Power generation device

Abstract

A power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fluid flow section through which a fluid passes through a flow path pipe formed therein, the fluid flow section including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface between the first surface and the second surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a fifth surface between the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface, and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface, and a first thermoelectric module disposed on the first surface, the third surface having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet spaced apart from each other, the flow path pipe extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The flow path pipe includes a plurality of first flow path sections arranged along a first direction, a plurality of second flow path sections arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of bending sections connecting the plurality of first flow path sections and the plurality of second flow path sections, and the fluid flow section is arbitrarily set in a first region, a second region, and a third region sequentially from the third surface to the fourth surface, and the plurality of first flow path sections are arranged so that the fluid passes through the first region, the third region, the second region, the first region, and the third region sequentially.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device, and more particularly to a power generation device that generates electric power by utilizing a temperature difference between a low-temperature part and a 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, and elements that utilize the Peltier effect, which is a phenomenon in which heat absorption or heat generation occurs due to an electric current.

[0005] Thermoelectric elements are variously applied to home appliances, electronic components, communication components, etc. For example, thermoelectric elements can be applied to cooling devices, heating devices, power generation devices, etc. Accordingly, 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 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. Accordingly, 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 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] In the power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid passes through a flow path tube formed inside, and includes a fluid flow part including a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, a third surface between the first surface and the second surface, a fourth surface facing the third surface, a fifth surface between the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, and a sixth surface facing the fifth surface, and a first thermoelectric module disposed on the first surface. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are formed on the third surface so as to be spaced apart from each other. The flow path tube is formed to be connected from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The flow path tube includes a plurality of first flow path parts arranged along a first direction, a plurality of second flow path parts arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of bending parts connecting between the plurality of first flow path parts and the plurality of second flow path parts. The fluid flow part is arbitrarily set as a first area, a second area, and a third area in order from the third surface to the fourth surface. The plurality of first flow path parts are arranged such that the fluid sequentially passes through the first area, the third area, the second area, the first area, and the third area.

[0009] The first thermoelectric module includes a first thermoelectric element disposed on the first surface and a first heat sink disposed on the first thermoelectric element. The fluid passing through the fluid flow part is a first fluid, and a second fluid having a temperature different from that of the first fluid can pass through the first heat sink in a direction from the fifth surface to the sixth surface.

[0010] The first direction may be parallel to the direction in which the second fluid passes.

[0011] The fluid flow part is arbitrarily set as a fourth area and a fifth area in order from the fifth surface to the sixth surface. The plurality of second flow path parts may be arranged such that the fluid alternately passes through the fourth area and the fifth area.

[0012] The flow path pipe is connected to the fluid inlet, and may be sequentially connected with a first flow path section passing through the first region, a second flow path section passing through the fifth region, a first flow path section passing through the third region, a second flow path section passing through the fourth region, a plurality of first flow path sections passing through the second region, a second flow path section passing through the fifth region, a first flow path section passing through the first region, a second flow path section passing through the fourth region, a first flow path section passing through the third region, and a second flow path section passing through the fifth region and connected to the fluid outlet.

[0013] The directions in which the first fluid passes through the two first flow path sections passing through the first region are opposite to each other, and the directions in which the first fluid passes through the two first flow path sections passing through the third region may be opposite to each other.

[0014] The direction in which the first fluid passes through the first flow path section that is arranged closer to the third surface among the two first flow path sections passing through the first region and the first flow path section that is arranged closer to the fourth surface among the two first flow path sections passing through the third region may be the same as the direction in which the second fluid flows.

[0015] The plurality of first flow path sections passing through the second region are three first flow path sections, and the first fluid in the three first flow path sections may flow in the same direction as the direction in which the second fluid flows, flow in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second fluid flows, and then flow in the same direction as the direction in which the second fluid flows again.

[0016] A plurality of through holes penetrating the first surface are formed in the fluid flow portion, and the fluid flow portion and the first thermoelectric module may be coupled through a plurality of coupling members arranged in the plurality of through holes.

[0017] The plurality of first flow path sections passing through the second region may be arranged within a region formed by a virtual line connecting the plurality of through holes.

[0018] The plurality of second flow path portions may be disposed outside a region formed by a virtual line connecting the plurality of through holes.

[0019] Some of the plurality of bending portions connect one of the plurality of first flow path portions and one of the plurality of second flow path portions, and some of the other plurality of bending portions can connect two of the plurality of first flow path portions.

[0020] Some of the other plurality of bending portions may be disposed within a region formed by a virtual line connecting the plurality of through holes.

[0021] The diameter of at least one of the plurality of bending portions may be larger than at least one of the diameters of at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions and at least one of the diameters of at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions, respectively.

