Thermoelectric module, thermoelectric system, and method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module

Abstract

To provide a thermoelectric module capable of obtaining sufficient power even when installed in various locations.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric module 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a strip-shaped base material 10 extending in the x-axis direction, and a thermoelectric material 11 formed on the base material 10. The thermoelectric material 11 includes a plurality of thermoelectric material lines 14 each having a plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and a plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials 13 arranged alternately so as to extend in a line in an x-axis direction. The thermoelectric module 1 is configured into a cylindrical shape by winding the strip-shaped base material 10 in the x-axis direction, and in the state in which the thermoelectric module 1 is wound, boundaries 15 and 16 that are adjacent to each other among the boundaries between the p-type thermoelectric material 13 and the n-type thermoelectric material 12 are arranged to face each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermoelectric modules, thermoelectric systems, and methods for manufacturing thermoelectric modules. [Background technology]

[0002] Thermoelectric modules are modules that utilize the Seebeck effect to convert heat into electricity. For example, in recent years, technology has been developed to apply thermoelectric modules that utilize the Seebeck effect as standalone power sources for sensors in the IoT field. When using a thermoelectric module as a power source, it is necessary to connect several dozen thermoelectric conversion elements to obtain sufficient voltage.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a thermoelectric module formed on a substrate such that p-type thermoelectric conversion materials and n-type thermoelectric conversion materials are alternately electrically connected in series in the extension direction of the substrate and thermally connected in parallel in the width direction of the substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-86510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the thermoelectric module disclosed in Patent Document 1, heat transfer plates are arranged on both ends of the width direction (axial direction) of a thermoelectric substrate that has been deformed into a spiral shape, and electricity is generated using the temperature difference between these two heat transfer plates.

[0006] However, the thermoelectric module disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a flat heat transfer plate, which can cause a problem of insufficient power generation depending on the installation location. For example, in a curved location, such as the surface of a pipe, the contact area between the flat heat transfer plate and the curved installation surface is small. As a result, heat is not sufficiently transferred from the installation surface to the heat transfer plate, and sufficient power generation may be impossible.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermoelectric module, a thermoelectric system, and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module that can obtain sufficient power even when installed in various locations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a band-shaped first substrate extending in a first direction and a thermoelectric material formed on the first substrate, wherein the thermoelectric material has thermoelectric material lines each having a plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials arranged alternately so as to extend in a line in the first direction, and the thermoelectric module is configured such that the band-shaped first substrate is wound in the first direction to form a cylindrical shape, and when the thermoelectric module is wound, adjacent boundaries between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are arranged to face each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section.

[0009] A thermoelectric system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the thermoelectric module described above, a power storage unit that supplies power to a predetermined load, and a power supply control unit that controls the power supply to the predetermined load. The power supply control unit is configured to be switchable between a mode in which power generated by the thermoelectric module is supplied to the load and a mode in which power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the load.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing a strip-shaped first substrate extending in a first direction, forming a thermoelectric material on the first substrate, and winding the first substrate on which the thermoelectric material has been formed in the first direction to form a cylindrical shape. The thermoelectric material has thermoelectric material lines each having a plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials arranged alternately so as to extend in a line shape in the first direction, and in the winding step, the thermoelectric module is wound such that adjacent boundaries between the p-type thermoelectric materials and the n-type thermoelectric materials face each other on the circumference of a cylindrical cross section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present disclosure can provide a thermoelectric module, a thermoelectric system, and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module that can obtain sufficient power even when installed in various locations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a table illustrating the length of each thermoelectric material. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of use of the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of use of a thermoelectric module. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of use of a thermoelectric module. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of use of a thermoelectric module. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a thermoelectric system according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the thermoelectric module 1 according to this embodiment includes a strip-shaped substrate 10 extending in a longitudinal direction (x-axis direction: first direction) and a thermoelectric material (thermoelectric conversion material) 11 formed on the substrate 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the thermoelectric material 11 is formed so as to extend in a line in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the substrate 10.

