JP2008228478A - Thermoelectric generator - Google Patents
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本発明は、熱電子を放出するエミッタと該熱電子を捕集するコレクタとが所定の間隙を隔てて配置された熱電子発電素子を備えかつ、エミッタを相対的に高温の第１熱源に接続した熱電子発電装置に関する。 The present invention includes a thermoelectron generating element in which an emitter for emitting thermoelectrons and a collector for collecting the thermoelectrons are arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween, and the emitter is connected to a first heat source having a relatively high temperature. Relates to the thermoelectric generator.
従来より、高温の金属表面から熱電子が放出される現象を利用して、熱エネルギーを電気エネルギーに直接変換する熱電子発電素子が知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。熱電子発電素子は、熱電子を放出するエミッタと該熱電子を捕集するコレクタとを備えている。熱電子発電装置は、エミッタを高温熱源に接続する一方、コレクタを低温熱源に接続することによって構成されており、エミッタとコレクタは、熱電子発電素子の発電効率を高めるために、例えば真空中で所定の間隙を隔てて配置され、熱的にほぼ絶縁されている。 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a thermoelectric power generation element that directly converts thermal energy into electrical energy using a phenomenon in which thermoelectrons are emitted from a high-temperature metal surface is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The thermoelectron power generation element includes an emitter that emits thermoelectrons and a collector that collects the thermoelectrons. The thermoelectron generator is configured by connecting an emitter to a high-temperature heat source while connecting a collector to a low-temperature heat source. The emitter and the collector are, for example, in a vacuum in order to increase the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectron generator. They are arranged at a predetermined gap and are substantially thermally insulated.
ここで、固体から真空中に電子を放出するのに必要な最低エネルギーは仕事関数と呼ばれており、熱電子発電素子の起電力はエミッタの仕事関数とコレクタの仕事関数の差によって定められる。このため、起電力を高める上では、エミッタの仕事関数は大きいことが望ましく、コレクタの仕事関数は小さいことが望ましい。エミッタについては、より高温の熱源を採用すれば、仕事関数の大きな材料を使用でき、そうすると出力電圧もより大きくなる。逆に、コレクタについては、材料の特性上、仕事関数の下限値があり、その値は一般に２ｅＶ程度であるが、電極間にセシウムを封入すると、セシウムがコレクタに吸着されてコレクタの仕事関数が小さくなることが知られている。この熱電子発電素子でエミッタに仕事関数がおよそ２ｅＶの材料を用いた場合、従来は、エミッタ側の温度をおよそ１２００Ｋ以上の高温に設定することが必要であった。 Here, the minimum energy required to emit electrons from the solid into the vacuum is called a work function, and the electromotive force of the thermoelectron generator is determined by the difference between the work function of the emitter and the work function of the collector. For this reason, in order to increase the electromotive force, it is desirable that the work function of the emitter is large and the work function of the collector is small. For the emitter, if a higher temperature heat source is used, a material having a high work function can be used, and the output voltage is also increased. On the other hand, the collector has a lower limit of the work function due to the characteristics of the material, and the value is generally about 2 eV. However, when cesium is sealed between the electrodes, the cesium is adsorbed by the collector, and the work function of the collector It is known to become smaller. When a material having a work function of about 2 eV is used for the emitter in this thermoelectron generator, it has been conventionally necessary to set the temperature on the emitter side to a high temperature of about 1200K or higher.
一方、低温度域で熱電子発電を行うことを考えた場合、例えばエミッタ側の熱源の温度をＴ＝５００Ｋとすると、仕事関数と温度の関係式（リチャードソン−ダッシュマンの式）から仕事関数はおよそ０．７ｅＶ以下でなければならないが、従来は上述したようにこのような条件を満たす材料は発見されていなかった。しかし、２００３年に発見された、１２ＣａＯ・７Ａｌ２Ｏ３の結晶を母体とするエレクトライド（Ｃ１２Ａ７エレクトライド：例えば、非特許文献１参照）は、常温常圧で安定して存在し、仕事関数がおよそ０．６ｅＶを示す場合がある。そこで、この材料を用いると、５００Ｋ程度の低温度域での熱電子発電が可能になると考えられる。尚、エレクトライドは、イオン結晶の中で、陰イオンの占めるべき位置を電子が占める物質である。 On the other hand, when considering thermionic power generation in a low temperature range, for example, assuming that the temperature of the heat source on the emitter side is T = 500K, the work function is calculated from the relational expression (Richardson-Dashman's equation) between the work function and temperature. However, as described above, no material satisfying such a condition has been found in the past. However, an electride based on a 12CaO.7Al 2 O 3 crystal discovered in 2003 (C12A7 electride: see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1) stably exists at normal temperature and pressure, and has a work function. May indicate approximately 0.6 eV. Therefore, it is considered that the use of this material enables thermionic power generation in a low temperature range of about 500K. In addition, electride is a substance in which electrons occupy positions where anions should occupy in an ionic crystal.