[0022] The distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be equal to or greater than the distance between the second flow path portion closest to the fifth surface among the plurality of second flow path portions and the second flow path portion closest to the sixth surface among the plurality of second flow path portions.

[0023] The second thermoelectric module further includes a second thermoelectric element disposed on the second surface and a second heat sink disposed on the second thermoelectric element, and the second fluid can pass through the second heat sink in a direction from the fifth surface to the sixth surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a power generation device with excellent power generation performance can be obtained. Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a power generation device with improved heat transfer efficiency to the thermoelectric element can be obtained.

[0025] Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow path passing through the cooling portion of the power generation device can be improved to obtain a high cooling efficiency in terms of area ratio.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to 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 between the embodiments and used.

[0029] 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 pertains, unless specifically defined and described otherwise. Terms generally used like those defined in a dictionary can be interpreted considering their meaning in the context of the related technology.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In this specification, the singular form can include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. 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.

[0032] Also, in the description of the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used.

[0033] Such terms are merely for distinguishing the components from other components and are not limited to the essence, order, or sequence of the corresponding components by such terms.

[0034] And when it is described that a certain component is "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, that component can include not only the case where it is directly connected, coupled, or joined to the other component, but also the case where it is "connected", "coupled", or "joined" by still other components between that component and the other component.

[0035] Also, when it is described that something is formed or disposed "above or below" each component, above or below includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more still other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Also, 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 component.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, the power generation system 10 includes a power generation device 1000 and a fluid pipe 2000.

[0038] The fluid flowing into the fluid pipe 2000 can be a heat source generated in engines such as automobiles and ships, 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.

[0039] 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 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 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.

[0040] 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 connection part 2400 connecting the fluid inlet part 2100 and the fluid passage part 2200 and a second connection 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 a square tube or a polygonal tube shape. Accordingly, one end of the fluid inlet part 2100 and one end of the fluid passage part 2200 can be connected through the first connection part 2400 and the second connection part 2500, one end of which is cylindrical and the other end is square tube-shaped, and the other end of the fluid discharge part 2300 and the other end of the fluid passage part 2200 can be connected.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 the drawing out of the wiring.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fluid flow portion 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.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the fluid flow portion 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.

[0046] 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 the fluid flow section 1100 and a second fluid passing through the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 disposed outside the fluid flow section 1100.

[0047] In this specification, the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inside of the fluid flow section 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 fluid flow section 1100. In this specification, the first fluid may be for cooling. For this purpose, the first thermoelectric module 1200 may be disposed on one surface of the fluid flow section 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300 may be disposed on the other surface of the fluid flow section 1100. At this time, among both surfaces of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300, the surface disposed to face the fluid flow section 1100 becomes the 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 fluid flow section 1100 may be referred to as a cooling section or a duct.

[0048] The first fluid flowing into the fluid flow section 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 fluid flow section 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 fluid flow section 1100 may be higher than the temperature of the first fluid flowing into the fluid flow section 1100. Each fluid flow section 1100 includes a first surface 1110, a second surface 1120 arranged parallel to the first surface 1110 and facing the first surface 1110, a third surface 1130 arranged between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, and a fourth surface 1140 arranged to face the third surface 1130 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, a fifth surface 1150 arranged between the first surface 1110, the second surface 1120, the third surface 1130 and the third surface 1140, and a sixth surface 1160 arranged to face the fifth surface 1150, and the first fluid passes through the inside of the fluid flow section 1100. When the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are arranged on the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100 respectively, the third surface 1130 is a surface arranged in the direction in which the first fluid flows in and out, and the fifth surface 1150 can be a surface arranged in the direction in which the second fluid flows in. For this purpose, a first fluid inlet 1132 and a first fluid outlet 1134 can be formed on the third surface 1130 of the fluid flow section 1100. The first fluid inlet 1132 and the first fluid outlet 1134 can be connected to a flow path pipe in the fluid flow section 1100. Accordingly, the first fluid flowing in from the first fluid inlet 1132 can be discharged from the first fluid outlet 1134 after passing through the flow path pipe.

[0049] Although not shown, heat dissipation fins may be disposed on the inner wall of the fluid flow portion 1100. The shape, number, and the area occupying the inner wall of the fluid flow portion 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 capacity, and the like. The area that the heat dissipation fins occupy on the inner wall of the fluid flow portion 1100 can be, for example, 1 to 40% of the cross-sectional area of the fluid flow portion 1100. According to this, it is possible to obtain a high thermoelectric conversion efficiency while not disturbing the flow of the first fluid. At this time, the heat dissipation fins can have a shape that does not disturb 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 from the first fluid inlet toward 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 fluid flow portion 1100.

