Patent Description:
A thermoelectric conversion module is a module configured of thermoelectric conversion elements capable of converting a thermal energy into an electric energy using the Seebeck effect. Since it is possible to convert waste heat discharged from industrial and consumer use processes and mobile bodies into effective electric power by utilizing such energy conversion characteristics, the thermoelectric conversion module and the thermoelectric conversion elements configuring the module have attracted attention as energy saving technologies in consideration of environmental problems.

The thermoelectric conversion module as described above is configured of a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (P-type semiconductors and N-type semiconductors) joined with electrodes and is charged by providing a temperature difference between electrodes joined to both ends of each thermoelectric conversion element. Such a thermoelectric power-generation module can generate power using waste heat of exhaust gas from vehicle engines and other industrial devices, and for example, Patent Document <NUM> discloses an EGR gas power-generation device using EGR gas of a vehicle as a high-temperature heat source.

More specifically, according to the related art described in Patent Document <NUM>, EGR flow paths for exhaust gas discharged from a vehicle engine and cooling water flow paths are alternately laminated, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is performed by cooling the exhaust gas, and power is generated by disposing a thermoelectric conversion module between the EGR flow paths and the cooling water flow paths.

Patent Document <NUM>: International Publication No. <CIT>.

Furthermore, patent document <CIT> discloses a thermoelectric generator having a thermoelectric element module which includes multiple lower portion N-type semiconductors and lower portion P-type semiconductors that are alternately arranged along perpendicular direction. Multiple connection holes are formed in an interposer. The lower portion N-type semiconductor and wire are connected electrically with each other and are equipped with upper portion N-type semiconductor.

However, according to the related art Patent Document <NUM> as described above, there is a concern that the overall thickness in a lamination direction increases and space saving is prevented due to addition of the thickness of the thermoelectric conversion module to the total thickness of the flow paths since the thermoelectric conversion module is disposed between the layered EGR flow paths and the cooling water flow paths. Also, according to the related art as described above, there is a concern that power generation efficiency is degraded due to a loss of heat conduction between the high-temperature and low-temperature media and the thermoelectric conversion module since ends of the thermoelectric conversion module are heated and cooled via upper plates and lower plates forming the flow paths and the electrodes.

The present invention was made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a space-saving thermoelectric power-generation device configured to curb degradation of power generation efficiency.

A thermoelectric power-generation device according to the present invention is given by the appended claims and includes: a first flow path through which a first fluid flows; a second flow path through which a second fluid that has a temperature difference with respect to the first fluid flows; an insulating isolation plate configured to isolate the first flow path from the second flow path; insulating outer layer isolation plates provided at outermost portions of layered flow paths including the first flow path and the second flow path; a plurality of thermoelectric conversion units configured to generate power using the temperature difference; and electrodes provided at the outer layer isolation plates and configured to connect the thermoelectric conversion units with mutually different semiconductor polarities in series, and the thermoelectric conversion units are disposed so as to straddle the first flow path and the second flow path.

The thermoelectric power-generation device includes the plurality of thermoelectric conversion units connected in series by the electrodes in the layered flow paths including the first flow path through which the first fluid flows and the second flow path through which the second fluid flows, and the individual thermoelectric conversion units are disposed so as to straddle the first flow path and the second flow path. Therefore, since a loss of heat conduction is reduced by the thermoelectric conversion units coming into direct contact with the first fluid and the second fluid, it is possible to efficiently convert the temperature difference between the first fluid and the second fluid into electric power and to curb degradation of power generation efficiency. Also, by the thermoelectric conversion units being disposed inside the layered flow paths including the first flow path and the second flow path isolated by the isolation plate, it is possible to reduce the overall thickness in a lamination direction as compared with the related art in which a thermoelectric conversion module is sandwiched by the flow paths. Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a space-saving thermoelectric power-generation device configured to curb degradation of power generation efficiency.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a space-saving thermoelectric power-generation device configured to curb degradation of power generation efficiency.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to drawings. In addition, all the drawings used for describing the embodiments schematically illustrate configuration members, may be partially emphasized, enlarged, downsized, omitted, or the like for further understanding, and may not accurately illustrate scales, shapes, and the like of the configuration members. Hereinafter, the directions in a three-dimensional space in each drawing will be represented by reference signs X, Y, and Z for convenience of explanation.

A thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating main components of the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> includes an isolation plate <NUM>, two outer layer isolation plates <NUM>, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM>, and a plurality of electrodes <NUM>. The thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> causes electrodes 50A and 50B at terminals to generate electric power by a high-temperature medium H and a low-temperature medium C flowing through two flow paths formed by the isolation plate <NUM> and the two outer layer isolation plates <NUM> as will be described later in detail. Also, it is assumed that side walls (not illustrated in <FIG>) are provided on both sides of the flow paths in the Y direction in order to form the two flow paths in the X direction in the embodiment.

The isolation plate <NUM> is a plate-shaped member that has insulating properties, isolates the high-temperature medium H from the low-temperature medium C, and is disposed in the XY plane in the embodiment. The isolation plate <NUM> is made of ceramic, for example, has thermal resistance and corrosion resistance with respect to the media, and has shielding properties that do not allow the media to be transmitted therethrough.

The two outer layer isolation plates <NUM> are made of a material that is similar to the material of the isolation plate <NUM> and are disposed at separate positions on both sides of the isolation plate <NUM> in the Z direction so as to be parallel to the isolation plate <NUM>.

The plurality of thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM> penetrate through the isolation plate <NUM> and are disposed such that both ends abut on the two outer layer isolation plates <NUM>. The thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> include P-type semiconductor elements and generate electric power by holes therein moving due to a temperature difference between the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C, as will be described later in detail. Also, the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> include N-type semiconductor elements and generate electric power by electrons therein moving due to a temperature difference between the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C, as will be described later in detail. The plurality of thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM> are alternately disposed in a matrix shape in the X direction and the Y direction.

The plurality of electrodes <NUM> are made of a metal member such as copper, for example, are provided at the two outer layer isolation plates <NUM>, and electrically connect ends of the alternately adjacent thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM>. In this manner, the electrodes <NUM> connect all the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM> in series. Also, the electrodes 50A and 50B at terminals of the series connection extend outward beyond the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> as extracting electrodes from which electric power is taken out.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a section of the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> in <FIG> in the XZ plane passing through the electrode 50A at the terminal.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first flow path F1 is formed between the isolation plate <NUM> and one of the outer layer isolation plates <NUM>, and the high-temperature medium H as the "first fluid" flows inside the first flow path F1. Also, a second flow path F2 is formed between the isolation plate <NUM> and the other outer layer isolation plates <NUM>, and the low-temperature medium C as the "second fluid" flows inside the second flow path F2. In other words, the one first flow path F1 and the one second flow path F2 configure the layered flow paths, the isolation plate <NUM> isolates the first flow path F1 from the second flow path F2, and the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> are provided at outermost portions of the layered flow paths in the lamination direction (Z direction) in the embodiment.

Although the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C are assumed to flow in the same direction in the X direction as illustrated in <FIG> in the embodiment, the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C may flow in mutually opposite directions or may flow in mutually vertical directions in the XY plane. Although exhaust gas and cooling water are used as the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C in a case in which the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> is applied to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for a vehicle, for example, the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C are not necessarily limited thereto and may be any two fluids that have a temperature difference.

Each thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> includes a conductive member <NUM> and two thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> is made of metal that has electric conductivity such as copper, for example, and is provided so as to block through-holes <NUM> formed in the isolation plate <NUM>. Both the two thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM> as the "first thermoelectric conversion element" and the "second thermoelectric conversion element" are formed of a known P-type semiconductor material, thus have mutually the same semiconductor polarity, and are disposed such that ends on one side are joined to the conductive member <NUM> via welding while ends on the other side abut on the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> in the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2, respectively. In addition, both the conductive member <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM> have the same sectional shape in the XY plane. Although the sectional shape is a circular shape in the embodiment, the sectional shape may be another shape.

