Patent ID: 12201022

MODES OF THE INVENTION

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

However, the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to some embodiments to be described but may be implemented in various different forms, and one or more components in the embodiments may be selectively coupled to and substituted with each other as long as the one or more components are within the scope of the technical spirit 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 can be generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains unless explicitly specifically defined and described, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be construed in consideration of contextual meanings of related technologies.

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

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

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

These terms are only used to distinguish the component from another component, and the nature, order, sequence, etc. of the corresponding component are not limited by the terms.

In addition, when a certain component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to another component, the certain component may include not only a case of being directly connected, coupled, or connected to another component, but also a case of being “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to another component with other components interposed between the certain component and another component.

In addition, when a certain 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 are in 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.

First, a thermoelectric device (or a power generation device) according to the present invention may be used in a power generation system including a thermoelectric module. For example, the power generation device (including the thermoelectric module or a thermoelectric element as the thermoelectric device) may include a path or a tube through which a fluid moves. In addition, the power generation device may be variously applied according to a temperature difference between a low-temperature part and a high-temperature part of the thermoelectric element.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.2is an exploded perspective view of the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a thermoelectric device1000(or ‘power generation device’) includes a fluid movement part1100, a thermoelectric module1200, a cover member1300, a guide part1400, a dummy module1500, a shield member1600, a fixing member1700, and a case1800. Furthermore, the thermoelectric device1000according to the embodiment may further include an electric wire electrically connected to the thermoelectric module1200and, as will be described below, may further include various elements, such as a screw, as a fastening member for coupling between components. In addition, the thermoelectric device1000according to the embodiment may be provided as a plurality of thermoelectric devices1000disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other and disposed side by side (e.g., in parallel) to form a power generation system.

In addition, the thermoelectric device1000according to the embodiment may generate power through the thermoelectric module1200using a temperature difference between a first fluid flowing through an inside of the fluid movement part1100and a second fluid passing an outside of the fluid movement part1100.

Specifically, the first fluid introduced into the fluid movement part1100may be water, but is not limited thereto, and may be various types of fluids (e.g., gases) having cooling performance. In addition, a temperature of the first fluid introduced into the fluid movement part1100may be lower than 100° C., preferably, lower than 50° C., and more preferably, lower than 40° C., but is not limited thereto, and the first fluid may be a fluid having a lower temperature than the second fluid. A temperature of the first fluid discharged after passing through the fluid movement part1100may be higher than the temperature of the first fluid introduced into the fluid movement part1100.

The first fluid may be introduced from a fluid inlet disposed at one side of the fluid movement part1100and discharged through a fluid outlet disposed at the other side facing the one side. In order to facilitate the introduction and discharge of the first fluid and support the fluid movement part1100, an inlet flange JI and an outlet flange (not shown) may be further provided at a fluid inlet side and a fluid outlet side of the fluid movement part1100, respectively.

Meanwhile, the second fluid may pass the outside of the fluid movement part1100, for example, a heat sink of the thermoelectric module1200disposed outside the fluid movement part1100. The second fluid may include waste heat generated from engines, such as automobiles and ships, but is not limited thereto. For example, a temperature of the second fluid may be 100° C. or higher, preferably, 200° C. or higher, and more preferably, in a range of 220° C. to 250° C., but is not limited thereto, and the second fluid may be a fluid having a higher temperature than the first fluid.

In the specification, an example in which the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inside of the fluid movement part1100is lower than the temperature of the second fluid passing the heat sink1220of the thermoelectric module1200disposed outside the fluid movement part1100will be described. Therefore, in the specification, the fluid movement part1100may be referred to as a duct or a cooling part. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the inside of the fluid movement part1100may be higher than the temperature of the second fluid passing the heat sink1220of the thermoelectric module1200disposed outside the fluid movement part1100.

In addition, in the specification, the first fluid may move in a first direction (X-axis direction), and a flow path of the fluid movement part1100may also extend in the first direction. In addition, a second direction (Y-axis direction) may correspond to a moving direction of the second fluid in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction). In addition, a third direction (Z-axis direction) as a vertical direction may be a direction perpendicular to both the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction). The third direction (Z-axis direction) may be used interchangeably with the vertical direction and may correspond to a direction from a lower thermoelectric module to an upper thermoelectric module with respect to the fluid movement part1100.

The thermoelectric module1200may be disposed on the fluid movement part1100. In addition, the thermoelectric module1200may be provided as a plurality of thermoelectric modules1200that may be disposed on one surfaces, that is, each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the fluid movement part1100. Here, the upper surface is an outer surface disposed in the third direction or the vertical direction, and the lower surface is an outer surface disposed in a direction opposite to the third direction. Furthermore, the thermoelectric modules1200may be positioned to correspond to each other with respect to the fluid movement part1100. For example, the thermoelectric module1200under the fluid movement part1100may overlap the thermoelectric module1200on the fluid movement part1100in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Hereinafter, the thermoelectric module1200, the cover member1300, the guide part1400, the dummy module1500, the shield member1600, and the case1800based on the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100unless otherwise specified will be described.

In addition, the thermoelectric module1200according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a thermoelectric element and a heat sink disposed on the thermoelectric element. Therefore, as described above, the thermoelectric module1200may generate electricity by the Seebeck effect generated by the temperature difference between the first fluid and the second fluid. The thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric module1200may have a structure of the thermoelectric element shown inFIGS.6and7. A detailed description thereof will be given below.

The thermoelectric module1200may be provided as a plurality of thermoelectric modules1200disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the fluid movement part1100. For example, as shown inFIG.2, the thermoelectric module1200may include a first thermoelectric module1200-1to a 12ththermoelectric module1200-12. As described above, although 12 thermoelectric modules1200are shown, this is illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to this number.

In addition, six thermoelectric modules (e.g.,1200-1to1200-6) corresponding to the guide part1400or the shield member1600may form one first thermoelectric module group1200a, and six thermoelectric modules (e.g.,1200-7to1200-12) disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) may form another second thermoelectric module group1200b. Hereinafter, a case of one shield member (e.g.,1600-1) for shielding six thermoelectric modules will be described. However, as described above, the number of thermoelectric modules1200may be variously changed depending on a size of the shield member1600, a size of the fluid movement part1100, etc.

In addition, in the specification, the first direction (X-axis direction) may correspond to an arrangement direction of the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200. In other words, the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200may be disposed side by side to overlap each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

As will be described below, the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric module1200includes a first substrate disposed in contact with the fluid movement part1100, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric legs disposed on the plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the plurality of thermoelectric legs, and a second substrate disposed on the plurality of second electrodes, and a heat sink is disposed on the second substrate. Insulating layers may be further disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of first electrodes and between the plurality of second electrodes and the second substrate.

In addition, the first substrate of the thermoelectric element disposed on the fluid movement part1100may be a metal substrate, and the metal substrate may be bonded to a surface of the fluid movement part1100by a thermal interface material (TIM) (not shown). Since the metal substrate has excellent heat transfer performance, heat transfer between the thermoelectric element and the fluid movement part1100is easy. In addition, when the metal substrate and the fluid movement part1100are bonded using the TIM, the heat transfer between the metal substrate and the fluid movement part1100may not be hindered. Here, the metal substrate may be one of a copper substrate, an aluminum substrate, and a copper-aluminum substrate, but is not limited thereto. A detailed description of the thermoelectric element will be described below.

Each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200may include a connector for extracting generated electricity to the outside or providing electricity generated from the Seebeck effect.

In this case, the cover member1300may be disposed on the connector of the thermoelectric module1200. Therefore, the cover member1300may protect the connector of the thermoelectric module1200.

In addition, the cover member1300may be coupled to the thermoelectric module1200and the fluid movement part1100by a screw, a screw, a bonding member, etc., thereby increasing a coupling force between the fluid movement part1100and the thermoelectric module1200. Furthermore, the cover member1300may be coupled to the fluid movement part1100and the shield member1600through a bonding member, a screw, etc., thereby increasing a coupling force between the shield member1600, the cover member1300, the thermoelectric module1200, and the fluid movement part1100.

