JP2004088057A - Thermoelectric module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric module of a simple structure which is hardly broken by a thermal stress. <P>SOLUTION: The thermoelectric module comprises p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements (13, 14) arranged alternately, and outer electrodes (15) and inner electrodes (16) arranged alternately between the thermoelectric elements (13, 14). At least one out of the outer electrode (15) and the inner electrode (16) has a shape taken along an object which gives and takes heat to/from the electrodes (15, 16). The inner electrodes (16) surround the object which gives and takes heat to/from the electrodes (15, 16). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a thermoelectric module.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a cylindrical thermoelectric module for generating power by using exhaust heat of an exhaust pipe of an automobile, a boiler, or the like, and recovering energy. For example, the one shown in Patent Document 1 is referred to as a first related art. FIG. 36 shows a thermoelectric module disclosed in the publication, and a first related art will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0003]
In FIG. 36, a thermoelectric module 110 includes a hollow pipe 112 as an inner cylinder and a housing 111 as an outer cylinder. Between the pipe 112 and the housing 111, p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.
One ends of the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 are connected to each other by an inner electrode 116, and the inner electrode 116 is in contact with the pipe 112 via an insulator (not shown). The other ends of the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 are connected to each other by an outer electrode 115, and the outer electrode 115 is in contact with the housing 111 via an insulator (not shown).
For example, when hot exhaust gas passes through the inside of the pipe 112, an electromotive force is generated in the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 by the Seebeck effect. By extracting this electromotive force from between the power lines 129, 129, power generation using waste heat is performed.
[0004]
Non-Patent Document 1 describes an example in which a cylindrical thermoelectric module 110 is formed using ring-shaped thermoelectric elements 113 and 114. This is referred to as a second related art.
FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of the second prior art. As shown in FIG. 37, in the second conventional technique, ring-shaped thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 are alternately arranged between a pipe 112 and a housing 111, and disk-shaped electrodes 115 and 116 are arranged therebetween. are doing. Then, an electromotive force is extracted from a power line (not shown).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-61-254082
[Non-patent document 1]
The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan New Energy and Environment Study Group Sample "Power Generation Analysis of Cylindrical Thermoelectric Module" Published March 15, 2000,
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional technique has the following problems.
That is, in the first prior art, as shown in FIG. 36, the electrodes 115 and 116 have a curvature along the wall of the cylinder, and the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 are joined to the curved surfaces of the electrodes 115 and 116. ing.
In order to realize this, it is necessary that the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 have a structure having a curvature like the electrodes 115 and 116. Otherwise, the adhesion between the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 and the electrodes 115 and 116 is deteriorated, causing an electric resistance, and current does not flow properly, and the power generation performance of the thermoelectric module 110 is reduced.
[0007]
However, the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 are generally manufactured by cutting a material obtained by sintering a wafer or a rod-shaped material. For this reason, it is easy to manufacture a columnar or rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, as shown in FIG. 36, it is difficult to manufacture a surface in contact with the electrodes 115 and 116 so as to have a curvature that matches the electrodes 115 and 116. Very difficult.
That is, in order to realize such a thermoelectric module 110, it is necessary to manufacture thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 having a special shape corresponding to the shape of the pipe 112 and the housing 111, and there is a problem that a large cost is required. .
[0008]
Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 and the electrodes 115 and 116 are joined by soldering. Since the temperature of the exhaust gas can be very high, the temperature difference between the inner electrode 116 and the outer electrode 115 increases. As a result, the pipe 112 expands and a large stress is applied to the thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 and the joint, and either of them may be damaged.
[0009]
As a technique for preventing such soldering damage, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-91272. This is one in which a p-type thermoelectric element, an electrode on the heat absorption side, an n-type thermoelectric element, and an electrode on the heat release side are alternately stacked in this order, and these are collectively fastened. In addition, the thermoelectric module is prevented from being damaged even if a stress due to heat is applied by eliminating the joint portion.
[0010]
However, the technology disclosed in the above publication does not disclose a specific configuration of how heat is exchanged, for example, when the heat source is a solid or a liquid. Further, there is also described a configuration of how to use such a thermoelectric module in a case where heat is taken from exhaust heat of a cylindrical exhaust pipe as in the first and second related arts. Not in.
