Patent Description:
A thermoelectric phenomenon is a phenomenon caused by transport of electrons and holes in a material and means direct energy conversion between heat and electricity.

A thermoelectric device is a generic term for devices using the thermoelectric phenomenon and has a structure in which a p-n junction pair is formed by joining a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material between metal electrodes.

Thermoelectric devices may be divided into a device using a temperature change in electrical resistance, a device using the Seebeck effect that is a phenomenon in which an electromotive force is generated by a temperature difference, a device using the Peltier effect that is a phenomenon in which endothermic reaction or exothermic reaction occurs due to a current, and the like.

Thermoelectric devices have been diversely applied to home appliances, electronic components, communication components, and the like. For example, thermoelectric devices may be applied to a cooling apparatus, a heat emission apparatus, a power generation apparatus, and the like. Accordingly, the demand for thermoelectric performance of a thermoelectric device has gradually increased.

Recently, it has been necessary to generate electricity using waste heat at a high temperature that is generated from an engine of a vehicle, vessel, or the like and a thermoelectric device. Here, a structure for increasing power generation performance is necessary.

The present invention is directed to providing a heat conversion device which generates power using waste heat.

The invention relates to a power generation device which is provided in the appended claims.

According to one aspect, a power generation device includes a case including a through hole configured to pass therethrough in a first direction and form an inner surface, a duct disposed in the through hole of the case and having a flow path such that a first fluid flows in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first thermoelectric module including a first thermoelectric device disposed on a first surface of the duct and a first fin disposed in the first thermoelectric device, a second thermoelectric module including a second thermoelectric device disposed on a second surface facing the first surface of the duct and a second fin disposed in the second thermoelectric device, a plurality of first guide portions coupled to the case and disposed on the duct while facing each other, and a second guide portion disposed on a third surface formed between the first surface and the second surface of the duct. Here, the second guide portion extends between the plurality of first guide portions in the second direction. Also, the plurality of first guide portions and the second guide portion each include a tilting surface, and a tilt angle of the tilting surface of the second guide portion differs from a tilt angle of the tilting surface of each of the plurality of first guide portions.

The tilting surface of the second guide portion may be disposed in the second direction.

The tilting surface of the first guide portion may tilt from the first direction or the second direction such that a second fluid flows in the first direction, and the tilting surface of the second guide portion may tilt from the first direction such that the second fluid diverges and flows in the first direction.

A temperature of the second fluid may be higher than a temperature of the first fluid.

The duct may include a plurality of support portions coupled to the inner surface of the through hole of the case and disposed to face each other and a body portion disposed between the plurality of support portions. Also, the plurality of first guide portions may be disposed on the plurality of support portions of the duct, and the second guide portion may be disposed on the body portion of the duct.

The first guide portions and the second guide portion may not be overlapped with each other in the first direction.

A length of each of the plurality of support portions of the duct in the first direction may be greater than a length of the body portion of the duct in the first direction. Also, a length of each of the plurality of support portions of the duct in the second direction may be smaller than a length of the body portion of the duct in the first direction.

Each of the plurality of first guide portions may include a coupling portion coupled to the inner surface of the through hole and become more adjacent to the duct in a direction away from the coupling portion in the second direction.

The second guide portion and the tilting surfaces of the plurality of first guide portions may not be overlapped with each other in the second direction.

The plurality of first guide portions may each include a first end most adjacent to the duct, and the second guide portion may include an end in the second direction.

The support portions of the duct may each include a side facing the second guide portion. Also, a plurality of first ends of the plurality of first guide portions may be disposed on the support portions of the duct, and the plurality of first ends may be adjacent to the side.

The first fin and the second fin may each extend in the first direction.

The first fin and the second fin may each be spaced at a certain interval apart from the second guide portion in the first direction.

The duct may include a plurality of such spaced-apart ducts. Here, each of the plurality of ducts may include a first surface and a second surface, which face each other. Also, the first thermoelectric module may include a plurality of one-side thermoelectric modules disposed on the first surface and the second thermoelectric module may include a plurality of other-side thermoelectric modules disposed on the second surface.

The plurality of one-side thermoelectric modules may include a plurality of first portions facing the inner surface of the through hole and a plurality of second portions facing the second thermoelectric module. Also, the plurality of other-side thermoelectric modules may include a plurality of third portions facing the inner surface of the through hole and a plurality of fourth portions facing the first thermoelectric module.

The second portions of the one-side thermoelectric modules may be spaced at certain intervals apart from the fourth portions of the other-side thermoelectric modules.

Each of the first thermoelectric module and the second thermoelectric module may include a plurality of first fastening portions coupled to the duct.

The plurality of first fastening portions may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

The second guide portion may include a plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

A plurality of second fastening portions may be disposed in the plurality of grooves of the second guide portion. Here, the plurality of first fastening portions may face the first surface and the second surface of the duct. Also, the plurality of second fastening portions may face the third surface of the duct, and the first surface and the second surface may be perpendicular to the third surface.