しかし、低温度域での発電では、出力電圧が小さくならざるを得ない。そこで、熱電子発電装置の出力電圧を上げるために、複数の熱電子発電素子を電気的に直列に接続した構成を採用することが考えられる。
ところで、熱電子発電素子においては、その発電効率の観点から、エミッタとコレクタとは、例えば１０μｍ以下の、極めて狭い間隔に、均一に配置することが望ましい。しかしながらその場合、熱電子発電素子の作動環境下においては、例えば熱歪みや振動等の要因によって、エミッタとコレクタとが互い接触して短絡が発生する虞がある。 By the way, in the thermoelectron power generation element, from the viewpoint of power generation efficiency, it is desirable that the emitter and the collector are uniformly arranged at an extremely narrow interval of, for example, 10 μm or less. However, in that case, under the operating environment of the thermionic power generation element, there is a possibility that the emitter and the collector are in contact with each other due to factors such as thermal distortion and vibration, thereby causing a short circuit.
また、前述したように、複数の熱電子発電素子を電気的に直列に接続した熱電子発電装置では、相対向して配置した高温側の部材及び低温側の部材のそれぞれに対し、複数のエミッタ及び複数のコレクタを支持させることによって、各エミッタと各コレクタとを相対して配置させることになる。しかしながらこの構成では、エミッタとコレクタとの間隔を小さくするために、高温側の部材と低温側の部材とを近接して配置しなければならず、前述した、熱歪み等に起因するエミッタとコレクタとの接触が生じやすくなってしまう。 Further, as described above, in the thermoelectron generator in which a plurality of thermoelectric generators are electrically connected in series, a plurality of emitters are provided for each of the high-temperature side member and the low-temperature side member arranged to face each other. In addition, by supporting a plurality of collectors, each emitter and each collector are disposed relative to each other. However, in this configuration, in order to reduce the distance between the emitter and the collector, the high-temperature side member and the low-temperature side member must be arranged close to each other. It becomes easy to make contact with.
一方で、こうした熱電子発電素子の短絡を防止しようとすれば、エミッタとコレクタとの間隔を比較的大きくしなければならないが、そうすると、発電効率が低下してしまうことになる。 On the other hand, if it is intended to prevent such a short circuit of the thermoelectric power generation element, the distance between the emitter and the collector must be made relatively large, but if this is done, the power generation efficiency will be reduced.
本発明は、かかる点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、エミッタ及びコレクタの間隔を狭くして熱電子発電装置の発電効率を高めつつ、熱歪み等に起因するエミッタ及びコレクタの接触を防止することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the distance between the emitter and the collector to increase the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator, and to contact the emitter and the collector due to thermal distortion or the like. Is to prevent.
第１の発明は、熱電子を放出するエミッタ(21,41）と該熱電子を捕集するコレクタ(22,42）とが所定の間隙を隔てて配置された熱電子発電素子（10）を備えかつ、前記エミッタ(21,41）を相対的に高温の第１熱源に接続した熱電子発電装置を前提としている。 The first invention comprises a thermoelectron generator (10) in which emitters (21, 41) emitting thermoelectrons and collectors (22, 42) collecting the thermoelectrons are arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween. And a thermionic power generation device in which the emitters (21, 41) are connected to a relatively high temperature first heat source.