[0011]
In the second prior art, ring-shaped thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 are manufactured. Such ring-shaped thermoelectric elements 113 and 114 need to be manufactured by custom as in the case of the first prior art, and require a great deal of cost.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and has as its object to provide a thermoelectric module having a simple structure and less damage due to thermal stress.
[0013]
Means for Solving the Problems, Functions and Effects
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a thermoelectric module,
P-type and n-type thermoelectric elements alternately arranged;
An outer electrode and an inner electrode are alternately arranged between the thermoelectric elements, respectively.
At least one of the outer electrode and the inner electrode has a shape approximately along the object that exchanges heat with the electrode.
It is extremely easy to match the shape of the electrodes to the shape of the object, compared to matching the shape of the thermoelectric element to the shape of the object, which allows efficient heat transfer and the efficiency of the thermoelectric module. Is improved.
[0014]
The present invention also provides a thermoelectric module,
P-type and n-type thermoelectric elements alternately arranged;
An outer electrode and an inner electrode are alternately arranged between the thermoelectric elements, respectively.
An inner electrode surrounds an object that exchanges heat with the electrode.
Thereby, the heat of the object can be efficiently transmitted to the electrodes from the surroundings, and the efficiency of the thermoelectric module is improved.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, a first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an external view of a thermoelectric module 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the thermoelectric module 10 includes a hollow cylindrical pipe 12 and a hollow housing 11 in which the pipe 12 is fitted at a substantially central portion.
In a space between the housing 11 and the pipe 12, a thermoelectric element and an electrode, which will be described later, are provided. The power generation type thermoelectric module 10 generates power by generating an electromotive force by the thermal energy of the exhaust gas 28 passing through the inside of the pipe 12. Further, in the thermoelectric module of the temperature control type, the temperature of the fluid passing through the inside of the pipe 12 is controlled.
[0016]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a p-type thermoelectric unit 17 in which the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the outer electrode 15 are combined. The outer electrode 15 has a shape like a tea caddy in which only one end of the cylinder is closed by a circular bottom plate 15B. The cylindrical member of the outer electrode 15 is referred to as an outer heat transfer plate 15A.
At a substantially central portion of the bottom plate 15B, a circular hole 19 having a diameter larger than that of the pipe 12 is provided. A plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements 13 are circumferentially arranged around the hole 19, and the bottom surface of the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the bottom plate 15B are joined by soldering or the like. In the following description, the surface where the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are joined to the bottom plates 15B and 16B is called the bottom surface of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14, and the surface on the opposite side is called the top surface. Although the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 will be described below as being cylindrical, other shapes such as a rectangular parallelepiped may be used.
[0017]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of an n-type thermoelectric unit 18 in which the n-type thermoelectric element 14 and the inner electrode 16 are combined. The inner electrode 16 has a shape in which a cylindrical inner heat transfer plate 16A having an inner diameter into which the pipe 12 can enter with almost no gap is vertically raised substantially in the center of a circular bottom plate 16B.
A plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements 14 are circumferentially arranged on the bottom plate 16B of the n-type thermoelectric unit 18, and the bottom surface of the n-type thermoelectric element 14 and the bottom plate 16B are joined by soldering or the like.
[0018]
FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10, and FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 as viewed from the AA direction. The housing 11 includes a main body 11A having a tea caddy shape and a lid 11B. First, the pipe 12 is fitted and joined to the main body 11A of the housing 11. Then, the spring 23 is first inserted into the inside from the left side in FIG. 4, and the n-type thermoelectric unit 18 and the p-type thermoelectric unit 17 are inserted alternately.
The outer surface of the outer heat transfer plate 15A and the inner surface of the inner heat transfer plate 16A are formed to have the same curvature as the inner surface of the housing 11 and the outer surface of the pipe 12, respectively. As a result, the outer surface of the outer heat transfer plate 15A is in close contact with the inner surface of the housing 11, and the inner surface of the inner heat transfer plate 16A is in close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 12. At this time, it is preferable to insert heat transfer grease or the like between the two to increase the thermal conductivity.
[0019]
At this time, the height of the outer heat transfer plate 15A in the axial direction is preferably increased as long as it does not touch the adjacent outer heat transfer plate 15A. Thereby, the contact area between the outer heat transfer plate 15A and the inner side surface of the housing 11 is increased, and heat conduction is improved. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, if an electrically insulating insulator 36 is interposed between the outer heat transfer plate 15A and the adjacent outer heat transfer plate 15A, the insulation becomes more reliable.
