Thermoelectric power generation device and hybrid waste heat power generation system including the same

KR103011964B1Active Publication Date: 2026-09-01RES INST OF IND SCI & TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020250106757
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-04
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Estimated Expiration
2045-08-04

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Abstract

A thermoelectric power generation device and a hybrid waste heat power generation system including the same are disclosed. A thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or more thermoelectric power generation modules that generate power from exhaust gas; an exhaust gas conduit section connected to the high-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation module; and a cooling water conduit section connected to the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation module. The thermoelectric power generation module comprises: a high-temperature side heat exchange block having a first block in which a plurality of first pins extending in a first direction are integrally formed, and a second block in which a plurality of second pins extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction and spaced apart from the first pins are integrally formed and coupled with the first block to form a flow path through which exhaust gas passes; a plurality of thermoelectric elements coupled to the high-temperature side heat exchange block and generating electricity by receiving heat from the exhaust gas; and a low-temperature side heat exchange block coupled to the other side of the plurality of thermoelectric elements and through which cooling water circulates to remove heat generated from the thermoelectric elements.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation device that can improve power generation efficiency by evenly distributing high-temperature exhaust gas to a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules and can simplify the manufacturing process by applying a split-type high-temperature heat exchange block, and a hybrid waste heat power generation system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] High-temperature exhaust gases generated by industrial facilities contain a significant amount of waste heat, making the technology to efficiently recover and convert this heat into electricity increasingly important. Industries such as steel, cement, and petrochemicals emit exhaust gases exceeding 300°C, resulting in massive energy losses. Consequently, technologies that utilize this waste heat to generate electricity are recognized as critical technologies for improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0003] Among power generation technologies that recover waste heat, a hybrid waste heat power generation system combining a thermoelectric generator (TEG) and an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) device is attracting attention. In the hybrid waste heat power generation system, the thermoelectric generator primarily recovers heat from high-temperature exhaust gas to generate electricity, and the organic Rankine cycle device secondarily recovers heat from medium-temperature exhaust gas that has passed through the thermoelectric generator to generate additional electricity.

[0004] Conventional thermoelectric power generation devices applied to hybrid waste heat power generation systems adopt a simple series or parallel arrangement method in which exhaust gas is branched and supplied from a single pipeline to multiple thermoelectric power generation modules.

[0005] However, the exhaust gas supply method of existing thermoelectric power generation devices may result in uneven distribution of exhaust gas to each thermoelectric power generation module. Consequently, there was a problem where some thermoelectric power generation modules operated under overload while others operated under low load.

[0006] The thermoelectric power generation module located at the inlet of the pipeline was supplied with a relatively high temperature and flow rate, whereas the thermoelectric power generation module at the outlet was supplied with a low temperature and flow rate, which could lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the overall system.

[0007] In addition, in existing thermoelectric power generation modules, the high-temperature heat exchange block is manufactured as a single integrated unit with complex internal flow paths and fin structures, which resulted in problems such as a complex manufacturing process, high defect rates, and increased production costs. The problem to be solved

[0008] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a thermoelectric power generation device equipped with a thermoelectric power generation module capable of simplifying the manufacturing process of a high-temperature side heat exchange block and improving productivity, and a hybrid waste heat power generation system including the same.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention aims to provide a thermoelectric power generation device capable of improving power generation efficiency by evenly distributing high-temperature exhaust gas to a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules, and a hybrid waste heat power generation system including the same.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention aims to provide a thermoelectric power generation device capable of accommodating thermal expansion due to temperature changes to prevent leakage or damage to pipe connections, and a hybrid waste heat power generation system including the same.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention aims to provide a thermoelectric power generation device and a hybrid waste heat power generation system including the same, which allows for easy maintenance by enabling partial replacement of individual thermoelectric power generation modules. means of solving the problem

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a thermoelectric power generation device may be provided, comprising: one or more thermoelectric power generation modules that generate power from exhaust gas; an exhaust gas conduit section connected to the high-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation module; and a cooling water conduit section connected to the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation module; wherein the thermoelectric power generation module comprises: a high-temperature side heat exchange block having a first block integrally formed with a plurality of first pins extending in a first direction; and a second block integrally formed with a plurality of second pins extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction and spaced apart from the first pins, and coupled to the first block to form a flow path through which exhaust gas passes; a plurality of thermoelectric elements coupled to the high-temperature side heat exchange block and generating electricity by receiving heat from the exhaust gas; and a low-temperature side heat exchange block coupled to the other side of the plurality of thermoelectric elements and through which cooling water circulates to remove heat generated from the thermoelectric elements.

