Thermoelectric power generation device for vehicles

Abstract

To provide a thermoelectric power generator for a vehicle, which can adjust presence or absence of thermal energy supply to the thermoelectric power generator according to operation conditions of the vehicle.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generator for a vehicle, and comprises a thermoelectric material unit that is provided movably in directions of approaching and separating from a heated body of the vehicle and includes unit thermoelectric materials, a thermal expansion member that is provided between the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body, selectively expands and contracts correspondingly with the temperature of the heated body, and an elastic member that elastically supports movement of the thermoelectric material unit with respect to the heated body. With this, it is possible to achieve advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and improving stability and reliability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle, and more particularly to a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle that can adjust whether or not to supply thermal energy to the thermoelectric generator depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, thermoelectric power generation devices have been developed that use thermal energy generated in a vehicle (for example, exhaust heat of exhaust gas) to generate electricity required for the vehicle.

[0003] Thermoelectric generation (TEG) devices use thermoelectric elements that generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between high-temperature and low-temperature areas, and are configured to generate the electricity needed for a vehicle by utilizing exhaust heat as the high-temperature area and coolant as the low-temperature area.

[0004] On the other hand, if excessive thermal energy is supplied to the thermoelectric power generation device, the thermoelectric power generation device may be damaged. Therefore, if the thermal energy (e.g., the temperature of the exhaust gas) supplied to the thermoelectric power generation device is higher than the preset condition, the supply of thermal energy to the thermoelectric power generation device must be stopped.

[0005] However, in the past, in order to interrupt the supply of thermal energy to the thermoelectric power generation device, it was necessary to provide a separate bypass flow path and valve to allow the thermal energy to bypass the thermoelectric power generation device, which resulted in a complex structure and reduced design freedom and space utilization.

[0006] Therefore, in recent years, various researches have been conducted to selectively adjust the supply of thermal energy to a thermoelectric power generation device and to simplify the structure, but it is still insufficient and further development is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-093475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle that can adjust whether or not thermal energy is supplied to the thermoelectric generator depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. In particular, embodiments of the present invention aim to prevent excessive thermal energy from being supplied to a thermoelectric generator.

[0009] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention aim to improve the stability and reliability of the thermoelectric generator, minimize damage to the thermoelectric generator, and extend its lifespan.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to actively adjust whether or not thermal energy is supplied to a thermoelectric power generation device depending on operating conditions without providing a separate bypass flow path.

[0011] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention aim to simplify the structure and improve space utilization and design freedom.

[0012] The problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to these, and may also include the means for solving the problems described below and the objectives and effects that can be grasped from the embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object of the present invention, a thermoelectric power generation device for a vehicle includes a thermoelectric material unit that is movable toward and away from a heated body of the vehicle and includes unit thermoelectric materials, a thermal expansion member that is provided between the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body and that selectively expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the heated body, and an elastic member that elastically supports the movement of the thermoelectric material unit relative to the heated body.

[0014] This is to simplify the structure and improve stability and reliability.

[0015] That is, since excessive thermal energy supplied to the thermoelectric generator may damage the thermoelectric generator, the supply of thermal energy to the thermoelectric generator must be stopped when the thermal energy supplied to the thermoelectric generator is higher than a preset condition. However, in the past, in order to stop the supply of thermal energy to the thermoelectric generator, it was necessary to provide a separate bypass flow path and valve to bypass the thermal energy without passing through the thermoelectric generator, which resulted in a complex structure and reduced design freedom and space utilization.

[0016] However, the present invention has the advantageous effect of preventing excessive thermal energy from being supplied to the thermoelectric material unit and minimizing damage to the thermoelectric material unit by maintaining (contacting) or blocking (separating) mutual heat transfer between the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body through a thermal expansion member that selectively expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the heated body.

[0017] Above all, the embodiment of the present invention can selectively adjust whether or not thermal energy is supplied to the thermoelectric material unit without providing a separate bypass flow path and valve for bypassing thermal energy from a heated body without passing through the thermoelectric material unit, thereby providing advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and improving design freedom and space utilization.

[0018] The thermoelectric material unit may be provided in various structures including a unit thermoelectric material for converting thermal energy generated from a heat exchanger into electrical energy.

