JP6196063B2 - Thermoelectric power generation system and thermoelectric power generation method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a thermoelectric power generation system and a thermoelectric power generation method.

  Conventionally, there is a method of recovering heat using a thermoelectric conversion module as one of techniques for recovering heat generated in equipment and industrial plants. For example, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules are installed between a high temperature pipe and a low temperature pipe. Then, a medium such as high-temperature water generated in equipment or an industrial plant is allowed to flow through the high-temperature pipe, and a medium such as cooling water is allowed to flow through the low-temperature pipe. And the electric power generation by a thermoelectric conversion module is performed by the temperature difference between these piping.

  A chamber for transmitting heat from the pipe to the thermoelectric conversion module is attached to the pipe. This chamber has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a flat portion so that it can be easily installed in the thermoelectric conversion module.

JP 2009-247049 A JP 2011-192759 A JP 2006-210568 A JP 2008-98403 A JP 2009-247050 A JP 2011-181767 A

  The amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module of the thermoelectric power generation system varies depending on the temperature and flow velocity of the medium flowing through the pipe. Normally, an electric circuit is designed so that the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric power generation system is the amount of power generated by the battery, and electricity is supplied to the battery. However, if fluctuations in the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module increase due to large fluctuations in the temperature and flow velocity of the medium flowing through the piping, this amount of power generation is necessary for the battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module of the power generation source. The amount of generated power may not be sufficient.

  In addition, when charging the battery with electricity generated by the thermoelectric conversion module of the thermoelectric power generation system by a constant voltage method, it is necessary to apply a voltage higher than the battery voltage to the battery. However, if the amount of power generation by the thermoelectric conversion module is large as described above, the voltage generated in the thermoelectric power generation system may be lower than the battery voltage. As a result, the battery cannot be charged.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric power generation system and a thermoelectric power generation method capable of performing necessary power generation even if conditions for power generation by the thermoelectric conversion module vary.

According to the embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation system includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate power due to a temperature difference, a high-temperature fluid pipe that is disposed in contact with a high-temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module and through which a high-temperature heat source fluid flows, and the thermoelectric conversion It has a cryogenic fluid pipe that is arranged in contact with the cold side of the module and through which a cryogenic cooling fluid flows. The thermoelectric power generation system is disposed in the high-temperature fluid piping, and is disposed in the low-temperature fluid piping and the high-temperature side valve for adjusting the flow rate of the high-temperature heat source fluid flowing through the high-temperature fluid piping. A low-temperature side valve for adjusting a flow rate of the low-temperature cooling fluid flowing through the fluid piping. Further, the thermoelectric power generation system includes an acquisition unit that acquires physical quantities of the high-temperature heat source fluid that flows through the high-temperature fluid pipe and the low-temperature cooling fluid that flows through the low-temperature fluid pipe, and the physical quantity acquired by the acquisition unit is determined by the thermoelectric conversion module. Control means for performing opening / closing control of the high temperature side valve and the low temperature side valve so that the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module satisfies a predetermined condition when the predetermined condition for performing the predetermined amount of power generation is not satisfied; Based on the physical quantity acquired by the acquisition means, the power generation amount estimation means for estimating the power generation amount by the thermoelectric conversion module, and when the power generation amount estimated by the power generation amount estimation means satisfies the predetermined condition, the high-temperature heat source fluid And a spare high-temperature fluid pipe that does not flow the low-temperature cooling fluid and a spare low-temperature fluid pipe. Also, the control unit, due to that the difference between the temperature of the temperature and the cryogenic cooling fluid in the high-temperature heat source fluid does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the power generation amount of the estimated does not satisfy a predetermined condition, also The flow rate of the high temperature heat source fluid and the low temperature cooling fluid does not decrease even when the number of the high temperature fluid piping and the low temperature fluid piping through which the high temperature heat source fluid and the low temperature cooling fluid flow increases. In order for the estimated power generation amount to satisfy the predetermined condition, the high-temperature heat source fluid is allowed to flow through the spare high-temperature fluid pipe while the high-temperature side valve and the low-temperature side valve are opened, and the spare low-temperature fluid pipe is Flow low temperature cooling fluid.

  According to the present invention, necessary power generation can be performed even if conditions for power generation by the thermoelectric conversion module vary.

The figure which shows the outline of the thermoelectric power generation system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the detailed cross-sectional shape of one thermoelectric conversion module of the thermoelectric power generation system in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement procedure for control of the electric power generation amount by the thermoelectric power generation system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the outline of the thermoelectric power generation system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the outline of the thermoelectric power generation system in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement procedure for control of the electric power generation amount by the thermoelectric power generation system in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
First, the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a thermoelectric power generation system according to the first embodiment.

The thermoelectric power generation system in this embodiment is installed in a place where a medium of a high-temperature heat source suitable for thermoelectric power generation can be obtained. This place is, for example, a hot spring resort or a garbage incineration facility. This thermoelectric power generation system includes a thermoelectric conversion module 1, a high temperature heat source chamber, and a low temperature heat source chamber. The high temperature heat source chamber and the low temperature heat source chamber have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.
The high temperature heat source chamber is a chamber for flowing a medium of the high temperature heat source. The medium of the high temperature heat source is a high temperature liquid such as high temperature water or a gas such as a high temperature gas. The medium of the high temperature heat source is also called a high temperature heat fluid or a high temperature heat source fluid.

  The low temperature heat source chamber is a chamber for flowing a medium of the low temperature heat source. The medium of this low-temperature heat source is, for example, a liquid such as cooling water or a gas such as air. The medium of the low temperature heat source is also called a low temperature heat fluid or a low temperature cooling fluid.

  This embodiment is characterized by controlling the flow rate of the medium flowing in the chamber adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 to a certain level or more so that necessary electricity is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion module 1.