The cover member1300may be disposed on the first substrate of the thermoelectric element in the thermoelectric module1200. For example, the cover member1300may be disposed on a region (hereinafter, corresponding to a second region) in which the first substrate of the thermoelectric element does not overlap the second substrate. In addition, the connector of the thermoelectric module and the cover member1300may be disposed on the region in which the first substrate does not overlap the second substrate.

In addition, a plurality of cover members1300may be formed to correspond to the thermoelectric module1200. For example, in the thermoelectric device1000, the number of cover members1300may be the same as the number of thermoelectric modules. For example, the plurality of cover members may include a first cover member1300-1to a 12thcover member1300-12and may overlap each other in the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the cover member1300may include a first cover member group1300aand a second cover member group1300b. In addition, the first cover member group1300amay include the first cover member1300-1to the sixth cover member1300-6, and the second cover member group1300bmay include the seventh cover member1300-7to the 12th cover member1300-12. In addition, the plurality of cover members1300may also be symmetrically disposed with respect to the fluid movement part1100like the thermoelectric module. In other words, the cover member1300may be disposed on the upper surface or lower surface of the fluid movement part1100.

The guide part1400may be disposed between the first thermoelectric module group1200aand the second thermoelectric module group1200b. In other words, the guide part1400may be disposed between adjacent thermoelectric modules or adjacent thermoelectric module groups.

Furthermore, the guide part1400according to the embodiment may be disposed between adjacent cover members1300or between adjacent cover member groups. In addition, the guide part1400may be disposed between adjacent shield members1600.

Specifically, at least a part of the guide part1400may be positioned between adjacent shield members1600, and the other may be positioned under the shield member1600. As described above, the guide part1400may be disposed at a boundary between the adjacent shield members1600-1and1600-2to seal the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200or thermoelectric module groups for each shield member. For example, the guide part1400may seal a space between the shield member1600and the fluid movement part1100to prevent moisture or contaminants from entering between the first shield member1600-1and the second shield member1600-2spaced apart from each other to reach the thermoelectric module under each shield member. Furthermore, the guide part1400may easily apply a second sealing member to be described below, thereby increasing the reliability of the thermoelectric device1000through sealing performed by the second sealing member.

The dummy module1500may be disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the fluid movement part1100. In addition, the dummy module1500may be disposed at an end of the fluid movement part1100in the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, two dummy modules1500may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) on the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200may be disposed between the two dummy modules1500.

The dummy module1500may include grooves or holes capable of guiding electric wires connected to connectors to the outside.

In addition, at least a part of the dummy module1500may overlap the shield member1600in the third direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the second sealing member may be applied to the overlapping region, and the dummy module1500may be coupled to the shield member1600through the second sealing member. In the specification, the second sealing member includes a 2-1 sealing member and a 2-2 sealing member, and the 2-1 sealing member is a sealing member guided by the above-described guide part, and the 2-2 sealing member is a sealing member at least partially overlapping the dummy module1500in the vertical direction. However, in the specification, the second sealing member will be described, and a detailed description thereof will be described below.

Therefore, the first sealing member and the second sealing member may be disposed along an edge of the shield member1600. In an embodiment, at least a part of the first sealing member may be connected to the second sealing member. For example, the first sealing member and the second sealing member may be in contact with each other at the edge of the shield member1600to form a closed loop. Therefore, as a length of the shield member1600increases in the first direction, since there is a limit in a process and a heat imbalance occurs due to an increase in bending caused by heat or pressurization, a plurality of shield members1600may be disposed side by side in the first direction. Therefore, since a separation space is inevitably formed between the adjacent shield members1600in the first direction in the process, the first sealing member may be in contact with the second sealing member at the edge of the shield member1600, thereby protecting the thermoelectric module inside one shield member1600. For example, the thermoelectric module1200under the shield member1600can be easily protected from moisture or contaminants.

The shield member1600may be disposed above or under the fluid movement part1100. As described above, the shield member1600may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the fluid movement part1100.

In addition, the plurality of shield members1600may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) on the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100. The separation space is present between the adjacent shield members1600, for example, the first shield member1600-1and the second shield member1600-2, and a part of the guide part1400may be disposed in the separation space.

In addition, the shield member1600may cover at least one thermoelectric module1200or thermoelectric module group. In this case, the shield member1600may include a shield hole corresponding to the heat sink of the thermoelectric module1200. In other words, the heat sink may pass through the shield hole of the shield member1600.

The shield member1600may be coupled to the fluid movement part1100, the guide part1400, and the dummy module1500, and a lower portion of the shield member1600, that is, the thermoelectric module can be protected by the first sealing member and the second sealing member. In addition, the shield member1600may be coupled to the second substrate of the thermoelectric element by a third sealing member, and the third sealing member can block contaminants or the like entering between the second substrate and the shield member1600. A detailed description thereof will be given below.

The fixing member1700may be disposed on a surface facing the fluid movement part1100in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The fixing member1700may be provided as a plurality of fixing members1700. The number of fixing members1700may be the same as the number of shield members1600.

In addition, the fixing member1700includes a recess, and the fluid movement part1100and the shield member1600may be positioned in the recess. In other words, the fixing member1700can increase the coupling force between the fluid movement part1100and the shield member1600. Furthermore, it is possible to primarily block external contaminants from moving to the shield member1600and the fluid movement part1100. In addition, additionally, a bearing or sealing member may be further disposed in the recess. The fixing member1700may have, for example, a “⊂” shape.

The case1800may be disposed on the dummy module1500on the fluid movement part1100or disposed under the dummy module1500under the fluid movement part1100to surround the dummy module1500. The case1800may surround the upper or lower dummy module1500. In addition, at least a part of the case1800may overlap the shield member1600in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the case1800may protect the dummy module1500and the shield member1600.

Hereinafter, each component described above will be described in detail.

FIG.3is a perspective view of a fluid movement part of the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention,FIG.4is another perspective view of the fluid movement part of the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.5is a cross-sectional view of the power generation device along line A-A″ inFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, the fluid movement part1100according to the embodiment may include an upper surface1110and a lower surface1120opposite to each other in the vertical direction or the third direction (Z-axis direction).

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200, the plurality of cover members, the plurality of guide parts, the plurality of dummy modules, the shield member, etc. may be disposed on one surface of the fluid movement part1100. For example, the first substrate that is a lower substrate of the thermoelectric module1200may be disposed on the one surface (e.g., the upper surface or the lower surface) of the fluid movement part1100. The first substrate may be disposed in indirect contact with the one surface of the fluid movement part1100through the TIM or the like.

In addition, the fluid movement part1100may include an inlet surface1130and an outlet surface1140opposite to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction). In addition, the fluid movement part1100may include a fluid hole1100hextending in the first direction (X-axis direction). The first fluid may be introduced into the inlet surface1130disposed at one side of the fluid hole1100h, and the first fluid may be discharged to the outlet surface1140disposed at the other side of the fluid hole1100h. Positions of the inlet surface1130and the outlet surface1140may also be interchanged.

In addition, the inlet flange JI may be disposed on the inlet surface1130as described above. In addition, the outlet flange (not shown) may be disposed on the outlet surface1140. The inlet flange JI and the outlet flange may include a hole Jh. The holes Jh of the inlet flange JI and the outlet flange may extend in the first direction (X-axis direction). In addition, the inlet flange JI may be positioned to correspond to the fluid hole1100hof the fluid movement part1100. For example, the holes Jh of the inlet flange JI and the outlet flange may be disposed to overlap the fluid hole1100hof the fluid movement part1100in the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, when the first fluid is introduced through the hole Jh of the inlet flange JI, the first fluid may pass through the hole Jh of the inlet flange JI and move to the fluid hole1100h. In addition, the first fluid passing through the fluid hole110hmay be discharged through the hole of the outlet flange. Areas of the holes Jh of the inlet flange JI and the outlet flange may be different from an area (e.g., a cross-sectional area (YZ plane) perpendicular to the first direction) of the fluid hole1100h. For example, the areas of the holes Jh of the inlet flange JI and the outlet flange may be smaller than the area of the fluid hole1100h. In addition, the number of holes Jh of the inlet flange JI and the outlet flange may be different from the number of fluid holes1100h. However, this is illustrative, and the number, positions, shapes, etc. of holes of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are not limited thereto. One fluid inlet, one fluid outlet, and a fluid passage pipe connecting the one fluid inlet and the one fluid outlet may also be formed in the fluid movement part1100.

