Thermoelectric power generation device

Abstract

To suppress the reduction of power generation efficiency.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric power generation device includes a first substrate having a first surface, a second substrate having a second surface opposite the first surface, a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules, each having a plurality of thermoelectric elements and electrodes connecting the thermoelectric elements, and disposed between the first and second surfaces, and a wiring disposed on the first surface and connecting the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermoelectric power generation devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Thermoelectric power generation devices are known that include thermoelectric power generation modules that generate electricity using the Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric power generation module has a cooling surface and a heating surface. The thermoelectric power generation module generates electricity using the temperature difference between the cooling surface and the heating surface. The greater the temperature difference between the cooling surface and the heating surface, the more the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module improves. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting multiple thermoelectric power generation modules in a bypass pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-164947 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By connecting multiple thermoelectric power generation modules, the output of the thermoelectric power generation device can be increased. If there are many interfaces on the cooling surface side of the thermoelectric power generation module, it may be difficult to increase the temperature difference between the cooling surface and the heating surface due to thermal resistance. If the temperature difference between the cooling surface and the heating surface is not large, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module may decrease.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a thermoelectric power generation device comprising: a first substrate having a first surface; a second substrate having a second surface opposite the first surface; a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules each having a plurality of thermoelectric elements and electrodes connecting the thermoelectric elements, and arranged between the first surface and the second surface; and wiring arranged on the first surface and connecting the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a decrease in power generation efficiency is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a thermoelectric power generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the thermoelectric power generation device according to the embodiment, taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the thermoelectric power generation device according to the embodiment, taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric power generating device according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a first substrate according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Components of the multiple embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] In the embodiment, the positional relationship of each part will be described using the terms "left," "right," "front," "rear," "upper," and "lower." These terms indicate relative positions or directions based on the center of the thermoelectric generator 1. The left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] [Thermoelectric power generation device] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a thermoelectric generator 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the thermoelectric generator 1 according to an embodiment, taken along line AA in Fig. 1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 comprises a case 2, a first substrate 11 arranged in the internal space of the case 2, a second substrate 12 arranged in the internal space of the case 2, and a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules 20 arranged between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12.

[0013] The case 2 is made of metal. The case 2 has a case body 2A and a case lid 2B connected to the case body 2A. The case body 2A has a bottom plate portion and a side plate portion. The case lid 2B is disposed so as to cover an opening at the top of the case body 2A. The case body 2A and the case lid 2B may each be plated.

[0014] The internal space of the case 2 is sealed. The internal space of the case 2 is filled with an inert gas. Examples of the inert gas include argon gas, nitrogen gas, and helium gas. The internal space of the case 2 may be a vacuum.

[0015] The case 2 has a cooling surface 31 and a heating surface 32. The lower surface of the lower plate of the case body 2A is the cooling surface 31, and the upper surface of the case lid 2B is the heating surface 32.

[0016] A connector 3 is attached to the front side plate of the case body 2A. The connector 3 is a hermetic connector that can maintain the sealed state of the case 2. The connector 3 has a plurality of lead pins 4. The lead pins 4 are arranged in through holes 2C formed in the front side plate of the case body 2A.

[0017] A plurality of lead pins 4 are provided. The lead pins 4 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction on the front side plate portion of the case main body 2A.

[0018] Each of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is made of an electrically insulating material. In the embodiment, each of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is a ceramic substrate. Each of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is made of an oxide ceramic or a nitride ceramic. Examples of oxide ceramic include aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Examples of nitride ceramic include silicon nitride (Si3N4) and aluminum nitride (AlN).

[0019] At least one of first substrate 11 and second substrate 12 may be a metal plate whose surface has been subjected to an insulating treatment.

[0020] The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 face each other with a gap therebetween. In the embodiment, the second substrate 12 is disposed higher than the first substrate 11. The first substrate 11 has an upper surface 11A (first surface) and a lower surface 11B. The second substrate 12 has an upper surface 12A and a lower surface 12B (second surface) that faces the upper surface 11A.