[0019] For example, the unit thermoelectric material may include at least one of an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the thermal expansion member contracts, the thermoelectric material unit can come into contact with the heat exchanger, and when the thermal expansion member expands, the thermoelectric material unit can be separated from the heat exchanger.

[0021] In this way, by providing a thermal expansion member between the thermoelectric material unit and the heat exchanger and allowing the thermal expansion member to selectively contract or expand between the thermoelectric material unit and the heat exchanger, it is possible to move the thermoelectric material unit in a direction toward or away from the heat exchanger via the thermal expansion member.

[0022] Therefore, when the thermal energy of the heat exchanger is excessively high (for example, when it is higher than the critical temperature at which damage to the thermoelectric material unit begins to occur), the thermoelectric material unit can be positioned away from the heat exchanger, thereby preventing excessive thermal energy from being transferred (conducted) to the thermoelectric material unit.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle may include a housing provided to surround the heated body, and the elastic member may be elastically deformably interposed between the housing and the thermoelectric material unit.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may include a contact portion that elastically contacts the thermoelectric material unit, a fixed portion provided at one end of the contact portion and fixed to the housing, and a movable portion provided at the other end of the contact portion and arranged to be movable relative to the housing.

[0025] Preferably, the contact portion, the fixed portion, and the moving portion can be formed by continuously bending a metal member.

[0026] In this way, by fixing one end (fixed portion) of the elastic member to the housing and arranging the other end (moving portion) of the elastic member as a free end, even if the thermoelectric material unit moves in a direction away from the heat exchanger (in a direction in which the thermoelectric material unit approaches the elastic member) when the thermal expansion member expands, the increase in force applied (acts) on the thermoelectric material unit by the elastic member (e.g., contact portion) can be minimized, thereby achieving the advantageous effect of minimizing damage and deformation of the thermoelectric material unit.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device for a vehicle includes a thermally conductive member provided between the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body, and the thermoelectric material unit is in contact with the heated body via the thermally conductive member.

[0028] This is to ensure that the heat energy of the heat exchanger is transferred to the thermally conductive unit uniformly throughout.

[0029] That is, since high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows into one end (e.g., inlet) of the heat exchanger, passes through the heat exchanger, and is discharged from the other end (e.g., outlet) of the heat exchanger, the temperature of a portion adjacent to one end of the heat exchanger may be relatively higher than that of a portion adjacent to the other end of the heat exchanger. Therefore, the thermal conductive unit has a problem in that the thermal energy of the heat exchanger is not uniformly transferred throughout.

[0030] However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric material unit is in contact with the thermally conductive member provided between the thermoelectric material unit and the heat exchanger, thereby achieving the advantageous effect of uniformly transferring the thermal energy of the heat exchanger over the entire area of ​​the thermally conductive unit.

[0031] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention can achieve the advantageous effect of improving stability and reliability and extending the life of the thermal conductive unit by ensuring that the thermal energy of the heat exchanger is transferred uniformly to the thermal conductive unit as a whole, thereby preventing local overheating of the thermal conductive unit.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generating device for a vehicle may include a stopper that restrains the thermal expansion member against the thermoelectric material unit.

[0033] The stopper may be provided in various structures capable of restraining the thermal expansion member relative to the thermoelectric material unit.

[0034] Preferably, the stopper may be provided on at least one of the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body.

[0035] As an example, the stopper may include a first stopper protrusion arranged along a first direction and a second stopper protrusion arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first stopper protrusion, and the first stopper protrusion and the second stopper protrusion may be provided to cooperate with each other to surround at least a portion of the thermal expansion member.

[0036] In this way, by providing the first stopper protrusion and the second stopper protrusion in the first direction and the second direction that intersect with each other, an embodiment of the present invention can achieve the advantageous effect of maintaining the arrangement state of the thermal expansion member relative to the thermoelectric material unit more stably.

