Thermoelectric power generation apparatus and thermoelectric power generation method

Abstract

To prevent the occurrence of electric leakage when thermoelectric power generation is performed in a manufacturing facility line of a steel mill.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric power generation unit used by being attached to a manufacturing facility line of a steel mill, comprises: a heat-receiving plate; a cooling plate opposing the heat-receiving plate; a thermoelectric power generation module arranged between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate; and a sealing member, wherein the thermoelectric power generation module comprises: a pair of opposing insulating substrates; a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements held between the pair of insulating substrates; and an outer periphery sealing frame held between the pair of insulating substrates and sealing outer peripheries of the pair of insulating substrates, wherein the sealing member is annularly arranged between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate so as to surround the thermoelectric power generation module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation device attached to a manufacturing equipment line in a steelworks and a thermoelectric power generation method using the thermoelectric power generation device.

Background Art

[0002] It has long been known as the Seebeck effect that when a temperature difference is applied to different conductors or semiconductors, an electromotive force is generated between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part. A thermoelectric power generation device that directly converts heat into electricity using such thermoelectric elements has been put into practical use.

[0003] By using a thermoelectric power generation device, heat energy that has not been conventionally utilized can be effectively utilized as electric power. Therefore, the use of thermoelectric power generation devices is being promoted in various fields.

[0004] For example, the present inventors have proposed using a thermoelectric power generation device in a manufacturing equipment line of a steelworks (Patent Documents 1 to 3). In a steelworks, various processes such as ironmaking, steelmaking, casting, hot rolling, and heat treatment are carried out at high temperatures. Therefore, if the surplus heat generated in these processes can be converted into electricity, it will contribute to energy conservation and reduction of CO2 emissions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, it was discovered that attempting to generate thermoelectric power in the manufacturing equipment rows of a steel mill presented a problem: electrical leakage was likely to occur.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above problems and aims to prevent leakage current when generating electricity using thermoelectric power in a steel mill's manufacturing equipment array. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0009] In other words, in steel mills, not only are various processes carried out at high temperatures, but cooling water is sometimes used to cool the workpieces and manufacturing equipment. For example, in the continuous casting process, cooling water is used to cool the rollers that come into contact with the high-temperature steel slabs. In this case, the thermoelectric power generation equipment installed in the rows of manufacturing equipment is exposed to water vapor in addition to the high temperature. As a result, it has been found that moisture can enter the inside of the thermoelectric power generation equipment, causing a short circuit.

[0010] In addition, dust is inevitably present around the manufacturing equipment rows of a steel mill due to the manufacturing process. The main component of this dust is iron powder derived from the steel being processed. Because this iron powder is extremely fine, it has been found to penetrate the inside of thermoelectric power generation equipment and cause short circuits. Much of this iron powder is oxidized to iron oxide. Although iron oxide conducts electricity less well than metallic iron, it is not a perfect insulator; for example, wustite has an conductivity of 30Ω. -1 cm -1 For magnetite, the resistance is approximately 250Ω. -1 cm -1It possesses a certain degree of electrical conductivity. Therefore, if iron powder enters the inside of a thermoelectric power generation device, it can cause electrical leakage. Furthermore, if fine iron powder (iron oxide powder) enters the inside of a thermoelectric power generation device, moisture tends to condense and be retained around the iron powder, which is thought to synergistically increase the risk of electrical leakage.

[0011] Thus, it was found that the area surrounding the steel mill's manufacturing equipment rows is an extremely harsh environment with moisture and fine iron powder present, which makes it highly susceptible to electrical leakage.

[0012] This invention was completed based on the above findings, and its gist is as follows.

[0013] 1. A thermoelectric power generation device used in a steel mill's manufacturing equipment row, A thermoelectric power generation device comprising a heat receiving plate, a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate, a thermoelectric power generation module disposed between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, and a sealing member, The aforementioned thermoelectric power generation module is A pair of opposing insulating substrates, A plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates, It comprises an outer peripheral sealing frame sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates and sealing the outer periphery of the pair of insulating substrates, The sealing member is arranged in a ring shape between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, surrounding the thermoelectric power generation module, in a thermoelectric power generation device.

[0014] 2. Furthermore, the device is equipped with fastening means for fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, The thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is arranged in an annular manner on the outside of the fastening means so as to directly contact the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate and surround the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0015] 3. The thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to 1 or 2 above, wherein the sealing member is an O-ring.

[0016] 4. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member is made of fluororubber.

