Thermoelectric generation module

Abstract

This thermoelectric generation module comprises a first thermoelectric generation element and a second thermoelectric generation element adjacent to each other along a prescribed direction. The first thermoelectric generation element has: a first thermoelectric conversion layer including a first electron thermal excitation layer and a first electron transport layer that overlap each other in a stacking direction that intersects the prescribed direction; and a first electrolyte layer that overlaps the first thermoelectric conversion layer in the stacking direction. The first electron transport layer is flexible and has a first end section, a middle section, and a second end section arranged in order in the prescribed direction. In the stacking direction, each of the first electron thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer overlaps the first end section, the second thermoelectric generation element overlaps the second end section, and each of the first end section and the middle section does not overlap the second thermoelectric generation element in the stacking direction.

Description

Thermal power generation module

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal power generation module, and more particularly to a thermal power generation module that performs a thermoelectric exchange function.

[0002] Examples of thermal power generation using geothermal energy or factory waste heat include a method utilizing the Seebeck effect. Furthermore, examples of thermal power generation that do not utilize the Seebeck effect include the thermal power generation element disclosed in International Publication No. 2017 / 038988. International Publication No. 2017 / 038988 discloses converting thermal energy into electrical energy by combining an electrolyte with a thermoelectric conversion material that generates thermally excited electrons and holes. By using such a thermal power generation element as a power source for electronic components, stable power can be supplied to the electronic components, for example, even in high-temperature environments (e.g., 50°C or higher) where general batteries are prone to degradation.

[0003] In order to put the above-described power generation device utilizing heat into practical use, it is necessary to achieve the desired performance in a limited space.

[0004] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a thermal power generation module that can achieve desired performance in a limited space.

[0005] A thermal power generation module according to one aspect of the present invention is as follows.

[0006] [1] A thermal power generation module comprising a first thermal power generation element and a second thermal power generation element adjacent to each other along a predetermined direction, wherein the first thermal power generation element has a first thermoelectric conversion layer including a first electronic thermal excitation layer and a first electron transport layer that overlap each other in a stacking direction that intersects the predetermined direction, and a first electrolyte layer that overlaps the first thermoelectric conversion layer in the stacking direction, wherein the first electron transport layer is flexible and has a first end, an intermediate portion, and a second end that are aligned in order in the predetermined direction, wherein, in the stacking direction, the first electronic thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer each overlap the first end, and the second thermal power generation element overlaps the second end, and wherein the first end and the intermediate portion do not overlap the second thermal power generation element in the stacking direction.

[0007] In the thermal power generation module [1], the flexible intermediate portion of the first electron transport layer does not overlap any of the first electronic thermal excitation layer, the first electrolyte layer, and the second thermal power generation element in the stacking direction. Therefore, even if none of the first electronic thermal excitation layer, the first electrolyte layer, and the second thermal power generation element exhibit flexibility, the thermal power generation module can exhibit flexibility due to deformation of the intermediate portion. Furthermore, in the thermal power generation module, the first electronic thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer overlap the first end of the first electron transport layer, and the second thermal power generation element overlaps the second end of the first electron transport layer. This reduces the thickness of the thermal power generation module compared to simply stacking the entire first thermal power generation element and the entire second thermal power generation element on top of each other. Here, for example, by connecting the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element in series, the output voltage can be increased. Furthermore, for example, by connecting the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element in parallel, the output current can be increased. As a result, desired performance can be achieved in a limited space.

[0008] [2] The thermal power generation module described in [1], wherein the first electron transport layer has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface in the stacking direction, and the first electron thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer are each located on the first surface in the stacking direction, and the second thermal power generation element is located on the second surface.

[0009] In the thermal power generation module [2], deformation of the intermediate section allows, for example, the first electrolyte layer and the electrolyte layer included in the second thermal power generation element to be arranged on the same plane, thereby effectively reducing the thickness of the thermal power generation module.

[0010] [3] The thermal power generation module described in [1], wherein the first electron transport layer has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface in the stacking direction, and the first electron thermal excitation layer, the first electrolyte layer, and the second thermal power generation element are each located on the first surface in the stacking direction.

[0011] In the thermal power generation module [3], the thickness of the thermal power generation module can be effectively reduced.

[0012] [4] The thermal power generation module according to [2] or [3], wherein the first electronic thermal excitation layer is flexible and covers the first surface.

[0013] In the thermal power generation module [4], the first electronic thermal excitation layer exhibits flexibility. Therefore, even if the first electronic thermal excitation layer is deformed in accordance with the deformation of the first electron transport layer, damage to the first electronic thermal excitation layer can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this thermal power generation module, the first electronic thermal excitation layer covers the first surface of the first electron transport layer. In this case, the volume of the first electronic thermal excitation layer can be increased compared to when the first electronic thermal excitation layer covers only a portion of the first surface.

[0014] [5] A thermal power generation module described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the first end is located on one side of the first electronic thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer in the stacking direction, and the second end is located on the other side of the first electronic thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer in the stacking direction.

[0015] In the thermal power generation module [5], the thickness of the thermal power generation module can be further reduced.

[0016] [6] The thermal power generation module according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the second thermal power generation element has a second thermoelectric conversion layer including a second electron thermal excitation layer and a second electron transport layer that overlap each other in the stacking direction, and a second electrolyte layer that overlaps the second thermoelectric conversion layer in the stacking direction, and in the first thermal power generation element, the first electron transport layer, the first electronic thermal excitation layer in contact with the first end, and the first electrolyte layer are stacked in this order, and in the second thermal power generation element, the second electrolyte layer in contact with the second end, the second electronic thermal excitation layer, and the second electron transport layer are stacked in this order.

[0017] In the thermal power generation module [6], the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element can be connected in series to each other, thereby increasing the output voltage.

[0018] [7] A thermal power generation module according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the second thermal power generation element has a second thermoelectric conversion layer including a second electronic thermal excitation layer and a second electron transport layer that overlap each other in the stacking direction, and in the first thermal power generation element, the first electron transport layer, the first electronic thermal excitation layer in contact with the first end, and the first electrolyte layer are stacked in this order, and in the second thermal power generation element, the second electron transport layer is in contact with the second end.

[0019] In the thermal power generation module [7], the first thermal power generation element and the second thermal power generation element can be connected in parallel to each other, thereby increasing the output current.