[0037] As another example, the stopper may include a stopper groove formed in at least one of the thermoelectric material unit and the heat-generating body, and the thermal expansion member may be received in the stopper groove. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating a heated body in a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram for explaining a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram for explaining a thermoelectric material unit in a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a thermal expansion member in a thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an elastic member in the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an elastic member in the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a stopper in the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a stopper in the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the stopper in the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the stopper in the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the stopper in the thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be realized in various different forms, and one or more of the components of the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0041] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined and described, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted in the sense that they are commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, and commonly used terms, such as those defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in the context of the relevant art.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to explain the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0043] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the singular includes the plural, and when it is stated as "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C," it can include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0044] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Such terms are used merely to distinguish a component from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0046] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it can include not only the case where the component is directly coupled, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also the case where the component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" via yet another component between the component and the other component.

[0047] Furthermore, when it is stated that something is formed or disposed "above or below" a component, above or below includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Furthermore, when it is expressed as "above or below," it can mean not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one component.

[0048] 1 to 12, a thermoelectric generator 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a thermoelectric material unit 200 including unit thermoelectric materials 220 and arranged to be movable toward and away from a body to be heated of a vehicle, a thermal expansion member 300 arranged between the thermoelectric material unit 200 and the body to be heated and selectively expanding and contracting in response to the temperature of the body to be heated, and an elastic member 400 that elastically supports the movement of the thermoelectric material unit 200 relative to the body to be heated.

[0049] Here, the thermoelectric power generation device 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various heated bodies (or heated parts) of a vehicle in order to convert the thermal energy of the heated body into electrical energy, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the heated body to which the thermoelectric power generation device 100 for a vehicle is applied.

[0050] As an example, a thermoelectric power generation device 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to convert thermal energy generated by high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from a vehicle engine 20 into electrical energy.

[0051] In the following, an example will be described in which a thermoelectric power generation device 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention receives thermal energy from a heat exchanger 40 connected to an exhaust pipe 30 that discharges high-temperature exhaust gas from an engine 20 and converts the thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0052] The heat exchanger 40 may be provided in various structures capable of mutual heat exchange with the exhaust gas discharged through the exhaust pipe 30, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the heat exchanger 40. As an example, referring to FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 40 may include a heat exchanger housing 42 that defines a path through which the exhaust gas flows, and a plurality of pins 44 provided inside the heat exchanger housing 42.

[0053] The thermoelectric material unit 200 is provided so as to be movable toward and away from the heat exchanger 40 (heat-generating body), and includes a unit thermoelectric material 220 for converting thermal energy generated from the heat exchanger 40 into electrical energy.

[0054] In the following description, an example will be given in which the thermoelectric material units 200 are provided on both the upper and lower parts of the heat exchanger 40. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric material unit may be provided on only one of the upper and lower parts of the heat exchanger.

[0055] The unit thermoelectric material 220 may be provided in various structures capable of converting thermal energy generated from the heat exchanger 40 into electrical energy, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the unit thermoelectric material 220.

[0056] The unit thermoelectric material 220 is an element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy (or converts electrical energy into thermal energy), and is also called a Peltier element or a TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler). It can generate electric current by utilizing the Seebeck effect, which is the effect of an electromotive force generated when a temperature difference is applied across both ends.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit thermoelectric material 220 may include at least one of an N-type thermoelectric material 222 and a P-type thermoelectric material 224. In the following description, the unit thermoelectric material 220 may include both an N-type thermoelectric material 222 and a P-type thermoelectric material 224. Alternatively, the unit thermoelectric material 220 may include only one of the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and the P-type thermoelectric material 224.

[0058] For example, referring to FIG. 4 , the thermoelectric material unit 200 may include a first substrate 210, an N-type thermoelectric material 222 provided on the first substrate 210, a P-type thermoelectric material 224 provided on the first substrate 210 and spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material 222, a first electrode 230 individually connected to one end of the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and one end of the P-type thermoelectric material 224, a second electrode 240 electrically connecting the other end of the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and the other end of the P-type thermoelectric material 224, and a second substrate 250 supporting the second electrode 240.

[0059] The first substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 may be provided to maintain the shape of the thermoelectric material unit 200 and to protect the unit thermoelectric material 220 from the external environment.

[0060] The materials and structures of the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 250 may be variously changed depending on the required conditions and usage environment, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the materials and structures of the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 250.

[0061] The N-type thermoelectric materials 222 and the P-type thermoelectric materials 224 may be alternately arranged so as to be spaced apart along a linear direction. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the N-type thermoelectric materials and the P-type thermoelectric materials may be arranged in a curved shape or other shapes, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the arrangement of the N-type thermoelectric materials and the P-type thermoelectric materials.