[0017] 5. A thermoelectric power generation method, wherein the thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2 is attached to a manufacturing equipment line in a steelworks, and heat is converted into electric power by the thermoelectric power generation device. 6.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, when the thermoelectric power generation device is used in a manufacturing equipment line of a steelworks, it is possible to prevent electric leakage caused by the intrusion of moisture and fine iron powder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device in the second embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device in the third embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device in the fifth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Next, a method for implementing the present invention will be specifically described. The following description shows examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the following description.

[0021] [Thermoelectric Power Generation Device] A thermoelectric power generation device in an embodiment of the present invention is a thermoelectric power generation device used by being attached to a manufacturing equipment line in a steelworks, and includes a heat receiving plate, a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate, a thermoelectric power generation module disposed between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, and a sealing member.

[0022] (heat receiving plate) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention is equipped with a heat receiving plate for receiving heat from a heat source. When using the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention, the device should be installed so that the heat receiving plate is located on the heat source side. After the heat from the heat source is received by the heat receiving plate, it is transferred to one side (the high-temperature side) of the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0023] The material of the heat receiving plate is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, and carbon. The metal is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and steel.

[0024] (Cooling plate) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention is equipped with a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate. When using the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention, the device should be installed so that the cooling plate is located on the side opposite to the heat source. The cooling plate cools the other side (low-temperature side) of the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0025] Any cooling plate capable of cooling the thermoelectric power generation module can be used. The cooling plate may be, for example, a heat sink or a heat exchanger, but from the viewpoint of cooling efficiency, a heat exchanger is preferred. As the heat exchanger, for example, a water-cooled plate having a cooling water channel inside can be used. If the cooling plate is a heat sink, it is preferable to provide heat dissipation fins to improve cooling efficiency.

[0026] The material of the cooling plate is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, it is preferably made of metal. The metal is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, and among these, it is preferable to use aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0027] (Thermoelectric power generation module) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention comprises a thermoelectric power generation module positioned between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate. That is, the heat receiving plate is installed on the high-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation module, and the cooling plate is installed on the low-temperature side.

[0028] The number of thermoelectric generation modules per thermoelectric power generation device is not particularly limited; there may be one or more. In other words, one or more thermoelectric generation modules can be provided between a set of heat receiving plates and cooling plates. When using multiple thermoelectric generation modules, they may be fixed together as a single unit with fixing members.

[0029] The thermoelectric power generation module is equipped with the following (1) to (3). (1) A pair of opposing insulating substrates (2) Multiple thermoelectric power generation elements sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates (3) An outer perimeter sealing frame that is sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates and seals the outer perimeter of the pair of insulating substrates.

[0030] (1) Insulating substrate To ensure insulation between the thermoelectric power generation element and the heat receiving plate and cooling plate, the thermoelectric power generation module is equipped with a pair of insulating substrates, and the thermoelectric power generation element is sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates. The insulating substrates also have the function of absorbing the difference in thermal expansion in the planar direction between each component (thermoelectric power generation element, heat receiving plate, cooling plate, outer peripheral sealing frame, etc.) that is in contact with the insulating substrates.

[0031] Any insulating substrate can be used as the insulating substrate. The insulating substrate may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, but from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, a thinner thickness is preferable, so a sheet-like flexible substrate is preferred.

[0032] The insulating substrate may be made of any insulating material, such as ceramic or resin, but resin is preferred. Any resin can be used, but from the viewpoint of heat resistance, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide is preferred, and polyimide is more preferred among them.

[0033] (2) Thermoelectric power generation element A thermoelectric power generation element, also called a thermoelectric conversion element, is a device that has the function of converting heat into electricity. Specifically, an electromotive force is generated when a temperature difference is formed between one surface of the thermoelectric power generation element and the other surface of the element.

[0034] The thermoelectric power generation element is not particularly limited and any element that has the function of generating thermoelectric power can be used. A typical thermoelectric power generation element has a structure that combines a pair of p-type semiconductors and n-type semiconductors. As the thermoelectric power generation element, for example, at least one material selected from the group consisting of BiTe-based, PbTe-based, Si-Ge-based, silicide-based, skutterudite-based, transition metal oxide-based, zinc antimony-based, boron compounds, clathrate compounds, cluster solids, zinc oxide-based, and carbon nanotubes can be used.

