Patent Description:
A thermoelectric effect is a direct energy conversion phenomenon between heat and electricity generated due to the movement of electrons and holes in a material.

A thermoelectric element is generally referred to as an element using a thermoelectric effect and has a structure in which P-type thermoelectric materials and N-type thermoelectric materials are disposed between and bonded to metal electrodes to form PN junction pairs.

Thermoelectric elements may be divided into elements using a change in electrical resistance depending on a change in temperature, elements using the Seebeck effect in which an electromotive force is generated due to a difference in temperature, elements using the Peltier effect in which heat absorption or heating occurs due to a current, and the like.

Thermoelectric elements have been variously applied to home appliances, electronic components, communication components, and the like. As an example, thermoelectric elements may be applied to cooling apparatuses, heating apparatuses, power generation apparatuses, and the like. Therefore, the demand for the thermoelectric performance of the thermoelectric element is gradually increasing.

Recently, there are needs to generate power using waste heat generated at high temperature by engines of vehicles, vessels, and the like and thermoelectric elements. In this case, a fluid flow part through which a first fluid flows may be disposed at a side of a lower-temperature part of a thermoelectric element, and a heatsink may be disposed at a side of a high-temperature part of the thermoelectric element, and a second fluid may pass the heatsink. Accordingly, electricity can be generated due to a difference in temperature between the lower-temperature part and the high-temperature part of the thermoelectric element, and the power generation performance may vary according to a structure of a power generation apparatus.

<CIT> discloses a heat conversion device comprising a duct through which cooling fluid passes; a first thermoelectric module disposed on a first surface of the duct; a second thermoelectric module disposed on a second surface disposed parallel to the first surface of the duct; and a gas guide member spaced apart from a third surface on the third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the duct. <CIT> discloses a thermoelectric generator including: a heat-receiving plate being adapted to receive heat; a cooling plate being maintained at a low temperature as compared with the heat-receiving plate; a thermoelectric module being interposed between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate; a terminal block at which a lead wire from the thermoelectric module is connected to an external power line, the terminal block being located on the cooling plate; and a metal cover being fixed on the cooling plate to cover the terminal block.

The present invention is directed to providing a power generation apparatus which generates power using a difference in temperature between a lower-temperature part and a high-temperature part of a thermoelectric element.

The invention is given by the appended claims. One aspect of the present invention provides a power generation apparatus including a thermoelectric conversion part including a duct and a plurality of thermoelectric modules disposed on one surface of the duct, a chamber having one side surface in which a hole is formed so that the thermoelectric conversion part is inserted into the hole, a wire connected to the plurality of thermoelectric modules, and a guide member , wherein the guide member includes a case disposed on the one side surface of the chamber including a wire hole and a through-hole through which the wire passes and accommodating the wire, a pipe disposed outside the case to correspond to the through-hole, a molding member disposed in the case, and a cover disposed on the case, and the molding member is disposed to surround the wire.

The wire may be connected to the thermoelectric conversion part and disposed to pass through the wire hole, the through-hole, and the pipe.

The case may include a bottom plate, a first sidewall disposed on a first edge of the bottom plate, and a second sidewall which is opposite to the first sidewall and disposed on a second edge opposite to the first edge of the bottom plate, wherein the wire hole may be disposed in the bottom plate, and the through-hole may be disposed in the first sidewall.

The first sidewall may be disposed on the one side surface of the chamber, and the bottom plate may be disposed on an upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion part.

The molding member may be disposed in a separation space between the wire and the wire hole.

A height of the molding member may be less than or equal to a height of the second sidewall.

The power generation apparatus may further include a gasket disposed between the one side surface of the chamber and the first sidewall of the case.

The cover may include a main body and a protruding part disposed at one side of the main body, wherein the protruding part may be disposed to correspond to the through-hole disposed in the first sidewall.

The power generation apparatus may further include a wire tube which is disposed close to the pipe and in which the wire passing through the pipe is disposed therein.

A plurality of electric wires is connected to thermoelectric conversion parts of which the number is predetermined may be disposed in the wire tube.

In the chamber, a hole into which the thermoelectric conversion part inserted may be further formed in the other side surface opposite to the one side surface.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a power generation apparatus with a superior seal force can be obtained.

According to embodiments of the present invention, an electric wire which electrically connects a thermoelectric module and a junction box can be protected.

According to embodiments of the present invention, ease of the assembly of the power generation apparatus can be improved.

In addition, unless clearly and specifically defined otherwise by context, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein can be interpreted as having meanings customarily understood by those skilled in the art, and meanings of generally used terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, will be interpreted by considering contextual meanings of the related technology.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are considered in a descriptive sense and not for limiting the present invention.