Next, the thermoelectric conversion module will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed cross-sectional shape of one thermoelectric conversion module of the thermoelectric power generation system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 has a structure in which P-type semiconductor elements (thermoelectric conversion materials) 11e and N-type semiconductor elements (thermoelectric conversion materials) 11f are alternately arranged. The P-type semiconductor element 11e and the N-type semiconductor element 11f are, for example, rectangular parallelepiped or cube-shaped elements having a side of 1 mm or more.

  The P-type semiconductor element 11e and the N-type semiconductor element 11f have a structure connected in series via the first electrode (conductive material) 11a or the second electrode (conductive material) 11b. The first electrode 11a is covered with a first insulating plate (alumina or the like) 11c. The second electrode 11b is covered with a second insulating plate (alumina or the like) 11d.

  For example, a solder material is used for joining between the thermoelectric conversion materials and joining the thermoelectric conversion material and the insulating plate. Electrodes are provided at both ends of the above-described structure connected in series. Each of these electrodes is provided with one-to-one correspondence with electrode outlets 11g and 11h for connecting wirings or lead wires (not shown).

  In such a configuration, the surface of the first insulating plate 11c of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is heated by the heat from the medium of the high-temperature heat source, and the surface of the second insulating plate 11d flows through the low-temperature heat source chamber. When the temperature becomes low due to heat exchange between the thermoelectric conversion module 1 and the thermoelectric conversion module 1, a temperature difference occurs between both surfaces.

  Thus, when a temperature difference arises in both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1, in the process in which both fluids heat-exchange, thermoelectric conversion of a part of heat | fever occurs in a semiconductor element group, and electric power generation is performed. The semiconductor element group is a set of the first insulating plate 11c, the second insulating plate 11d, the P-type semiconductor element 11e, and the N-type semiconductor element f.

  In the case where the surface temperature of the high temperature chamber is 200 ° C. or lower, if the main component of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is made of a bismuth-tellurium (Bi-Te) material, the efficiency and output of power generation by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be improved. Can be increased.

  The electricity generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is a direct current. For this reason, when the load is a load for alternating current, the thermoelectric power generation system converts the direct current generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 into an alternating current, and supplies the electricity obtained by this conversion to the load. In order to convert the direct current generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 into an alternating current, a circuit in which an inverter, a controller, a power conditioner, a battery and a capacitor (not shown) are combined is used.

  Next, various chambers will be described. FIG. 1A is a top view illustrating a configuration example of a thermoelectric conversion system. As shown in FIG. 1A, in the present embodiment, there are three high-temperature heat source chambers, which are chambers h1, h2, and h3. Hereinafter, the chambers h1, h2, and h3 are referred to as high-temperature chambers h1, h2, and h3 as necessary.

  Moreover, as shown to Fig.1 (a), in this embodiment, there are four low temperature heat source chambers, and it consists of chambers c1, c2, c3, and c4. Hereinafter, the chambers c1, c2, c3, and c4 are referred to as low-temperature chambers c1, c2, c3, and c4 as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in this embodiment, the high-temperature heat source chamber and the low-temperature heat source chamber are alternately arranged in the order of chambers c1, h1, c2, h2, c3, h3, and c4. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is sandwiched between these chambers.
Thus, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is provided over a some row | line | column. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the thermoelectric conversion modules in each row are connected to the same battery.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 sandwiched between the chambers are electrically connected in series along the longitudinal direction of the chamber via wiring (not shown). Thus, the electric power generation amount in a thermoelectric power generation system can be increased by electrically connecting a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in series. The number of thermoelectric conversion modules connected in series is determined in advance so as to obtain a desired power generation amount to be supplied to the battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1. This power generation amount is a voltage supplied from the thermoelectric conversion module to the battery.

Next, the arrangement of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 and various chambers will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, one surface of the low temperature chamber c1 is adjacent to each low temperature surface side of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the first row from the top in FIG. One surface of the chamber h1 is adjacent.
Further, the other surface of the high temperature chamber h1 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the second row from the top in FIG. 1, and one surface of the low temperature chamber c2 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side. Adjacent.
Further, the other surface of the low temperature chamber c2 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the third row from the top in FIG. 1, and one surface of the high temperature chamber h2 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side. Adjacent.
Further, the other surface of the high temperature chamber h2 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the fourth row from the top in FIG. 1, and one surface of the low temperature chamber c3 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side. Adjacent.
Further, the other surface of the low temperature chamber c3 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the fifth row from the top in FIG. 1, and one surface of the high temperature chamber h3 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side. Adjacent.
Further, the other surface of the high temperature chamber h3 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the sixth row from the top in FIG. 1, and one surface of the low temperature chamber c4 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side. Adjacent.

  The amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 increases as the difference between the temperature on the high temperature surface side and the temperature on the low temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 increases. Further, the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 increases as the flow rate of the medium flowing through the chambers adjacent to both sides of the module increases. However, under the condition that the flow rate of the medium flowing through the chamber is a certain value or more, even if the flow rate is further increased, the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 does not increase, and the state is saturated.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1A, six thermoelectric conversion modules 1 sandwiched between a chamber on the high temperature heat source side and a chamber on the cold temperature source are connected in series. However, under the same load conditions, it is necessary to change the number of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 per row depending on the temperature and flow velocity of the medium flowing in the chamber adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module 1. The flow rate of the medium flowing through the chamber is a flow rate per unit time.

Assuming that the temperature and flow velocity of the medium flowing through the chamber are constant, the power generation amount output by the six thermoelectric conversion modules 1 sandwiched between the chamber c1 and the chamber h1 is connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1. When a predetermined condition for giving to the battery is satisfied, six wires of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 between the chamber c1 and the chamber h1 are connected in series.
The predetermined condition means a condition that the voltage output by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is higher than the battery voltage.

  In addition, it is assumed that the power generation amounts output by the six thermoelectric conversion modules 1 do not satisfy the predetermined condition described above, but the power generation amounts output by the twelve thermoelectric conversion modules 1 satisfy the predetermined condition. . At this time, a total of twelve thermoelectric conversion modules 1 are connected in series between the chamber c1 and the chamber h1 by further using six thermoelectric conversion modules 1. Thus, when the heat source conditions are the same, the number and wiring of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 are determined in the initial design in consideration of the load conditions.