[0035] Generally, since the electromotive force of a single thermoelectric element is small, multiple thermoelectric elements are used in a thermoelectric power generation module. The number of thermoelectric elements used is not particularly limited and should be determined according to the required power. If the number of thermoelectric elements per thermoelectric power generation module is too small, a large number of thermoelectric power generation modules will be needed to secure the required amount of power generation. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of thermoelectric elements per thermoelectric power generation module be 2000 or more. On the other hand, since there is a risk that the thermoelectric power generation module will stop functioning if even a few elements in the thermoelectric power generation module are damaged, it is desirable that the number of thermoelectric elements per thermoelectric power generation module not be excessively large, and specifically, it is preferable that it be 6000 or less.

[0036] (3) Outer perimeter sealing frame An outer perimeter sealing frame is provided between the pair of insulating substrates to seal the outer perimeter of the pair of insulating substrates. By sealing the outer perimeter of the insulating substrates in this way, it is possible to prevent moisture and iron powder from entering the interior from the outer perimeter of the thermoelectric power generation module. The outer perimeter sealing frame should be provided near the outer edge of the insulating substrates so as to surround all of the thermoelectric power generation elements provided in the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0037] The shape of the outer perimeter sealing frame is not particularly limited and may be frame-shaped. However, if the insulating substrate is rectangular, it is preferable that the outer perimeter sealing frame also be rectangular in shape, from the viewpoint of providing ample space for mounting the thermoelectric power generation element. Here, the shape of the outer perimeter sealing frame refers to the shape of the outer perimeter sealing frame when the thermoelectric power generation module is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the insulating substrate.

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral sealing frame is not particularly limited and may be any shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be rectangular or circular. As an outer peripheral sealing frame with a circular cross-sectional shape, for example, an O-ring can be used.

[0039] The material of the outer peripheral sealing frame is not particularly limited, and various materials such as resin, ceramic, and metal can be used. If resin is used, a resin with heat resistance appropriate to the usage environment should be used. Furthermore, as the metal, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and steel.

[0040] (Sealing member) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention includes a sealing member. The sealing member is arranged in an annular shape between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate so as to surround the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0041] If the aforementioned sealing member is not present, moisture and iron powder can enter the thermoelectric power generation device through the gap between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, making electrical leakage more likely. Therefore, in this invention, an annular sealing member is provided between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate so as to surround the thermoelectric power generation module, thereby preventing moisture and iron powder from entering through the gap between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate.

[0042] In this way, by sealing the outer periphery of the insulating substrate with the outer periphery sealing frame, and by sealing the space between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate with the sealing member, the intrusion of moisture and iron powder into the thermoelectric power generation module can be effectively suppressed.

[0043] From the viewpoint of sealing performance, it is preferable that the sealing member is in direct contact with the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate.

[0044] As the sealing member, it is preferable to use, for example, an annular elastic sealing member. As the annular elastic sealing member, any shape can be used, such as one with a rectangular cross-section or one with a circular cross-section, but it is preferable to use an O-ring.

[0045] The material of the sealing member is not particularly limited; any material that can seal the gap and prevent the intrusion of moisture and iron powder can be used. The material of the sealing member is preferably an elastic material, and more preferably an insulating elastic material. Typically, rubber can be used as an insulating elastic material. The term rubber also includes elastomers. In particular, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable to use fluororubber, and among these, it is preferable to use perfluoroelastomer.

[0046] (Thermal conductive sheet) It is preferable to provide a thermal conductive sheet between the heat receiving plate and the thermoelectric power generation module. It is also preferable to provide a thermal conductive sheet between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module. By providing a thermal conductive sheet, the thermal contact resistance between the components can be reduced and the thermoelectric power generation efficiency can be improved. The thermal conductive sheet may be provided only between the heat receiving plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, or between the cooling plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, but it is preferable to provide it in both places. The thermal conductive sheet also has the function of absorbing the difference in thermal expansion in the thickness direction between each component (thermoelectric power generation module, heat receiving plate, cooling plate, etc.) that is in contact with the thermal conductive sheet.

[0047] The aforementioned thermal conductive sheet is not particularly limited as long as it is a sheet that can be used in the operating environment of a thermoelectric power generation module, but from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, it is preferable to use a graphite sheet.

[0048] (fastening means) The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention preferably further comprises fastening means for fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate. By fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate with the fastening means, the adhesion between the components is increased, and as a result, the sealing performance by the sealing member and outer peripheral sealing frame described above can be further improved. Here, "fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate" means fixing the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate by applying force in a direction that brings them closer together.