そして、この熱電子発電装置は、前記第１熱源に接続される高温側部材（13）と、当該高温側部材（13）に対して第１方向に相対して配置されかつ、相対的に低温の第２熱源に接続される低温側部材（14）と、をさらに備え、前記エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）とが、前記エミッタ(21,41）が前記高温側部材（13）に接触しかつ、前記コレクタ(22,42）が前記低温側部材（14）に接触した状態で、前記第１方向とは異なる第２方向に前記熱電子が移動するように所定の間隙を隔てて配置されていることを特徴としている。 The thermoelectron generator is disposed in a first direction relative to the high temperature side member (13) connected to the first heat source, and is relatively low in temperature with respect to the high temperature side member (13). A low temperature side member (14) connected to the second heat source, the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42), the emitter (21, 41) being the high temperature side member ( 13) and the collector (22, 42) is in contact with the low temperature side member (14) so that the thermoelectrons move in a second direction different from the first direction. It is characterized by being spaced apart.
この第１の発明では、高温側部材（13）及び低温側部材（14）が第１方向に相対するのに対し、エミッタ(21,41）及びコレクタ(22,42）は、第１方向とは異なる第２方向に熱電子が移動するよう相対している。このため、熱歪み等によって、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との第１方向に対する間隔が変化したとしても、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔はほとんど変化しない。従って、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔を小さく設定しても、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）とは接触しない。 In the first invention, the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) are opposed to the first direction, whereas the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) are arranged in the first direction. Are opposed so that the thermoelectrons move in different second directions. For this reason, even if the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) in the first direction changes due to thermal strain or the like, the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42). Hardly changes. Therefore, even if the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) is set small, the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) do not contact each other.
また、高温側部材（13）及び低温側部材（14）の第１方向に対する間隔は、エミッタ(21,41）及びコレクタ(22,42）の間隔とは独立して設定することが可能になる。 Further, the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) in the first direction can be set independently of the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42). .
第２の発明は、第１の発明において、熱電子発電装置が、前記高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔を調整する第１調整部材(31,61）と、前記エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔を調整する第２調整部材（32）と、をさらに備え、前記第１及び第２調整部材(31,32,61）によって、前記高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との第１方向に対する間隔と、前記エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との第２方向に対する間隔とが、互いに独立して調整可能に構成されていることを特徴としている。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the thermoelectric power generator includes a first adjustment member (31, 61) for adjusting an interval between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14), A second adjusting member (32) for adjusting the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42), and the first and second adjusting members (31, 32, 61) The distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) in the first direction and the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) in the second direction are independent of each other. It is characterized by being configured to be adjustable.
第２の発明では、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔調整が、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔調整とは独立して行い得る。 In the second invention, the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) can be adjusted independently of the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14).
第３の発明は、第１又は第２の発明において、前記熱電子発電装置が、前記熱電子発電素子（10）を複数備え、前記複数の熱電子発電素子（10）が、電気的に直列に接続されていることを特徴としている。 According to a third invention, in the first or second invention, the thermionic power generation device includes a plurality of thermionic power generation elements (10), and the plurality of thermionic power generation elements (10) are electrically connected in series. It is characterized by being connected to.
第３の発明では、複数の熱電子発電素子（10）が、電気的に直列に接続されているため、熱電子発電装置の出力電圧が、熱電子発電素子（10）の個数分だけ高められる。 In the third invention, since the plurality of thermionic power generation elements (10) are electrically connected in series, the output voltage of the thermionic power generation device is increased by the number of thermionic power generation elements (10). .
また、第３の発明では、複数のエミッタ(21,41）が高温側部材（13）に接触する一方、複数のコレクタ(22,42）が低温側部材（14）に接触するため、前述したように、熱歪み等に起因する、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との接触が生じやすい構造であるものの、その各エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）とは、第２方向に間隙を隔てて配置されているため、エミッタ(21,41）及びコレクタ(22,42）の接触が効果的に防止される。 In the third invention, the plurality of emitters (21, 41) are in contact with the high temperature side member (13), while the plurality of collectors (22, 42) are in contact with the low temperature side member (14). As described above, the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) are likely to come into contact with each other due to thermal distortion, etc., but the emitter (21, 41) and collector (22, 42) Are arranged with a gap in the second direction, so that contact between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) is effectively prevented.