[0014] Specifically, the thermoelectric material 11 has thermoelectric material lines 14 each including a plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and a plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials 13 arranged alternately to extend in a line in the x-axis direction. In other words, the plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and the plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials 13 are electrically connected to each other and arranged alternately to extend in a line in the x-axis direction, so that the plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and the plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials 13 are electrically connected in series. Note that in this embodiment, the number of thermoelectric materials 11 (the number of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13) can be changed as desired depending on the voltage value, etc., that is to be obtained by the thermoelectric module.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the thermoelectric module 1 according to this embodiment is configured into a cylindrical shape by winding a strip-shaped substrate 10 in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction). In the configuration example shown in Fig. 2, the substrate 10 is wound so that an end 21 on the negative side of the x-axis direction of the substrate 10 (thermoelectric material lines 14) shown in Fig. 1 is on the inner circumferential side, and an end 22 on the positive side of the x-axis direction of the substrate 10 (thermoelectric material lines 14) shown in Fig. 1 is on the outer circumferential side. In this embodiment, when the thermoelectric module 1 is wound, adjacent boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 are arranged to face each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section.

[0016] 1 , there are two types of boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13: boundaries 15 located on the high-temperature side (H) and boundaries 16 located on the low-temperature side (L). That is, the boundaries 15 located on the high-temperature side (H) are boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 when the p-type thermoelectric material 13 is located on the negative side of the x-axis direction and the n-type thermoelectric material 12 is located on the positive side of the x-axis direction. The boundaries 16 located on the low-temperature side (L) are boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 when the n-type thermoelectric material 12 is located on the negative side of the x-axis direction and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 is located on the positive side of the x-axis direction. The boundaries 15 located on the high-temperature side (H) and the boundaries 16 located on the low-temperature side (L) are adjacent to each other and alternately arranged in the x-axis direction.

[0017] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the thermoelectric module 1 is wound, the boundaries 15 arranged on the high-temperature side (H) are arranged on the negative side in the z-axis direction, and the boundaries 16 arranged on the low-temperature side (L) are arranged on the positive side in the z-axis direction. In other words, of the boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 shown in FIG. 1, the odd-numbered boundaries in the x-axis direction (boundaries 16 arranged on the low-temperature side (L)) are arranged on the positive side in the z-axis direction on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, of the boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 shown in FIG. 1, the even-numbered boundaries in the x-axis direction (boundaries 15 arranged on the high-temperature side (H)) are arranged on the negative side in the z-axis direction on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the positive side in the z-axis direction and the negative side in the z-axis direction of the cylindrical cross section are positioned opposite each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section, and the positive side in the z-axis direction of the cylindrical cross section is arranged on the low-temperature side (L), and the negative side in the z-axis direction is arranged on the high-temperature side (H).

[0018] In the thermoelectric module 1 according to this embodiment, the above-described configuration generates electromotive forces 17 and 18 in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and each of the p-type thermoelectric materials 13, as shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 1 , in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12, the positive side in the x-axis direction is the low-temperature side (L) and the negative side in the x-axis direction is the high-temperature side (H). Therefore, electrons gather on the low-temperature side (L), generating electromotive force 17 on the negative side in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, in each of the p-type thermoelectric materials 13, the positive side in the x-axis direction is the high-temperature side (H) and the negative side in the x-axis direction is the low-temperature side (L). Therefore, holes gather on the low-temperature side (L), generating electromotive force 18 on the negative side in the x-axis direction. Because each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and each of the p-type thermoelectric materials 13 are alternately connected in series, an electromotive force V, which is the sum of the electromotive forces generated in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and each of the p-type thermoelectric materials 13, is generated in the thermoelectric material 11 (thermoelectric material line 14).

[0019] In the above configuration example, the odd-numbered boundaries in the x-axis direction are set as low-temperature boundaries 16, and the even-numbered boundaries are set as high-temperature boundaries 15. However, in this embodiment, the odd-numbered boundaries in the x-axis direction may be set as high-temperature boundaries 15, and the even-numbered boundaries may be set as low-temperature boundaries 16.

[0020] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the thermoelectric module 1 is wound, the lengths of the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 may be configured to increase from the end 21 located on the inner periphery side to the end 22 located on the outer periphery side (i.e., toward the positive side in the x-axis direction).

[0021] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermoelectric module according to this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view illustrating the lengths of n-type thermoelectric material 12 and p-type thermoelectric material 13. Fig. 4 is a table illustrating the length of each thermoelectric material. As shown in Fig. 3, if the thickness of substrate 10 and thermoelectric material 11 is d and the radius of the first turn counted from the inner periphery of a thermoelectric module wound n turns is r, the length in the x-axis direction of n-type thermoelectric material 12 and p-type thermoelectric material 13 arranged in the first turn is πr.