[0013] The above high-temperature side heat exchange block can have the first fins enter between the second fins to partition the flow path, and the second fins enter between the first fins to partition the flow path.

[0014] The above high-temperature side heat exchange block has the free ends of the first pins tightly coupled to a groove formed on the inner surface of the second block, and the free ends of the second pins can be tightly coupled to a groove formed on the inner surface of the first block.

[0015] The first block and the second block can be joined together by a plurality of bolts with a sealing member interposed on the joint surface.

[0016] The above thermoelectric power generation modules may be arranged in parallel, and the exhaust gas conduit section may include a plurality of distribution pipes each connected to the exhaust gas inlet of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules, a distribution header for distributing supplied high-temperature exhaust gas to the plurality of distribution pipes; a recovery header for recovering exhaust gas that has passed through the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules; and an outlet pipe for discharging exhaust gas recovered from the recovery header.

[0017] The exhaust gas pipeline section may further include a flexible pipe connected between the recovery header and the outlet pipe to accommodate thermal expansion.

[0018] The inner diameter of the above recovery header may be larger than the inner diameter of the above distribution header.

[0019] The plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules can be detachably coupled to the distribution header and the recovery header.

[0020] The above cooling water pipeline section may include a cooling water supply pipeline and a cooling water recovery pipeline connected to the low-temperature side heat exchange block.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a hybrid waste heat power generation system may be provided, comprising: the aforementioned thermoelectric power generation device; an organic Rankine cycle device that generates power by heating a working fluid with exhaust gas heat-exchanged in the thermoelectric power generation device; and a cooling water supply system that supplies cooling water to the low-temperature side heat exchange block of the thermoelectric power generation module. Effects of the invention

[0022] The thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured economically while applying a complex internal structure because the high-temperature side heat exchange block is manufactured and assembled using a split method, and productivity can be improved by simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0023] In the thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the high-temperature side heat exchange block is firmly coupled through pins and bolt fastening, stable sealing can be achieved even in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, high structural strength can be secured, and power generation efficiency can be improved.

[0024] Since the thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention can evenly distribute exhaust gas to a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules through a distribution header, the performance variation of each thermoelectric power generation module can be minimized, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the entire system.

[0025] The thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention utilizes a flexible tube to safely accommodate thermal expansion occurring during high-temperature operation, thereby preventing leakage or damage to the pipe connection and extending the design life of the system.

[0026] In the thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the inner diameter of the recovery header is larger than that of the distribution header, pressure loss during exhaust gas recovery can be minimized and the flow resistance of the entire system can be reduced, thereby improving heat recovery efficiency.

[0027] Since the thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a modular structure in which each thermoelectric power generation module is detachably coupled to a distribution header and a recovery header, partial replacement of individual thermoelectric power generation modules is possible, making maintenance easy.

[0028] The hybrid waste heat power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the efficiency of the entire power generation system through the even distribution of exhaust gas from the thermoelectric power generation device. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a hybrid waste heat power generation system to which a thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of a thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of a thermoelectric power generation module applied to a thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric power generation module applied to a thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a high-temperature side heat exchange block according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the first block and the second block are separated. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a high-temperature side heat exchange block according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the first block and the second block are assembled. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiment.

[0031] In relation to descriptions referring to drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0032] The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] The terms "part," "module," and "component" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiment, a plurality of "parts," "modules," and "components" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "component" may include a plurality of components.

[0034] Terms such as "first," "second," "first," and "second" may be used simply to distinguish the components and do not limit them in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0035] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof, and do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] The statement that one component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "contacted" with another component includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or contacted, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0037] The statement that one component is located "on" another component includes not only the case where one component is in contact with another component, but also the case where another component exists between the two components.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a hybrid waste heat power generation system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate electricity by recovering heat in stages from high-temperature exhaust gas (approximately 320°C to 380°C) generated in an industrial facility.

[0040] The hybrid waste heat power generation system (100) includes a thermoelectric power generation device (200) and an organic Rankine cycle device (120). This system can generate electricity through sequential heat recovery from the exhaust gas discharged from the factory by the thermoelectric power generation device (200) and the organic Rankine cycle device (120). In addition, this system may include a main electric valve (111) for controlling the flow rate of the exhaust gas pipeline (110), a bypass pipeline (130) bypassing the main electric valve (111) and the thermoelectric power generation device (200), and a bypass electric valve (131) for controlling the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the bypass pipeline (130).

