Patent Description:
A thermoelectric phenomenon is a phenomenon that occurs by the movement of electrons and holes inside a material and refers to direct energy conversion between heat and electricity.

Thermoelectric elements are a generic term for elements using the thermoelectric phenomenon, and have a structure in which a P-type thermoelectric material and an N-type thermoelectric material are bonded between metal electrodes to form a PN junction pair.

The thermoelectric elements may be classified into an element using a temperature change in electrical resistance, an element using the Seebeck effect, which is a phenomenon in which an electromotive force is generated by a temperature difference, and an element using the Peltier effect, which is a phenomenon in which heat is absorbed or heat is generated by a current.

The thermoelectric elements are variously applied to home appliances, electronic parts, communication parts, and the like. For example, the thermoelectric elements may be applied to a cooling apparatus, a heating apparatus, a power generation apparatus, and the like. Accordingly, the demand for the thermoelectric performance of the thermoelectric element is gradually increasing.

Recently, there has been a need to generate electricity using hot waste heat generated from engines such as vehicles and ships and thermoelectric elements. At this time, a duct through which a first fluid passes is disposed at a low temperature part of the thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation fin is disposed at a high temperature part of the thermoelectric element, and a second fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid may pass through the heat dissipation fin. Accordingly, electricity may be generated by the temperature difference between the low temperature part and the high temperature part of the thermoelectric element, and power generation performance may vary depending on the structure of the power generation apparatus.

The document <CIT> provides an example of valve arrangement for directing exhaust gas flow entering or exiting an energy recovery unit for a vehicle exhaust system.

The present invention is directed to providing a power generation apparatus for generating electricity using a temperature difference between a low temperature part and a high temperature part of a thermoelectric element.

A power generation apparatus is provided in the appended claims. A power generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit, a thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element disposed on one surface of the cooling unit and a heat sink disposed on the thermoelectric element, a guide plate disposed to face the thermoelectric module, and a branch unit disposed on another surface perpendicular to one surface of the cooling unit, wherein the heat sink includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins spaced apart from each other, and a ratio of a shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the guide plate to a shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit and the guide plate ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The cooling unit may be a duct through which a first fluid passes, the branch unit may branch a second fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid, and the second fluid may pass between the thermoelectric module and the guide plate.

The shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit and the guide plate may be a shortest horizontal distance between a virtual extension surface of the guide plate facing the thermoelectric module and the branch unit.

The ratio of the shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the guide plate to the shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit and the guide plate may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The shortest horizontal distance between the heat sink and the guide plate may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The thermoelectric module may include a first thermoelectric module disposed on a first surface of the duct and a second thermoelectric module disposed on a second surface of the duct facing the first surface, the guide plate may include a first guide plate disposed to face the first thermoelectric module and a second guide plate disposed to face the second thermoelectric module, and the second fluid may be branched between the first thermoelectric module and the first guide plate and between the second thermoelectric module and the second guide plate by the branch unit.

The branch unit may be disposed on a third surface between the first surface and the second surface of the duct, and disposed to be inclined with respect to the first surface.

The third surface may be perpendicular to the first surface.

The power generation apparatus may further include a separation member configured to separate the duct and the guide plate by a predetermined interval.

The separation member may include a first region disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the duct, and disposed on a fourth surface perpendicular to the third surface, a second region extending from the first region toward the first surface, and a third region extending from the first region toward the second surface, wherein a first face of the second region may be disposed on the first surface, a second face of the second region may be disposed on the first guide plate, a first face of the third region may be disposed on the second surface, and a second face of the third region may be disposed on the second guide plate.

A power generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit, a thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element disposed in a first region of a surface of the cooling unit and a heat sink disposed on the thermoelectric element, a guide plate disposed to face the thermoelectric module, and a separation member disposed between a second region of a surface of the duct and the guide plate, wherein the heat sink is spaced apart from the guide plate by a predetermined distance, and the separation member comes into contact with the guide plate and the cooling unit.

The cooling unit may be the duct through which a first fluid passes, and a second fluid may pass between the heat sink and the guide plate.

The power generation apparatus may include a branch unit disposed on the duct to branch the second fluid, and the second fluid branched by the branch unit may pass between the thermoelectric module and the guide plate.

The shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit and the guide plate may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit and the guide plate may be the shortest horizontal distance between a virtual extension surface of the guide plate facing the thermoelectric module and the branch unit.

The shortest distance between the heat sink and the guide plate may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

A power generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of power generation apparatuses disposed adjacent to each other, wherein each power generation apparatus includes a cooling unit, a first thermoelectric module including a first thermoelectric element disposed on a first surface of the cooling unit and a first heat sink disposed on the first thermoelectric element, a second thermoelectric module including a second thermoelectric element disposed on a second surface of the cooling unit and a second heat sink disposed on the second thermoelectric element, and a separation member disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the cooling unit, wherein one of the first heat sink and the second heat sink of each power generation apparatus is spaced apart from one of the first heat sink and the second heat sink of an adjacent power generation apparatus, and the separation member of each power generation apparatus comes into contact with the separation member of adjacent power generation apparatus.

The power generation system may further include a first guide plate disposed to be spaced apart from a first heat sink of a first power generation apparatus that is one of the plurality of power generation apparatuses, and a second guide plate disposed to be spaced apart from a second heat sink of a second power generation apparatus that is another one of the plurality of power generation apparatuses, wherein a separation member of the first power generation apparatus may come into contact with the first guide plate, and a separation member of the second power generation apparatus may come into contact with the second guide plate.

The remaining power generation apparatuses among the plurality of power generation apparatuses may be disposed between the first power generation apparatus and the second power generation apparatus.

A power generation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit including a flow path therein, and a thermoelectric module disposed on one surface of the cooing unit, wherein the flow path includes a plurality of first flow path portions disposed in a first direction, a plurality of second flow path portions disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of bending portions configured to connect the first flow path portions and the second flow path portions, the plurality of second flow path portions include a first straight portion, a second straight portion, and an uneven portion spaced apart from each other and disposed straightly in the first direction, and the uneven portion is disposed between the first straight portion and the second straight portion.

The cooling unit may include a plurality of protrusions connected to the flow path, and spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

The cooling unit may include a plurality of through holes passing through one surface on which the thermoelectric module is disposed and the other surface facing the one surface.

The power generation apparatus may include a plurality of coupling members configured to couple the cooling unit and the thermoelectric module, and the coupling members may be disposed in the plurality of through holes.

The plurality of through holes may include a plurality of first through holes disposed between the uneven portion and the protrusions.

The flow path may include a bent portion disposed between the plurality of first through holes and the protrusion, and the first straight portion may be disposed between the bent portion and the uneven portion.

A plurality of curvature portions with the same curvature may be periodically disposed in the uneven portion.

The bent portion may include a region having a plurality of curvatures with different curvatures.

The cooling unit may include a first side surface on which the plurality of protrusions are positioned, and a second side surface facing the first side surface, and the plurality of through holes may include a plurality of second through holes disposed between the uneven portion and the second side surface.

The plurality of first through holes and the plurality of second through holes may overlap the flow path in the first direction, the plurality of through holes may include a plurality of third through holes that do not overlap the flow path in the first direction, and the plurality of third through holes may include a <NUM>-1st through hole closer to the first side surface than the plurality of first through holes, and a <NUM>-2nd through hole closer to the second side surface than the plurality of second through holes.

The cooling unit may include a third side surface disposed between the first side surface and the second side surface and disposed in the first direction, and a fourth side surface facing the third side surface, and include an overlapping portion overlapping the flow path in the second direction, a first region positioned between the overlapping portion and the third side surface, and a second region positioned between the overlapping portion and the fourth side surface, and a width of the second region in the second direction may be greater than a width of the first region in the second direction.

The plurality of third through holes may be positioned in the second region.

A connector may be positioned in the second region.

The thermoelectric module may be coupled to the cooling unit through a coupling member, and the coupling member may be disposed in the plurality of through holes.

The coupling member and the flow path may not overlap in a third direction from one surface of the cooling unit toward the other surface.

The plurality of protrusions may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion may not overlap the plurality of third through holes in the first direction.

