JP3163290B2 - Temperature difference power generation device and method using thermoelectric conversion element - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for generating electric power by utilizing a temperature difference between fluids.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been proposed a temperature difference power generation device utilizing waste heat from a machine such as an engine, an electric water heater, a hot water mixing device, etc. No. 11268, JP-A-64-74075
JP, JP-A-5-126405, JP-A-2-1-1
19589). These temperature difference power generation devices are based on the premise that there is a machine that uses waste heat, and use heat generated by combustion inside the engine or heat generated by electricity or gas as heat sources. That is, a combustion machine or the like that can serve as a heat source is required.

Further, a device utilizing the temperature difference between the surface water and the deep water of the ocean (DKBenson et al, "Thermoelectric Ener
gy Conversion Economical Electric Power from Low G
randed Heat ", Proc. 3rd ICTEC, Arlington, p27, 198
0) or a power generation device using geothermal energy
No. 5) has been proposed, which utilizes a heat source existing as a natural environment. Since these devices obtain a heat source from the natural environment, there is no need for a combustion machine or the like as the heat source. However, a driving source for pulling up deep seawater and a driving source for supplying and recovering cooling water to a deep underground where a thermal fluid exists are required, and a large capital investment is required.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a temperature difference power generation technique which does not require a driving source. It is another object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of improving the efficiency of a temperature difference power generation technology having a driving source.

Another object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a temperature difference power generation technique which does not require a large capital investment.

[0006]

[Effect of the means and the invention to solve the problem this issued
The light temperature difference power generation system and the temperature difference power generation method generate power by giving a temperature difference between a hot water flow and a cold water flow to a thermoelectric conversion element. Therefore, new hot water and cold water are always supplied for power generation, and the temperature difference between both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element is maintained, so that high power generation efficiency can be obtained.

Further, a hot water flow and a cold water flow are formed by using a height difference, a self-jet force or a height difference. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a power generator that does not require a driving source such as a pump.

[0008] The temperature difference power generation system according to the present invention is characterized in that the direction of hot water flowing through the hot water flow path is opposite to the direction of cold water flowing through the cold water flow path. Therefore, the temperature difference between the hot water flow and the hot water flow is made uniform over the entire flow path,
The power generation efficiency by the thermoelectric conversion element can be increased.

[0009] The temperature difference power generation system of the present invention is characterized in that a cold water flow path is provided on the hot water flow path. Therefore, the upper part of the hot water flow path has the highest temperature in the temperature distribution, and the lower part of the cold water flow path has the lowest temperature in the temperature distribution, so that power can be efficiently generated by the thermoelectric conversion element between the two flow paths.

The temperature difference power generation system according to the present invention is characterized in that fins are provided in the hot water flow path on the thermoelectric conversion element side, and fins are provided in the cold water flow path on the side opposite to the thermoelectric conversion element. And

Since the fin of the hot water flow path is provided on the thermoelectric conversion element side, the high temperature of the hot water flow can be efficiently transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion element. Cold water is more viscous than hot water. Therefore, in the cold water flow path, if fins are provided on the thermoelectric conversion element side, the flow on the thermoelectric conversion element side will be deteriorated, so that low temperature cannot be maintained, and power generation efficiency will be reduced. Therefore, fins are provided on the side opposite to the thermoelectric conversion element in the cold water flow path. This makes it possible to smooth the flow on the thermoelectric conversion element side and to obtain heat conduction by the fins.

The temperature difference power generation system according to the present invention is characterized in that a heat insulating means is provided on at least one of the outer periphery of a hot water intake passage, a cold water intake passage, a hot water passage or a cold water passage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the hot water from dropping due to the outside air temperature and to prevent the temperature of the cold water from rising, thereby enabling efficient power generation.

In the temperature difference power generation system according to the present invention , the hot water flow path is provided to be inclined so that the hot water discharge port side is higher than the hot water intake port side. The cooling water drain port side is inclined so as to be higher than the intake port side.

Therefore, even if bubbles are generated in the flow path, the movement of the bubbles going upward in the water matches the flow of the water in the flow path because the drain port side is high, and the bubbles are generated. Released smoothly from the drain. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element from being hindered by the bubbles, and to perform efficient power generation.

In the temperature difference power generator of the present invention , the hot fluid outlet is formed at the upper part of the hot fluid chamber, and the cold fluid outlet is formed at the upper part of the cold fluid chamber. Therefore, the heat fluid chamber and the fluid discharge chamber are sufficiently filled with the heat fluid and the cold fluid, and efficient power generation can be performed.

