KR102060010B1 - power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one aspect of the invention, the power generation apparatus includes a furnace (furnace) for emitting heat energy to the outside; An alkali metal thermoelectric converter positioned outside the furnace and generating electrical energy through circulation of the metal fluid by thermal energy emitted from the furnace; And a heat energy recovery device for recovering heat energy by exchanging heat with at least one of the furnace and the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device, wherein the heat energy recovery device has one end in communication with the low temperature fluid supply and the other end with a high temperature fluid demand. And a heat energy recovery line in communication with the unit, wherein the heat energy recovery line is supplied with a low temperature fluid from the low temperature fluid supply unit, and the high temperature fluid flows therein and is converted into a high temperature fluid through heat exchange with a metal fluid. The high temperature fluid is supplied to the fluid demanding unit, and the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device comprises: an evaporation unit receiving the thermal energy emitted from the furnace and converting the internal metal fluid into steam; A thermoelectric converter communicating with the evaporator to introduce the metal fluid, to generate electrical energy by using the metal fluid as a charge carrier, and to discharge the metal fluid; And a condensation unit communicating with the thermoelectric conversion unit to collect and condense metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric conversion unit. Wherein the thermoelectric conversion unit comprises at least one thermoelectric conversion module configured by stacking a space portion having a predetermined volume for transferring the metal fluid and a plate-like structure which generates electricity by permeation of the metal fluid. The flat plate structure includes a plate electrolyte structure, an anode formed on one surface of the plate electrolyte structure, and a cathode formed on the other surface of the plate electrolyte structure. It features.

Description

Power generator

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power generation device, and more particularly, to a power generation device having an alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device (AMTEC, ALKALI METAL THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER) capable of generating power using an alkali metal fluid as a working fluid.

Alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC), which generates alkali metal as a working fluid, is a power generation device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It was spotlighted as a space generator and was led by NASA in the United States.

AMTEC is a power generation device that can generate electricity without a driving unit such as a turbine or a motor. When unit cells are connected in series or in parallel, AMTEC is regarded as a future-oriented footwear technology as it enables large-scale power generation from several kW to several hundred MW. have.

The basic principle of operation of AMTEC is as follows. First, Na vapor is changed to a vapor state in the evaporation unit, which is a high temperature and high pressure region by a heat source, and Na + ions pass through a beta "-Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE). In other words, if the temperature difference (ΔT) is applied to both ends of the beta "alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) having ion conductivity, the difference in vapor pressure of the liquid Na packed inside the AMTEC cell is a driving force, and the Na + ions move to the lattice oxygen gap layer loosely bonded. Here, free electrons pass from the anode to the electrical load and back to the cathode, recombine with Na + ions from the surface of the beta "alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) in the low temperature low pressure region and neutralize. Neutralization) generates electricity during this process.

The energy source or driving force that generates electricity in AMTEC is the Na vapor pressure inside AMTEC which is the largest, and also the freedom that occurs when Na passes through the solid electrolyte due to the difference in concentration of fluid and temperature. Power generation is possible by collecting electrons through an electrode. At this time, the output shows characteristics of low voltage and high current, and when unit cells are modularized and connected, large capacity power generation is possible. In addition, AMTEC can be applied to heat sources of high temperature (about 600 ℃ or more), so it can be applied to industrial facilities, nuclear power generation, solar power generation, automobiles, boilers, etc. where high temperature waste heat can be generated, and the collected power is distributed. It can be used as a power generation device.

1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional AMTEC apparatus 10. Referring to Figure 1, the conventional AMTEC technology has a tubular (tubular) structure in most, beta "alumina solid formed Na + ions formed in the tubular unit cell by Na vapor is changed to a vapor state in the evaporation unit of the high pressure region by the heat source (1) At this time, the free electrons are collected from the negative electrode 4, go out along the current collecting line 7, and work according to the electrical load. Recombination with Na + ions from the surface generates electricity Neutral Na vapor condenses in the low pressure condensation section 5 and the condensed NA is returned to the evaporation section by the capillary wick 6 to complete the cycle. .

In the case of the conventional AMTEC, as the unit cell has a tubular structure, as shown in FIG. 1, a heat source must be located in the downward direction of the AMTEC, and thus, structural constraints are imposed on the heat source. In addition, in the conventional AMTEC, there is a limit in output per unit area due to the low density of unit cells as compared to the volume, and there is a limit in the overall output because the circulation of metal fluid is not smoothly performed, thereby replacing a thermoelectric generator using a thermoelectric element. There is a difficulty. Due to these problems, AMTEC has difficulty in application of commercialization and application technology, and researches are not actively conducted worldwide compared to other thermoelectric generators.

Currently, it is necessary to develop a cogeneration system that can maximize the design efficiency and thermal efficiency of AMTEC that can be combined with various heat sources.

Korean Patent No. 1,584,617

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a power generation apparatus having an alkali metal thermoelectric converter capable of significantly improving thermal efficiency.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a structure of an alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device that can be flexibly combined with various heat sources and a power generation device having the same.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a structure of an alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device that can improve the output efficiency per unit volume and unit area, and a power generation device having the same.

Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent through the preferred embodiments described below.

According to one aspect of the invention, the power generation apparatus includes a furnace (furnace) for emitting heat energy to the outside; And an alkali metal thermoelectric converter positioned outside the furnace and generating electrical energy through circulation of the metal fluid by the thermal energy emitted from the furnace.

In one embodiment, the power generation device may further include a heat energy recovery device for recovering heat energy by heat exchange with at least one of the furnace and the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device.

In an embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device may include: an evaporator configured to receive thermal energy emitted from the furnace and convert an internal metal fluid into steam; A thermoelectric converter communicating with the evaporator to introduce the metal fluid, to generate electrical energy by using the metal fluid as a charge carrier, and to discharge the metal fluid; And a condensation unit communicating with the thermoelectric conversion unit to collect and condense metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric conversion unit.

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device is configured to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the furnace, one side of the evaporation portion is configured to route the furnace, the other side of the condensation portion is in the opposite direction of the furnace Can be configured to face.

In one embodiment, the condenser comprises a cooling unit for cooling and condensing the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric conversion unit; And a circulation unit for circulating the condensed metal fluid to the evaporator.

In one embodiment, the cooling unit may be configured to be separated from the thermoelectric converter, and the circulation unit may be configured such that metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter is circulated to the evaporator via the cooling unit.

In one embodiment, the heat energy recovery device may recover the heat energy through heat exchange with the metal fluid flowing in the cooling unit.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device and the cooling unit may be located below the evaporator and the thermoelectric converter.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device includes a thermal energy recovery line of which one end is in communication with the low temperature fluid supply portion and the other end is in communication with the high temperature fluid demand portion, wherein the thermal energy recovery line, supply the low temperature fluid from the low temperature fluid supply portion When the low temperature fluid flows inside and is converted into a high temperature fluid through heat exchange with a metal fluid, the high temperature fluid may be supplied to the high temperature fluid demand part.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device may be configured to primary heat exchange with the furnace, and then secondary heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device may be configured to primary heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter, and secondary heat exchange with the furnace.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device may include a first thermal energy recovery device for recovering thermal energy through heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device; And a second heat energy recovery device for recovering heat energy through heat exchange with the first heat energy recovery device.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion unit includes at least one thermoelectric conversion module configured by stacking a predetermined volume of space for transferring the metal fluid and a plate-like structure that generates electricity by permeation of the metal fluid. The plate structure may include a plate electrolyte structure, an anode formed on one surface of the plate electrolyte structure, and a cathode formed on the other surface of the plate electrolyte structure.