The material of the chamber is made of a material that takes into account high corrosivity and heat conductivity. Thus, the corrosiveness of the material of the chamber is taken into account because the medium of the high-temperature heat source and the medium of the low-temperature heat source may be corrosive. Specifically, the material of the chamber is made of, for example, stainless steel, titanium, or steel material. Stainless steel and titanium are metals having excellent corrosion resistance.
Further, if the material of the chamber is steel, it is desirable to subject the chamber to a surface treatment for preventing corrosion such as rust prevention.

The thermoelectric power generation system in the present embodiment includes a storage tank Hc for storing a medium of a high-temperature heat source and a storage tank Cc for storing a medium of a low-temperature heat source.
Further, these storage tanks are filled with a heat storage material for reducing the temperature fluctuation of the heat source.

  When there is a particularly large variation in the heat source temperature, a latent heat storage material may be used as the heat storage material. This latent heat storage material is a heat storage material capable of storing not only sensible heat but also latent heat by changing the phase within the range of operating temperature. By using the latent heat storage material in this way, even if the temperature of the medium supplied to the storage tank is greatly reduced, the heat is supplied from the latent heat storage material, so that fluctuations in the heat source temperature can be suppressed.

  FIG.1 (b) is a side view which shows the structural example of a thermoelectric conversion system. As shown in FIG.1 (b), the piping for taking in the medium from the storage tank Cc is attached above the one end part of low temperature chamber c1, c2, c3, c4. A pipe for discharging the medium is attached below the other end of the low temperature chambers c1, c2, c3, c4.

Moreover, as shown in FIG.1 (b), the piping for taking in the medium from the storage tank Hc is attached above the one end part of high temperature chamber h1, h2, h3. A pipe for discharging the medium is attached below the other end portions of the high temperature chambers h1, h2, and h3.
The thermoelectric power generation system also includes valves Vc1, Vc2, Vc3, and Vc4 for controlling the amount of the medium of the low-temperature heat source that flows through the low-temperature chamber. These valves are solenoid valves.

Each of these valves will be described. The valve Vc1 is a valve for controlling the amount of the medium flowing through the low temperature chamber c1. The valve Vc1 is provided in a pipe between the storage tank Cc and one end of the low temperature chamber c1.
The valve Vc2 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the low temperature chamber c2. The valve Vc2 is provided in a pipe between the storage tank Cc and one end of the low temperature chamber c2.
The valve Vc3 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the low temperature chamber c3. The valve Vc3 is provided in a pipe between the storage tank Cc and one end of the low temperature chamber c3.
The valve Vc4 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the low temperature chamber c4. The valve Vc4 is provided in a pipe between the storage tank Cc and one end of the low temperature chamber c4.

The thermoelectric power generation system also includes valves Vh1, Vh2, and Vh3 for controlling the amount of medium of the high-temperature heat source that flows through the high-temperature chamber. These valves are solenoid valves.
Each of these valves will be described. The valve Vh1 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the high temperature chamber h1. The valve Vh1 is provided in a pipe between the storage tank Hc and one end of the high temperature chamber h1.
The valve Vh2 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the high temperature chamber h2. The valve Vh2 is provided in a pipe between the storage tank Hc and one end of the high temperature chamber h2.
The valve Vh3 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the high temperature chamber h3. The valve Vh3 is provided in a pipe between the storage tank Hc and one end of the high temperature chamber h3.

  An arrow in FIG. 1A indicates the direction of the flow of the medium flowing in the chamber. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the direction in which the high-temperature thermal fluid flows in the high-temperature chambers h1, h2, h3 and the direction in which the low-temperature thermal fluid flows in the low-temperature chambers c1, c2, c3, c4 are opposed to each other. Yes.

  When the medium flow in the high temperature chamber and the medium flow in the low temperature chamber sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module 1 face each other in this way, the temperature difference between the two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is changed from the medium supply side to the discharge side. Can be made as uniform as possible along the longitudinal direction of the chamber. Thereby, the power generation performance by the thermoelectric conversion module can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation system has a configuration for estimating the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 sandwiched between these chambers based on the temperature and flow velocity of the medium flowing in the high temperature chamber and the low temperature chamber. Then, the thermoelectric power generation system controls the opening and closing of the valve based on the estimated power generation amount, and controls the number of chambers through which the medium flows, thereby performing power generation with a steady power generation amount by the thermoelectric conversion module 1. it can.

  The storage tank Hc of the high temperature heat source is provided with a temperature sensor Th for detecting the temperature of the medium stored in the storage tank Hc. The storage tank Cc of the low-temperature heat source is provided with a temperature sensor Tc for detecting the temperature of the medium stored in the storage tank Cc.

  The thermoelectric power generation system in the present embodiment includes a control device 20. The control device 20 includes a temperature detection unit 21, a medium flow rate detection unit 22, a power generation amount estimation unit 23, and a valve adjustment unit 24.

The temperature detection unit 21 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Th of the storage tank Hc of the high-temperature heat source. Moreover, the temperature detection part 21 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tc of the storage tank Cc of a low-temperature heat source.
The temperature detection unit 21 obtains a temperature difference that is a difference between the acquired temperature detected by the temperature sensor Th and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tc.

  The medium flow velocity detection unit 22 detects the amount of medium per unit time flowing through the piping connected to each chamber. The medium flow velocity detection unit 22 obtains the flow velocity of the medium flowing in each of the chambers sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in each row based on the detected medium amount.

  The amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 increases as the temperature difference between the high temperature surface side and the low temperature surface side of the module increases. Further, as described above, the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 increases as the flow rate of the medium flowing through the chambers adjacent to both sides of the module increases.

  The power generation amount estimation unit 23 estimates the power generation amount of each thermoelectric conversion module 1 based on the temperature difference and flow velocity of the medium flowing in the chambers adjacent to both sides of the module.