The temperature difference power generation device according to the present invention is characterized in that the direction of the hot fluid flowing through the hot fluid chamber is opposite to the direction of the cold fluid flowing through the cold fluid chamber. Therefore,
The upper portion of the thermal fluid has the highest temperature in the temperature distribution, and the lower portion of the cold fluid has the lowest temperature in the temperature distribution, so that power can be efficiently generated by the thermoelectric conversion element between the two flow paths.

The temperature difference power generation device of the present invention is characterized in that the cold fluid chamber is provided on the hot fluid chamber via a thermoelectric conversion element. Therefore, the upper portion of the thermal fluid has the highest temperature in the temperature distribution, and the lower portion of the cold fluid has the lowest temperature in the temperature distribution, so that power can be efficiently generated by the thermoelectric conversion element between the two fluids.

According to the temperature difference power generation device of the present invention, a fin extending along a traveling direction of a hot fluid or a cold fluid is provided on an inner wall of at least one of a hot fluid chamber and a cold fluid chamber at a portion provided with a thermoelectric conversion element. Is provided. Therefore, the high temperature of the thermal fluid and the low temperature of the cold fluid can be efficiently transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion element. Also, along the direction of travel,
Since the fins are provided, solids and the like contained in the fluid are not easily deposited on the fins, and the deposits are easily cleaned.

According to the temperature difference power generation device of the present invention, a fin is provided on the inner wall of the thermo-fluid chamber on the side of the thermo-electric conversion element along a traveling direction of the thermo-fluid. A fin is provided on the opposite inner wall along the traveling direction of the cold fluid.

Since the fin of the thermal fluid chamber is provided on the thermoelectric conversion element side, the high temperature of the thermal fluid can be efficiently transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion element. In the case where the viscosity of the cold fluid is high, if fins are provided on the thermoelectric conversion element side in the cold fluid path, the flow on the thermoelectric conversion element side deteriorates, the low temperature cannot be maintained, and the power generation efficiency decreases. Therefore, fins are provided on the side opposite to the thermoelectric conversion element in the cold fluid path. This makes it possible to smooth the flow on the thermoelectric conversion element side and to obtain heat conduction by the fins.

In the temperature difference power generation device of the present invention , the fins
It is characterized by being cut off in the vicinity of the discharge port. Therefore, the flow of the fluid can be made smooth and the temperature of the fluid in the fluid chamber can be maintained.

In the temperature difference power generator of the present invention , the hot fluid outlet is formed at a position higher than the hot fluid intake, and the cold fluid outlet is formed at a position higher than the cold fluid intake. I have. Therefore, even if bubbles lighter than the fluid are generated in the fluid chamber, the movement of the bubbles going upward in the water matches the flow of the fluid in the fluid chamber because the fluid outlet side is higher, and the bubbles in the fluid chamber match. Is smoothly discharged from the fluid outlet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element from being hindered by the bubbles, and to perform efficient power generation.

In the temperature difference power generation device of the present invention, the walls of the hot fluid chamber and the cold fluid chamber facing the thermoelectric conversion elements are formed to be inclined in the direction in which the fluid flows. By inclining, air bubbles can be smoothly discharged from the fluid chamber.

In the temperature difference power generator of the present invention, at least one of the hot fluid chamber and the cold fluid chamber is formed so that at least a part of a wall forming the fluid chamber is detachable. Therefore, cleaning of the fluid chamber is easy.

The temperature difference power generation system of the present invention takes in hot water from a hot spring to form a hot water flow path by using a height difference or a self-propelling force of the hot spring, and forms a hot water flow path at least at a part of the outer periphery of the hot water flow path. One end is provided with a thermoelectric conversion element that is thermally connected, and the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element provided on the outer circumference of the hot water flow path is immersed directly or through a heat conductor in a river water flow to generate power. It is configured to do so.

Therefore, new hot water and cold water are always supplied for power generation, and the temperature difference between both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element can be maintained, so that high power generation efficiency can be obtained.

Further, a hot water flow is formed by using a height difference and a self-jet force, and a river water flow is used as it is as a cold water flow. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a power generator that does not require a driving source such as a pump.