According to another aspect, a power generation device includes a duct through which a cooling fluid passes in a first direction, a first thermoelectric module including a first thermoelectric device disposed on a first surface of the duct and a first heat dissipation fin disposed on the first thermoelectric device, a second thermoelectric module including a second thermoelectric device disposed on a second surface disposed to be parallel to the first surface of the duct and a second heat dissipation fin disposed on the second thermoelectric device, and a gas guide member disposed on a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the duct. Here, the gas guide member includes a region in which a distance from the third surface increases from the first surface and the second surface toward a center of the third surface. A width between an outside of the first heat dissipation fin and an outside of the second heat dissipation fin is greater than a width of the gas guide member. The region of the gas guide member disposed to correspond to the center of the third surface diverges toward the first thermoelectric module and the second thermoelectric module and further includes an insulation member disposed on the third surface between the third surface and the gas guide member and a shielding member disposed on the insulation member between the third surface and the gas guide member.

A distance between the first surface and the first heat dissipation fin may be greater than a distance between the first surface and the first thermoelectric device, and a distance between the second surface and the second heat dissipation fin may be greater than a distance between the second surface and the second thermoelectric device.

A width between an outside of the first thermoelectric device and an outside of the second thermoelectric device may be greater than a width of the gas guide member.

The gas guide member may be further disposed on a fourth surface disposed to be parallel to the third surface and between the first surface and the second surface.

The insulation member may include a first insulation surface disposed on the third surface, a second insulation surface extending from the first insulation surface in a direction parallel to the first surface and disposed on a part of the first surface or a part of the first thermoelectric device, and a third insulation surface extending from the first insulation surface in a direction parallel to the second surface and disposed on a part of the second surface or a part of the second thermoelectric device. The shielding member may include a first shielding surface disposed on the first insulation surface, a second shielding surface extending from the first shielding surface in a direction parallel to the first surface and disposed on at least a part of the second insulation surface, and a third shielding surface extending from the first shielding surface in a direction parallel to the second surface and disposed on at least a part of the third insulation surface.

The gas guide member, the first shielding surface, the first insulation surface, and the third surface may be fastened together.

An air layer may be formed between the gas guide member and the first shielding surface.

Still another aspect provides a power generation system including a first power generation device, a second power generation device disposed to be parallel to the first power generation device and spaced at a certain interval apart from the first power generation device, and a frame configured to support the first power generation device and the second power generation device. Each of the first power generation device and the second power generation device includes a duct through which a cooling fluid passes in a first direction, a first thermoelectric module including a first thermoelectric device disposed on a first surface of the duct and a first heat dissipation fin disposed on the first thermoelectric device, a second thermoelectric module including a second thermoelectric device disposed on a second surface disposed to be parallel to the first surface of the duct and a second heat dissipation fin disposed on the second thermoelectric device, a first gas guide member disposed on a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the duct and to be spaced apart from the third surface, and a second gas guide member disposed on a fourth surface disposed to be parallel to the third surface and between the first surface and the second surface and spaced apart from the fourth surface. The first gas guide member includes a region in which a distance from the third surface increases from the first surface and the second surface toward a center of the third surface. A width between an outside of the first heat dissipation fin and the second heat dissipation fin is greater than a width of the first gas guide member. The region of the first gas guide member disposed to correspond to the center of the third surface allows a gas inflow to diverge toward the first thermoelectric module and the second thermoelectric module. The frame includes openings formed on both sides in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first surface and the second surface to allow the gas to pass therethrough and includes an opening formed on both sides in the first direction to allow the cooling fluid to pass therethrough. The gas passes through the second thermoelectric module of the first power generation device and the first thermoelectric module of the second power generation device.

The frame may further include a first tilting member disposed to tilt from one wall surface of the frame toward one side of the first gas guide members of the first power generation device and the second power generation device and a second tilting member disposed to tilt from another wall surface of the frame toward other sides of the first gas guide members of the first power generation device and the second power generation device. The one wall surface of the frame, the first tilting member, the first gas guide members, the second tilting member, and the other wall surface of the frame may be sequentially arranged in the first direction.

Each of the first power generation device and the second power generation device may further include a fluid inlet portion disposed on one end of the duct and through which the cooling fluid flows in and a fluid outlet portion, which is disposed on the other end of the duct and through which the cooling fluid is discharged. The first tilting member may extend from the one wall surface of the frame toward a boundary between the duct and the fluid inlet portion, and the second tilting member may extend from the other wall surface of the frame toward a boundary between the duct and the fluid outlet portion.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a heat conversion device having excellent power generation performance can be provided. Particularly, according to embodiments of the present invention, the number and occupied volume of used components may be reduced so as to obtain a heat conversion device which is simply assembled and has excellent power generation performance. Also, according to embodiments of the present invention, a heat conversion device having improved efficiency in transferring heat to a thermoelectric device can be obtained. Also, according to embodiments of the present invention, power generation capacity may be adjusted by adjusting the number of heat conversion devices. Also, according to embodiments of the present invention, a contact area between a gas at a high temperature and a heat dissipation fin of a thermoelectric module may be maximized such that power generation efficiency may be maximized.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Unless defined otherwise, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used as meanings commonly understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also, terms defined in generally used dictionaries may be construed in consideration of the contextual meanings of the related art.

Also, the terms used herein are intended to describe the embodiments but not intended to restrict the present invention.

In the specification, unless stated otherwise particularly, singular forms include plural forms. When it is stated that at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C, it may include one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C.

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

These terms are merely for distinguishing one element from another, and the essential, order, sequence, and the like of corresponding elements are not limited by the terms.

Also, when it is stated that one element is "connected," or "coupled" to another, the element may not only be directly connected or coupled to the other element but may also be connected or coupled to the other element with another intervening element.