[0050] 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 fluid flow portion 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.

[0051] On the other hand, the first thermoelectric module 1200 is disposed on the first surface 1110 of the fluid flow portion 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be disposed on the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow portion 1100 so as to be symmetric with respect to the first thermoelectric module 1200.

[0052] The first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be fastened to the fluid flow part 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 fluid flow part 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 fluid flow part 1100 using a thermal interface material (TIM). By using coil springs and / or thermal interface materials (TIMs) 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.

[0053] 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 fluid flow part 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.

[0054] 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 radiation fins 1220 and 1320 and the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310. Here, separate insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can be further disposed between the through holes S and the fastening members 1230 and 1330. The separate insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can be insulating insertion members surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the fastening members 1230 and 1330 or insulating insertion members surrounding the wall surface of the through holes S. For example, the insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can be ring-shaped. The inner peripheral surfaces of the ring-shaped insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 are disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the fastening members 1230 and 1330, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can be disposed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes S. According to this, the fastening members 1230 and 1330 can be insulated from the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 and the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310.

[0055] On the other hand, the shapes of the insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can be as illustrated in FIG. 7(b). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7(b), the insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can form a step in the through hole S region formed in the substrates of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 and be disposed so as to surround a part of the wall surface of the through hole S. Or the insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can form a step in the through hole S region formed in the substrates of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 and be disposed so as to extend to the surface where the electrodes (not shown) of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 are disposed along the wall surface of the through hole S.

[0056] At this time, the structures of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 can have the structures 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] For example, when a voltage is applied to the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150 through the output lines 181 and 182, the substrate through 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 the substrate through 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.

[0059] 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%.

[0060] 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 this powder, and then 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. In this way, when the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 are polycrystalline thermoelectric legs, the strength of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 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 unit members, and then laminating and cutting the unit members.

[0061] At this time, the pair of P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and N-type thermoelectric leg 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The performance of the thermoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention can be indicated by a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) can be shown as in Equation 1. Equation 1

[0064] TIFF0007713968000001.tif12124Here, α is the Seebeck coefficient [V / K], σ is the electrical conductivity [S / m], α 2 σ is the power factor ([W / mK 2) where T is temperature and k is thermal conductivity [W / mK]. k can be expressed as a·cp·ρ, where a is thermal diffusivity [cm 2 / S], cp is specific heat [J / gK], and ρ is density [g / cm 3 .

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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. When the thickness of the lower electrode 120 or the upper electrode 150 is less than 0.01 mm, its function as an electrode may fail and the electrical conduction performance may be low. When it exceeds 0.3 mm, the conduction efficiency may be low due to an increase in resistance.

[0067] And the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 facing each other can be metal substrates, and their thickness can be 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. If the thickness of the metal substrate is less than 0.1 mm or exceeds 1.5 mm, the heat dissipation characteristics or thermal conductivity may become excessively high, and the reliability of the thermoelectric element may decrease. Also, when the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 are metal substrates, insulating layers 170 can 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 can include a material having a thermal conductivity of 1 to 20 W / mK. At this time, the insulating layer 170 can be a resin composition containing at least one of epoxy resin and silicone resin and an inorganic substance, or a layer made of a silicon composite containing silicon and an inorganic substance, or an aluminum oxide layer. Here, the inorganic substance can be at least one of oxides, nitrides, and carbides such as aluminum, boron, and silicon.

[0068] At this time, the sizes of the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 may be formed differently. That is, one of the volume, thickness, or area of the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 may be formed larger than the other one's volume, thickness, or area. Here, the thickness may be the thickness in the direction from the lower substrate 110 to the upper substrate 160, and the area may 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 may 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. When it exceeds 5 times, on the contrary, the heat transfer efficiency significantly drops, and it may be difficult to maintain the basic shape of the thermoelectric module.

[0069] Also, a heat dissipation pattern, for example, 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.

[0070] 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 side surfaces 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 can be sealed from external moisture, heat, contamination, etc.

[0071] At this time, the lower substrate 110 disposed on the fluid flow part 1100 may be an aluminum substrate, and the aluminum substrate may be adhered 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 both surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 and the fluid flow part 1100 through which the first fluid flows is easy. Also, when the aluminum substrate and the fluid flow part 1100 through which the first fluid flows are adhered by a thermal interface material (TIM), heat transfer between the aluminum substrate and the fluid flow part 1100 through which the first fluid flows can be prevented from being obstructed. Here, the thermal interface material (TIM) is a material having heat transfer performance and adhesion performance, and may be, for example, a resin composition containing at least one of an epoxy resin and a silicone resin and an inorganic substance. Here, the inorganic substance may be an oxide, a carbide, or a nitride such as aluminum, boron, or silicon.