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device is formed of a polyhedral structure, it may be configured to contact the outer surface of the furnace.

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device is formed in a hollow cylindrical structure, it may be configured to surround the outer surface of the furnace.

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device is formed of a hollow cylindrical structure, is configured to surround the outer surface of the furnace, the thermoelectric conversion unit and the volume of the space portion for transferring the metal fluid, and the metal At least one thermoelectric conversion module configured with a rolled structure for generating electricity by permeation of a fluid, wherein the rolled structure includes a rolled electrolyte structure, an anode formed on an inner surface of the rolled electrolyte structure, and the rolled structure. It may be composed of a cathode (cathode) formed on the outer surface of the electrolyte structure.

The present invention comprises an alkali metal thermoelectric converter configured outside the furnace that emits thermal energy, and includes a thermal energy recovery device that recovers thermal energy by exchanging heat with at least one of the furnace and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the power generator. It can greatly improve.

In addition, the present invention forms a space for circulating a metal fluid in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules (unit cells) constituting the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device, and configures the electrolyte structure and the electrodes (cathode and anode) in a flat or roll shape. In addition, by sequentially stacking each of the unit cells so that they can be electrically connected to each other, the unit cells can be flexibly combined with various heat sources, and the power generation efficiency per unit volume and unit area can be greatly improved.

1 is a reference view for explaining the operation of the tubular alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to the prior art.
2 is a reference diagram for explaining a power generation device according to the present invention.
3 to 7 are reference diagrams for describing a power generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 to 11 are reference views for explaining the structure of the furnace and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 to 17 are reference diagrams for describing a power generation system including a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 to 27 are reference diagrams for explaining the structure of an alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As the invention allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, it should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof.

The present invention relates to a design technique of a power generation device for solving the problems of the conventional tubular alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device described above.

The present inventors have made diligent efforts to solve the problems according to the prior art described above, and as a result, an alkali metal thermoelectric converter is formed outside the furnace that emits heat energy, and heat energy is exchanged with at least one of the furnace and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter. It was confirmed that by configuring the heat energy recovery device to recover, the thermal efficiency of the power generation device can be greatly improved. In addition, the present inventors form a space for circulating a metal fluid in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules (unit cells) constituting the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device, and configure the electrolyte structure and the electrodes (cathode and anode) in a flat or roll shape. In addition, by sequentially stacking each of the unit cells to be electrically connected, it was confirmed that can be flexibly combined with a variety of heat sources, and can significantly improve the power generation efficiency per unit volume and unit area, and completed the present invention. .

Hereinafter, the power generation apparatus according to the present invention and various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a reference diagram for explaining a power generation device according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the power generation apparatus 10 includes a furnace 100 and an alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200.

Furnace (furnace, furnace, 100) in the present invention corresponds to a device for emitting heat energy, and is not limited to the use, name, size, material and the like. That is, the furnace 100 according to the present invention is not limited to a device for heating the material to a high temperature in a dictionary meaning, and if the device emits heat energy to the outside, it should be interpreted as the furnace 100 according to the present invention. will be. For example, the furnace 100 may correspond to various heating apparatuses such as a combustion furnace, a heating furnace, an industrial furnace, an incinerator, a nuclear reactor, and an electric furnace. For another example, the furnace 100 may correspond to various waste heat generating devices such as a vehicle exhaust gas discharge device and a boiler device. On the other hand, considering the operating temperature (evaporation side) of the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 200, the furnace 100 according to the present invention preferably corresponds to a heat energy emitting device having an external temperature of about 600 ~ 1000K level.

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 is located outside the furnace 100 and corresponds to a device for generating electrical energy through thermal energy emitted from the furnace 100. Here, the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 200 is composed of an alkali metal fluid (hereinafter, referred to as a metal fluid), and the electrical energy is supplied by using the alkali metal fluid circulated by the heat energy emitted from the furnace 100 as a working fluid. Can be generated.

In an embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 may include an evaporator 210, a thermoelectric converter 220, and a condenser 230.

The evaporator 210 may receive the thermal energy emitted from the furnace 100 to convert the metal fluid therein into steam. The thermoelectric converter 220 may communicate with the evaporator 210 to introduce a metal fluid, generate electrical energy by using the metal fluid as a charge carrier, and discharge the metal fluid. The condenser 230 may communicate with the thermoelectric converter 220 to collect and condense metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 220. Meanwhile, a detailed description of the power generation principle and operation of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 will be described later (see FIGS. 18 to 27).

In an embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 may supply the generated electric energy to the power demand unit 250 through the electric line 240. Here, the power demand unit 250 is an object requiring power, and may include, for example, a power system such as a substation facility or a current collection facility, or a power consumption device such as a power storage device (battery) or a home appliance. have.

In one embodiment, the power generation device 10 may include a thermal energy recovery device. Here, the heat energy recovery apparatus may recover heat energy by heat exchange with at least one of the furnace 100 and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200.

In one embodiment, the heat energy recovery device may include a heat exchange device 310 in which a heat energy exchange medium flows and heat exchanges with at least one of the furnace 100 and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery apparatus may include a thermal energy recovery line 320, one end of which is in communication with the low temperature fluid supply unit 330 and the other end of which is in communication with the high temperature fluid demand unit 340. Here, the heat energy recovery line 320 is supplied with a low temperature fluid (heat energy exchange medium) from the low temperature fluid supply unit 330, and when the low temperature fluid flows inside and heat exchanges with the metal fluid to convert the high temperature fluid into a high temperature fluid, The fluid demand unit 340 may be supplied.

In one embodiment, the heat energy exchange medium may comprise at least one of water, metal fluid, air, and gas. The cold fluid supply 330 is a device for supplying a heat energy exchange medium, and may correspond to, for example, a storage tank (or supply device) of water, metal fluid, air, or gas. The high temperature fluid demander 340 is an object requiring a high temperature fluid, and may correspond to, for example, a heating water supply device and a preheating gas supply device.

More specifically, for example, when the power generation device 10 according to the present invention is included in a boiler system (power generation boiler), the power generated by the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 200 is transferred to the home power system 250. It can be delivered and used as household power. When the water stored in the supply water tank 330 is transferred to the heat exchanger 310 along the pipe 320, and converted to high temperature water through heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200, the water is supplied to the hot water supply device 340. It can be transferred and used as domestic hot water or hot water for heating. On the other hand, this example is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, the power generation device 10 according to the present invention can be applied to a variety of heat sources, power and high temperature fluid produced by the power generation device 10 is a necessary purpose Of course, it can be supplied according to.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of a heat energy recovery method of the power generation device 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. 3 to 7 are reference diagrams for describing a power generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery apparatus may be configured to primary heat exchange with the furnace 100 and then secondary heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion apparatus 200. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the thermal energy recovery apparatus may include first and second heat exchangers 311 and 312. Here, the fluid supplied through the heat energy recovery line 320 passes through the first heat exchange device 311 and recovers heat energy from the furnace 100, and then passes through the second heat exchange device 312 to the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device. The thermal energy may be recovered from the 200 and then transferred to the high temperature fluid demander 340.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery apparatus may be configured to primary heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 and secondary heat exchange with the furnace 200. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the thermal energy recovery apparatus may include third and fourth heat exchangers 313 and 314. Here, the fluid supplied through the heat energy recovery line 320 passes through the third heat exchange device 313 and heat energy is recovered from the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200, and then passes through the fourth heat exchange device 314 to the furnace. The thermal energy may be recovered from the 100 and then transferred to the high temperature fluid demander 340.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device may be configured to heat the interior of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 and then supply the fluid flowing therein to the furnace 100. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the thermal energy recovery apparatus may include a fifth heat exchanger 315. Here, the fluid supplied through the heat energy recovery line 320 may pass through the fifth heat exchange device 315 and recover heat energy from the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200, and then may be supplied to the furnace 100. The present embodiment is a structure that can be applied when the fluid supplied from the low temperature fluid supply unit 330 corresponds to the supply fluid of the furnace 100. According to the present embodiment, the supply fluid is supplied to the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200. After preheating through to supply to the furnace 100 can be improved energy efficiency. For example, when the furnace 100 corresponds to a furnace for steam production, the air supplied from the air tank 330 is preheated through waste heat generated in the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200, and the preheated air is The energy efficiency may be improved by passing to 100.