Also, when it is stated that an element is formed or disposed "above or below" another element, the two elements may not only come into direct contact with each other but also still another element may be formed or disposed between the two elements. Also, being "above (on) or below (beneath)" may include not only being in an upward direction but also being in a downward direction on the basis of one element.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a heat conversion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view of the heat conversion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the heat conversion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of a heat conversion system including heat conversion devices according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the heat conversion system including heat conversion devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is cross-sectional views illustrating a thermoelectric device included in a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating thermoelectric devices included in the thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a heat conversion device <NUM> includes a duct <NUM>, a first thermoelectric module <NUM>, a second thermoelectric module <NUM>, and a gas guide member <NUM>. Also, a heat conversion system may include a plurality of such heat conversion devices <NUM> of <FIG>. Here, a plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be arranged to be spaced apart at certain intervals.

The heat conversion device <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may generate power using a temperature difference between a cooling fluid flowing through an inside the duct <NUM> and a high-temperature gas passing along an outside of the duct <NUM>. Accordingly, in the specification, the heat conversion device may be referred to as a power generation device. In the specification, the fluid flowing through the inside of the duct <NUM> may be referred to as a first fluid, and the gas passing along the outside of the duct <NUM> may be referred to as a second fluid. Accordingly, a temperature of the second fluid may be higher than a temperature of the first fluid.

To this end, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> is disposed on one surface of the duct <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> is disposed on another surface of the duct <NUM>. Here, one of both surfaces of each of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM>, which is disposed to face the duct <NUM>, becomes a low-temperature portion, and power may be generated using a temperature difference between the low-temperature portion and a high-temperature portion.

The cooling fluid flowing into the duct <NUM> may be water but is not limited thereto and may be a variety of types of fluids having cooling performance. A temperature of the cooling fluid flowing into the duct <NUM> may be less than <NUM> and preferably, less than <NUM> and more particularly, less than <NUM> but is not limited thereto. A temperature of the cooling fluid passing through and discharged from the duct <NUM> may be higher than the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing into the duct <NUM>. The duct <NUM> includes a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM> facing the first side <NUM> and disposed to be parallel to the first side <NUM>, a third side <NUM> disposed between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>, and a fourth side <NUM> disposed between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> to face the third side <NUM>. The cooling fluid flows into the inside of the duct formed by the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the third side <NUM>, and the fourth side <NUM>. The cooling fluid flows into a cooling fluid inlet of the duct <NUM> and is discharged through a cooling fluid outlet. In order to allow the cooling fluid to easily flow into and be discharged and to support the duct <NUM>, an inlet flange <NUM> and an outlet flange <NUM> may be further disposed on the cooling fluid inlet and the cooling fluid outlet of the duct <NUM>, respectively. The inlet flange <NUM> and the outlet flange <NUM> have a plate shape with an opening formed therein to correspond to the cooling fluid inlet and the cooling fluid outlet, respectively. The opening formed in the inlet flange <NUM> may be formed to have a size, a shape, and a position in coincidence with those of the cooling fluid inlet of the duct <NUM>. The opening (not shown) formed in the outlet flange <NUM> may be formed to have a size, a shape, and a position in coincidence with to those of the cooling fluid outlet of the duct <NUM>.

Although not shown, a heat dissipation fin may be disposed on an inner wall of the duct <NUM>. A shape, number, an area, and the like of the heat dissipation fin occupying the inner wall of the duct <NUM> may diversely vary according to a temperature of the cooling fluid, a temperature of waste heat, a necessary 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 section of the duct <NUM>. Accordingly, without interrupting a flow of the cooling fluid, high heat conversion efficiency is obtainable. Here, the heat dissipation fin may have a shape which does not interrupt the flow of the cooling fluid. For example, the heat dissipation fin may be formed along a direction in which the cooling fluid flows. That is, the heat dissipation fin may have a plate shape extending from the cooling fluid inlet toward the cooling fluid outlet, and a plurality of such heat dissipation fins may be arranged to be spaced apart at certain intervals. The heat dissipation fin and the inner wall of the duct <NUM> may be integrally formed.

Also, an inside of the duct <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of regions. When the inside of the duct <NUM> is divided into the plurality of regions, even though a flow rate of the cooling fluid is insufficient to fully fill the inside of the duct <NUM>, the cooling fluid may be evenly dispersed inside the duct <NUM> such that even heat conversion efficiency is obtainable with respect to overall surfaces of the duct <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> is included in the first side <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and disposed on a first surface <NUM> disposed toward the outside of the duct, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> is included in the second side <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and disposed on a second surface <NUM> disposed toward the outside of the duct to be symmetrical to the first thermoelectric module <NUM>.

Here, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> disposed to be symmetrical to the first thermoelectric module <NUM> may be referred to as a pair of thermoelectric modules or a unit thermoelectric module.

In the specification, one pair of thermoelectric modules is disposed for each duct <NUM> as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and a plurality of pairs of thermoelectric modules, that is, a plurality of such unit thermoelectric modules, may be arranged for each duct <NUM>. Here, a size and a number of the unit thermoelectric modules may be adjusted according to a necessary power generation amount.