In addition, the fluid movement part1100may include a plurality of first fastening holes S1 and S2 extending in the vertical direction. The fluid movement part1100may couple the thermoelectric module and the dummy module through the plurality of first fastening holes S1 and S2. Therefore, the thermoelectric module disposed on the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100and the thermoelectric module disposed under the lower surface1120of the fluid movement part1100may be opposite to each other. Therefore, power generation by the temperature difference and power generation control can be easily performed.

Furthermore, the plurality of first fastening holes S1 and S2 may not overlap the fluid hole1100hin the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily prevent damage by the first fluid to screws or the like disposed in the first fastening holes S1 and S2 and increase the coupling force between the fluid movement part1100and the thermoelectric module or the dummy module.

In addition, the fluid movement part1100according to the embodiment may include a plurality of groove portions1100gdisposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) in the upper surface1110or the lower surface1120. For example, groove portions1100g1(e.g., upper groove portions) disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be disposed in the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100. In addition, groove portions1100g2(e.g., lower groove portions) disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be disposed on the lower surface1120of the fluid movement part1100.

A plurality of groove portions1100g1may be formed in the upper portion of the fluid movement part1100. For example, the groove portion1100g1may include a 1-1 groove1100g1aand a 1-2 groove1100g1bdisposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). A minimum separation distance between the 1-1 groove1100g1aand the thermoelectric module (e.g., the heat sink) in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be different from a minimum separation distance between the 1-2 groove1100g1band the thermoelectric module (e.g., the heat sink) in the second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the minimum separation distance between the 1-1 groove1100g1aand the thermoelectric module (e.g., the heat sink) in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be smaller than the minimum separation distance between the 1-2 groove1100g1band the thermoelectric module (e.g., the heat sink) in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, it is possible to easily secure a space for arranging first and second connector parts and electric wires, which will be described below.

In addition, a plurality of groove portions1100g2may be formed in a lower portion of the fluid movement part1100. For example, the groove portion1100g2may include a 2-1 groove1100g2aand a 2-2 groove1100g2bdisposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

In addition, the first fastening holes S1 and S2 may be disposed between the groove portions1100gof the fluid movement part1100according to the embodiment. In other words, the thermoelectric module and the dummy module may be disposed between the groove portions1100gof the fluid movement part1100according to the embodiment. Positionally, the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100may be disposed outside the thermoelectric module1200. Therefore, as will be described below, the first sealing member may be applied to the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100and bonded to the shield member, thereby easily protecting the thermoelectric module from contaminants introduced from the outside. In the specification, the term “inward” may be a direction from the outside of the fluid movement part1100toward the center of the fluid movement part1100, and the term “outward” may be a direction from the center of the fluid movement part1100toward the outside of the fluid movement part1100. The center of the fluid movement part1100may be a center of gravity or an intersection of lines bisecting each corner.

In addition, the fluid movement part1100may further include a plurality of second fastening holes S3 extending in the vertical direction. Through the second fastening hole S3, the fluid movement part1100may be coupled to the shield member and the fixing member by screw-coupling or the like.

Referring toFIG.5, the shield member1600according to the embodiment may include a first part P1 vertically overlapping the thermoelectric module1200, a second part P2 vertically misaligned with the thermoelectric module1200, and a stepped part P3 for connecting the first part P1 and the second part P2 between the first part P1 and the second part P2.

The shield hole is disposed in the first part P1, and the heat sink1220may pass through the shield hole. A description thereof will be given below.

In addition, the thermoelectric element1210and the cover member1300may be positioned on a lower portion of the first part P1. The first part P1 may have an additional stepped region on the cover member1300.

The second part P2 may be disposed to be misaligned with the thermoelectric module1200in the vertical direction and may be in contact with one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the fluid movement part1100. In other words, the second part P2 may be disposed closer to the one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the fluid movement part1100than the first part P1 is. For example, a distance between the first part P1 and the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction may be greater than a distance between the second part P2 and the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction. In an embodiment, since a height of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction is smaller than a height of the thermoelectric module1200in the vertical direction, the thermoelectric module1200may be disposed inside the fluid movement part1100or in the groove. Therefore, the first part P1 may have a height from the one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the fluid movement part1100smaller than a height from the one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the fluid movement part1100of the second part P2, thereby easily securing the space of the thermoelectric module.

The stepped part P3 may be disposed between the first part P1 and the second part P2. The stepped part P3 may be in contact with the first part P1 and the second part P2. In addition, the stepped part P3 may be inclined at predetermined angles θ1 and θ2 with respect to the second part P2. In addition, the predetermined angles θ1 and θ2 may be different from each other. For example, the angle (02, for example, a second angle) between the second part P2 closer to the cover member1300and the stepped part P3 may be different from the angle (θ1, for example, a first angle) between the second part P2 spaced apart from the cover member1300and the stepped part P3. The first angle θ1 may be smaller than the second angle θ2. Therefore, it is possible to easily secure a space in which the cover member1300may be disposed in the lower portion of the first part P1. With this configuration, it is possible to increase resistance of the shield member1300against the fluid. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the movement of the fluid on the shield member1300, thereby increasing heat exchange between the fluid and the heat sink of the thermoelectric module passing through the shield member1300. Therefore, it is possible to increase energy efficiency of the thermoelectric device according to the embodiment.

In addition, the second part P2 may be positioned outside the thermoelectric module1200or the first part P1. For example, the second part P2, the stepped part P3, the first part P1, the stepped part P3, and the second part P2 may be sequentially disposed from the shield member1600in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

In addition, the groove portion1100gaccording to the embodiment may overlap at least a part of the shield member1600in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the upper groove portion1100g1and the lower groove portion1100g2may overlap at least one of the second part P2 and the stepped part P3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In an embodiment, the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100may be positioned in a lower portion of a boundary between the second part P2 and the stepped part P3. The boundary may be disposed outside the thermoelectric module1200. Therefore, when a first sealing member SL1 is applied to the groove portion1100g, the first sealing member SL1 may be in contact with both the second part P2 and the stepped part P3 to easily remove an empty space between the second part P2 and the fluid movement part1100. For example, the first sealing member LS1 may be in contact with both the second part P2 and the stepped part P3, and the second part P2 may press the first sealing member SL1 from the outside so that an inside of the first sealing member SL1 may be convex upward. Therefore, the first sealing member SL1 may be entirely in contact with a bottom surface of the stepped part P3 and may easily extend upward along the bottom surface. Therefore, it is possible to increase the coupling force between the shield member1600and the fluid movement part1100by the first sealing member SL1. In addition, contaminants and moisture that may permeate between the shield member1600and the fluid movement part1100, particularly, between the second part P2 and the fluid movement part1100, can be blocked by the first sealing member SL1. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the first sealing member SL1 from overflowing into the thermoelectric module.

FIGS.6and7are views showing a thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, a thermoelectric element100includes a first substrate110, a first electrode120, a P-type thermoelectric leg130, an N-type thermoelectric leg140, a second electrode150, and a second substrate160.

The first electrode120is disposed between the first substrate110and lower surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140, and the second electrode150is disposed on the second substrate160and upper surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140. Therefore, a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs130and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs140are electrically connected by the first electrode120and the second electrode150. A pair of P-type thermoelectric legs130and N-type thermoelectric legs140disposed between the first electrode120and the second electrode150and electrically connected to each other may form a unit cell.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode120and the second electrode150through lead wires181and182, due to the Peltier effect, a substrate in which a current flows from the P-type thermoelectric leg130to the N-type thermoelectric leg140may absorb heat to serve as a cooling part, and a substrate in which a current flows from the N-type thermoelectric leg140to the P-type thermoelectric leg130may be heated to serve as a heating part. Alternatively, when a temperature difference between the first electrode120and the second electrode150is applied, charges in the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140may move to generate electricity due to the Seebeck effect.