[0022] Since the radius of the second turn is r+d, the lengths in the x-axis direction of the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 arranged in the second turn are each set to π(r+d). Similarly, the radius of the third turn is r+2d, so the lengths in the x-axis direction of the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 arranged in the third turn are each set to π(r+2d). Thus, in this embodiment, since the radius of the n-th turn is r+(n-1)d, it is preferable that the lengths in the x-axis direction of the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 arranged in the n-th turn be set to π(r+(n-1)d).

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of r and d, r is preferably 1 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring a temperature difference between boundary 15 and boundary 16 and the amount of power generation. d is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 60 μm or less, and even more preferably 30 μm or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring a temperature difference between boundary 15 and boundary 16.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, it is ideal that the boundaries 15 arranged on the high temperature side (H) are aligned in the z-axis direction when the thermoelectric module 1 is wound. However, as long as heat is transferred from the installation surface of the structure 81 (see Fig. 5) to the boundaries 15, the boundaries 15 may be slightly misaligned in the z-axis direction. Similarly, the boundaries 16 arranged on the low temperature side (L) may also be slightly misaligned in the z-axis direction.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of use of the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment. When the thermoelectric module 1 according to this embodiment is installed on a structure 81 having a curved installation surface, as shown in Fig. 5, the thermoelectric module 1 is installed so that the high-temperature side boundary 15 faces the installation surface of the structure 81. By installing the thermoelectric module 1 in this manner, a temperature difference occurs between the high-temperature side boundary 15 and the low-temperature side boundary 16 of the thermoelectric module 1, and an electromotive force is generated in the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13.

[0026] In this embodiment, the high-temperature side (boundary 15 side) of the thermoelectric module 1 and the installation surface of the structure 81 contact each other along a line extending in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, in the thermoelectric module 1 according to this embodiment, the boundaries 15 arranged on the high-temperature side (H) are concentrated on the negative side in the z-axis direction. Therefore, even if the installation surface of the structure 81 has a curved shape, heat can be efficiently transferred from the installation surface to the high-temperature side (boundary 15 side) of the thermoelectric module 1, and sufficient power can be obtained. Therefore, this embodiment can provide a thermoelectric module that can obtain sufficient power even when installed in various locations.

[0027] In the thermoelectric module 1 according to this embodiment, the substrate 10 is made of a flexible material. A flexible material is a material that has flexibility and can bend when a predetermined stress is applied. The substrate 10 is a film or sheet-like substrate, and can be made using, for example, a resin such as polyimide, polyamide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polybenzoxazole, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polypropylene, or polyphenylene sulfide, or a rubber-like elastomer.

[0028] In this embodiment, the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 constituting the thermoelectric material 11 are not particularly limited as long as they exhibit the Seebeck effect and can be used as thermoelectric materials. Examples of suitable thermoelectric materials for the thermoelectric material 11 include tellurium-based compounds such as Bi-Te compounds, Pb-Te compounds, and Sb-Te compounds; antimony-based compounds such as Co-Sb compounds, Fe-Sb compounds, Zn-Sb compounds, and skutterudite compounds; silicon-based compounds such as Fe-Si compounds, Ge-Si compounds, Mn-Si compounds, and Mg-Si compounds; boron compounds such as hexaborides; gallium-based compounds such as clathrate compounds; aluminum-based compounds such as Heusler compounds and Al clathrate compounds; tin-based and rare-earth-based compounds such as half-Heusler intermetallic compounds; metal oxides such as Co oxide, Ti oxide, V oxide, and Zn oxide; organic conductive materials such as organic low-molecular-weight materials and organic conductive polymer materials; and carbon materials.

[0029] In this embodiment, in consideration of the fact that the thermoelectric module has flexibility and that the thermoelectric material is printed or applied during manufacturing, it is preferable to form the thermoelectric material using an organic thermoelectric material having conductivity (organic conductive material), and it is more preferable to form the thermoelectric material using an organic conductive material and a carbon material.