[0062] The first electrode 230 may be individually connected (electrically connected) to one end (eg, the lower end) of the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and one end (eg, the lower end) of the P-type thermoelectric material 224, respectively.

[0063] The first electrode 230 may be formed of a common metal material that can be electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and the P-type thermoelectric material 224, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material of the first electrode 230. As an example, the first electrode 230 may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), carbon (C), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and aluminum (Al).

[0064] The second electrode 240 is provided to electrically connect the other end (eg, upper end) of the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and the other end (eg, upper end) of the P-type thermoelectric material 224 .

[0065] More specifically, the second electrode 240 is formed with a structure that can be simultaneously connected to the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and the P-type thermoelectric material 224, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the second electrode 240.

[0066] The second electrode 240 may be formed of a common metal material capable of electrically connecting the N-type thermoelectric material 222 and the P-type thermoelectric material 224, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material of the second electrode 240. As an example, the second electrode 240 may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), carbon (C), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and aluminum (Al).

[0067] Here, in the present invention, the movement of the thermoelectric material unit 200 in a direction approaching or moving away from the heat exchanger 40 of the vehicle can be defined as the movement (e.g., linear movement) of the thermoelectric material unit 200 from a first position approaching the heated body (e.g., the heat exchanger) to a second position away from the heated body.

[0068] 3, the thermoelectric material unit 200 may be configured to be movable linearly from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric material unit may be configured to move in a curved line from the first position to the second position.

[0069] 3, when the thermoelectric material unit 200 is located at the first position, the thermoelectric material unit 200 may be in contact with the heat exchanger 40, and thermal energy from the heat exchanger 40 may be transferred to the thermoelectric material unit 200. Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, when the thermoelectric material unit 200 is located at the second position, the thermoelectric material unit 200 is separated from the heat exchanger 40, and thus transfer (conduction) of thermal energy from the heat exchanger 40 to the thermoelectric material unit 200 may be interrupted.

[0070] The thermal expansion member 300 is provided between the thermoelectric material unit 200 and the heat-generating body (heat exchanger) so as to be able to selectively expand and contract in response to the temperature of the heat-generating body.

[0071] The thermal expansion member 300 can be made of various materials that can selectively expand and contract in response to the temperature of the heated body, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material and characteristics of the thermal expansion member.

[0072] For example, the thermal expansion member 300 may be made of a common metal material such as aluminum, silver, copper, gold, SUS304, or nickel, which can selectively expand and contract in response to the temperature of the heat exchanger 40. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the thermal expansion member 300 may be made of a non-metallic material such as epoxy, acrylic, or phenolic resin.

[0073] Furthermore, the structure of the thermal expansion member 300 can be varied in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications. For example, the thermal expansion member 300 may be provided in the shape of a column having a square cross section. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the thermal expansion member may be configured to have a circular cross section or other cross-sectional shapes.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the thermal expansion member 300 contracts, the thermoelectric material unit 200 can come into contact with the heat exchanger 40, and when the thermal expansion member 300 expands, the thermoelectric material unit 200 can be separated from the heat exchanger 40.

[0075] In this way, by providing a thermal expansion member 300 between the thermoelectric material unit 200 and the heat exchanger 40 and allowing the thermal expansion member 300 to selectively contract or expand between the thermoelectric material unit 200 and the heat exchanger 40, it is possible to move the thermoelectric material unit 200 in a direction toward or away from the heat exchanger 40 via the thermal expansion member 300.

[0076] Therefore, when the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 40 is excessively high (for example, when it is higher than the limit temperature at which damage to the thermoelectric material unit begins to occur), the thermoelectric material unit 200 can be positioned away from the heat exchanger 40, thereby preventing excessive thermal energy from being transferred (conducted) to the thermoelectric material unit 200.

[0077] 3 and 5 to 7, the elastic member 400 is provided to elastically support the movement of the thermoelectric material unit 200 relative to the heated body (movement in the direction toward and away from the heat exchanger 40).

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device 100 for a vehicle may include a housing 600 provided to surround the heat-generating body, and the elastic member 400 may be interposed between the housing 600 and the thermoelectric material unit 200 in an elastically deformable manner.