In the present specification, unless specifically indicated otherwise by the context, singular forms may include the plural forms thereof, and in a case in which "at least one (or one or more) among A, B, and C" is described, this may include at least one combination among all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

In addition, in descriptions of components of the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "(b)" can be used.

The terms are only to distinguish one element from another element, and an essence, order, and the like of the element are not limited by the terms.

In addition, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, such a description may include not only a case in which the element is directly connected or coupled to another element but also a case in which the element is connected or coupled to another element with still another element disposed therebetween.

In addition, in a case in which any one element is described as being formed or disposed "on" or "under" another element, such a description includes not only a case in which the two elements are formed or disposed in direct contact with each other but also a case in which one or more other elements are formed or disposed between the two elements. In addition, when one element is described as being disposed "on or under" another element, such a description may include a case in which the one element is disposed at an upper side or lower side with respect to another element.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a power generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the power generation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the power generation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>, a chamber <NUM>, a guide member <NUM>, a wire tube <NUM>, a channel cover <NUM>, and a junction box <NUM>.

The thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be disposed in the chamber <NUM>. The thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be provided as a plurality of thermoelectric conversion parts <NUM>, and the plurality of thermoelectric conversion parts <NUM> may be disposed in the chamber <NUM>. A part of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be inserted into a hole of the chamber <NUM> so that the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be coupled to the chamber <NUM>. A welding member may be disposed between the part of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> inserted into the hole of the chamber <NUM> and the chamber <NUM>. The thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be fixed to the chamber <NUM> by the welding member, and an inner portion of the chamber <NUM> may be blocked from an outer portion of the chamber <NUM> by sealing using the welding member.

The thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may include a duct and a plurality of thermoelectric modules. The duct may include a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage pipe. The fluid inlet may be provided as a plurality of fluid inlets, the fluid outlet may be provided as a plurality of fluid outlets, and the fluid passage pipe may be provided as a plurality of fluid passage pipes. The fluid inlet may be disposed on at least one surface of the duct, and the fluid outlet may be disposed on at least one surface of the duct. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may communicate with the fluid passage pipe. The plurality of thermoelectric modules may be disposed on at least one surface of the duct. The plurality of thermoelectric modules may be disposed on at least one surface of a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface of the duct. The thermoelectric modules may include a plurality of thermoelectric elements disposed on a substrate. The plurality of thermoelectric modules may be electrically connected to each other. The plurality of thermoelectric modules may be electrically connected by a wire.

The chamber <NUM> may include a plurality of plates. The chamber <NUM> may include an inner space formed by the plurality of plates. The thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space of the chamber <NUM>.

The plate may be provided as the plurality of plates. The plates may include a first plate <NUM> and a second plate <NUM>. The first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. The first plate <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from the second plate <NUM>. A separation distance between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may be smaller than a total length of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>.

The first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may include holes. The plates may include first holes <NUM> and <NUM> into which the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> is inserted. The first holes <NUM> formed in the first plate <NUM> and the first holes <NUM> formed in the second plate <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. The number of first holes <NUM> formed in the first plate <NUM> and the number of first holes <NUM> formed in the second plate <NUM> may be the same. One end of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be inserted into the holes formed in the first plate <NUM>, and the other end of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be inserted into the holes formed in the second plate <NUM> disposed to face the holes formed in the first plate <NUM>.

The plates may include a third plate <NUM> and a fourth plate <NUM>. The third plate <NUM> and the fourth plate <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. The third plate <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from the fourth plate <NUM>. The third plate <NUM> may be coupled to the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. The fourth plate <NUM> may be coupled to the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. The first plate <NUM>, the second plate <NUM>, the third plate <NUM>, and the fourth plate <NUM> may be coupled to form the inner space. The third plate <NUM> and the fourth plate <NUM> may be coupled to the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> after the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> is inserted into the first holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>.

The guide member <NUM> may be coupled to the chamber <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> may be coupled to a second hole <NUM> formed in the first plate of the chamber <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> may be disposed on an upper portion of one surface of one side of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>.

The guide member <NUM> may include a case <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. An inner space for accommodating a molding member may be formed in the case <NUM>. An upper surface of the case <NUM> may be open. A wire hole through which a wire extending from the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> passes may be formed in a lower surface of the case <NUM>. A pipe may be disposed on one side surface of the case <NUM>. The pipe may be inserted into the second hole <NUM> formed in the first plate. The wire passing through the wire hole may pass through an inner portion of the pipe. The cover <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the case <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be coupled to the upper surface of the case <NUM> after the inner space of the case <NUM> is filled with the molding member.