[0072] Referring again to FIGS. 3 to 7, in order to enhance the sealing and heat insulation effects between the first thermoelectric module 1200, the fluid flow section 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 fluid flow section 1100 excluding the region 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 power generation performance. Further, the shield member 1600 may be disposed on the surface of the fluid flow section 1100 excluding the region 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The first guide plate 1800-1 may be disposed to face the first thermoelectric module 1200, and the second guide plate 1800-2 may be disposed to face the second thermoelectric module 1300, and 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.

[0075] 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 to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second guide plate 1800-2 disposed opposite to the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be symmetrically disposed while maintaining a certain distance. Here, the distance 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 distance 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 it approaches 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 it approaches the outlet of the fluid passage portion 2200. Along with this, the second fluid flowing in through the inlet of the fluid passage portion 2200 is the fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810. After being collected at -2, it can pass between the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 and the guide plate 1800, be diffused by 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The branch portion 1400 can be disposed between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow portion 1100. For example, when the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow portion 1100 is arranged so that the direction in which the second fluid flows in faces, the branch portion 1400 can be disposed on the fifth surface 1150 side of the fluid flow portion 1100. Or the branch portion 1400 can also be disposed on the sixth surface 1160 side facing the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow portion 1100 according to the principle of aerodynamics.

[0079] The branch portion 1400 can have a shape in which the distance from both ends of the fifth surface 1150 to the center between both ends of the fifth surface 1150 increases on the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow portion 1100. That is, the fifth surface 1150 on which the branch portion 1400 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 fluid flow portion 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 guided to contact the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 disposed on both surfaces of the power generation device through the branch portion 1400. That is, the second fluid can be branched through the branch portion 1400 and 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.

[0080] 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 greater 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 fluid flow portion 1100. Here, each of the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins may be formed in a direction that does not obstruct the gas flow. For example, the plurality of heat dissipation fins may 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 bent 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 respect to the fluid flow portion 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 fluid flow portion 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, 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 power generation efficiency can be increased.

[0081] On the other hand, the first guide plate 1800-1 may be 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 may 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, 1800-2 and the heat sinks of each thermoelectric module may affect the flow rate of the second fluid in contact with the heat sinks of each thermoelectric module and the differential pressure of the second fluid, and accordingly, may affect the power generation performance.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a power generation device in which a thermoelectric module is disposed on the surface of a fluid flow section, electricity is generated by utilizing a temperature difference between a first fluid passing through the inside of the fluid flow section and a second fluid passing through a heat sink of the thermoelectric module. At this time, the flow path of the first fluid passing through the inside of the fluid flow section needs to be formed in a region where the thermoelectric legs of the thermoelectric module are disposed. Along with this, a design of the flow path for obtaining a high cooling efficiency with a high area ratio is necessary.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a top view of a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow section according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow section according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow section according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 shows a fluid movement path of the fluid flow section of FIG. 13.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fluid flow section 1100 and a first thermoelectric module 1200 disposed on a first surface 1110 of the fluid flow section 1100. A second thermoelectric module 1300 may be further disposed on a second surface 1120 facing the first surface 1110 of the fluid flow section 1100.

[0085] On the other surface of the fluid flow portion 1100 that is perpendicular to the first surface 1110, that is, the third surface 1130, a fluid inlet 1132 and a fluid outlet 1134 are spaced apart from each other, and a fluid storage portion 300 is disposed in a region A1 of the fluid flow portion 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 fluid flow portion 1100, the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow portion 1100 can be referred to as one surface and the other surface of the fluid flow portion 1100. Also, the third to sixth surfaces 1130 to 1160 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow portion 1100 can be referred to as the side surfaces or outer surfaces of the fluid flow portion 1100. The first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet 1132 can be discharged through the fluid outlet 1134 after passing through the fluid storage portion 300. Here, the arrangement order of the fluid inlet 1132 and the fluid outlet 1134 is not limited as shown in the figure, and the positions of the fluid inlet 1132 and the fluid outlet 1134 may be opposite. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first thermoelectric module 1200 is disposed on the surface of a region A1 of the fluid flow portion 1100. Accordingly, the effective region of the first thermoelectric module 1200, that is, the thermoelectric legs, can be disposed in the region where the fluid storage portion 300 is disposed. A second fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid passing through the fluid flow portion 1100 can pass through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module 1200 in a direction from the fifth surface 1150 to the sixth surface 1160 facing the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow portion 1100.

