Thermoelectric power generation device and thermoelectric power generation method

Abstract

To prevent the occurrence of electric leakage when thermoelectric power generation is performed in a manufacturing facility line of a steel mill.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric power generation unit used by being attached to a manufacturing facility line of a steel mill, comprises: a heat-receiving plate; a cooling plate opposing the heat-receiving plate; a thermoelectric power generation module arranged between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate; and a sealing member, wherein the thermoelectric power generation module comprises: a pair of opposing insulating substrates; a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements held between the pair of insulating substrates; an outer periphery sealing frame held between the pair of insulating substrates and sealing outer peripheries of the pair of insulating substrates; terminal portions connected to the thermoelectric power generation elements; and a lead member connected to the terminal portion and provided passing through the insulating substrate on the cooling plate side of the pair of insulating substrates and the cooling plate, wherein the sealing member is annularly arranged at an outer peripheral part between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, and the lead member is arranged inside the sealing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation device that is attached to a line of manufacturing equipment in a steelworks and used, and a thermoelectric power generation method that uses the thermoelectric power generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] It has long been known that when a temperature difference is applied to dissimilar conductors or semiconductors, an electromotive force is generated between the high-temperature and low-temperature parts. This phenomenon is known as the Seebeck effect, and thermoelectric power generation devices that use thermoelectric elements to directly convert heat into electricity have been put into practical use.

[0003] By using a thermoelectric generator, thermal energy that has not been utilized in the past can be effectively utilized as electric power, and therefore the use of thermoelectric generators is being promoted in various fields.

[0004] For example, the present inventors have proposed using thermoelectric power generation devices in the manufacturing equipment rows of steelworks (Patent Documents 1 to 3). Since various processes that are carried out at high temperatures, such as ironmaking, steelmaking, casting, hot rolling, and heat treatment, can be carried out in steelworks, converting the excess heat generated in these processes into electricity would contribute to energy conservation and a reduction in CO2 emissions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-203301 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-058082 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-119308 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when thermoelectric power generation is actually attempted in a steelworks manufacturing equipment row, it has been found that there is a problem in that electrical leakage is likely to occur.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to prevent the occurrence of leakage current when thermoelectric power generation is performed in a row of manufacturing equipment in a steelworks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of intensive research to achieve the above object, the inventors have discovered that the cause of the leakage current is the intrusion of moisture and iron powder (including iron oxide powder) into the thermoelectric power generation device, particularly the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0009] In steelworks, not only are various processes carried out at high temperatures, but cooling water is also used to cool the workpieces and manufacturing equipment. For example, in the continuous casting process, cooling water is used to cool the rollers that come into contact with the hot steel slab. In this case, thermoelectric generators installed in the manufacturing equipment rows are exposed to water vapor in addition to high temperatures. As a result, it has been found that moisture can enter the thermoelectric generators, causing short circuits.

[0010] In addition, dust resulting from the manufacturing process is inevitably present around the rows of manufacturing equipment in steelworks. The main component of this dust is iron powder derived from the steel being processed. Because this iron powder is very fine, it has been found to penetrate the interior of thermoelectric power generation devices and cause short circuits. Most of this iron powder has been oxidized to iron oxide. Although iron oxide conducts electricity less easily than metallic iron, it is not a perfect insulator; for example, wustite has a resistance of 30 Ω. -1 cm -1 250 Ω for magnetite -1 cm -1Iron powder has electrical conductivity of about 1000 kJ / cm. Therefore, if iron powder gets inside a thermoelectric generator, it can cause a current leak. Furthermore, if fine iron powder (iron oxide powder) gets inside a thermoelectric generator, moisture tends to aggregate and be retained around the iron powder, which is thought to synergistically increase the risk of a current leak.

[0011] As such, it was found that the area around the rows of manufacturing equipment in a steelworks is an extremely harsh environment with moisture and fine iron powder present, making it extremely susceptible to electrical leakage.

[0012] The present invention was completed based on the above findings, and the gist of the present invention is as follows.