The channel cover <NUM> may be disposed on an outer side surface of the chamber <NUM>. The channel cover <NUM> may be disposed on an outer side surface of the first plate of the chamber <NUM>. A groove in which the pipe of the guide member <NUM> may be disposed may be formed at one side of the channel cover <NUM>.

The wire tube <NUM> may be disposed between the guide member <NUM> and the junction box <NUM>. The wire passing through the pipe of the guide member <NUM> may pass through an inner portion of the wire tube <NUM>. The wire passing through the wire tube <NUM> may be connected to the junction box <NUM>.

The junction box <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the channel cover <NUM>. The junction box <NUM> may be disposed on an outer side surface of the channel cover. The junction box <NUM> may be connected to the wire passing through the tube. The junction box <NUM> may be electrically connected to the thermoelectric module of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> through the wire.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric conversion part according to one embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the thermoelectric conversion part according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a layout of the thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> includes a duct <NUM> and a thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed on a surface of the duct <NUM>. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the plurality of thermoelectric conversion parts <NUM> may also be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other in parallel to form a power generation system.

The thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may generate power using a difference in temperature between a first fluid flowing through an inner portion of the duct <NUM> and a second fluid passing through an outer portion of the duct <NUM>.

The first fluid introduced into the duct <NUM> may be water but is not limited thereto and may be any type fluid having a cooling function. A temperature of the first fluid introduced into the duct <NUM> may be less than <NUM>, preferably <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> but is not limited thereto. A temperature of the first fluid, which passes through the duct <NUM> and is discharged, may be higher than a temperature of the first fluid introduced into the duct <NUM>.

The first fluid is introduced through the fluid inlet of the duct <NUM> and discharged through the fluid outlet. An inlet flange (not shown) and an outlet flange (not shown) may be further disposed at a side of the fluid inlet and a side of the fluid outlet of the duct <NUM>, respectively, in order to easily receive and discharge the first fluid and support the duct <NUM>. Alternatively, a plurality of fluid inlets (not shown) may be formed in a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a fifth surface <NUM> disposed perpendicular to a third surface <NUM> disposed between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>, and a plurality of fluid outlets <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed in a sixth surface <NUM> opposite to the fifth surface <NUM>. The plurality of fluid inlets (not shown) and the plurality of fluid outlets <NUM>-<NUM> may be connected to the plurality of fluid passage pipes (not shown) in the duct <NUM>. Accordingly, the first fluid introduced through the fluid inlets may pass through the fluid passage pipes and may be discharged from the fluid outlets <NUM>-<NUM>.

However, this is exemplary, and the number, positions, shapes, and the like of the fluid inlets and the fluid outlets are not limited thereto. In the duct <NUM>, one fluid inlet, one fluid outlet, and the fluid passage pipe connecting the one fluid inlet and the one fluid outlet may also be formed.

Meanwhile, the second fluid passes through the outer portion of the duct <NUM>, for example, a heatsink <NUM> of the thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed outside the duct <NUM>. The second fluid may be waste heat generated by an engine of a vehicle, a vessel, or the like but is not limited thereto. For example, a temperature of the second fluid may be higher than or equal to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> but is not limited thereto.

In the present specification, an example, in which a temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inner portion of the duct <NUM> is lower than a temperature of the second fluid passing through the heatsink <NUM> of the thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed outside the duct <NUM>, will be described. Accordingly, in the present specification, the duct <NUM> may be referred to as a cooling part. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inner portion of the duct <NUM> may also be higher than the temperature of the second fluid passing through the heatsink <NUM> of the thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed outside the duct <NUM>.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric module <NUM> includes a thermoelectric element <NUM> and the heatsink <NUM> disposed on the thermoelectric element <NUM>. The thermoelectric element <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a structure of a thermoelectric element <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the thermoelectric element <NUM> includes a first substrate <NUM>, first electrodes <NUM>, P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, second electrodes <NUM>, and a second substrate <NUM>.

The first electrodes <NUM> are disposed between the first substrate <NUM> and the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, and the second electrodes <NUM> are disposed between the second substrate <NUM> and the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>. Accordingly, a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> are electrically connected by the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM>. A pair of P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> which are disposed between and electrically connected to the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> may form a unit cell.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> through lead wires <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, due to the Peltier effect, the substrate through which a current flows from the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> to the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> may absorb heat to serve as a cooling part, and the substrate through which a current flows from the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> to the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> may be heated to serve as a heating part. Alternatively, when different temperatures are applied to the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM>, due to the Seebeck effect, electric charges may move in the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> so that electricity may also be generated.