The temperature difference power generation device of the present invention takes in river cold water from a river using a height difference or the fluidity of a river to form a cold water channel, and at least one end of the outer periphery of the cold water channel has one end. Provide a thermoelectric conversion element whose part is thermally connected,
The other end of the thermoelectric conversion element provided on the outer periphery of the cold water flow path,
It is configured to generate power by immersing it in a hot water stream of a hot spring directly or through a heat conductor.

Therefore, new hot water and cold water are always supplied for power generation, and the temperature difference between both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element can be maintained, so that high power generation efficiency can be obtained.

Further, a cold water flow is formed by using a height difference and fluidity, and a hot water flow of a hot spring is used as it is as a hot water flow. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a power generator that does not require a driving source such as a pump.

In the temperature difference power generation device of the present invention , the fluid discharge port is formed at the upper part of the fluid chamber. Therefore, the fluid chamber is sufficiently filled with the fluid, and efficient power generation can be performed.

[0032]

FIG. 1 shows a temperature difference power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hot water containing water vapor is spouting from the hot spring well 2. The hot water containing the steam is separated into hot water and steam in the separator 4. The hot water is sent to the hot water receiving tank 8, and the steam is diluted with the water of the river 10 in the hot water generating tower 6 and then sent to the hot water receiving tank 8. The hot water is supplied to each user from the hot water tub 8 for hot spring hotels and for heating.

The hot water of the separator 4 is led to the temperature difference power generator 14 by the hot water intake passage 12. In addition, river 1
The cold water of 0 is led to the temperature difference power generator 14 by the cold water intake passage 16.

As the hot water intake passage 12 and the cold water intake passage 16, a flexible pipe (such as a vinyl chloride hose) or a metal pipe can be used. In order to prevent a decrease in the temperature of hot water and an increase in the temperature of cold water due to the outside air temperature, a heat insulating material such as styrene foam or glass wool may be provided on the outer periphery. Also, to avoid the effects of changes in outside temperature,
It may be provided buried underground.

In this embodiment, hot water and cold water are taken into the temperature difference power generator 14 depending on the height difference. In addition, you may make it take in by the self-propulsion of a hot spring or the flow (fluidity) of the water of a river. In any case, a driving source for taking in is unnecessary.

Hot water from the temperature difference generator 14 is drained to the river 10 by a hot water drainage channel 18. In addition, the cold water from the temperature difference generator 14 is supplied to the cold water
Drained into river 10.

In order to avoid the influence of the outside air temperature, a heat insulating material may be provided around the temperature difference power generating device 14, or may be stored in a styrofoam container or the like having excellent heat insulating properties.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the temperature difference power generation device 14. The temperature difference power generation device 14 includes a thermofluid chamber 22, a thermoelectric conversion element 24 attached to an outer wall on an upper surface thereof, and a cold fluid chamber 26 provided on the thermoelectric conversion element 24.

The hot fluid chamber 22 is provided with a hot water intake port and a hot water drain port.
2 are connected. The hot water intake passage 12 is connected to the pipe 30, and the hot water discharge passage 18 is connected to the pipe 32.

The cold fluid chamber 26 is provided with a cold water intake port and a cold water drain port.
Is connected. This pipe 34 has a cold water intake path 1
2 is connected, and the cold water drainage channel 20 is connected to the pipe 36.

On the lower surface of the thermal fluid chamber 22, supporting members 38 and 40 are provided. Since the support member 40 is configured to be higher than the support member 38, the inclination is formed so that the outlet side is higher than the intake side.

FIG. 3 shows a state where the thermoelectric conversion element 24 is attached to the upper surface of the thermal fluid chamber 22. In this embodiment, a thermoelectric conversion element 24 (for example, T-10D254-QDO manufactured by Servomonic) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 was used. This thermoelectric conversion element 24 is a Peltier element 24 made of Bi ₂ Te _3.
a is sandwiched between ceramic plates 24b and 24c.
An electromotive force is generated between the leads 24d according to the temperature difference between the ceramic plate 24b and the ceramic plate 24c. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of such thermoelectric conversion elements 24 are provided.
It is stuck on the upper surface of the thermal fluid chamber 22. Further, the lower surface of the cold fluid chamber 26 is attached to the upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion element 24. In order to maintain good thermal conductivity, these pastes should be attached with silicone grease (SCH-20 SCH-20).
Etc.). In addition, silicon grinder
It is more preferable to add a material having good thermal conductivity to the base .

In this embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 24 are connected in series, and the power generation output is connected to the leads 41 and 4.
3 (see FIG. 3).