[0020] [8] The thermal power generation module according to any one of [1] to [7], which is a wound body wound in a direction intersecting the stacking direction.

[0021] The thermal power generation module of [8] can be arranged more efficiently in a space that is limited depending on the application.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermal power generation module that can achieve desired performance in a limited space.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is another schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of use of a thermal power generation module according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a first modified example. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a second modified example. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a third modified example. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to another example of the third modified example. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to another example of the fourth modified example. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a fifth modified example. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a sixth modified example.

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0025] First, the configuration of a thermal power generation module according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to one embodiment. The thermal power generation module 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an assembly of components that generates electricity when heat is supplied from an external source. In other words, the thermal power generation module 1 is an assembly of thermoelectric generators that convert thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0026] The thermal power generation module 1 has, for example, a sheet shape and is flexible. The shape of the thermal power generation module 1 in plan view is not particularly limited. The shape of the thermal power generation module 1 in plan view may be, for example, a polygonal shape such as a rectangle, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. The thermal power generation module 1 shown in FIG. 1 is in an undeformed state.

[0027] The thermal power generation module 1 includes a plurality of thermal power generation elements 2 having the same configuration. In FIG. 1 , the plurality of thermal power generation elements 2 are arranged along a predetermined direction (the vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, between two adjacent thermal power generation elements 2 in the predetermined direction, a portion of one thermal power generation element 2 overlaps a portion of the other thermal power generation element 2. Hereinafter, the direction in which a portion of one thermal power generation element 2 overlaps a portion of the other thermal power generation element 2 (the horizontal direction on the paper surface in FIG. 1 ) will be referred to simply as the stacking direction D1. The stacking direction D1 intersects or is perpendicular to the predetermined direction. For this reason, the predetermined direction will be referred to simply as the intersecting direction D2. Note that in this specification, the term "same" is a concept that includes not only "completely identical" but also "substantially identical."

[0028] The multiple thermal power generation elements 2 are thermoelectric generators having the same shape. The thermal power generation elements 2 generate thermally excited electrons and holes when heat is supplied from the outside. The generation of thermally excited electrons and holes by the thermal power generation elements 2 is performed, for example, at a temperature of 25°C or higher and 300°C or lower. From the viewpoint of generating a sufficient amount of thermally excited electrons and holes, the thermal power generation elements 2 may be heated to a temperature of, for example, 50°C or higher during use of the thermal power generation module 1. Note that, for example, a temperature at which a sufficient number of thermally excited electrons are generated is a temperature at which the thermally excited electron density of the thermal power generation elements 2 is 1015 / cm3 or higher. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing deterioration of the thermal power generation elements 2, the thermal power generation elements 2 may be heated to a temperature of, for example, 200°C or lower during use of the thermal power generation module 1. The power generation mechanism of the thermal power generation elements 2 is similar to the power generation mechanism described, for example, in JP 2021-005651 A.

[0029] The thermal power generation element 2 is a laminate including a thermoelectric conversion layer 3 and an electrolyte layer 4 that are stacked in this order in the stacking direction D1. The thermoelectric conversion layer 3 includes an electron thermal excitation layer 5 and an electron transport layer 6 that are stacked in this order in the stacking direction D1. In this embodiment, the electrolyte layer 4, the electron thermal excitation layer 5, and the electron transport layer 6 are stacked in this order along the stacking direction D1.

[0030] The electron thermal excitation layer 5 is a layer that generates thermally excited electrons and holes in the thermal power generation element 2. The electron thermal excitation layer 5 includes a thermoelectric conversion material. The thermoelectric conversion material is a material in which excited electrons increase in a high-temperature environment, and is, for example, a semiconductor material such as a metal semiconductor (Si, Ge), a tellurium compound semiconductor, a silicon germanium (Si-Ge) compound semiconductor, a silicide compound semiconductor, a skutterudite compound semiconductor, a clathrate compound semiconductor, a Heusler compound semiconductor, a half-Heusler compound semiconductor, a metal oxide semiconductor, a metal sulfide semiconductor, or an organic semiconductor. From the viewpoint of generating sufficient thermally excited electrons at a relatively low temperature, the thermoelectric conversion material may be germanium (Ge).

[0031] The electron thermal excitation layer 5 may contain multiple thermoelectric conversion materials. The electron thermal excitation layer 5 may also contain materials other than thermoelectric conversion materials. For example, the electron thermal excitation layer 5 may contain a binder that binds the thermoelectric conversion materials together, a sintering aid that assists in molding the thermoelectric conversion materials, etc. The electron thermal excitation layer 5 may be formed by, for example, a squeegee method, a screen printing method, a spark plasma sintering method, a compression molding method, a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, a chemical vapor deposition method (CVD method), a spin coating method, etc. The thickness of the electron thermal excitation layer 5 is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0032] The electron transport layer 6 is a flexible layer that transports thermally excited electrons generated in the electron thermal excitation layer 5 to the outside. The electron transport layer 6 is located on the opposite side of the electrolyte layer 4 across the electron thermal excitation layer 5 in the stacking direction D1, and is in contact with the electron thermal excitation layer 5. From the viewpoints of durability, flexibility, etc. of the electron transport layer 6, the thickness of the electron transport layer 6 is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0033] The electron transport layer 6 includes an electron transport material. The electron transport material has a conduction potential that is equal to or more positive than that of the thermoelectric conversion material. The difference between the conduction potential of the electron transport material and that of the thermoelectric conversion material is, for example, 0.01 V or more and 0.1 V or less. The electron transport material is, for example, a metal material. Examples of metal materials include metals, alloys, N-type metal oxides, N-type metal sulfides, alkali metal halides, and alkali metals. Examples of N-type metals include niobium, titanium, zinc, tin, vanadium, indium, tungsten, tantalum, zirconium, molybdenum, and manganese. The electron transport material may also be a flexible semiconductor material, an electron-transporting organic material, or the like.

[0034] The electron transport layer 6 has a first end portion 7, a second end portion 8, and an intermediate portion 9. The first end portion 7 is a portion that includes one end of the electron transport layer 6 in the cross direction D2. The second end portion 8 is a portion that includes the other end of the electron transport layer 6 in the cross direction D2. The intermediate portion 9 is a portion that is located between the first end portion 7 and the second end portion 8 in the cross direction D2. Therefore, the first end portion 7, the intermediate portion 9, and the second end portion 8 are arranged in this order in the cross direction D2.