In this case, each of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a bismuth-telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric leg mainly including Bi and Te. The P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a Bi-Te-based thermoelectric leg including at least one among antimony (Sb), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), Te, Bi, and indium (In). As an example, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may include Bi-Sb-Te at <NUM> to <NUM> wt% as a main material and at least one material among Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, Pb, B, Ga, and In at <NUM> to <NUM> wt% based on a total weight of <NUM> wt%. The N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a Bi-Te-based thermoelectric leg including at least one among Se, Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, Pb, B, Ga, Te, Bi, and In. As an example, the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may include Bi-Se-Te at <NUM> to <NUM> wt% as a main material and at least one material among Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, Pb, B, Ga, and In at <NUM> to <NUM> wt% based on a total weight of <NUM> wt%.

Each of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be formed in a bulk type or stack type. Generally, the bulk type P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the bulk type N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be formed through a process in which a thermoelectric material is thermally treated to manufacture an ingot, the ingot is ground and strained to obtain a powder for a thermoelectric leg, the powder is sintered, and the sintered powder is cut. In this case, each of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a polycrystalline thermoelectric leg. As described above, when each of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> is the polycrystalline thermoelectric leg, the strength of each of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may increase. The stacked P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the stacked N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be formed in a process in which a paste containing a thermoelectric material is applied on base members each having a sheet shape to form unit members, and the unit members are stacked and cut.

In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> provided in the pair may have the same shape and volume or may have different shapes and volumes. For example, since electrical conduction properties of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> are different, a height or cross-sectional area of the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may also be different from that of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>.

In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape, a polygonal column shape, an elliptical column shape, or the like.

In the present specification, the thermoelectric leg may be referred to as a thermoelectric structure, a semiconductor element, a semiconductor structure, or the like.

The performance of a thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present invention may be expressed as a thermoelectric performance figure of merit (ZT). The thermoelectric performance figure of merit (ZT) may be expressed by Equation <NUM>.

Here, α denotes the Seebeck coefficient [V/K], σ denotes electrical conductivity [S/m], and α<NUM>•σ denotes a power factor [W/mK<NUM>]. In addition, T denotes temperature, and k denotes thermal conductivity [W/mK]. k may be expressed as a•cp•ρ, wherein a denotes thermal diffusivity [cm<NUM>/S], cp denotes specific heat [J/gK], and ρ denotes density [g/cm<NUM>].

In order to obtain the thermoelectric performance figure of merit (ZT) of a thermoelectric element, a Z value (V/K) is measured using a Z meter, and the thermoelectric performance figure of merit (ZT) may be calculated using the measured Z value.

In this case, each of the first electrodes <NUM> disposed between the first substrate <NUM> and the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> disposed between the second substrate <NUM> and the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> may include at least one among Cu, Ag, Al, and Ni and may have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM> is less than <NUM>, an electrode function is degraded, and thus the electrical conductivity performance may be degraded, and when the thickness is greater than <NUM>, a resistance increases, and thus a conduction efficiency can be lowered.

In addition, each of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>, which are opposite to each other, may be a metal substrate, and a thickness of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the metal substrate is less than <NUM> or greater than <NUM>, since a heat radiation property or thermal conductivity may become excessively high, the reliability of the thermoelectric element may be degraded. In addition, when each of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> is the metal substrates, insulation layers <NUM> may be further formed between the first substrate <NUM> and the first electrodes <NUM> and between the second substrate <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM>. Each of the insulation layers <NUM> may include a material having a thermal conductivity of <NUM> to <NUM> W/mK. In this case, the insulation layer <NUM> may be a resin composition including at least one of an epoxy resin and a silicon resin and an inorganic material, a layer formed of a silicon composite including silicon and an inorganic material, or an aluminum oxide layer. In this case, the inorganic material may be at least one among an oxide, a carbide, and a nitride combined with aluminum, boron, silicon, or the like.