The same applies to the inner heat transfer plate 16A.
[0020]
After inserting the thermoelectric units 17 and 18, the power line connection electrode 25 is inserted into the pipe 12 from the left side in FIG. A thread is formed near the left end in FIG. 4 of the pipe 12, and a fixing nut 24 is screwed into the thread. Then, the thermoelectric module 10 according to the present embodiment is formed by joining or fitting the lid 11B to the main body 11A of the housing 11.
Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are alternately arranged between the housing 11 and the pipe 12 via the outer electrode 15 and the inner electrode 16, respectively. You. That is, the bottom surface of the p-type thermoelectric element 13 contacts the outer electrode 15 and the top surface contacts the inner electrode 16. Conversely, the bottom surface of n-type thermoelectric element 14 contacts inner electrode 16 and the top surface contacts outer electrode 15.
[0021]
At this time, due to the screwing of the nut 24 and the urging force of the spring 23, the inner electrode 16 and the p-type thermoelectric element 13 are firmly pressed against each other to come into close contact with each other. Is conducted. This is the same between the outer electrode 15 and the n-type thermoelectric element 14.
An insulating layer (not shown) is formed on each of the outer surface of the pipe 12 and the inner surface of the housing 11 to prevent the electrodes 15 and 16 from conducting with each other. Alternatively, an insulating layer may be formed on the surface of each of the heat transfer plates 15A and 16A on the side in contact with the pipe 12 or the housing 11.
In addition, power lines 29, 29 are connected to the power line connection electrode 25 and the inner electrode 16 at the right end in FIG. The power lines 29, 29 are drawn out of the housing 11 via an introduction terminal (not shown) without being in electrical contact with the housing 11.
[0022]
Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described.
Such a thermoelectric module 10 is connected to, for example, an exhaust pipe of an automobile so that exhaust gas 28 passes through the pipe 12. Thereby, the heat of the exhaust gas 28 warms the inner electrode 16 via the pipe 12. On the other hand, since the temperature of the housing 11 is lower than that of the inside of the pipe 12 due to the contact with the outside air, the top of the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the n-type thermoelectric element 14 via the outer heat transfer plate 15A and the inner heat transfer plate 16A. A temperature difference occurs between the surface and the bottom surface.
As a result, an electromotive force is generated in the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 by the Seebeck effect. By extracting this electromotive force from between the power lines 29, 29, it is possible to generate power using waste heat.
[0023]
Further, as another application example, when a current flows through the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 via the power lines 29 and 29, the pipe 12 can be cooled or heated depending on the direction of the current. Therefore, it is also possible to flow a fluid inside the pipe 12 and control the temperature of the fluid. For example, a chemical solution such as a resist solution used in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus can be flown into the pipe 12 and the temperature of the chemical solution can be precisely controlled.
[0024]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the n-type thermoelectric element 14 are alternately arranged in the axial direction between the cylindrical housing 11 and the pipe 12 penetrating therethrough. It is arranged in. An outer electrode 15 thermally contacted along the housing 11 and an inner electrode 16 thermally contacted along the pipe 12 are alternately provided between the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the n-type thermoelectric element 14. It is interposed in.
Thereby, since the general thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 such as a rectangular parallelepiped and a columnar shape can be used, the cost of the apparatus is reduced. In addition, by using general thermoelectric elements 13 and 14, the power generation and temperature adjustment performance thereof can be predicted.
[0025]
Further, according to the first embodiment, the outer electrode 15 and the inner electrode 16 are provided with the bottom plates 15B, 16B and the heat transfer plates 15A, 16A substantially perpendicular thereto, which are in close contact with the housing 11 and the pipe 12. Let me. Thereby, the degree of adhesion between the housing 11 and the pipe 12 and the electrodes 15 and 16 is improved, so that heat is easily transmitted and loss is small.
Therefore, when used as a power generator, more electromotive force can be obtained. Further, when used as a temperature control device, more precise temperature control is possible, and the temperature control range is widened.
[0026]
Further, the bottom surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are soldered to the electrodes 15 and 16, respectively, and the top surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 and the electrodes 15 and 16 are brought into close contact with each other by the biasing force of the spring 23. . As a result, even if a thermal stress is generated due to a temperature difference, the bonded portion and the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 may be damaged as in the case where all of the components are soldered by absorbing the stress by displacing the contact portions. Few.