[0013] 1. A thermoelectric power generation device that is attached to a train of manufacturing equipment in a steelworks, a heat receiving plate, a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate, and a cooling plate disposed between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate; a thermoelectric power generation module and a sealing member, The thermoelectric power generation module includes: a pair of opposing insulating substrates; a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates; an outer periphery sealing frame that is sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates and seals the outer peripheries of the pair of insulating substrates; a terminal portion connected to the thermoelectric power generation element; a lead member connected to the terminal portion and provided to penetrate through the insulating substrate of the pair of insulating substrates that is on the cooling plate side and the cooling plate, the sealing member is disposed in an annular shape on the outer periphery between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, The lead member is disposed inside the sealing member.

[0014] 2. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising fastening means for fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate together.

[0015] 3. The thermoelectric power generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member is an O-ring.

[0016] 4. The thermoelectric generator according to 1 or 2 above, wherein the sealing member is made of fluororubber.

[0017] 5. The thermoelectric power generation device according to 1 or 2 above, further comprising a support member for supporting the sealing member between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate.

[0018] 6. Installing the thermoelectric power generation device described in 1 or 2 above in a line of manufacturing equipment at a steelworks; A thermoelectric power generation method for converting heat into electric power by the thermoelectric power generation device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, when a thermoelectric power generating device is used in a production line of steelworks, it is possible to prevent leakage of electricity caused by the intrusion of moisture or fine iron powder. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a structure of a thermoelectric power generation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of a thermoelectric power generation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of a thermoelectric power generation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of a thermoelectric power generation device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of a thermoelectric power generation device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Next, a method for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described. Note that the following description shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following description in any way.

[0022] [Thermoelectric power generation device] A thermoelectric power generation device in one embodiment of the present invention is a thermoelectric power generation device that is attached to a row of manufacturing equipment in a steelworks and used, and includes a heat receiving plate, a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate, a thermoelectric power generation module arranged between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, and a sealing member.

[0023] (heat receiving plate) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention includes a heat receiving plate for receiving heat from a heat source. When using the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device is simply installed so that the heat receiving plate is located on the heat source side. After the heat from the heat source is received by the heat receiving plate, it is transferred to one side (high temperature side) of the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0024] The material of the heat receiving plate is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramic, and carbon. The metal is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and steel.

[0025] (Cooling plate) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention includes a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate. When using the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device is simply installed so that the cooling plate is located on the side opposite the heat source. The other surface (low temperature side) of the thermoelectric power generation module is cooled by the cooling plate.

[0026] Any cooling plate can be used as long as it can cool the thermoelectric power generation module. The cooling plate may be, for example, a heat sink or a heat exchanger, but is preferably a heat exchanger from the viewpoint of cooling efficiency. The heat exchanger may be, for example, a water-cooled plate having a cooling water flow path therein. If the cooling plate is a heat sink, it is preferably provided with heat dissipation fins to improve cooling efficiency.

[0027] The material of the cooling plate is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, it is preferably made of a metal. The metal is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy, and among them, aluminum or an aluminum alloy is preferable.

[0028] (Thermoelectric power generation module) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention includes a thermoelectric power generation module disposed between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, i.e., the heat receiving plate is disposed on the high temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation module, and the cooling plate is disposed on the low temperature side.

[0029] The number of thermoelectric power generation modules per thermoelectric power generation device is not particularly limited and may be one or more. In other words, one or more thermoelectric power generation modules may be provided between a pair of heat receiving plate and cooling plate. When multiple thermoelectric power generation modules are used, the thermoelectric power generation modules may be fixed together with a fixing member.

[0030] The thermoelectric power generation module includes the following features (1) to (5). (1) A pair of opposing insulating substrates (2) A plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates (3) a peripheral sealing frame that is sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates and seals the peripheries of the pair of insulating substrates; (4) a terminal portion connected to the thermoelectric power generating element (5) a lead member connected to the terminal portion and provided to penetrate the cooling plate and the insulating substrate on the cooling plate side of the pair of insulating substrates;

[0031] (1) Insulating substrate To ensure insulation between the thermoelectric power generating element and the heat receiving plate and cooling plate, the thermoelectric power generating module is provided with a pair of insulating substrates, and the thermoelectric power generating element is sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates. The insulating substrates also function to absorb differences in thermal expansion in the planar direction between the components in contact with the insulating substrates (the thermoelectric power generating element, the heat receiving plate, the cooling plate, the peripheral sealing frame, etc.).

[0032] The insulating substrate may be any substrate having insulating properties. The insulating substrate may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, but is preferably a sheet-like flexible substrate because a thinner substrate is better from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity.