[0021] A plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules 20 are arranged between the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11 and the lower surface 12B of the second substrate 12. In the embodiment, four thermoelectric power generation modules 20 are provided. The thermoelectric power generation modules 20 include a first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, a second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, a third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and a fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D.

[0022] Each of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules 20 has a plurality of thermoelectric elements 21 and electrodes 22 connecting the plurality of thermoelectric elements 21 .

[0023] The thermoelectric element 21 is formed of a thermoelectric material. Examples of thermoelectric materials that form the thermoelectric element 21 include manganese silicide compounds (Mn—Si), magnesium silicide compounds (Mg—Si—Sn), skutterudite compounds (Co—Sb), half-Heusler compounds (Zr—Ni—Sn), and bismuth telluride compounds (Bi—Te). The thermoelectric element 21 may be formed of one compound selected from the manganese silicide compounds, magnesium silicide compounds, skutterudite compounds, half-Heusler compounds, and bismuth telluride compounds, or may be formed of a combination of at least two compounds.

[0024] The thermoelectric elements 21 include p-type thermoelectric elements 21A and n-type thermoelectric elements 21B. A plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements 21A and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements 21B are arranged in a predetermined plane. In the front-to-back direction, the p-type thermoelectric elements 21A and the n-type thermoelectric elements 21B are arranged alternately. In the left-to-right direction, the p-type thermoelectric elements 21A and the n-type thermoelectric elements 21B are arranged alternately.

[0025] The electrode 22 is made of a metal. Examples of metals that can be used to form the electrode 22 include copper (Cu), alloys containing copper, nickel (Ni), alloys containing nickel, aluminum (Al), and alloys containing aluminum. The electrode 22 may also have a two-layer or three-layer structure that combines two or three of Cu, Al, and Ni. The surface of these electrodes 22 may be covered with a nickel film.

[0026] The electrodes 22 are provided on each of the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11 and the lower surface 12B of the second substrate 12. A plurality of the electrodes 22 are provided in a predetermined plane parallel to the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11. A plurality of the electrodes 22 are provided in a predetermined plane parallel to the lower surface 12B of the second substrate 12. The electrodes 22 are connected to each of a pair of adjacent p-type thermoelectric elements 21A and n-type thermoelectric elements 21B.

[0027] In one thermoelectric power generation module 20, the electrodes 22 connect multiple thermoelectric elements 21 in series. That is, the thermoelectric power generation module 20 has a series circuit in which multiple thermoelectric elements 21 are connected in series by the electrodes 22. A p-type thermoelectric element 21A and an n-type thermoelectric element 21B are electrically connected via the electrodes 22 to form a p-n element pair. Multiple p-n element pairs are connected in series via the electrodes 22, and in each of the multiple thermoelectric power generation modules 20, a series circuit including multiple thermoelectric elements 21 is formed.

[0028] When a current is supplied to the thermoelectric element 21, the thermoelectric power generation module 20 absorbs or generates heat due to the Peltier effect. When a temperature difference is created between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, the thermoelectric power generation module 20 generates electricity due to the Seebeck effect.

[0029] The first substrate 11 contacts the lower plate of the case body 2A, which has a cooling surface 31. The second substrate 12 contacts the case lid 2B, which has a heating surface 32. The lower surface of the electrode 22 arranged on the first substrate 11 is the cooling surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 20. The upper surface of the electrode 22 arranged on the second substrate 12 is the heating surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 20. The lower surface 11B of the first substrate 11 may be considered to be the cooling surface. The upper surface 12A of the second substrate 12 may be considered to be the heating surface.

[0030] [wiring] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the thermoelectric generator 1 according to the embodiment, taken along the line BB in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11.