Here, at least some of the plurality of first thermoelectric modules <NUM> connected to the duct <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other using a busbar (not shown), and at least some of the plurality of second thermoelectric modules <NUM> connected to the duct <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other using another busbar (not shown). The busbar may be disposed, for example, on an outlet through which high-temperature air is discharged and be connected to an external terminal. Accordingly, since power may be supplied to the plurality of first thermoelectric modules <NUM> and the plurality of second thermoelectric modules <NUM> without disposing a printed circuit board (PCB) for the plurality of first thermoelectric modules <NUM> and the plurality of second thermoelectric modules <NUM> in the heat conversion device, it is easy to design and assemble the heat conversion device.

The first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be fastened to the duct <NUM> using a screw. Accordingly, the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be stably coupled to a surface of the duct <NUM>. Otherwise, at least one of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be bonded to the surface of the duct <NUM> using a thermal interface material (TIM).

Meanwhile, each of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> includes thermoelectric devices <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> and heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the thermoelectric devices <NUM> and <NUM>. Here, a distance between the first surface <NUM> and a first heat dissipation fin <NUM> may be greater than a distance between the first surface <NUM> and the thermoelectric device <NUM>, and a distance between the second surface <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> may be greater than a distance between the second surface <NUM> and the thermoelectric device <NUM>. As described above, the duct <NUM> through which the cooling fluid flows may be disposed on one of both sides of the thermoelectric devices <NUM> or <NUM> and the heat dissipation fins <NUM> or <NUM> may be disposed on another side thereof. When a high-temperature gas passes through the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM>, a temperature difference between an endothermic reaction side and an exothermic reaction side of the thermoelectric device <NUM> or <NUM> may be increased such that heat conversion efficiency may be increased. In the specification, although such components are called the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM>, this may mean not only fins configured to discharge heat but also fins configured to absorb heat. For example, the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> may increase a temperature of the high-temperature portions, that is, endothermic reaction sides of the thermoelectric devices <NUM> and <NUM>, by absorbing heat from high-temperature gases passing through the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> may be referred to as heat-reception fins or heat-absorption fins.

Here, the thermoelectric devices <NUM> and <NUM> may have a structure of a thermoelectric device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the thermoelectric device <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 such p-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> and a plurality of such n-type thermoelectric legs <NUM> are electrically connected by the lower electrode <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM>. A pair of the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, which are disposed between the lower electrode <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM> and electrically connected, may form a unit cell.

For example, when voltages are applied to the lower electrode <NUM> and the upper electrode <NUM> through lead wires <NUM> and <NUM>, a substrate in which currents flow from the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> to the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may act as an endothermic reaction side and a substrate in which currents flow from the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> to the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may act as a heat dissipation side.

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 (Ti) as a main material. The p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a thermoelectric leg including, with respect to an overall weight <NUM> wt%, <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a Bi-Te based main material including at least one of antimony (Sb), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), Te, Bi, and Indium (In) and <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a mixture including Bi or Te. For example, the main material may be Bi-Se-Te and Bi or Te may be further included at <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of the overall weight. The n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be a thermoelectric leg including, with respect to an overall weight <NUM> wt%, <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a Bi-Te based main material including at least one of selenium (Se), Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, Pb, B, Ga, Te, Bi, and In and <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a mixture including Bi or Te. For example, the main material may be Bi-Sb-Te and Bi or Te may be further included at <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of the overall weight.

The p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be formed as a bulk type or stacked type. Generally, the bulk type p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the bulk type n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be obtained through a process including manufacturing an ingot by heating a thermoelectric material, obtaining a thermoelectric leg powder by pulverizing and straining the ingot, and sintering the powder, and cutting a sintered body. The stacked type p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the stacked type n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be obtained through a process including forming a unit member by applying a paste including a thermoelectric material to a sheet-shaped basic material and stacking and cutting the unit members.

Here, the pair of the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may have the same shape and volume or have different shapes and volumes. For example, since electrical conducting properties of the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> differ from each other, a height or a cross-sectional area of the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may be formed to differ from a height or a cross-sectional area of the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>.

Performance of the thermoelectric device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be shown as a thermoelectric performance index. The thermoelectric performance index ZT may be shown as Equation <NUM>.

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

To obtain the thermoelectric performance coefficient of the thermoelectric device, a Z value (V/K) may be measured using a Z-meter, and the thermoelectric performance index ZT may be calculated using the measured Z value.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> and the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may have a structure shown in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the thermoelectric legs <NUM> and <NUM> include thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM>, first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> stacked on one sides of the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM>, second plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> stacked on other sides disposed to face the one sides of the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM>, first bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> and second bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> disposed between the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and between the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second plating layers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, and first metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> and second metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> stacked on the first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second plating layers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

Here, the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> may include Bi and Te which are semiconductor materials. The thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> may have the same material or shape of the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> which has been described with reference to <FIG>.

Also, the first metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be selected from Cu, a Cu alloy, Al, and an Al alloy and have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>. Since a thermal expansion coefficient of the first metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> is similar to or greater than a thermal expansion coefficient of the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM>, compressive stresses are applied to boundaries between the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the first metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> such that cracks or delamination may be prevented. Also, since coupling forces between the electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> and the first metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> are high, the thermoelectric legs <NUM> and <NUM> may be stably coupled with the electrodes <NUM> and <NUM>.