In this case, sizes of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may also be different. That is, a volume, a thickness, or an area of one of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may be greater than a volume, a thickness, or an area of the other. In this case, the thickness may be a thickness in a direction from first substrate <NUM> toward the second substrate <NUM>, and the area may be an area in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the first substrate <NUM> toward the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the heat absorption or radiation performance of the thermoelectric element can be improved. Preferably, at least one of the volume, the thickness, and the area of the first substrate <NUM> may be greater than that of the second substrate <NUM>. In this case, when the first substrate <NUM> is disposed in a high-temperature region for the Seebeck effect or applied as a heating region for the Peltier effect, or a sealing member for protecting the thermoelectric element, which will be described below, from an external environment is disposed on the first substrate <NUM>, at least one of the volume, the thickness, and the area of the first substrate <NUM> may be greater than that of the second substrate <NUM>. In this case, the area of the first substrate <NUM> may be formed in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> times the area of the second substrate <NUM>. When the area of the first substrate <NUM> is smaller than <NUM> times the area of the second substrate <NUM>, an effect of an increase in heat transfer efficiency may not be large, and when the area of the first substrate <NUM> is greater than <NUM> times the area of the second substrate <NUM>, a heat transfer efficiency may rather be remarkably reduced, and it cannot be easy to maintain a basic shape of the thermoelectric module.

In addition, a heat radiation pattern, for example, an uneven pattern, may be formed on a surface of at least one of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the heat radiation performance of the thermoelectric element can be improved. When the uneven pattern is formed on a surface in contact with the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> or the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, a bonding characteristic between the thermoelectric legs and the substrate can also be improved.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, the sealing member may also be further disposed between the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. The sealing member may be disposed on side surfaces of the first electrodes <NUM>, the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, and the second electrodes <NUM> between the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the first electrodes <NUM>, the P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, the N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM>, and the second electrodes <NUM> can be sealed from external moisture, heat, contamination, or the like.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> again, the thermoelectric module <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the thermoelectric element <NUM> and the heatsink <NUM> disposed on the thermoelectric element <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, it is illustrated that two thermoelectric modules <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>, and two thermoelectric modules <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are also disposed on the second surface <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two or more thermoelectric modules may be disposed on one surface.

As described above, each of the thermoelectric elements <NUM> includes the first substrate <NUM> disposed to be in contact with the surface of the duct <NUM>, the plurality of first electrodes <NUM> disposed on the first substrate <NUM>, the plurality of thermoelectric legs <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the plurality of first electrodes <NUM>, the plurality of second electrodes <NUM> disposed on the plurality of thermoelectric legs <NUM> and <NUM>, and the second substrate <NUM> disposed on the plurality of second electrodes <NUM>, and the heatsink <NUM> is disposed on the second substrate <NUM>. In addition, the insulation layers <NUM> may be further disposed between the first substrate <NUM> and the plurality of first electrodes <NUM> and between the plurality of second electrodes <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

In this case, the first substrate of the thermoelectric element <NUM> disposed on the duct <NUM> may be the metal substrate, and the metal substrate may be bonded to the surface of the duct <NUM> by a thermal interface material (TIM, not shown) or coupled to the surface of the duct <NUM> by a separate fastening member. In this case, the metal substrate may be one among a copper substrate, an aluminum substrate, and a copper-aluminum substrate but is not limited thereto.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of thermoelectric modules <NUM> are disposed on the surface of the duct <NUM>. According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to maintain a uniform bonding force between the thermoelectric module <NUM> and the duct <NUM> using a supporting part.

Hereinafter, a structure of the guide member will be described in detail with reference <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the guide member according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating the case and the pipe according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a rear view illustrating the case and the pipe according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the case and the pipe according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating the cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a front view illustrating the cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the guide member <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may include the case <NUM>, a pipe <NUM>, the cover <NUM>, and a molding member <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> may be formed by sequentially stacking the case <NUM>, the molding member <NUM>, and the cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the case <NUM> may include a first sidewall <NUM>, a second sidewall <NUM>, a third sidewall <NUM>, a fourth sidewall <NUM>, and a bottom plate <NUM>.

The bottom plate <NUM> may have a quadrangular shape. Each of the first sidewall <NUM>, the second sidewall <NUM>, the third sidewall <NUM>, and the fourth sidewall <NUM> may be disposed on an edge portion of the bottom plate <NUM>. Accordingly, an accommodation space may be disposed in the case <NUM>. In the case <NUM>, since there may be no top plate opposite to the bottom plate <NUM>, one surface of the case <NUM> may be open. The molding member <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>.

The bottom plate <NUM> may include a wire hole <NUM>-<NUM>. The wire hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided as a plurality of wire holes <NUM>-<NUM>. The plurality of wire holes <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. The wire hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed at one side of a lower surface of the case <NUM>. The wire hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed close to the second sidewall <NUM>. The wire hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the thermoelectric conversion part disposed in the chamber.

The first sidewall <NUM> may be disposed on a first edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM> may have a first height h1. The first height h1 may be greater than a second height h2 of the second sidewall <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM> may include a screw hole <NUM>-<NUM> and a through-hole <NUM>-<NUM>.