Each thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> includes a conductive member <NUM> and two thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> is made of metal that has electric conductivity such as copper, for example, and is provided so as to block the through-holes <NUM> formed in the isolation plate <NUM>. Both the two thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM> as the "first thermoelectric conversion element" and the "second thermoelectric conversion element" are formed of a known N-type semiconductor material, thus have mutually the same semiconductor polarity, and are disposed such that ends on one side are joined to the conductive member <NUM> via welding while ends on the other side abut on the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> in the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2, respectively. In addition, both the conductive member <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM> have the same sectional shape in the XY plane. Although the sectional shape is a circular shape in the embodiment, the sectional shape may be another shape.

The plurality of electrodes <NUM> are made of metal with electric conductivity such as copper, for example, and electrically connects adjacent thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> with mutually different semiconductor polarities while blocking through-holes <NUM> formed in the outer layer isolation plates <NUM>. The electrodes <NUM> are secured to the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> via a swaging structure into the through-holes <NUM>. Here, the through-holes <NUM> are formed to have nonlinear side surfaces in the thickness direction of the outer layer isolation plates <NUM>, that is, the Z direction. Therefore, the electrodes <NUM> secured to the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> via the swaging structure have a structure with which the electrodes <NUM> are unlikely to be separated from the through-holes <NUM>. Also, the electrodes <NUM> are joined directly to the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> via welding.

Also, the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> is adapted such that the high-temperature medium H heats the thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM> and <NUM> disposed in the first flow path F1, the low-temperature medium C cools the thermoelectric conversion elements <NUM> and <NUM> disposed in the second flow path F2, and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM> thus generate electric power in mutually opposite directions with respect to the Z direction. In this manner, the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> can generate electric power using all the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM> connected in series.

As described above, the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adapted such that the portion that comes into contact with the high-temperature medium H is directly heated while the portion that comes into contact with the low-temperature medium C is directly cooled since the individual thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> are disposed so as to straddle the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. Therefore, the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> can curb degradation of power generation efficiency (the amount of generated power with respect to the temperature difference between the media) since a loss of heat conduction between the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM> and the high-temperature and low-temperature media H and C is reduced. Also, the overall thickness of the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> in the lamination direction can be reduced as compared with the related art in which the thermoelectric conversion module is sandwiched between the flow paths since the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> are disposed inside the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. Thus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a space-saving thermoelectric power-generation device that curbs degradation of power generation efficiency.

Also, the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present invention is adapted such that the electrodes <NUM> that connect the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> to the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> are secured to the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> via the swaging structure. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a concern that the electrodes <NUM> are separated from the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> and to reduce a concern that the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C flow out of the through-holes <NUM> by blocking the through-holes <NUM> formed in the outer layer isolation plates <NUM>.

A thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the aforementioned first embodiment in that layered flow paths include one first flow path F1 and two second flow paths F2 and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> are connected in the Z direction as well. Hereinafter, points that are different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description of points that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a section of the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> in the XZ plane similarly to <FIG>.

In the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM>, two isolation plates <NUM> and two outer layer isolation plates <NUM> are disposed in parallel to each other separately in the Z direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first flow path F1 is formed between the two isolation plates <NUM>, and the high-temperature medium H as the "first fluid" flows inside the first flow path F1. Also, second flow paths F2 are formed between the two isolation plates <NUM> and the two outer layer isolation plates <NUM>, and the low-temperature medium C as the "second fluid" flows inside the second flow path F2. In other words, the layered flow paths are configured such that the one first flow path F1 is sandwiched between the two second flow paths F2, the two isolation plates <NUM> isolate between the first flow path F1 and the second flow paths F2, and the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> are provided at outermost portions of the layered flow paths in the lamination direction (Z direction).