[0079] For example, the housing 600 may be formed in the shape of a square box having an internal storage space, and the elastic members 400 may be disposed on the inner surfaces of the upper and lower parts of the housing 600 (see FIG. 3).

[0080] As the elastic member 400, various elastic members 400 that can elastically support the movement of the thermoelectric material unit 200 relative to the heat-generating body (e.g., a heat exchanger) can be used, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the elastic member 400.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 400 may include a contact portion 410 that elastically contacts the thermoelectric material unit 200, a fixed portion 420 that is provided at one end of the contact portion 410 and fixed to the housing 600, and a moving portion 430 that is provided at the other end of the contact portion 410 and arranged to be movable relative to the housing 600.

[0082] In the following description, a plurality of elastic members 400 are provided spaced apart from one another, but the number and arrangement of the elastic members 400 can be varied in various ways depending on desired conditions and design specifications.

[0083] Preferably, the contact portion 410, the fixed portion 420, and the moving portion 430 can be formed by continuously bending a metal member (for example, a metal strap).

[0084] The contact portion 410 may be formed in various structures capable of elastically contacting the thermoelectric material unit 200. For example, the contact portion 410 may be formed in a substantially arc shape (e.g., a "C" shape). According to other embodiments of the present invention, the contact portion may be formed in a waveform shape or other shapes.

[0085] The fixing portion 420 is integrally fixed to the housing 600. For example, the fixing portion 420 may be integrally fixed to the housing 600 by welding WP. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion may be fixed to the housing using a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0086] The movable part 430 is arranged to be movable relative to the housing 600 in a direction (left-right direction with reference to FIG. 7) in which it approaches and moves away from the fixed part 420. Here, "the movable part 430 is arranged to be movable relative to the housing 600" can be understood to mean that the movable part 430 is not fixed to the housing 600, but is arranged as a free end that can move freely relative to the housing 600.

[0087] In this way, by fixing one end (fixed portion) of the elastic member 400 to the housing 600 and arranging the other end (moving portion) of the elastic member 400 as a free end, even if the thermoelectric material unit 200 moves in a direction away from the heat exchanger 40 (in a direction in which the thermoelectric material unit 200 approaches the elastic member 400) when the thermal expansion member 300 expands, the increase in the force P2 applied (acting) on ​​the thermoelectric material unit 200 by the elastic member 400 (e.g., contact portion) can be minimized, thereby achieving the advantageous effect of minimizing damage and deformation of the thermoelectric material unit 200.

[0088] That is, the elastic member 400 is provided so as to elastically support the thermoelectric material unit 200 with a force P1 that does not damage the thermoelectric material unit 200 when the thermal expansion member 300 contracts (see FIG. 6).

[0089] However, although it is possible to fix both ends of the elastic member 400 to the housing 600, when the thermal expansion member 300 expands with both ends of the elastic member 400 fixed to the housing 600, the thermoelectric material unit 200 moves in a direction approaching the elastic member 400, and the force P2 applied to the thermoelectric material unit 200 by the elastic member 400 (e.g., the contact portion) inevitably increases (P2>P1), which may result in damage and deformation of the thermoelectric material unit 200.

[0090] However, in an embodiment of the present invention, when the thermal expansion member 300 expands, the thermoelectric material unit 200 moves in a direction approaching the elastic member 400, and at the same time, the moving portion 430 moves in a direction away from the fixed portion 420 (see FIG. 7). This minimizes the increase in the force P2 that the elastic member 400 applies to the thermoelectric material unit 200, thereby achieving the advantageous effect of minimizing damage and deformation of the thermoelectric material unit 200.

[0091] Preferably, the force P1 with which the elastic member 400 presses the thermoelectric material unit 200 when the thermal expansion member 300 contracts and the force P2 with which the elastic member 400 presses the thermoelectric material unit 200 when the thermal expansion member 300 expands can be set to be the same (P1=P2).

[0092] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device 100 for a vehicle includes a thermally conductive member 500 provided between the thermoelectric material unit 200 and a heated body (e.g., a heat exchanger), and the thermoelectric material unit 200 contacts the heated body via the thermally conductive member 500.

[0093] As an example, the thermally conductive member 500 may be provided on one surface of the thermally conductive unit facing the heat exchanger 40 .