[0031] 3, four thermoelectric power generation modules 20 are provided. Two thermoelectric power generation modules 20 are provided in the front-to-rear direction and two thermoelectric power generation modules 20 are provided in the left-to-right direction. The thermoelectric power generation modules 20 include a first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, a second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, a third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and a fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D.

[0032] The thermoelectric power generation device 1 also includes wiring 50 that is disposed on the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11 and is connected to the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules 20.

[0033] The upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11 includes a module region 60 in which the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is arranged, and a wiring region 70 that is arranged around at least a portion of the module region 60 and to which the wiring 50 is connected. The electrodes 22 of the thermoelectric power generation module 20 are connected to the module region 60. The wiring 50 is connected to the wiring region 70.

[0034] The module region 60 includes a first module region 60A in which the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A is arranged, a second module region 60B in which the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B is arranged, a third module region 60C in which the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C is arranged, and a fourth module region 60D in which the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is arranged.

[0035] The first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B are arranged in the front-to-rear direction. The first thermoelectric power generation module 20A is arranged forward of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B. The first thermoelectric power generation module 20A is arranged closer to the connector 3 than the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B.

[0036] The third thermoelectric power generation module 20C and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D are arranged in the front-to-rear direction. The fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is arranged forward of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C. The fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is arranged closer to the connector 3 than the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C.

[0037] The first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D are arranged in the left-right direction, with the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A being arranged to the left of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D.

[0038] The second thermoelectric power generation module 20B and the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C are arranged in the left-right direction, with the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B being arranged to the left of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C.

[0039] The wiring 50 is disposed on the upper surface 11A and connects the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules 20. The wiring 50 is a thin or thick film formed of a metal, and has a film thickness of, for example, about 2 μm to 1 mm. Examples of metals that can form the wiring 50 include copper (Cu), alloys containing copper, nickel (Ni), alloys containing nickel, aluminum (Al), and alloys containing aluminum. Furthermore, a material that is resistant to oxidation (a material that is difficult to oxidize), such as Au or Ni, may be coated on part or all of the wiring 50.

[0040] The wiring area 70 in which the wiring 50 is arranged is set in the peripheral area of ​​the upper surface 11A and between the adjacent module areas 60.

[0041] In the embodiment, the wiring 50 includes a central wiring 50A, a left wiring 50B, a right wiring 50C, a first front wiring 50D, a second front wiring 50E, a third front wiring 50F, and a fourth front wiring 50G.

[0042] The central wiring 50A extends in the front-rear direction. In the left-right direction, at least a portion of the central wiring 50A is disposed between the first and second thermoelectric power generation modules 20A and 20B and the third and fourth thermoelectric power generation modules 20C and 20D. The front end of the central wiring 50A is disposed forward (toward the connector 3) of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D. The rear end of the central wiring 50A is disposed rearward of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B and the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C.

[0043] The left wiring 50B extends in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the left wiring 50B is disposed to the left of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B. The front end of the left wiring 50B is disposed forward of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A (toward the connector 3). The rear end of the left wiring 50B is disposed rearward of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B.

[0044] The right-side wiring 50C extends in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the right-side wiring 50C is disposed to the right of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D. The front end of the right-side wiring 50C is disposed forward (toward the connector 3) of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D. The rear end of the right-side wiring 50C is disposed rearward of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C.

[0045] At least a portion of the first front wiring 50D is disposed in front of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A. At least a portion of the second front wiring 50E is disposed in front of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D.

[0046] The third front wiring 50F is disposed in front of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A. The third front wiring 50F is disposed in front of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D.

[0047] The connector 3 has a plurality of lead pins 4. The lead pins 4 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The lead pins 4 are connected to both ends of an output circuit that is a unit of the thermoelectric power generation module 20. In the embodiment, ten lead pins 4 are provided. In the following description, the ten lead pins 4 will be appropriately referred to as lead pins 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4I, and 4J.