[0035] The electron transport layer 6 has a first surface 6 a and a second surface 6 b located on the opposite side of the first surface 6 a in the stacking direction D1. In a plan view, the area of ​​the electron transport layer 6 is, for example, more than twice the area of ​​the electron thermal excitation layer 5. In addition, in this embodiment, the length of the electron transport layer 6 along the cross direction D2 is more than twice the length of the electron thermal excitation layer 5 along the cross direction D2.

[0036] The electrolyte layer 4 is a layer containing an electrolyte through which charge-transporting ion pairs can migrate at a temperature at which a sufficient number of thermally excited electrons are generated in the thermal power generation element 2. The movement of the charge-transporting ion pairs within the electrolyte layer 4 causes a current to flow through the electrolyte layer 4. A "charge-transporting ion pair" is a stable pair of ions with different valences. When one ion is oxidized or reduced, it becomes the other ion, allowing the transfer of electrons and holes. The redox potential of the charge-transporting ion pair within the electrolyte layer 4 is more negative than the valence potential of the thermoelectric conversion material contained in the electronic thermal excitation layer 5. Therefore, at the interface between the electronic thermal excitation layer 5 and the electrolyte layer 4, the ion that is more easily oxidized within the charge-transporting ion pair is oxidized and becomes the other ion. Note that the electrolyte layer 4 may contain ions other than the charge-transporting ion pair. The electrolyte layer 4 can be formed by, for example, a squeegee method, a screen printing method, a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, a CVD method, a sol-gel method, or a spin coating method.

[0037] The electrolyte contained in the electrolyte layer 4 is not particularly limited. The electrolyte may be, for example, a liquid electrolyte, a solid electrolyte, or a gel electrolyte. In this embodiment, the electrolyte layer 4 includes a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is, for example, a substance that is physically and chemically stable at the above-mentioned temperatures and may contain multivalent ions. Examples of the solid electrolyte include sodium ion conductors, copper ion conductors, iron ion conductors, lithium ion conductors, silver ion conductors, hydrogen ion conductors, strontium ion conductors, aluminum ion conductors, fluorine ion conductors, chloride ion conductors, and oxide ion conductors. The solid electrolyte may be, for example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a derivative thereof having a molecular weight of 600,000 or less. When the solid electrolyte is PEG, a multivalent ion source such as copper ions or iron ions may be contained in the electrolyte layer 4. To extend the life of the electrolyte layer 4, alkali metal ions may be contained in the electrolyte layer 4. The molecular weight of PEG corresponds to the weight-average molecular weight measured in terms of polystyrene by gel permeation chromatography.

[0038] The electrolyte layer 4 may be an organic electrolyte layer or an inorganic electrolyte layer. The organic electrolyte layer is, for example, an electrolyte layer whose main composition is one or more organic substances. The organic substance includes at least one of a low-molecular-weight organic compound and a high-molecular-weight organic compound. The inorganic electrolyte layer is, for example, an electrolyte layer whose main composition is one or more inorganic substances. The inorganic substance may be a simple substance or an inorganic compound. The inorganic substance may be a sintered body such as ceramics. The organic electrolyte layer may contain an inorganic substance, or the inorganic electrolyte layer may contain an organic substance. Each of the above-mentioned organic and inorganic substances may be an electrolyte or may be different from the electrolyte. For example, the electrolyte layer 4 may contain an organic or inorganic substance that functions as a binder to bind the electrolyte, a sintering aid to assist in forming the electrolyte, or the like.

[0039] The thickness of the electrolyte layer 4 is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The outer shape of the electrolyte layer 4 matches the outer shape of the electron thermal excitation layer 5 in a planar view. In this embodiment, in the stacking direction D1, the electron thermal excitation layer 5 and the electrolyte layer 4 are each located on the first surface 6 a of the electron transport layer 6. In the thermal power generation element 2, the electron thermal excitation layer 5 is in contact with the first surface 6 a of the electron transport layer 6. In the thermal power generation element 2, the electron transport layer 6, the electron thermal excitation layer 5 in contact with the first end 7, and the electrolyte layer 4 are stacked in this order. In the stacking direction D1, the electron thermal excitation layer 5 and the electrolyte layer 4 each overlap the first end 7 of the electron transport layer 6. On the other hand, in the stacking direction D1, the second end 8 and the middle portion 9 of the electron transport layer 6 do not overlap the electrolyte layer 4 and the electron thermal excitation layer 5. One end of the electrolyte layer 4 and one end of the electron thermal excitation layer 5 in the cross direction D2 may be aligned with or offset from one end of the electron transport layer 6 in the cross direction D2.

[0040] For ease of explanation, the thermal power generation element 2 arranged on one side of the intersecting direction D2 in Fig. 1 (the lower side of the paper in Fig. 1 ) may be referred to as the first thermal power generation element 10. The thermal power generation element 2 adjacent to the first thermal power generation element 10 in the intersecting direction D2 may be referred to as the second thermal power generation element 20. Additionally, the thermoelectric conversion layer 3, electrolyte layer 4, electron thermal excitation layer 5, and electron transport layer 6 of the first thermal power generation element 10 may be referred to as the first thermoelectric conversion layer 31, first electrolyte layer 41, first electron thermal excitation layer 51, and first electron transport layer 61, respectively. Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion layer 3, electrolyte layer 4, electron thermal excitation layer 5, and electron transport layer 6 of the second thermal power generation element 20 may be referred to as the second thermoelectric conversion layer 32, second electrolyte layer 42, second electron thermal excitation layer 52, and second electron transport layer 62, respectively.

[0041] 1 , a portion of the first heat-utilizing power generation element 10 and a portion of the second heat-utilizing power generation element 20 overlap with each other in the stacking direction D1. Specifically, the second end portion 8 of the first electron transport layer 61 included in the first heat-utilizing power generation element 10 overlaps with each of the second electrolyte layer 42, the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52, and the second electron transport layer 62 included in the second heat-utilizing power generation element 20 in the stacking direction D1. Meanwhile, the first end portion 7 and the middle portion 9 of the first electron transport layer 61 do not overlap with the second heat-utilizing power generation element 20 in the stacking direction D1. Here, the first end portion 7 of the first electron transport layer 61 included in the first heat-utilizing power generation element 10 overlaps with each of the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41 in the stacking direction D1. Therefore, the first electrolyte layer 41 and the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51, and the second electrolyte layer 42 and the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52 do not overlap with each other in the stacking direction D1 and are spaced apart from each other in the cross direction D2. Furthermore, the intermediate portion 9 of the first electron transport layer 61 does not overlap with any of the first electrolyte layer 41, the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51, the second electrolyte layer 42, the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52, and the second electron transport layer 62 in the stacking direction D1.