[0086] On the other hand, a coupling member 400 can be used for the coupling between the fluid flow portion 1100 and the first thermoelectric module 1200. In order to symmetrically dispose the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 on both surfaces of the fluid flow portion 1100, the coupling member 400 can be disposed so as to pass through the first thermoelectric module 1200, the fluid flow portion 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 fluid flow portion 1100. The plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be disposed so as to penetrate both surfaces of the fluid flow portion 1100 where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed.

[0087] At this time, the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be arranged separately from the fluid containing portion 300 within a region A1 of the fluid flow portion 1100, which is a region where the fluid containing portion 300 is arranged. That is, the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be formed independently of the fluid containing portion 300, and accordingly, it is possible to prevent the problem that the first fluid passing through the fluid containing portion 300 flows out to the outside through the plurality of through holes S1 to S4.

[0088] On the other hand, on the first surface 1110 of another region A2 of the fluid flow portion 1100 arranged on the side surface of a region A1 of the fluid flow portion 1100, a wiring portion (not shown) connected to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and a shield member 1600 covering the wiring portion can be further arranged. A coupling member 500 can be used for coupling between the fluid flow portion 1100 and the shield member 1600, and a plurality of through holes S5 to S6 for the coupling member 500 for coupling between the fluid flow portion 1100 and the shield member 1600 to pass through can be formed in another region A2 of the fluid flow portion 1100. That is, the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 can be formed so as not to overlap with the fluid containing portion 300 except for a region A1 of the fluid flow portion 1100, which is a region where the fluid containing portion 300 is arranged. At this time, the plurality of through holes S5 to S6 can be arranged in consideration of the position of the wiring portion. That is, the wiring portion connected to the thermoelectric module can include a connection electrode (not shown) connected to the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric module, a connector 600 arranged 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 can be arranged avoiding the position of the connector 600. Accordingly, the through hole S5 can be arranged to be further adjacent to the third surface 1130 than the plurality of through holes S1 and S2, and the through hole S6 can be arranged to be further adjacent to the fourth surface 1140 than the plurality of through holes S3 and S4.

[0089] 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. For convenience of explanation, the through holes S5 to S in the A2 region are omitted in FIGS. 11 to 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] Hereinafter, various embodiments regarding the shape of the fluid storage portion 300 of the fluid flow portion 1100 and the arrangement relationship of the through holes will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. Hereinafter, since the fluid storage portion can form a flow path from the fluid inlet 1132 to the fluid discharge portion 1134, it may be referred to as a flow path or a flow path pipe.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 11, the fluid storage portion 300 in the fluid flow portion 1100 is arranged in the A1 region of the fluid flow portion 1100 corresponding to the region where the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 are arranged. The first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet 1132 can be discharged from the fluid outlet 1134 after passing through the fluid storage portion 300.

[0092] 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 arranged corresponds to the region where the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 are arranged, the low-temperature portion of the thermoelectric module can obtain cooling performance. Further, since the through holes S1 to S4 are formed in the first region A1 of the fluid flow portion 1100, the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be directly coupled to the fluid flow portion 1100 through the coupling member 400. However, 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.

[0093] Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the fluid storage portion 300 can have the form of a flow path pipe connected from the fluid inlet 1132 to the fluid outlet 1134. The first fluid flowing into the fluid inlet 1132 can flow along the flow path pipe and then be discharged through the fluid outlet 1134. In this way, when the fluid storage portion 300 has the form of a flow path pipe, the first fluid can pass through the A1 region where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are arranged with a minimum flow rate according to the arrangement structure of the flow path pipe.

[0094] At this time, the flow path pipe can be arranged so as to be separated from 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 storage part 300 flows out to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4.

[0095] For example, the fluid storage part 3000 can include a plurality of first flow path parts 310 arranged along the first direction X, a plurality of second flow path parts 320 arranged along the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, and a plurality of bending parts 330 connecting between the plurality of first flow path parts 310 and the plurality of second flow path parts 320.

[0096] Here, the first direction X can be a direction parallel to the direction in which the second fluid passes, and the second direction Y can be a direction parallel to the direction in which the first fluid flows in and out. That is, the first direction X can be the direction from the fifth surface 1150 to the sixth surface 1160 of the fluid flow part 1100 or the opposite direction, and the second direction Y can be the direction from the third surface 1130 to the fourth surface 1140 of the fluid flow part 1100 or the opposite direction.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it can be arbitrarily set as a Y1 area, a Y2 area, and a Y3 area in sequence from the third surface 1130 to the fourth surface 1140. And the plurality of first flow path parts 310 can be arranged so that the first fluid sequentially passes through the Y1 area, the Y3 area, the Y2 area, the Y1 area, and the Y3 area. That is, the plurality of flow path parts 310 are connected to the fluid inlet 1132, and the first flow path part 310-1 through which the first fluid passes through the Y1 area, the first flow path part 310-2 through which the Y3 area passes, the plurality of first flow path parts 310-3, 310-4, 310-5 through which the Y2 area passes, the first flow path part 310-6 through which the Y1 area passes again, and the first flow path part 310-7 through which the Y3 area passes again can be arranged to sequentially pass through.