The plurality of protrusions may include a third protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the second direction.

A power generation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit including a flow path therein and including a plurality of protrusions connected to the flow path; and a thermoelectric module coupled to the cooling unit, wherein the plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion disposed on a first outer surface of the cooling unit and spaced apart from each other in a first direction , the flow path includes a first flow path spirally extending from the first protrusion toward a center portion of the cooling unit, and a second flow path spirally extending from the center portion toward the second protrusion, and the first flow path includes a first uneven portion disposed adjacent to the first outer surface and having irregularity, and a second uneven portion disposed adjacent to the center portion and having a regular period.

The cooling unit may further include a second outer surface facing the first outer surface, in which the first flow path may include a first straight portion extending in the first direction, the second flow path may include a second straight portion, a third straight portion, and a fourth straight portion extending in the first direction, the third straight portion may be disposed between the second straight portion and the second outer surface, the fourth straight portion may be disposed between the second straight portion and the first outer surface, and the second uneven portion may be disposed between the second straight portion and the fourth straight portion.

The cooling unit may include a third outer surface and a fourth outer surface disposed to face each other between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, include one surface on which the thermoelectric module is disposed and the other surface facing the one surface, and include a plurality of through holes passing through the one surface and the other surface, wherein the plurality of through holes may include a first through hole disposed between the first uneven portion and the fourth straight portion, a second through hole disposed between the second straight portion and the third straight portion, and a plurality of third through holes disposed between the flow path and the fourth outer surface, the plurality of third through holes may further include a <NUM>-1st through hole disposed closer to the first outer surface than the first through hole, and a <NUM>-2nd through hole disposed closer to the second outer surface than the second through hole, and a first horizontal distance between the flow path and the fourth outer surface may be greater than a second horizontal distance between the flow path and the third outer surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a power generation apparatus with excellent power generation performance. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a power generation apparatus with improved heat transfer efficiency to a thermoelectric element.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to maximize power generation efficiency by optimizing the pressure difference and flow rate of a fluid before and after passing through a power generation apparatus.

However, the present invention is not limited to some embodiments described but may be implemented in various different forms, and one or more of the components may be used by being selectively coupled or substituted between the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be construed as the meaning that may be generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless specifically defined and described explicitly, and the meaning of generally used terms such as terms defined in the dictionary may be construed in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related art.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

In this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless otherwise specified in the phrase, and when it is described as "at least one (or one or more) of A and B, C", it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

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

These terms are only intended to distinguish the component from other components, and the essence, sequence, or order of the corresponding components are not limited by the terms.

In addition, when it is described that a component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'joined' to another component, this may include a case in which the component is not only directly connected, coupled, or joined to another component, but also a case in which the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'joined' to another component through other components interposed therebetween.

In addition, when a component is described as being formed or disposed on "top (above) or bottom (below)" of each component, the top (above) or bottom (below) includes not only a case in which two components come into direct contact with each other but also a case in which one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "top (above) or bottom (below)", this may also include the meaning of not only an upward direction but also a downward direction with respect to one component.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a power generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the power generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view of a power generation apparatus included in the power generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an exploded view of the power generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a perspective view of a power generation module included in the power generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the power generation module according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a partially enlarged view of the power generation module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> and <FIG> are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a thermoelectric element included in the power generation module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a power generation system <NUM> includes a power generation apparatus <NUM> and a fluid tube <NUM>.

A fluid introduced into the fluid tube <NUM> may be a heat source generated by an engine of a vehicle or a ship, or a power plant or a steel mill, but is not limited thereto. A temperature of the fluid discharged from the fluid tube <NUM> is lower than a temperature of the fluid introduced into the fluid tube <NUM>. For example, the temperature of the fluid introduced into the fluid tube <NUM> may be <NUM> or higher, preferably, <NUM> or higher, and more preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>, but is not limited thereto, and may be variously applied depending on a temperature difference between a high temperature part and a low temperature part of a thermoelectric element.

The fluid tube <NUM> includes a fluid inlet <NUM>, a fluid passing part <NUM>, and a fluid outlet <NUM>. The fluid introduced through the fluid inlet <NUM> passes through the fluid passing part <NUM> and is discharged through the fluid outlet <NUM>. At this time, the power generation apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the fluid passing part <NUM>, and the power generation apparatus <NUM> generates electricity using a temperature difference between a first fluid passing through the power generation apparatus <NUM> and a second fluid passing through the fluid passing part <NUM>. Here, the first fluid may be a cooling fluid, and the second fluid may be a hot fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid. The power generation apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may generate electricity using the temperature difference between the first fluid flowing through one surface of the thermoelectric element and the second fluid flowing through the other surface of the thermoelectric element. Accordingly, in this specification, the first fluid and/or the second fluid may include gas, liquid, and the like. When cross-sectional shapes of the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> are different from a cross-sectional shape of the fluid passing part <NUM>, the fluid tube <NUM> may further include a first connection part <NUM> configured to connect the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid passing part <NUM> and a second connection part <NUM> configured to connect the fluid passing part <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>. For example, the general fluid inlet <NUM> and fluid outlet <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape. In contrast, the fluid passing part <NUM> in which the power generation apparatus <NUM> is disposed may have a quadrangular tubular or polygonal tubular shape. Accordingly, the fluid inlet <NUM> and one end of the fluid passing part <NUM> may be connected, and the fluid outlet <NUM> and the other end of the fluid passing part <NUM> may be connected via the first connection part <NUM> and the second connection part <NUM> whose one end has a cylindrical tubular shape and the other end has a quadrangular tubular shape.

At this time, the fluid inlet <NUM> and the first connection part <NUM>, the first connection part <NUM> and the fluid passing part <NUM>, the fluid passing part <NUM> and the second connection part <NUM>, and the second connection part <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> may be connected to each other by fastening members.

As described above, the power generation apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may be disposed in the fluid passing part <NUM>. To easily assemble the power generation system <NUM>, one surface of the fluid passing part <NUM> may be designed to have an openable/closable structure. After one surface <NUM> of the fluid passing part <NUM> is open, the power generation apparatus <NUM> may be received in the fluid passing part <NUM>, and the open one surface <NUM> of the fluid passing part <NUM> may be covered by a cover <NUM>. At this time, the cover <NUM> may be fastened to the open one surface <NUM> of the fluid passing part <NUM> by a plurality of fastening members.

The first fluid is supplied to the power generation apparatus <NUM> from the outside and then discharged to the outside again, and when a wiring connected to the power generation apparatus <NUM> is drawn out to the outside, the cover <NUM> may also be formed with a plurality of holes <NUM> in order to introduce and discharge the first fluid and draw out the wiring.

Referring to <FIG>, the power generation apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a duct <NUM>, a first thermoelectric module <NUM>, a second thermoelectric module <NUM>, a branch unit <NUM>, a separation member <NUM>, a shield member <NUM>, and a heat insulating member <NUM>. In addition, the power generation apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a guide plate <NUM> and a support frame <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the duct <NUM>, the first thermoelectric module <NUM>, the second thermoelectric module <NUM>, the branch unit <NUM>, the separation member <NUM>, the shield member <NUM>, and the heat insulating member <NUM> may be assembled into one module, and in this specification, this may be referred to as a power generation module.

The power generation apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may generate power using the temperature difference between the first fluid flowing through an inside of the duct <NUM> and the second fluid passing through the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed outside the duct <NUM>.

In this specification, the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inside of the duct <NUM> may be lower than the temperature of the second fluid passing through heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> of the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> disposed outside the duct <NUM>. In this specification, the first fluid may be a coolant for cooling, and the second fluid may be a high temperature gas. To this end, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the duct <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be disposed on another surface of the duct <NUM>. At this time, a surface disposed to face the duct <NUM> of both surfaces of each of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> becomes the low temperature part, and power may be generated by using the temperature difference between the low temperature part and the high temperature part. Accordingly, in this specification, the duct <NUM> may be referred to as a cooling unit.