[0041] High-temperature exhaust gas generated from a factory heat source (101) is discharged through an exhaust gas pipe (110) and undergoes primary heat recovery while passing through a thermoelectric power generation device (200). The exhaust gas, whose temperature has been lowered while passing through the thermoelectric power generation device (200), can be discharged after undergoing secondary heat recovery through heat exchange with the evaporator (121) of an organic Rankine cycle device (120).

[0042] The bypass pipe (130) branches off from the exhaust gas pipe (110) and can provide a path to supply exhaust gas directly to the organic Rankine cycle device (120) without passing through the thermoelectric generator (200). At this time, the bypass electric valve (131) can control the flow rate of exhaust gas passing through the bypass pipe (130).

[0043] The main electric valve (111) is installed in the exhaust gas pipeline (110) that leads directly from the factory heat source (101) to the thermoelectric power generation device (200) and can control the flow rate of exhaust gas passing through the thermoelectric power generation device (200).

[0044] The main electric valve (111) and the bypass electric valve (131) can operate in conjunction with each other and, by operating based on the inlet temperature of the evaporator (121) measured by the temperature sensor (150), can control the ratio of the exhaust gas passing through the thermoelectric generator (200) and the ratio passing through the bypass pipe (130). Thus, the temperature of the exhaust gas supplied to the evaporator (121) of the organic Rankine cycle device (120) can be maintained within an appropriate range.

[0045] The organic Rankine cycle device (120) may include an evaporator (121), a turbine (122), a generator (123), a condenser (124), a pump (125), and a reheater (126). As the working fluid circulating in the organic Rankine cycle device (120), an environmentally friendly low-boiling point refrigerant such as R245fa, R1234ze (E), or R1336mzz (Z) may be used.

[0046] The evaporator (121) can vaporize the circulating organic working fluid into a saturated steam state of approximately 215°C through heat exchange with the exhaust gas (approximately 345 to 355°C) that has passed through the thermoelectric generator (200).

[0047] The turbine (122) generates power by expanding the organic refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator (121), and the generator (123) is driven by the turbine (122) to produce electricity. The generator (123) can be set to a rated capacity of 200 kW and an output voltage of 380 V or 6.6 kV.

[0048] The condenser (124) can condense the low-pressure working fluid that has passed through the turbine (122) into a liquid state in the range of 35 to 50°C through heat exchange with the cooling water supplied from the cooling water supply system (140).

[0049] The working fluid passing through the condenser (124) can be set to maintain a temperature of approximately 45°C, and this working fluid can be temporarily stored in a storage tank (124a). The pump (125) can pressurize the liquid working fluid condensed in the condenser (124) to a high pressure and supply it to the evaporator (121).

[0050] The reheater (126) can improve the efficiency of the organic Rankine cycle device (120) by performing heat exchange between the high-temperature working fluid at the turbine (122) outlet and the low-temperature working fluid at the pump (125) outlet. The working fluid at the turbine (122) outlet can be cooled in the reheater (126) and lowered to the inlet temperature of the condenser (124), and the working fluid at the pump (125) outlet can be heated in the reheater (126) and raised to the inlet temperature of the evaporator (121). The reheater (126) can improve the efficiency of the organic Rankine cycle device (120) through this internal heat exchange.

[0051] The organic Rankine cycle device (120) can recover heat from medium-temperature exhaust gas that has passed through the thermoelectric generator (200) and produce approximately 200 to 250 kW of power.

[0052] The cooling water supply system (140) can supply cooling water to the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation device (200) and to the condenser (124) of the organic Rankine cycle device (120).

[0053] The cooling water supply system (140) may include a cooling tower (141), cooling water supply pipes (142a, 142b) for supplying cooling water from the cooling tower (141) to the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation device (200) and to the condenser (124) of the organic Rankine cycle device (120), cooling water recovery pipes (143a, 143b) for recovering cooling water from the above devices back to the cooling tower (141), and cooling water pumps (144a, 144b) installed in each cooling water supply pipe (142a, 142b).

[0054] The cooling water supply system (140) supplies cooling water to the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric generator (200) to convert the temperature difference between the exhaust gas and the cooling water into electrical energy. Additionally, the cooling water supply system (140) supplies cooling water to the condenser (124) of the organic Rankine cycle device (120) to condense the low-pressure working fluid into a liquid state.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the thermoelectric power generation device (200) may include a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240) that generate power from exhaust gas, an exhaust gas conduit section connected to the high-temperature side of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240), and a cooling water conduit section connected to the low-temperature side of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240).