[0033] The insulating substrate may be made of any insulating material, such as ceramic or resin, but is preferably made of resin. Any resin can be used, but from the viewpoint of heat resistance, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide is preferred, and polyimide is more preferred.

[0034] (2) Thermoelectric power generation element A thermoelectric power generation element, also known as a thermoelectric conversion element, has the function of converting heat into electricity. Specifically, an electromotive force is generated by creating a temperature difference between one side of the thermoelectric power generation element and the other side.

[0035] The thermoelectric power generating element is not particularly limited, and any element capable of generating thermoelectric power can be used. A typical thermoelectric power generating element has a structure in which a pair of p-type and n-type semiconductors are combined. The thermoelectric power generating element can be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of BiTe, PbTe, Si-Ge, silicide, skutterudite, transition metal oxide, zinc antimony, boron compound, clathrate compound, cluster solid, zinc oxide, and carbon nanotube.

[0036] Generally, multiple thermoelectric generation elements are used in a thermoelectric generation module because the electromotive force per thermoelectric generation element is small. There is no particular limit to the number of thermoelectric generation elements used, and it can be determined according to the required power. If the number of thermoelectric generation elements per thermoelectric generation module is too small, a large number of thermoelectric generation modules will be required to ensure the required amount of power generation. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of thermoelectric generation elements per thermoelectric generation module be 2,000 or more. On the other hand, because there is a risk that the thermoelectric generation module will cease to function if even a portion of the elements contained in the thermoelectric generation module is damaged, it is desirable that the number of thermoelectric generation elements per thermoelectric generation module is not excessively large; specifically, it is preferable that the number be 6,000 or less.

[0037] (3) Peripheral sealing frame An outer sealing frame is provided between the pair of insulating substrates to seal the outer peripheries of the pair of insulating substrates. By sealing the outer peripheries of the insulating substrates in this manner, it is possible to prevent moisture and iron powder from entering the interior of the thermoelectric power generation module from the outer periphery. The outer sealing frame may be provided near the outer edge of the insulating substrates so as to surround all of the thermoelectric power generation elements provided in the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0038] The shape of the peripheral sealing frame is not particularly limited as long as it is frame-shaped. However, when the insulating substrate is rectangular, it is preferable that the peripheral sealing frame also be rectangular in shape from the viewpoint of widening the space for mounting the thermoelectric power generation element. Note that the shape of the peripheral sealing frame here refers to the shape of the peripheral sealing frame when viewing the thermoelectric power generation module from a direction perpendicular to the insulating substrate.

[0039] The cross-sectional shape of the peripheral sealing frame is not particularly limited and may be any shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be rectangular or circular. For example, an O-ring may be used as a peripheral sealing frame having a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0040] The material of the peripheral sealing frame is not particularly limited, and various materials such as resin, ceramic, and metal can be used. When using resin, it is sufficient to use a resin having heat resistance appropriate for the usage environment. Furthermore, it is preferable to use at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and steel.

[0041] (4)Terminal section Terminals are connected to the thermoelectric generation elements, and lead members (described later) are connected via the terminals. Any material can be used as the terminals as long as they can electrically connect the thermoelectric generation elements and the lead members. Typically, it is preferable to use the same material as the electrodes used to connect the thermoelectric generation elements.

[0042] (5) Lead material The thermoelectric power generation module includes a lead member for extracting the electric power generated by the thermoelectric power generation element. In the present invention, the lead member is installed so as to penetrate the insulating substrate of the pair of insulating substrates that is on the cooling plate side and the cooling plate. The lead member is also disposed inside a sealing member, which will be described later. The terminal portion and the lead member are preferably provided on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side of the thermoelectric power generation module, respectively.

[0043] The lead member may be a twisted cable, but is preferably a metal rod. The shape of the metal rod is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a square prism, but is preferably cylindrical from the viewpoint of ease of sealing with a sealing member.