[0042] In the stacking direction D1, the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41 are located on the first surface 6 a of the first electron transport layer 61, and the second thermal power generation element 20 is located on the second surface 6 b of the first electron transport layer 61. In the second thermal power generation element 20, the second electrolyte layer 42, the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52, and the second electron transport layer 62 are stacked in this order, the second electrolyte layer 42 contacting the second end 8 of the first electron transport layer 61. Here, as shown in FIG. 1 , in the undeformed thermal power generation module 1, the first electrolyte layer 41 and the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51, and the second electrolyte layer 42 and the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the stacking direction D1. In this case, the first end 7 of the first electron transport layer 61 is located on one side of the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41 in the stacking direction D1. The second end 8 of the first electron transport layer 61 is located on the other side of the stacking direction D1 relative to the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41. Additionally, the second end 8 is located on the other side of the stacking direction D1 relative to the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52 and the second electrolyte layer 42. That is, the position of the first end 7 in the stacking direction D1 and the position of the second end 8 in the stacking direction D1 may differ from each other. For example, the deviation between the position of the first end 7 in the stacking direction D1 and the position of the second end 8 in the stacking direction D1 is equal to or greater than the thickness (length in the stacking direction D1) of the stack including the electrolyte layer 4 and the electronic thermal excitation layer 5. The intermediate portion 9 of the first electron transport layer 61 deforms (e.g., curves or bends) into a shape that connects the first end 7 and the second end 8. As a result, the first end 7 and the second end 8 of the first electron transport layer 61 are electrically connected to each other via the intermediate portion 9.

[0043] The first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 is in contact with the first end 7 of the first electron transport layer 61. The second electrolyte layer 42 is in contact with the second end 8 of the first electron transport layer 61, and the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52 is in contact with the first end 7 of the second electron transport layer 62. Therefore, the first thermal power generation element 10 and the second thermal power generation element 20 are connected in series with each other.

[0044] The first heat power generation element 10 and the second heat power generation element 20 have been described above as an example of the heat power generation element 2. The positional relationship between two adjacent heat power generation elements 2 in the cross direction D2 is the same as the positional relationship between the first heat power generation element 10 and the second heat power generation element 20. Therefore, the multiple heat power generation elements 2 are connected in series with each other.

[0045] The thermal power generation module 1 includes a pair of insulating layers 71, 72. Each of the insulating layers 71, 72 protects the thermal power generation element 2 and exhibits flexibility. The insulating layer 71 is located at one end of the thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction D1. The insulating layer 72 is located at the other end of the thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction D1. Each of the insulating layers 71, 72 is flexible and heat-resistant. For example, each of the insulating layers 71, 72 is a heat-resistant resin substrate such as a polyimide substrate or a polyphenol substrate. The thickness of each of the insulating layers 71, 72 is, for example, not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 100 μm. In this case, each of the insulating layers 71, 72 exhibits good flexibility.

[0046] The thermal power generation module 1 includes a pair of current collectors (not shown). Each of the pair of current collectors functions as an extraction electrode for power generated by the thermal power generation module 1. One current collector functions as one of the positive and negative electrodes of the thermal power generation module 1. One current collector is connected to the thermal power generation element 2 located at one end of the thermal power generation module 1 in the cross direction D2. The other current collector functions as the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the thermal power generation module 1. The other current collector is connected to the thermal power generation element 2 located at the other end of the thermal power generation module 1 in the cross direction D2. At least a portion of each current collector may be covered with insulating layers 71, 72.

[0047] Each of the pair of current collectors is, for example, a conductive plate having a single-layer structure or a laminated structure. The conductive plate is, for example, a metal plate, an alloy plate, or a composite plate thereof. The thickness of each of the pair of current collectors is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. In this case, each of the pair of current collectors exhibits good flexibility. From the viewpoint of exhibiting good performance of the thermal power generation module 1, at least one of the pair of current collectors may exhibit high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of at least one of the pair of current collectors may be 10 W / m·K or more. Since a temperature difference is not required in the thermal power generation module 1, it is desirable that both of the pair of current collectors exhibit high thermal conductivity.

[0048] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the thermal power generation module 1 described above will be described. First, the thermoelectric conversion layer 3 is formed. The thermoelectric conversion layer 3 is formed, for example, by forming an electron thermal excitation layer 5 on the electron transport layer 6. The electron thermal excitation layer 5 is formed by patterning a thermoelectric conversion material using various film formation methods. This allows the electron thermal excitation layer 5 to be selectively formed on a portion of the electron transport layer 6 (i.e., on the first end portion 7).

[0049] Next, the electrolyte layer 4 is formed. In this embodiment, the flexible electrolyte layer 4 is formed by the following method. First, an organic solvent (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.) to which a polymer material having ion conductivity (ion-conductive polymer) is added is stirred. Next, an ion pair and a promoting additive (e.g., a solution containing copper (II) chloride, lithium chloride, etc.) are added to the organic solvent and then stirred. This forms an electrolyte solution in which the polymer material, charge-transporting ion pair, and promoting additive are dissolved.

[0050] Next, the electrolyte solution is applied to a separator having ion permeability and insulating properties. As a result, the separator is impregnated with the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution is then dried to form a flexible electrolyte layer 4. The electrolyte solution may be dried by natural drying, vacuum drying, or a known heat drying method.

[0051] Next, a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements 2 are formed. First, the thermoelectric conversion layer 3 is prepared. Next, the electrolyte layer 4 is placed on the electron thermal excitation layer 5 formed on the first end 7 of the electron transport layer 6. This forms one thermoelectric power generation element 2. A plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements 2 are formed using the same procedure.