[0056] Multiple thermoelectric power generation modules (240) can be arranged in parallel as in the example shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a state in which 10 thermoelectric power generation modules (240) are arranged side by side at equal intervals.

[0057] The exhaust gas pipeline section is configured to allow high-temperature exhaust gas of approximately 400°C to be distributed to a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240) and then rejoined and discharged, and may include a distribution header (220), a recovery header (260), and an outlet pipe (280).

[0058] The distribution header (220) distributes high-temperature exhaust gas introduced through the exhaust gas pipeline (110) to a plurality of distribution pipes (221). The plurality of distribution pipes (221) are each connected to the exhaust gas inlet of a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240) to distribute the supplied high-temperature exhaust gas to the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240).

[0059] A plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240) are each connected to a plurality of distribution pipes (221) of a distribution header (220) and generate power by recovering heat from exhaust gas.

[0060] The recovery header (260) recovers exhaust gas that has passed through a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240). The recovery header (260) recovers exhaust gas discharged from each thermoelectric power generation module and delivers it to the outlet pipe (280).

[0061] The inner diameter of the recovery header (260) can be designed to be 350 mm, and the inner diameter of the distribution header (220) can be designed to be 300 mm. In this way, if the inner diameter of the recovery header (260) is made larger than the inner diameter of the distribution header (220), pressure loss can be minimized and exhaust gas can be smoothly recovered from the recovery header (260).

[0062] Multiple thermoelectric power generation modules (240) are detachably connected to a distribution header (220) and a recovery header (260). The multiple thermoelectric power generation modules (240) can be connected to the distribution header (220) and the recovery header (260) by bolt fastening or flange connection. Thus, the multiple thermoelectric power generation modules (240) can be easily separated and replaced as needed. This detachable connection structure enables easy maintenance because it allows only the specific thermoelectric power generation module to be easily separated in the event of a failure or maintenance of that module.

[0063] The outlet pipe (280) discharges the exhaust gas recovered from the recovery header (260) toward the evaporator (121) of the organic Rankine cycle device (120).

[0064] A flexible pipe (290) that accommodates thermal expansion may be provided between the recovery header (260) and the outlet pipe (280). The flexible pipe (290) may be manufactured in a bellows shape using stainless steel and can accommodate axial displacement within a range of ±50 mm and lateral displacement within a range of ±20 mm. The flexible pipe (290) can safely absorb thermal expansion occurring at high temperatures to prevent damage to the pipe connection.

[0065] The cooling water conduit section includes a cooling water supply conduit (246) and a cooling water recovery conduit (247) connected to each of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules (240). The cooling water supply conduit (246) is connected to supply cooling water at approximately 15°C supplied from the cooling tower (141) to the low-temperature side of each thermoelectric power generation module. The cooling water recovery conduit (247) can recover cooling water heated to approximately 25°C while passing through the low-temperature side of each thermoelectric power generation module and guide it to the cooling tower (141). The cooling water recovered to the cooling tower (141) can be supplied back to the thermoelectric power generation device (200) after being re-cooled.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, each thermoelectric power generation module (240) may include a high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) that forms a flow path through which high-temperature exhaust gas passes, a plurality of thermoelectric elements (242) that are coupled to the upper outer surface and lower outer surface of the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) and generate electricity by receiving heat from the exhaust gas, and upper and lower low-temperature side heat exchange blocks (243a, 243b) that are coupled to the other side of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (242) and have cooling water circulating inside to remove heat generated from each thermoelectric element (242).

[0067] In the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241), the distribution header (220) and the recovery header (260) are connected so that high-temperature exhaust gas flows inside, and in the upper and lower low-temperature side heat exchange blocks (243a, 243b), the cooling water supply pipe (246) and the cooling water recovery pipe (247) are connected so that cooling water flows through the internal flow path.

[0068] This thermoelectric power generation module (240) can directly convert electrical energy by utilizing the temperature difference between the high-temperature exhaust gas passing through the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) and the low-temperature cooling water flowing through the low-temperature side heat exchange blocks (243a, 243b). The high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) acts as a high-temperature side heat exchange surface, and the low-temperature side heat exchange blocks (243a, 243b) act as a low-temperature side heat exchange surface.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) includes a first block (241a) (upper block) in which a plurality of first pins (241a1) are integrally formed and extended in a first direction (downward), and a second block (241b) in which a plurality of second pins (241b1) are integrally formed and extended in a second direction (upward) opposite to the first direction but spaced apart from the first pins (241a1). The first pins (241a1) and the second pins (241b1) are each extended in the direction in which exhaust gas flows within the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241).