  The valve adjustment unit 24 determines whether or not the value of the amount of power generated by a certain thermoelectric conversion module 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value required to be given to a battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1. The value of the power generation amount is a value estimated by the power generation amount estimation unit 23.

  When the value of the power generation amount is less than the predetermined value, the valve adjustment unit 24 corresponds to the chambers adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in some rows so that the value of the power generation amount increases to a predetermined value or more. To control the opening and closing of the valve.

  The valve adjustment unit 24 controls the number of chambers to be used by controlling the opening and closing of the valves in this way. The chamber to be used means a chamber through which a medium from a connected storage tank flows. By controlling the number of chambers to be used in this way, it is possible to control the flow rate of the medium flowing in each of the subsequently used chambers to be a desired flow rate after this control.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure for controlling the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric power generation system according to the first embodiment.
First, the temperature detection part 21 of the control apparatus 20 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Th of the storage tank Hc of a high temperature heat source (step S11). And the temperature detection part 21 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tc of the storage tank Cc of a low-temperature heat source (step S12).

  Next, the temperature detection unit 21 obtains a temperature difference that is a difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Th and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tc (step S13). As described above, in this embodiment, the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is made as uniform as possible along the longitudinal direction of the chamber from the medium supply side to the discharge side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the temperature detection unit 21 sets the value obtained by multiplying the temperature difference obtained in S13 by a predetermined coefficient to each of the high temperature surface side and the low temperature surface of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in each column shown in FIG. Consider the temperature difference between the sides. The predetermined coefficient is determined in consideration of heat exchange in piping between various storage tanks and various chambers.

  Then, the medium flow velocity detection unit 22 detects the flow rate per unit time of the medium flowing through the pipes connected to these chambers for each of the high temperature chambers h1, h2, h3 and the low temperature chambers c1, c2, c3, c4. (Step S14). The medium flow velocity detector 22 detects the flow velocity of the medium flowing through each chamber based on the detected flow rate (step S15).

  Specific examples of S14 and S15 will be described. In this embodiment, a flow meter is provided in a valve corresponding to piping between various storage tanks and each chamber. For example, for the pipe connected to the low temperature chamber c1, a flow meter is provided in the valve Vc1 of the pipe between the storage tank Cc and the low temperature chamber c1. When the low temperature chamber c1 is the target of flow rate detection, as described above, the flow meter provided in the valve Vc1 detects the flow rate of the medium flowing through the pipe between the storage tank Cc and the low temperature chamber c1. Then, the medium flow velocity detection unit 22 acquires the value of the flow rate detected by this flow meter.

  The medium flow velocity detection unit 22 obtains the flow velocity of the medium flowing through the pipe by dividing the flow rate value by the cross-sectional area of the pipe between the low temperature chamber c1 and the storage tank Cc. The medium flow velocity detection unit 22 flows through the low temperature chamber c1 connected to the flow rate detection source pipe by multiplying the obtained flow velocity by a coefficient corresponding to the ratio of the cross sectional area of the pipe and the cross sectional area of the chamber. The flow rate of the medium.

  Next, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 selects one of the columns of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 illustrated in FIG. Then, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 obtains the value of the flow velocity of the medium flowing in the high temperature chamber and the low temperature chamber sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 connected in series in the selected row from the medium flow velocity detection unit 22. Then, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 obtains the temperature difference obtained in step S13 from the temperature detection unit 21. The power generation amount estimation unit 23 estimates the power generation amount by the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the selected row based on the obtained flow velocity and temperature difference.

Next, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 selects another column that has not been selected among the above-described columns, and estimates the power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 connected in series in this column as described above.
In this way, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 estimates the power generation amount (voltage value) in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in each column (step S16).

Then, the valve adjustment unit 24 determines whether or not the value of the power generation amount estimated in step S16 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value necessary for the battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 (step S17).
When the value of the power generation amount is less than the predetermined value (NO in step S17), the valve adjustment unit 24 is adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module in each row so that the value of the power generation amount increases until it exceeds the predetermined value. The opening and closing of a valve provided corresponding to the chamber to be controlled is controlled (step S18).

  Specifically, the valve adjustment unit 24 determines the number of chambers in which the medium is not allowed to flow out of the various chambers according to the difference between the power generation amount estimated in S16 and the predetermined value described above. Then, the valve adjusting unit 24 performs closing control of a valve connected to the chamber that prevents the medium from flowing.

After S18, the process returns to S11, and when the temperature difference between the two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 or the flow velocity of the medium increases or decreases, the opening and closing of the valve is controlled again.
Specifically, after the power generation amount is estimated again in S17, the valve adjustment unit 24 closes the valve of a certain chamber under the control of the latest S18, and then the temperature difference or medium on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 It is determined whether or not the value of the power generation amount estimated in S17 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined value exceeding the predetermined value described above (step S19).

  When the value of the power generation amount estimated in S17 exceeds the second predetermined value exceeding the predetermined value described above (YES in Step S19), the valve adjusting unit 24 does not need to close the valve of the chamber. I reckon.

  Then, the valve adjustment unit 24 selects at least one chamber among the chambers related to the closed valve so that the value of the power generation amount estimated in S16 is less than the second predetermined value and equal to or larger than the predetermined value used in S18. Then, the valve connected to the chamber is opened again (step S20). The number of chambers related to the valve to be opened is determined according to the difference between the estimated power generation value and the second predetermined value.

  When the closed valve is opened again, the number of chambers to be used increases, the flow rate of the medium flowing through each chamber decreases, and the power generation amount of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 decreases. Control is performed based on the second predetermined value higher than the predetermined value used in S16 as described above, because the power generation amount estimated in S16 falls below the predetermined value used in S17 as the closed valve is reopened. This is to prevent it from occurring.

  As described above, if the flow rate of the medium flowing through the chamber adjacent to the thermoelectric power generation module is less than the above-described constant value, the power generation amount by this module can be increased by increasing the flow rate.