[0052] Next, one thermal power generation element 2 and another thermal power generation element 2 are aligned in a predetermined direction, and then the electrolyte layer 4 included in the other thermal power generation element 2 is placed on the second end 8 of the electron transport layer 6 included in the one thermal power generation element 2. By repeating the placement of the electron transport layer 6 and the electrolyte layer 4 in this manner, a plurality of thermal power generation elements 2 are arranged in a predetermined direction (for example, the intersecting direction D2).

[0053] Next, an insulating layer 71 is arranged at one end of the plurality of thermal power generation elements 2 in the stacking direction D1, and an insulating layer 72 is arranged at the other end in the stacking direction D1. Through the above steps, the thermal power generation module 1 described above is manufactured.

[0054] The above-described effects of the thermal power generation module 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is another schematic cross-sectional view showing the thermal power generation module according to one embodiment.

[0055] As described above, the electron transport layer 6 of the thermal power generation element 2 is flexible, and the intermediate portion 9 of the electron transport layer 6 does not overlap with the electrolyte layer 4, the electron thermal excitation layer 5, or other thermal power generation elements 2 in the stacking direction D1. This makes the intermediate portion 9 of the electron transport layer 6 the most susceptible to deformation in the thermal power generation element 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the thermal power generation module 1 is wound in the cross direction D2 so that the center of the thermal power generation module 1 protrudes in the stacking direction D1, each intermediate portion 9 deforms. This allows the thermal power generation module 1 as a whole to exhibit sufficient flexibility. Therefore, the first end 7 and the second end 8 of the electron transport layer 6 do not deform, and the thermal power generation module 1 as a whole can exhibit sufficient flexibility. Therefore, even if the electrolyte layer 4 and the electron thermal excitation layer 5 are not flexible, the thermal power generation module 1 can be deformed by deformation of the intermediate portion 9, and the thermal power generation module 1 can be placed, for example, on the surface of a cylindrical exhaust heat pipe. Furthermore, the thermal power generation module 1 may be wound in the transverse direction D2 to form a wound body (for example, a cylindrical wound body) wound in the transverse direction D2. Here, in Fig. 2, the center of the thermal power generation module 1 protrudes toward one side in the stacking direction D1 (the left side of the paper in Fig. 2), but the center may also protrude toward the other side in the stacking direction D1 (the right side of the paper in Fig. 2).

[0056] Furthermore, in the thermal power generation module 1, the first electron thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41 overlap the first end 7 of the first electron transport layer 61, and the second thermal power generation element 20 overlaps the second end 8 of the first electron transport layer 61. This makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the thermal power generation module 1 compared to when the entire first thermal power generation element 10 and the entire second thermal power generation element 20 are simply stacked on top of each other. Here, by connecting the first thermal power generation element 10 and the second thermal power generation element 20 in series with each other, it is possible to increase the output voltage.

[0057] An example of use of the thermal power generation module 1 described above will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of use of a thermal power generation module according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3 , multiple thermal power generation modules 1 having identical configurations are stacked one on top of the other in the stacking direction D1. In this case, for example, by connecting one thermal power generation module 1 and another thermal power generation module 1 adjacent to the one thermal power generation module 1 in the stacking direction D1 in series via current collectors, the output voltage can be increased. Furthermore, for example, by connecting the one thermal power generation module 1 and the other thermal power generation module 1 in parallel, the output current can be increased. Therefore, according to this example of use, the desired performance can be more suitably achieved compared to when a single thermal power generation module 1 is used.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first electron transport layer 61 has a first surface 6a and a second surface 6b located on the opposite side of the first surface 6a in the stacking direction D1, and in the stacking direction D1, the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41 are each located on the first surface 6a, and the second thermal power generation element 20 is located on the second surface 6b. In this case, by deforming the intermediate portion 9, for example, the first electrolyte layer 41 included in the first thermal power generation element 10 and the second electrolyte layer 42 included in the second thermal power generation element 20 can be arranged on the same plane. This allows the thickness of the thermal power generation module 1 to be effectively reduced.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first end 7 is located on one side in the stacking direction D1 of the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41, and the second end 8 is located on the other side in the stacking direction D1 of the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the first electrolyte layer 41. In this case, the thickness of the thermal power generation module 1 can be further reduced.

[0060] In this embodiment, the second heat-utilizing power generation element 20 has a second thermoelectric conversion layer 32 including a second electronic thermal excitation layer 52 and a second electron transport layer 62 that overlap each other in the stacking direction D1, and a second electrolyte layer 42 that overlaps the second thermoelectric conversion layer 32 in the stacking direction D1. In the first heat-utilizing power generation element 10, the first electron transport layer 61, the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 in contact with the first end portion 7, and the first electrolyte layer 41 are stacked in this order. In the second heat-utilizing power generation element 20, the second electrolyte layer 42 in contact with the second end portion 8 of the first electron transport layer 61, the second electronic thermal excitation layer 52, and the second electron transport layer 62 are stacked in this order. In this case, the first heat-utilizing power generation element 10 and the second heat-utilizing power generation element 20 can be connected in series with each other, thereby increasing the output voltage.

[0061] In this embodiment, the thermal power generation module 1 may be a wound body wound in the cross direction D2, which allows the thermal power generation module 1 to be arranged more efficiently in a limited space depending on the application.

[0062] Next, we will explain thermal power generation modules according to modified examples. In the explanation of each modified example, we will omit descriptions that overlap with the above-described embodiment and only describe the differences. In other words, to the extent technically possible, the descriptions of the above-described embodiment may be used appropriately for each modified example.

[0063] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a first modified example. The thermal power generation module 1A shown in Fig. 4 differs from the thermal power generation module 1 of the above embodiment in terms of the relative positions of the first thermal power generation element 10 and the second thermal power generation element 20.

[0064] The second end 8 of the second electron transport layer 62 included in the second heat power generation element 20 contacts the second end 8 of the first electron transport layer 61 included in the first heat power generation element 10. In addition, the second surface 6 b of the second electron transport layer 62 contacts the second surface 6 b of the first electron transport layer 61. Therefore, the first heat power generation element 10 and the second heat power generation element 20 are connected in parallel to each other. The second end portions 8 may be welded to each other, or may be fixed to each other via solder or the like, for example.

[0065] In the first modified example described above, the first thermal power generation element 10 and the second thermal power generation element 20 are connected in parallel to each other within the thermal power generation module 1A. This makes it possible to increase the output current. Here, in the thermal power generation module 1A, groups of multiple thermal power generation elements 2 that are connected in series to each other may be connected in parallel to each other. In this case, it is possible to achieve both an increase in output voltage and an increase in output current. As described above, even in the first modified example, it is possible to achieve desired performance in a limited space.