[0030] Examples of organic conductive materials that can be used include low-molecular-weight materials such as polymers having a thiophene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, polymers having a phenylene vinylene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, polymers having an aniline or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, oligomers or polymers having a pyrrole or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, oligomers or polymers having an acetylene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, polymers having a heptadiene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, phthalocyanines and their derivatives, diamines, phenyldiamines and their derivatives, pentacene and its derivatives, porphyrin and its derivatives, cyanine, quinone, naphthoquinone, etc. In particular, considering flexibility, polymers having a thiophene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, polymers having a phenylene vinylene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, polymers having an aniline or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, oligomers or polymers having a pyrrole or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, oligomers or polymers having an acetylene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton, and polymers having a heptadiene or a derivative thereof as a skeleton are preferred.

[0031] Examples of carbon materials that can be used include graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, graphene nanoplates, and graphene. Considering the compatibility of the Seebeck effect and electrical conductivity, at least one selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes, carbon black, graphene nanoplates, and graphene is preferred, more preferably carbon nanotubes, and particularly preferably single-walled carbon nanotubes. These carbon materials can be modified by introducing a substituent, if necessary, or used in the presence of a compound that can promote charge transfer.

[0032] The thermoelectric materials may be used alone or in combination. By adding a dopant to the above materials as appropriate, p-type or n-type thermoelectric materials can be obtained.

[0033] Next, a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment will be described. When manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment, first, a strip-shaped substrate 10 is prepared. Then, as shown in FIG. 1 , a thermoelectric material 11 is formed on the substrate 10. For example, the thermoelectric material 11 can be formed by printing an n-type thermoelectric material 12 and a p-type thermoelectric material 13 on the substrate 10 and drying them. When forming the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13, the n-type thermoelectric material 12 may be formed first and then the p-type thermoelectric material 13, or the p-type thermoelectric material 13 may be formed first and then the n-type thermoelectric material 12. The materials described above can be used for the substrate 10 and the thermoelectric material 11.

[0034] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the substrate 10 on which the thermoelectric material 11 is formed is wound in the x-axis direction to form a cylindrical shape. At this time, the winding is performed so that adjacent boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 face each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the winding is performed so that the boundaries 15 located on the high-temperature side (H) are located on the negative side of the z-axis direction, and the boundaries 16 located on the low-temperature side (L) are located on the positive side of the z-axis. It is preferable to determine the length of each n-type thermoelectric material 12 and each p-type thermoelectric material 13 in the x-axis direction in advance using the method shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Using the above method, the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment can be manufactured.

[0035] In the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment, the greater the number of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13, the greater the resulting electromotive force V. Furthermore, as shown in another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the greater the thickness of each n-type thermoelectric material 12 and each p-type thermoelectric material 13, i.e., the longer the length in the y-axis direction, the greater the resulting current value. Therefore, the number and size of each n-type thermoelectric material 12 and each p-type thermoelectric material 13 can be determined based on the target voltage value and current value.

[0036] Furthermore, the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment can be suitably used on an installation surface having a curved shape, but may also be used on an installation surface other than a curved shape, for example, an installation surface having a flat shape.

[0037] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described. 7 is a plan view for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to embodiment 2. A thermoelectric module 2 according to this embodiment differs from the thermoelectric module 1 described in embodiment 1 in that it includes a plurality of thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4. Other configurations are the same as those described in embodiment 1, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0038] 7, the thermoelectric module 2 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 extending in the x-axis direction. Each of the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 includes a plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and a plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials 13 arranged alternately so as to extend linearly in the x-axis direction. The plurality of thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are electrically connected at their ends in the x-axis direction, thereby being connected in series.

[0039] Specifically, the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are aligned in the y-axis direction. The thermoelectric material lines 14_1 and 14_2 are electrically connected in series using a conductive member 31 at their end 41 on the negative side in the x-axis direction. The thermoelectric material lines 14_2 and 14_3 are electrically connected in series using a conductive member 32 at their end 42 on the positive side in the x-axis direction. The thermoelectric material lines 14_3 and 14_4 are electrically connected in series using a conductive member 33 at their end 41 on the negative side in the x-axis direction. Thus, the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are electrically connected in series.

[0040] Conductive materials can be used for the conductive members 31 to 33. For example, the conductive members 31 to 33 may be made of the same material as the n-type thermoelectric material 12, the same material as the p-type thermoelectric material 13, or another metal material. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use the same material as the n-type thermoelectric material 12 or the same material as the p-type thermoelectric material 13 for the conductive members 31 to 33.