[0070] The high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) can form a flow path through which exhaust gas passes by combining the upper first block (241a) and the lower second block (241b). The high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) is combined in such a manner that the first pins (241a1) of the first block (241a) enter between the second pins (241b1) of the second block (241b) to partition the flow path, and the second pins (241b1) of the second block (241b) enter between the first pins (241a1) of the first block (241a) to partition the flow path. The first pins (241a1) and the second pins (241b1) are arranged alternately and partition the internal flow path into multiple sections while spaced apart from each other.

[0071] The high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) can divide the path of the exhaust gas into multiple sections through this combination, and can increase the heat exchange area through multiple first pins (241a1) and second pins (241b1) to enhance the effect of recovering heat from the exhaust gas.

[0072] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate in detail the structure in which the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) is divided into upper and lower sections. As illustrated, the first block (241a) (upper block) may be made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, and a plurality of first pins (241a1) extending downward (first direction) may be machined integrally. On the inner surface of the first block (241a) between the first pins (241a1), a groove (241a2) is formed to accommodate the free end of each second pin (241b1) of the second block (241b).

[0073] The second block (241b) (lower block) is also made of the same material as the first block (241a), and a plurality of second pins (241b1) extending upward (second direction) can be machined integrally. On the inner surface of the second block (241b) between the second pins (241b1), a groove (241b2) is formed to accommodate the free end of each first pin (241a1), just as in the first block (241a).

[0074] When assembling the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241), the free end of the first pin (241a1) is tightly coupled to the groove (241b2) formed on the inner surface of the second block (241b), and the free end of the second pin (241b1) is tightly coupled to the groove (241a2) formed on the inner surface of the first block (241a). The free end of the first pin (241a1), extending downward from the first block (241a), is coupled in a manner that allows it to be inserted to a predetermined depth into the inner surface groove (241b2) of the second block (241b). Similarly, the free end of the second pin (241b1), extending upward from the second block (241b), is coupled by being inserted to a predetermined depth into the inner surface groove (241a2) of the first block (241a). The first block (241a) and the second block (241b) can be firmly assembled through this coupling.

[0075] The first block (241a) and the second block (241b) can be joined together by fastening a plurality of bolts (241d) with a heat-resistant sealing member (241c) interposed on the joint surface. The first block (241a) and the second block (241b) can be firmly joined by additionally fastening a plurality of bolts (241d) together with the first and second pins (241a1, 241b1) that are joined together.

[0076] As the sealing member (241c) interposed on the joint surface, a high-temperature silicone gasket capable of withstanding high temperatures of 400°C or higher and achieving a complete seal may be employed. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the unexplained reference numeral 241e is a connecting flange that is connected to each end of the high-temperature side heat exchange block (241) by bolt fastening.

[0077] Even though this high-temperature heat exchange block (241) is manufactured in a divided manner, it can secure a structural strength equivalent to that of an integrated type through the mutual connection of the first pins (241a1) and the second pins (241b1) and the fastening of multiple bolts (241d). The close connection between the first and second pins (241a1, 241b1) and the grooves (241a2, 241b2) can stably respond to thermal expansion and pressure changes occurring in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment.

[0078] As previously explained, the thermoelectric power generation device (200) according to the present embodiment can equalize the distribution of exhaust gas to all thermoelectric power generation modules (240) by distributing it evenly through a plurality of distribution pipes (221) via a distribution header (220). Therefore, the performance variation of each thermoelectric power generation module (240) can be minimized, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the entire system.

[0079] The thermoelectric power generation device (200) according to the present embodiment can be manufactured economically while applying a complex internal structure because it applies a split-type high-temperature heat exchange block (241) in each thermoelectric power generation module (240). In addition, the high-temperature heat exchange block (241) can achieve stable sealing even in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment through the connection of mutually coupled pins (241a1, 241b1) and bolts (241d), and can secure high structural strength, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0080] The thermoelectric power generation device (200) according to the present embodiment can safely accommodate thermal expansion occurring during high-temperature operation by applying a flexible pipe (290), thereby preventing leakage or damage to the pipe connection and extending the design life of the system.

[0081] In the thermoelectric power generation device (200) according to the present embodiment, since the inner diameter of the recovery header (260) is larger than the inner diameter of the distribution header (220), pressure loss during exhaust gas recovery can be minimized and the flow resistance of the entire system can be reduced, thereby improving heat recovery efficiency.