[0094] The thermally conductive member 500 is provided to transfer the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 40 uniformly to the thermally conductive unit as a whole.

[0095] That is, the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the engine 20 flows into one end (e.g., inlet) of the heat exchanger 40, passes through the heat exchanger 40, and is discharged from the other end (e.g., outlet) of the heat exchanger 40, so that the temperature of a portion adjacent to one end of the heat exchanger 40 may be relatively higher than that of a portion adjacent to the other end of the heat exchanger 40. Therefore, the thermally conductive unit has a problem in that the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 40 is not uniformly transferred throughout.

[0096] However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric material unit 200 is in contact with the heat exchanger 40 via a thermally conductive member 500 provided between the thermoelectric material unit 200 and the heat exchanger 40, thereby achieving the advantageous effect of uniformly transferring the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 40 over the entire area of ​​the thermally conductive unit.

[0097] In this way, the embodiment of the present invention can achieve the advantageous effect of improving stability and reliability and extending the life of the thermal conductive unit by ensuring that the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 40 is transferred uniformly throughout the thermal conductive unit, thereby preventing local overheating of the thermal conductive unit.

[0098] The thermal conductive member can be formed of various materials and structures that can uniformly distribute the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 40 throughout, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material and structure of the thermal conductive member.

[0099] As an example, a copper plate having a thin plate shape can be used as the thermally conductive member.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric generator 100 for a vehicle may include a stopper 700 that restrains the thermal expansion member 300 relative to the thermoelectric material unit 200 .

[0101] The stopper 700 is provided to stably maintain the arrangement state of the thermal expansion member 300 relative to the thermoelectric material unit 200 (or the heated body) and to prevent the thermal expansion member 300 from coming off.

[0102] The stopper 700 may be provided in various structures capable of restraining the thermal expansion member 300 relative to the thermoelectric material unit 200, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the stopper 700.

[0103] Preferably, the stopper 700 may be provided on at least one of the thermoelectric material unit 200 and the heated body. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper may be provided on another portion (e.g., the housing) instead of the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body.

[0104] For example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the stopper 700 may be provided on one side of the heated body facing the thermoelectric material unit 200 .

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stopper 700 includes a first stopper protrusion 710 arranged along a first direction and a second stopper protrusion 720 arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first stopper protrusion 710, and the first stopper protrusion 710 and the second stopper protrusion 720 can be provided to cooperate with each other to surround at least a portion of the thermal expansion member 300.

[0106] The first stopper protrusion 710 and the second stopper protrusion 720 may be provided to protrude from one surface of the heated body that faces the thermoelectric material unit 200 .

[0107] For example, the first stopper protrusion 710 may be arranged in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 9), and the second stopper protrusion 720 may be arranged in the vertical direction (see FIG. 9). According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first stopper protrusion and the second stopper protrusion may be arranged at an angle in the horizontal direction (or the vertical direction).

[0108] For example, the first stopper protrusion 710 and the second stopper protrusion 720 may be arranged to cooperate with each other to form at least one of a substantially "L" shape, a "T" shape, and a "U" shape.

[0109] Alternatively, the first stopper protrusions 710 and the second stopper protrusions 720 may be formed to cooperate with each other to form other shapes (e.g., a "C" shape or an "S" shape), and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the number and arrangement of the first stopper protrusions 710 and the second stopper protrusions 720.

[0110] As described above, the embodiment of the present invention provides the first stopper protrusions 710 and the second stopper protrusions 720 in the first and second directions that intersect with each other, thereby advantageously maintaining a more stable arrangement of the thermal expansion member 300 relative to the thermoelectric material unit 200. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper may include only one of the first stopper protrusions and the second stopper protrusions.

[0111] In the above-described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the stopper 700 is described as including a stopper 700 protrusion having a protruding protrusion shape, but according to other embodiments of the present invention, the stopper may also include a stopper groove having a recessed groove shape.

[0112] 10 to 12, the stopper 700 includes a stopper groove 730 formed in at least one of the thermoelectric material unit 200 and the heated body, and the thermal expansion member 300 can be accommodated in the stopper groove 730.

[0113] For example, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a stopper groove 730 may be formed on one surface of the thermoelectric material unit 200 facing the heated body, and the thermal expansion member 300 may be accommodated in the stopper groove 730.