The through-hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided as a plurality of through-holes <NUM>-<NUM>. The plurality of through-holes <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other. The through-hole <NUM>-<NUM> may communicate with the pipe <NUM> disposed outside the first sidewall <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> may include a first opening open1 and a second opening open2, and the through-hole <NUM>-<NUM> may communicate with the second opening open2 of the pipe <NUM>. A width of the through-hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be the same as a width of the second opening open2 of the pipe <NUM>.

The screw hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided as a plurality of screw holes <NUM>-<NUM>. The plurality of screw holes <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other. The screw hole <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed at a higher position than the second height h2 in the first sidewall <NUM>. Accordingly, screw fastening using the screw hole <NUM>-<NUM> can be easily performed, and assembly convenience of the power generation apparatus can be improved.

The second sidewall <NUM> may be disposed on a second edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. The second edge of the bottom plate <NUM> may be opposite to the first edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the second sidewall <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the first sidewall <NUM>. The second sidewall <NUM> may have the second height h2. The height of the second sidewall <NUM> may be less than the height of the first sidewall <NUM>.

The third sidewall <NUM> may be disposed on a third edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. The third edge of the bottom plate <NUM> may be disposed between the first edge and the second edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the third sidewall <NUM> may be disposed between the first sidewall 311and the second sidewall <NUM>. The third sidewall <NUM> may have the second height h2. The height of the third sidewall <NUM> may be the same as the height of the second sidewall <NUM>.

The fourth sidewall <NUM> may be disposed on a fourth edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. The fourth edge of the bottom plate <NUM> may be disposed between the first edge and the second edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. The fourth edge of the bottom plate <NUM> may be opposite to the third edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the third sidewall <NUM> may be disposed between the first sidewall <NUM> and the second sidewall <NUM>. The fourth sidewall <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the third sidewall <NUM>. The second sidewall <NUM> may have the second height h2. A height of the fourth sidewall <NUM> may be the same as the height of the second sidewall <NUM>. The height of the fourth sidewall <NUM> may be the same as the height of the third sidewall <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may include supporting members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The supporting members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided as a plurality of supporting members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. According to one embodiment, the number of the supporting members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> is two but is not limit thereto. The first supporting member <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed close to the third sidewall <NUM>, and the second supporting member <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed close to the fourth sidewall <NUM>. A height of each of the supporting members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be less than the second height h2.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may include a main body <NUM> and a protruding part <NUM>. The main body <NUM> may have a quadrangular shape. The protruding part <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the main body <NUM>. The protruding part <NUM> may be disposed at one side close to the first sidewall <NUM> of the case <NUM> on the one side of the main body <NUM>. The protruding part <NUM> may be provided as a plurality of protruding parts <NUM>. The number of the protruding parts <NUM> may be the same as the number of the through-holes <NUM>-<NUM>. The number of the protruding parts <NUM> may be the same as the number of the pipes <NUM>. The protruding part <NUM> may be disposed toward an upper surface of the main body <NUM>. A shape of the protruding part <NUM> may be the same as a shape of a part of the through-hole <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, when the through-hole <NUM>-<NUM> has a circular shape, the protruding part <NUM> may have a semicircular shape. A space may be formed inside the protruding part <NUM>. For example, a semicircular space may be formed inside the protruding part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the assembled guide member according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the guide member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is the perspective view illustrating the guide member <NUM> in which the case <NUM>, the pipe <NUM>, the cover <NUM>, and the molding member <NUM> are coupled. <FIG> is the cross-sectional view illustrating the guide member <NUM> of <FIG> along line A-A'.

Referring to <FIG>, the molding member <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodation space in the case <NUM>. The molding member <NUM> may be formed by arranging a resin having fluidity in the accommodation space of the case <NUM> and curing the resin. After the molding member <NUM> is disposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may be coupled to an upper surface of the molding member <NUM>. After the molding member <NUM> is disposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may be coupled to the upper surface of the case <NUM>. Accordingly, the molding member <NUM> may not be exposed to the outside of the guide member <NUM>. As the molding member <NUM> is disposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, the molding member <NUM> may cover the wire hole. When there is no molding member <NUM>, the inner space of the chamber may communicate with the outside of the power generation apparatus through the wire hole, the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, and the pipe <NUM>. In this case, foreign materials (dust, moisture, water, and the like) may be introduced into the inner space of the chamber from the outside of the power generation apparatus. In addition, high-temperature gas in the power generation apparatus may leak to the outside of the power generation apparatus. However, in the guide member <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention, the foreign materials may be prevented from being introduced into the power generation apparatus by arranging the molding member <NUM> in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, and the high-temperature gas in the power generation apparatus may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the power generation apparatus. When the cover <NUM> is coupled to an upper portion of the molding member <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may cover the through-hole disposed in the first sidewall of the case <NUM>. Since the molding member <NUM> is not higher than the second sidewall, the molding member <NUM> may close only a part of the through-hole. Accordingly, a part of the through-hole may be open. However, as the protruding part of the cover <NUM> covers an open region of the through-hole, the foreign materials (dust, moisture, water, and like) may be prevented from being introduced into the power generation apparatus through the through-hole, and the high-temperature gas in the power generation apparatus may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the power generation apparatus.