  In the initial state, it is assumed that valves Vc1, Vc2, Vc3, Vc4, Vh1, Vh2, and Vh3 are all open. At this time, the medium stored in the storage tank Cc flows to all of the low temperature chambers c1, c2, c3, and c4. Further, the medium stored in the storage tank Hc flows to all of the high temperature chambers h1, h2, and h3.

  In the initial state described above, it is assumed that the storage amount of the medium in the storage tank Cc and the storage amount of the medium in the storage tank Hc have decreased below a certain amount. At this time, as described above, the medium stored in the storage tank Cc flows to all the low temperature chambers. Further, the medium stored in the storage tank Hc flows to all of the high temperature chambers.

  When the number of chambers through which the medium flows from the various storage tanks is the same, if the storage amount of the medium in the various storage tanks decreases below a certain amount, the flow rate of the medium flowing through each of the chambers decreases compared to the initial state. . Thus, when the flow velocity of the medium flowing in each of the chambers decreases, the power generation amount output from the thermoelectric conversion modules in each row becomes a power generation amount that is not sufficient to give to the battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Sometimes.

  It is necessary to avoid that the power generation amount output from each thermoelectric conversion module 1 in each row is not sufficient to give to the battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1. For this purpose, it is necessary to prevent the flow rate of the medium flowing in each of the chambers adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 from decreasing.

  Therefore, the valve adjustment unit 24 of the control device 20 closes the valves connected to the various chambers sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in any row, for example, as shown in FIG. In this way, the medium stored in the storage tank connected to the valve is prevented from flowing into the chamber connected to the closed valve.

A specific example of valve opening / closing control in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the thermoelectric power generation system according to the first embodiment. In this figure, the chamber to be used and the chamber not to be used when the amount of the medium from the heat source is reduced are shown separately.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, the valve adjusting unit 24 of the control device 20 closes the valve Vc4 so that the medium stored in the storage tank Cc does not flow into the low temperature chamber c4, for example, as shown in FIG. To. As a result, the use of the low temperature chamber c4 is stopped. As described above, the valve Vc4 is a valve connected to the low temperature chamber c4 sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the sixth row from the top in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the valve adjusting unit 24 of the control device 20 closes the valve Vh3 so that the medium stored in the storage tank Hc does not flow into the high temperature chamber h3. Thereby, use of the high temperature chamber h3 is stopped.
As described above, the valve Vh3 is a valve connected to the high temperature chamber h3 sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the fifth and sixth rows in FIG.

  As described above, when some of the plurality of valves Vc4, Vh3 are closed, the amount of medium flowing from the storage tank Cc to the low temperature chambers c1, c2, c3 increases. Further, the amount of medium flowing from the storage tank Hc to the high temperature chambers h1 and h2 increases.

  In this way, as described above, the power generation by the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the fifth and sixth rows from the top in FIG. 4 is stopped. On the other hand, since the flow rate of the medium to the other chambers that continue to open the valve increases, the voltage generated by the remaining thermoelectric conversion module 1 and applied to the battery increases.

  In this way, even if the storage amount of the medium in the storage tank Cc and the storage amount of the medium in the storage tank Hc are reduced below a certain amount, the voltage applied to the battery from the thermoelectric conversion module in each row is required. Value can be maintained.

  When charging the battery with electricity generated by the thermoelectric conversion module of the thermoelectric power generation system by the constant voltage method, even if the storage amount of the medium in the storage tank Cc or the storage amount of the medium in the storage tank Hc decreases below a certain level, the thermoelectric The voltage generated in the power generation system can be made higher than the battery voltage. As a result, normal charging of the battery can be performed.

  Further, when the temperature difference between the two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is always constant and the value of this temperature difference is stored in the internal memory of the control device 20, S11 to S13 are omitted, and the control device 20 may obtain the value of the temperature difference by reading the value of the temperature difference from the internal memory.

  At this time, since the power generation amount estimated in S16 depends on the flow velocity obtained in S15, the determination in S17 may be as follows. In this determination, the predetermined value used in the determination of S16 is set as the predetermined value of the medium flow velocity. This predetermined value is a value of a flow rate at which a power generation amount equal to or higher than the predetermined value necessary for the battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be obtained under the condition that the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is always constant. .

  Then, the valve adjusting unit 24 determines whether or not the flow velocity value obtained in S15 is equal to or greater than the predetermined flow velocity value described above. When the value of the flow rate is less than the predetermined value, the valve adjusting unit 24 opens and closes the valve provided corresponding to the chamber adjacent to this module so that the value of the flow rate rises to a predetermined value or more. Control.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Incidentally, description of the same portions as those shown in out Figure 1 configuration of a thermoelectric power generation system in this embodiment will be omitted.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a thermoelectric power generation system in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the second embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation system includes low temperature chambers c5, c6, c7, high temperature chambers h4, h5 as spare chambers in addition to the various chambers described in the first embodiment. Is further provided.
These chambers are alternately arranged in the order of chambers c5, h4, c6, h5, and c7. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 that are electrically connected in series are sandwiched between these chambers.

In these chambers, the power generation value (voltage value) output from the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the first to sixth rows from the top in FIGS. 1 and 5 described in the first embodiment is given to the battery. Do not use when the value exceeds the predetermined value.
On the other hand, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 that sandwiches the chambers h1, c2, h2, c3, h3, and c4 due to the small temperature difference between the high temperature surface side and the low temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. If the value of the power generation amount output from the battery is less than a predetermined value required to give to the battery, the required power generation cannot be performed even if the chamber to be used is limited as in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the thermoelectrics sandwiching the chambers h1, c2, h2, c3, h3, c4 due to the small temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. When the value of the power generation amount output from the conversion module 1 becomes less than a predetermined value necessary to give to the battery, the spare low temperature chambers c5, c6, c7 and the high temperature chambers h4, h5 are used. The shortage of power generation is compensated by flowing a medium through the chamber. However, in this embodiment, the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium to the chamber is sufficient, and the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium flowing through the chamber does not decrease even if the number of the chambers used is increased as described above. To do.