In one embodiment, the heat energy recovery device is a first heat energy recovery device for recovering the heat energy through heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200, and a second heat energy recovery device for recovering the heat energy through heat exchange with the first heat energy recovery device. It may be configured to include. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the heat energy recovery device may include first heat energy recovery devices 317 and 321 and second heat energy recovery devices 318 and 322. Here, the first and second heat energy recovery devices may include heat exchange devices 317 and 318 and heat energy recovery devices 321 and 322, respectively, one end of each of the first and second low temperature fluids. In communication with the supplies 331, 332, the other end may be in communication with the first and second hot fluid demands 341, 342. In one embodiment, the first and second cold fluid supplies 331, 332 may be implemented as a single device.

In this embodiment, the hot fluid conveyed from the first heat energy recovery devices 317 and 321 corresponds to a relatively high temperature as compared with the hot fluid conveyed from the second heat energy recovery devices 318 and 322. For example, when the furnace 100 corresponds to combustion for a domestic boiler, the low temperature water supplied from the low temperature water tanks 331 and 332 is a first heat energy recovery device that exchanges heat with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200. It may be converted into hot water via the second heat, and may be converted into hot water via a second heat energy recovery device that exchanges heat with the first heat energy recovery device. At this time, the hot water may be utilized as hot water for heating, and the middle temperature water may be used as domestic hot water.

In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, the condenser 230 configured in the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 may include a cooling unit 231 for cooling and condensing the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 220. And, it may be configured to include a circulation unit 232 for circulating the condensed metal fluid to the evaporator (210).

In one embodiment, the cooling unit 231 is configured to be separated from the thermoelectric conversion unit 220, the circulation unit 232 is a metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric conversion unit 220 is evaporated via the cooling unit 231. It may be configured to circulate to the unit 210. Here, the cooling unit 231 may include a structure for condensing the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 220, and the circulation unit 232 may cool the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 220. It may include a structure for circulating to the evaporator 210 via the portion 231. In an embodiment, the heat energy recovery devices 316 and 320 may recover heat energy through heat exchange with the metal fluid flowing in the cooling unit 231.

In addition, the detailed structure, operation | movement, and effect of the generator 10 shown in FIG. 7 are mentioned later.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the structures of the furnace 100 and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. 8 to 11 are reference diagrams for explaining the structure of the furnace 100 and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 is formed of a polyhedral structure and may be configured to contact the outer surface of the furnace 100. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the furnace 100 and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 are each formed in a hexahedral structure, and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 is formed of at least a portion of an outer surface of the furnace 100. It can be configured in contact with the area.

In one embodiment, the power generation device 10 may include a plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 200. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the power generation device 10 may include a plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200, and each of the plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200 may be the furnace 100. It may be configured in contact with any one of the outer surface of the. Meanwhile, FIG. 8 illustrates a power generation device 10 including two alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as an example for clearly describing the present invention. . That is, the power generation device 10 includes four alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200, and each of the alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200 may be configured to be in contact with each of the four surfaces of the furnace 100. to be.

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 is formed of a hollow cylindrical structure (donut structure), it may be configured to surround the outer surface of the furnace (100). Here, the furnace 100 may be formed in a cylindrical structure and may be located in a hollow region formed inside the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200. For example, referring to Fig. 9A (a reference diagram showing three-dimensional cross-sections of the furnace and the alkali metal apparatus), the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 is formed of a hollow cylindrical structure and a furnace formed of a cylindrical structure. It may be configured to surround the outer surface of the (100). According to the present embodiment, the efficiency of transferring the thermal energy emitted from the furnace to the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 may be improved.

In one embodiment, the power generation device 10 comprises a plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200 formed of a divided donut structure, wherein each of the plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200 is a furnace 100. It may be configured to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the. Here, the furnace 100 may be formed in a cylindrical structure and may be positioned at the center side of the plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200. For example, referring to FIG. 9 (B) (a reference diagram showing three-dimensional cross-sections of the furnace and the alkali metal device), the plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200 are formed in a divided donut structure and have a cylindrical structure. It may be configured to surround the outer surface of the formed furnace (100). According to the present embodiment, the efficiency of transferring the thermal energy emitted from the furnace to the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 may be improved, and the efficiency of the manufacturing process of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 may be improved. The structure of the plate-type alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 200 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention to be described later has a difficulty in manufacturing a hollow cylindrical structure shown in FIG. 9 (A). On the other hand, when the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 200 is designed to have a divided donut structure as shown in FIG. 9 (B), the components included in the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 200 are relatively easily manufactured and manufactured. As the assembly is possible, the manufacturing process efficiency may be further improved.

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 is configured to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the furnace 100, one surface of the evaporator 210 is configured to face the furnace 100, the condensation unit The other surface of 230 may be configured to face in the opposite direction of the furnace 100. For example, referring to FIG. 10 (sectional view of an alkali metal thermoelectric converter), the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 includes an evaporator 210, a thermoelectric converter 220, and a condenser 230, The furnace 100 is positioned on the left side of the evaporator 210, and the condenser 230 may be disposed in a direction opposite to the furnace 100. That is, FIG. 10 may correspond to a cross-sectional view of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 disposed on the right side of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 shown in FIG. 8 or 9B. Alternatively, FIG. 10 may correspond to a right side cross-sectional view of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 illustrated in FIG. 9A.

In an exemplary embodiment, the thermoelectric converter 220 may include at least one thermoelectric structure in which a predetermined volume of space for transferring metal fluid and a plate-like structure 211 that generates electricity by permeation of the metal fluid are stacked. It may include a conversion module. Here, the plate-like structure may be composed of a plate-like electrolyte structure, an anode formed on one surface of the plate-like electrolyte structure, and a cathode formed on the other surface of the plate-shaped electrolyte structure. For example, referring to FIG. 10, the thermoelectric conversion unit 220 may be configured by stacking five thermoelectric conversion modules, and each of the thermoelectric conversion modules may include a flat structure 211. Here, when FIG. 10 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 disposed on the right side of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 shown in FIG. 8, the flattened structure 211 has a rectangular planar structure. Can have. When FIG. 10 corresponds to a right sectional view of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 shown in FIG. 9A, the plate-like structure 211 may have a hollow disc-like structure (planar donut structure). When FIG. 10 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 disposed on the right side of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 shown in FIG. 9B, the flat plate structure 211 is divided into hollow parts. It may have a discoid structure (divided planar donut structure).