[0044] The lead member preferably has a flange portion that widens outward like a brim at the tip end connected to the terminal portion. In other words, the lead member preferably has a lead member main body and a disk-shaped portion that is connected to the tip end of the lead member main body connected to the terminal portion and has a diameter larger than that of the lead member main body. This shape can prevent the lead member from coming off the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0045] The lead members are arranged to penetrate the cooling plate. That is, the cooling plate has through holes for attaching the lead members, and the lead members are installed so as to pass through the through holes. It is preferable to fill the space between the lead members and the through holes of the cooling plate with an insulating material. By filling the space with an insulating material, not only can the lead members and the cooling plate be insulated from each other, but the effect of preventing the intrusion of moisture and iron powder can also be further enhanced. A resin can typically be used as the insulating material, and it is also preferable to use an adhesive that hardens after being poured between the lead members and the through holes of the cooling plate.

[0046] (Sealing member) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention includes a sealing member that is annularly disposed on the outer periphery between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, and the lead member is disposed inside the sealing member.

[0047] Without the sealing member, moisture and iron powder would penetrate through the gap between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, and ultimately enter the thermoelectric power generation module through the attachment portion of the lead member, causing leakage. Therefore, in the present invention, an annular sealing member is provided on the outer periphery between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module to prevent moisture and iron powder from penetrating through the gap between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0048] In this way, by sealing the outer periphery of the insulating substrate with the outer sealing frame and also sealing the space between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module with the sealing member, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture and iron powder from entering the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0049] The sealing member is preferably, for example, an annular elastic sealing member. The annular elastic sealing member may have any shape, such as a rectangular or circular cross section, but is preferably an O-ring.

[0050] The material of the sealing member is not particularly limited, and any material can be used as long as it can seal the gap and prevent the intrusion of moisture and iron powder. The material of the sealing member is preferably an elastic material, and more preferably an insulating elastic material. Typically, rubber can be used as the insulating elastic material. Note that the rubber also includes elastomers. In particular, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable to use fluororubber, and in particular, it is preferable to use perfluoroelastomer.

[0051] (thermal conductive sheet) A thermally conductive sheet is preferably provided between the heat receiving plate and the thermoelectric power generation module. Also, a thermally conductive sheet is preferably provided between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module. By providing a thermally conductive sheet, the thermal contact resistance between the components can be reduced and thermoelectric power generation efficiency can be improved. The thermally conductive sheet may be provided only between the heat receiving plate and the thermoelectric power generation module or between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, but it is preferable to provide it on both sides. The thermally conductive sheet also has the function of absorbing the difference in thermal expansion in the thickness direction between the components (thermoelectric power generation module, heat receiving plate, cooling plate, etc.) that are in contact with the thermally conductive sheet.

[0052] The thermally conductive sheet is not particularly limited as long as it can be used in the environment in which the thermoelectric power generation module is used, but from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, it is preferable to use a graphite sheet.

[0053] (fastening means) The thermoelectric generator of the present invention preferably further comprises a fastening means for fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate together. By fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate together with the fastening means, the adhesion between the components is increased, and as a result, the sealing performance of the sealing member and the peripheral sealing frame described above can be further improved. Note that, here, "fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate" means applying a force in a direction that brings the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate closer to each other to fix them.

[0054] The fastening means may be any means capable of fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, but typically the fastening means comprises a bolt inserted through the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate. The fastening means preferably also comprises a biasing member that biases the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate in a direction that brings them closer together. A coil spring is preferably used as the biasing member.

[0055] The position where the fastening means is provided is not particularly limited, and the fastening means can be provided at any position. From the viewpoint of avoiding interference with the thermoelectric power generation module, it is preferable to provide the fastening means at a position where no thermoelectric power generation module is present, i.e., outside the thermoelectric power generation module. However, the fastening means can also be provided so as to penetrate the thermoelectric power generation module. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device can include both fastening means (first fastening means) provided outside the thermoelectric power generation module and fastening means (second fastening means) provided so as to penetrate the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0056] (support member) Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a support member for supporting the sealing member between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate. The installation position of the support member is not particularly limited, but it can typically be installed between the insulating substrate on the heat receiving plate side and the heat receiving plate.

[0057] The material of the support member is not particularly limited, but is preferably made of ceramic from the viewpoints of electrical insulation, heat insulation, heat resistance, strength, and the like.