Next, the arrangement of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 and the chambers c5, h4, c6, h5, c7 will be described. In FIG. 5, one surface of the low temperature chamber c5 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the seventh row from the top, and one surface of the high temperature chamber h4 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side.
In addition, the other surface of the high temperature chamber h4 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the eighth row from the top in FIG. 5, and one surface of the low temperature chamber c6 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side. Adjacent.
Further, the other surface of the low temperature chamber c6 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the ninth row from the top in FIG. 5, and one surface of the high temperature chamber h5 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side. Adjacent.
Further, the other surface of the high temperature chamber h5 is adjacent to the high temperature surface side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in the tenth row from the top in FIG. 5, and one surface of the low temperature chamber c7 is adjacent to the low temperature surface side. Adjacent.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a pipe for taking in the medium from the storage tank Cc is provided between the storage tank Cc and above one end of the low temperature chambers c5, c6, c7. This piping includes a first piping, a second piping, a third piping, and a fourth piping. A first pipe extends from the storage tank Cc. The first pipe branches into three pipes including a second pipe, a third pipe, and a fourth pipe. This branched pipe is connected to the low temperature chambers c5, c6, and c7 on a one-to-one basis.

  Specifically, one end of the first pipe is connected to the storage tank Cc. One end of the second pipe, one end of the third pipe, and one end of the fourth pipe are connected to the other end of the first pipe. The other end of the second pipe is connected to one end of the low temperature chamber c5. The other end of the third pipe is connected to one end of the low temperature chamber c6. The other end of the fourth pipe is connected to one end of the low temperature chamber c7. In addition, a pipe for discharging the medium is provided below the other end portions of the low temperature chambers c5, c6, and c7.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a pipe for taking in the medium from the storage tank Hc is provided between the storage tank Hc and the upper end of the high temperature chambers h4 and h5. This pipe includes a fifth pipe, a sixth pipe, and a seventh pipe. A fifth pipe extends from the storage tank Hc. The fifth pipe branches into two as a sixth pipe and a seventh pipe. This branched pipe is connected to the high temperature chambers h4 and h5 on a one-to-one basis.

Specifically, one end of the fifth pipe is connected to the storage tank Hc. One end of the sixth pipe and one end of the seventh pipe are connected to the other end of the fifth pipe. The other end of the sixth pipe is connected to one end of the high temperature chamber h4. The other end of the seventh pipe is connected to one end of the high temperature chamber h5.
In addition, a pipe for discharging the medium is provided below the other end portions of the high temperature chambers h4 and h5.
The thermoelectric power generation system further includes valves Vcn, Vc5, Vc6, and Vc7 for controlling the medium amount of the medium of the low-temperature heat source in addition to the various valves described in the first embodiment. These valves are solenoid valves.

Each of these valves will be described. Valve Vcn is provided in the 1st piping extended from storage tank Cc.
The valve Vc5 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the low temperature chamber c5. The valve Vc5 is provided in a second pipe between the first pipe and the low temperature chamber c5. The valve Vc6 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the low temperature chamber c6. The valve Vc6 is provided in a third pipe between the first pipe and the low temperature chamber c6. The valve Vc7 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the low temperature chamber c7. The valve Vc7 is provided in a fourth pipe between the first pipe and the low temperature chamber c7.

The thermoelectric power generation system further comprises a valve V h n, Vh4, Vh5 for controlling the medium of the Atsushi Ko heat source. These valves are solenoid valves.
Each of these valves will be described. The valve Vhn is provided in a fifth pipe extending from the storage tank Hc.
The valve Vh4 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the high temperature chamber h4. The valve Vh4 is provided in a sixth pipe between the fifth pipe and the high temperature chamber h4. The valve Vh5 is a valve for controlling the amount of medium flowing through the high temperature chamber h5. The valve Vh5 is provided in a seventh pipe between the fifth pipe and the high temperature chamber h5.

  The arrows in FIG. 5 indicate the flow direction of the medium flowing in the chamber. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the direction in which the high temperature thermal fluid flows in the high temperature chambers h4, h5 and the direction in which the low temperature thermal fluid flows in the low temperature chambers c5, c6, c7 are opposed to each other.

  In this way, the temperature difference between the two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 sandwiched between the chambers c5, h4, c6, h5, and c7 is made as uniform as possible along the longitudinal direction of the chamber from the medium supply side to the discharge side. be able to.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure for controlling the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric power generation system according to the second embodiment.
In the initial state, the valves Vc1, Vc2, Vc3, Vc4, Vh1, Vh2, and Vh3 are open. Further, the valves Vcn, Vc5, Vc6, Vc7, Vc4, Vhn, Vh4, Vh5 are closed.
That is, in the initial state, the chambers c1, h1, c2, h2, c3, h3, and c4 described in the first embodiment are in use. On the other hand, the spare chambers c5, h4, c6, h5, and c7 added in the present embodiment are not in use.

  First, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Th of the storage tank Hc of the high-temperature heat source is acquired (step S21). And the temperature detection part 21 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tc of the storage tank Cc of a low-temperature heat source (step S22).

  Next, the temperature detection unit 21 obtains a temperature difference that is a difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Th and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tc (step S23). In the present embodiment, the temperature detection unit 21 multiplies the temperature difference by the predetermined coefficient described in the first embodiment to each high temperature surface of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in each row shown in FIG. It is considered as the temperature difference between the side and the cold side.

  Then, the medium flow rate detection unit 22 uses the high-temperature chambers h1, h2, and h3 and the low-temperature chambers c1, c2, c3, and c4 that are in use, and the flow rate per unit time of the medium flowing through the pipes connected to these chambers. Is detected (step S24). The medium flow velocity detection unit 22 detects the flow velocity of the medium flowing through the chamber based on the detected flow rate (step S25).

  Next, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 selects one of the columns of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 sandwiched between the chambers in use among the columns of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 illustrated in FIG. 5. Then, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 selects the selected column based on the flow velocity of the medium flowing in the high temperature chamber and the low temperature chamber sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 connected in series in the selected column, and the temperature difference obtained in step S23. The amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is estimated.