[0049] Any fastening means capable of fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate can be used, but typically the fastening means comprises bolts inserted through the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fastening means comprises a biasing member that biases the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate toward each other. It is preferable that a coil spring be used as the biasing member.

[0050] The location where the fastening means are provided is not particularly limited and can be installed at any location. From the viewpoint of avoiding interference with the thermoelectric power generation module, it is preferable to provide the fastening means in a location where the thermoelectric power generation module is not present, that is, outside the thermoelectric power generation module. However, it is also possible to install the fastening means so as to penetrate the thermoelectric power generation module. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device may include both a fastening means (first fastening means) arranged outside the thermoelectric power generation module and a fastening means (second fastening means) arranged so as to penetrate the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0051] When a thermoelectric power generation device is equipped with fastening means, it is preferable that the sealing member be arranged in a ring shape on the outside of the fastening means.

[0052] (Support member) Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a support member for supporting the sealing member between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate. The installation position of the support member is not particularly limited, but typically it can be installed between the insulating substrate on the heat receiving plate side and the heat receiving plate.

[0053] The material of the support member is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of insulation, heat insulation, heat resistance, and strength, it is preferable to use ceramic.

[0054] [Thermoelectric power generation method] In the thermoelectric power generation method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation device described above is installed in the manufacturing equipment row of a steel mill, and heat is converted into electricity by the thermoelectric power generation device. As described above, the environment surrounding the manufacturing equipment row of a steel mill is an extremely harsh environment in which moisture and fine iron powder are present, and as a result, electrical leakage is highly likely to occur. However, by using a thermoelectric power generation device having the structure described above, it is possible to prevent moisture and iron powder from entering the thermoelectric power generation device, especially the thermoelectric power generation module. As a result, electrical leakage can be prevented, and thermoelectric power generation can be performed stably.

[0055] The manufacturing equipment sequence of the steel mill described above is not particularly limited; any sequence of manufacturing equipment with a heat source can be used. Examples of particularly suitable manufacturing equipment sequences include continuous casting lines and hot rolling lines.

[0056] Next, the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0057] (First embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a thermoelectric power generation device 1 in a first embodiment of the present invention. The thermoelectric power generation device 1 comprises a heat receiving plate 10 and a cooling plate 20 arranged opposite each other, and a thermoelectric power generation module 30 sandwiched between them.

[0058] The thermoelectric power generation module 30 comprises a pair of opposing insulating substrates 31, a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements 32 sandwiched between the insulating substrates 31, and an outer peripheral sealing frame 33. The plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements 32 are connected to each other by electrodes 34.

[0059] The outer perimeter sealing frame 33 is made of resin or metal and is fixed by being sandwiched between the insulating substrate 31. By providing the outer perimeter sealing frame 33 in this way, it is possible to prevent moisture, iron powder, and other contaminants from entering from the outer edge of the thermoelectric power generation module 30.

[0060] Furthermore, a thermal conductive sheet 40 is provided between the heat receiving plate 10 and the thermoelectric power generation module 30, and similarly, a thermal conductive sheet 40 is also provided between the cooling plate 20 and the thermoelectric power generation module 30. By using the thermal conductive sheets 40 in this way, heat can be transferred more easily, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, an annular sealing member 50 is positioned between the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20. In this embodiment, the sealing member 50 is in direct contact with the upper surface of the heat receiving plate 10 and the lower surface of the cooling plate 20, and is provided on the outer edge of the thermoelectric power generation device 1 so as to surround the thermoelectric power generation module 30. By using the sealing member 50 and the outer peripheral sealing frame 33 in combination in this way, the intrusion of moisture and iron powder from the outside can be prevented very effectively.

[0062] Furthermore, although the sealing member 50 in this embodiment is an elastic sealing member (packing) with a substantially rectangular cross-section as shown in Figure 1, it is also preferable to use an O-ring as the sealing member 50, as described above. One or both of the upper surface of the heat receiving plate 10 and the lower surface of the cooling plate 20 may be provided with a groove for installing the sealing member 50. The depth of the groove shall be less than the height of the sealing member 50 (or the diameter in the case of an O-ring).

[0063] In the thermoelectric power generation device 1 of this embodiment, the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20 are fastened together by fastening means 60. The fastening means 60 in this embodiment comprises a bolt 61 and a coil spring 62. The bolt 61 is inserted through a through hole provided in the cooling plate 20, and the tip of the bolt 61 is screwed into a threaded hole provided in the heat receiving plate 10 to secure it. The coil spring 62 is installed between the head of the bolt 61 and the cooling plate 20, and the cooling plate 20 is biased toward the heat receiving plate 10 by the coil spring 62.