Next, each of the first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second plating layer <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of Ni, tin (Sn), Ti, iron (Fe), Sb, chrome (Cr), and molybdenum (Mo) and have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>. Since the first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> prevent reactions between Bi or Te, which is a semiconductor material in the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM>, and the first metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second metal layers <NUM> and <NUM>, it is possible to prevent not only a decrease in performance of the thermoelectric device but also oxidization of the first metal layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second metal layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

Here, the first bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed between the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second plating layers <NUM> and <NUM>. Here, the first bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> may include Te. For example, the first bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of Ni-Te, Sn-Te, Ti-Te, Fe-Te, Sb-Te, Cr-Te, and Mo-Te. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent Te in the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> from being diffused toward the first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> by previously disposing the first bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM>, which include Te, between the thermoelectric material layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the first plating layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the second plating layers <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, occurrence of a Bi-rich region may be prevented.

Meanwhile, 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 include at least one of Cu, Ag, and Ni and have thicknesses of <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the lower electrode <NUM> or the upper electrode <NUM> is less than <NUM>, a function thereof as an electrode is degraded such that electrical conducting performance may be decreased. When the thickness exceeds <NUM>, conducting efficiency may be decreased due to an increase in resistance.

Also, the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> which face each other may be insulating substrates or metal substrates. The insulating substrate may be an alumina substrate or a polymer resin substrate having flexibility. The polymer resin substrate having flexibility may include a variety of insulating resin materials such as polyimide (PI), polystyrene (PS), poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), a circular olefin copolymer (COC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-transmission plastic such as resin, and the like. The metal substrate may include Cu, Al, or a Cu-Al alloy and have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the metal substrate is less than <NUM> or more than <NUM>, heat dissipation properties or heat conductivity may be excessively increased such that reliability of the thermoelectric device may be degraded. Also, when the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> are the metal substrates, dielectric 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>. The dielectric layer <NUM> may include a material having heat conductivity of <NUM> to <NUM> W/mK and be formed to have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the dielectric layer <NUM> is less than <NUM>, insulation efficiency or a withstand voltage property may be degraded. When the thickness exceeds <NUM>, heat conductivity is decreased such that heat dissipation efficiency may be decreased.

Here, the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> may be formed to have different sizes. For example, a volume, a thickness, or an area of one of the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM> may be formed to be greater than a volume, a thickness, and an area of the other. Accordingly, endothermic reaction performance or exothermic reaction performance of the thermoelectric device may be increased.

Also, a heat dissipation pattern, for example, an uneven pattern, may be formed on a surface of at least one of the lower substrate <NUM> and the upper substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric device may be increased. When the uneven pattern is formed on a side which comes into contact with the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, a bonding property between the thermoelectric leg and the substrate may be improved.

Meanwhile, the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape, a polyprism shape, an elliptic-cylindrical shape, and the like.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the p-type thermoelectric leg <NUM> or the n-type thermoelectric leg <NUM>, a part bonded to the electrode may be formed to have a great width.

Here, the lower substrate <NUM> disposed on the duct <NUM> may be aluminum substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. The aluminum substrates <NUM> and <NUM> may adhere to the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, respectively, due to a TIM. Since the aluminum substrates <NUM> and <NUM> have excellent heat transfer performance, it is easy to transfer heat between one of both sides of the thermoelectric devices <NUM> or <NUM> and the duct <NUM> through which the cooling fluid flows. Also, when the aluminum substrate <NUM> or <NUM> and the duct <NUM>, through which the cooling fluid flows, adhere to each other due to the TIM, the heat transfer between the aluminum substrate <NUM> or <NUM> and the duct <NUM> through which the cooling fluid flows may not be interrupted.

Referring back to <FIG>, the cooling fluid may pass through the duct <NUM> in a first direction, and a gas may pass between the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. To this end, one or a plurality of such gas guide members <NUM> may be disposed for each duct <NUM> and be disposed in a direction in which a high-temperature gas flows in. For example, when the duct <NUM> is disposed such that the third side <NUM> thereof faces the direction in which the high-temperature gas flows in and the fourth side <NUM> faces a direction in which the high-temperature gas is discharged, the gas guide member <NUM> may be disposed on the third side <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. Otherwise, the gas guide member <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth side <NUM> of the duct <NUM> according to an aerodynamic principle.

Here, a temperature of gas, which flows into spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> is higher than a temperature of gas discharged from the spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the gas, which flows into the spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, may be waste heat generated from engines of a vehicle, a vessel, and the like but is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature of the gas, which flows into the spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, may be greater than or equal to <NUM>, preferably, <NUM>, and more particularly, be from <NUM> to <NUM> but is not limited thereto. Here, a width of the spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be several millimeters and vary according to the size of the heat conversion device, the temperature of the inflow gas, an inflow speed of the gas, and a necessary power generation amount, and the like. Here, the spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may each mean a distance between the heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> of one heat conversion device <NUM> and the heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> of the heat conversion device <NUM> adjacent thereto. For example, referring to <FIG>, spaces a among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM> or less, preferably, be <NUM> or less, and more particularly, be <NUM> or less. Although the heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> of one heat conversion device <NUM> and the heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> of the heat conversion device <NUM> adjacent thereto may come into contact with each other, a tolerance may occur in an assembling process. However, in comparison to a fluid pressure in a space in which the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed, a fluid pressure in the spaces a among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be lower such that the gas, which flows among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, may be intended to pass through the spaces a among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> in comparison to the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> and eddy currents may occur in the spaces a among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, when the spaces a among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> each exceeds <NUM>, efficiency of heat exchange between the inflow gas and the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> may be decreased. Also, as the spaces a among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> increase, the number of heat conversion devices installable in a determined space may be reduced. Accordingly, the spaces a among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM> or less, preferably, be <NUM> or less, and more particularly, be <NUM> or less.