[0027]
The thermoelectric elements 13, 14 and the electrodes 15, 16 joined by soldering outside the housing 11 are inserted. This eliminates the need for soldering inside the housing and simplifies assembly. In particular, since it is not necessary to match the position of the p-type thermoelectric element 13 with the position of the n-type thermoelectric element 14 adjacent to the p-type thermoelectric element 13 in the axial direction, assembly is easy.
[0028]
In the above description, the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are arranged on the electrodes 15 and 16 in a single circumferential pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 can be made smaller. Alternatively, concentric circles, staggered shapes, honeycomb shapes, or random multiples may be arranged.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the number of thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 is not limited to a plurality, and each may be singular. Furthermore, the thermoelectric units 17 and 18 are not limited to being arranged in a plurality of stages, and may be only a combination of one p-type thermoelectric unit 17 and one n-type thermoelectric unit 18.
[0029]
Also, the description has been made such that the outer electrode 15 is bonded to the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the inner electrode 16 is bonded to the n-type thermoelectric element 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electrode 15 may be joined to the p-type thermoelectric element 13 by the inner electrode 16. Further, the top surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 and the bottom plates 15B and 16B of the electrodes 15 and 16 may be respectively joined.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the top surface of the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the bottom surface of the n-type thermoelectric element 14 may be joined to the inner electrode 16 and the outer electrode 15 may be pressed against this. Of course, the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 may be joined to the outer electrode 15 and the inner electrode 16 may be pressed against this.
[0030]
Although the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 and the electrodes 15 and 16 are soldered outside the housing 11 to form the thermoelectric units 17 and 18, and the thermoelectric units 17 and 18 are inserted, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by repeatedly inserting the electrodes 15 and 16 into the pipe 12 and arranging the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 thereon, and finally fitting and pressing the housing 11 on the pipe 12, the thermoelectric module can be used without soldering. 10 may be configured.
[0031]
FIG. 8 shows another configuration example of the n-type thermoelectric unit 18. In FIG. 8, a cut 33 is provided in the inner heat transfer plate 16 </ b> A of the inner electrode 16. The inner diameter of the inner heat transfer plate 16A has a tolerance with a degree of fitting with the pipe 12, and the inner heat transfer plate 16A is pressed into the pipe 12 by applying a force with a press or the like. Thereby, the contact between the inner heat transfer plate 16A and the pipe 12 becomes denser, the heat conductivity is increased, the heat loss is small, and the thermoelectric module 10 with high efficiency is configured.
This is the same for the outer electrode 15. The cut 33 is formed in the outer heat transfer plate 15 </ b> A, and the outer heat transfer plate 15 </ b> A is thin enough to be pushed into the housing 11. Can have higher thermal conductivity.
[0032]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a split 37 may be provided in the inner heat transfer plate 16A and the bottom plate 16B of the inner electrode 16, and the inner electrode 16 may be formed in a shape in which a part is missing. At this time, the inner diameter of the inner heat transfer plate 16 </ b> A is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe 12. By pushing the pipe 12 into such an inner electrode 16, the pipe 12 is tightened in such a manner that the inner electrode 16 that has been bent and spread tends to return. That is, the bending of the inner electrode 16 acts like a spring, and the adhesion between the inner electrode 16 and the pipe 12 is improved.
The same applies to the split 37 for the outer electrode 15.
[0033]
Alternatively, for example, similarly to the second prior art (FIG. 37), the ring-shaped thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are manufactured and joined to the outer electrode 15 and the inner electrode 16, respectively. Good. Thus, the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 can be arranged in a larger number than those in which the rectangular or columnar thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are arranged, so that the performance of the thermoelectric module 10 is increased.
[0034]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, fan-shaped thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 may be manufactured, and these may be arranged to form thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 in a ring shape. As described above, by forming the ring by the plurality of thermoelectric elements 13 and 14, even if a defect occurs during the production of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14, for example, only the small thermoelectric element 13 or 14 having the defect needs to be replaced. It is not necessary to replace all the ring-shaped thermoelectric elements 13 and 14.
[0035]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 shows a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 in the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the thermoelectric module 10 includes a water-cooling jacket 31 for cooling the periphery of the housing 11 with water.
By passing the cooling water 30 through the water cooling jacket 31, the housing 11 can be cooled more efficiently, and the efficiency of power generation and temperature adjustment by the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 can be improved.