In one embodiment, the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 is formed of a hollow cylindrical structure, the thermoelectric conversion module 220 is a predetermined volume of space for transferring the metal fluid and the electricity by the transmission of the metal fluid. It may be configured to include a rolled structure 212 to generate. The roll structure 212 may include a roll electrolyte structure, an anode formed on an inner surface of the roll electrolyte structure, and a cathode formed on an outer surface of the roll electrolyte structure. For example, referring to FIG. 11 (the right cross-sectional view of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 shown in FIG. 9A), the thermoelectric converter 220 may be formed by stacking five thermoelectric conversion modules. Each of the thermoelectric conversion modules may include a rolled structure 212.

On the other hand, the detailed description of the components and operation of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 200 will be described later.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, a system in which the power generation device 10 according to the present invention is implemented will be described as an example. 12 to 17 are reference views for explaining a power generation system including a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and more specifically, a reference view showing a cogeneration system including a power generation device according to the present invention.

12 to 17, the cogeneration system 1000 includes a furnace 1100, an alkali metal thermoelectric converter 1200, and a heat energy recovery device 1300, and includes a housing accommodating respective components therein. can do. In the case of the power generation apparatus according to the present invention, the miniaturized design is possible, and the cogeneration system 1000 may be manufactured at a level of about 400x250x650 mm (width x depth x height), and thus may be utilized as a household power generation boiler.

In one embodiment, the furnace 1100 (combustion unit) may be provided with a combustor 1110. Meanwhile, although the combustor 1110 is shown as being configured on the inner upper surface of the furnace 1100 in FIGS. 14 to 17, the configuration position, type, size, etc. of the combustor 1110 may be variously designed as necessary. For example, the combustor 1110 may correspond to a meshed planar combustor and may be disposed on each of the inner sides of the furnace 1100 to be configured to uniformly transfer thermal energy to the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 1200. have.

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device 1300 may be located under the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 1200. The metal fluid flowing through the inside of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 1200 is an alkali metal fluid, which may cause the power generation system to explode when contacted with a fluid (eg, water) flowing inside the heat energy recovery device 1300. There is this. Thus, in order to prevent contact with the alkali metal fluid even when the fluid flowing inside the thermal energy recovery device 1300 is leaked, the thermal energy recovery device 1300 is the lower portion of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 1200 as in the present embodiment. It is preferable to place in.

12 to 17 are examples for explaining a system in which the power generation device 10 according to the present invention is implemented, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As described above, the furnace 1100 and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter 1200 may have various shapes such as cylindrical and hollow cylindrical structures other than a hexahedral structure, and include a heat energy recovery device, a low temperature fluid supply unit, a high temperature fluid demand unit, and an electric power demand. Of course, various well-known configurations can be applied as necessary.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the structures of the alkali metal thermoelectric converters 200 and 1200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 27. 18 to 27 are reference diagrams for explaining the structure of an alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. A detailed configuration of one of the plurality of alkali metal thermoelectric converters 1200 illustrated in FIG. 13 is illustrated. It is a figure to illustrate embodiment of an element and each component.

Meanwhile, although an alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device having a hexahedral stacked structure is described as an example with reference to FIGS. 18 to 27, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited, and as shown in FIG. 9, an alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device is illustrated. The device can of course be embodied as a hollow cylindrical (donut) or a divided hollow cylindrical (divided donut).

18 is an external perspective view of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 19 to 21 are internal perspective views of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 18, a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a housing accommodating an evaporator, a thermoelectric converter, and a condenser.

The housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is a structure for accommodating the evaporator, the thermoelectric converter, and the condenser, and in one embodiment, may include a side structure 2111, a top structure 2112, and a bottom structure 2113. have. Here, the side structure 2111, the top structure 2112 and the bottom structure 2113 may be formed integrally, or may be separately formed and then bonded or hermetically assembled.

In one embodiment, the top structure 2112 and the bottom structure 2113 may be firmly coupled to each other through the fixing structure and the fastening unit. For example, referring to FIG. 18, the fixing structure 2121 is formed of a bar having a predetermined length to be inserted into a fastening hole formed in each of the upper structure 2112 and the lower structure 2113, and the fastening unit ( 2122 is screwed to the top and bottom of the fixing structure 2121, the upper structure 2112 and the lower structure 2113 may be firmly coupled to each other.

In one embodiment, at least one configuration of the housing may be formed of SUS material.

On the other hand, Figure 18 is a reference diagram for explaining the external structure of the laminated alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, the housing for accommodating the evaporator, thermoelectric converter and condensation unit is Of course, it can be formed in a variety of known structures.

In one embodiment, the housing may be configured with a current collecting line electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion unit (to be described later) accommodated therein. More specifically, the thermoelectric conversion unit (described later) generates power using an alkali metal as a working fluid, and here, a current collecting line (eg, wire lead wire) for connecting electricity generated by the thermoelectric conversion unit (described later) with an external electrical device. ) May be configured in the housing. On the other hand, the current collecting line according to the present invention is not limited to the material, structure, length, etc., it may be designed flexibly according to the structure of the housing.

Referring to FIG. 19, the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an evaporator 2130, a thermoelectric converter 2140, and a condenser 2150.

The evaporator 2130 receives heat energy from the outside to convert the metal fluid therein into steam. The heat source for supplying the thermal energy (about 1000 K or more) may be located outside one surface of the evaporator 2130 (for example, in the -y direction in FIGS. 18 to 21), and the evaporator 2130 may extract the thermal energy from the furnace 100. When supplied, the metal fluid inside can be converted into a vapor state. In one embodiment, the evaporator 2130 may include a structure having a predetermined volume of space for accommodating the metal fluid therein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the evaporator 2130 may include a multi-faceted structure in which a space for receiving a metal fluid is formed.

Meanwhile, the metal fluid according to the present invention corresponds to an alkali metal fluid, and may correspond to any one of Na, K, and Li. Hereinafter, for the sake of clarity, the metal fluid corresponds to NA, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The thermoelectric converter 2140 communicates with the evaporator 2130 to introduce a metal fluid, and generates electrical energy using the metal fluid as a charge carrier. Here, the thermoelectric converter 2140 includes an anode, an electrolyte structure, and a cathode, and may generate power by using a metal fluid flowing from the evaporator 2130 as a working fluid. The thermoelectric converter 2140 discharges the metal fluid having completed the power generation cycle to the condenser 2150. In an embodiment, the thermoelectric converter 2140 may include a structure having a volume of a space capable of accommodating the metal fluid therein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the thermoelectric converter 2140 may include a multi-faceted structure in which a space for receiving a metal fluid is formed.

In an embodiment, the thermoelectric converter 2140 may include at least one thermoelectric converter module. 20 and 21 illustrate a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device in which a total of 20 thermoelectric conversion modules are stacked in five rows and four columns. As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the thermoelectric conversion unit 2140 includes a plurality of thermoelectric devices. Conversion modules 2141, 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, and the like.