The molding member <NUM> may be disposed to surround the wire disposed in the accommodation space. Accordingly, the molding member <NUM> may prevent the wire from shaking to improve connection safety of the power generation apparatus and protect the wire from external impacts or heat.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a power generation module including a case and a pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the power generation module including the case and the pipe according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is the cross-sectional view illustrating the power generation module of the <FIG> along line A-A'.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the power generation apparatus may include a thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>, a chamber <NUM>, a guide member <NUM>, a wire tube <NUM>, a channel cover <NUM>, and a junction box <NUM>. The power generation apparatus may include a wire <NUM> and a gasket <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> may include a case <NUM> and a pipe <NUM>.

A part of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be inserted into a hole of the chamber so that the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may be coupled to the chamber. The case <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the chamber. The case <NUM> may be disposed on a plate <NUM> in which the hole, into which the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> is inserted, is disposed at one side of the chamber.

The gasket <NUM> may be disposed between the case <NUM> and the chamber. The gasket may be disposed between the plate <NUM> in which the hole is disposed and a first sidewall of the case <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may be formed in a material capable of sealing between the chamber and the case <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may be formed of a rubber-based material but is not limited thereto. The gasket <NUM> may be formed of a material such as rubber-coated cloth, asbestos, or copper. The channel cover <NUM> may be disposed on an outer side surface of the chamber. The junction box <NUM> may be disposed on an outer side surface of the channel cover <NUM>. The wire tube may be disposed between the case <NUM> and the junction box <NUM>. After the gasket <NUM> is disposed between the case <NUM> and the chamber, the gasket <NUM> is fastened thereto using a screw or the like, and thus foreign materials of the outside of the power generation apparatus can be prevented from being introduced into the power generation apparatus. In addition, high-temperature gas in the power generation apparatus can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the power generation apparatus.

The wire <NUM> may be connected to the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>. The wire <NUM> may be withdrawn from an upper surface, which is close to a region inserted into the chamber, of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>. According to the embodiment, two wires <NUM> may be withdrawn from one thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>. The wire <NUM> withdrawn from the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may pass through a bottom plate of the case <NUM>. The wire <NUM> withdrawn from the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may pass through a wire hole of the bottom plate. A width of the wire hole formed in the bottom plate may be greater than a width of the wire <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the wire <NUM> passes through the wire hole, a part of the wire hole may be open. The wire <NUM> passing through the wire hole of the bottom plate may pass through a through-hole formed in the first side plate of the case <NUM>. The wire <NUM> passing through the through-hole formed in the first side plate may pass through the pipe <NUM> communicating with the through-hole. The wire <NUM> passing through the through-hole and the pipe <NUM> may be provided as a plurality of wires <NUM>. As an example, two wires <NUM> withdrawn from one thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may pass through the same through-hole and the same pipe <NUM>. As an example, the plurality of wires <NUM> withdrawn from the adjacent plurality of thermoelectric conversion parts <NUM> may pass through the same through-hole and the same pipe <NUM>.

The wire <NUM> passing through the through-hole and the pipe <NUM> may pass through the wire tube <NUM>. After the plurality of wires <NUM> withdrawn from the thermoelectric conversion parts <NUM> of which the number is predetermined pass through the same through-hole and the same pipe <NUM>, the plurality of wires <NUM> may pass through the same wire tube <NUM>. The tube of the wire <NUM> may not only protect a plurality of electric wires disposed therein from an external impact or environment but also improve assembly convenience. The wire <NUM> passing through the wire tube <NUM> may be connected to the junction box <NUM>. The wire <NUM> passing through the wire tube <NUM> may be connected to an electrical circuit in the junction box <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a power generation module including a case and a molding member according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the power generation module including the case and the molding member according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is the cross-sectional view illustrating the power generation module of <FIG> along line A-A'.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the power generation apparatus may include a thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>, a chamber <NUM>, a guide member <NUM>, a wire tube <NUM>, a channel cover <NUM>, and a junction box <NUM>. The power generation apparatus may include a wire <NUM> and a gasket <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> may include a case <NUM>, a pipe <NUM>, and a molding member <NUM>.