[0058] [Thermoelectric power generation method] In one embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelectric power generation method includes installing the above-described thermoelectric power generation device in a row of manufacturing equipment at a steelworks, and converting heat into electric power using the thermoelectric power generation device. As described above, the surroundings of the rows of manufacturing equipment at a steelworks are an extremely harsh environment, with moisture and fine iron powder present, making electrical leakage highly likely to occur. However, by using a thermoelectric power generation device having the above-described structure, it is possible to prevent moisture and iron powder from entering the thermoelectric power generation device, particularly the thermoelectric power generation module. As a result, electrical leakage is prevented, enabling stable thermoelectric power generation.

[0059] The production line of the steelworks is not particularly limited, and any production line having a heat source can be used. Examples of production line that can be particularly suitably applied include a continuous casting line and a hot rolling line.

[0060] Next, the structure of the thermoelectric generator of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description show the peripheral structure of one lead member of the thermoelectric generator, but it is preferable that the peripheral structures of other lead members not shown be similar.

[0061] (First embodiment) 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a thermoelectric power generation device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 includes a heat receiving plate 10 and a cooling plate 20 arranged opposite each other, and a thermoelectric power generation module 30 sandwiched between them.

[0062] The thermoelectric power generation module 30 includes a pair of opposing insulating substrates 31, a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements 32 sandwiched between the insulating substrates 31, an outer periphery sealing frame 33, terminal portions 34, and lead members 35. The plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements 32 are connected to each other by electrodes 36. The lead members 35 are substantially cylindrical metal members, and have a disk-shaped portion at the bottom end with an increased diameter to prevent them from coming loose. The lead members 35 are connected to the thermoelectric power generation elements 32 via the terminal portions 34.

[0063] The outer periphery sealing frame 33 is a member made of resin or metal, and is fixed by being sandwiched between the insulating substrates 31. By providing the outer periphery sealing frame 33 in this manner, it is possible to prevent moisture, iron powder, and the like from entering through the outer periphery of the thermoelectric power generation module 30.

[0064] Furthermore, a thermally conductive sheet 40 is provided between the heat receiving plate 10 and the thermoelectric power generation module 30, and similarly, a thermally conductive sheet 40 is provided between the cooling plate 20 and the thermoelectric power generation module 30. By using the thermally conductive sheet 40 in this manner, heat can be easily transferred, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, an annular sealing member 50 is disposed between the cooling plate 20 and the thermoelectric power generation module 30, more specifically, between the cooling plate 20 and the insulating substrate 31 on the cooling plate 20 side. The lead member 35 is located inside the annular sealing member 50.

[0066] In the thermoelectric power generation element of the present invention, lead members 35 are provided so as to penetrate insulating substrate 31. Therefore, without sealing member 50, moisture and the like that has entered between cooling plate 20 and insulating substrate 31 on the cooling plate 20 side from the outside is likely to infiltrate into the thermoelectric power generation module 30 through the through holes provided in insulating substrate 31 for attaching lead members 35. However, by using annular sealing member 50 in this manner to seal the outer periphery between cooling plate 20 and thermoelectric power generation module 30, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture and the like from infiltrating through the above-mentioned path.

[0067] The positional relationship between the sealing member 50 and the peripheral sealing frame 33 is not particularly limited, but since both are installed to seal the periphery, it is preferable to place them in corresponding positions as shown in Fig. 1. In other words, it is preferable to provide the sealing member 50 so as to contact the upper surface of the peripheral part of the insulating substrate 31 on the cooling plate 20 side, and to provide the peripheral sealing frame 33 so as to contact the lower surface of the peripheral part.

[0068] 1, the sealing member 50 in this embodiment is an elastic seal member (packing) having a substantially rectangular cross section, but as described above, it is also preferable to use an O-ring as the sealing member 50. The lower surface of the cooling plate 20 may be provided with a groove for installing the sealing member 50. The depth of the groove is less than the height of the sealing member 50 (or the diameter in the case of an O-ring).

[0069] In the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of this embodiment, the heat reception plate 10 and the cooling plate 20 are fastened together by a fastening means 70. The fastening means 70 of this embodiment includes a bolt 71 and a coil spring 72. The bolt 71 is inserted into a through hole provided in the cooling plate 20, and the tip of the bolt 71 is screwed into a screw hole provided in the heat reception plate 10 to be fixed. The coil spring 72 is installed between the head of the bolt 71 and the cooling plate 20, and the cooling plate 20 is urged toward the heat reception plate 10 by the coil spring 72.

[0070] Although only one fastening means 70 is shown in FIG. 1, in practice, a plurality of fastening means 70 may be used to obtain a desired clamping force.