In one embodiment, each of the thermoelectric conversion modules 2141, 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, etc., includes an anode, an electrolyte structure, and a cathode therein, and is in communication with the evaporator 2130. A metal fluid may be introduced, and the unit cell may be a unit cell capable of generating electrical energy by using the metal fluid as a charge carrier. Here, the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules may be electrically connected. On the other hand, the electrical connection structure of the thermoelectric conversion module can be designed by selecting or combining a series and parallel connection scheme according to the output conditions of the power generation system, the scope of the present invention should be construed as not limited thereto.

The condenser 2150 communicates with the thermoelectric converter 2140 and collects and condenses the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 2140. On the outer side of the condensation unit 2150 (in the + y direction in FIGS. 18 to 21), a low temperature medium (about 500 K or less) which is relatively low temperature is positioned as compared with the furnace 100 that supplies heat energy to the evaporation unit 2130. The condenser 2150 may condense metal fluid therein through heat exchange with a low temperature medium.

In one embodiment, the condenser 2150 may include a cooling unit for cooling and condensing the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 2140, and a circulation unit for circulating the metal fluid to the evaporator 2130. Here, the cooling unit may include a structure for condensing the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 2140, and the circulation unit may include a metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 2140 via the cooling unit to evaporate 2130. It may include a structure for cycling to.

For example, referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the evaporator 2130 may be configured to be in contact with one surface of the thermoelectric converter 2140, and the condenser 2150 may be configured to be in contact with the other surface of the thermoelectric converter 2140. have. Here, the cooling unit of the condensation unit 2150 includes a predetermined volume of the multi-faceted structure 2722 for accommodating the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric conversion unit 2140, and a heat sink 2153 configured to contact one surface of the multi-sided structure. Can be configured. In addition, the circulation portion of the condenser 2150 includes at least one wick 2151 for circulating the metal fluid collected by the condensation under the multi-face structure 2152 of the cooling unit to the evaporator 2130. It can be configured by.

Meanwhile, although FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate that the wick 2151 of the circulation unit is configured under the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000, this is an example for clearly describing the present invention and the scope of the present invention. Is not limited to this. That is, the circulation unit according to the present invention is a configuration for circulating the metal fluid condensed by the cooling unit to the evaporator 2130, and should be interpreted as being not limited to a shape, a structure, a material, a configuration position, and the like.

In the above, the structure of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 21. Hereinafter, a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 22 to 27.

FIG. 22 is an internal perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric conversion module 2200 configured in a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 22, the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 may include a volume portion of spaces 2210 and 2220 for transferring metal fluid, and a plate-like structure 2230 that generates electricity by permeation of the metal fluid. Can be.

In an embodiment, the spaces 2210 and 2220 may include an inlet 2210 for receiving a metal fluid flowing from the evaporator 2130, and a metal condenser for receiving the metal fluid that has passed through the flat structure 2230. A discharge unit 2220 for discharging to 2150 may be included. Here, the inlet portion 2210 and the discharge portion 2220 may be composed of a separate structure, respectively.

In one embodiment, the inlet portion 2210 and the discharge portion 2220 may be formed of an electrically conductive material, for example, may be formed of molybdenum (Mo) or neodymium (Nd), the scope of the present invention Is not limited to this.

In one embodiment, the inlet portion 2210 may be formed with at least one inlet hole 2211 for communicating with the evaporator 2130, and the outlet portion 2220 is at least for communicating with the condensation portion 2150. One discharge hole 2221 may be formed. Herein, the evaporator 2130 and the condenser 2150 have through holes formed in the areas facing the inlet hole 2211 and the outlet hole 2221, respectively, so that the inlet part 2210 and the outlet part 2220 are respectively formed. Can be communicated.

In one embodiment, the plate-like structure 2230 may include a plate-like electrolyte structure 2232, and an electrode consisting of a cathode (anode) 2231 and a cathode (cathode) 2233. Here, the cathode 2231 is formed on one surface of the flat electrolyte structure 2232 facing the inlet portion 2210, and the positive electrode 2233 of the flat electrolyte structure 2232 facing the discharge portion 2220. It may be formed on the other surface. That is, the plate structure 2230 may have a structure in which the cathode 2223, the plate electrolyte structure 2232, and the anode 2233 are sequentially stacked based on a direction in which the metal fluid is transferred.

The plate-type electrolyte structure 2232 according to the present invention may be composed of a solid electrolyte of beta-alumina (β "-Al ₂ O ₃ ) or Na super-ionic conductor (NASICON), and may be an electrode (anode and Cathode) PtW, RhW, TiC, TiN, SiN, RuO, Ru ₂ O, Rh ₂ W, molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), nickel- Iron alloy, stainless steel, iron (Fe) may be formed of at least one material of bronze, but the scope of the present invention should be construed as not limited to the material of the plate-like structure 2230.

In an embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 may be configured by sequentially stacking the inlet part 2210, the flat structure 2230, and the outlet part 2220 based on a direction in which the metal fluid is transferred. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the inlet part 2210 and the outlet part 2220 are each composed of separate structures, and refer to the direction in which the metal fluid is conveyed (see FIG. 27, + z-axis direction). As such, the inlet part 2210, the plate-like structure 2230, and the outlet part 2220 may be sequentially stacked.

18 to 27 illustrate that the inlet part 2210, the plate-like structure 2230, and the outlet part 2220 of the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 are sequentially stacked in the vertical direction (+ z-axis direction). Although the structure is shown, this is for the purpose of clearly describing the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 is sequentially stacked in the inlet portion 2210, the plate-like structure 2230 and the discharge portion 2220 along the horizontal direction (+ y axis direction) It may be formed in a structure that is. In this case, the metal fluid vapor flowing from the evaporator 2130 may be transported along the horizontal direction (+ y-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 is coupled to the region in which the inlet portion 2210, the flat structure 2230 and the discharge portion 2220 are stacked in a gas tight structure, the inlet portion 2210 and the discharge portion And an insulating structure 2240 for electrically separating the 2220. Here, the insulating structure 2240 may be formed of an insulating material, for example, may be formed of alpha-alumina (α-Al ₂ O ₃ ), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 22, the insulating structure 2240 is configured to be in contact with each of both ends of the planar electrolyte structure 2232 of the planar structure 2230, and is insulated from at least some regions of the end side of the planar electrolyte structure 2232. The structure 2240 may be stacked between the inlet portion 2210 and the outlet portion 2220. Here, the insulating structure 2240 may be hermetically wrapped around the stacked area by being bonded to the inlet portion 2210 and the discharge portion 2220. Meanwhile, the insulating structure 240 may be bonded to the inlet part 210 and the outlet part 220 through a bonding agent or may be bonded through a brazing method.

In one embodiment, the volume of the outlet portion 2220 may be formed larger than the volume of the inlet portion 2210. This embodiment is a configuration for improving the output of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter, which will be described in more detail below.

The output voltage of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter is based on Equation 1 (Nernst eq.) Below.

V _oc : open-circuit voltage

R: gas constant

T _b : electrolyte structure temperature

F: Faraday

P _h : anode pressure

P _c : cathode pressure

According to Equation 1, a pressure difference (pressure difference between P _h and P _c ) before and after the electrolyte structure directly affects the output, and the larger the pressure difference, the higher the output voltage V _oc .

Here, in order to increase the front and rear pressure difference of the flat electrolyte structure 2232, the volume of the discharge portion 2220 may be formed larger than the volume of the inlet portion 2210 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the volume of the inlet part 2210 is formed to be relatively small, so that the pressure P _h on the side of the cathode 2223 is increased, and the volume of the outlet part 2220 is formed to be relatively large, so that the positive electrode 2233 is formed. As the pressure P _{c at the} side becomes smaller, the output voltage V _oc of the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 may be increased.