The gas guide member <NUM> may have a shape in which a distance from the third surface <NUM> is farther from both ends of the third surface <NUM> toward a center between the both ends of the third surface <NUM> on the third surface <NUM> included in the third side <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and facing the outside of the duct. For example, the gas guide member <NUM> may have an umbrella shape or a roof shape. Accordingly, the high-temperature gas, for example, waste heat, may be guided to diverge through the gas guide member <NUM> and pass through the spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, a tilt angle θ of the gas guide member <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>°, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>°, more particularly, <NUM> to <NUM>°, and still more particularly, <NUM> to <NUM>°. When the tilt angle θ of the gas guide member <NUM> departs from such a numerical range, for example, when the tilt angle θ of the gas guide member <NUM> exceeds an upper limit of the numerical range, the inflow gas may flow along the gas guide member <NUM> and then move out of a region in which the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed and flow through the spaces a among the plurality of conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> such that efficiency of heat exchange may be decreased. Also, when the tilt angle θ of the gas guide member <NUM> departs from the numerical range, for example when the tilt angle θ of the gas guide member <NUM> is less than a lower limit of the numerical range, since it may be difficult to manufacture the gas guide member <NUM> and a height of the heat conversion device is excessively high such that heat of the gas may be deprived by the gas guide member <NUM>, efficiency of heat exchange may be decreased.

Here, the gas guide member <NUM> may be formed per a pair of thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> or may be formed per a plurality of such pairs of thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> consecutively disposed on one duct <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in one heat conversion device <NUM>, a width W1 between an outside of the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and an outside of the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be greater than a width W2 of the gas guide member <NUM>. Also, a width W3 between the outside of the first thermoelectric device <NUM> and the outside of the second thermoelectric device <NUM> may be greater than or equal to the width of the gas guide member <NUM>. Here, each of the outside of the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the outside of the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> may mean a side opposite to a side facing the duct <NUM>. As described above, each of the outside of the first thermoelectric device <NUM> and the outside of the second thermoelectric device <NUM> may mean a side opposite to a side facing the duct <NUM>. Here, the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> may be formed in a direction which does not interrupt a gaseous flow. For example, the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> may have a plate shape extending along a second direction in which a gas flows. Otherwise, the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> may have a shape folded to form a flow path along the second direction in which the gas flows. Here, a maximum width W1 between the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may mean a distance from a farthest point of the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> to a farthest point of the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> on the basis of the duct <NUM>. A maximum width W2 of the gas guide member <NUM> may mean the width of the gas guide member <NUM> in a region closest to the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM>. Accordingly, the flow of the gas flowing in the second direction may not be interrupted by the gas guide member <NUM> and be directly transferred to the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM>. Accordingly, since contact areas between the gas and the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> increase, heat quantities received from the gas to the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> increase such that power generation efficiency may be increased.

Here, a perpendicular distance d between the gas guide member <NUM> and the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> may be greater than or equal to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>, and more particularly, <NUM>. Accordingly, a space for fastening the gas guide member <NUM>, the duct <NUM>, the first thermoelectric module <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> may be provided. The gas diverging due to the gas guide member <NUM> may pass through the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> to be efficiently heat-exchanged. Particularly, as the perpendicular distance d between the gas guide member <NUM> and the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> increases, the gas diverging due to the gas guide member <NUM> may efficiently pass through the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM> without flow resistance. However, since the height of the heat conversion device becomes excessively high when the perpendicular distance d between the gas guide member <NUM> and the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> increases excessively, the number of the heat conversion devices arranged in a limited space may decrease and heat of the gas diverging due to the gas guide member <NUM> may be cooled down before passing through the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> such that efficiency of heat exchange may be decreased. Accordingly, the perpendicular distance d between the gas guide member <NUM> and the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> may be less than or equal to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>, and more particularly, <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in order to increase effects of sealing and insulating the first thermoelectric module <NUM>, the duct <NUM>, and the second thermoelectric module <NUM>, an insulation member <NUM> and a shielding member <NUM> may be further disposed between the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> and the gas guide member <NUM>.

The insulation member <NUM> may include a first insulation surface <NUM> disposed on the third surface <NUM>, a second insulation surface <NUM> extending from the first insulation surface <NUM> in a direction parallel to the first surface <NUM> and disposed on a part of the first surface <NUM> or a part of the third thermoelectric device <NUM>, and a third insulation surface <NUM> extending from the first insulation surface <NUM> in a direction parallel to the second surface <NUM> and disposed on a part of the second surface <NUM> or a part of the second thermoelectric device <NUM>. Here, the part of the first thermoelectric device <NUM> and the part of the second thermoelectric device <NUM> may mean the lower substrates of the first thermoelectric device <NUM> and the second thermoelectric devices <NUM>, and the lower substrates may be aluminum plates.

Also, the shielding member <NUM> may include a first shielding surface <NUM> disposed on the first insulation surface <NUM>, a second shielding surface <NUM> extending from the first shielding surface <NUM> in a direction parallel to the first surface <NUM> and disposed on at least a part of the second insulation surface <NUM>, and a third shielding surface <NUM> extending from the first shielding surface <NUM> in a direction parallel to the second surface <NUM> and disposed on at least a part of the third insulation surface <NUM>.