[0036]
Further, the thermoelectric module 10 includes an inner fin 27 on the inner wall of the pipe 12. Thus, for example, when the exhaust gas 28 passes through the inside of the pipe 12, the heat of the exhaust gas 28 can be efficiently transmitted to the pipe 12. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of power generation and temperature adjustment by the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14.
[0037]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the third embodiment. 12, an outer fin 26 and an inner fin 27 are formed on the outer surface of the housing 11 and the inner surface of the pipe 12, respectively.
Thereby, even when heat exchange between the housing 11 and the outside air is performed by air cooling, more efficient heat exchange is possible, and the efficiency of power generation and temperature adjustment by the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 is improved.
[0038]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, the inner electrode 16 and the outer electrode 15 are divided into two with a center line as a boundary, and an insulator 34 is interposed between each other. Alternatively, a gap may be provided in place of the insulator 34 so that they do not conduct with each other.
That is, in FIG. 13, the thermoelectric module 10 on the right side and the thermoelectric module 10 on the left side are independent thermoelectric modules 10 and 10, respectively. As a result, two thermoelectric modules 10 whose total cross-sectional area A of thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 is half and height L is invariable operate.
[0039]
The thermoelectric conversion efficiency in the thermoelectric module 10 is determined by the ratio A / L of the sum A of the cross-sectional areas of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 to the height L, and it is known that the ratio A / L has an optimum value. Therefore, by dividing the thermoelectric module 10 as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to change the ratio A / L to approach the optimum value and improve the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric module 10.
Although the description has been given of the case of dividing into two, the division may be performed so that the ratio A / L is close to the optimum value. For example, when the thermoelectric module 10 is divided into three, the ratio A / L of the divided thermoelectric module 10 becomes 、 ３, and when divided into four, the ratio A / L becomes と.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, only one of the two divided electrodes 15 and 16 may be arranged along the pipe 12. The shape of the electrodes 15 and 16 is not limited to two and may be one-third or three-quarters of the entire circumference.
[0040]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 shows a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 15, the outer electrode 15 has a flat plate shape and protrudes from the outer periphery of the housing 11. An insulating layer (not shown) is interposed between the outer electrode 15 and the housing 11. Alternatively, the housing 11 may be made of an insulating material.
Thereby, since the outer electrode 15 is made to directly contact the outside air without passing through the housing 11, the heat loss of the heat exchange between the outer electrode 15 and the outside air is reduced. Therefore, efficient heat exchange is possible, and the efficiency of power generation and temperature adjustment by the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 is improved.
[0041]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the sixth embodiment. The thermoelectric module 10 in FIG. 16 has a shape obtained by removing the housing 11 from the thermoelectric module 10 shown in FIG. A thread (not shown) is formed near the right end of the pipe 12 in FIG. 16, and a fixing nut 35 is screwed into the thread in the same manner as the nut 24. Thus, by removing the housing 11, heat exchange between the outer electrode 15 and the outside air is performed with higher efficiency.
[0042]
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a front sectional view thereof. 17 and 18, the thermoelectric module 10 includes a solid rod 38 instead of the hollow pipe 12, and the p-type thermoelectric unit 17 and the n-type thermoelectric unit 18 are alternately fitted around the solid rod 38. I have.
As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to perform power generation by removing heat not only from the fluid passing through the inside of the pipe 12 but also from the solid such as the rod 38, and to control the temperature of the solid.
[0043]
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the eighth embodiment. In FIG. 19, the thermoelectric module 10 is configured by alternately combining the p-type thermoelectric units 17 and the n-type thermoelectric units 18 as in the above embodiments. Then, the inner heat transfer plate 16A of the inner electrode 16 and the bottom plate 16B of the adjacent inner electrode 16 are bonded with, for example, a resin-based insulating adhesive 49 or the like.
Further, the top surface of the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the bottom plate 16B of the inner electrode 16 are soldered. Further, the top surface of the n-type thermoelectric element 14 and the bottom plate 15B of the outer electrode 15 are soldered. The pipes 48 are bonded to the inner electrodes 16 at both ends with an adhesive 49.