第４の発明は、第３の発明において、熱電子発電装置が、前記熱電子発電素子（10）同士を電気的に接続する導電部（50）を備え、前記導電部（50）が、当該導電部（50）を介した熱伝導を抑制するヒートチョーク構造を有していることを特徴としている。 According to a fourth invention, in the third invention, the thermoelectron power generation device includes a conductive portion (50) for electrically connecting the thermoelectric power generation elements (10) to each other, and the conductive portion (50) It is characterized by having a heat choke structure that suppresses heat conduction through the conductive portion (50).
この第４の発明では、複数の熱電子発電素子（10）同士を電気的に直列に接続した熱電子発電装置の発電効率の低下が抑制される。つまり、熱電子発電素子（10）は、効率よく発電するために高温側のエミッタ(21,41）と低温側のコレクタ(22,42）を熱的にほぼ絶縁する必要がある。しかし、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）とが導電部（50）により連結された構成では、その導電部（50）を介してエミッタ(21,41）からコレクタ(22,42）へ熱が伝達されて、発電効率が低下してしまう虞がある。 In this 4th invention, the fall of the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generator which electrically connected several thermoelectric power generation elements (10) in series is suppressed. That is, the thermionic power generation element (10) needs to thermally insulate the high temperature side emitters (21, 41) and the low temperature side collectors (22, 42) in order to generate power efficiently. However, in the configuration in which the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) are connected by the conductive portion (50), the emitter (21, 41) is connected to the collector (22, 42) via the conductive portion (50). ) May transfer heat to the power generation efficiency.
これに対し第４の発明では、導電部（50）がヒートチョーク構造を有していることによって、エミッタ(21,41）からコレクタ(22,42）への熱伝導が抑制される。よって、熱電子発電装置の発電効率の低下が抑制される。 On the other hand, in the fourth invention, since the conductive portion (50) has the heat choke structure, heat conduction from the emitter (21, 41) to the collector (22, 42) is suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generator is suppressed.
上記第１の発明によれば、エミッタ(21,41）及びコレクタ(22,42）を、高温側部材（13）及び低温側部材（14）が相対向する方向とは異なる方向に相対させていることで、熱歪み等によって高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔が変化したとしても、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔はほとんど変化しない。その結果、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との接触による短絡を防止することができるため、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）と間隔を小さくして発電効率を向上させることができる。 According to the first aspect of the invention, the emitters (21, 41) and the collectors (22, 42) are opposed to the direction different from the direction in which the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) face each other. Therefore, even if the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) changes due to thermal distortion, the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) hardly changes. . As a result, it is possible to prevent a short circuit due to contact between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42). Therefore, the power generation efficiency is reduced by reducing the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42). Can be improved.
上記第２の発明によれば、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔を調整する部材（32）を、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔を調整する部材（31,61）とは別にすることで、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔調整を独立して行うことができ、エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔を最適にした発電効率の高い熱電子発電装置を、効率よく製造することができる。 According to the second aspect, the member (32) for adjusting the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) is the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14). Separately from the member (31, 61) that adjusts the emitter, the distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) can be adjusted independently, and the emitter (21, 41) and collector It is possible to efficiently manufacture a thermionic power generation device with high power generation efficiency in which the distance from (22, 42) is optimized.
上記第３の発明によれば、複数の熱電子発電素子（10）を電気的に直列に接続することで、出力電圧を高めることができ、低温度域で機能する熱電子発電装置において有利になる。 According to the third aspect of the present invention, the output voltage can be increased by electrically connecting a plurality of thermionic power generation elements (10) in series, which is advantageous in a thermionic power generation device that functions in a low temperature range. Become.
上記第４の発明によれば、熱電子発電素子（10）同士を互いに接続する導電部（50）がヒートチョーク構造を有していることで、複数の熱電子発電素子（10）を直列に接続した構成において、熱伝導に起因する発電効率の低下を抑制することができる。 According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the conductive portion (50) that connects the thermoelectric generators (10) to each other has a heat choke structure, so that the plurality of thermoelectron generators (10) are connected in series. In the connected configuration, a decrease in power generation efficiency due to heat conduction can be suppressed.
以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。この実施形態の熱電子発電装置は、自動車のエンジンの排気ガスを熱源として発電を行うように構成されている。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The thermoelectric power generation device of this embodiment is configured to generate power using exhaust gas from an automobile engine as a heat source.