[0048] The first thermoelectric power generation module 20A has an electrode 22A1 arranged at one end of the series circuit of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and an electrode 22A2 arranged at the other end of the series circuit of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A. The electrode 22A1 is arranged at the frontmost and leftmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A. The electrode 22A2 is arranged at the frontmost and rightmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A. The electrode 22A1 is a positive electrode. The electrode 22A2 is a negative electrode.

[0049] The fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D has an electrode 22D1 arranged at one end of the series circuit of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D and an electrode 22D2 arranged at the other end of the series circuit of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D. Electrode 22D1 is arranged at the frontmost and leftmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D. Electrode 22D2 is arranged at the frontmost and rightmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D. Electrode 22D1 is a positive electrode. Electrode 22D2 is a negative electrode.

[0050] The second thermoelectric power generation module 20B has an electrode 22B1 arranged at one end of the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B and an electrode 22B2 arranged at the other end of the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B. The electrode 22B1 is arranged at the rearmost and leftmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B. The electrode 22B2 is arranged at the rearmost and rightmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B. The electrode 22B1 is a negative electrode. The electrode 22B2 is a positive electrode.

[0051] The third thermoelectric power generation module 20C has an electrode 22C1 arranged at one end of the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C and an electrode 22C2 arranged at the other end of the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C. The electrode 22C1 is arranged at the rearmost and leftmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C. The electrode 22C2 is arranged at the rearmost and rightmost of the multiple electrodes 22 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C. The electrode 22C1 is a negative electrode. The electrode 22C2 is a positive electrode.

[0052] The central wiring 50A connects the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B and the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C. The central wiring 50A connects the electrode 22B2 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B to the electrode 22C1 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C. The electrode 22B2 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B is connected to the rear end of the central wiring 50A. The electrode 22C1 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C is connected to the rear end of the central wiring 50A.

[0053] The left wiring 50B connects the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B. The left wiring 50B connects the electrode 22A1 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A to the electrode 22B1 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B. The electrode 22A1 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A is connected to the front end of the left wiring 50B. The electrode 22B1 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B is connected to the rear end of the left wiring 50B.

[0054] The right-side wiring 50C connects the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D. The right-side wiring 50C connects the electrode 22D2 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D to the electrode 22C2 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C. The electrode 22D2 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is connected to the front end of the right-side wiring 50C. The electrode 22C2 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C is connected to the rear end of the right-side wiring 50C.

[0055] The first front wiring 50D is connected to the electrode 22A2 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A.

[0056] The second front wiring 50E is connected to the electrode 22D1 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D.

[0057] The lead pin 4A is connected to the front end of the left wiring 50B. The lead pin 4D is connected to the front end of the central wiring 50A. The lead pin 4E is connected to the first front wiring 50D. The lead pin 4F is connected to the second front wiring 50E. The lead pin 4G is connected to the front end of the central wiring 50A. The lead pin 4J is connected to the front end of the right wiring 50C.

[0058] The electrodes 22A1 and 22B1 are each connected to the lead pin 4A via the left wiring 50B.

[0059] The electrode 22D2 and the electrode 22C2 are each connected to the lead pin 4J via the right wiring 50C.

[0060] The electrode 22B2 and the electrode 22C1 are connected to the lead pin 4D and the lead pin 4G via the central wiring 50A, respectively.

[0061] The electrode 22A2 is connected to the lead pin 4E via the first front wiring 50D.

[0062] The electrode 22D1 is connected to the lead pin 4F via the second front wiring 50E.

[0063] The lead pins 4B and 4C are connected to the third front wiring 50F. The third front wiring 50F is connected to a first thermocouple 91 arranged on the first substrate 11. The first thermocouple 91 detects the temperature of the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11 (cooling surface 31) on which the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is arranged.

[0064] The lead pins 4H and 4I are connected to a fourth front wiring 50G. The fourth front wiring 50G is connected to a second thermocouple 92 arranged on the second substrate 12. The second thermocouple 92 detects the temperature of the lower surface 12B of the second substrate 12 (heating surface 32) on which the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is arranged.