In another embodiment, the size of the discharge hole 2221 formed in the discharge part 2220 may be larger than the size of the inlet hole 2211 formed in the inlet part 2210. According to the present embodiment, the size of the inlet hole 2211 is formed to be relatively small compared with the size of the outlet hole 2221 so that the pressure P _{h at the} cathode 2223 side becomes larger and the pressure at the anode 2233 side As P _c decreases, the output voltage V _oc of the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 may increase.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 is formed inside the spaces 2210 and 2220, and may include a current collector structure electrically connecting the spaces 2210 and 2220 to electrodes.

In one embodiment, the current collector structure may include a first current collector structure 2212 formed inside the inlet portion 2210 and electrically connecting the inlet portion 2210 and the cathode 2231, and the discharge portion 2220. And a second current collector structure 2222 electrically connected to the discharge part 2220 and the positive electrode 2233. Here, the first current collector structure 2212 may electrically connect the inlet portion 2210 and the cathode 2231, which are formed of an electrically conductive material, to collect electrons from the cathode 2231 and transmit the electrons to the inlet portion 2210. have. In addition, the second current collector structure 2222 may electrically connect the discharge unit 2220 and the anode 2233 formed of an electrically conductive material to supply electrons transferred from the discharge unit 2220 to the anode 2233. .

According to the present embodiment, when the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 2200 have a stacked structure (see FIGS. 20 and 21), an upper thermoelectric conversion module (eg, 2142) and a lower thermoelectric conversion module (eg, 2141) may be used. Electrical series connection is possible without the need for separate wiring (eg wire) for electrical connection, which makes the whole system simple and easy to manufacture.

In one embodiment, the current collector structure may be formed of an elastic body and coupled to the inside of the spaces 2210 and 2220 by an interference fit method. For example, referring to FIG. 22, the first current collector structure 2212 and the second current collector structure 2222 are formed of elastic wires, and fit into the inlet part 2210 and the outlet part 2220, respectively. Can be combined in a manner. Here, fixing grooves (not shown) may be formed in the lower surface of the inlet portion 2210 and the upper surface of the discharge portion 2220 to accommodate the ends of the first current collector structure 2212 and the second current collector structure 2222. Can be.

According to the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 may be manufactured as follows. First, after the inlet part 2210 is disposed in the lower layer, the first current collecting structure 2212 is bent to insert both ends into the fixing groove, and then the plate-like structure 2230 and the insulating structure 2240 are laminated to the first current collecting structure. 2212 is coupled to the inside of the inlet portion 2210 in a force-fitting manner. Next, the second current collector structure 2222 is bent to insert both ends into a fixing groove formed on the upper surface of the discharge part 2220, and then the discharge part 2220 is disposed on the flat structure 2230 and the insulating structure 2240. The second current collector structure 2222 is stacked in such a manner that the second current collector structure 2222 is coupled to the inside of the discharge unit 2220 by a force fitting method.

Meanwhile, FIG. 22 exemplarily illustrates that the first and second current collector structures 2212 and 2222 are separated parabolic wires, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first current collector structure 2212 or the second current collector structure 2222 may be formed in a separate circle, a connected circle (spring type) or a mesh shape, and the inlet part 2210 and the outlet part 2220. Each of the fixing grooves having a shape corresponding to the ends of the first and second current collector structures 2212 may be formed.

In one embodiment, the current collector structure may be formed of a conductive foam structure. Here, the current collector structure may be configured to contact the electrode with the surface of at least a portion of the inner surface of the space portion, respectively.

For example, the first current collector structure formed inside the inlet part 2210 may be configured to contact the surface of at least a portion of the lower surface of the inlet part 2210 and each of the cathodes 2231, thereby providing the inlet part 2210 and the negative electrode. 2223 can be electrically connected. As another example, the second current collector structure formed inside the discharge unit 2220 may be configured to contact the surface of at least a portion of the upper surface of the discharge unit 2220 and each of the anodes 2233, thereby discharging the discharge unit 2220. The anode 2233 may be electrically connected.

In one embodiment, the first current collector structure may be formed of a conductive foam structure, and the second structure may be formed of a conductive elastomer. As described above, the output voltage of the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 becomes higher as the pressure P _c at the anode 2233 side is smaller than the pressure P _{h at} the cathode 231 side. If the second current collector structure is formed of a foam structure, since the pressure P _c on the side of the anode 2233 becomes relatively high, the output voltage of the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 is lowered. Thus, when the first current collector structure is formed of a conductive foam structure according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the second structure is formed of a conductive elastic body.

23 to 25 are cross-sectional views of a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the entire stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is an upper portion of the stacked type alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 including the uppermost thermoelectric module. 25 is a bottom sectional view including a bottommost thermoelectric conversion module of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000.

In one embodiment, the evaporator 2130 may constitute a porous metal structure 2131 for circulation of the metal fluid therein. Here, the porous metal structure 2131 may be formed such that the porosity gradually increases along the direction in which the metal fluid is circulated.

Referring to FIG. 23, the multifaceted structure 2152 formed in the condenser 2150 receives and condenses Na vapor discharged from the outlet 2220 of the thermoelectric conversion module. The condensed Na liquid may accumulate under the polyhedral structure 2152, and the wick 2151 formed at the bottom of the stacked thermoelectric converter 2000 may transfer Na liquid accumulated under the polyhedral structure 2152 to the evaporator 2130. Can be transferred. At this time, the Na liquid accumulated in the lower part of the evaporator 2130 may be supplied with a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that are converted into Na vapor by receiving heat by an external heat source (located in the -y direction). Here, according to the present embodiment, when the porous metal structure 2131 is formed inside the evaporator 2130 so that the porosity gradually increases along the direction in which the metal fluid is circulated (+ z direction), the evaporator Na liquid, which accumulates at the bottom of 2130, may be transferred upward along the porous metal structure 2131. Accordingly, the Na liquid contained in the porous metal structure 2131 is converted into a vapor state by receiving thermal energy evenly from an external heat source (located in the -y direction), so that Na vapor is uniform in the thermoelectric conversion modules from the upper layer to the lower layer. Can be supplied.

In one embodiment, the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 hermetically surrounds the thermoelectric conversion module 2200 so that the metal fluid does not leak to the outside, and each of the thermoelectric conversion module, the evaporator 2130, and the condenser 2150, respectively. It may include a sealed insulating structure 2160 for electrically separating the. Here, the sealed insulating structure 2160 may be formed of an insulating material, for example, may be formed of alpha-alumina (α-Al ₂ O ₃ ), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, the hermetic insulating structure 2160 may be configured to hermetically surround thermoelectric conversion modules included in the thermoelectric conversion unit 2140. Here, the hermetic insulating structure 2160 is formed of an insulating material to electrically separate each of the thermoelectric conversion module, the evaporator 2130 and the condensation part 2150, and at the same time the inlet part 2210 of the thermoelectric conversion modules and The metal fluid transported in the discharge part 2220 may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hermetic insulation structure 2160 has a through hole formed in an area facing each of the inlet hole 2211 and the outlet hole 2221 formed in the thermoelectric conversion module, so that the thermoelectric conversion module may have an evaporation unit 2130. And the condensation unit 2150.