In this embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 2
Although they are provided close to each other, they may be provided at an interval from each other in order to sufficiently conduct heat to the thermoelectric conversion elements 24.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the temperature difference power generation device 14. The hot water intake 42 is provided near the lower end of the hot fluid chamber 22, and the hot water drain 44 is provided near the upper end of the hot fluid chamber 22. Similarly, the cold water intake 46 is provided near the lower end of the cold fluid chamber 26, and the cold water drain 48 is provided near the upper end of the cold fluid chamber 26. Thermal fluid chamber 2
2. The wall of the cold fluid chamber 26 is preferably made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as copper. However, when the hot water flow and the cold water flow flowing through the hot fluid chamber 22 and the cold fluid chamber 26 are corrosive acidic or alkaline, it is preferable to use a material having corrosion resistance (such as aluminum).

The drain side of the thermal fluid chamber 22 is formed with a removable wall by screwing to the flanges 50 and 54. In addition, a rubber material 52 is sandwiched between the flanges 50 and 54 to maintain watertightness.

Similarly, on the water absorption side of the cold fluid chamber 26, the chamber wall is formed detachably by screwing to the flanges 56 and 60. Also, between the flanges 56 and 60,
The rubber material 58 is interposed to maintain watertightness.

The hot water intake channel 12 (for example, a vinyl pipe) is connected to the pipe 30, and the cold water intake channel 16 is connected to the pipe 34.
Connect. As a result, hot water is taken into the hot fluid chamber 22 from the hot water intake 42 and discharged from the hot water drain 44. In other words, a hot water flow is formed in the hot fluid chamber 22 to form a hot water flow path. At this time, since the hot water drainage port 44 is formed near the upper end, a hot water flow can be obtained without generating an air portion in the hot fluid chamber 22. Therefore, the high temperature of the hot water can be efficiently transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion element 24.

Also, from the viewpoint of temperature distribution, the temperature of the upper wall becomes higher, so that heat can be effectively transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion element 24 provided on the upper part.

Further, since the inclined portion is provided so that the side of the hot water drainage port 44 becomes higher, the bubbles in the hot fluid chamber 22 are not only generated by the hot water flow but also by the buoyancy. Heading. Therefore, air bubbles that may hinder heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element 24 can be smoothly removed from the thermal fluid chamber 22.

On the other hand, the cold water intake passage 16 is connected to the pipe 34, and the cold water drainage passage 20 is connected to the pipe 36. As a result, cold water is taken into the cold fluid chamber 26 from the cold water intake 46 and discharged from the cold water drain 48. That is, a chilled water flow is formed in the chilled fluid chamber 26 to form a chilled water flow path. At this time, since the cold water discharge port 48 is formed near the upper end, a cold water flow can be obtained without generating an air portion in the cold fluid chamber 26. Therefore, the low temperature of the cold water can be efficiently transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion element 24.

Further, from the viewpoint of the temperature distribution, the temperature of the lower wall is lower, so that heat can be effectively transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion element 24 provided below.

Further, since the inclination is provided so that the side of the cold water discharge port 48 becomes higher, the air bubbles in the cold fluid chamber 26 flow toward the cold water discharge port 48 not only by the flow of the cold water but also by the buoyancy. Therefore, air bubbles that may hinder heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion element 24 can be smoothly removed from the cold fluid chamber 26.

FIG. 7A shows a section taken along line VII-VII of FIG. In this embodiment, in order to efficiently transmit the high temperature of the hot water flow to the thermoelectric conversion element 42, the thermoelectric conversion element 2
Fins 70 are provided on the inner wall of the thermal fluid chamber 22 opposite to the fin 70. Fins 72 are also provided in the cold fluid chamber 26 for the same purpose. The material of the fins 70 and 72 is preferably a material having high thermal conductivity such as copper, and depending on the properties of the fluid, it is necessary that the fins 70 and 72 have excellent corrosion resistance.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the fins 70, 7
2 is formed to extend along the flowing direction of the hot water flow (cold water flow). Therefore, when cleaning the fins 7
0 and 72 are less likely to get in the way. In this embodiment, the flanges 54 and 60 (see FIG. 6) are removed,
The inside can be easily cleaned. By cleaning
A solid substance that adheres to the inner wall facing the thermoelectric conversion element 24 and hinders heat conduction can be removed.

If cleaning is unnecessary, the fins 70 and 72 are formed in a zigzag shape in the flow direction, and
The heat transfer efficiency to the thermoelectric conversion element 24 can be improved.