Here, the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140may be bismuth telluride (Bi—Te)-based thermoelectric legs containing bismuth (Bi) and tellurium (Te) as main materials. The P-type thermoelectric leg130may 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 leg130may contain Bi—Sb—Te at 99 to 99.999 wt %, which is the main raw material, with respect to 100 wt % of the total weight and contain at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In) at 0.001 to 1 wt %. The N-type thermoelectric leg140may 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 leg140may contain Bi—Se—Te at 99 to 99.999 wt %, which is the main raw material, with respect to 100 wt % of the total weight and contain at least one of nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), and indium (In) at 0.001 to 1 wt %.

The P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140may be formed in a bulk type or a stacked type. In general, the bulk type P-type thermoelectric leg130or the bulk type N-type thermoelectric leg140may be obtained by performing a thermal process on a thermoelectric material to manufacture an ingot, crushing and sieving the ingot to acquire a powder for thermoelectric leg, then sintering the powder, and cutting a sintered material. In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140may be polycrystalline thermoelectric legs. As described above, when the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140are the polycrystalline thermoelectric legs, strengths of the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140may be increased. The stacked P-type thermoelectric leg130or the stacked N-type thermoelectric leg140may be obtained through a process of applying a paste including a thermoelectric material onto a base having a sheet shape to form a unit member, and then stacking and cutting the unit member.

In this case, the pair of P-type thermoelectric legs130and N-type thermoelectric legs140may have the same shape and volume or different shapes and volumes. For example, since electrical conduction characteristics of the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140are different, a height or a cross-sectional area of the N-type thermoelectric leg140may also be formed differently from a height or a cross-sectional area of the P-type thermoelectric leg130.

In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg130or the N-type thermoelectric leg140may have a cylindrical shape, a polygonal column shape, an elliptical column shape, etc.

In the specification, the thermoelectric leg may also be referred to as a thermoelectric structure, a semiconductor element, a semiconductor structure, etc.

The performance of the thermoelectric element according to one embodiment of the present invention may be expressed by a figure of merit (ZT). The ZT may be expressed as in Equation 1.
ZT=α2·σ·T/k[Equation 1]

Here, α denotes a Seebeck coefficient [V/K], σ denotes electrical conductivity [S/m], and α2σ denotes a power factor ([W/mK2]). In addition, T denotes a temperature, and k denotes thermal conductivity [W/mK]. k may be expressed as a·cp·ρ in which a denotes thermal diffusivity [cm2/S], cp denotes specific heat [J/gK], and ρ denotes a density [g/cm3].

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

Here, the first electrode120disposed between the first substrate110and the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric leg140, and the second electrode150disposed between the second substrate160and the P-type thermoelectric leg130and the N-type thermoelectric legs140may contain at least one of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), and nickel (Ni) and have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm. When the thickness of the first electrode120or the second electrode150is less than 0.01 mm, a function for an electrode may be degraded, thereby reducing electrical conduction performance, and when the thickness exceeds 0.3 mm, conduction efficiency may be reduced due to an increase in resistance.

In addition, the first substrate110and the second substrate160opposite to each other may be metal substrates and may have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. When the thickness of the metal substrate is less than 0.1 mm or exceeds 1.5 mm, heat-dissipation characteristics or thermal conductivity may be excessively high, thereby reducing the reliability of the thermoelectric element. In addition, when the first substrate110and the second substrate160are metal substrates, an insulating layer170may be further formed between the first substrate110and the first electrode120and between the second substrate160and the second electrode150. The insulating layer170may include a material having a thermal conductivity of 1 to 20 W/mK. In this case, the insulating layer170may be a resin composition containing at least one of an epoxy resin and a silicone 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 oxides, nitrides, and carbides combined with aluminum, boron, and silicon.

In this case, the first substrate110and the second substrate160may be formed to have different sizes. In other words, a volume, a thickness or an area of one of the first substrate110and the second substrate160may be formed to be greater than that of the other. Here, the thickness may be a thickness in a direction from the first substrate110toward the second substrate160, and the area may be an area in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the first substrate110to the second substrate160. Therefore, it is possible to increase the heat-absorption performance or heat-dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element. Preferably, the volume, the thickness, or the area of the first substrate110may be formed to be greater than at least one of the volume, the thickness, and the area of the second substrate160. In this case, when the first substrate110is disposed in a high-temperature region for the Seebeck effect, at least one of the volume, the thickness, and the area of the first substrate110may be formed to be greater than that of the second substrate160when the first substrate110is applied to the heating region for the Peltier effect or when a sealing agent for protecting the thermoelectric element to be described below from external environments or the like is disposed on the first substrate110. In this case, the area of the first substrate110may be formed in a range of 1.2 to 5 times the area of the second substrate160. When the area of the first substrate110is formed to be less than 1.2 times the area of the second substrate160, the influence on the improvement of heat transfer efficiency is not high, and when the area of the first substrate110exceeds 5 times, the heat transfer efficiency may be rather significantly reduced, and it may be difficult to maintain a basic shape of the thermoelectric module.

In addition, a heat-dissipation pattern, for example, an uneven pattern may be formed on a surface of at least one of the first substrate110and the second substrate160. Therefore, it is possible to increase the heat-dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element. When the uneven pattern is formed on a surface in contact with the P-type thermoelectric leg130or the N-type thermoelectric leg140, it is also possible to increase bonding characteristics between the thermoelectric leg and the substrate.

Although not shown, a sealing member may be further disposed between the first substrate110and the second substrate160. The sealing member may be disposed on side surfaces of the first electrode120, the P-type thermoelectric leg130, the N-type thermoelectric leg140, and the second electrode150between the first substrate110and the second substrate160. Therefore, the first electrode120, the P-type thermoelectric leg130, the N-type thermoelectric leg140, and the second electrode150may be sealed from external moisture, heat, contamination, etc.

Description of the thermoelectric element100according to the above-described embodiment may be applied to components of a thermoelectric module or a thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description thereof will be given below.

FIG.8is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module included in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention,FIG.9is a top view of a first board of the thermoelectric module included in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.10is a top view in which a plurality of thermoelectric modules are disposed on one surface of the fluid movement part included in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS.8to10, the thermoelectric module1200may include the thermoelectric element1210and the heat sink1220disposed on the thermoelectric element1210.

The contents described with reference toFIGS.6and7may be applied to the thermoelectric element1210in the same manner. For example, the thermoelectric element1210may include a first substrate1212in contact with the one surface (upper surface or lower surface) of the fluid movement part1100, a second substrate1214(e.g., an upper substrate) spaced apart from the first substrate1212in the vertical direction, a plurality of first electrodes disposed between the first substrate1212and the second substrate1214, a plurality of thermoelectric legs, and a plurality of second electrodes. In this case, since the first substrate1212, the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of thermoelectric legs, the plurality of second electrodes, and the second substrate1214respectively correspond to the plurality of first electrodes120, the plurality of thermoelectric legs130and140, the plurality of second electrodes150, and the second substrate160described with reference toFIGS.6and7, the above-described contents may be applied thereto.

In the thermoelectric element1210according to the embodiment, the first substrate1212may include a first region A1 and a second region A2. In this case, the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of thermoelectric legs, the plurality of second electrodes, the second substrate, and the heat sink1220may be disposed in the first region A1. In addition, the second region A2 may be positioned at one side of the first region A1, and first and second connectors210and220connected to the first electrode may be disposed in the second region A2. A plurality of first and second connectors210and220may be formed to facilitate connection with electric wires and easily change an electrical connection method such as connection in series or in parallel.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the fluid movement part1100and the thermoelectric module1200may be coupled by a fastening member such as a screw. To this end, as described above, the first fastening holes may be formed in the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100, and a plurality of first through holes1200h1may also be formed in the first region A1 of the first substrate1212in the thermoelectric module1200. The plurality of first fastening holes and the plurality of first through holes1200h1may be positioned to correspond to each other. For example, the plurality of first fastening holes and the plurality of first through holes1200h1may overlap each other in the vertical direction.