The first fluid introduced into the duct <NUM> may be water, but is not limited thereto, and may be various types of fluids having cooling performance. The temperature of the first fluid introduced into the duct <NUM> may be less than <NUM>, preferably, less than <NUM>, and more preferably, less than <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The temperature of the first fluid discharged after passing through the duct <NUM> may be higher than the temperature of the first fluid introduced into the duct <NUM>. Each duct <NUM> has a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing the first surface <NUM> and disposed parallel to the first surface <NUM>, a third surface <NUM> disposed between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> disposed to be perpendicular to the third surface <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, a fifth surface <NUM> disposed to face the third surface <NUM>, and a sixth surface <NUM> disposed to face the fourth surface <NUM>, and the first fluid passes through the inside of the duct. When the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> are disposed on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>, respectively, the third surface <NUM> may be a surface disposed in a direction in which the second fluid is introduced, and the fourth surface <NUM> may be a surface disposed in a direction in which the first fluid is introduced and discharged. To this end, a first fluid inlet <NUM> and a first fluid outlet <NUM> may be formed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. The first fluid inlet <NUM> and the first fluid outlet <NUM> may be connected to a fluid receiving part within the duct <NUM>. Accordingly, the first fluid introduced from the first fluid inlet <NUM> may be discharged from the first fluid outlet <NUM> after passing through the fluid receiving part.

Although not shown, a heat dissipation fin may be disposed on an inner wall of the duct <NUM>. The shape and number of the heat dissipation fins, and the area of the heat dissipation fin occupying the inner wall of the duct <NUM> may be variously changed depending on the temperature of the first fluid, the temperature of the waste heat, the required power generation capacity, and the like. The area of the heat dissipation fin occupying the inner wall of the duct <NUM> may be, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>% of a cross-sectional area of the duct <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain high thermoelectric conversion efficiency without interfering with the flow of the first fluid. At this time, the heat dissipation fin may have a shape that does not interfere with the flow of the first fluid. For example, the heat dissipation fin may be formed in a direction in which the first fluid flows. In other words, the heat dissipation fin may have a plate shape extending in a direction from the first fluid inlet toward the first fluid outlet, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The heat dissipation fin may be formed integrally with the inner wall of the duct <NUM>.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the second fluid flowing through the fluid passing part <NUM> and the introduction/discharge directions of the first fluid flowing through the duct <NUM> may be different. For example, the introduction/discharge directions of the first fluid and the passing direction of the second fluid may be different by about <NUM>°. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain uniform heat conversion performance in the entire area.

Meanwhile, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first thermoelectric module <NUM> on the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>.

The first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be fastened to the duct <NUM> using a screw or a coil spring. Accordingly, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be stably coupled to the surface of the duct <NUM>. Alternatively, at least one of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may also be bonded to the surface of the duct <NUM> using a thermal interface material (TIM). By using the coil spring, the thermal interface material (TIM), and/or the screw, it is possible to uniformly control the uniformity of heat applied to the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> even at a high temperature.

Meanwhile, as shown in <FIG>, each of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> includes thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on each of the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> and the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM>. As described above, the duct <NUM> through which the first fluid flows is disposed on one surface of both surfaces of each of the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM>, and the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed on the other surface thereof, and when the second fluid passes through the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM>, it is possible to increase the temperature difference between heat absorption surfaces and heat dissipation surfaces of the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. At this time, when the direction from the first surface <NUM> toward the thermoelectric element <NUM> and the heat sink <NUM> is defined as a first direction, a length in the first direction of the heat sink <NUM> may be longer than a length in the first direction of the thermoelectric element <NUM>. Accordingly, since a contact area between the second fluid and the heat sink <NUM> is increased, a temperature of the heat absorption surface of the thermoelectric element <NUM> may be increased.

At this time, referring to <FIG>, the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> and the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM> may be fastened by a plurality of fastening members <NUM> and <NUM>. Here, the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> may be the coil spring or the screw. To this end, at least some of the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> and the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM> may have through holes S through which the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> pass. Here, separate insulators <NUM> and <NUM> may be further disposed between the through holes S and the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM>. The separate insulators <NUM> and <NUM> may be insulators surrounding outer circumferential surfaces of the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> or insulators surrounding wall surfaces of the through holes S. For example, the insulators <NUM> and <NUM> may have a ring shape. Inner circumferential surfaces of the insulators <NUM> and <NUM> having the ring shape may be disposed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM>, and outer circumferential surfaces of the insulators <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on inner circumferential surfaces of the through holes S. Accordingly, the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> and the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> and the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM> may be insulated.

At this time, the structures of the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM> may have the structure of a thermoelectric element <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the thermoelectric element <NUM> includes a lower substrate <NUM>, a lower electrode <NUM>, a P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, an N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, an upper electrode <NUM>, and an upper substrate <NUM>.

The lower electrode <NUM> is disposed between the lower substrate <NUM> and lower bottom surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, and the upper electrode <NUM> is disposed between the upper substrate <NUM> and upper bottom surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>. Accordingly, a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> are electrically connected by the lower electrode <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM>. A pair of P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> disposed between the lower electrode <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM> and electrically connected to each other may form a unit cell.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the lower electrode <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM> through lead wires <NUM> and <NUM>, a substrate in which current flows from the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> to the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> due to the Peltier effect may function as a cooling unit by absorbing heat, and a substrate in which current flows from the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> to the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may function as a heat-generation part by being heated. Alternatively, when a temperature difference between the lower electrode <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM> is applied, charges in the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> move due to the Seebeck effect, and electricity may also be generated.

Here, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be bismuth telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric legs including bismuth (Bi) and tellurium (Te) as main raw materials. The P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a bismuth telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric leg containing at least one of antimony (Sb), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), tellurium (Te), bismuth (Bi), and indium (In). For example, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may contain <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of Bi-Sb-Te, which is a main raw material, and contain <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In) based on <NUM> wt% of the total weight. The N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a bismuth telluride (Bi-Te)-based thermoelectric leg containing at least one of selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), tellurium (Te), bismuth (Bi), and indium (In). For example, the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may contain <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of Bi-Se-Te, which is a main raw material, and contain <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In) based on <NUM> wt% of the total weight.

The P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be formed in a bulk type or a stack type. In general, the bulk-type P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the bulk-type N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be obtained through a process of manufacturing an ingot by heat-treating a thermoelectric material, acquiring a powder for the thermoelectric leg by grinding and sieving the ingot, and sintering the powder for the thermoelectric leg and cutting a sintered body. At this time, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be polycrystalline thermoelectric legs. As described above, when the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> are polycrystalline thermoelectric legs, strengths of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be increased. The stack type P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the stack type N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be obtained through a process of forming a unit member by applying a paste including a thermoelectric material on a sheet-shaped base material, and then stacking and cutting the unit member.

At this time, the pair of P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may have the same shape and volume, or different shapes and volumes. For example, since electrical conductivity characteristics 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 formed differently from a height or cross-sectional area of the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>.

At this time, 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.

The performance of the thermoelectric element according to the embodiment of the present invention may be represented as a figure of merit (ZT). The figure of merit (ZT) may be represented as in Equation <NUM>. <MAT> where α refers to a Seebeck coefficient [V/K], σ refers to the electrical conductivity [S/m], and α<NUM>σ refers to a power factor [W/mK<NUM>]. In addition, T refers to a temperature, and k refers to the thermal conductivity [W/mK]. k may be represented as a·cp·ρ, a refers to the thermal diffusivity [cm<NUM>/S], cp refers to the specific heat [J/gK], and ρ refers to a density [g/cm<NUM>].

To obtain the figure of merit of the thermoelectric element, a Z value (V/K) may be measured by using a Z meter, and the figure of merit (ZT) may be calculated by using the measured Z value.

Here, the lower electrode <NUM> disposed between the lower substrate <NUM> and the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, and the upper electrode <NUM> disposed between the upper substrate <NUM> and the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may contain at least one of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), and nickel (Ni), and have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the lower electrode <NUM> or the upper electrode <NUM> is less than <NUM>, a function as an electrode may be degraded, thereby reducing the electrical conduction performance, and when the thickness thereof exceeds <NUM>, conduction efficiency may be reduced due to an increase in resistance.

