this, when forming the flow path, since the residence time of the first fluid can be extended in the region where the first fluid is difficult to reach, the first fluid can circulate uniformly in all regions within the cooling part 1100, and along with this, the cooling performance on the low - temperature part side of the thermoelectric module can be enhanced.

[0192] Table 2 shows the result of simulating the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module when having the flow path shapes according to the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18.

[0193]

Table 2

[0194] Referring to Table 2, Example 1 has the shape of the fluid containment part illustrated in FIG. 15, Example 2 has the shape of the flow path illustrated in FIG. 16, Example 3 has the shape of the flow path according to FIG. 17, and Example 4 has the shape of the flow path according to FIG. 18. It can be seen that in Examples 2 to 4 compared with Example 1, although the area and volume of the flow path decreased, the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module was improved. In particular, when comparing Examples 2 to 3, it can be seen that in Example 4, although the area and volume of the flow path further decreased, the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module was further improved. This is because the first fluid circulates in a spiral shape within one region A1 of the cooling unit 1100 to minimize the dead zone that the first fluid does not reach.

[0195] The power generation system can generate electricity through heat sources generated in ships, automobiles, power plants, geothermal energy, etc., and a plurality of power generation devices can be arranged to efficiently converge the heat sources. Therefore, by uniformly injecting the heat source into a plurality of power generation devices through a plurality of branch parts and making the heat applied to the heat sink uniform, bending of the heat sink can be prevented, and the reliability of the power generation module can be improved. Also, by controlling the horizontal distance between the branch part and the guide plate, the power generation efficiency can be improved, and 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 create an environmentally friendly industrial environment with cost reduction such as transportation costs and maintenance costs, and when applied to manufacturing industries such as steel mills, maintenance costs and the like can be saved.

[0196] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference thereto, it will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that the present invention can be variously modified and changed within the scope not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A cooling section, a first thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element disposed on a first surface of the cooling section and a heat sink disposed on the thermoelectric element, a first guide plate disposed opposite to the first thermoelectric module, a branching section disposed on a second surface perpendicular to the first surface of the cooling section, and a separating member disposed on a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface of the cooling section, wherein the cooling section is a duct through which a first fluid passes, and a second fluid having a higher temperature than the first fluid passes between the first thermoelectric module and the first guide plate, the heat sink extends in a direction in which the second fluid passes and includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins spaced apart from each other, a shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the first guide plate is 1 to 3 mm, the separating member extends from the third surface toward the first surface and contacts the first surface of the cooling section and the first guide plate, a power generation device.

2. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the branching section branches the second fluid.

3. further including a second thermoelectric module disposed on a fourth surface of the cooling section facing the first surface, and a second guide plate disposed opposite to the second thermoelectric module, wherein the second fluid is branched by the branching section between the first thermoelectric module and the first guide plate and between the second thermoelectric module and the second guide plate, the power generation device according to claim 2.

4. The power generation device according to claim 3, wherein the branching section is disposed to be inclined with respect to the first surface.

5. the separating member includes a first region disposed on the third surface of the cooling section, a second region extending from the first region toward the first surface, and a third region extending from the first region toward the fourth surface, a first surface of the second region is disposed on the first surface, a second surface of the second region is disposed on the first guide plate, a first surface of the third region is disposed on the fourth surface, and a second surface of the third region is disposed on the second guide plate, the power generation device according to claim 3.

6. The power generation device according to claim 5, wherein the separating member includes a heat insulating material.

7. The power generation device according to claim 5, wherein the third surface is a surface disposed in a direction in which the first fluid flows in.

8. The power generation device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second guide plates each extend to the first and second fluid collection plates and the first and second fluid diffusion plates.

9. The power generation device according to claim 8, wherein the distance between the first and second guide plates is constant.

10. The power generation device according to claim 9, wherein the distance between the first and second fluid collection plates becomes farther as it moves away from the first and second guide plates, and the distance between the first and second fluid diffusion plates becomes farther as it moves away from the first and second guide plates.

11. The power generation device according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the first and second fluid collection plates and the distance between the first and second fluid diffusion plates are greater than the distance between the first and second guide plates.

12. The power generation device according to claim 3, wherein the width between the first thermoelectric module and the second thermoelectric module is greater than the width of the branch portion.

Images