[0071] 1, the fastening means 70 is provided in a position where the thermoelectric power generation module 30 is not present (outside the thermoelectric power generation module 30). With this structure, it is not necessary to provide a through-hole in the thermoelectric power generation module 30 for passing the fastening means 70 through, which simplifies the structure and further reduces the risk of moisture intrusion.

[0072] Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 1 , an insulating material 60 is provided in the gap between the lead member 35 and the through-hole provided in the cooling plate 20. The insulating material 60 is formed by filling the gap with resin (adhesive) and then curing it. Filling the gap with the insulating material 60 in this manner is expected to be effective in preventing the intrusion of moisture and other contaminants. However, filling the gap with resin is difficult to completely fill the gap, particularly between the lead member 35 and the through-hole provided in the insulating substrate 31. Therefore, in the present invention, it is important to provide a sealing member 50 to prevent the intrusion of moisture and other contaminants from the periphery. From the perspective of more reliably preventing the intrusion of moisture and iron powder in a harsh environment such as a production line in a steelworks, it is extremely effective to use the insulating material 60 and the sealing member 50 together, as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0073] (Second embodiment) 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a thermoelectric generator 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The thermoelectric generator 1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the thermoelectric generator according to the first embodiment described above, and further includes a support member 80 in the space between the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20.

[0074] More specifically, the support member 80 is placed between the insulating substrate 31 on the heat receiving plate 10 side and the heat receiving plate 10, with the upper surface of the support member 80 in contact with the lower surface of the insulating substrate 31 on the heat receiving plate 10 side, and the lower surface of the support member 80 in contact with the upper surface of the heat receiving plate 10. By placing the support member 80 in this way and filling the gap between the insulating substrate 31 and the heat receiving plate 10, it becomes easier to apply pressure to the sealing member 50 and the peripheral sealing frame 33, thereby further improving the sealing effect of these members.

[0075] The support member 80 is preferably provided in a frame shape so as to support the outer periphery of the thermoelectric power generation module 30. In particular, it is preferable that the sealing member 50, the outer periphery sealing frame 33, and the support member 80 are all frame-shaped and are arranged at corresponding positions on the outer periphery of the thermoelectric power generation module 30.

[0076] Furthermore, when the support member 80 is used, the heat conduction sheet 40 may be provided in a portion where the support member 80 is not present.

[0077] The structure of the parts not mentioned in the above description can be the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0078] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment, which is a modification of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the structure of parts not mentioned in the following description can be the same as that of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

[0079] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the support member 80 has a rectangular cross section. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , however, the support member 80 has a V-shaped cross section. In this example, a rod-shaped member with a V-shaped cross section is placed between the heat receiving plate 10 and the insulating substrate 31 on the heat receiving plate 10 side, with the apex of the V facing upward. This shape reduces the contact area between the support member 80 and the heat receiving plate 10 and the insulating substrate 31, thereby suppressing heat conduction. The V-shape also creates an internal space, further suppressing heat conduction. Specifically, because the sealing member 50 and the peripheral sealing frame 33 are installed above the support member 80, the thermoelectric generating element 32 is not present. Therefore, heat transferred through the support member 80 to the insulating substrate 31 is not effectively utilized. Therefore, by using a support member 80 with a structure as shown in FIG. 3 to suppress heat transfer through the support member 80, the thermal energy transferred to the area where the thermoelectric generating element 32 is located is relatively increased, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0080] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that the structure of parts not mentioned in the following description can be the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine part or all of the configurations of the second and third embodiments.

[0081] As described above, in the thermoelectric power generation device of the first embodiment, the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20 are fastened together by the fastening means 70. The fastening means 70 is a first fastening means that is installed outside the thermoelectric power generation module 30, as shown in FIG.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of this embodiment further includes, in addition to the first fastening means 70, second fastening means 75 arranged to penetrate the thermoelectric power generation module. Like the first fastening means 70, the second fastening means 75 is configured to fasten the heat reception plate 10 and the cooling plate 20 together. Specifically, like the first fastening means 70, the second fastening means 75 also includes a bolt 76 and a coil spring 77. The bolt 76 is inserted into a through hole provided in the cooling plate 20, and the tip of the bolt 76 is screwed into a screw hole provided in the heat reception plate 10 to be fixed. The coil spring 77 is installed between the head of the bolt 76 and the cooling plate 20, and the cooling plate 20 is biased toward the heat reception plate 10 by the coil spring 77.