In addition, the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> facing each other may be metal substrates, and the thickness thereof may be <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the metal substrate is less than <NUM> or exceeds <NUM>, heat dissipation characteristics or thermal conductivity may be excessively increased, thereby reducing the reliability of the thermoelectric element. In addition, when the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> are the metal substrates, insulating layers <NUM> may be further formed between the lower substrate <NUM> and the lower electrode <NUM> and between the upper substrate <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM>, respectively. The insulating layer <NUM> may include a material having a thermal conductivity of <NUM> to <NUM> W/mK. At this time, the insulating layer <NUM> may be a resin composition containing at least one of an epoxy resin and a silicon resin and an inorganic material, a layer made of a silicon composite containing silicon and an inorganic material, or an aluminum oxide layer. Here, the inorganic material may be at least one of oxide, nitride, and carbide of aluminum, boron, or silicon.

At this time, the sizes of the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> may also be differently formed. In other words, the volume, thickness, or area of one of the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> may be formed greater than the volume, thickness, or area of the other. Here, the thickness may be a thickness in a direction from the lower substrate <NUM> to the upper substrate <NUM>, and the area may be an area in a direction perpendicular to a direction from the substrate <NUM> to the upper substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to improve heat absorption performance or heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element. Preferably, the volume, thickness, or area of the lower substrate <NUM> may be formed greater than at least one of the volume, thickness, and area of the upper substrate <NUM>. At this time, at least one of the volume, thickness, or the area of the lower substrate <NUM> may be greater than that of the upper substrate <NUM> when the lower substrate <NUM> is disposed in a high temperature area for the Seebeck effect, when the lower substrate <NUM> is applied to a heat-generation area for the Peltier effect, or when a sealing member configured to protect the thermoelectric element from external environments to be described below is disposed on the lower substrate <NUM>. At this time, the area of the lower substrate <NUM> may be formed in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> times the area of the upper substrate <NUM>. When the area of the lower substrate <NUM> is formed to be less than <NUM> times that of the upper substrate <NUM>, the influence on the improvement of heat transfer efficiency is not high, and when the area of the lower substrate <NUM> exceeds <NUM> times, the heat transfer efficiency is rather reduced significantly, and it may be difficult to maintain the basic shape of the thermoelectric module.

In addition, a heat dissipation pattern, for example, an uneven pattern, may also be formed on the surface of at least one of the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element. When the uneven pattern is formed on a surface coming into contact with the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, bonding characteristics between the thermoelectric leg and the substrate may also be improved. The thermoelectric element <NUM> includes the lower substrate <NUM>, the lower electrode <NUM>, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, the upper electrode <NUM>, and the upper substrate <NUM>.

Although not shown, a sealing member may be further disposed between the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM>. The sealing member may be disposed on side surfaces of the lower electrode <NUM>, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, and the upper electrode <NUM> between the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, the lower electrode <NUM>, the P-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, the N-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, and the upper electrode <NUM> may be sealed from external moisture, heat, contamination, and the like.

At this time, the lower substrate <NUM> disposed on the duct <NUM> may be an aluminum substrate, and the aluminum substrate may be bonded to each of the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> by the thermal interface material (TIM). Since the aluminum substrate has excellent heat interface performance, the heat transfer between one surface of both surfaces of each of the thermoelectric elements <NUM> and <NUM> and the duct <NUM> through which the first fluid flows is easy. In addition, when the aluminum substrate and the duct <NUM> through which the first fluid flows are bonded by the thermal interface material (TIM), the heat transfer between the aluminum substrate and the duct <NUM> through which the first fluid flows may not be interrupted. Here, the thermal interface material (TIM) is a material having heat transfer performance and bonding performance, and may be, for example, a resin composition containing at least one of an epoxy resin and a silicon resin and an inorganic material. Here, the inorganic material may be oxide, carbide, or nitride of aluminum, boron, or silicon.

Referring back to <FIG>, in order to increase the sealing and heat insulation effect between the first thermoelectric module <NUM>, the duct <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM>, the power generation module according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include the shield member <NUM> and the heat insulating member <NUM>. The heat insulating member <NUM> may be disposed, for example, on a surface of the surfaces of the duct <NUM> that excludes areas where the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> are disposed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent heat loss of the first fluid and the second fluid, and enhance the power generation performance by increasing the temperature difference between the low temperature part and the high temperature part of each of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM>. In addition, the shield member <NUM> may be disposed on the surface of the surfaces of the duct <NUM> that excludes the area where the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> are disposed. Wires and connectors connected to the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be protected from external moisture or contamination.

Meanwhile, the guide plate <NUM> is a plate for guiding the flow of the second fluid in the fluid passing part <NUM>, and the second fluid introduced into the fluid passing part <NUM> may flow along the guide plate <NUM> and then may be discharged.

A first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed to face the first thermoelectric module <NUM>, a second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed to face the second thermoelectric module <NUM>, and the second fluid may pass between the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and between the second thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>.

At this time, both sides of the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may extend to fluid collection plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and fluid diffusion plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. The fluid collection plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may mean plates extending toward the inlet of the fluid passing part <NUM>, that is, the first connection part <NUM>, and the fluid diffusion plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may mean plates extending toward the outlet of the fluid passing part <NUM>, that is, the second connection part <NUM>. At this time, the fluid collection plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and the fluid diffusion plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be integrally connected plates. The first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> disposed to face the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> disposed to face the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be disposed symmetrically while maintaining a constant distance d3. Here, a distance d3 between the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be a distance in a horizontal from the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> toward the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, the second fluid may pass between the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and between the second thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> at a constant flow rate, thereby obtaining uniform thermoelectric performance. In contrast, distances d4 and d4' between the first fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be symmetrically disposed to be farther away as it approaches the inlet of the fluid passing part <NUM>. Here, the distance between the first fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be a distance in a horizontal direction from the first fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> toward the second fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM>. Likewise, the distance between the first fluid diffusion plate <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second fluid diffusion plate <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may also be symmetrically disposed to be farther away as it approaches the outlet of the fluid passing part <NUM>. Accordingly, the second fluid introduced through the inlet of the fluid passing part <NUM> may be collected in the fluid collection plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and then may pass between the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> and the guide plate <NUM>, and may be diffused from the fluid diffusion plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and then may be discharged through the outlet of the fluid passing part <NUM>. Accordingly, since a pressure difference between the second fluids before and after the second fluid passes between the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> and the guide plate <NUM> may be minimized, it is possible to prevent a problem of the second fluid backflowing toward the inlet of the fluid passing part <NUM>.

At this time, the support frame <NUM> supports the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the first fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the first fluid diffusion plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the and second fluid diffusion plate <NUM>-<NUM>. In other words, the support frame <NUM> includes a first support frame <NUM>-<NUM> and a second support frame <NUM>-<NUM>, and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the first fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the first fluid diffusion plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the and second fluid diffusion plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be fixed between the first support frame <NUM>-<NUM> and the second support frame <NUM>-<NUM>.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, the branch unit <NUM> may branch the second fluid introduced into the fluid passing part <NUM>. The second fluid branched by the branch unit <NUM> may pass between the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and between the second thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>.

The branch unit <NUM> may be disposed between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. For example, when the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> is disposed in a direction in which the second fluid flows, the branch unit <NUM> may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. Alternatively, the branch unit <NUM> may also be disposed on the fifth surface <NUM> opposite to the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> by a hydrodynamic principle.

The branch unit <NUM> may have a shape in which a distance from the third surface <NUM> increases from both ends of the third surface <NUM> toward a center between both ends of the third surface <NUM> on the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. In other words, the third surface <NUM> on which the branch unit <NUM> may be substantially perpendicular to the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, and the branch unit <NUM> may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. For example, the branch unit <NUM> may have an umbrella shape or a roof shape. Accordingly, the second fluid, for example, waste heat, may be branched through the branch unit <NUM>, and guided to come into contact with the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed on both surfaces of the power generation apparatus. In other words, the second fluid may be branched through the branch unit <NUM> to pass between the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and between the second thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>.