  And the electric power generation amount estimation part 23 selects the other row | line | column which has not been selected among each row | line | column of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 pinched | interposed into the chamber in use, and the electric power generation amount (in the column) of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 connected in series ( Voltage value).

  In this way, the power generation amount estimation unit 23 estimates the power generation amount in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 sandwiched between the used chambers in each column (step S26).

Then, the valve adjustment unit 24 determines whether or not the value of the power generation amount estimated in step S26 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value necessary for the battery (step S27). The value of the estimated power amount is the sum of power generation amount in each of the thermoelectric conversion module 1.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium to the chamber is sufficient, and the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium flowing through the chamber decreases even when the number of chambers to be used is increased as described above. do not do.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the value of the power generation amount is less than the predetermined value (NO in step S27), the valve adjustment unit 24 may determine that the estimated power generation amount value is less than the predetermined value required for the battery. It is considered that the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is small.

  The valve adjusting unit 24 is configured so that the medium flows into at least one pair of adjacent chambers among the low temperature chambers c5, c6, c7 and the high temperature chambers h4, h5 in order to set the power generation amount to a predetermined value or more. The opening and closing of the valve connected to the chamber is controlled (step S28).

  Specifically, the valve adjusting unit 24 is a chamber that newly causes the medium to flow among the low temperature chambers c5, c6, c7, and the high temperature chambers h4, h5 according to the difference between the estimated power generation value and the predetermined value described above. Determine the number of.

Then, the valve adjustment unit 24 opens the valve Vcn and the valve V h n. The valve adjusting unit 24 opens a valve connected to a chamber for newly flowing a medium among the valves Vc5, Vc6, Vc7, Vc4, Vh4, and Vh5.
For example, when the chambers through which the medium is newly supplied are the low temperature chamber c5 and the high temperature chamber h4, the valve adjusting unit 24 opens the closed valves Vc5 and Vh4.

  As a result, the medium flows through the low temperature chamber c5 and the high temperature chamber h4. As described above, in this embodiment, the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium to the chamber is sufficient, and the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium flowing through the chamber decreases even when the number of chambers to be used is increased as described above. There is no condition. Under this condition, when the number of chambers to be used increases, the power generation amount of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 as a whole can be increased.

  After S28, the process returns to S21, and when the temperature difference between the two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 or the flow rate of the medium increases or decreases, the opening / closing of the valves of the spare chamber is controlled again. Specifically, after the valve of the spare chamber is opened by the latest control of S28, the valve adjustment unit 24 increases the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 1, and the value of the power generation amount estimated in S26. Is determined to be greater than or equal to the second predetermined value exceeding the predetermined value described above (step S29).

  When it is determined that the value of the power generation amount estimated in S26 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value exceeding the predetermined value described above (YES in step S29), it is considered that it is no longer necessary to open the valve of the spare chamber.

  Then, the valve adjustment unit 24 selects at least one of the spare chambers related to the opened valve so that the value of the power generation amount estimated in S26 is less than the second predetermined value and not less than the predetermined value used in S28. Select and control to close the valve connected to the chamber (step S30). The number of chambers related to the valve to be closed is determined according to the difference between the estimated power generation value and the second predetermined value.

  As described above, the control based on the second predetermined value higher than the predetermined value used in S27 is performed by closing the valves that have been opened in the spare chamber, thereby reducing the number of chambers to be used. This is because the power generation amount of the entire thermoelectric conversion module 1 is reduced so that the power generation amount estimated in S26 does not fall below the predetermined value used in S27.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the temperature difference between the high temperature surface side and the low temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is small, the amount of power generation in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is reduced. Even when the value is less than the predetermined value required for the battery, the power generation amount can be increased to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

  In the second embodiment, the flow rate value is controlled under the condition that the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium to the chamber is always constant and the flow rate of the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium flowing through the chamber is always constant. When it is stored in the internal memory of the device 20, S24 to S26 may be omitted, and the control device 20 may obtain the flow velocity value by reading the flow velocity value from the internal memory.

  At this time, since the power generation amount estimated in S26 depends on the temperature difference obtained in S23, the determination in S27 may be as follows. In this determination, the predetermined value used for the determination in S27 is set as a predetermined value for the temperature difference. This predetermined value can obtain a power generation amount equal to or greater than the predetermined value necessary for the battery connected to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 under the condition that the flow velocity of various media flowing through the chamber adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is always constant. This is the temperature difference value.

  Then, the valve adjustment unit 24 determines whether or not the value of the temperature difference obtained in S23 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value of the temperature difference described above. When the value of the temperature difference obtained in S23 is less than the predetermined value, the valve adjustment unit 24 corresponds to the chamber adjacent to this module so that the temperature difference increases until the value becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Controls the opening and closing of the valve provided.

Moreover, in each embodiment, it is good also as a structure which directly connects the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of a thermoelectric power generation system with the apparatus which operate | moves with direct current | flow.
In this configuration, the thermoelectric power generation system performs power generation by adjusting the temperature and flow velocity of the medium of the high-temperature heat source and the low-temperature heat source according to the load of the connected device. As a result, the direct current electricity obtained by the thermoelectric power generation system can be used for the load without using the inverter, controller, power conditioner, battery, capacitor and the like described above.
Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermoelectric conversion module, 11a, 11b ... Electrode, 11c, 11d ... Insulating plate, 11e, 11f ... Semiconductor element, 11g, 11h ... Electrode extraction port, 20 ... Control apparatus, 21 ... Temperature detection part, 22 ... Medium flow velocity detection , 23 ... Power generation amount estimation unit, 24 ... Valve adjustment unit, Tc ... Temperature sensor of storage tank for cold / heat source fluid, Th ... Temperature sensor for storage tank of high temperature heat source fluid, Cc ... Storage tank for cold / hot source fluid, Hc ... storage tank of the hot heat source fluid, Vc1~Vc7, Vcn, Vh1~Vh5, V h n ... valve, c1 to c7 ... cold heat source chamber, h1 to h5 ... high-temperature heat source chamber.