FIG. 8 shows the appearance of a temperature difference power generator 14 according to the second embodiment. The temperature difference power generation device 14 includes a thermofluid chamber 22, a thermoelectric conversion element 24 attached to an outer wall on an upper surface thereof, and a cold fluid chamber 26 provided on the thermoelectric conversion element 24. The sectional view taken along line VII-VII is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 7).

The hot fluid chamber 22 is provided with a hot water intake port and a hot water drain port.
2 are connected. The hot water intake passage 12 is connected to the pipe 30, and the hot water discharge passage 18 is connected to the pipe 32. The thermal fluid chamber 22 can be formed using, for example, an aluminum square tube having a height of 3 cm, a width of 6 cm, and a thickness of 2 mm. The pipe 30 and the pipe 32 have the outer shape 1
It can be formed using a 2 mm round tube. Fin 7
0 and 72 are almost half the height (about 15 mm) of the fluid chamber.

The cold fluid chamber 26 is provided with a cold water intake port and a cold water drain port.
Is connected. This pipe 34 has a cold water intake path 1
2 is connected, and the cold water drainage channel 20 is connected to the pipe 36. The pipe 34 for taking in cold water and the pipe 36 for draining cold water are respectively attached to the opposite sides to the first embodiment.

Further, support members 38 and 40 are provided on the lower surface of the thermal fluid chamber 22. Unlike the first embodiment, the support member 38 and the support member 40 are configured at the same height.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the temperature difference power generator 14. The hot water intake 42 is provided near the lower end of the hot fluid chamber 22, and the hot water drain 44 is provided near the upper end of the hot fluid chamber 22. Similarly, the cold water intake 46 is provided near the lower end of the cold fluid chamber 26, and the cold water drain 48 is provided near the upper end of the cold fluid chamber 26.

The hot water intake passage 12 (for example, a vinyl pipe) is connected to the pipe 30, and the cold water intake passage 16 is connected to the pipe 34.
Connect. As a result, hot water is taken into the hot fluid chamber 22 from the hot water intake 42 and discharged from the hot water drain 44. That is, a hot water flow is formed in the hot fluid chamber 22 in the direction of the arrow A, thereby forming a hot water flow path.

The cold water intake passage 16 is connected to the pipe 34, and the cold water drainage passage 20 is connected to the pipe 36. As a result, cold water is taken into the cold fluid chamber 26 from the cold water intake 46 and discharged from the cold water drain 48. That is, a chilled water flow is formed in the chilled fluid chamber 26 in the direction of arrow B, forming a chilled water flow path.

The temperature of the hot water flow decreases as it proceeds from the hot water inlet 42 to the hot water drain 44. Similarly, the temperature of the chilled water stream decreases as it proceeds from the chilled water intake 46 to the chilled water drain 48. Therefore, when the direction A of flowing hot water and the direction B of flowing cold water are the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6), the temperature difference between the hot water flow and the cold water flow is It becomes smaller as it goes from the vicinity of the ports 42, 46 to the vicinity of the drainage ports 44, 48. For this reason, a difference in electromotive force is generated in the thermoelectric conversion elements 24 connected in series, and there is a possibility that power generation efficiency is reduced.

In the second embodiment, the directions of the hot water flow and the cold water flow are reversed as shown by arrows A and B in FIG. Therefore, the temperature difference between the hot water flow and the cold water flow can be kept uniform over the flow channel direction (extending direction of the fluid chamber),
The non-uniformity of the electromotive force of the thermoelectric conversion element 24 is reduced, and the power generation efficiency is further improved.

In this embodiment, the hot fluid chamber 24 and the cold fluid chamber 22 are formed horizontally without any inclination. However, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6), an inclination may be provided in order to avoid the influence of air bubbles. In this case, it is preferable to incline so that the side of the hot water discharge port 44 is higher. This is because it is considered that the influence of the bubbles is larger in the thermal fluid chamber 22 having the thermoelectric conversion element 24 in the upper part than in the cold fluid chamber 26 having the thermoelectric conversion element 24 in the lower part.