[0065] The lead pin 4D and the lead pin 4G are connected via a central wiring 50A.

[0066] [Diagnosis of thermoelectric power generation modules] In the thermoelectric power generating device 1, the state of the thermoelectric power generating module 20 can be diagnosed by supplying a current to the lead pins 4.

[0067] (1) Diagnosis of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A When diagnosing the condition of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4A. If the condition of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4A flows into the electrode 22A1 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A via the left wiring 50B, then flows through the series circuit of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, and is output from the lead pin 4E via the electrode 22A2 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the first front wiring 50D.

[0068] (2) Diagnosis of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B When diagnosing the condition of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4D. When the condition of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4D flows into the electrode 22B2 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B via the central wiring 50A, then flows through the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, and is output from the lead pin 4A via the electrode 22B1 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B and the left wiring 50B.

[0069] (3) Diagnosis of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C When diagnosing the condition of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4J. When the condition of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4J flows into the electrode 22C2 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C via the right wiring 50C, then flows through the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and is output from the lead pin 4G via the electrode 22C1 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C and the central wiring 50A.

[0070] (4) Diagnosis of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D When diagnosing the condition of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4F. When the condition of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4F flows into the electrode 22D1 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D via the second front wiring 50E, then flows through the series circuit of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, and is output from the lead pin 4J via the electrode 22D2 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D and the right wiring 50C.

[0071] (5) Diagnosis of the first and second thermoelectric power generation modules 20A and 20B When diagnosing the state of the combination of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4D. When the combination of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A and the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4D flows into the electrode 22B2 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B via the central wiring 50A, then flows through the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, and is output from the electrode 22B1 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B to the left wiring 50B. The current output to the left wiring 50B flows into the electrode 22A1 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, then flows through the series circuit of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, and is output from the electrode 22A2 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A to the lead pin 4E via the first front wiring 50D.

[0072] (6) Diagnosis of the first, second, and third thermoelectric power generation modules 20A, 20B, and 20C When diagnosing the condition of the combination of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, and the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4J. If the combination of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, and the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4J flows into the electrode 22C2 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C via the right-side wiring 50C, then flows through the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and is output from the electrode 22C1 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C to the central wiring 50A. The current output to the central wiring 50A flows into the electrode 22B2 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, then flows through the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, and is output from the electrode 22B1 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B to the left-side wiring 50B. The current output to the left wiring 50B flows into the electrode 22A1 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, then flows through the series circuit of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, and is output from the electrode 22A2 of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A to the lead pin 4E via the first front wiring 50D.

[0073] (7) Diagnosis of the second, third, and fourth thermoelectric power generation modules 20B, 20C, and 20D When diagnosing the condition of the combination of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4F. If the combination of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4F flows into the electrode 22D1 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D via the second front wiring 50E, then flows through the series circuit of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, and is output from the electrode 22D2 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D to the right-side wiring 50C. The current output to the right-side wiring 50C flows into the electrode 22C2 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, then flows through the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and is output from the electrode 22C1 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C to the central wiring 50A. The current output to the central wiring 50A flows into the electrode 22B2 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, then flows through the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, and is output from the electrode 22B1 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B to the lead pin 4A via the left wiring 50B.

[0074] (8) Diagnosis of the first, second, third, and fourth thermoelectric power generation modules 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D When diagnosing the state of the combination of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4F. If the state of the combination of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20A, the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4F flows into the electrode 22D1 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D via the second front wiring 50E, then flows through the series circuit of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, and is output from the electrode 22D2 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D to the right-side wiring 50C. The current output to the right wiring 50C flows into the electrode 22C2 of the third thermoelectric generation module 20C, then flows through the series circuit of the third thermoelectric generation module 20C, and is output from the electrode 22C1 of the third thermoelectric generation module 20C to the central wiring 50A. The current output to the central wiring 50A flows into the electrode 22B2 of the second thermoelectric generation module 20B, then flows through the series circuit of the second thermoelectric generation module 20B, and is output from the electrode 22B1 of the second thermoelectric generation module 20B to the left wiring 50B. The current output to the left wiring 50B flows into the electrode 22A1 of the first thermoelectric generation module 20A, then flows through the series circuit of the first thermoelectric generation module 20A, and is output from the electrode 22A2 of the first thermoelectric generation module 20A to the lead pin 4E via the first front wiring 50D.