[0041] In this embodiment, the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13 of the multiple thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are arranged alternately in the y-axis direction while being spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the p-type thermoelectric materials 13 of the thermoelectric material line 14_1, the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 of the thermoelectric material line 14_2, the p-type thermoelectric materials 13 of the thermoelectric material line 14_3, and the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 of the thermoelectric material line 14_4 are arranged to correspond to each other in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 of the thermoelectric material line 14_1, the p-type thermoelectric materials 13 of the thermoelectric material line 14_2, the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 of the thermoelectric material line 14_3, and the p-type thermoelectric materials 13 of the thermoelectric material line 14_4 are arranged to correspond to each other in the y-axis direction.

[0042] 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermoelectric module according to this embodiment. As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 8 and 9, a thermoelectric module 2 according to this embodiment is configured into a cylindrical shape by winding a strip-shaped substrate 10 in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction). In the configuration example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the substrate 10 is wound so that the end 41 on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the substrate 10 (thermoelectric material lines 14) shown in FIG. 7 is on the inner circumferential side, and the end 42 on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the substrate 10 (thermoelectric material lines 14) shown in FIG. 7 is on the outer circumferential side. In this embodiment, when the thermoelectric module 2 is wound, adjacent boundaries between the n-type thermoelectric material 12 and the p-type thermoelectric material 13 are arranged so as to face each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the thermoelectric module 2 is wound, each of the boundaries 15 arranged on the high temperature side (H) is arranged on the negative side of the z-axis direction, and each of the boundaries 16 arranged on the low temperature side (L) is arranged on the positive side of the z-axis direction.

[0044] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 and 14_3. As shown in Fig. 8, of the boundaries 15, 16 of the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 and 14_3, the boundaries 15 located on the high-temperature side (H) are located on the negative side of the z-axis, and the boundaries 16 located on the low-temperature side (L) are located on the positive side of the z-axis. The positive side and the negative side of the z-axis of the cylindrical cross section are positioned opposite each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section, and the positive side of the z-axis of the cylindrical cross section is located on the low-temperature side (L) and the negative side of the z-axis is located on the high-temperature side (H).

[0045] With this configuration, electromotive forces 17, 18 are generated in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13 provided in the thermoelectric material lines 14_1, 14_3, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. That is, as shown in Figure 7, electromotive forces 17, 18 are generated in the negative x-axis direction in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, electromotive forces 17, 18 are generated in the clockwise direction in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13.

[0046] 9 is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric material lines 14_2 and 14_4. As shown in FIG. 9, of the boundaries 15, 16 of the thermoelectric material lines 14_2 and 14_4, the boundaries 15 located on the high-temperature side (H) are located on the negative side of the z-axis, and the boundaries 16 located on the low-temperature side (L) are located on the positive side of the z-axis. The positive side and the negative side of the z-axis of the cylindrical cross section are opposite each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section, and the positive side of the z-axis of the cylindrical cross section is located on the low-temperature side (L) and the negative side of the z-axis is located on the high-temperature side (H).

[0047] With this configuration, electromotive forces 17, 18 are generated in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and each of the p-type thermoelectric materials 13 provided in the thermoelectric material lines 14_2, 14_4, as shown in Figures 7 and 9. That is, as shown in Figure 7, electromotive forces 17, 18 are generated in the positive direction of the x-axis in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and each of the p-type thermoelectric materials 13. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, electromotive forces 17, 18 are generated in the counterclockwise direction in each of the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and each of the p-type thermoelectric materials 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, the multiple thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are connected in series using conductive members 31 to 33. In this embodiment, the n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13 of the multiple thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are arranged alternately and spaced apart in the y-axis direction. This allows electromotive forces 17 and 18 to be generated in the negative x-axis direction in the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 and 14_3, and electromotive forces 17 and 18 to be generated in the positive x-axis direction in the thermoelectric material lines 14_2 and 14_4. Therefore, an electromotive force V, which is the sum of the electromotive forces of the multiple thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4, is generated between the end of the thermoelectric material line 14_1 on the positive side in the x-axis direction and the end of the thermoelectric material line 14_4 on the positive side in the x-axis direction.

[0049] In the thermoelectric module 2 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are provided, and these thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 are connected in series to one another using conductive members 31 to 33. Therefore, compared to the thermoelectric module 1 according to the first embodiment, the number of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13 connected in series can be increased, and the electromotive force generated in the thermoelectric module 2 can be increased.