Meanwhile, a width W1 between an outside of the first heat sink <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and an outside of the second heat sink <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be greater than a width W2 of the branch unit <NUM>. Here, each of the outside of the first heat sink <NUM> and the outside of the second heat sink <NUM> may mean an opposite side of the side facing the duct <NUM>. Here, each of the first heat sink <NUM> and the second heat sink <NUM> may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins may be formed in a direction that does not interfere with the flow of gas. For example, the plurality of heat dissipation fins may have a plate shape extending in a second direction in which the gas flows. Alternatively, the plurality of heat dissipation fins may also have a shape that is folded so that a flow path is formed in the second direction in which the gas flows. At this time, the maximum width W1 between the first heat sink <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second heat sink <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may mean a distance from the farthest point of the first heat sink <NUM> to the farthest point of the second heat sink <NUM> with respect to the duct <NUM>, and the maximum width W2 of the branch unit <NUM> may mean the width of the branch unit <NUM> in an area closest to the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. Accordingly, the flow of the second fluid may be directly transmitted to the first heat sink <NUM> and the second heat sink <NUM> without being interrupted by the branch unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the contact area between the second fluid and the first heat sink <NUM> and the second heat sink <NUM> is increased, so that an amount of heat received by the first heat sink <NUM> and the second heat sink <NUM> from the second fluid may increase, and the power generation efficiency may be increased.

Meanwhile, the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be symmetrically disposed to be spaced apart from the first heat sink <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> by a predetermined interval, and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be symmetrically disposed to be spaced apart from the second heat sink <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> by a predetermined interval. Here, intervals between the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the heat sink of each thermoelectric module may affect the pressure difference before and after the second fluid coming into contact with the heat sink of each thermoelectric module passes through the heat sink, thereby affecting power generation performance.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the intervals between the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the heat sink of each thermoelectric module is intended to be maintained at an interval which is required for optimizing power generation performance.

<FIG> are partial cross-sectional views of the power generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to F<FIG>, a ratio of the shortest horizontal distance d2 between the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to the shortest horizontal distance d1 between the branch unit <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>. Here, the horizontal direction may be defined as a direction from the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> toward the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are not disposed in the horizontal direction of the branch unit <NUM> and the fluid collection plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed in the horizontal direction of the branch unit <NUM>, that is, when the first fluid collection plates <NUM>-<NUM>, the branch unit <NUM>, and the second fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> are sequentially disposed in the horizontal direction and a boundary between the first fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and a boundary between the second fluid collection plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed in the horizontal direction on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> between the branch unit <NUM> and the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM>, the shortest horizontal distance d1 between the branch unit <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may mean the shortest horizontal distance between virtual extension surfaces <NUM>-E1 and <NUM>-E2 of the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> facing the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> and the branch unit <NUM>.

To satisfy these conditions, the ratio of the shortest distance d2 between the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to the shortest distance d1 between the branch unit <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM> or less, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>.

For example, horizontal lengths of the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, the shortest horizontal distance d2 between the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM> or less, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>. Accordingly, the shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

For example, when the length of the first heat sink <NUM> is <NUM>, the shortest distance d1 between the first heat sink <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM> or less, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after the second fluid passes through the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and optimize a flow space of the second fluid. Accordingly, the contact areas between the second fluid and the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> of the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be maximized to increase the temperature difference between the high temperature parts and the low temperature parts of the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and as a result, it is possible to enhance power generation performance.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, in order to maintain the ratio of the shortest distance d2 between the heat sinks <NUM> and <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to the shortest distance d1 between the branch unit <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> as <NUM> or less, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>, the power generation apparatus may further include a separation member <NUM> configured to separate the duct <NUM> and the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of the power generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the separation member <NUM> may separate the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the duct <NUM> by a predetermined interval by coming into contact with the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the duct <NUM>. Here, the contact may mean not only direct contact, but also indirect contact through another medium.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the separation member <NUM> may be disposed between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. When the branch unit <NUM> is disposed on the third surface <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>, the separation member <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> disposed perpendicular to the third surface <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>.

Here, the third surface <NUM> on which the branch unit <NUM> is disposed may be a surface disposed in a direction into which the second fluid is introduced, and the fourth surface <NUM> on which the separation member <NUM> is disposed may be a surface disposed in a direction into which the first fluid is introduced.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the separation member <NUM> separates a horizontal distance between the first surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and a horizontal distance between the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the horizontal distance between the first heat sink <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the horizontal distance between the second heat sink <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be separated by a predetermined distance. At this time, the separation member <NUM> may include a heat insulating material. Accordingly, it is possible to thermally insulate between the second fluid flowing along the guide plates <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the first fluid flowing in the duct <NUM>.

To this end, the separation member <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> perpendicular to the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> on which the branch unit <NUM> is disposed, a second region <NUM> extending from the first region <NUM> toward the first surface <NUM>, and a third region <NUM> extending from the first region <NUM> toward the second surface <NUM>. At this time, a first face <NUM> of the second region <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface <NUM>, and a second face <NUM> of the second region <NUM> may be disposed on the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, a first face <NUM> of the third region <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM>, and a second face <NUM> of the third region <NUM> may be disposed on the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, since the first surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be separated by a distance T between the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> of the second region <NUM>, the second surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be separated by the distance T between a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM> of the third region <NUM>, and the heat sink and the guide plate may maintain a predetermined distance t, it is possible to optimize the pressure difference of the second fluid and the flow space of the second fluid. In this specification, the pressure difference of the second fluid may mean the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after the second fluid passes through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module. When the length of the heat sink is <NUM>, the sum of the length l of the heat sink and the distance t between the heat sink and the guide plate may be equal to the distance T between the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> of the second region of the separation member <NUM> or the distance T between the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> of the third region of the separation member <NUM>, that is, the distance between the duct <NUM> and the guide plate <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a simulation result of the performance according to the length l of the heat sink and the distance t between the heat sink and the guide plate in the power generation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Table <NUM> shows the temperature difference of the thermoelectric element according to the length of the heat sink and the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate, and the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after the second fluid passes through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module, <FIG> shows the relationship between the distance t (mm) between the heat sink and the guide plate with respect to the length l of the heat sink and the temperature difference DT (K) of the thermoelectric element, <FIG> shows the relationship between the distance t (mm) between the heat sink and the guide plate with respect to the length l of the heat sink and the pressure difference DP (mmH<NUM>O) of the second fluid, and <FIG> shows the relationship of the distance t (mm) between the heat sink and the guide plate by correcting the temperature difference DT (K) of the thermoelectric element and the pressure difference DP (mmH<NUM>O) of the second fluid.

Referring to Table <NUM> and <FIG>, comparing No. <NUM> with No. <NUM>, it can be seen that as the length of the heat sink increases, the contact area of the second fluid increases, so that the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the thermoelectric element increases. In addition, comparing Nos. <NUM> to <NUM> with No. <NUM>, it can be seen that when the guide plate exists, the contact area between the heat sink and the second fluid increases, so that the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the thermoelectric element increases, but in No. <NUM> in which the function of the guide plate is not performed because the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate increases, the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the thermoelectric element is very small. In addition, comparing Nos. <NUM> to <NUM>, it can be seen that as the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate increases, the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the thermoelectric element decreases, and the pressure difference of the second fluid before and after the second fluid passes through the thermoelectric module decreases. However, power generation performance is proportional to the temperature difference of the thermoelectric element and inversely proportional to the pressure difference of the second fluid. Accordingly, in order to find the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate that optimizes power generation performance, a graph in <FIG> was derived by converting the temperature difference of the thermoelectric element and the pressure difference of the second fluid into an inverse relationship, and correcting the temperature difference and the pressure difference to have a displacement at a certain rate for simultaneous comparison. Accordingly, it can be seen that the sum of two values has a high value when the distance between the heat sink and the guide plate is <NUM> to <NUM>.

Meanwhile, although it has been described above that one power generation apparatus is disposed with respect to one pair of guide plates, the present invention is not limited thereto. A plurality of power generation apparatuses may be disposed between the pair of guide plates.