《発明の実施形態１》
図１は、実施形態に係る熱電子発電装置（1）の電気回路を示す説明図である。この熱電子発電装置（1）は熱電子発電素子（10）を備え、熱電子発電素子（10）は、熱電子を放出するエミッタ（11）と、該熱電子を捕集するコレクタ（12）とを備えている。エミッタ（11）とコレクタ（12）は、真空中もしくは電気的に中性で電気の通りやすいプラズマ中で所定の微細な間隙を隔てて配置され、熱的にほぼ絶縁されている。
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electric circuit of the thermoelectric generator (1) according to the embodiment. The thermoelectron generator (1) includes a thermoelectron generator (10). The thermoelectron generator (10) includes an emitter (11) that emits thermoelectrons and a collector (12) that collects the thermoelectrons. And. The emitter (11) and the collector (12) are arranged in a vacuum or in a plasma that is electrically neutral and easy to conduct electricity with a predetermined minute gap therebetween, and are thermally insulated.
エミッタ（11）とコレクタ（12）には、負荷（R1）を介して発電回路（C1）が接続されている。この発電回路（C1）は、自動車のバッテリーに接続されている。 A power generation circuit (C1) is connected to the emitter (11) and the collector (12) via a load (R1). This power generation circuit (C1) is connected to the battery of the automobile.
この実施形態では、１２ＣａＯ・７Ａｌ２Ｏ３の結晶を母体とするエレクトライド（Ｃ１２Ａ７エレクトライド）が、エミッタ（11）及びコレクタ（12）の材料として用いられている。但し、エミッタ（11）及びコレクタ（12）の材料はこれに限るものではない。このＣ１２Ａ７エレクトライドをエミッタ（11）及びコレクタ（12）に使うには、エレクトライド化した１２ＣａＯ・７Ａｌ２Ｏ３の単結晶をそのまま電極にする方法や、エレクトライド化した１２ＣａＯ・７Ａｌ２Ｏ３の微結晶を金属中に分散させて電極にする方法、また、導電体からなる電極表面にエレクトライド化した１２ＣａＯ・７Ａｌ２Ｏ３の薄膜を形成する方法等が考えられる。 In this embodiment, an electride (C12A7 electride) based on a crystal of 12CaO.7Al 2 O 3 is used as a material for the emitter (11) and the collector (12). However, the material of the emitter (11) and the collector (12) is not limited to this. In order to use this C12A7 electride for the emitter (11) and the collector (12), a method of using an electrified single crystal of 12CaO · 7Al 2 O 3 as an electrode as it is, or an electrified 12CaO · 7Al 2 O 3 A method of forming a 12CaO · 7Al 2 O 3 thin film on the electrode surface made of a conductor, or the like can be considered.
図１において、エミッタ（11）に熱が印加されると、エミッタ（11）から熱電子が放出され、この熱電子がコレクタ（12）に捕集される。この熱電子は発電回路（C1）内を流れ、発電が行われることとなる。 In FIG. 1, when heat is applied to the emitter (11), thermoelectrons are emitted from the emitter (11), and the thermoelectrons are collected by the collector (12). The thermoelectrons flow in the power generation circuit (C1), and power generation is performed.
図２は、実施形態１に係る熱電子発電装置（1）の具体的構成を示す図である。この熱電子発電装置（1）は、相対的に高温の熱源に接続された高温側部材（第１熱源）（13）と、高温側部材（13）に対して第１方向（図２における紙面上下方向）に所定の間隙を隔てて配置されかつ、相対的に低温の熱源に接続された低温側部材（第２熱源）（14）と、それぞれ高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間に配置された、エミッタ部材（21）及びコレクタ部材（22）と、を備えている。 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the thermoelectric generator (1) according to the first embodiment. The thermoelectric generator (1) includes a high temperature side member (first heat source) (13) connected to a relatively high temperature heat source, and a first direction (paper surface in FIG. 2) with respect to the high temperature side member (13). A low temperature side member (second heat source) (14) disposed in the vertical direction with a predetermined gap and connected to a relatively low temperature heat source, a high temperature side member (13), and a low temperature side member (14), respectively. And an emitter member (21) and a collector member (22).