[0083] In this way, pressure can be applied more evenly by using both the first fastening means 70 and the second fastening means 75. Although only one second fastening means 75 is shown in Fig. 4, multiple second fastening means 75 may be used to obtain the desired clamping force.

[0084] When the second fastening means 75 is provided, it is preferable to provide a sealing frame 78 around the second fastening means 75. By providing the sealing frame 78, it is possible to prevent moisture, iron powder, and the like from entering through the area where the second fastening means 75 is provided.

[0085] The cross-sectional shape of the sealing frame 78 is not particularly limited and may be any shape. For example, it may be rectangular as shown in FIG. 4, or may be circular. An O-ring, for example, may be used as a sealing frame with a circular cross-sectional shape. The material of the sealing frame 78 is not particularly limited and various materials, such as resin, ceramic, and metal, may be used. When using resin, it is sufficient to use a resin that has heat resistance appropriate for the usage environment. The metal is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and steel.

[0086] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment, which is a modification of the fourth embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that the structure of parts not mentioned in the following description can be the same as that of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

[0087] The thermoelectric generator of this embodiment further includes a second sealing member 79 in addition to the configuration of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second sealing member 79 is provided between the cooling plate 20 and the insulating substrate 31 on the cooling plate 20 side so as to surround the bolts 76 of the second fastening means 75. By providing the second sealing member 79 in this manner, it is possible to more effectively prevent the intrusion of moisture and iron powder from the location where the second fastening means 75 is provided. To further enhance the effect of preventing the intrusion of moisture and the like, it is preferable that the second sealing member 79 be provided so as to be in contact with three members: the bolts 76 of the second fastening means 75, the cooling plate 20, and the insulating substrate 31 on the cooling plate 20 side.

[0088] It is preferable to use, for example, an annular elastic seal member as the second sealing member 79. The annular elastic seal member may be of any shape, such as a rectangular or circular cross section, but it is preferable to use an O-ring.

[0089] The material of the second sealing member 79 is not particularly limited, and any material can be used as long as it can seal the gap and prevent the intrusion of moisture and iron powder. The material of the second sealing member 79 is preferably an elastic material, and more preferably an insulating elastic material. Typically, rubber can be used as the insulating elastic material. Note that the rubber also includes elastomers. In particular, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable to use fluororubber, and in particular, it is preferable to use perfluoroelastomer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Thermoelectric power generation device 10 Heat receiving plate 20 Cooling plate 30 Thermoelectric power generation module 31 Insulating substrate 32 Thermoelectric power generation element 33 Peripheral sealing frame 34 Terminal section 35 Lead material 36 electrodes 40 Thermal Conduction Sheet 50 Sealing member 60 Insulation 70 Fastening means (first fastening means) 71 volts 72 coil spring 75 Secondary fastening means 76 volts 77 Coil spring 78 Sealing frame 79 Second sealing member 80 Support member

Claims

1. A thermoelectric power generation device to be attached to a line of manufacturing equipment in a steelworks, a heat receiving plate, a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate, and a cooling plate disposed between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate; a heat-conductive sheet disposed between the heat-receiving plate and the thermoelectric power generation module; a support member that supports an outer periphery of the thermoelectric power generation module; and a sealing member, The thermoelectric power generation module includes: a pair of opposing insulating substrates; a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates; an outer periphery sealing frame that is sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates and seals the outer peripheries of the pair of insulating substrates; a terminal portion connected to the thermoelectric power generation element; a lead member connected to the terminal portion and provided to penetrate through the insulating substrate of the pair of insulating substrates that is on the cooling plate side and the cooling plate, the support member is disposed between the insulating substrate on the heat receiving plate side and the heat receiving plate, the sealing member is disposed in an annular shape on the outer periphery between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, The lead member is disposed inside the sealing member.

2. The thermoelectric power generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising fastening means for fastening said heat receiving plate and said cooling plate together.

3. The thermoelectric power generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member is an O-ring.

4. 3. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is made of fluororubber.

5. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2 is installed in a line of manufacturing equipment in a steelworks, A thermoelectric power generation method for converting heat into electric power by the thermoelectric power generation device.

Images