<FIG> shows a power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a power generation system <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N disposed adjacent to each other. The power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N include cooling units <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N, first thermoelectric modules <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N disposed on first surfaces of the cooling units <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N, second thermoelectric modules disposed on second surfaces of the cooling units <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N, and separation members <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N disposed between the first surfaces and the second surfaces of the cooling units <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N, respectively, one of first heat sinks <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N and second heat sinks <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N of each of the power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N is spaced apart from one of the first heat sinks <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N and the second heat sinks <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N of adjacent power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N, and the separation members <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N of each of the power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N come into contact with the separation members <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N of adjacent power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N. At this time, the power generation system <NUM> may further include a first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> disposed to be spaced apart from the first heat sink <NUM>-<NUM> of a first power generation apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> that is one of the plurality of power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N, and a second guide plate <NUM>-<NUM> disposed to be spaced apart from the second heat sink <NUM>-N of a second power generation apparatus <NUM>-N that is another one of the plurality of power generation apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-N, and the separation member <NUM>-<NUM> of the first power generation apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may come into contact with the first guide plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the separation member <NUM>-N of the second power generation apparatus <NUM>-N may come into contact with the second guide plate <NUM>-N. In addition, the remaining power generation apparatuses may be disposed between the first power generation apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> and the second power generation apparatus <NUM>-N.

Meanwhile, the inside of the duct included in the power generation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may have the following flow path design.

<FIG> is a top view of the power generation module according to one embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to another embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the power generation module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit <NUM> and a first thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed on a first surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>. As described with reference to <FIG>, the cooling unit <NUM> may be used interchangeably with the duct <NUM> in this specification. A second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be further disposed on a second surface <NUM> facing the first surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>.

A fluid inlet <NUM> and a fluid outlet <NUM> are disposed to be spaced apart from each other on another surface perpendicular to the first surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>, that is, a fourth surface <NUM>, and a fluid receiving part <NUM> is disposed in one region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM>. In this specification, since the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> are disposed on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>, respectively, the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> may be referred to as one surface and the other surface of the cooling unit <NUM>. In addition, third to sixth surfaces <NUM> to <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> may be referred to as side surfaces or outer surfaces of the cooling unit <NUM>. Alternatively, in this specification, the first surface <NUM> to the sixth surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> may also be referred to as a first face <NUM> to a sixth face <NUM>, respectively. The first fluid introduced into the fluid inlet <NUM> may pass through the fluid receiving part <NUM> and then may be discharged through the fluid outlet <NUM>. Here, the arrangement order of the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> is not limited as shown, and the positions of the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> may also be opposite. The fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> are formed to protrude from the fourth surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>. Accordingly, in this specification, the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> may be referred to as protrusions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> is disposed on the surface of one region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the thermoelectric leg of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> may be disposed in the region where the fluid receiving part <NUM> is disposed. The second fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid passing through the cooling unit <NUM> may pass through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module <NUM> in a direction from the third surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> toward the fifth surface <NUM> facing the third surface <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a coupling member <NUM> may be used for coupling the cooling unit <NUM> and the first thermoelectric module <NUM>. To symmetrically dispose the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> on both surfaces of the cooling unit <NUM>, the coupling member <NUM> may be disposed to pass through the first thermoelectric module <NUM>, the cooling unit <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM>, and to this end, the cooling unit <NUM> may be formed with a plurality of through holes S1 to S4 through which the coupling member <NUM> passes. The plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be disposed to pass through both surfaces of the cooling unit <NUM> in which the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> are disposed.

At this time, the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the fluid receiving part <NUM> in one region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM> that is a region where the fluid receiving part <NUM> is disposed. In other words, the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be formed independently of the fluid receiving part <NUM>, thereby preventing the first fluid passing through the fluid receiving part <NUM> from leaking to the outside through the plurality of through holes S1 to S4.

Meanwhile, a wiring part (not shown) connected to the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and a shield member <NUM> configured to cover the wiring part may be further disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the other region A2 of the cooling unit <NUM> disposed on the side surface of one region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM>. A coupling member <NUM> may be used for coupling the cooling unit <NUM> and the shield member <NUM>, and a plurality of through holes S5 and S6 through which the coupling member <NUM> for coupling the cooling unit <NUM> and the shield member <NUM> passes may be formed in the other region A2 of the cooling unit <NUM>. In other words, the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 may be formed outside one region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM> that is a region where the fluid receiving part <NUM> is disposed so as not to overlap the fluid receiving part <NUM>. At this time, the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 may be disposed in consideration of the position of the wiring part. In other words, the wiring part connected to the thermoelectric module may include a connection electrode (not shown) connected to the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric module, a connector <NUM> disposed on the connection electrode, and a wire (not shown) connected to the connector <NUM>. At this time, the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 may be disposed to avoid the position of the connector <NUM>. Accordingly, the through hole S5 may be disposed closer to the fourth surface <NUM> than the plurality of through holes S1 and S2, and the through hole S6 may be disposed closer to the sixth surface <NUM> than the plurality of through holes S3 and S4.

Here, the positions and number of the plurality of through holes S1 to S6 are illustrative, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, various embodiments related to the shape of the fluid receiving part of the cooling unit and the arrangement of the through holes will be described with reference to <FIG>. Hereinafter, the fluid receiving part may form a flow path from the fluid inlet <NUM> to the fluid outlet <NUM>, and thus may also be referred to as a flow path.

Referring to <FIG>, the fluid receiving part <NUM> in the cooling unit <NUM> may be disposed in the region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM> that is a region corresponding to the region where the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed, and the first fluid introduced into the fluid inlet <NUM> may pass through the fluid receiving part <NUM> and then may be discharged from the fluid outlet <NUM>.

Here, the fluid receiving part <NUM> does not form a separate flow path tube, and the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the fluid receiving part <NUM>. Accordingly, since the region where the fluid receiving part <NUM> is disposed and the region where the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed correspond to each other, the low temperature part of the thermoelectric module can obtain high cooling performance. In addition, since the through holes S1 to S4 are formed in the first region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM>, the first thermoelectric module <NUM>, the cooling unit <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be directly coupled through the coupling member <NUM>, and in addition, the through holes S1 to S4 are spaced apart from the fluid receiving part <NUM> and independently formed, so that it is possible to prevent a problem that the first fluid in the fluid receiving part <NUM> leaks to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4.

Alternatively, referring to <FIG>, the fluid receiving part <NUM> may have the form of a flow path connected from the fluid inlet <NUM> to the fluid outlet <NUM>, and the first fluid introduced into the fluid inlet <NUM> may flow along the flow path and then may be discharged through the fluid outlet <NUM>. As described above, when the fluid receiving part <NUM> has the form of the flow path, the first fluid may pass through the region A1 where the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> are disposed as a whole at a minimum flow rate according to the arrangement structure of the flow path. At this time, a diameter of the flow path may be <NUM> to <NUM> times, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> times, and more preferably, <NUM> to <NUM> times a diameter of the fluid inlet <NUM> and a diameter of the fluid outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the cooling performance of the thermoelectric module by increasing the flow rate of the first fluid passing through the flow path.

At this time, the flow path may be spaced apart from the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 and disposed to surround at least some of the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the problem that the first fluid in the fluid receiving part <NUM> leaks to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the fluid receiving part <NUM> may include a plurality of first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n disposed in parallel in a direction from the fluid inlet <NUM> or the fluid outlet <NUM> toward the flow path, that is, an X1 direction, and the plurality of first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n disposed in parallel may be connected to each other through a plurality of bending portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-<NUM>.

Here, the plurality of first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n may extend in the X1 direction from the fourth surface <NUM> on which the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> are disposed toward the sixth surface <NUM> facing the fourth surface <NUM>. At this time, at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n may be a straight portion disposed straightly in a first direction.

At this time, some of the intervals between two flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be different from the other intervals between the two flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel.

For example, an interval between two first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be a first interval d1, and an interval between two first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be a second interval d2 greater than the first interval d1.

Meanwhile, the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed may be disposed in one region between the plurality of flow path portions, and the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed may not be disposed in the other region between the plurality of flow path portions.

At this time, a width in an X2 direction perpendicular to the X1 direction between the two first flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed are formed may be greater than a width in the X2 direction perpendicular to the X1 direction between the two first flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed are not formed. In other words, at least some S1 and S4 of the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be disposed between two first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> forming the second interval d2. Accordingly, the first flow path portion <NUM> may be disposed to avoid the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 so as not to overlap the region where the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 are formed.