In addition, the first through hole1200h1may be formed not only in the first substrate1212but also in the second substrate (not shown) and the heat sink1220of the thermoelectric module1200. The thermoelectric module1200and the fluid movement part1100may be fastened by screws or the like through the first through hole1200h1.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second through holes1200h2may be further formed in the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100. The second through hole1200h2may be positioned in the second region A2 of the first substrate1212. The second through hole1200h2may be positioned to correspond to the above-described second fastening hole. For example, the second through hole1200h2may overlap the second fastening hole in the vertical direction.

In addition, as described above, since the cover member1300is disposed in the second region A2 of the first substrate1212, the cover member1300, the thermoelectric module1200, and the fluid movement part1100may be coupled by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) through the second through hole1200h2.

With this configuration, since not only the first region A1 but also the second region A2 of the first substrate1212of the thermoelectric module1200may be coupled to the fluid movement part1100, the fluid movement part1100may have an uniform bonding force with the entire first substrate1212of the thermoelectric module1200, and heat may be uniformly distributed to the entire first substrate1212.

FIG.11is a perspective view of a cover member included in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention,FIG.12is a view showing the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention and a cover member coupled to the power generation device, andFIG.13is a cross-sectional view of the power generation device along line B-B″ inFIG.12.

Referring toFIGS.11to13, the cover member1300according to the embodiment may be disposed to overlap the second region A2 of the first substrate1212in the vertical direction in the thermoelectric module1200. In other words, the cover member1300may be disposed on the second region A2 of the thermoelectric module1200to surround the first and second connectors210and220disposed in the second region A2 and surround electric wires (not shown) electrically connected to the first and second connectors210and220.

In addition, the cover member1300may be coupled to the thermoelectric module1200and the fluid movement part1100through the first fastening hole. Due to this coupling, it is possible to increase a fastening torque. Therefore, the thermoelectric module1200may be more firmly attached to the fluid movement part1100even under vibration conditions.

In this case, a length of the cover member1300in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be the same as a length of the first substrate1212in the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the length of the cover member1300in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be in a range of 0.9 to 1 times, preferably, 0.925 to 1 times, and more preferably, 0.95 to 1 times the length of the first substrate1212on which the cover member1300is disposed in the first direction (X-axis direction). With this configuration, since the cover member1300presses the entire length of the first substrate1212in the first direction, it is possible to prevent deformation or separation of the first substrate1212.

In addition, the cover member1300may include an upper surface groove1310gdisposed in an upper surface1310. A sealing agent may be applied to the upper surface groove1310g. Therefore, the upper surface1310of the cover member1300and the shield member1600on the cover member1300may be bonded and sealed. Therefore, it is possible to block foreign substances, moisture, etc. from entering between the shield member1600and the cover member1300. Therefore, it is possible to increase electrical stability of the thermoelectric module1200and the like.

In addition, the cover member1300may include a plurality of cover holes1300h. The cover hole1300hmay be positioned to correspond to the above-described second through hole of the thermoelectric module. In other words, the cover hole1300hmay overlap the second through hole in the vertical direction. In addition, the second through hole may be positioned to correspond to the first fastening hole of the fluid movement part. Therefore, the first fastening hole, the second through hole, and the cover hole1300hmay overlap in the vertical direction, and thus the fluid movement part1100, the thermoelectric module1200, and the cover member1300may be coupled by the fastening member.

In addition, since the cover holes1300hare formed in both sides of the cover member1300, both sides of the second region A2 of the first substrate121are supported in a balanced manner and thermal deformation of the first substrate1212can be prevented. In this case, a distance between two cover holes1300hin one cover member1300may be greater than a distance between two first through holes in the thermoelectric module1200. With this configuration, the cover member1300can uniformly support both sides of the second region A2 of the first substrate1212in a balanced manner.

In addition, a first cover groove1300g1and a second cover groove1300g2may be disposed in a lower surface1320of the cover member1300. The second cover groove1300g2may be positioned in the first cover groove1300g1to overlap the first cover groove1300g1in the vertical direction.

The first cover groove1300g1may extend in the first direction (X-axis direction) and may be disposed to be spaced apart from the cover hole1310hof the first substrate1212in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Conductive wires and the first and second connectors210and220may be positioned in the first cover groove1300g1. In addition, the conductive wires may be disposed along the first cover grooves1300g1of the plurality of adjacent cover members1300to electrically connect the adjacent thermoelectric modules1200.

In an embodiment, the first cover groove1300g1may overlap the second region A2 of the first substrate1212in the vertical direction and, in particular, may overlap the first and second connectors210and220in the vertical direction. In particular, the second cover groove1300g2may be positioned to correspond to the first and second connectors210and220. For example, the second cover groove1300g2may overlap the first and second connectors210and22in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, a gap region GP may be formed between the first and second connectors210and220and a bottom surface of the second cover groove1300g2by the second cover groove1300g2. Therefore, it is possible to increase compatibility for a size while protecting the first and second connectors210and220.

In addition, the cover member1300may include a plurality of third cover grooves1300g3disposed between the separated cover holes1300h. Heights (lengths in the vertical direction) of the plurality of third cover grooves1300g3may be different from heights of the first cover grooves1300g1and the second cover grooves1300g2. For example, the heights (length in the vertical direction) of the plurality of third cover grooves1300g3may be smaller than the heights of the first cover groove1300g1and the second cover groove1300g2.

In addition, a bonding member for facilitating fastening between the first substrate1212and the cover member1300may be applied to the third cover groove1300g3. Therefore, it is possible to increase a bonding force between the cover member1300and the thermoelectric module1200, particularly, the first substrate1212.

In addition, since the cover member1300is disposed in the second region A2 on the first substrate1212and coupled to the fluid movement part1100through the cover hole1300has described above, it is possible to suppress a lifting phenomenon between the fluid movement part1100and the first substrate1212in the second region A2.

In addition, the cover member1300according to the embodiment may include an insulating material, for example, a plastic material. Therefore, since a head of the fastening member is in contact with the cover member1300, the first substrate1212and the head of the fastening member including a metal may be insulated, and it is possible to increase the withstand voltage performance of the thermoelectric module1200.

In addition, when the cover member1300includes the plastic material, the cover member1300may be easily molded with any of various sizes and shapes. More specifically, the cover member1300may be a plastic material applicable at high temperature, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that the shape of the cover member1300is deformed by the high-temperature second fluid.

In addition, the first part P1 of the shield member1600may include a 1-1 part P1-1 and a 1-2 part P1-2. The 1-1 part P1-1 may overlap the first region of the thermoelectric module1200in the vertical direction. In addition, the 1-2 part P1-2 may overlap the second region A2 of the thermoelectric module1200in the vertical direction. The above-described cover member and first and second connectors may be disposed on a lower portion of the 1-2 part P1-2. In addition, in the 1-1 part P1-1, a height hb from the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction may be smaller than a height ha between the 1-2 part P1-2 and the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction. With this configuration, as described above, an inclination angle of the stepped part of the shield member may increase through a height difference of the first part. Therefore, a thermal resistance to the fluid by the 1-2 part P1-2 increases, and thus the fluid may remain on the first part P1 for a longer time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the thermal efficiency of the thermoelectric device according to the embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to easily secure spaces for the first and second connectors210and220and electric wires.

FIGS.14and15are perspective views of a guide part included in the power generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention,FIG.16is a view of the guide part along line C-C′ inFIG.14, andFIG.17is a cross-sectional view of the guide part along line D-D′ inFIG.14.

Referring toFIGS.14to17, in the thermoelectric device according to the embodiment, the guide part1400may be disposed between adjacent shield members. Therefore, at least a part of the guide part1400may overlap the shield member in the vertical direction. In addition, the guide part1400may be disposed between adjacent thermoelectric module groups. For example, the guide part1400may be disposed to be spaced apart from the adjacent thermoelectric module groups in the first direction (X-axis direction).

More specifically, the guide part1400may include a central portion1410and a support portion1420in contact with the central portion1410and disposed to be spaced apart from the central portion1410in the first direction (X-axis direction). The support portion1420may be in contact with the central portion1410and may extend from a side surface of the central portion1410in the first direction (X-axis direction) or in the direction opposite to the first direction (X-axis direction).