[0082] The thermoelectric power generation device (200) according to the present embodiment has a modular structure in which each thermoelectric power generation module (240) is detachably coupled to a distribution header (220) and a recovery header (260), so partial replacement of individual thermoelectric power generation modules is possible. Therefore, maintenance of the thermoelectric power generation device (200) can be easily performed.

[0083] The hybrid waste heat power generation system (100) according to the present embodiment can improve the efficiency of the entire power generation system through the even distribution of exhaust gas from the thermoelectric power generation device (200).

[0084] The effects obtainable in this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood from the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0085] The above description illustrates and explains specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and a person skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the technical concept of the invention as described in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0086] 100: Hybrid waste heat power generation system 101: Factory heat source 110: Exhaust gas pipeline 111: Main electric valve 120: Organic Rankine cycle apparatus 121: Evaporator 122: Turbine 123: Generator 124: Condenser 125: Pump 126: Reheater 130: Bypass pipe 131: Bypass electric valve 140: Coolant supply system 141: Cooling tower 142a, 142b: Cooling water supply pipes 143a, 143b: Cooling water return pipes 144a, 144b: Cooling water pumps 200: Thermoelectric generator 220: Distribution header 221: Distribution pipe 240: Thermoelectric power generation module 241: High-temperature side heat exchange block 241a: First block 241a1: 1st pins 241b: 2nd block 241b1: Second pins 241c: Sealing member 242: Thermoelectric element 243a: Upper low-temperature heat exchange block 243b: Lower low-temperature heat exchange block 246: Cooling water supply pipe 247: Cooling water return pipeline 260: Return header 280: Outlet pipe 290: Flexible pipe

Claims

Claim 1 A plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules arranged in parallel that generate power from exhaust gas; an exhaust gas conduit section connected to the high-temperature side of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules; and a cooling water conduit section connected to the low-temperature side of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules; wherein the thermoelectric power generation module comprises: a high-temperature side heat exchange block having a first block integrally formed with a plurality of first pins extending in a first direction; and a second block integrally formed with a plurality of second pins extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction and spaced apart from the first pins, and coupled with the first block to form a flow path through which exhaust gas passes; and a plurality of thermoelectric elements coupled to the high-temperature side heat exchange block and generating electricity by receiving heat from the exhaust gas. A thermoelectric power generation device comprising: a low-temperature heat exchange block coupled to the other side of the plurality of thermoelectric elements and through which cooling water circulates to remove heat generated from the thermoelectric elements; wherein the exhaust gas conduit section comprises a plurality of distribution pipes each connected to the exhaust gas inlet of the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules, and a distribution header that distributes the supplied high-temperature exhaust gas to the plurality of distribution pipes; a recovery header that recovers the exhaust gas that has passed through the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules; and an outlet pipe that discharges the exhaust gas recovered from the recovery header. Claim 2 In claim 1, the high-temperature side heat exchange block is a thermoelectric power generation device in which the first fins enter between the second fins to partition the flow path, and the second fins enter between the first fins to partition the flow path. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the high-temperature side heat exchange block is a thermoelectric power generation device in which the free ends of the first pins are tightly coupled to a groove formed on the inner surface of the second block, and the free ends of the second pins are tightly coupled to a groove formed on the inner surface of the first block. Claim 4 A thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first block and the second block are mutually joined by a plurality of bolts with a sealing member interposed on the joining surface. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising: a flexible tube connected between the recovery header and the outlet pipe to accommodate thermal expansion, wherein the exhaust gas pipeline section is connected between the recovery header and the outlet pipe. Claim 7 A thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the recovery header is larger than the inner diameter of the distribution header. Claim 8 In claim 1, the plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules are a thermoelectric power generation device that is detachably coupled to the distribution header and the recovery header. Claim 9 In claim 1, the thermoelectric power generation device comprising a cooling water supply pipe and a cooling water recovery pipe connected to the low-temperature side heat exchange block. Claim 10 A hybrid waste heat power generation system comprising: a thermoelectric power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claims 6 to 9; an organic Rankine cycle device that generates power by heating a working fluid with exhaust gas heat-exchanged in the thermoelectric power generation device; and a cooling water supply system that supplies cooling water to the low-temperature side heat exchange block of the thermoelectric power generation module.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Heat exchanger for thermoelectric power generation with the thermoelectric modules in direct contact with the heat source

    US20160233404A1