[0044]
That is, the flow path 20 is formed by the inner heat transfer plate 16 </ b> A of the inner electrode 16 without fitting the pipe 12 inside, and a fluid such as the exhaust gas 28 flows through the inside, for example. Thereby, heat is directly transmitted between the fluid and the inner heat transfer plate 16A without passing through the pipe 12, so that the heat transfer efficiency is improved. Instead of flowing the fluid through the flow path 20, a solid rod 38 may be fitted inside as in the seventh embodiment.
[0045]
Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 in the ninth embodiment. 20, for example, the thermoelectric module 10 shown in FIG. 16 is formed by filling the surroundings of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 with a molding material 39 such as insulating silicon rubber. This reduces the amount of heat that escapes from the surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14, thereby reducing energy loss and improving the efficiency of the thermoelectric module 10.
Such a mold is applicable to other embodiments.
[0046]
In each of the above embodiments, both the housing 11 and the pipe 12 have a cylindrical shape, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of them may have an elliptical cylinder shape, or may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the exhaust pipe is often in a cylindrical shape, and by making at least the pipe 12 in a cylindrical shape, it is possible to preferably allow the exhaust gas to pass through the inside.
[0047]
Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the p-type thermoelectric unit 17 and the n-type thermoelectric unit 18 in the tenth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 21, the p-type thermoelectric unit 17 includes an L-shaped outer electrode 15 composed of a rectangular outer heat transfer plate 15A and a bottom plate 15B, and the p-type thermoelectric element 13 is provided on the bottom plate 15B. The bottom is soldered. Similarly, the n-type thermoelectric unit 18 includes an L-shaped inner electrode 16 including an inner heat transfer plate 16A and a bottom plate 16B, and the bottom plate 16B is soldered to the bottom surface of the n-type thermoelectric element 14. ing.
[0048]
FIG. 22 shows a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 in which these thermoelectric units 17 and 18 are alternately combined. In FIG. 22, the pipe 12 has, for example, a rectangular shape, and the inner heat transfer plate 16A of the inner electrode 16 is in close contact with one side surface. The space between the top surface of the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and the bottom surface 16B of the inner electrode 16 is, for example, soldered. Further, the space between the top surface of the n-type thermoelectric element 14 and the bottom plate 15B of the outer electrode 15 is similarly soldered. Alternatively, the thermoelectric units 17 and 18 may be pressed against each other in the axial direction by means not shown.
[0049]
As described above, for an object to be subjected to heat exchange of an arbitrary shape, power generation or temperature control can be performed by forming the inner electrode 16 into a shape along the object. The same applies to the outer electrode 15. In FIG. 22, it has been described that the outer electrode 15 is air-cooled. However, the same applies to a case where a water-cooling jacket or the like is closely attached to the outer electrode 15, for example.
Further, as shown in FIG. 23, four thermoelectric modules may be arranged on the square pipe 12 such that the inner electrode 16 is in contact with each surface of the pipe 12. Alternatively, not all four surfaces of the pipe 12 but the first to third surfaces may be contacted.
[0050]
In the above embodiments, the outer electrode 15 and the inner electrode 16 have been described as having the bottom plates 15B, 16B in contact with the thermoelectric elements 13, 14, respectively, and the heat transfer plates 15A, 16A substantially perpendicular thereto. However, it is not limited to this. For example, one or both of them may be disc-shaped flat plates that do not have the heat transfer plates 15A and 16A.
However, when the heat transfer plates 15A and 16A are brought into contact with the housing 11 and the pipe 12 as in the above embodiment, heat is transmitted well between the two, and the efficiency of the thermoelectric module 10 is improved.
[0051]
Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described. In the eleventh embodiment, a technique for efficiently soldering the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 to the electrodes 15 and 16 will be described. The description will be made by taking the outer electrode 15 and the p-type thermoelectric element 13 as an example, but the same applies to the inner electrode 16 and the n-type thermoelectric element 14. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a soldering procedure, and FIGS. 25 to 30 are explanatory diagrams thereof.
[0052]
First, as shown in FIG. 25, the outer electrode 15 is placed at a predetermined position on a flat plate 41 made of metal or the like (step S11). At this time, for example, a dent is provided on the flat plate 41 at a position where the outer electrode 15 is placed. In FIG. 25, reference numerals 42 and 43 denote positioning holes for positioning the flat plate 41 and the outer electrode 15, respectively.
Then, as shown in FIG. 26, a solder screen having holes 50 at predetermined soldering positions is placed over the outer electrode 15, and a cream solder 46 (not shown in FIG. 26) is applied from above (step S12). . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 27, the cream solder 46 adheres to a predetermined position of the outer electrode 15.