The central portion1410may be positioned on a bisector in the first direction (X-axis direction) of the guide part1400. The central portion1410may be disposed at the center of the guide part1400, and two separated support portions1420may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the central portion1410. For example, the central portion1410may be disposed between adjacent shield members. Therefore, in the guide part1400, a support force for the shield member disposed on the support portion1420may be applied thereto in a balanced manner without being concentrated on one side with respect to the central portion1410. Therefore, it is possible to increase the reliability of the guide part1400.

In addition, the central portion1410may have a length La in the second direction (Y-axis direction) that is greater than a length between the groove portions disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the upper surface of the fluid movement part in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, at least a part of the central portion1410may overlap the groove portion of the fluid movement part in the vertical direction.

In addition, the support portion1420may be in contact with the side surface of the central portion1410. A height H1 of the central portion1410in the vertical direction may be different from a height H2 of the support portion1420in the vertical direction. The height H1 of the central portion1410in the vertical direction may be greater than the height H2 of the support portion1420in the vertical direction.

In addition, the length La of the support portion1420in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be different from a length Lb of the central portion1410in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The length La of the support portion1420in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be smaller than the length Lb of the central portion1410in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

Therefore, the central portion1410may have a structure protruding in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and in the vertical direction as compared to the support portion1420. Therefore, as will be described below, when the second sealing member is applied on the support portion and the shield member and the guide part are sealed by the second sealing member, it is possible to prevent the overflowing of the second sealing member to the separated support portions1420. Furthermore, the central portion1410may guide the position of the second sealing member so that the second sealing member passes the support portion1420and faces the groove portion of the adjacent fluid movement part. Therefore, the first sealing member and the second sealing member on the groove portion of the fluid movement part may be in contact with each other to perform external sealing of the entirety of the plurality of thermoelectric modules disposed under one shield member. Therefore, it is possible to increase the reliability of the plurality of thermoelectric modules.

In addition, the height H2 of the support portion1420in the vertical direction may correspond to a height of the thermoelectric element. For example, the height H2 of the support portion1420in the vertical direction may be the same as the height of the thermoelectric element. Therefore, since the shield member does not have a step difference from the surface in contact with the guide part1400and the thermoelectric element, it is possible to provide process easiness and solve the difficulty of the sealing due to the step difference.

In addition, at least a part of the support portion1420may be disposed under the shield member, and an upper surface of the support portion1420may face the shield member.

The guide part1400may include a plurality of guide holes. For example, the support portion1420of the guide part1400may include a first guide hole1420h1and a second guide hole1420h2. A plurality of first guide holes1420h1and second guide holes1420h2may be formed and symmetrically disposed with respect to the central portion1410. Therefore, when the guide part1400is coupled to the fluid movement part, a force due to the fastening may be uniformly applied to the guide part1400and the fluid movement part. Therefore, it is possible to easily prevent a phenomenon in which the guide part is lifted from the upper surface of the fluid movement part.

In addition, in an embodiment, the guide part1400may include a first guide region SA1 disposed at one side and a second guide region SA2 disposed at the other side. The first guide region SA1 may correspond to the first region in the thermoelectric module. For example, the first guide region SA1 may overlap the first region of the adjacent thermoelectric module in the first direction (X-axis direction). In addition, the second guide region SA2 may be disposed at a side opposite to the second direction (Y-axis direction) from the first guide region SA1. The second guide region SA2 may overlap the second region of the adjacent thermoelectric module in the first direction (X-axis direction).

The above-described first guide hole1420h1may be disposed in the first guide region SA1. For example, the first guide hole1420h1may be positioned to correspond to the first through hole of the first region. In other words, the first guide hole1420h1may overlap the first through hole in the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture the fluid hole of the fluid movement part by the first guide hole1420h1.

In addition, the second guide hole1420h2may be disposed in the second guide region SA2. For example, the second guide hole1420h2may be positioned to correspond to the second through hole and may overlap the second through hole in the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the fastening between the guide part1400and the fluid movement part may be made corresponding to the fastening between the thermoelectric module and the fluid movement part. Therefore, it is possible to easily form the above-described fastening holes and through holes and easily manufacture the fluid holes in the fluid movement part, and the first fluid may be easily moved in the first direction (X-axis direction).

In addition, the guide part1400according to the embodiment may include a guide groove1400gformed in a bottom surface. The guide groove1400gmay be positioned in the second guide region SA2. The guide groove1400gmay be positioned to correspond to the above-described first cover groove. For example, the guide groove1400gmay overlap the first cover groove in the first direction (X-axis direction). With this configuration, the electric wires connected to the first and second connectors in the first cover groove may pass through the guide groove1400gto electrically connect the thermoelectric modules disposed under the adjacent shield members. The guide groove1400gmay have the same height in the vertical direction as the height of the first cover groove in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bending of the electric wire or the like.

In addition, the support portion1420may have a stepped region corresponding to the cover member1300. In other words, a height of the support portion1420in the vertical direction in the first guide region SA1 may be smaller than a height of the support portion1420in the vertical direction in the second guide region SA2. Since the height of the cover member1300is greater than the height of the thermoelectric element, the support portion1420also has the above-described height difference. Therefore, the support portion1420may have a stepped structure on a portion adjacent to the second region.

In addition, the guide part1400according to the embodiment may include groove portions1420gdisposed in an upper surface1400a. The groove portion1420gof the guide part1400may be disposed in the support portion1420. Therefore, the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400may overlap each of the separated shield members in the vertical direction.

The groove portions1420gof the guide part1400may be disposed in the upper surface of the support portion1420and symmetrically disposed with respect to the central portion1410. For example, two groove portions1420gof the guide part1400may be formed. However, the present invention is not limited to the number.

In addition, the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400may be disposed closer to the central portion1410than an outer surface of the guide part1400. For example, a distance d1 between the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400and the outer surface of the guide part1400may be different from a distance d2 between the groove portion1420gand the central portion1410of the guide part1400. The distance d1 between the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400and the outer surface of the guide part1400may be greater than the distance d2 between the groove portion1420gand the central portion1410of the guide part1400. With this configuration, the second sealing member applied to the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400may easily move toward the central portion1410when the shield member is seated on the guide part1400. Therefore, the second sealing member may be disposed between the bottom surface of the shield member and the upper surface1400aof the guide part1400and between the side surface of the shield member and a side surface1410aof the central portion1410. Therefore, the guide part1400and the shield member may be tightly sealed by the second sealing member without an empty region. A detailed description thereof will be given below.

FIGS.18and19are views for describing a shield member being coupled in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention,FIG.20is a cross-sectional view of the shield member being coupled along line E-E″ inFIG.19,FIG.21is an enlarged view of portion K1 inFIG.19,FIG.22is a cross-sectional view of portion K1 along line F-F″ inFIG.21,FIG.23is an enlarged view of portion K2 inFIG.19, andFIG.24is a cross-sectional view of portion K2 along line G-G′ inFIG.23.

Referring toFIGS.18and19, after the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200, the plurality of cover members1300, the guide part1400, and the dummy module (not shown) are disposed on the fluid movement part, the shield member is seated thereon, and thus the thermoelectric module1200can be protected by the shield member1600from external moisture and contaminants. In this case, for more tight sealing, after the first sealing member SL1 is applied into the groove portion of the fluid movement part and the second sealing member SL2 is applied into the groove portion of the guide part1400, the shield member1600may be seated thereon. Therefore, the first sealing member and the second sealing member SL2 may be disposed in a space between the shield member1600and the fluid movement part and a space between the guide part1400and the shield member, thereby implementing sealing. It should be understood that some of the shown fastening members (e.g., screws) may be identically disposed in the holes of each component in the drawings. In addition, as described above, the guide part1400may be disposed between the plurality of adjacent shield members1600-1and1600-2or between the plurality of adjacent thermoelectric module groups.

In addition, the second sealing member SL2 may be applied into the groove portion of the guide part1400and moved to the upper surface and side surfaces of the support portion and the side surfaces of the central portion by the shield member1600. A detailed description thereof will be given below.

Referring toFIG.20, the guide part1400may be disposed between one shield member1600-1and another shield member1600-2adjacent thereto. In addition, at least a partial region of the support portion1420may overlap the shield member1600in the vertical direction. The central portion1410may be misaligned with the shield member1600in the vertical direction and disposed to be spaced apart from the shield member1600in the first direction (X-axis direction).