In addition, intervals between two first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and two first flow path portions <NUM>-n-<NUM> and <NUM>-n disposed at edges of the plurality of first flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n disposed in parallel may be the first interval d1. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain uniform thermoelectric performance in the entire region of the thermoelectric module. In particular, since the temperature of the first fluid discharged from the fluid outlet <NUM> may be higher than the temperature of the first fluid introduced into the fluid inlet <NUM>, as the first fluid is closer to the fluid outlet <NUM>, the cooling performance of the first fluid may be reduced. Accordingly, when the interval between the two flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel is disposed to be narrower as the first fluid is closer to the fluid outlet <NUM>, it is possible to obtain uniform thermoelectric performance in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

Referring to <FIG>, the fluid receiving part <NUM> may include a plurality of second flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m disposed in parallel, and the plurality of second flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m disposed in parallel may be connected to each other through the plurality of bending portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-<NUM>.

The plurality of second flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m may be disposed parallel to the X2 direction parallel to the fourth surface <NUM> on which the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> are disposed. At this time, at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m may be a straight portion disposed straightly in the second direction.

At this time, some of the intervals between two flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be different from the others of the intervals between the two flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel.

For example, the interval between two second flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be the second interval d2, and the interval between two second flow path portions <NUM>-m-<NUM> and <NUM>-m disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be the first interval d1 narrower than the second interval d2.

At this time, the width in the X1 direction perpendicular to the X2 direction between the two second flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed are formed may be smaller than the width in the X1 direction perpendicular to the X2 direction between the two second flow path portions in the region where the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed are not formed. For example, as shown, the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed may be formed between the two flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and the through holes S1 to S4 in which the coupling member <NUM> is formed may not be formed between the two flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. At this time, the interval between the two flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be d2, and smaller than d3 that is the interval between the two flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

Accordingly, the flow path <NUM> may be disposed to avoid the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 so as not to overlap the region where the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 are formed.

In addition, as the flow path <NUM> is farther away from the fourth surface <NUM> on which the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> are disposed, the interval between the flow path portions disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may also be narrower. For example, the interval between the two second flow path portions <NUM>-m-<NUM> and <NUM>-m disposed adjacent to each other in parallel may be the first interval d1 smaller than the second interval d2. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain uniform thermoelectric performance in the entire region of the thermoelectric module. In particular, the temperature of the first fluid introduced into the fluid inlet <NUM> may increase as the first fluid is farther away from the fluid inlet <NUM>. Accordingly, by narrowly disposing the interval between the two flow path portions adjacent to each other in parallel as the flow path is farther away from the fluid inlet <NUM>, it is possible to obtain uniform thermoelectric performance in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

Meanwhile, in still another embodiment of the present invention, some of the flow paths are disposed parallel to the X1 direction, and the others are disposed parallel to the X2 direction, and this embodiment may include a plurality of serpentine curvature flow paths. When the flow path includes a plurality of curvature flow paths, a length of the flow path disposed per unit area may be increased, so that it is possible to improve the cooling performance of the low temperature part of the thermoelectric module.

Referring to <FIG>, the cooling unit <NUM> may include a first region B1, a second region B2, and a third region B3 sequentially disposed to have the same height from the fourth surface <NUM> up to the sixth surface <NUM> facing the fourth surface <NUM>. At this time, some S1 and S2 of the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be disposed closer to the fourth surface <NUM> than the others S3 and S4, and distances between each of the through holes S1 and S2 and the fourth surface <NUM> may be the same. For example, some S1 and S2 of the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may be disposed in the first region B1, and the others S3 and S4 may be disposed in the third region B3.

Here, the coupling member <NUM> disposed in the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 may not overlap the flow path in a direction from the first surface <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> toward the second surface <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the problem that the first fluid flowing along the flow path leaks to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4.

At this time, the plurality of through holes S1 and S2 and the plurality of through holes S3 and S4 may overlap the flow path in the X1 direction. In addition, the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 may not overlap the flow path in the X1 direction. As described above, the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 are positioned in the region where the wiring part is disposed other than the region where the flow path is disposed, and the through hole S5 may be disposed closer to the fourth surface <NUM> than the plurality of through holes S1 and S2, and the through hole S6 may be disposed closer to the sixth surface <NUM> than the plurality of through holes S3 and S4 in consideration of a position of the connector of the wiring part.

Meanwhile, the cooling unit <NUM> may be divided into an R1 region overlapping the flow path in the X2 direction, an R2 region positioned between the R1 region and the third surface <NUM>, and an R3 region positioned between the R1 region and the fifth surface <NUM>. As shown, a width in the X2 direction of the R3 region may be greater than a width in the X2 direction of the R2 region, and the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 in which the coupling member <NUM> is disposed may be formed in the R3 region. In other words, the horizontal distance between the flow path and the fifth surface <NUM> may be greater than the horizontal distance between the flow path and the third surface <NUM>, and accordingly, the wiring part including a connector C may be disposed in the R3 region, and the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> may be disposed so as not to overlap the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 in the X1 direction.

The flow path includes the plurality of first flow paths <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n disposed parallel to the X1 direction, the plurality of second flow paths <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m disposed parallel to the X2 direction perpendicular to the X1 direction, and the plurality of bending portions <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-<NUM> configured to connect one of the plurality of first flow paths <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n and one of the plurality of second flow paths <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m, connect the plurality of first flow paths <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-n, or connect the plurality of second flow paths <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m in the R1 region of the cooling unit <NUM>, and may further include the serpentine flow path. The flow paths disposed in the X1 direction and the flow paths disposed in the X2 direction may also be alternately disposed to form a spiral shape.

As shown in <FIG>, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first fluid circulating between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> may have a spiral shape. In other words, the flow path may include a first spiral flow path extending from one of the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> toward a center portion C of the cooling unit <NUM>, and a second spiral flow path extending from the center portion C toward the other of the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>. At this time, a third flow path portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to the fourth surface <NUM> and having an irregular flow path and a fourth flow path portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to the center portion C of the cooling unit <NUM> and having a regular period may be included in the first spiral flow path. In addition, the first spiral flow path may include a second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> extending in an X4 direction, and the second spiral flow path may include a plurality of second flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-m. At this time, the second flow path portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed between the second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the sixth surface <NUM>, the second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed between the second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>, and the fourth flow path portion <NUM> may be disposed between the second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM>. At this time, the plurality of through holes S3 and S4 may be disposed between the second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

As described above, when the flow path circulates spirally in the region where the thermoelectric leg of the thermoelectric module is disposed in the cooling unit, and the third flow path portion <NUM> and the fourth flow path portion <NUM> having curvatures are disposed as in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to maximize the cooling performance of the low temperature part of the thermoelectric module.

More specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the flow path may include the third flow path portion <NUM> that is a plurality of curvature flow paths that extend serpentinely along the X2 direction. The third flow path portion <NUM> may be disposed between the plurality of through holes S1 and S3 and the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>, and may be referred to as a bent portion. The total length l of the third flow path portion <NUM> may be greater than a straight distance l' in the X2 direction in the region where the third flow path portion <NUM> is disposed. The third flow path portion <NUM> may be disposed in the first region B1 of the cooling unit <NUM>.

The first region B1 is a region closest to the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> among the first region B1 to the third region B3. The first fluid introduced into the fluid inlet <NUM> may be introduced into the fluid receiving part <NUM> in the X1 direction, and the first fluid circulating in the fluid receiving part <NUM> may be discharged from the fluid outlet <NUM> in the X2 direction that is the opposite direction to the X1 direction. Accordingly, when the flow path is not separately disposed between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> in the first region B1, a dead zone in which the first fluid does not reach may occur.