高温側部材（13）は、図示していないが、自動車の排気ガスが流れる排気ガス通路を備えている。高温側部材（13）は、排気ガスの熱をエミッタ部材（21）に伝達する。 Although not shown, the high temperature side member (13) includes an exhaust gas passage through which the exhaust gas of the automobile flows. The high temperature side member (13) transfers the heat of the exhaust gas to the emitter member (21).
低温側部材（14）は、図示していないが、冷却水が流れる冷却水通路を備え、この冷却水通路は、図示しないラジエータに接続されている。低温側部材（14）は、コレクタ部材（22）から放出される熱を冷却水に吸熱させる。 Although not shown, the low temperature side member (14) includes a cooling water passage through which cooling water flows, and the cooling water passage is connected to a radiator (not shown). The low temperature side member (14) causes the cooling water to absorb heat released from the collector member (22).
エミッタ部材（21）は、熱電子発電素子（10）におけるエミッタ（11）として機能する部材であり、高温側部材（13）に接触した状態で、この高温側部材（13）に沿って延びる接触部（21a）と、高温側部材（13）から低温側部材（14）に向かって突出する突出部（21b）と、を含む、正面視で略Ｌ字状に形成されている。エミッタ部材（21）において、コレクタ部材（22）に対し相対向する対向面（21c）は、第１方向に直交する第２方向（図２における紙面左右方向）を向くように設定されている。 The emitter member (21) is a member that functions as the emitter (11) in the thermoelectric generator (10), and is in contact with the high temperature side member (13) and extends along the high temperature side member (13). It is formed in a substantially L shape in a front view including a portion (21a) and a protruding portion (21b) protruding from the high temperature side member (13) toward the low temperature side member (14). In the emitter member (21), the opposing surface (21c) facing the collector member (22) is set to face a second direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the first direction.
コレクタ部材（22）は、熱電子発電素子（10）におけるコレクタ（12）として機能する部材であり、低温側部材（14）に接触した状態で、この低温側部材（14）に沿って延びる接触部（22a）と、低温側部材（14）から高温側部材（13）に向かって突出する突出部（22b）と、を含む、正面視で天地反転の略Ｌ字状に形成されている。コレクタ部材（22）の対向面（22c）は、エミッタ部材（21）と同様に、第２方向を向くように設定されている。このように、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）とは、互いに同一の形状を有している。 The collector member (22) is a member that functions as the collector (12) in the thermoelectric generator (10), and is in contact with the low temperature side member (14) and extends along the low temperature side member (14). It includes a portion (22a) and a protruding portion (22b) that protrudes from the low temperature side member (14) toward the high temperature side member (13), and is formed in a substantially L shape that is upside down in front view. The opposing surface (22c) of the collector member (22) is set to face the second direction, like the emitter member (21). Thus, the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) have the same shape.
この熱電子発電装置（1）において、エミッタ部材（21）における突出部（21b）の上端面と、コレクタ部材（22）における接触部（22a）との間には、絶縁材料からなる第１調整部材（31）が配置されており、この第１調整部材（31）によって、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との、第１方向に対する間隔が、所定の間隔となるように規定されている。尚、第１調整部材（31）の配設位置は、これに限るものではない。例えば、コレクタ部材（22）の突出部（22b）との上端面と、エミッタ部材（21）における接触部（21a）との間に、第１調整部材を配置してもよい。また、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間に、第１調整部材を配置してもよい。 In the thermoelectron generator (1), a first adjustment made of an insulating material is provided between the upper end surface of the protrusion (21b) of the emitter member (21) and the contact portion (22a) of the collector member (22). The member (31) is arranged, and the first adjustment member (31) causes the high-temperature side member (13) and the low-temperature side member (14) to have a predetermined interval with respect to the first direction. It is prescribed. In addition, the arrangement | positioning position of a 1st adjustment member (31) is not restricted to this. For example, you may arrange | position a 1st adjustment member between the upper end surface with the protrusion part (22b) of a collector member (22), and the contact part (21a) in an emitter member (21). Moreover, you may arrange | position a 1st adjustment member between a high temperature side member (13) and a low temperature side member (14).