[0098] In this way, when a plurality of first flow path portions 310 are arranged such that the first fluid alternately passes through a Y1 region, which is a region relatively close to the fluid inlet 1132, and a Y3 region, which is a region relatively far from the fluid inlet 1132, the entire fluid flow portion 1100 will have a uniform temperature distribution, so that uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0099] At this time, the directions in which the first fluid passes through the two first flow path portions 310-1 and 310-6 passing through the Y1 region are opposite to each other, and the directions in which the first fluid passes through the two first flow path portions 310-2 and 310-7 passing through the Y3 region are opposite to each other. Among the two first flow path portions 310-1 and 310-6 passing through the Y1 region, the first flow path portion 310-1 arranged closer to the third surface 1130 and among the two first flow path portions 310-2 and 310-7 passing through the Y3 region, the direction in which the first fluid passes through the first flow path portion 310-7 arranged closer to the fourth surface 1140 may be the same as the direction in which the second fluid flows. According to this, the directions in which the first fluid passes through the first flow path portions 310-1 and 310-7, which are arranged closest to the third surface 1130 and the fourth surface 1140 respectively among the plurality of first flow path portions, may be the same as the direction from the fluid inlet 1132 to the fluid outlet 1134. According to this, a uniform temperature distribution can be obtained regardless of the position in the fluid containing portion, and uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0100] On the one hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first flow path portions 310-3, 310-4, 310-5 passing through the Y2 region may be a total of three first flow path portions. At this time, the first fluid passing sequentially through the plurality of first flow path portions 310-3, 310-4, 310-5 may flow in the same direction as the direction in which the second fluid flows, pass in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second fluid flows, and then flow in the same direction as the direction in which the second fluid flows again. Here, the plurality of first flow path portions 310-3, 310-4, 310-5 passing through the Y2 region may be arranged within a region formed by a virtual line connecting the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. According to this, the first fluid can flow uniformly even in the middle region of the fluid storage portion 300. Along with this, the temperature distribution within the fluid storage portion 300 can be maintained uniformly, and the occurrence of a dead zone can be prevented. Therefore, uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0101] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the X1 region and the X2 region may be arbitrarily set sequentially from the fifth surface 1150 to the sixth surface 1160. Here, the X1 region is a region including the fluid inlet 1132, and the X2 region may be a region including the fluid outlet 1134. And the plurality of second flow path portions 320 may be arranged such that the first fluid passes through the X1 region and the X2 region alternately. That is, the plurality of second flow path portions 320 are arranged between the first flow path portion 310-1 in the Y1 region and the first flow path portion 310-2 in the Y3 region and pass through the X2 region, the second flow path portion 320-2 arranged between the first flow path portion 310-2 in the Y3 region and the first flow path portion 310-3 in the Y2 region and pass through the X1 region, the second flow path portion 320-3 arranged between the first flow path portion 310-5 in the Y2 region and the first flow path portion 310-6 in the Y1 region and pass through the X2 region, the second flow path portion 320-4 arranged between the first flow path portion 310-6 in the Y1 region and the first flow path portion 310-7 in the Y3 region and pass through the X1 region, and the second flow path portion 320-5 arranged between the first flow path portion 310-7 in the Y3 region and the fluid outlet 1134 and pass through the X2 region, and may be arranged to pass through them sequentially.

[0102] In this way, when a plurality of second flow path portions 320 are arranged such that the first fluid alternately passes through the X1 region, which is a region relatively close to the fluid inlet 1132, and the X2 region, which is a region relatively close to the fluid outlet 1134, a uniform temperature distribution can be obtained throughout the fluid containing portion 300. Accordingly, uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0103] At this time, the plurality of second flow path portions 320 can be arranged outside the region formed by the virtual line connecting the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. According to this, the first fluid can flow uniformly even in the edge region of the fluid containing portion 300. Accordingly, the occurrence of a dead zone can be prevented, and uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0104] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance D1 between the fluid inlet 1132 and the fluid outlet 1134 can be equal to or greater than the distance D2 between the second flow path portion 320-4 closest to the fifth surface 1150 among the plurality of second flow path portions 320 and the second flow path portion 320-5 closest to the sixth surface 1160 among the plurality of second flow path portions 320. According to this, the bent region on the path of the fluid pipe can be minimized to minimize the stagnation of the first fluid, and the path of the fluid pipe can be realized with the shortest distance.