Particularly, the second shielding surface <NUM> and the third shielding surface <NUM> may be disposed on a boundary between the first thermoelectric device <NUM> and the first heat dissipation fin <NUM> and on a boundary between the second thermoelectric device <NUM> and the second heat dissipation fin <NUM>, respectively.

According thereto, the high-temperature gas passing through the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM> only passes through the heat dissipation fins <NUM> and <NUM> of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM> and may be prevented from coming into direct contact with the thermoelectric devices <NUM> and <NUM> included in the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the second thermoelectric module <NUM>. Also, the gas guide member <NUM> may be insulated from the side of the first thermoelectric module <NUM> and the third side <NUM> may be insulated from the side of the second thermoelectric module <NUM> such that it is possible to prevent thermoelectric conversion performance from being degraded.

Meanwhile, the gas guide member <NUM>, the first shielding surface <NUM>, the first insulation surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> of the duct <NUM> may be fastened together such that an air layer may be formed between the gas guide member <NUM> and the second shielding surface <NUM>. Insulation performance between the gas guide member <NUM> and the second shielding surface <NUM> may be further increased due to the air layer.

Otherwise, in order to further increase insulation performance, an additional insulation member <NUM> may be further disposed between the first insulation surface <NUM> and the first shielding surface <NUM>.

Otherwise, although not shown in the drawings, one side of the gas guide member <NUM> may extend to have a hollow triangle shape so as to be bonded to the first shielding surface <NUM>.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a height and a shape of the gas guide member <NUM> may be variously modified.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of the heat conversion device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> illustrate a variety of modified examples related to a height and shape of a gas guide member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the height of the gas guide member <NUM> may vary according to a flow velocity of a gas. For example, as a flow velocity of the gas flowing through the spaces among the plurality of heat conversion devices <NUM> becomes higher, as shown in <FIG>, a greater height of the gas guide member <NUM> may be advantageous. As the flow velocity becomes lower, as shown in <FIG>, a smaller height of the gas guide member <NUM> may be advantageous.

Otherwise, as shown in <FIG>, the gas guide member <NUM> may have a curved surface. For example, the gas guide member <NUM> may have a dome shape in which a gradient increases from a center toward an edge as shown in <FIG> or have a shape in which a gradient is gentle from the center to the edge as shown in <FIG>.

As described above, the height and shape of the gas guide member <NUM> may be adequately modified according to a flow rate and a flow velocity of the gas. As described above, when the gas guide member <NUM> is fastened to the shielding member <NUM>, the insulation member <NUM>, and the duct <NUM> using a screw and the like through a hole formed in the gas guide member <NUM>, it is possible to replace the gas guide member <NUM> adequate for the flow rate and the flow velocity of the gas.

Meanwhile, although it has been described above that the flanges <NUM> and <NUM> are formed on the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the duct <NUM> of the heat conversion device <NUM>, the present invention is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a heat conversion device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> are perspective views of a heat conversion system including the heat conversion device of <FIG>. A repetitive description of parts equal to those described above with reference to <FIG> will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the heat conversion device <NUM> may further include a fluid inlet portion <NUM> disposed on one end of the duct <NUM> to allow a cooling fluid to flow thereinto and a fluid outlet portion <NUM> disposed on the other end of the duct <NUM> to allow the cooling fluid to be discharged therethrough. As shown in the drawings, at least one fluid inlet pipe <NUM> may be connected to the fluid inlet portion <NUM>, and at least one fluid outlet pipe <NUM> may be connected to the fluid outlet portion <NUM>.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, a first heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> and a second heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> may be supported by a frame <NUM>. Here, the frame <NUM> includes openings <NUM> and <NUM> on both sides in the second direction to allow the gas to pass therethrough and includes openings <NUM> and <NUM> on both sides in a first direction to allow a cooling fluid to pass therethrough. Here, the fluid inlet pipe <NUM> of the heat conversion device <NUM> may pass through the opening <NUM> and the fluid outlet pipe <NUM> may pass through the opening <NUM>.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG>, a heat conversion system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a first tilting member <NUM> disposed to tilt from one wall surface of the frame <NUM> toward one sides of the gas guide members <NUM> of the first heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> and the second heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> and a second tilting member <NUM> disposed to tilt from another wall surface of the frame <NUM> toward other sides of the gas guide members <NUM> of the first heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> and the second heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM>.

Here, the one wall surface of the frame <NUM> may be a wall surface with the opening <NUM> formed therein, and the other wall surface of the frame <NUM> may be a wall surface with the opening <NUM> formed therein. The one wall surface of the frame <NUM>, the first tilting member <NUM>, the gas guide members <NUM>, the second tilting member <NUM>, and the other wall surface of the frame <NUM> may be sequentially arranged in the first direction.

A high-temperature gas, which flows into the heat conversion system <NUM>, may be induced to move toward the region, in which the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed, due to the first tilting member <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM> such that power generation efficiency may be increased. Accordingly, the first tilting member <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM> may be referred to as guide portions.