In this embodiment, fins 72 are provided on the opposite side (ie, upper side) of the thermoelectric conversion elements 24 in the cold fluid chamber 26. Cold water is more viscous than hot water. Therefore, when the fins 72 are provided below the cold fluid chamber 26, the fluid resistance increases, and the flow of the cold water flow near the fins 72 deteriorates in combination with the high viscosity. As a result, the temperature of the cold water in the vicinity of the fins 72 increases, and the power generation efficiency may be reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing the fin 72 on the upper side, the thermoelectric conversion element 24 is provided.
The chilled water flow on the lower side with a smoothness is designed to prevent the chilled water temperature from rising. Further, by the fins 72,
The wall of the cold fluid chamber 22 can be efficiently kept at a low temperature.

As described above, by providing the fins 72 of the cold fluid chamber 26 on the upper side, the structure of the hot fluid chamber 22 including the fins, the intake port, and the drain port becomes the same as that of the cold fluid chamber. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the thermal fluid chamber 22
The vicinity of the hot water drainage port 44 of the fin 70 provided at the bottom is cut off as shown in FIG. As a result, the hot water drain 44
Smooth drainage of hot water from Similarly, the vicinity of the cold water discharge port 48 of the fin 72 provided in the cold fluid chamber 26 is
Notched.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the flange 5
Notches 33 are provided in the rubber material 52 to prevent interference with the pipe 34.

In the above embodiment, the fins 72 of the cold fluid chamber 26 are provided on the opposite side (upper side) of the thermoelectric conversion element 24.
When using a viscous heat fluid, the fin 70 of the heat fluid chamber 22 may be provided on the opposite side (lower side) of the thermoelectric conversion element 24. In the case where both the hot fluid and the cold fluid have high viscosity, both fins 70 and 72 are used.
May be provided on the opposite side of the thermoelectric conversion element 24.

In the first or second embodiment, the heat flow path is formed at the upper part and the cold flow path is formed at the lower part. However, when a fluid containing a sedimentable substance (for example, dirty river water) is used, it may be preferable to form a flow path for the fluid on the lower side. This is because, when it is on the upper side, the heat transfer to the thermoelectric conversion element is hindered by the precipitated substance deposited on the lower surface of the flow path.

FIG. 10A is a sectional view of a temperature difference power generator 14 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, a thermoelectric conversion element 24 is provided at a portion corresponding to a diagonal line. Therefore, the area in which the thermoelectric conversion elements 24 are provided can be increased while having the same external surface area as that of FIG. 7A.

As shown in FIG. 10B, a circular outer shape can be used to reduce the outer surface area.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, a cold fluid chamber 26 may be provided above and below the hot fluid chamber 22.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, a cold fluid chamber 26 may be provided so as to surround the polygonal hot fluid chamber 22. In addition, you may make it flow a cold fluid to 22 of a center part, and to flow a hot fluid to 26 outside.

FIG. 12 shows the appearance of a temperature difference power generator 15 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, a pipe 100 for fluid intake and a pipe 102 for fluid discharge are provided. FIG. 13 shows a cross section taken along line XI-XI in FIG. A thermoelectric conversion element 24 is attached around the outer wall of the fluid chamber 106 with silicon grease. Further, a waterproof wall 108 is provided outside the thermoelectric conversion element 24 in close contact with the silicon grease. The outer wall of the fluid chamber 106 is preferably made of a heat conductor such as copper. The waterproof wall 108 is also preferably made of a heat conductive material such as copper, but it is preferable that the waterproof wall 108 also has corrosion resistance depending on the type of the fluid to be contacted.

The fluid outlet 104 is provided near the upper end of the fluid chamber 106 and is connected to the pipe 102. The fluid intake 101 is provided near the lower end of the fluid chamber 106 and is connected to the pipe 100.

FIG. 14 shows an example of use of the temperature difference power generator 15. The temperature difference power generation device 15 includes support members 110, 1
By 12, a slope is provided such that the discharge side is upward and installed in the river 10 (it is not necessary to slope). The support members 110 and 112 may be fixed in advance as a part of the temperature difference power generation device 15 or may be separately fixed at the time of installation.

Hot water is taken into the fluid chamber 106 from the hose 114, which is a hot water intake channel, through the fluid intake port 101, and the pipe 102, which is a hot water discharge channel, is passed through the fluid discharge port 101. Is discharged from Therefore, the fluid chamber 106
A hot water flow is formed in the inside, and becomes a hot water flow path. This allows
The temperature difference between the hot water flow in the fluid chamber 106 and the cold water flow in the river is
The thermoelectric conversion element receives and generates electric power. The hose 114
It is preferable to provide a heat insulating material on the outer periphery of. When the discharge of hot water is not smooth due to water pressure or the like, it is preferable to form a hot water discharge path to the outside of the river with a hose or the like to discharge the hot water.