[0075] (9) Diagnosis of the second and third thermoelectric power generation modules 20B and 20C When diagnosing the condition of the combination of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B and the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4J. When the combination of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B and the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4J flows into the electrode 22C2 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C via the right-side wiring 50C, then flows through the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and is output from the electrode 22C1 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C to the central wiring 50A. The current output to the central wiring 50A flows into the electrode 22B2 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, then flows through the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B, and is output from the electrode 22B1 of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20B to the lead pin 4A via the left-side wiring 50B.

[0076] (10) Diagnosis of the third and fourth thermoelectric power generation modules 20C and 20D When diagnosing the condition of the combination of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, a current is supplied to the lead pin 4F. When the combination of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C and the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D is normal, the current supplied to the lead pin 4F flows into the electrode 22D1 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D via the second front wiring 50E, then flows through the series circuit of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D, and is output from the electrode 22D2 of the fourth thermoelectric power generation module 20D to the right-side wiring 50C. The current output to the right-side wiring 50C flows into the electrode 22C2 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, then flows through the series circuit of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C, and is output from the electrode 22C1 of the third thermoelectric power generation module 20C to the lead pin 4G via the central wiring 50A.

[0077] [effect] As described above, according to the embodiment, wiring 50 connecting multiple thermoelectric power generation modules 20 is arranged on the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11. The first substrate 11 is a single-layer substrate. The thickness of the first substrate 11 is sufficiently thin. Because the first substrate 11 is a single-layer substrate, it does not have an interface. This prevents the thermal resistance of the first substrate 11 from increasing. Therefore, the temperature difference between the cooling surface and the heating surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 20 from becoming small. Therefore, a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is prevented.

[0078] Furthermore, since the wiring 50 is arranged only on the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11, the overall length of the wiring 50 is prevented from increasing, thereby preventing the thermoelectric generator 1 from becoming large.

[0079] The thermoelectric power generation module 20 has a series circuit in which a plurality of thermoelectric elements 21 are connected in series by electrodes 22. The wiring 50 connects the electrode 22 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the first thermoelectric power generation module 20 to the electrode 22 arranged at the end of the series circuit of the second thermoelectric power generation module 20. In other words, the wiring 50 connects the electrodes 22 arranged at the ends of the series circuit of the thermoelectric power generation modules 20 to each other. This allows the state of the thermoelectric power generation module 20 to be properly diagnosed.

[0080] The upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11 includes a module region 60 to which the electrodes 22 are connected, and a wiring region 70 that is disposed in at least a part of the periphery of the module region 60 and to which the wiring 50 is connected. That is, both the wiring 50 and the electrodes 22 of the thermoelectric power generation module 20 are disposed on the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11. This prevents the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device 1 from becoming complicated.

[0081] The first substrate 11 has a cooling surface, and the second substrate 12 has a heating surface. That is, in power generation using the Seebeck effect, the first substrate 11 is not heated. This suppresses deterioration of the wiring 50 due to heat. Furthermore, if the wiring 50 is heated, there is a possibility that the electrical resistance of the wiring 50 increases. In the embodiment, since heating of the wiring 50 is suppressed, an increase in the electrical resistance of the wiring 50 is suppressed.

[0082] In the embodiment, the multiple lead pins 4 protrude forward from the front side plate portion of the case body 2A. The multiple lead pins 4 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The lead pins 4 are connected to both ends of an output circuit that is configured as a unit of thermoelectric power generation modules 20. By selecting the lead pins 4 that input current and the lead pins 4 that output current, it is possible to diagnose the state of each thermoelectric power generation module 20 individually or collectively diagnose the state of a combination of multiple thermoelectric power generation modules 20.