[0066] Next, a thermal power generation module 1B according to a second modification will be described. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the thermal power generation module according to the second modification. In Fig. 5, the insulating layers 71 and 72 are not shown.

[0067] 5 differs from the thermal power generation module 1 of the above embodiment in the arrangement of two adjacent thermal power generation elements 2 in the intersecting direction D2. Specifically, when a portion of the second thermal power generation element 20 is stacked on a portion of the first thermal power generation element 10, the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51, the first electrolyte layer 41, and the second thermal power generation element 20 are each located on the first surface 6 a of the first electron transport layer 61 included in the first thermal power generation element 10 in the stacking direction D1. Specifically, the second electrolyte layer 42 of the second thermal power generation element 20 contacts the first surface 6 a of the first electron transport layer 61 of the first thermal power generation element 10. In other words, both the first electronic thermal excitation layer 51 and the second electrolyte layer 42 contact the first surface 6 a of the first electron transport layer 61.

[0068] In the undeformed thermal power generation module 1B, each electron transport layer 6 is not curved between each laminate made up of the electrolyte layer 4 and the electron thermal excitation layer 5, and extends along the cross direction D2. Therefore, the position of the first end 7 in the stacking direction D1 and the position of the second end 8 in the stacking direction D1 coincide with each other.

[0069] The thermal power generation module 1B according to the second modified example described above also provides the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

[0070] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a third modification. In Fig. 6, similarly to Fig. 5, the insulating layers 71 and 72 are omitted.

[0071] 6 differs from the thermal power generation module 1 of the above embodiment in that it includes a parallel connection connecting element 100 in addition to multiple thermal power generation elements 2. The parallel connection connecting element 100 is a member that connects two adjacent thermal power generation elements 2 in the cross direction D2, and is located between the two thermal power generation elements 2. In the cross direction D2, one end of the parallel connection connecting element 100 is connected to one of the thermal power generation elements 2, and the other end of the parallel connection connecting element 100 is connected to the other thermal power generation element 2. The parallel connection connecting element 100 has electrolyte layers 104A and 104B, electron thermal excitation layers 105A and 105B, and an electron transport layer 106. Each of the electrolyte layers 104A and 104B is made of the same material as the electrolyte layer 4 in the above embodiment, each of the electron thermal excitation layers 105A and 105B is made of the same material as the electron thermal excitation layer 5 in the above embodiment, and the electron transport layer 106 is made of the same material as the electron transport layer 6 in the above embodiment.

[0072] The electron transport layer 106 has a first surface 106a and a second surface 106b located on the opposite side of the first surface 106a in the stacking direction D1. The electron thermal excitation layers 105A and 105B are located on the first surface 106a of the electron transport layer 106. The electron thermal excitation layers 105A and 105B are layers spaced apart from each other and are formed, for example, by patterning a thermoelectric conversion material provided on the first surface 106a.

[0073] The electron transport layer 106 has a first end portion 107, a second end portion 108, and a middle portion 109. The first end portion 107, the middle portion 109, and the second end portion 108 are arranged in this order in the cross direction D2. In the stacking direction D1, the electron thermal excitation layer 105A overlaps the first end portion 107 of the electron transport layer 106, and the electron thermal excitation layer 105B overlaps the second end portion 108 of the electron transport layer 106.

[0074] The electrolyte layer 104A overlaps the electron thermal excitation layer 105A in the stacking direction D1 and is in contact with the electron thermal excitation layer 105A. In the stacking direction D1, the first end portion 107 of the electron transport layer 106, the electron thermal excitation layer 105A, and the electrolyte layer 104A are stacked in this order. The electrolyte layer 104A is in contact with the first surface 6a of the electron transport layer 6 included in one of the thermal power generation elements 2.

[0075] The electrolyte layer 104B overlaps the electron thermal excitation layer 105B in the stacking direction D1 and is in contact with the electron thermal excitation layer 105B. In the stacking direction D1, the second end portion 108 of the electron transport layer 106, the electron thermal excitation layer 105B, and the electrolyte layer 104B are stacked in this order. The electrolyte layer 104B is in contact with the first surface 6a of the electron transport layer 6 included in the other heat-utilizing power generation element 2. The intermediate portion 109 does not overlap any of the electrolyte layers 104A and 104B, the electron thermal excitation layers 105A and 105B, or the electron transport layer 106 in the stacking direction D1.

[0076] According to the thermal power generation module 1C of the third modified example described above, the use of the parallel connection linking element 100 can achieve the same effects as those of the first modified example.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to another example of the third modified example. As in Figs. 5 and 6, the insulating layers 71 and 72 are not shown in Fig. 7. The thermal power generation module 1D shown in Fig. 7 corresponds to a combination of the above-described embodiment, the second modified example, and the third modified example.

[0078] In one heat-utilizing power generation element 2 arranged on one side of the cross direction D2 (the lower side of the paper in FIG. 7 ), the electron transport layer 6, the electron thermal excitation layer 5, and the electrolyte layer 4 are stacked in this order in the stacking direction D1. In the parallel connection connecting element 100 adjacent to the heat-utilizing power generation element 2 in the cross direction D2, the first end 107 of the electron transport layer 106, the electron thermal excitation layer 105A, and the electrolyte layer 104A are stacked in this order in the stacking direction D1, and the second end 108 of the electron transport layer 106, the electron thermal excitation layer 105B, and the electrolyte layer 104B are stacked in this order in the stacking direction D1. The configuration of another heat-utilizing power generation element 2 adjacent to the parallel connection connecting element 100 in the cross direction D2 is similar to the configuration of the above-described one heat-utilizing power generation element 2. The electrolyte layer 104A included in the parallel connection connecting element 100 contacts the first surface 6a of the electron transport layer 6 included in the heat-utilizing power generation element 2. The electrolyte layer 104B included in the parallel connection connecting element 100 is in contact with the first surface 6a of the electron transport layer 6 included in the other heat-utilization power generation element 2. The one heat-utilization power generation element 2 and the other heat-utilization power generation element 2 are connected in parallel to each other via the parallel connection connecting element 100.