The plurality of thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> are alternately disposed in the X direction and the Y direction and are also disposed one by one in the Z direction as well. At this time, the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> aligned in the Z direction are joined directly to each other via welding in the first flow path F1. Also, the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> joined to each other in the Z direction generate electric power in the same direction in the drawing and are electrically connected in series since the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> have mutually different semiconductor polarities.

As described above, the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present invention is adapted such that the first flow path F1 and the second flow paths F2 are alternately disposed and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> are joined to each other in the lamination direction. Thus, according to the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> in the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of outer layer isolation plates <NUM> to which the electrodes <NUM> are swaged and secured and to save the space in the lamination direction as compared with a case in which two thermoelectric power-generation devices <NUM> as describe above are disposed in the lamination direction. In addition, it is also possible to expand the series connection in the lamination direction by alternately joining the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> in the lamination direction even in a case in which more first flow paths F1 and second flow paths F2 are alternately disposed with a similar configuration.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. A configuration of electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the aforementioned configuration of the electrodes <NUM> in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, points that are different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description of points that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the electrode <NUM> according to the third embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a section of one of the electrodes <NUM> swaged and secured to the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> in the XZ plane. Although the electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> that comes into contact with the first flow path F1 will be described here, description of the electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> that comes into contact with the second flow path F2 will be omitted since such electrodes <NUM> also have a similar configuration.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a recessed portion <NUM> for accommodating the electrode <NUM> that connects the thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> to the thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> is formed in the outer layer isolation plate <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> is formed to face an inner surface <NUM> of the outer layer isolation plate <NUM>, and the electrode <NUM> is swaged and secured to the inside thereof. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the electrode <NUM> so as not to project to the outside of the layered flow paths beyond the outer surface <NUM> of the outer layer isolation plate <NUM>.

Thus, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the configuration in which the electrodes <NUM> do not project from the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> in the lamination direction and to reduce the overall thickness in the lamination direction as compared with the aforementioned first embodiment.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. A configuration of electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the aforementioned configuration of the electrodes <NUM> according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, points that are different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description of points that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the electrode <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a section of one of the electrodes <NUM> swaged and secured to the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> in the XZ plane. Although the electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> that comes into contact with the first flow path F1 will be described here, description of the electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> that comes into contact with the second flow path F2 will be omitted since such electrodes <NUM> can also have a similar configuration.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a partial through-hole <NUM> for accommodating the electrode <NUM> that connects the thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> to the thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> is formed in the outer layer isolation plate <NUM>. The partial through-hole <NUM> is formed so as to couple a penetrating portion of the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> to a recessed portion formed so as to face an outer surface <NUM> of the outer layer isolation plate <NUM>, and the electrode <NUM> is swaged and secured to the inside thereof. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the electrode <NUM> so as not to project to the outside of the layered flow paths beyond the outer surface <NUM> of the outer layer isolation plate <NUM>.

Thus, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the configuration in which the electrodes <NUM> do not project from the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> in the lamination direction and to reduce the overall thickness in the lamination direction as compared with the aforementioned first embodiment. In addition, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the configuration in which the electrodes <NUM> are unlikely to be separated in both the directions of the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the outer layer isolation plates <NUM>.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. A configuration of outer layer isolation plates <NUM> and a configuration of electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are different from that of the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> and that of the electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> according to the aforementioned first embodiment. Hereinafter, points that are different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description of points that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a part of the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The outer layer isolation plates <NUM> include a first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> and a second outer layer isolation plate <NUM> made of a material that is similar to that of the aforementioned outer layer isolation plates <NUM> and include a metal plate <NUM>, and the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> and the second outer layer isolation plate <NUM> are attached to both surfaces of the metal plate <NUM>. Here, since the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> and the second outer layer isolation plate <NUM> are reinforced by the attached metal plate <NUM>, the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> can be formed to be thinner than the aforementioned outer layer isolation plates <NUM>.