[0050] Although the configuration example shown in FIG. 7 includes four thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4, the number of thermoelectric material lines 14 may be changed as needed depending on the target voltage value. Similarly, the number of n-type thermoelectric materials 12 and p-type thermoelectric materials 13 included in each of the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 may also be changed as needed depending on the target voltage value. FIG. 7 also shows an example in which the ends of the multiple thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 connected in series are all located on the end 42 side. However, in this embodiment, the ends of the multiple thermoelectric material lines connected in series may all be located on the end 41 side. Alternatively, one end of the multiple thermoelectric material lines connected in series may be located on the end 41 side, and the other end may be located on the end 42 side.

[0051] 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating examples of use of the thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 described in the first and second embodiments. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 may be installed on the surface of a structure 82 having a curved installation surface. That is, a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 may be arranged in parallel with each other. With such a configuration, a large number of thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 can be installed on the surface of the structure 82, thereby obtaining a larger amount of power. The plurality of thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 may be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel with each other.

[0052] 11, cylindrical thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 may be arranged in parallel to each other on a substrate 51. For example, the cylindrical thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 may be fixed to the substrate 51 using an adhesive. When the thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 are fixed to the substrate 51 in this way, the plurality of thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 can be handled together, making it easier to install the plurality of thermoelectric modules 1 and 2.

[0053] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when installing multiple thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 on the surface of a structure 82 having a curved installation surface, providing a base material 51 on the surface of the structure 82 allows the multiple thermoelectric modules 1 and 2 to be arranged together on the surface of the structure 82. This makes it easy to install the multiple thermoelectric modules 1 and 2. In this case, it is preferable to use a material that has high thermal conductivity and is flexible for the base material 51. For example, a flexible metal material may be used for the base material 51.

[0054] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a thermoelectric module according to a third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the thermoelectric module 3 according to this embodiment is configured such that the cylindrical thermoelectric module 3 is displaceable at a predetermined location in the y-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 13, notches 62 and 63 are provided on the side surface of the thermoelectric module 3, which allows three regions 61a, 61b, and 61c of the thermoelectric module 3 to be displaceable, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 13.

[0055] Fig. 14 is a plan view illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermoelectric module 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, cuts 62, 63 extending in the x-axis direction are provided between the thermoelectric material lines 14_1 to 14_4 of the substrate 10. Specifically, the cut 62 is provided between the thermoelectric material line 14_1 and the thermoelectric material line 14_2, and the cut 63 is provided between the thermoelectric material line 14_3 and the thermoelectric material line 14_4. Each of the cuts 62, 63 is provided so as to stop on the positive side of the conductive members 31, 33 in the x-axis direction. In other words, each of the cuts 62, 63 is provided so as not to straddle the conductive members 31, 33.

[0056] 14, a thermoelectric module 3 can be formed in which three regions 61a, 61b, and 61c are each displaceable. In this case, the region including thermoelectric material line 14_1 corresponds to region 61a, the region including thermoelectric material lines 14_2 and 14_3 corresponds to region 61b, and the region including thermoelectric material line 14_4 corresponds to region 61c. In this embodiment, the incisions 62 and 63 may be formed after the substrate 10 is wound.

[0057] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the thermoelectric module according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric modules 3 may be arranged in parallel to one another. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric module can be installed in a wider variety of installation locations. For example, the thermoelectric module 3 shown in FIG. 15 can also be installed in a spherical structure.

[0058] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a thermoelectric system according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, a thermoelectric system 100 according to this embodiment includes a thermoelectric module 1, a sensor module 101, a power supply control unit 110, a switching unit 111, and a power storage unit 112. The thermoelectric system 100 according to this embodiment is a system that supplies power from the thermoelectric module 1 to a predetermined load (sensor module 101). Note that, in this embodiment, the sensor module 101 will be described as an example of a load, but the thermoelectric system 100 according to this embodiment may include a load other than the sensor module 101 as the predetermined load.

[0059] 16 can be the thermoelectric modules 1, 2, and 3 described in the first to third embodiments. Note that a detailed description of the thermoelectric module 1 has been given in the first to third embodiments, and will therefore be omitted.

[0060] The power storage unit 112 is configured to be able to supply power to the sensor module 101, which is a predetermined load. The power storage unit 112 is also configured to be able to store power supplied from the thermoelectric module 1. For the power storage unit 112, for example, a general battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor can be used.