Particularly, in the embodiment in which the heat conversion device <NUM> includes the fluid inlet portion <NUM> and the fluid outlet portion <NUM>, when the first tilting member <NUM> extends from the one wall surface of the frame <NUM> toward a boundary between the duct <NUM> and the fluid inlet portion <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM> extends from the other wall surface of the frame <NUM> toward a boundary between the duct <NUM> and the fluid outlet portion <NUM>, since it is possible to prevent the high-temperature gas from flowing through the fluid inlet portion <NUM> and the fluid outlet portion <NUM>, power generation efficiency may be maximized. That is, the first tilting member <NUM>, the gas guide member <NUM>, and the second tilting member <NUM> may be arranged in the first direction not to be overlapped with each other. A tilting surface of the first tilting member <NUM>, a tilting surface of the gas guide member <NUM>, and a tilting surface of the second tilting member <NUM> may be arranged in the second direction not to be overlapped with each other.

Here, the tilting surface of the gas guide member <NUM> may form a tilt in a direction different from each of the tilting surfaces of the first tilting member <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM>. For example, with respect to a virtual surface formed in the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to a first direction in which a first fluid flows and a second direction in which a second fluid flows, that is, a direction in which the plurality of heat conversion devices are arranged, the tilting surfaces of the first tilting member <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM> are disposed to form a tilt with a virtual line extending in the first direction, and the tilting surface of the gas guide member <NUM> may be disposed to form a tilt with a virtual line extending in the third direction. Accordingly, the tilting surfaces of the first tilting member <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM> tilt such that the second fluid flows in the second direction, and the tilting surface of the gas guide member <NUM> may tilt such that the second fluid diverges and flows in the second direction.

Otherwise, referring to <FIG>, the heat conversion system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a third tilting member <NUM> disposed to tilt from one wall surface of the frame <NUM> toward one sides of the gas guide members <NUM> of the first heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> and a fourth tilting member <NUM> disposed to tilt from another wall surface of the frame <NUM> toward other sides of the gas guide members <NUM> of the second heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM>.

Here, the one wall surface of the frame <NUM> may be a surface spaced at a certain interval apart from the first heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> and disposed to be parallel to the thermoelectric module of the first heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM>, and the other wall surface of the frame <NUM> may be a surface which faces the one wall surface of the frame <NUM>, spaced at a certain interval apart from the second heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM>, and disposed to be parallel to the thermoelectric module of the second heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM>. That is, the one wall surface and the other wall surface of the frame <NUM> may be wall surfaces disposed between wall surfaces on which the first tilting member <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM> are disposed. Accordingly, the one wall surface of the frame <NUM>, the third tilting member <NUM>, the gas guide member <NUM> of the first heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM>, the gas guide member <NUM> of the second heat conversion device <NUM>-<NUM>, the fourth tilting member <NUM>, and the other wall surface of the frame <NUM> may be sequentially arranged in the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

A high-temperature gas, which flows into the heat conversion system <NUM>, may be induced to move toward the region, in which the thermoelectric modules <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed, due to the third tilting member <NUM> and the fourth tilting member <NUM> such that power generation efficiency may be increased. Accordingly, the third tilting member <NUM> and the fourth tilting member <NUM> may be referred to as guide portions.

Otherwise, referring to <FIG>, the heat conversion system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention may include the first tilting member <NUM>, the second tilting member <NUM>, the third tilting member <NUM>, and the fourth tilting member <NUM> disposed on four wall surfaces of the frame <NUM>.

Although the first tilting member <NUM>, the second tilting member <NUM>, the third tilting member <NUM>, and the fourth tilting member <NUM> are coupled to inner wall surfaces of the frame <NUM> in <FIG>, the present invention is not limited thereto and at least one of the first tilting member <NUM>, the second tilting member <NUM>, the third tilting member <NUM>, and the fourth tilting member <NUM> may be coupled through an outer wall surface of the frame <NUM>.

Although the heat conversion system including two heat conversion devices is shown in <FIG>, the present invention is not limited thereto and more than two heat conversion devices may be included as shown in <FIG>. According thereto, the first tilting member <NUM> and the second tilting member <NUM> may extend lengthwise along a direction in which n number of the heat conversion devices are arranged, that is, along the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

Claim 1:
A power generation device comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) including a through hole to pass therethrough in a first direction and form an inner surface;
a duct (<NUM>) disposed in the through hole of the frame (<NUM>) and having a flow path such that a first fluid flows in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
a first thermoelectric module (<NUM>) including a first thermoelectric device disposed on a first surface of the duct (<NUM>) and a first heat dissipation fin (<NUM>) disposed on the first thermoelectric device;
a second thermoelectric module (<NUM>) including a second thermoelectric device disposed on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the duct (<NUM>) and a second heat dissipation fin (<NUM>) disposed on the second thermoelectric device;
characterized in that a plurality of tilting members (<NUM>, <NUM>) is disposed in the inner surface of the through hole along the second direction on the duct (<NUM>) and faced to each other; and
a guide member (<NUM>) disposed on a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the duct (<NUM>),
wherein the first surface and the second surface face each other along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction,
wherein a second fluid passes through the through hole along the first direction,
wherein the guide member (<NUM>) extends along the second direction between the plurality of tilting members (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein each of the plurality of tilting members (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the guide member (<NUM>) includes a tilting surface,
wherein a tilting direction of the tilting surface of the guide member (<NUM>) is different from a tilting direction of each tilting surface of the plurality of tilting members (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the tilting surface of the guide member (<NUM>) is tilted so that the second fluid branches and flows along the first direction,
wherein a separation distance between the tilting surfaces of the plurality of tilting members (<NUM>, <NUM>) is greater than or equal to a length of the guide member (<NUM>) along the second direction.