[0079] In addition, the other thermal power generation element 2 is connected in series in the intersecting direction D2 with another thermal power generation element 2. Therefore, the electrolyte layer 4 of the other thermal power generation element 2 is in contact with the electron transport layer 6 of the still further thermal power generation element 2. As described above, the thermal power generation module 1D according to another example of the third modified example has two sets of thermal power generation elements 2 connected in parallel to each other via the parallel connection connecting element 100, and also has two sets of thermal power generation elements 2 connected in series to each other and adjacent to each other in the intersecting direction D2.

[0080] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a fourth modification. In Fig. 8, similarly to Figs. 5 to 7, the insulating layers 71 and 72 are omitted.

[0081] The thermal power generation module 1E shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to a combination of the above embodiment and the second modified example. Specifically, the positional relationship between the first thermal power generation element 10 and the second thermal power generation element 20 is the same as in the above embodiment. That is, when a portion of the first thermal power generation element 10 is stacked on a portion of the second thermal power generation element 20, the second electrolyte layer 42 of the second thermal power generation element 20 contacts the second surface 6 b of the first electron transport layer 61 of the first thermal power generation element 10. In addition, the positional relationship between the second thermal power generation element 20 and another thermal power generation element 2 adjacent to the second thermal power generation element 20 in the intersecting direction D2 is the same as in the second modified example. That is, when a portion of the other thermal power generation element 2 is stacked on a portion of the second thermal power generation element 20, the electrolyte layer 4 of the other thermal power generation element 2 contacts the first surface 6 a of the second electron transport layer 62 of the second thermal power generation element 20.

[0082] In the thermal power generation module 1E according to the fourth modified example described above, at least a part of the electron transport layer 6 is deformed, thereby achieving the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

[0083] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to another example of the fourth modified example. As in Figs. 5 to 8, the insulating layers 71 and 72 are not shown in Fig. 9. The thermal power generation module 1F shown in Fig. 9 corresponds to a combination of the above-described embodiment, the third modified example, and the fourth modified example.

[0084] In one heat-utilization power generation element 2 arranged on one side of the intersecting direction D2 (the lower side of the paper in Fig. 9 ), and in another heat-utilization power generation element 2 adjacent to the one heat-utilization power generation element 2 in the intersecting direction D2, an electron transport layer 6, an electron thermal excitation layer 5, and an electrolyte layer 4 are stacked in this order in the stacking direction D1. The electrolyte layer 4 included in the other heat-utilization power generation element 2 is in contact with the first surface 6a of the electron transport layer 6 included in the one heat-utilization power generation element 2. The one heat-utilization power generation element 2 and the other heat-utilization power generation element 2 are connected in series to each other.

[0085] In addition, the other heat power generation element 2 is also connected to the parallel connection connecting element 100. This parallel connection connecting element 100 is also connected to yet another heat power generation element 2 (arranged on the upper side of the paper in FIG. 9 ). Therefore, the other heat power generation element 2 and the yet another heat power generation element 2 are connected in parallel to each other via the parallel connection connecting element 100. As described above, the heat power generation module 1F according to another example of the fourth modified example has two sets of heat power generation elements 2 connected in parallel to each other via the parallel connection connecting element 100, and also has two sets of heat power generation elements 2 connected in series to each other and adjacent to each other in the intersecting direction D2.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a fifth modified example. The thermal power generation module 1G shown in Fig. 10 differs from the thermal power generation module 1 of the above embodiment in that it includes a plurality of thermal power generation elements 2G instead of the plurality of thermal power generation elements 2.

[0087] The thermal power generation element 2G differs from the thermal power generation element 2 in that it has an electron thermal excitation layer 5G instead of the electron thermal excitation layer 5. The thermal power generation element 2G has a thermoelectric conversion layer 3 including an electron thermal excitation layer 5G and an electron transport layer 6 that overlap each other in the stacking direction D1, and an electrolyte layer 4 that overlaps the thermoelectric conversion layer 3 in the stacking direction D1. In the thermal power generation element 2G, the electron transport layer 6, the electron thermal excitation layer 5G in contact with the electron transport layer 6, and the electrolyte layer 4 are stacked in this order.

[0088] The electronic thermal excitation layer 5G is flexible. The electronic thermal excitation layer 5G differs from the electronic thermal excitation layer 5 in that it covers the first surface 6a of the electron transport layer 6. Specifically, the electronic thermal excitation layer 5G overlaps and contacts all of the first end portion 7, the second end portion 8, and the intermediate portion 9 of the electron transport layer 6 in the stacking direction D1. The electronic thermal excitation layer 5G has a first surface 5a and a second surface 5b located on the opposite side of the first surface 5a in the stacking direction D1. The second surface 5b of the electronic thermal excitation layer 5G contacts the first surface 6a of the electron transport layer 6. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the electronic thermal excitation layer 5G matches the outer shape of the electron transport layer 6 in a planar view.

[0089] The electron thermal excitation layer 5G may be formed by a dry method such as sputtering, or by a wet method such as spraying or doctor blade. An example of a wet method for forming the electron thermal excitation layer 5G is as follows: First, a powdered thermoelectric conversion material is obtained by scraping a solidified thermoelectric conversion material. Next, the powdered thermoelectric conversion material is added to an organic solvent (e.g., dimethylacetamide (DMA)) that serves as a binder, and the organic solvent is then stirred. Next, the organic solvent is applied onto the electron transport layer 6 using a coater or the like. The organic solvent is then dried to form a flexible electron thermal excitation layer 5G. The organic solvent may be dried by natural drying, vacuum drying, or known heat drying.

[0090] 10 )。 In the following, for ease of explanation, the heat power generation element 2G arranged on one side of the cross direction D2 (the lower side of the paper in FIG. 10 ) may be referred to as the third heat power generation element 30. Furthermore, the heat power generation element 2G adjacent to the third heat power generation element 30 in the cross direction D2 may be referred to as the fourth heat power generation element 40. In addition, the thermoelectric conversion layer 3, electrolyte layer 4, electron thermal excitation layer 5G, and electron transport layer 6 of the third heat power generation element 30 may be referred to as the third thermoelectric conversion layer 33, third electrolyte layer 43, third electron thermal excitation layer 53, and third electron transport layer 63, respectively. The thermoelectric conversion layer 3, electrolyte layer 4, electron thermal excitation layer 5G, and electron transport layer 6 of the fourth heat power generation element 40 may be referred to as the fourth thermoelectric conversion layer 34, fourth electrolyte layer 44, fourth electron thermal excitation layer 54, and fourth electron transport layer 64, respectively.