[0114] For example, the stopper groove 730 may be formed to have a cross-sectional shape (e.g., a square cross-section) corresponding to the thermal expansion member 300. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stopper groove may be configured to have a cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circular cross-section) different from that of the thermal expansion member.

[0115] Preferably, the thermal expansion member 300 can be configured to have a size that allows it to be completely accommodated within the stopper groove 730 without protruding outside the stopper groove 730 in a contracted state, and when the thermal expansion member 300 is in a contracted state, the thermoelectric material unit 200 can be maintained in contact with the heated body (see FIG. 10).

[0116] On the other hand, when the thermal expansion member 300 expands, the thermal expansion member 300 protrudes outside the stopper groove 730, thereby moving the thermoelectric material unit 200 away from the heated body.

[0117] Here, FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which the thermoelectric material unit 200 is in direct contact with the heated body. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric material unit 200 may be configured to contact the heated body via a thermally conductive member (see 500 in FIG. 3).

[0118] As another example, referring to FIG. 12, a stopper groove 730′ may be formed on one surface of the heated body (e.g., a heat exchanger) facing the thermoelectric material unit 200, and the thermal expansion member 300 may be accommodated in the stopper groove 730′.

[0119] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of adjusting whether or not to supply thermal energy to a thermoelectric power generation device depending on the driving conditions of a vehicle.

[0120] In particular, the embodiments of the present invention can provide the advantageous effect of suppressing excessive thermal energy from being supplied to the thermoelectric power generation device.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to improve stability and reliability, minimize damage to the thermoelectric generator, and extend its lifespan.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to actively adjust whether or not thermal energy is supplied to the thermoelectric power generation device depending on the operating conditions, without providing a separate bypass flow path.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to achieve advantageous effects such as simplifying the structure, improving space utilization, and improving design freedom.

[0124] The above description focuses on the embodiments, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments may be modified. Such modifications and applications are to be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 20 Engine 30 exhaust pipe 40 Heat exchanger 42 Heat exchanger housing 44 pin 100 Thermoelectric power generation device for vehicle 200 Thermoelectric Material Unit 210 First board 220 units thermoelectric material 222 N-type thermoelectric material 224 P type thermoelectric material 230 1st electrode 240 2nd electrode 250 Second board 300 Thermal expansion member 400 Elastic member 410 Contact part 420 Fixed part 430 Mobile Unit 500 Thermally conductive material 600 Housing 700 Stopper 710 First stopper protrusion 720 Second stopper protrusion 730, 730' stopper groove

Claims

1. a thermoelectric material unit provided to be movable in a direction approaching and moving away from a heat-generating body of the vehicle and including unit thermoelectric materials; a thermal expansion member provided between the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body, which selectively expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the heated body; an elastic member that elastically supports movement of the thermoelectric material unit relative to the heated body, a housing provided to surround the heated body, the elastic member is interposed between the housing and the thermoelectric material unit; The elastic member is a contact portion that elastically contacts the thermoelectric material unit; a fixing portion provided at one end of the contact portion and fixed to the housing; a moving portion provided at the other end of the contact portion and arranged to be movable relative to the housing.

2. When the thermal expansion member contracts, the thermoelectric material unit comes into contact with the heated body, 2. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the thermal expansion member expands, the thermoelectric material unit is separated from the heated body.

3. a thermally conductive member provided between the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body, 3. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the thermoelectric material unit is in contact with the heat-generating body via the thermally conductive member.

4. 2. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion, the fixed portion, and the moving portion are formed by continuously bending a metal member.

5. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 1 , further comprising a stopper that restrains the thermal expansion member against the thermoelectric material unit.

6. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the stopper is provided on at least one of the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body.

7. The stopper is a first stopper protrusion disposed along a first direction; a second stopper protrusion disposed along a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first stopper protrusion, The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the first stopper protrusion and the second stopper protrusion are provided to surround the thermal expansion member in cooperation with each other.

8. the stopper includes a stopper groove provided in at least one of the thermoelectric material unit and the heated body, 6. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the thermal expansion member is housed in the stopper groove.

9. The unit thermoelectric material is 2. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 1, comprising at least one of an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material.

Images