また、エミッタ部材（21）の対向面（21c）とコレクタ部材（22）の対向面（22c）との間には、絶縁材料からなる第２調整部材（32）が配置され、この第２調整部材（32）によって、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との間隔が、所定の間隔となるように規定されている。この第２調整部材（32）は、例えば直径がミクロンオーダーの、シリカ製やカーボン製のファイバ状部材とすることができる。 A second adjustment member (32) made of an insulating material is disposed between the opposing surface (21c) of the emitter member (21) and the opposing surface (22c) of the collector member (22). The member (32) defines the distance between the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) to be a predetermined distance. The second adjusting member (32) can be a fiber member made of silica or carbon having a diameter of the order of microns, for example.
−熱電子発電装置の製造−
前記構成の熱電子発電装置（1）は、例えば以下の手順によって製造することが可能である。すなわち、先ず、高温側部材（13）と、低温側部材（14）と、エミッタ部材（21）と、コレクタ部材（22）と、をそれぞれ用意する。尚、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との電極構成が同じであるときには、同一の部材を２つ用意すればよい。
-Manufacture of thermoelectric generators-
The thermoelectric generator (1) having the above-described configuration can be manufactured, for example, by the following procedure. That is, first, a high temperature side member (13), a low temperature side member (14), an emitter member (21), and a collector member (22) are prepared. When the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) have the same electrode configuration, two identical members may be prepared.
次に、エミッタ部材（21）の接触部（21a）が高温側部材（13）に接触し、突出部（21b）が高温側部材（13）から突出するように、エミッタ部材（21）を高温側部材（13）に対し取り付ける一方、コレクタ部材（22）の接触部（22a）が低温側部材（14）に接触し、突出部（22b）が低温側部材（14）から突出するように、コレクタ部材（22）を低温側部材（14）に対し取り付ける。 Next, the emitter member (21) is heated so that the contact portion (21a) of the emitter member (21) contacts the high temperature side member (13) and the protruding portion (21b) protrudes from the high temperature side member (13). While attaching to the side member (13), the contact part (22a) of the collector member (22) is in contact with the low temperature side member (14), and the protruding part (22b) is protruded from the low temperature side member (14). The collector member (22) is attached to the low temperature side member (14).
そうして、エミッタ部材（21）における突出部（21b）と、コレクタ部材（22）における接触部（22a）との間には、第１調整部材（31）を介在させる一方で、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との対向面（21c,22c）同士の間には、第２調整部材（32）を介在させて、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）とを相対向させる。こうして、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔は、第１調整部材（31）によって規定される一方で、エミッタ部材（21）の対向面（21c）とコレクタ部材（22）の対向面（22c）との間隔は、第２調整部材（32）によって規定されるようになる。 Thus, while the first adjustment member (31) is interposed between the protrusion (21b) of the emitter member (21) and the contact portion (22a) of the collector member (22), the emitter member ( The second adjustment member (32) is interposed between the opposing surfaces (21c, 22c) of the collector member (22) and the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14). Make opposites. Thus, the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) is defined by the first adjustment member (31), while the opposing surface (21c) of the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22). ) With the facing surface (22c) is defined by the second adjustment member (32).
尚、例えばエミッタ部材（21）及びコレクタ部材（22）の少なくとも一方の対向面（21c,22c）に、第２調整部材（32）を予め担持しておくようにしてもよい。こうしておけば、第２調整部材（32）を、エミッタ部材（21）及びコレクタ部材（22）との間に一々、介在させる必要がなくなり、製造作業の容易化が図られる。 For example, the second adjustment member (32) may be supported in advance on at least one opposing surface (21c, 22c) of the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22). In this way, it is not necessary to interpose the second adjusting member (32) between the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22), thereby facilitating the manufacturing operation.
同様に、例えばエミッタ部材（21）の突出部（21b）に対して、第１調整部材（31）を予め固定しておくようにしてもよい。 Similarly, for example, the first adjustment member (31) may be fixed in advance to the protrusion (21b) of the emitter member (21).
そうして、熱電子発電素子（10）におけるエミッタ部材（21）が高温側部材（13）に接続されると共に、コレクタ部材（22）が低温側部材（14）に接続された熱電子発電装置（1）が完成する。 Thus, the thermoelectron generator in which the emitter member (21) in the thermoelectric generator (10) is connected to the high temperature side member (13) and the collector member (22) is connected to the low temperature side member (14) (1) is completed.