[0053]
Next, as shown in FIG. 27, an element insertion jig 45 in which the p-type thermoelectric element 13 is fitted at a predetermined position is put over the outer electrode 15, and the p-type thermoelectric element 13 is pushed out from above and pulled out. As a result, the p-type thermoelectric element 13 is placed on the cream solder 46. (Step S13).
Then, as shown in FIG. 28, a weight 47 is placed on the p-type thermoelectric element 13 and put in a heating furnace (not shown) for heating and soldering (step S14). Thereby, the p-type thermoelectric unit 17 is formed.
[0054]
The p-type thermoelectric unit 17 thus manufactured is turned over as shown in FIG. 29, and cream solder 46 is applied to the back surface of the bottom plate 15B of the outer electrode 15 using a solder screen as in step S12 (step S15). .
The n-type thermoelectric unit 18 is also manufactured in the same manner, and the cream solder 46 is applied to the back surface.
In this manner, the p-type thermoelectric units 17 and the n-type thermoelectric units 18 each having the cream solder 46 applied on the back surface are alternately stacked as shown in FIG. Perform (step S16).
By using such a procedure, it is possible to efficiently manufacture the thermoelectric module 10. The connection between the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 and the electrodes 15 and 16 is not limited to the cream solder 46, but may be, for example, a conductive adhesive, or may be simply pressed without using solder or the like. .
[0055]
Next, a twelfth embodiment will be described. In the twelfth embodiment, a technique for mounting the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 on the flat plate 41 in step S13 will be described.
According to the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, the top and bottom surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are exposed at predetermined positions inside a heat-resistant and insulating element holder 51 made of silicon rubber or the like. Embedded in advance and placed on a flat plate 41. Then, instead of removing the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 from the element holder 51 as in step S13, soldering is performed in step S14 with the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 embedded in the element holder 51.
As a result, similarly to the molding material 39 described in the ninth embodiment, the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 are surrounded by the insulating element holder 51, so that energy loss due to heat radiation from the thermoelectric elements 13 and 14 is reduced. As a result, the efficiency of the thermoelectric module 10 is improved. In addition, it is not necessary to separately mold as in the ninth embodiment, so that labor for manufacturing is reduced.
[0056]
Next, a thirteenth embodiment will be described. FIG. 32 is a side sectional view of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the thirteenth embodiment. In FIG. 32, the thermoelectric module 10 includes a U-shaped inner electrode 16 and an outer electrode 15. The heat transfer plate 16 </ b> A of the inner electrode 16 is in contact with a part of the outer wall surface of the square pipe 12.
FIG. 33 shows another configuration example of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the thirteenth embodiment. In FIG. 33, the rod 38 has an oval cross section. FIGS. 34 and 35 show still another configuration example of the thermoelectric module 10 according to the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 34 and 35, the heat transfer plate 16A of the inner electrode 16 has a curved surface shape along the surface of the curved member 40. As described above, the present invention can be applied to objects such as the pipe 12, the rod 38, and the curved member 40 that exchange heat in all shapes such as a square shape, an oval shape, and a curved surface. That is, it is possible to generate power by removing heat from the fluid flowing through the inside of the pipe 12 and the rod 38, and to control the temperature of the rod 38, the curved surface member 40, and the fluid.
In the above embodiments, the electrodes 15 and 16 or the heat transfer plates 15A and 16A are described as being in contact with the entire surface of the object. Only a part may be in contact.
[0057]
The present invention relates to a thermoelectric module,
A hollow pipe,
P-type and n-type thermoelectric elements alternately arranged in the axial direction of the pipe on the outer periphery of the pipe;
An outer electrode and an inner electrode in contact with the pipe may be provided between the thermoelectric elements alternately in the axial direction of the pipe.
Accordingly, it is not necessary to make the surface of the thermoelectric element in contact with the electrode a curved surface, and a configuration using a general thermoelectric element having, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or a column shape can be used.
[0058]
Further, the present invention provides a thermoelectric module,
The outer diameter of the outer electrode may be larger than the outer diameter of the inner electrode. Thereby, the outer electrode plays the role of a fin for heat exchange, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.