According to this embodiment, only one intake path is required (the cold water intake path is unnecessary), and the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, hot water from a hot spring or the like was taken into the fluid chamber 106, and the device 15 was installed in a river. However, cold water from a river or the like may be taken into the fluid chamber 106, and the device 15 may be installed in a hot water flow such as a hot spring.

In the above embodiments, hot water from a hot spring is used, but hot water or the like heated by solar heat may be used. Further, instead of the cold water of the river, cold water formed by melting snow may be used.

Further, a hot fluid such as a hot gas may be used instead of hot water, and a cold fluid such as a cold gas may be used instead of cold water.

[0085]

EXAMPLE An experiment was conducted using the apparatus shown in FIG. 15 in which two apparatuses shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 (first embodiment) were connected in series. As the hot fluid chamber 22 and the cold fluid chamber 26, 30 mm × 60 mm × 1000 mm aluminum tubes were used. Hot water and cold water from the first temperature difference power generation device 14a are taken into the second temperature difference power generation device 14b. Sixty thermoelectric conversion elements 24 of FIG. 4 were attached to one device. Table 1 shows the temperature of hot water, the temperature of cold water, the electromotive force, and the like.

[0086]

[Table 1]

The outputs in the above table were obtained almost constantly regardless of day or night. This is an advantage in comparison with a solar cell that depends on the weather.

8 and 9 under the same conditions as described above.
Table 2 shows the results of experiments performed using the apparatus of the second embodiment. Compared to the first embodiment, a considerable improvement in the electromotive force is seen.

[0089]

[Table 2]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a temperature difference power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of a temperature difference power generation device 14 used in the temperature difference power generation system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a thermoelectric conversion element attached to an upper surface of a thermal fluid chamber.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of a thermoelectric conversion element 24.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross section of the thermoelectric conversion element 24.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a vertical cross section of the temperature difference power generation device 14.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross section of the temperature difference power generation device 14.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a temperature difference power generation device 14 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a vertical cross section of the temperature difference power generator 14.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross section of a temperature difference power generation device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cross section of a temperature difference power generation device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an appearance of a temperature difference power generation device 15 according to another embodiment.

13 is a diagram showing a cross section of the temperature difference power generation device 15 of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a usage example of the temperature difference power generation device 15.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature difference power generation device used in an example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 22: thermal fluid chamber 24: thermoelectric conversion element 26: cold fluid chamber

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Yokoyama 2-32-1, Dairakumo Nishi, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido Inside the National Kushiro National College of Technology (56) References JP-A-60-35182 (JP, A) Hei 6-177437 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F03G 7/04 F03G 4/00 501 H01L 35/30 H01L 35/32 H02N 11/00

Claims (16)