To solve this problem, as in the embodiment of the present invention, when the third flow path portion <NUM> that is the plurality of curvature flow paths is disposed in the first region B1, it is possible to minimize the area of the dead zone, and obtain uniform thermoelectric performance in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

More specifically, the third flow path portion <NUM> may be an inflection flow path including a region having a plurality of curvatures with different curvatures. In the embodiment of the present invention, the third flow path portion <NUM> may include first convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> convexly formed in the X2 direction arranged in the X2 direction and second convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> convexly formed in an opposite direction to the first convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, and the first convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the second convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may overlap in the X1 direction. For example, the first convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the second convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in a region corresponding to a region between the fourth surface <NUM> and the through holes S1 and S2, more specifically, between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> between the fourth surface <NUM> and the through holes S1 and S2. Accordingly, since the first fluid passes through the region that is close to the fourth surface <NUM> and disposed between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>, it is possible to minimize the area of the dead zone, and obtain uniform thermoelectric performance in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

At this time, the third flow path portion <NUM> may include a first zone <NUM> disposed on the first through hole S1, a second zone <NUM> disposed on the second through hole S2, and a third zone <NUM> configured to connect the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> in the relationship with the first through hole S1 and the second through hole S2 disposed to be spaced apart from each other. At this time, in the first zone <NUM>, a <NUM>-1st sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X1 direction X1 from the fourth surface <NUM> toward the sixth surface <NUM>, a <NUM>-2nd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X2 direction parallel to the fourth surface <NUM>, and a <NUM>-3rd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X2 direction toward the X2 direction that is the opposite direction to the X1 direction may be sequentially connected. In particular, according to the <NUM>-3rd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM>, the fluid introduced from the fluid inlet <NUM> and moving down in the X1 direction along the <NUM>-1st sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> may flow toward the fourth surface <NUM> again, thereby minimizing the area of the dead zone between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM>.

In addition, the second zone <NUM> may be disposed to surround the second through hole S2. For example, in the second zone <NUM>, a <NUM>-1st sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X3 direction from the side of the second through hole S2, a <NUM>-2nd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X2 direction, and a <NUM>-3rd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X2 direction toward the X1 direction may be sequentially connected.

In addition, in the third zone <NUM>, a <NUM>-1st sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> disposed between the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM>, and extending in the X2 direction from the <NUM>-3rd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM>, a <NUM>-2nd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X1 direction, a <NUM>-3rd sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X4 direction that is the opposite direction to the X2 direction, a <NUM>-4th sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X1 direction, and a <NUM>-5th sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> extending in the X2 direction up to the <NUM>-1st sub-zone <NUM>-<NUM> may be sequentially connected. At this time, the third zone <NUM> may be the above-described first convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and second convex portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

When the first to third zones <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are disposed as described above, the flow path through which the first fluid passes between the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> may increase, thereby minimizing the area of the dead zone.

Meanwhile, the flow path according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include the fourth flow path portion <NUM> in which a predetermined pattern is repeated. The fourth flow path portion <NUM> may include a plurality of curvature flow paths in which a plurality of curvature portions with the same curvature are periodically disposed, and may be referred to as an uneven portion because it has an uneven shape. The fourth flow path portion <NUM> may have a shape in which a concave portion <NUM> concavely formed in the X1 direction and a convex portion <NUM> convexly formed in the X1 direction are alternately arranged.

In other words, the fourth flow path portion <NUM> may be disposed to alternately direct the X1 direction and the X3 direction and extend in the X2 direction.

Accordingly, since the length of the flow path per unit area may increase compared to a case in which the fourth flow path portion <NUM> is disposed in a straight shape parallel to the plurality of flow paths <NUM>-<NUM>,. , and <NUM>-m, it is possible to enhance the cooling performance of the low temperature part of the thermoelectric module.

At this time, the fourth flow path portion <NUM> may be disposed between one second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> and another second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> that are spaced apart from each other in the X1 direction and disposed straightly. In addition, the fourth flow path portion <NUM> may be disposed in the second region B2 of the cooling unit <NUM>. In other words, the plurality of through holes S1 and S2 may be disposed between the fourth flow path portion <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> on which the fluid inlet <NUM> and the fluid outlet <NUM> are disposed, and the through holes S3 and S4 may be disposed between the fourth flow path portion <NUM> and the sixth surface <NUM>. Accordingly, when the flow path is configured only with the straight flow path portion and the bending portion of the cooling unit <NUM>, it is possible to extend the time for which the first fluid stays even in the middle region where it is difficult for the first fluid to reach, thereby enhancing the cooling performance of the low temperature part of the thermoelectric module.

In particular, one second flow path portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed between the fourth flow path portion <NUM> and the third flow path portion <NUM>. Accordingly, since the time for which the first fluid stays even in the middle region where it is difficult for the first fluid to reach may extend when the flow path is formed, the first fluid may uniformly circulate in the entire region in the cooling unit <NUM>, thereby enhancing the cooling performance of the low temperature part of the thermoelectric module.

Table <NUM> shows the simulation results of the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module when the flow path shape according to examples of <FIG> is provided.

Referring to Table <NUM>, Example <NUM> has the shape of the fluid receiving part shown in <FIG>, Example <NUM> has the shape of the flow path shown in <FIG>, Example <NUM> has the shape of the flow path shown in <FIG>, and Example <NUM> has the shape of the flow path shown in <FIG>. It can be seen that in Examples <NUM> to <NUM> compared to Example <NUM>, the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module was improved even when the area and volume of the flow path were reduced. In particular, it can be seen that in Example <NUM> compared to Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module was further improved even when the area and volume of the flow path were further reduced. This is because the first fluid circulates in a spiral shape within one region A1 of the cooling unit <NUM>, and the dead zone where the first fluid does not reach is minimized.

The power generation system may generate power through heat sources generated from ships, vehicles, power plants, geothermal heat, and the like, and may arrange a plurality of power generation apparatuses to efficiently converge the heat source. Accordingly, the heat source is uniformly injected into the plurality of power generation apparatuses through the plurality of branch units to uniformize the heat applied to the heat sink, thereby preventing bending of the heat sink, and improving the reliability of the power generation module. In addition, by controlling the horizontal distance between the branch unit and the guide plate to improve power generation efficiency, it is possible to improve the fuel efficiency of the transportation apparatus such as ships or vehicles. Accordingly, in the shipping and transportation industries, it is possible to reduce costs such as transportation and maintenance costs and create eco-friendly industrial environments, and when applied to manufacturing such as steel mills, it is possible to reduce maintenance costs or the like.

Claim 1:
A power generation apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a cooling unit (<NUM>);
a first thermoelectric module (<NUM>) including a first thermoelectric element (<NUM>) disposed on a first surface (<NUM>) of the cooling unit (<NUM>) and a first heat sink (<NUM>) disposed on the first thermoelectric element (<NUM>);
a second thermoelectric module (<NUM>) including a second thermoelectric element (<NUM>) disposed on a second surface of the cooling unit (<NUM>) and a second heat sink (<NUM>) disposed on the second thermoelectric element (<NUM>);
a first guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) disposed to face the first thermoelectric module (<NUM>);
a second guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) disposed to face the second thermoelectric module (<NUM>);
a branch unit (<NUM>) disposed on a third surface between the first surface and the second surface of the cooling unit (<NUM>); and
a separation member (<NUM>) disposed on a fourth surface (<NUM>) perpendicular to the first surface (<NUM>), the second surface (<NUM>) and the third surface (<NUM>) of the cooling unit (<NUM>),
wherein each of the first heat sink (<NUM>) and the second heat sink (<NUM>) includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins spaced apart from each other,
wherein the cooling unit (<NUM>) is a duct through which a first fluid passes, and the branch unit (<NUM>) branches a second fluid having a temperature higher than that of the first fluid, and
wherein the second fluid passes between the first thermoelectric module (<NUM>) and the first guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the second thermoelectric module (<NUM>) and the second guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) wherein a ratio of a shortest horizontal distance between the first heat sink (<NUM>) and the first guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) to a shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit (<NUM>) and the first guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>,
a ratio of a shortest horizontal distance between the second heat sink (<NUM>) and the second guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) to a shortest horizontal distance between the branch unit (<NUM>) and the second guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>,
the separation member (<NUM>) extends from the fourth surface toward the first surface and the second surface, comes into contact with the first surface and the first guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>), and comes into contact with the second surface and the second guide plate (<NUM>-<NUM>).