[0059]
Further, the present invention provides a thermoelectric module,
A hollow pipe,
A housing that encloses the outer periphery of the pipe,
P-type and n-type thermoelectric elements alternately arranged in the axial direction of the pipe between the pipe and the housing,
An outer electrode and an inner electrode in contact with the pipe may be provided between the thermoelectric elements alternately in the axial direction of the pipe.
As described above, the configuration including the housing can protect the thermoelectric element from the outside air.
[0060]
Further, the present invention provides a thermoelectric module,
The outer electrode may protrude outside the housing.
Thereby, the outer electrode plays the role of a fin for heat exchange, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.
[0061]
Further, the present invention provides a thermoelectric module,
The outer electrode includes a bottom plate in contact with the thermoelectric element, and a heat transfer plate formed substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and in contact with the housing,
The inner electrode may include a bottom plate in contact with the thermoelectric element and a heat transfer plate formed substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and in contact with the pipe.
Thereby, heat is efficiently transmitted from the pipe and the housing to the electrode, and the efficiency of the thermoelectric module is improved.
[0062]
Further, the present invention provides a thermoelectric module,
A thermoelectric unit including a thermoelectric element and an electrode joined to one surface thereof may be formed in contact with each other without joining.
Thus, even when thermal stress occurs in the thermoelectric module, only the contact portion is shifted, and the joint portion and the thermoelectric element are not damaged.
[0063]
Further, the present invention provides a thermoelectric module,
The thermoelectric element and the electrode may be formed in contact with each other without joining.
Thus, even when thermal stress occurs in the thermoelectric module, only the contact portion is shifted, and the joint portion and the thermoelectric element are not damaged.
[0064]
Further, the present invention provides a thermoelectric module,
All of the electrodes may be divided into at least two or more.
Thereby, the ratio between the total of the cross-sectional areas of the thermoelectric elements and the height can be set to the highest value of the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, and the efficiency of the thermoelectric module is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a thermoelectric module according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a p-type thermoelectric unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an n-type thermoelectric unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view as viewed from the AA direction in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the inner electrode according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the inner electrode according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the thermoelectric element according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to an eighth embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a ninth embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a mold thermoelectric unit in a tenth embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a front sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a tenth embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a front sectional view showing another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the tenth embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing procedure of the thermoelectric module according to the eleventh embodiment.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing the procedure of manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the eleventh embodiment.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing the procedure of manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the eleventh embodiment.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing the procedure of manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the eleventh embodiment.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a manufacturing procedure of the thermoelectric module according to the eleventh embodiment.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory view showing the procedure of manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the eleventh embodiment.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory view showing the procedure of manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the eleventh embodiment.
FIG. 31 is an explanatory view of an element inserter according to a twelfth embodiment.
FIG. 32 is a side sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a thirteenth embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a side cross-sectional view of another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the thirteenth embodiment.
FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of still another configuration example of the thermoelectric module according to the thirteenth embodiment.
FIG. 35 is an explanatory view in a BB section of FIG. 34;
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric module according to a first related art.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module according to a second related art.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: thermoelectric module, 11: housing, 12: pipe, 13: p-type thermoelectric element, 14: n-type thermoelectric element, 15: outer electrode, 16: inner electrode, 17: p-type thermoelectric unit, 18: n-type thermoelectric unit 19: hole, 23: spring, 24: nut, 25: power line connection electrode, 26: external fin, 27: internal fin, 28: exhaust gas, 29: power line, 30: cooling water, 31: water cooling jacket, 33 : Notch, 34: insulator, 35: nut, 36: insulator, 37: split, 38: rod, 39: mold material, 41: flat plate, 42: hole, 43: hole, 44: solder screen, 45: element Inserting jig, 46: cream solder, 47: weight, 48: pipe, 49: adhesive, 50: hole, 51: element holder.

Claims (2)

In thermoelectric modules,
P-type and n-type thermoelectric elements (13, 14) arranged alternately;
An outer electrode (15) and an inner electrode (16) alternately arranged between the thermoelectric elements (13, 14);
At least a part of at least one of the outer electrode (15) and the inner electrode (16) has a shape substantially along an object that exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16). And thermoelectric module. In thermoelectric modules,
P-type and n-type thermoelectric elements (13, 14) arranged alternately;
An outer electrode (15) and an inner electrode (16) alternately arranged between the thermoelectric elements (13, 14);
A thermoelectric module, wherein the inner electrode (16) surrounds an object that exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16).

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