The second sealing member SL2 may be disposed in the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400and an upper surface1420aof the support portion1420. The upper surface1420aof the support portion1420may face the shield member1600disposed on the support portion1420. Furthermore, the second sealing member SL2 may also be disposed on the side surface1410aof the central portion1410. The side surface1410aof the central portion1410may be a surface in contact with the upper surface1420aof the support portion1420. Therefore, the second sealing member SL2 may be disposed between the bottom surface of the shield member1600and the upper surface1420aof the support portion1420and between the side surface of the shield member1600and the side surface1410aof the central portion1410. Therefore, it is possible to suppress moisture or contaminants from entering from the outside of the shield member1600to a region between the guide part1400and the shield member1600.

In addition, in the specification, the sealing member (e.g., the first to third sealing members) to be described below may be made of a heat-resistant and moisture-resistant material. For example, the sealing member may include a sealing material, a sealing tape, etc. containing heat-resistant silicone.

Referring toFIGS.21to24, as described above, the second sealing member SL2 may be disposed on the upper surface and side surfaces of the guide part1400. For example, the second sealing member SL2 may also be disposed on the side surface1420bof the support portion1420to be in contact with the side surface1420bof the support portion1420.

In addition, the side surface1420bof the support portion1420may be disposed adjacent to the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100. Therefore, the first sealing member SL1 on the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100and the second sealing member SL2 disposed on the side surface1420bof the support portion1420may be in contact with each other. In other words, the second sealing member SL2 and the first sealing member SL1 may be connected by the guide part1400. Therefore, contaminants or the like can be blocked from entering between the plurality of adjacent shield members1600-1and1600-2by the first sealing member SL1 and the second sealing member SL2.

The groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100and the side surface1420aof the support portion1420in the guide part1400may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, at least a part of the central portion may overlap the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction. Therefore, the central portion1410may guide the second sealing member SL2 to move toward the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100along the side surface1410aof the central portion1410. Therefore, the central portion1410may guide the second sealing member SL2 to bring into contact with the first sealing member SL1 so as to remove an empty region between the shield member1600, the fluid movement part1100, and the guide part1400, thereby performing tight sealing.

In addition, since the support portion1420has the stepped region corresponding to the cover member1300as described above, a height H3 of the support portion1420in the vertical direction in the first guide region may be smaller than a height H4 of the support portion1420in the vertical direction in the second guide region.

In addition, as described above, the thermoelectric module, the cover member, the guide part, the dummy module, and the shield member are correspondingly positioned not only on the upper surface but also on the lower surface of the fluid movement part1100.

In addition, the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400may be disposed between groove portions1100gof the two fluid movement parts1100separated in the second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the groove portion1420gof the guide part1400may be disposed inside the groove portions1100gof the separated fluid movement parts1100. Therefore, the first sealing member SL1 and the second sealing member SL2 may be easily connected.

FIGS.25and26are perspective views of a dummy module included in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS.27and28are views for describing the shield member being coupled in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS.25to28, the power generation device according to the embodiment may include a dummy module1500disposed on the fluid movement part1100.

The dummy module1500may be disposed at one side or the other side of one surface (e.g., the upper surface or the lower surface) of the fluid movement part1100. For example, the dummy module1500may be disposed outside the thermoelectric modules1200disposed side by side in the first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the dummy module1500may be disposed at both ends of the one surface of the fluid movement part1100, and a plurality of thermoelectric modules1200may be disposed between the two dummy modules1500. Therefore, at least a part of the dummy module1500may overlap the plurality of thermoelectric modules1200in the first direction (X-axis direction).

The dummy module1500may include an upper surface1510and a lower surface1520. The upper surface1510of the dummy module1500may have a stepped structure.

In addition, a module groove1500gmay be positioned in the lower surface1520of the dummy module1500.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the electric wires connected to the connectors may be guided using the dummy module1500. Therefore, the dummy module according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a guide module. For example, the module groove1500gof the dummy module1500may be bent after extending from an adjacent thermoelectric module1200in the first direction and extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

More specifically, the dummy module1500disposed at the one side and the other side of the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100may include the module groove1500gextending in the first direction (X-axis direction). The module groove1500gmay be positioned to correspond to each of the first cover groove and the second cover groove of the cover member1300. For example, the module groove1500gmay overlap the first cover groove in the first direction (X-axis direction).

Therefore, the electric wires connected to the connectors210and220may be guided in the first direction through the module groove1500g. Therefore, the electric wires connected to the connectors210and220disposed in the second region A2 of the first substrate1212may be fixedly accommodated in the module groove1500gin the first direction.

Furthermore, the module groove1500gmay be bent outward and extend in the second direction or in a direction opposite to the second direction. Therefore, the electric wires may be guided toward an outside of the dummy module1500along the module groove1500g. Therefore, the electric wires may extend to the outside of the power generation device, and the electric wires may be electrically connected to an external circuit, a battery, etc.

In addition, the dummy module1500may include a plurality of through holes1500h. The plurality of through holes1500hmay be positioned to correspond to the first fastening holes of the fluid movement part1100. In other words, the through hole1500hof the dummy module1500may be disposed to overlap the first fastening hole of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction. Therefore, the through hole1500hof the dummy module1500and the first fastening hole of the fluid movement part1100may be coupled through a fastening member such as a screw.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the shield member1600may be disposed on at least a part of the dummy module1500. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electric wires guided along the dummy module1500from being exposed to moisture, the second fluid, or contaminants.

The dummy module1500may further include a protrusion1530protruding toward an adjacent thermoelectric module. A bottom surface of the protrusion1530may be formed to be coplanar with a lower surface of the dummy module, but an upper surface of the protrusion1530may form a step with an upper surface of the dummy module1500. In addition, the second sealing member may be applied to the protrusion1530to seal between the shield member1600and the dummy module1500. In the specification, the second sealing member means a sealing member extending in the second direction at a lower edge of the shield member. Furthermore, the second sealing member includes a 2-1 sealing member SL2a and a 2-2 sealing member SL2b, and the 2-1 sealing member SL2a is a sealing member guided by the above-described guide part, and the 2-2 sealing member SL2b is a sealing member at least partially overlapping the dummy module1500in the vertical direction. However, as described above, the second sealing member will be described in the specification.

The second sealing member SL2 may be disposed on the protrusion1530. A part of the second sealing member SL2 may be disposed not only on the protrusion1530but also on the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100. In addition, the protrusion1530may include a protrusion hole to be coupled with the shield member, and the shield member and the dummy module may be coupled by a fastening member such as a screw. Furthermore, the second sealing member SL2 may be applied to the protrusion and the fastening member to remove empty spaces formed upon fastening. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the second fluid or other contaminants from entering under the shield member.

In addition, the second sealing member SL2 may extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and overlap the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction. In addition, the second sealing member SL2 may be disposed between the plurality of groove portions1100gspaced apart from the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

Therefore, the second sealing member SL2 may be in contact with the first sealing member SL1 disposed in the groove portion1100gof the fluid movement part1100. For example, the contact or connection between the second sealing member SL2 and the first sealing member SL1 may be made along an edge of the thermoelectric module group or the shield member.

Therefore, the first sealing member SL1 and the second sealing member SL2 according to the embodiment may be connected at the above-described positions to form a closed loop to surround the plurality of thermoelectric modules. Therefore, the second fluid, contaminants, etc. may not enter a gap between the shield member1600and the fluid movement part1100to reach the thermoelectric module. Therefore, it is possible to increase the reliability of the power generation device.

In addition, the shield member1600according to the embodiment may be disposed on the thermoelectric module1200and the fluid movement part1100. As described above, the shield member1600may include the first part P1, the second part P2, and the stepped part P3.

The first part P1 is a region overlapping the thermoelectric module1200in the vertical direction, the second part P2 is a region misaligned with the thermoelectric module1200and disposed adjacent to the fluid movement part, and a stepped part P3 is a region disposed between the first part P1 and the second part P2. The above-described contents may be applied to a description thereof in the same manner.