[0105] On the one hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pipe includes a plurality of bending portions 330. Among the plurality of bending portions 330, some 330-1, 330-2, 330-3, 330-4, 330-7, 330-8, 330-9, 330-10, 330-11 connect one of the plurality of first flow path portions 310 and one of the plurality of second flow path portions 320, and some other 330-5, 330-6 of the plurality of bending portions 330 can connect two of the plurality of first flow path portions 310. Here, some other 330-5, 330-6 of the plurality of bending portions 330 can be arranged within a region formed by a virtual line connecting the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. In this way, when the plurality of first flow path portions 310 and the plurality of second flow path portions 320 are connected through the plurality of bending portions 330, the flow of the first fluid along the wall surface of the bending portion 330 is induced, so that the flow stagnation section can be minimized.

[0106] At this time, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 14, the diameter d3 of at least one of the plurality of bending portions 330 may be larger than at least one of the diameters d1 of the plurality of first flow path portions 310 and at least one of the diameters d2 of the plurality of second flow path portions 320, respectively. Here, the diameters d1, d2, and d3 of the first flow path portion 310, the second flow path portion 320, and the bending portion 330, respectively, may mean the distance between the inner wall surfaces on the path through which the first fluid flows. According to this, the flow resistance of the first fluid in the bending portion 330 can be minimized, and accordingly, the fluid storage portion 300 can have a uniform flow velocity as a whole.

[0107] Here, the diameters d1 and d2 of the first flow path portion 310 and the second flow path portion 320 may be 5 mm or more, preferably 7 mm or more, and more preferably 9 mm or more, and the diameter d3 of the bending portion 330 may be 1.1 times or more, preferably 1.2 times or more, and more preferably 1.3 times or more of the diameters d1 and d2 of the first flow path portion 310 and the second flow path portion 320, respectively. According to this, a high cooling efficiency can be obtained with respect to the area occupied by the fluid storage portion 300 and the flow rate ratio.

[0108] Table 1 shows the results of simulating the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module when it has the channel shapes shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 15(a) shows the channel shape of FIG. 11, FIG. 15(b) shows the channel shape of FIG. 12, and FIG. 15(c) shows the results of simulating the heat distribution with the channel shape of FIG. 13.

Table 1

[0109] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that in the channel shapes shown in FIGS. 12 and 12, compared with the channel shape shown in FIG. 11, although the channel area decreased, the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module was significantly improved. In particular, as shown in FIG. 13, when the channel width is made compared with the channel shape of FIG. 12, since the heat exchange area can be increased even though it is the same as the length of the channel of FIG. 12, it can be seen that the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module was further improved.

[0110] Also, referring to FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c), it can be seen that the channel shapes according to FIGS. 12 and 13 have a more uniform temperature distribution compared to the channel shape according to FIG. 11, and accordingly, high cooling performance can be expected.

[0111] Thus, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it can be seen that while minimizing the length of the channel to reduce the heat loss of the fluid, the channel width is increased to increase the heat exchange area, so that the temperature difference between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part can be improved.

[0112] On the other hand, although the above has been described centering on one power generation device for convenience of explanation, it is not limited thereto. A plurality of power generation devices may be arranged in one fluid passage portion 2200.

[0113] FIG. 16 shows a power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 shows a power generation system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 17, the power generation system can include a plurality of power generation devices, and each power generation device may be the same as the power generation device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 16, the plurality of power generation devices 1000-1, 1000-2 can be arranged along the direction in which the second fluid flows within the fluid passage portion 2200.

[0116] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 17, the plurality of power generation devices 1000-1, 1000-2, 1000-3 may be arranged in parallel within the fluid passage portion 2200 while being spaced apart from each other.

[0117] The arrangement structure and number of the plurality of power generation devices can vary depending on the power generation amount and the like.

[0118] 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 collect the heat sources. At this time, each power generation device can improve the cooling performance of the low-temperature part of the thermoelectric element by improving the flow path in the cooling part. Accordingly, the efficiency and reliability of the power generation device can be improved, so that the fuel efficiency of transportation devices such as ships and vehicles can be improved. Therefore, in the shipping industry and the transportation industry, it is possible to reduce transportation costs and create an environmentally friendly industrial environment. When applied to manufacturing industries such as steel mills, material costs and the like can be saved.