(57) [Claims] 1. A hot water intake path for taking in hot water from a hot spring using a height difference or a self-propelling force of a hot spring, and a hot water intake path for taking cold water from a river using a height difference or a fluidity of a river. A hot water flow path that takes in hot water from the hot water intake port and drains hot water from the hot water drain port, takes in cold water from the cold water intake port, and drains cold water from the cold water drain port A cold water flow path, and a thermoelectric conversion element having one end thermally connected to the hot water flow path and the other end thermally connected to the cold water flow path. And the hot water flow path is higher on the hot water drain side than on the hot water intake side.
The cold water flow path is higher on the cold water drain side than on the cold water intake side.
It is characterized by being provided with a slope so that
Temperature difference power generation system. 2. A hot water intake path for taking in hot water from a hot spring using a height difference or a self-propelling force of a hot spring, and a hot water intake path for taking cold water from a river using a height difference or the fluidity of a river. A hot water flow path that takes in hot water from the hot water intake port and drains hot water from the hot water drain port, takes in cold water from the cold water intake port, and drains cold water from the cold water drain port A cold water flow path; and a thermoelectric conversion element having one end thermally connected to the hot water flow path and the other end thermally connected to the cold water flow path. A fin is provided on the cold water flow path, and a fin is provided on a side opposite to the thermoelectric conversion element. 3. The temperature difference power generation system according to claim 2, wherein heat insulating means is provided on at least one of the outer periphery of the hot water intake path, the cold water intake path, the hot water flow path or the cold water flow path. What to do. 4. The temperature difference power generation system according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the hot water flow path is inclined so that the hot water discharge port side is higher than the hot water intake port side. The road is characterized by being provided with a slope so that the cold water discharge port side is higher than the cold water intake port side. 5. The temperature difference power generation system according to claim 1, wherein a direction of the hot water flowing through the hot water flow path is opposite to a direction of the cold water flowing through the cold water flow path. 6. The temperature difference power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the hot water flow path is formed in a hot fluid chamber connected to the hot water intake path, and the cold water flow path is connected to the cold water intake path. A hot water intake is formed in the lower part of the hot fluid chamber so that the hot water flow path is higher on the hot water drain side than on the hot water intake side. The chilled water inlet is located at the bottom of the chilled fluid chamber so that the chilled water passage is higher on the chilled water drain side than on the chilled water intake side. Is provided above the cold fluid chamber. 7. A hot fluid intake for taking in a hot fluid,
A hot fluid chamber formed with a hot fluid discharge port for discharging the same, a cold fluid intake port for taking in a cold fluid, and a cold fluid chamber formed with a cold fluid discharge port for discharging the same. A thermoelectric conversion element provided between an outer wall of the thermal fluid chamber and an outer wall of the cold fluid chamber, wherein the thermal fluid outlet is formed in an upper portion of the thermal fluid chamber, A fluid outlet is formed in the upper part of the cold fluid chamber , and the thermal fluid chamber or
Is the hot fluid on at least one of the inner walls of the cold fluid chamber.
Or that fins are provided along the cold fluid
Features. 8. A thermoelectric generator according to claim 7, wherein the thermo-fluid chamber is provided with fins on the inner wall on the thermoelectric conversion element side along a traveling direction of the thermo-fluid, and the thermo-electric conversion is provided in the cold fluid chamber. A fin is provided on the inner wall opposite to the element along the traveling direction of the cold fluid. 9. The temperature difference power generator according to claim 7, wherein the fin is cut off in the vicinity of a discharge port. 10. A hot fluid chamber for forming a hot fluid intake for taking in a hot fluid, a hot fluid chamber formed with a hot fluid outlet for discharging the hot fluid, a cold fluid intake for taking in a cold fluid, A temperature difference power generation device comprising: a cold fluid chamber in which a cold fluid outlet for discharging the cold fluid is formed; and a thermoelectric conversion element provided between an outer wall of the hot fluid chamber and an outer wall of the cold fluid chamber. Forming the hot fluid outlet at the top of the hot fluid chamber; forming the cold fluid outlet at the top of the cold fluid chamber; and the hot fluid chamber having a hot fluid outlet higher than the hot fluid intake. The cold fluid chamber is formed at a position where the cold fluid discharge port is higher than the cold fluid intake port. 11. The temperature difference power generator according to claim 10, wherein the walls of the hot fluid chamber and the cold fluid chamber facing the thermoelectric conversion element are formed to be inclined. 12. A hot fluid inlet for taking in a hot fluid, a hot fluid chamber formed with a hot fluid outlet for discharging the hot fluid, a cold fluid inlet for taking in a cold fluid, A temperature difference power generation device comprising: a cold fluid chamber in which a cold fluid outlet for discharging the cold fluid is formed; and a thermoelectric conversion element provided between an outer wall of the hot fluid chamber and an outer wall of the cold fluid chamber. Forming the hot fluid outlet at the top of the hot fluid chamber; forming the cold fluid outlet at the top of the cold fluid chamber; and the wall of the hot fluid chamber and the cold fluid chamber facing the thermoelectric conversion element are inclined. Characterized in that they are formed as follows. 13. The temperature difference power generator according to claim 12, wherein the hot fluid chamber is formed at a position where the hot fluid outlet is higher than the hot fluid intake, and the cold fluid chamber is provided with a cold fluid inlet. The cold fluid outlet is formed at a higher position than the cold fluid outlet. 14. The temperature difference power generation device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the inner wall of the hot fluid chamber and the cold fluid chamber at the portion where the thermoelectric conversion element is provided has a hot fluid or a cold fluid. A fin provided along a fluid traveling direction. 15. The temperature difference power generation device according to claim 14, wherein the thermo-fluid chamber is provided with fins along the traveling direction of the thermo-fluid on the inner wall on the thermoelectric conversion element side, and the thermo-electric conversion is provided in the cold fluid chamber. A fin is provided on the inner wall opposite to the element along the traveling direction of the cold fluid. 16. The temperature difference power generator according to claim 14, wherein the fin is cut off in the vicinity of a discharge port.