[0064] When using the fastening means 60, it is preferable to install the sealing member 50 outside the fastening means 60. By positioning the sealing member 50 outside the fastening means 60, the sealing member 50 can be installed even after the fastening means 60 has been installed.

[0065] Furthermore, a cylindrical sealing member (not shown) can be placed between the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20 on the bolt 61 of the fastening means 60. Preferably, the cylindrical sealing member is provided so as to be in direct contact with the upper surface of the heat receiving plate 10 and the lower surface of the cooling plate 20. By using the cylindrical sealing member, the intrusion of moisture and iron powder from the location where the fastening member is installed can be prevented even more effectively.

[0066] Although only one fastening means 60 is shown in Figure 1, in practice, multiple fastening means 60 can be used to obtain the desired tightening force.

[0067] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 1, the fastening means 60 is provided in a location where the thermoelectric power generation module 30 is not present (outside the thermoelectric power generation module 30). By adopting this structure, it is not necessary to provide through holes in the thermoelectric power generation module 30 for the fastening means 60 to pass through, thus simplifying the structure and further reducing the risk of moisture intrusion.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a thermoelectric power generation device 1 in a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition to having the same configuration as the thermoelectric power generation device in the first embodiment described above, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 in this embodiment is further provided with a support member 70 in the space between the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20.

[0069] More specifically, the support member 70 is installed between the insulating substrate 31 on the heat receiving plate 10 side and the heat receiving plate 10, with the upper surface of the support member 70 in contact with the lower surface of the insulating substrate 31 on the heat receiving plate 10 side, and the lower surface of the support member 70 in contact with the upper surface of the heat receiving plate 10. By installing the support member 70 in this way and filling the gap between the insulating substrate 31 and the heat receiving plate 10, it becomes easier to apply pressure to the outer peripheral sealing frame 33, thereby further improving the sealing effect of these members.

[0070] Furthermore, it is preferable that the support member 70 be provided in a frame shape to support the outer periphery of the thermoelectric power generation module 30. In particular, it is preferable that both the outer periphery sealing frame 33 and the support member 70 are frame-shaped and are positioned at corresponding locations on the outer periphery of the thermoelectric power generation module 30.

[0071] Furthermore, when using the support member 70, the heat conductive sheet 40 may be provided in the area where the support member 70 is not present.

[0072] The structure of parts not mentioned in the above description can be the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0073] (Third embodiment) Next, with reference to Figure 3, a third embodiment, which is a modified version of the second embodiment described above, will be explained. Note that the structure of parts not mentioned in the following description can be the same as that of the second embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0074] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the support member 70 was a member with a rectangular cross-section, but in the third embodiment shown in Figure 3, it is a member with a V-shaped cross-section. In this example, a rod-shaped member with a V-shaped cross-section is installed between the insulating substrate 31 on the heat receiving plate 10 side and the heat receiving plate 10, with the apex of the V-shape facing upwards. By using this shape, the contact area between the support member 70 and the heat receiving plate 10 and insulating substrate 31 can be reduced, thereby suppressing heat conduction. In addition, the V-shape creates a space inside, which further suppresses heat conduction. That is, since the outer peripheral sealing frame 33 is installed above the support member 70, there is no thermoelectric power generation element 32, and therefore, the heat transmitted to the insulating substrate 31 side through the support member 70 is not effectively utilized. Therefore, by using a support member 70 with a structure as shown in Figure 3 to suppress heat transfer through the support member 70, the amount of thermal energy transmitted to the part where the thermoelectric power generation element 32 is located can be relatively increased, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0075] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Note that the structure of parts not mentioned in the following description can be the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, it is also possible to optionally combine some or all of the configurations of the second and third embodiments.

[0076] As described above, in the thermoelectric power generation device of the first embodiment, the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20 are fastened together by fastening means 60. The fastening means 60 is a first fastening means installed outside the thermoelectric power generation module 30, as shown in Figure 1.

[0077] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the thermoelectric power generation device 1 in this embodiment further includes a second fastening means 65, which is positioned to penetrate the thermoelectric power generation module, in addition to the first fastening means 60. The second fastening means 65 is configured to fasten the heat receiving plate 10 and the cooling plate 20, similar to the first fastening means 60. Specifically, like the first fastening means 60, the second fastening means 65 also includes a bolt 66 and a coil spring 67. The bolt 66 is inserted through a through hole provided in the cooling plate 20, and the tip of the bolt 66 is screwed into a threaded hole provided in the heat receiving plate 10 to secure it. The coil spring 67 is installed between the head of the bolt 66 and the cooling plate 20, and the cooling plate 20 is biased toward the heat receiving plate 10 by the coil spring 67.