In one embodiment, the discharge portion of the thermoelectric conversion module located in the lower layer and the inlet portion of the thermoelectric conversion module located in the upper layer may be formed as an integrated structure. Here, the thermoelectric conversion unit may have a structure in which the inlet of the thermoelectric conversion module positioned at the lowermost layer is disposed, the integral structure is sequentially stacked thereon, and the discharge portion of the thermoelectric conversion module positioned at the uppermost layer is stacked thereon.

This embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 23, the thermoelectric conversion unit may be configured by stacking five layers of thermoelectric conversion modules 2200-1 to 2200-5, and each thermoelectric conversion module 2200-1 to 2200-5 is an inlet unit. 2210-1 to 2210-5 and the discharge units 2220-1 to 2220-5. Here, the outlet (eg 2220-4) of the thermoelectric conversion module (eg 2200-4) located in the lower layer is the inlet (eg 2200-) of the thermoelectric conversion module (eg 2200-5) located in the upper layer. 5) and an integral structure. That is, the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 shown in FIG. 23 includes a total of four integrated structures 2220-1 and 2210-2, an integrated structure of 2220-2 and 2210-3, and 2220-3 and 2210. -4 unitary structure, 2220-4 and 2210-5 unitary structure). Here, the inlet part 2210-1 of the thermoelectric conversion module 2200-1 positioned in the lowermost layer is disposed on the thermoelectric conversion part, and the integrated structure 2220-2 and the integrated structure 2220-1 and 2210-2 thereon. 2210-3 unitary structure, 2220-3 and 2210-4 unitary structure, 2220-4 and 2210-5 unitary structure) are sequentially stacked, and the top of the thermoelectric conversion module (2200-5) The discharge unit 2220-5 may have a structure stacked.

According to the present embodiment, the manufacturing process of the thermoelectric converter of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 may be easily performed as follows. First, a space in which the thermoelectric converter 2140 is formed between the evaporator 2130 and the condenser 2150 is prepared, and an inlet part of the thermoelectric converter module 2200-1 positioned at the lowermost part of the prepared space ( 2210-1). Subsequently, the plate-like structure and the insulating structure are stacked (and bonded) on the inlet portion 2210-1 arranged, and the integrated structure (integrated structure of 2220-1 and 2210-2) is stacked (and bonded) on the upper portion thereof. )do. Thereafter, the plate-like structure and the insulating structure and the unitary structure (the unitary structure of 2220-2 and 2210-3, the unitary structure of 2220-3 and 2210-4, and the unitary structure of 2220-4 and 2210-5) are Laminate (and join) sequentially. Thereafter, the discharge portions 2220-5 of the thermoelectric conversion module 2200-5 positioned on the uppermost layer are stacked (and bonded). That is, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the inlet parts 2210-1 to 2210-5 and the discharge parts 2220-1 to 2220-5 each configured in the thermoelectric conversion modules 2200-1 to 2200-5 are separately provided. Without forming, the discharge portion of the thermoelectric conversion module located in the lower layer and the inlet portion of the thermoelectric conversion module located in the upper layer are formed as an integral structure and sequentially stacked, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, and at the same time, the thermoelectric conversion modules 2200 -1 ~ 2200-5) can be electrically connected in series without configuring a separate wiring (eg wire) for electrical connection.

FIG. 26 is a reference diagram for describing an operation of a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an operation state of a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described, but the following description is intended to clearly describe the operation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 26, the evaporator 2130 of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 is configured to be in contact with one surface of the thermoelectric converter 2140, and the condenser 2150 may be formed on the other surface of the thermoelectric converter 2140. It can be configured in contact. The evaporator 2130 receives heat energy from the furnace 100 positioned outside (-y direction) and converts the metal fluid therein into steam. Here, the porous metal structure 2131 is formed in the evaporator 2130 so that the porosity is gradually increased along the direction in which the metal fluid is circulated (+ z direction), and Na which collects in the lower part of the evaporator 2130 is formed. Liquid may be transported upwards along the porous metal structure 2131. Accordingly, the Na liquid contained in the porous metal structure 2131 may receive heat energy evenly from an external heat source, and Na vapor may be uniformly supplied to the thermoelectric conversion modules from the upper layer to the lower layer.

Each of the thermoelectric conversion modules included in the thermoelectric converter 2140 may introduce Na vapor into the inlet through an inlet hole. The introduced Na vapor is generated while passing through the plate-like structure (cathode, plate-type electrolyte structure, and anode) included in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules, and the Na vapor passing through the plate-like structure is included in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules. It is moved to the discharge unit, and then may be moved to the condensation unit 2150 through the discharge hole.

The multifaceted structure 2152 formed in the condensation unit 2150 receives Na vapor discharged from the discharge unit 2220, and exchanges heat with a low temperature medium located outside the condensation unit 2150 (+ y direction). The metal fluid inside can be condensed. The condensed Na liquid may accumulate under the polyhedral structure 2152, and the wick 2151 formed at the bottom of the stacked thermoelectric converter 2000 may transfer Na liquid accumulated under the polyhedral structure 2152 to the evaporator 2130. Can be transferred.

Na liquid accumulated in the lower part of the evaporator 2130 is transferred upward along the porous metal structure 2131 and is converted into Na vapor by being supplied with thermal energy to be supplied to thermoelectric conversion modules, thereby sequentially repeating a power generation cycle. have.

27 is a reference diagram for describing a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 27, the evaporator 2130 of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter 2000 is configured to be in contact with one surface of the thermoelectric converter 2140, and the cooling unit 2155 configured at the condensation unit 2150 may be thermoelectric. It may be configured separately from the converter 2140. Here, the circulation units 2154, 2156, and 2157 configured in the condensation unit 2150 are configured such that metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter 2140 is circulated to the evaporator 2130 via the cooling unit 2155. Can be. That is, the present embodiment has a structure of a stacked alkali metal thermoelectric conversion apparatus in which the cooling unit 2155 is separated from the thermoelectric conversion unit 2140, and the cooling units 2152 and 2153 illustrated in FIG. 23 are the thermoelectric conversion unit 2140. In contrast to the structure that is in contact with the structure.

In one embodiment, the heat energy recovery device may recover the heat energy through heat exchange with the metal fluid flowing through the cooling units (2152, 2153). In the present embodiment, the heat energy recovery device may be located outside the cooling unit 2155 or configured to circulate outside of the cooling unit 2155, and the cooling unit 2155 may be formed by heat exchange with a low temperature medium. Na vapors can be condensed.

FIG. 27A illustrates a structure in which the cooling unit 2155 is disposed on an upper portion of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter, and FIG. 27B illustrates a cooling unit 2155 disposed below the laminated alkali metal thermoelectric converter. It is a schematic of the structure.

First, referring to FIG. 27A, when the cooling unit 2155 is disposed above the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter, the Na liquid condensed in the cooling unit 2155 is located at the bottom of the evaporation unit 2130. Can be transferred to. However, the pressure P1 of the evaporation unit 2130, the pressure P2 of the condensation unit 2150, the pressure P3 of the cooling unit 2155, and one end (evaporation side end) of the cooling unit 2155. Comparing the pressure P4, the relationship of P1 >> P2> P3> P4 is shown, and Na liquid condensed in the cooling unit 2155 may flow back without being transferred to the evaporator 2130. In order to prevent such a backflow, a porous structure 2156 for preventing a backflow of a predetermined length may be formed at a junction region of the cooling unit 2155 and the evaporator 2130. (The circulation portion in FIG. 27A includes the multi-faceted structure 2154 and the backflow preventing porous structure 2156.)