[0061] The switching unit 111 switches the connections of the thermoelectric module 1, the power storage unit 112, and the sensor module (load) 101.

[0062] The power supply control unit 110 controls the switching unit 111 to control the connection between the thermoelectric module 1, the power storage unit 112, and the sensor module (load) 101. The power supply control unit 110 is configured to be able to acquire information related to the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric module 1, information related to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 112, and information related to the operating state of the sensor module (load) 101, and controls the switching unit 111 based on this information.

[0063] For example, when supplying power to the sensor module 101, if the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric module 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the power supply control unit 110 controls the switching unit 111 so that power is supplied from the thermoelectric module 1 to the sensor module 101. On the other hand, if the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric module 1 is less than the predetermined amount, the power supply control unit 110 controls the switching unit 111 so that power is supplied from the power storage unit 112 to the sensor module 101.

[0064] Furthermore, when the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric module 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the power supply control unit 110 controls the switching unit 111 to supply power from the thermoelectric module 1 to the power storage unit 112 and charge the power storage unit 112. In this case, the power supply from the thermoelectric module 1 to the sensor module 101 and the power supply (charging) from the thermoelectric module 1 to the power storage unit 112 may be performed simultaneously.

[0065] The sensor module 101 includes a control unit 102, a sensor 103, and a transmission unit 104. The control unit 102 controls various operations of the sensor module 101. The sensor 103 acquires predetermined data. Examples of the predetermined data include temperature data, humidity data, atmospheric pressure data, illuminance data, infrared data, ultraviolet data, acceleration data, and geomagnetic data. Note that the data acquired by the sensor 103 is not limited to these, and the sensor 103 may be configured to acquire other data. The transmission unit 104 transmits the data acquired by the sensor 103. For example, the transmission unit 104 may wirelessly transmit the data acquired by the sensor 103.

[0066] The thermoelectric system 100 according to this embodiment may be installed in a location where the temperature and the like are monitored periodically. For example, by installing the thermoelectric module 1 in a high-temperature pipe or the like and installing the sensor 103 of the sensor module 101 at the location where the temperature is monitored, it is possible to periodically acquire temperature data while generating electric power with the thermoelectric module 1. The thermoelectric system 100 according to this embodiment can be suitably used in, for example, a location where it is difficult to obtain a power source or where equipment maintenance is difficult.

[0067] In the above configuration example, the power supply control unit 110, the switching unit 111, and the power storage unit 112 are provided separately from the sensor module 101. However, in the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 110, the switching unit 111, and the power storage unit 112 may be integrated with the sensor module 101.

[0068] In this embodiment, a voltage adjusting section that adjusts (boosts or drops) the voltage of the thermoelectric module 1 may be provided separately from the sensor module 101 or integrated with the sensor module 101 .

[0069] Furthermore, the thermoelectric system according to this embodiment may be configured without the power supply control unit 110, the switching unit 111, and the power storage unit 112. In other words, the thermoelectric system may be configured so that power is supplied directly from the thermoelectric module 1 to the sensor module 101. In this case, the sensor module 101 is driven when the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric module 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. For example, when the thermoelectric system is disposed in an environment where the thermoelectric module 1 always generates power, such as when the thermoelectric module 1 is disposed in a location that is always at high temperature, the power supply control unit 110, the switching unit 111, and the power storage unit 112 may be omitted. Note that, in this case as well, a voltage adjustment unit that adjusts (boosts or drops) the voltage of the thermoelectric module 1 may be provided separately from the sensor module 101 or integrated with the sensor module 101.

[0070] The present invention has been described above in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art can make within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1, 2, 3 Thermoelectric Module 10 Base material 11 Thermoelectric materials 12 n-type thermoelectric materials 13 p-type thermoelectric material 14, 14_1, 14_2, 14_3, 14_4 Thermoelectric Materials Line 15, 16 boundaries 17, 18 Electromotive force 21, 22 End 31, 32, 33 Conductive members 41, 42 End 51 Base material 61a, 61b, 61c area 62, 63 notches 81, 82 structure 100 Thermoelectric Systems 101 Sensor Module 102 Control section 103 Sensors 104 Transmitter 110 Power supply control unit 111 Switching section 112 Power storage unit

Claims

1. a strip-shaped first substrate extending in a first direction; a thermoelectric material formed on the first substrate, the thermoelectric material includes thermoelectric material lines each including a plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials alternately arranged so as to extend in a line shape in the first direction, the thermoelectric module is configured into a cylindrical shape by winding the strip-shaped first base material in the first direction, when the thermoelectric module is wound, adjacent boundaries between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are arranged to face each other on the circumference of a cylindrical cross section, When the end portions of the thermoelectric material lines in the first direction are defined as a first end portion, an end portion that is arranged on the inner circumferential side when the thermoelectric module is wound, and a second end portion, an end portion that is arranged on the outer circumferential side, the lengths of the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are increased from the first end portion to the second end portion. Thermoelectric module.