[0083] [Variations] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric generator 1 according to a modified example of the embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the wiring 50 includes a central wiring 50A. As shown in Fig. 4, the central wiring 50A may be omitted. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the wiring 50 includes a left wiring 50B, a right wiring 50C, and a peripheral wiring 50H arranged on the peripheral portion of the upper surface 11A of the first substrate 11.

[0084] 4, the left wiring 50B is connected to the electrodes 22A1 and 22B1. The right wiring 50C is connected to the electrodes 22D2 and 22C2. A portion of the peripheral wiring 50H is connected to the electrodes 22B2 and 22C1.

[0085] 4 also prevents the thermal resistance of the first substrate 11 from increasing. This prevents the temperature difference between the cooling surface and the heating surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 20 from becoming small. Furthermore, the overall length of the wiring 50 is prevented from becoming long.

[0086] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the first substrate 11 according to a modified example of the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, a heat insulating material 80 may be provided to cover the wiring 50. The heat insulating material 80 has insulating properties. By arranging the insulating material 80 to cover the wiring 50, deterioration of the wiring 50 due to heat is suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...thermoelectric power generation device, 2...case, 2A...case body, 2B...case lid, 2C...through hole, 3...connector, 4...lead pin, 4A...lead pin, 4B...lead pin, 4C...lead pin, 4D...lead pin, 4E...lead pin, 4F...lead pin, 4G...lead pin, 4H...lead pin, 4I...lead pin, 4J...lead pin, 11...first substrate, 11A...upper surface (first surface), 11B...lower surface, 12...second substrate, 12A...upper surface, 12B...lower surface (second surface), 20...thermoelectric power generation module, 20A...first thermoelectric power generation module, 20B...second thermoelectric power generation module, 20C...third thermoelectric power generation module, 20D...fourth thermoelectric power generation module, 21...thermoelectric element, 21A... p-type thermoelectric element, 21B...n-type thermoelectric element, 22...electrode, 22A1...electrode, 22A2...electrode, 22B1...electrode, 22B2...electrode, 22C1...electrode, 22C2...electrode, 22D1...electrode, 22D2...electrode, 31...cooling surface, 32...heating surface, 50...wiring, 50A...central wiring, 50B...left side wiring, 50C...right side wiring, 50D...first front wiring, 50E...second front wiring, 50F...third front wiring, 50G...fourth front wiring, 50H...peripheral wiring, 60...module area, 60A...first module area, 60B...second module area, 60C...third module area, 60D...fourth module area, 70...wiring area, 80...insulation, 91...first thermocouple, 92...second thermocouple.

Claims

1. a first substrate having a first surface and being a single-layer substrate made of an electrically insulating material; a second substrate having a second surface opposite to the first surface; a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules each having a plurality of thermoelectric elements and electrodes connecting the thermoelectric elements, the thermoelectric power generation modules being disposed between the first surface and the second surface; wiring that is arranged only on the first surface on which the electrodes are provided and connects the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules; Thermoelectric generator.

2. the thermoelectric power generation module has a series circuit in which a plurality of thermoelectric elements are connected in series by the electrodes, the wiring connects the electrodes arranged at the ends of the series circuit of the thermoelectric power generation modules to each other. The thermoelectric power generating device according to claim 1 .

3. the first surface includes a module region to which the electrodes are connected, and a wiring region that is disposed in at least a part of the periphery of the module region and to which the wiring is connected; The thermoelectric power generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first substrate has a cooling surface and the second substrate has a heating surface; The thermoelectric power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A heat insulating material is provided to cover the wiring. The thermoelectric power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. lead pins connected to both ends of an output circuit formed as a unit of the thermoelectric power generation module; The thermoelectric power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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