Here, the pore size or porosity of the backflow prevention porous structure 2156 is a pressure loss in the porous body than dP (= P1-P4), which is a condition in which a pressure difference due to the maximum temperature difference occurs when P1 >> P2> P3> P4. It is desirable to be designed to be higher.

Next, referring to FIG. 27B, when the cooling unit 2155 is disposed below the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter, the Na liquid condensed in the cooling unit 2155 is located at an upper portion of the evaporation unit 2130. Can be transferred. However, the pressure P1 of the evaporator 2130 is greater than the pressure P4 of one end (evaporator side end) of the cooling unit 2155 (P1 >> P4), and the gravity acts on the Na liquid, thereby cooling it. Na liquid condensed in the unit 2155 may not be transferred to the evaporator 2130. In order to prevent this, a capillary wick 2157 having a predetermined length may be formed at a junction region of the cooling unit 2155 and the evaporator 2130. (The circulation portion in FIG. 27 (B) includes a multifaceted structure 2154 and a capillary wick 2157).

In one embodiment, the thermal energy recovery device and the cooling unit 2155 may be located below the evaporator 2130 and the thermoelectric converter 2140. The metal fluid flowing inside the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device 2000 is an alkali metal fluid, and there is a risk that the power generation system may explode when contacted with a fluid (eg, water) flowing inside the heat energy recovery device. Thus, in order to prevent contact with the alkali metal fluid even if the fluid flowing inside the heat energy recovery device is leaked, the heat energy recovery device and the cooling unit 2155 may be provided in the evaporator 2130 and the thermoelectric converter as in the present embodiment. It is preferably disposed at the bottom of 2140.

In the above, various embodiments of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric converter according to the present invention have been described. However, the multilayer alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device having a polyhedral structure shown in FIGS. 18 to 27 is just one embodiment of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention may be implemented in various structures other than polyhedrons.

That is, since the shape of the stacked alkali metal thermoelectric conversion apparatus and each component according to the present invention can be designed corresponding to various conditions such as the shape, type, size, etc. of the heat source, the scope of the present invention is shown in the drawings of the present invention. It should not be construed as limited in shape.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Should be considered to be within the scope of the following claims.

10: power generation device
100: furnace
200: alkali metal thermoelectric converter
210: evaporation unit
211: plate-like structure
220: thermoelectric conversion unit
230: condensation unit
231: cooling unit
232: circulation
240: electric line
250: power demand
310 ~ 316: heat exchanger
320 ~ 322: heat energy recovery line
330 ~ 332: low temperature fluid supply
340 ~ 342: high temperature fluid demand
1000: Cogeneration System
1100: Furnace
1110: burner
1200: Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter
1300: heat energy recovery device
2000: Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter
2111: side structure
2112: top structure
2113: structure
2121: Fixed Structure
2122: fastening unit
2130: evaporation unit
2131: Perforated Metal Structure
2140: thermoelectric converter
2141 ~ 2145: Thermoelectric Conversion Module
2150: condensation unit
2151: Wick
2152: faceted structure
2153: heat sink
2154: faceted structure
2155: cooling part
2156: porous structure for preventing backflow
2157: capillary wick
2160: hermetic insulation structure
2200: thermoelectric conversion module
2210: inlet
2211: inlet hole
2212: first current collector structure
2220: discharge section
2221: discharge hole
2222 second collector structure
2230 flat plate structure
2231: cathode
2232: flat electrolyte structure
2233: anode
2240: insulation structure

Claims (16)

A furnace for emitting heat energy to the outside;
An alkali metal thermoelectric converter positioned outside the furnace and generating electrical energy through circulation of the metal fluid by thermal energy emitted from the furnace; And
And a heat energy recovery device for recovering heat energy by exchanging heat with at least one of the furnace and the alkali metal thermoelectric converter.
The thermal energy recovery device,
A heat energy recovery line having one end in communication with the cold fluid supply and the other end in communication with the hot fluid demand;
The heat energy recovery line,
When the low temperature fluid is supplied from the low temperature fluid supply unit, and the low temperature fluid flows inside and is converted into a high temperature fluid through heat exchange with a metal fluid, the high temperature fluid is supplied to the high temperature fluid demand unit.
The alkali metal thermoelectric converter,
An evaporator which receives the thermal energy emitted from the furnace and converts the metal fluid therein into steam;
A thermoelectric converter communicating with the evaporator to introduce the metal fluid, to generate electrical energy by using the metal fluid as a charge carrier, and to discharge the metal fluid; And
A condensation unit communicating with the thermoelectric conversion unit to collect and condense metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric conversion unit; It is configured to include,
The thermoelectric conversion unit,
At least one thermoelectric conversion module configured by stacking a predetermined volume of space for transferring the metal fluid and a plate-like structure that generates electricity by permeation of the metal fluid,
The flat plate structure,
And a flat plate electrolyte structure, a cathode formed on one surface of the plate electrolyte structure, and a cathode formed on the other surface of the plate electrolyte structure.
delete delete The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alkali metal thermoelectric converter is
Is configured to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the furnace,
One side of the evaporation unit is configured to face the furnace, and the other side of the condensation unit is configured to face in the opposite direction of the furnace.
The method of claim 4, wherein the condensation unit
A cooling unit for cooling and condensing the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric conversion unit; And
A circulation unit configured to circulate the condensed metal fluid to the evaporation unit;
Generating device, characterized in that configured to include.
The method of claim 5,
The cooling unit is configured to be separated from the thermoelectric conversion unit,
The circulation unit is characterized in that the metal fluid discharged from the thermoelectric converter is configured to circulate to the evaporator via the cooling unit.
The method of claim 6, wherein the thermal energy recovery device
The power generation device, characterized in that for recovering thermal energy through heat exchange with the metal fluid flowing in the cooling unit.
The method of claim 7, wherein
The thermal energy recovery device and the cooling unit
The power generation device, characterized in that located under the evaporation unit and the thermoelectric conversion unit.
delete According to claim 1, wherein the thermal energy recovery device
A first heat exchange with the furnace, and then a second heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter.
According to claim 1, wherein the thermal energy recovery device
And a first heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter, and a second heat exchange with the furnace.
According to claim 1, wherein the thermal energy recovery device
A first heat energy recovery device for recovering heat energy through heat exchange with the alkali metal thermoelectric converter; And
And a second heat energy recovery device for recovering heat energy through heat exchange with the first heat energy recovery device.
delete The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alkali metal thermoelectric converter is
It is formed of a polyhedral structure, characterized in that configured to be in contact with the outer surface of the furnace.
. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alkali metal thermoelectric converter is
It is formed of a hollow cylindrical structure, characterized in that configured to surround the outer surface of the furnace.
The method of claim 4, wherein the alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device
Is formed in a hollow cylindrical structure, and configured to surround the outer surface of the furnace,
The thermoelectric conversion unit
At least one thermoelectric conversion module including a predetermined volume of space for transferring the metal fluid, and a roll-shaped structure for generating electricity by permeation of the metal fluid;
The roll structure
And a rolled electrolyte structure, an anode formed on an inner surface of the rolled electrolyte structure, and a cathode formed on an outer surface of the rolled electrolyte structure.

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