2. Among the boundaries between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material, odd-numbered boundaries in the first direction are disposed on a first side on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section, and even-numbered boundaries in the first direction are disposed on a second side opposite to the first side on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section, one of the first side and the second side of the cylindrical cross section is located on a high temperature side, and the other is located on a low temperature side; The thermoelectric module according to claim 1 .

3. When the thickness of the first substrate and the thermoelectric material is d and the radius of the first turn counted from the inner periphery of the thermoelectric module wound n times is r, The lengths of the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material arranged in the nth turn in the first direction are each defined as π(r+(n−1)d). The thermoelectric module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the thermoelectric material includes a plurality of the thermoelectric material lines; the plurality of thermoelectric material lines are electrically connected at end sides in the first direction, and are connected in series; the p-type thermoelectric materials and the n-type thermoelectric materials of the plurality of thermoelectric material lines are alternately arranged while being spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The thermoelectric module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the thermoelectric material includes first to fourth thermoelectric material lines as the thermoelectric material lines, the first to fourth thermoelectric material lines are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first thermoelectric material line and the second thermoelectric material line are electrically connected at one end side in the first direction, thereby being connected in series; the second thermoelectric material line and the third thermoelectric material line are electrically connected at the other end side in the first direction, thereby being connected in series; the third thermoelectric material line and the fourth thermoelectric material line are electrically connected at one end side in the first direction, thereby being connected in series; the p-type thermoelectric material of the first thermoelectric material line, the n-type thermoelectric material of the second thermoelectric material line, the p-type thermoelectric material of the third thermoelectric material line, and the n-type thermoelectric material of the fourth thermoelectric material line are arranged to correspond to one another in the second direction; the n-type thermoelectric material of the first thermoelectric material line, the p-type thermoelectric material of the second thermoelectric material line, the n-type thermoelectric material of the third thermoelectric material line, and the p-type thermoelectric material of the fourth thermoelectric material line are arranged to correspond to one another in the second direction. The thermoelectric module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a notch extending in the first direction is provided between each of the thermoelectric material lines of the first substrate; the cylindrical thermoelectric module is configured to be displaceable at a predetermined location in the first direction; The thermoelectric module according to claim 4 or 5.

7. 7. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the cylindrical thermoelectric modules are arranged in parallel with each other.

8. Further comprising a second substrate; the cylindrical thermoelectric modules are arranged in parallel to one another on the second substrate; The thermoelectric module according to claim 7 .

9. A thermoelectric module according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a power storage unit that supplies power to a predetermined load; a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the predetermined load, the power supply control unit is configured to be able to switch between a mode in which the power generated by the thermoelectric module is supplied to the load and a mode in which the power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the load. Thermoelectric systems.

10. the power supply control unit is further configured to be switchable to a mode in which power generated by the thermoelectric module is used to store power in the power storage unit. The thermoelectric system of claim 9 .

11. the load is a sensor module; The sensor module includes: a sensor for acquiring predetermined data; A transmitter that transmits data acquired by the sensor. The thermoelectric system according to claim 9 or 10.

12. preparing a strip-shaped first substrate extending in a first direction; forming a thermoelectric material on the first substrate; and winding the first substrate on which the thermoelectric material is formed in the first direction to form a cylindrical shape, the thermoelectric material includes thermoelectric material lines each including a plurality of p-type thermoelectric materials and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric materials alternately arranged so as to extend in a line shape in the first direction, When the end portions of the thermoelectric material line in the first direction are defined as a first end portion, an end portion that is located on the inner periphery side when a first substrate on which the thermoelectric material is formed is wound, and a second end portion, an end portion that is located on the outer periphery side, the lengths of the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are increased from the first end portion to the second end portion, In the winding step, the winding is performed such that adjacent boundaries between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material face each other on the circumference of the cylindrical cross section. A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module.

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