Each of the electrodes <NUM> swaged and secured to the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> is configured to have a shape including a first portion electrode <NUM>, a second portion electrode <NUM>, a third portion electrode <NUM>, and a fourth portion electrode <NUM> in accordance with the layered structure of the outer layer isolation plates <NUM>. The first portion electrode <NUM> is disposed in the same layer as the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> so as to block a through-hole formed in the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM>. The second portion electrode <NUM> is disposed in the same layer as the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> with a clearance provided with respect to a hole portion 28a formed in the metal plate <NUM>. The third portion electrode <NUM> is disposed in the same layer as the second outer layer isolation plate <NUM> so as to block a through-hole formed in the second outer layer isolation plate <NUM>. In addition, the fourth portion electrode <NUM> electrically connects two adjacent third portion electrodes <NUM> on the outer surface of the second outer layer isolation plate <NUM>.

Although the first portion electrode <NUM> to the fourth portion electrode <NUM> are described separately here, all of the first portion electrode <NUM> to the fourth portion electrode <NUM> are made of the same material and are integrally formed as the electrode <NUM>. Also, since the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> and the second outer layer isolation plate <NUM> are formed of an insulating material while the metal plate <NUM> has conductivity, a configuration in electrical continuity with the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> is not established via the electrodes <NUM> is obtained by providing a plurality of hole portions 28a.

<FIG> is a sectional view of a thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a section of the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> in a case in which the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> and the second outer layer isolation plate <NUM> include the metal plate <NUM> in the YZ plane passing through an electrode 53A at the terminal. In other words, <FIG> illustrates a section when seen from the upstream side of the high-temperature medium H an the low-temperature medium C.

The thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> is provided with side walls <NUM> that prevent the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C flowing in the X direction from flowing out in the Y direction. The side walls <NUM> may be made of a material that is similar to the material of the isolation plate <NUM> and the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> and may be formed integrally with the isolation plate <NUM> and the outer layer isolation plates <NUM>.

The outer layer isolation plates <NUM> are formed to include the aforementioned metal plate <NUM>. The metal plate <NUM> is formed to be longer than the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> in the Y direction in the embodiment. Also, the metal plate <NUM> can be used as a securing member for easily securing the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> to a mounting location. In a case in which the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> includes a metal case body <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, for example, it is possible to connect the metal plate <NUM> to an inner wall surfaces of the case body <NUM> via welding. Here, since the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> are formed of ceramic, for example, it is possible to more strongly secure the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> by establishing the connection via the metal plate <NUM> than by connecting the thermoelectric power-generation device <NUM> directly to the case body <NUM>. Also, since the metal plate <NUM> comes into contact with neither the high-temperature medium H nor the low-temperature medium C, it is possible to prevent corrosion due to the high-temperature medium H or the low-temperature medium C.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. A configuration of electrodes <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is different from the configuration of the electrodes <NUM> according to the aforementioned fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, points that are different from those in the fifth embodiment will be described, and detailed description of points that are the same as those in the fifth embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the electrode <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a section of one of the electrodes <NUM> swaged and secured to the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> in the XZ plane. Although the electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> that comes into contact with the first flow path F1 will be described here, description of the electrodes <NUM> provided at the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> that comes into contact with the second flow path F2 will be omitted since such electrodes <NUM> can have a similar configuration.

Each of the electrodes <NUM> according to the embodiment is configured of two penetrating portions that penetrate through the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM> and that are connected to each of the thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion unit <NUM> and a connecting portion that connects the two penetrating portions in the same layer as the first outer layer isolation plate <NUM>. In other words, it is possible to reduce a concern that the electrodes <NUM> experience influences such as corrosion due to the media in a case in which the electrodes <NUM> do not come into contact with the high-temperature medium H and also even in a case in which the electrodes <NUM> on the side of the outer surface <NUM> of the outer layer isolation plate <NUM> are exposed to another medium.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seventh embodiment of the present invention is different from the aforementioned first embodiment in configurations of the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM>. Hereinafter, points that are different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description of points that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

<FIG> is a sectional view of a thermoelectric power generation device <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a section in the XZ plane passing through an electrode 50A at the terminal.

The thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> according to the embodiment are configured of P-type semiconductor elements <NUM> that penetrate through the isolation plate <NUM> between the two outer layer isolation plates <NUM>. Also, the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> according to the embodiment are configured of N-type semiconductor elements <NUM> that penetrate through the isolation plate <NUM> between the two outer layer isolation plates <NUM>. Here, in a case in which there is a concern that a clearance is generated between the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and <NUM> and the through-holes formed in the isolation plate <NUM>, it is possible to secure sealing properties by blocking the clearance with a plating member <NUM>, for example. Thus, according to the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> and the thermoelectric conversion units <NUM> of the embodiment, it is possible to obtain effects and advantages that are similar to those in the aforementioned first embodiment even with the configuration in which the individual semiconductor elements penetrate through the isolation plate <NUM>.

Although the description of the embodiments ends here, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, the disposition of the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may be opposite to configure the layered flow paths in each of the aforementioned embodiments. Also, although the aspect in which the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are laminated in the Z direction to configure the layered flow paths has been exemplified in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may be laminated in a radial direction of concentric circles to configure layered flow paths.

Also, in the aforementioned first embodiment and the second embodiment, the conductive members <NUM> and <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may be secured to the through-holes <NUM> in the isolation plate <NUM> via a swaging structure similarly to the electrodes <NUM>. Further, the isolation plate <NUM> may be provided with the metal plate <NUM> similarly to the outer layer isolation plates <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Also, although the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are isolated with a single isolation plate <NUM> in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the isolation plate <NUM> may have double structures. At this time, the overall thickness of the isolation plate <NUM> with the double structures is suitably set to a thickness that is substantially the same as the thickness of the isolation plate <NUM> in each of the aforementioned embodiments. In this manner, the isolation plate <NUM> with the double structures can reliably prevent the high-temperature medium H and the low-temperature medium C from being mixed due to leakage without leading an increase in overall thickness in the lamination direction. Also, although the through-holes <NUM> are formed in each of the isolation plate <NUM> with the double structures in this case, it is possible to apply conductive members <NUM> and <NUM> with substantially the same dimensions as those in each of the aforementioned embodiments to the conductive members <NUM> and <NUM> provided at the through-holes <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A thermoelectric power-generation device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first flow path (F1) through which a first fluid (H) flows;
a second flow path (F2) through which a second fluid (C) that has a temperature difference with respect to the first fluid (H) flows;
an insulating isolation plate (<NUM>) configured to isolate the first flow path (F1) from the second flow path (F2);
insulating outer layer isolation plates (<NUM>) provided at outermost portions of layered flow paths including the first flow path (F1) and the second flow path (F2);
a plurality of thermoelectric conversion units (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to generate power using the temperature difference; and
electrodes (<NUM>) provided at the insulating outer layer isolation plates (<NUM>) and configured to connect the thermoelectric conversion units (<NUM>, <NUM>) with mutually different semiconductor polarities in series,
wherein the plurality of thermoelectric conversion units (<NUM>, <NUM>) are disposed so as to straddle the first flow path (F1) and the second flow path (F2),
the plurality of thermoelectric conversion units (<NUM>, <NUM>) include conductive members (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to extend into and block through-holes (<NUM>) formed in the insulating isolation plate (<NUM>), first thermoelectric conversion elements disposed at the first flow path (F1) and connected to the conductive members (<NUM>, <NUM>), and second thermoelectric conversion elements disposed at the second flow path (F2), the first and second thermoelectric conversion elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) being connected to the conductive members (<NUM>, <NUM>), and having same sectional shapes as the conductive members (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
the first thermoelectric conversion elements and the second thermoelectric conversion elements have a mutually same semiconductor polarity.