Claims (10)

A plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate power due to temperature differences;
A high-temperature fluid pipe that is arranged in contact with the high-temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module and through which a high-temperature heat source fluid flows;
A low-temperature fluid pipe that is arranged in contact with the low-temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module and through which a low-temperature cooling fluid flows; and
A high temperature side valve for adjusting a flow rate of the high temperature heat source fluid that is disposed in the high temperature fluid piping and flows through the high temperature fluid piping;
A low-temperature side valve arranged in the low-temperature fluid piping and for adjusting a flow rate of the low-temperature cooling fluid flowing through the low-temperature fluid piping;
Obtaining means for obtaining physical quantities of a high-temperature heat source fluid flowing through the high-temperature fluid piping and a low-temperature cooling fluid flowing through the low-temperature fluid piping;
When the acquired physical quantity does not satisfy a predetermined condition for performing a predetermined amount of power generation by the thermoelectric conversion module, the high temperature side valve and the low temperature side so that the power generation amount by the thermoelectric conversion module satisfies a predetermined condition Control means for controlling opening and closing of the valve;
Based on the physical quantity acquired by the acquisition means, the power generation amount estimation means for estimating the power generation amount by the thermoelectric conversion module;
When the power generation amount estimated by the power generation amount estimation means satisfies the predetermined condition, the preliminary high-temperature fluid piping and the preliminary low-temperature fluid piping that do not flow the high-temperature heat source fluid and the low-temperature cooling fluid are provided,
The control means includes
Due to the difference between the temperature of the high-temperature heat source fluid and the temperature of the low-temperature cooling fluid not satisfying a predetermined condition, the estimated power generation amount does not satisfy the predetermined condition, and the high-temperature heat source fluid or the Even if the number of the high-temperature fluid pipes and the low-temperature fluid pipes through which the low-temperature cooling fluid flows is increased , the estimated power generation amount is the predetermined amount when the flow rate of the high-temperature heat source fluid and the low-temperature cooling fluid does not decrease. In order to satisfy the following condition, the high temperature heat source fluid is allowed to flow through the spare high temperature fluid piping while the high temperature side valve and the low temperature side valve are opened, and the low temperature cooling fluid is allowed to flow through the spare low temperature fluid piping. A featured thermoelectric power generation system. The acquisition means includes
A flow rate calculation means for calculating a flow rate of the high temperature heat source fluid flowing through the high temperature fluid piping and a flow rate of the low temperature cooling fluid flowing through the low temperature fluid piping;
The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising temperature difference calculation means for calculating a difference between the temperature of the high temperature heat source fluid and the temperature of the low temperature cooling fluid. The control means includes
The power generation amount estimated by the power generation amount estimation means when the high-temperature heat source fluid is allowed to flow through the spare high-temperature fluid piping and the low-temperature cooling fluid is allowed to flow through the spare low-temperature fluid piping is less than the predetermined condition. Stopping the flow of the high-temperature heat source fluid and the low-temperature cooling fluid through the spare high-temperature fluid piping and the spare low-temperature fluid piping when the second predetermined condition set at a high power generation amount is satisfied. The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1. The thermoelectric conversion module is
The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric power generation system is composed of a thermoelectric conversion material mainly composed of bismuth (Bi) and tellurium (Te). The high temperature fluid piping and the low temperature fluid piping are:
2. The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric power generation system is made of one or more metal materials selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, and steel materials. The high-temperature fluid pipe and the low-temperature fluid pipe are made of a metal material including a steel material,
6. The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 5, wherein the high-temperature fluid piping and the low-temperature fluid piping are subjected to surface treatment for preventing corrosion. The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein a heat storage material is filled in a high temperature side tank for storing the high temperature heat source fluid and a low temperature side tank for storing the low temperature cooling fluid. . The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 7, wherein the heat storage material is a latent heat storage material. The thermoelectric conversion module is
The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric generation system is directly connected to a device that operates with direct current. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate power due to a temperature difference, a high-temperature fluid pipe that is disposed in contact with the high-temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module and through which a high-temperature heat source fluid flows, and a low-temperature cooling that is disposed in contact with the low-temperature surface side of the thermoelectric conversion module A low-temperature fluid pipe through which a fluid flows, a high-temperature side valve for adjusting the flow rate of the high-temperature heat source fluid flowing through the high-temperature fluid pipe, and the low-temperature fluid pipe through which the fluid flows. A low-temperature side valve for adjusting the flow rate of the low-temperature cooling fluid flowing through the auxiliary high-temperature fluid piping that does not flow the high-temperature heat source fluid and the low-temperature cooling fluid when the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module satisfies a predetermined condition; A method used in a thermoelectric power generation system having spare cryogenic fluid piping,
Obtaining physical quantities of a high-temperature heat source fluid flowing through the high-temperature fluid piping and a low-temperature cooling fluid flowing through the low-temperature fluid piping;
When the acquired physical quantity does not satisfy a predetermined condition for performing a predetermined amount of power generation by the thermoelectric conversion module, the high temperature side valve and the low temperature side so that the power generation amount by the thermoelectric conversion module satisfies a predetermined condition Control the opening and closing of the valve,
Based on the acquired physical quantity, estimate the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module,
To perform the control, due to that the difference between the temperature of the temperature and the cryogenic cooling fluid in the high-temperature heat source fluid does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the power generation amount of the estimated does not satisfy a predetermined condition, also The flow rate of the high temperature heat source fluid and the low temperature cooling fluid does not decrease even when the number of the high temperature fluid piping and the low temperature fluid piping through which the high temperature heat source fluid and the low temperature cooling fluid flow increases. In order for the estimated power generation amount to satisfy the predetermined condition, the high-temperature heat source fluid is allowed to flow through the spare high-temperature fluid pipe while the high-temperature side valve and the low-temperature side valve are opened, and the spare low-temperature fluid pipe is A thermoelectric power generation method comprising flowing a low-temperature cooling fluid.