[0091] 10 , when a portion of the third heat power generation element 30 and a portion of the fourth heat power generation element 40 overlap each other, the second end 8 of the third electron transport layer 63 included in the third heat power generation element 30 overlaps the fourth heat power generation element 40 in the stacking direction D1. Here, the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 overlaps all of the first end 7, second end 8, and middle portion 9 of the third electron transport layer 63 in the stacking direction D1. Therefore, the fourth heat power generation element 40 overlaps the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 in addition to the third electron transport layer 63 of the third heat power generation element 30 in the stacking direction D1.

[0092] In the stacking direction D1, the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 and the third electrolyte layer 43 are each located on the first surface 6 a of the third electron transport layer 63, and the fourth thermal energy generating element 40 is located on the second surface 6 b of the third electron transport layer 63. The third electrolyte layer 43 is in contact with a portion of the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 that overlaps with the first end 7 of the third electron transport layer 63. The fourth electrolyte layer 44 is in contact with the second end 8 of the third electron transport layer 63 and overlaps with the first end 7 of the fourth electron transport layer 64 in the stacking direction D1. The third electrolyte layer 43 is in contact with the first surface 5 a of the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53, and the fourth electrolyte layer 44 is in contact with the second surface 6 b of the third electron transport layer 63 and the first surface 5 a of the fourth electronic thermal excitation layer 54. Therefore, the third thermal energy generating element 30 and the fourth thermal energy generating element 40 are connected in series to each other.

[0093] In the fifth modification, the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 exhibits flexibility. Therefore, even if the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 deforms in accordance with the deformation of the third electron transport layer 63, damage to the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this thermal power generation module 1G, the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 covers the first surface 6 a of the third electron transport layer 63. In this case, the volume of the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 can be increased compared to when the third electronic thermal excitation layer 53 covers only a portion of the first surface 6 a.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermal power generation module according to a sixth modified example. The thermal power generation module 1H shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to a combination of the first modified example and the fifth modified example. Specifically, the positional relationship between the third thermal power generation element 30 and the fourth thermal power generation element 40 is the same as the positional relationship between the first thermal power generation element 10 and the second thermal power generation element 20 in the first modified example. That is, when a portion of the third thermal power generation element 30 is stacked on a portion of the fourth thermal power generation element 40, the second end 8 of the fourth electron transport layer 64 of the fourth thermal power generation element 40 contacts the second end 8 of the third electron transport layer 63 of the third thermal power generation element 30 and also contacts the second surface 6 b of the third electron transport layer 63. The second end portions 8 may be welded to each other, for example, or may be fixed to each other via solder or the like.

[0095] The thermal power generation module 1H according to the sixth modified example described above also achieves the same effects as those of the fifth modified example. In addition, because the third thermal power generation element 30 and the fourth thermal power generation element 40 are connected in parallel with each other, the same effects as those of the first modified example are achieved.

[0096] The thermal power generation module according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and the above modification, and various other modifications are possible. For example, the above embodiment and the above modification may be combined as appropriate. For example, the first modification or the third modification may be combined with the fourth modification.

[0097] In the above embodiment and modified example, when the electron transport layer, the electrolyte layer, and the electron thermal excitation layer are flexible, the thermal power generation module may be a wound body wound in a direction different from the cross direction D2. For example, the thermal power generation module may be a wound body wound in a direction perpendicular to both the stacking direction D1 and the cross direction D2 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2 ).

[0098] In the above embodiment and modified example, the thermal power generation element has a thermoelectric conversion layer and an electrolyte layer, but is not limited to this. The thermal power generation element may have layers other than the above two layers.

Claims

1. A thermal power generation module comprising a first thermal power generation element and a second thermal power generation element adjacent to each other along a predetermined direction, wherein the first thermal power generation element has a first thermoelectric conversion layer including a first electronic thermal excitation layer and a first electron transport layer that overlap each other in a stacking direction that intersects with the predetermined direction, and a first electrolyte layer that overlaps the first thermoelectric conversion layer in the stacking direction, wherein the first electron transport layer is flexible and has a first end, an intermediate portion, and a second end that are aligned in order in the predetermined direction, wherein the first electronic thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer each overlap the first end, and the second thermal power generation element overlaps the second end, and wherein the first end and the intermediate portion do not overlap the second thermal power generation element in the stacking direction.

2. The thermal power generation module described in claim 1, wherein the first electron transport layer has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface in the stacking direction, and the first electron thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer are each located on the first surface in the stacking direction, and the second thermal power generation element is located on the second surface.

3. The thermal power generation module described in claim 1, wherein the first electron transport layer has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface in the stacking direction, and the first electron thermal excitation layer, the first electrolyte layer, and the second thermal power generation element are each located on the first surface in the stacking direction.

4. The thermal power generation module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first electron thermal excitation layer is flexible and covers the first surface.

5. A thermal power generation module as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first end is located on one side of the first electronic thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer in the stacking direction, and the second end is located on the other side of the first electronic thermal excitation layer and the first electrolyte layer in the stacking direction.

6. A thermal power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second thermal power generation element has a second thermoelectric conversion layer including a second electron thermal excitation layer and a second electron transport layer overlapping each other in the stacking direction, and a second electrolyte layer overlapping the second thermoelectric conversion layer in the stacking direction; wherein in the first thermal power generation element, the first electron transport layer, the first electronic thermal excitation layer in contact with the first end, and the first electrolyte layer are stacked in this order; and wherein in the second thermal power generation element, the second electrolyte layer in contact with the second end, the second electronic thermal excitation layer, and the second electron transport layer are stacked in this order.

7. A thermal power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second thermal power generation element has a second thermoelectric conversion layer including a second electron thermal excitation layer and a second electron transport layer that overlap each other in the stacking direction, and in the first thermal power generation element, the first electron transport layer, the first electronic thermal excitation layer in contact with the first end portion, and the first electrolyte layer are stacked in this order, and in the second thermal power generation element, the second electron transport layer is in contact with the second end portion.

8. The thermal power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the module is wound in a direction intersecting the stacking direction.

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