[0119] In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the relevant technical field that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fluid flow portion including a flow path pipe formed therein, a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, a third surface between the first surface and the second surface, a fourth surface facing the third surface, a fifth surface between the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, and a sixth surface facing the fifth surface, and including a first thermoelectric module disposed on the first surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are formed on the third surface so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the flow path pipe is formed to be connected from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, the flow path pipe 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 between the plurality of first flow path portions and the plurality of second flow path portions, a first region, a second region, and a third region of the fluid flow portion are sequentially arranged from the third surface to the fourth surface, the plurality of first flow path portions are arranged such that the fluid sequentially passes through the first region, the third region, the second region, the first region, and the third region, a power generation device.

2. The first thermoelectric module includes a first thermoelectric element disposed on the first surface and a first heat sink disposed on the first thermoelectric element, the fluid set to pass through the flow path pipe is a first fluid, a second fluid having a temperature different from that of the first fluid is set to pass through the first heat sink in a direction from the fifth surface to the sixth surface, the first direction is parallel to the direction in which the second fluid passes, the power generation device according to claim 1.

3. a fourth region and a fifth region of the fluid flow portion are sequentially arranged from the fifth surface to the sixth surface, the plurality of second flow path portions are arranged such that the fluid alternately passes through the fourth region and the fifth region, the power generation device according to claim 2.

4. The flow path pipe is connected to the fluid inlet, a first flow path portion passing through the first region, a second flow path portion passing through the fifth region, a first flow path portion passing through the third region, a second flow path portion passing through the fourth region, a plurality of first flow path portions passing through the second region, a second flow path portion passing through the fifth region, a first flow path portion passing through the first region, a second flow path portion passing through the fourth region, a first flow path portion passing through the third region, and a second flow path portion passing through the fifth region and connected to the fluid outlet are sequentially connected, the power generation device according to claim 3.

5. The directions set for the first fluid to pass through the two first flow path portions passing through the first region are opposite to each other, and the directions set for the first fluid to pass through the two first flow path portions passing through the third region are opposite to each other. The power generation device according to claim 4.

6. Among the two first flow path portions passing through the first region, the first flow path portion disposed closer to the third surface and the first flow path portion disposed closer to the fourth surface among the two first flow path portions passing through the third region. The direction set for the first fluid to pass through is the same as the direction set for the second fluid to flow. The power generation device according to claim 5.

7. The plurality of first flow path portions passing through the second region are three first flow path portions. The first fluid in the three first flow path portions is set to pass in the same direction as the direction set for the second fluid to flow, pass in the direction opposite to the direction set for the second fluid to flow, and then again in the direction set for the second fluid to flow. The power generation device according to claim 6, which is set to pass in the same direction.

8. A plurality of through holes penetrating the first surface are formed in the fluid flow portion. The fluid flow portion and the first thermoelectric module are coupled through a plurality of coupling members disposed in the plurality of through holes. The power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The plurality of first flow path portions passing through the second region are disposed within a region formed by an imaginary line connecting the plurality of through holes. The power generation device according to claim 8.

10. The plurality of second flow path portions are disposed outside a region formed by an imaginary line connecting the plurality of through holes. The power generation device according to claim 9.

11. Among the plurality of bending portions, a part connects one of the plurality of first flow path portions and one of the plurality of second flow path portions, and another part of the plurality of bending portions is within a region connected by an imaginary line connecting the plurality of through holes. Connect two of the plurality of first flow path portions. The power generation device according to claim 10.

12. The diameter of at least one of the plurality of bending portions is larger than the diameter of at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions and the diameter of at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions, respectively. The power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The diameter of at least one of the plurality of bending portions is 1.1 times or more the diameter of at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions and the diameter of at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions, respectively, of the power generation device according to claim 12.

14. The distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is equal to or greater than the distance between the second flow path portion closest to the fifth surface and the second flow path portion closest to the sixth surface among the plurality of second flow path portions, of the power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Further including a second thermoelectric module including a second thermoelectric element disposed on the second surface and a second heat sink disposed on the second thermoelectric element, The power generation device according to claim 2, wherein the second fluid passes through the second heat sink in a direction from the fifth surface toward the sixth surface.

16. The power generation device according to claim 15, further including a branch portion disposed on the fifth surface for branching the second fluid.

17. The temperature of the second fluid is higher than the temperature of the first fluid, of the power generation device according to claim 2.

18. The fourth region is a region including the fluid inlet, and the fifth region is a region including the fluid outlet, of the power generation device according to claim 4.

19. The plurality of through holes are formed to penetrate the first surface and the second surface of the fluid flow portion, of the power generation device according to claim 8.

20. The plurality of through holes are disposed at a distance from the flow path tube, of the power generation device according to claim 8.

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