Furthermore, the first part P1 may include a 1-1 part P1-1 vertically overlapping the first region of the thermoelectric module and a 1-2 part P1-2 vertically overlapping the second region of the thermoelectric module. The above-described cover member and first and second connectors may be disposed on a lower portion of the 1-2 part P1-2.

In addition, there is a step between the 1-2 part P1-2 and the 1-1 part P1-1 for the arrangement space of the cover member and the like, and the 1-2 part P1-2 may have a height from the upper surface of the fluid movement part in the vertical direction that is smaller than a height from the upper surface of the fluid movement part in the vertical direction in the 1-1 part P1-1.

In addition, the shield member1600may include a plurality of shield holes1600hdisposed in the first part P1. Each of the plurality of heat sinks1220may pass through each of the plurality of shield holes1600h. The thermoelectric element1210and the cover member1300may be positioned on the lower portion of the first part P1.

The second part P2 may be misaligned with the thermoelectric module1200in the vertical direction and may be in contact with one surface of the fluid movement part1100. In other words, the second part P2 may be disposed closer to the one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the fluid movement part1100than the first part P1 is. For example, a distance between the first part P1 and the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction may be greater than a distance between the second part P2 and the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100in the vertical direction. In addition, a distance between the one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the fluid movement part1100and the shield member1600in the vertical direction may gradually increase from the second part P2 toward the first part P1. Therefore, the shield member1600can protect the fluid movement part1100and the thermoelectric element1210while minimizing flow resistance to the second fluid.

In addition, the shield member1600may further include a support region disposed on a side surface perpendicular to the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100extending in the second and third directions from the second part P2. Therefore, since the shield member1600may be disposed on one side of the fluid movement part1100in a “┐” shape, it is possible to solve a problem that the position of the shield member1600is misaligned on the upper surface of the fluid movement part1100and increase the ease of assembly.

The stepped part P3 may be disposed between the first part P1 and the second part P2. The stepped part P3 may be in contact with the first part P1 and the second part P2.

In addition, the second part P2 may be positioned outside the thermoelectric module1200or the first part P1. For example, the second part P2, the stepped part P3, the first part P1, the stepped part P3, and the second part may be sequentially disposed from the shield member1600in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

The shield member1600is disposed on the thermoelectric element1210. In this case, in order for the second fluid to pass the heat sink1220, the shield hole1600hmay be formed in the shield member1600, and an edge of the shield hole1600hmay be formed on the second substrate of the thermoelectric element1210so that the heat sink1220may be exposed through the shield hole1600h. In other words, the edge of the shield hole1600hmay be disposed on the second substrate of the thermoelectric element1210, and the heat sink1220may pass through the shield hole1600h. Therefore, since the second fluid may directly pass the heat sink1220even while protecting the inside of the thermoelectric element1210from external contaminants, moisture, and the second fluid, heat exchange between the second fluid and the heat sink1220may be efficiently performed. In this case, the edge of the shield hole1600hmay be disposed on the second substrate of the thermoelectric element1210, and a size (or an area on XY plane) of the shield hole1600hmay be smaller than a size of the second substrate of the thermoelectric element1210and greater than a size of the heat sink1220, that is, a size of the surface in which the heat sink1220is disposed on the second substrate so that the heat sink1220may pass through the shield hole1600h.

Meanwhile, as shown, a plurality of thermoelectric elements1210may be disposed on the upper surface1110of the fluid movement part1100, and the heat sink1220may be disposed on each thermoelectric element1210. To this end, a plurality of shield holes1600hmay be formed in the shield member1600, and the edge of each shield hole1600hmay be disposed on the second substrate of each thermoelectric element1210so that each heat sink1220may pass through each shield hole1600h. Therefore, since the plurality of thermoelectric elements1210may be covered using one shield member1600, it is possible to simplify an assembly process and a structure of the shield member1600.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of through holes may be further formed in the shield member1600. In this case, the fluid movement part and the shield member1600may be fastened through the plurality of through holes.

Throughout the specification, the thermoelectric elements100and1210have been described as including the first substrate110, the first electrode120, the P-type thermoelectric leg130, the N-type thermoelectric leg140, the second electrode150, and the second substrate160, but definitions of the thermoelectric elements100and1210are not limited thereto, and the thermoelectric elements100and1210may also mean as including the first electrode120, the P-type thermoelectric leg130, the N-type thermoelectric leg140, the second electrode150, and the second substrate160and being disposed on the first substrate110.

In addition, throughout the specification, it has been described that the thermoelectric device1000includes the fluid movement part1100, the thermoelectric module1200, the cover member1300, and the shield member1600and the thermoelectric module1200includes the thermoelectric element1210and the heat sink1220, but is not limited thereto, and the thermoelectric module may also mean as including all of the fluid movement part1100, the thermoelectric element1210, the heat sink1220, the cover member1300, and the shield member1600.

FIG.29is a view for describing positions of a first sealing member, a second sealing member, and a third sealing member in the power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention,FIG.30is an enlarged view of portion K3 inFIG.29, andFIG.31is a cross-sectional view showing the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and the third sealing member along line H-H′ inFIG.29.

Referring toFIGS.29to31, the thermoelectric device according to the embodiment may further include a third sealing member SL3 disposed between the thermoelectric element1210and the shield member1600.

First, as described above, the shield member1600may be disposed on the thermoelectric element1210to cover at least a part of the thermoelectric element1210. However, in order for the second fluid to pass the heat sink1220, the shield hole1600hmay be disposed in the shield member1600. In addition, the edge of the shield hole1600hmay be disposed on the second substrate1214of the thermoelectric element1210, and the heat sink1220may be exposed through the shield hole1600h. In other words, the edge of the shield hole1600hmay be disposed on the second substrate of the thermoelectric element1210, and the heat sink1220may pass through the shield hole1600h. Therefore, heat exchange can be efficiently performed while the second fluid passes the heat sink1220.

Furthermore, the third sealing member SL3 may be disposed between the shield member1600and the second substrate1214along the edge of the shield hole1600h. With this configuration, the third sealing member SL3 can protect the inside of the thermoelectric element1210from external contaminants, moisture, and the second fluid.

In this case, the edge of the shield hole1600hmay be disposed on the second substrate of the thermoelectric element1210, and the size of the shield hole1600hmay be smaller than the size of the second substrate of the thermoelectric element1210and greater than the size of the heat sink1220, that is, the surface in which the heat sink1220is disposed on the second substrate so that the heat sink1220may pass through the shield hole1600h. For example, the edge of the shield hole1600hand the heat sink1220may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) or the second direction (Y-axis direction).

In addition, the third sealing member SL3 may be disposed between the edge of the shield hole1600hand the edge of the second substrate1214. Therefore, the third sealing member SL3 may also overlap the first substrate1212in the vertical direction. In addition, the third sealing member SL3 may overlap the first part P1 of the shield member1600, particularly, the 1-1 part P1-1, in the vertical direction.

In addition, the third sealing member SL3 according to the embodiment may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first sealing member SL1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the first sealing member SL1 and the third sealing member SL3 may have a height difference from each other corresponding to the length of the thermoelectric element1210in the vertical direction.

As a modified example, the third sealing member SL3 may also extend along the first part P1 and the stepped part P3 and may be connected to the first sealing member SL1 on the lower portion of the second part P2. For example, the third sealing member SL3 may be connected to the first sealing member SL1 on the 1-1 groove. Therefore, it is possible to increase the coupling force between the shield member, the thermoelectric module, and the fluid movement part by coupling the first sealing member and the third sealing member.

The power generation system may generate power through a heat source generated from vessels, automobiles, power plants, geothermal plant, etc., and a plurality of power generation devices may be arranged inside thereof to efficiently converge heat sources. In this case, each power generation device can increase the cooling performance of the low temperature part of the thermoelectric element by increasing the bonding force between the thermoelectric module and the fluid movement part, thereby increasing the efficiency and reliability of the power generation device, and thus it is possible to increase the fuel efficiency of transportation devices such as vessels or vehicles. Therefore, in the shipping and transportation industries, transportation costs can be reduced and an eco-friendly industrial environment can be created, and when applied to manufacturing industries, such as steel mills, processing costs or the like can be reduced.

Although the above description has been made with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will be able to understand that the present invention may be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the appended claims.