[0078] Thus, by using both the first fastening means 60 and the second fastening means 65, pressure can be applied more evenly. Although only one second fastening means 65 is shown in Figure 4, multiple second fastening means 65 may be used to achieve the desired tightening force.

[0079] Furthermore, if a second fastening means 65 is provided, it is preferable to provide a sealing frame 68 around the second fastening means 65. By providing a sealing frame 68, it is possible to prevent moisture, iron powder, etc. from entering from the area where the second fastening means 65 is provided.

[0080] The cross-sectional shape of the sealing frame 68 is not particularly limited and may be any shape. For example, it may be rectangular as shown in Figure 4, or it may be circular. As a sealing frame with a circular cross-section, for example, an O-ring can be used. Furthermore, the material of the sealing frame 68 is not particularly limited and various materials such as resin, ceramic, and metal can be used. If resin is used, a resin with heat resistance appropriate to the usage environment should be used. Furthermore, as the metal, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and steel.

[0081] (Fifth embodiment) Next, with reference to Figure 5, a fifth embodiment, which is a modified version of the fourth embodiment described above, will be explained. Note that the structure of parts not mentioned in the following description can be the same as that of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0082] The thermoelectric power generation device of this embodiment further includes a second sealing member 69 in addition to the configuration of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the second sealing member 69 is provided between the cooling plate 20 and the insulating substrate 31 on the cooling plate 20 side, surrounding the bolt 66 of the second fastening means 65. By providing the second sealing member 69 in this way, the intrusion of moisture and iron powder from the location where the second fastening means 65 is provided can be prevented even more effectively. To further enhance the effect of preventing the intrusion of moisture and other substances, it is preferable that the second sealing member 69 be provided so as to be in contact with three components: the bolt 66 of the second fastening means 65, the cooling plate 20, and the insulating substrate 31 on the cooling plate 20 side.

[0083] As the second sealing member 69, it is preferable to use, for example, an annular elastic sealing member. The annular elastic sealing member can be any shape, such as one with a rectangular or circular cross-section, but it is preferable to use an O-ring.

[0084] The material of the second sealing member 69 is not particularly limited; any material that can seal the gap and prevent the intrusion of moisture and iron powder can be used. The material of the second sealing member 69 is preferably an elastic material, and more preferably an insulating elastic material. Typically, rubber can be used as an insulating elastic material. The term rubber also includes elastomers. In particular, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, it is preferable to use fluororubber, and among these, it is preferable to use perfluoroelastomer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1. Thermoelectric power generation device 10 Heat receiving plate 20 Cooling plate 30 Thermoelectric Power Generation Modules 31 Insulating substrate 32 Thermoelectric power generation elements 33 Outer perimeter sealing frame 34 electrodes 40 Thermal conductive sheets 50 Sealing member 60 Fastening means (first fastening means) 61 volts 62 Coil Springs 65 Second fastening means 66 volts 67 Coil springs 68 sealing frame 69 Second sealing member 70 Support member

Claims

1. A thermoelectric power generation device used in a steel mill's production equipment row, A thermoelectric power generation device comprising a heat receiving plate, a cooling plate facing the heat receiving plate, a thermoelectric power generation module disposed between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, a heat conductive sheet disposed between the heat receiving plate and the thermoelectric power generation module, a ceramic support member supporting the outer circumference of the thermoelectric power generation module, and a sealing member, The aforementioned thermoelectric power generation module is A pair of opposing insulating substrates, A plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates, It comprises a resin outer peripheral sealing frame sandwiched between the pair of insulating substrates and sealing the outer periphery of the pair of insulating substrates, The support member is installed between the insulating substrate on the heat receiving plate side and the heat receiving plate. The sealing member is arranged in a ring shape between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, surrounding the thermoelectric power generation module, in a thermoelectric power generation device.

2. Furthermore, it is equipped with fastening means for fastening the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, The thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is arranged in an annular manner outside the fastening means between the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, in direct contact with the heat receiving plate and the cooling plate, and surrounding the thermoelectric power generation module.

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

4. The thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member is made of fluororubber.

5. A thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1 or 2 is installed in a row of manufacturing equipment at a steel mill. A thermoelectric power generation method comprising converting heat into electricity using the aforementioned thermoelectric power generation device.

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