Like the description with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the case <NUM> may be disposed inside the chamber and an upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>. The wire <NUM> withdrawn from the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may pass through a wire hole and a through-hole of the case <NUM> and the wire tube <NUM> and may be connected to the junction box <NUM>.

In a state in which the wire <NUM> is disposed, the molding member <NUM> may be disposed in an accommodation space of the case <NUM>. As the molding member <NUM> is disposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, the molding member <NUM> may block a gap between the wire hole formed in a bottom plate and the wire <NUM>. The molding member <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM> up to a height of a second sidewall. According to one embodiment, the molding member <NUM> may be disposed so that the wire <NUM> is not exposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>. As the molding member <NUM> is disposed so that the wire <NUM> is not exposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, the wire may be protected from heat in the power generation apparatus and vibrations of the power generation apparatus. The molding member <NUM> may be formed of a material including an epoxy-based, silicone-based resin composite, or the like. Meanwhile, since the molding member <NUM> may be disposed to the maximum level of the second sidewall, at least a part of the through-hole of the case <NUM> may be open.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a power generation module including a case, a pipe, a molding member, and a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the power generation module including the case, the pipe, the molding member, and the cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is the cross-sectional view illustrating the power generation module of <FIG> along line A-A'.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the power generation apparatus may include a thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>, a chamber <NUM>, a guide member <NUM>, a wire tube <NUM>, a channel cover <NUM>, and a junction box <NUM>. The power generation apparatus may include a wire <NUM> and a gasket <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> may include a case <NUM>, a pipe <NUM>, a molding member <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>.

Like the description with reference to <FIG>, the case <NUM> may be disposed inside the chamber and an upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM>. The wire <NUM> withdrawn from the thermoelectric conversion part <NUM> may pass through a wire hole and a through-hole of the case <NUM> and the wire tube <NUM> and may be connected to the junction box <NUM>. In a state in which the wire <NUM> is disposed, the molding member <NUM> may be disposed in an accommodation space of the case <NUM>.

In a state in which the molding member <NUM> is disposed in the accommodation space of the case <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may be disposed on the case <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be disposed on the molding member <NUM>. A protruding part of the cover <NUM> may be disposed in a region, which is open without being closed by the molding member <NUM>, of the through-hole disposed in the case. The protruding part of the cover <NUM> can prevent foreign materials of the outside of the power generation apparatus from being introduced into the power generation apparatus by blocking the open region of the through-hole after the molding member <NUM> is disposed. In addition, high-temperature gas introduced into the power generation apparatus may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the power generation apparatus.

The power generation may generate power using heat generated by a vessel, a vehicle, a power plant, or the ground, and a plurality of power generation apparatuses may be arranged in order to effectively collect the heat. In this case, in each of the power generation apparatuses, a coupling force between the thermoelectric module and the fluid flow part may be increased to improve the cooling performance of the lower-temperature part of the thermoelectric element, accordingly, an efficiency and reliability of the power generation apparatus may be improved, and thus a fuel efficiency of a transportation apparatus such as a vessel or a vehicle may be improved. Accordingly, in the shipping industry and transportation industry, transportation costs can be reduced, an eco-friendly industrial environment can be created, and when the power generation apparatus is applied to the manufacturing industry such as a steel mill, material costs and the like can be reduced.

Claim 1:
A power generation apparatus comprising:
a thermoelectric conversion part (<NUM>) including a duct and a thermoelectric module disposed on one surface of the duct;
a chamber (<NUM>) having one side surface in which a hole (<NUM>) is formed so that the thermoelectric conversion part (<NUM>) is inserted into the hole (<NUM>);
a wire connected to the thermoelectric module; and
a guide member (<NUM>),
wherein the guide member (<NUM>) includes a case (<NUM>) disposed on the one side surface of the chamber (<NUM>), including a wire hole (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a through-hole (<NUM>-<NUM>) through which the wire passes and accommodating the wire, a pipe (<NUM>) disposed outside the case (<NUM>) to correspond to the through-hole (<NUM>-<NUM>), a molding member (<NUM>) disposed in the case (<NUM>), and a cover (<NUM>) disposed on the case (<NUM>), and
the molding member (<NUM>) is disposed to surround the wire.