尚、前記の製造手順は一例であり、適宜、その各工程の順番を入れ替えたり、所定の工程を省略したり、別の工程を追加したりすることが可能である。 In addition, the said manufacturing procedure is an example, The order of each process can be changed suitably, a predetermined process can be abbreviate | omitted, or another process can be added.
−発電動作−
自動車の運転時、排気ガスが高温側部材（13）の排気ガス通路内を流れ、排気ガスの熱がエミッタ部材（21）に与えられる。これによって、エミッタ部材（21）から熱電子が放出され、コレクタ部材（22）で熱電子が捕集される。そうして熱電子発電素子（10）において起電力が発生する。コレクタ部材（22）から放出される熱は、低温側部材（14）の冷却水通路内を流れる冷却水に吸熱され、ラジエータとの間を循環する。
-Power generation operation-
During operation of the automobile, the exhaust gas flows through the exhaust gas passage of the high temperature side member (13), and the heat of the exhaust gas is given to the emitter member (21). Thereby, thermoelectrons are emitted from the emitter member (21), and the thermoelectrons are collected by the collector member (22). Thus, an electromotive force is generated in the thermoelectric generator (10). The heat released from the collector member (22) is absorbed by the cooling water flowing in the cooling water passage of the low temperature side member (14) and circulates between the radiator and the radiator.
−実施形態１の効果−
以上のように、この実施形態では、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）とは、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）とが相対向する第１方向に直交する第２方向に、所定の間隙を隔てて配置されているため、仮に熱歪み等によって高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔が第１方向に変化したとしても、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との間隔は変化しない。つまり、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）とが接触して短絡してしまうことが防止できることから、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との間隔を極めて小さく設定することが可能になり、その結果、発電効率を向上させることができる。
-Effect of Embodiment 1-
As described above, in this embodiment, the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) are the second member orthogonal to the first direction in which the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) face each other. Since the gap between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) is changed in the first direction due to thermal strain or the like, the emitter member (21 ) And the collector member (22) do not change. In other words, it is possible to prevent the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) from coming into contact with each other and short-circuiting, so that the distance between the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) can be set extremely small. As a result, the power generation efficiency can be improved.
また、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）とを、第１方向とは異なる第２方向に、所定の間隙を隔てて配置する構成において、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔を調整する第１調整部材（31）と、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との間隔を調整する第２調整部材（32）と、を個別に設けることによって、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との間隔調整が、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔調整とは独立して行い得るようになり、熱電子発電装置（1）の製造が容易になる。 In the configuration in which the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction with a predetermined gap therebetween, the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) are arranged. The first adjusting member (31) for adjusting the distance between the emitter member (21) and the second adjusting member (32) for adjusting the distance between the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) is provided separately. The distance adjustment between the member (21) and the collector member (22) can be performed independently of the distance adjustment between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14). ) Is easy to manufacture.
さらに、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔は、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）との間隔とは無関係に設定することが可能であるため、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔を比較的大きく設定することも可能である。このことは、高温側部材（13）及び低温側部材（14）等の、配置自由度を高める上で有利である。 Further, since the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) can be set regardless of the distance between the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22), the high temperature side member It is also possible to set a relatively large distance between (13) and the low temperature side member (14). This is advantageous in increasing the degree of freedom of arrangement of the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14).
《発明の実施形態２》
次に、本発明の実施形態２について説明する。実施形態２に係る熱電子発電装置（1）は、エミッタ部材及びコレクタ部材の形状を実施形態１とは異ならせた例である。
<< Embodiment 2 of the Invention >>
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The thermoelectric generator (1) according to the second embodiment is an example in which the shapes of the emitter member and the collector member are different from those of the first embodiment.
具体的には、図３に示すように、エミッタ部材（41）は、本実施形態では、正面視で略直角三角形状を有しており、その斜辺に相当する面が対向面（41a）として設定されている。このため、エミッタ部材（41）の対向面（41a）は、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）とが相対向する第１方向とは異なる方向を向いている。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the emitter member (41) has a substantially right triangle shape in front view, and a surface corresponding to the hypotenuse as an opposing surface (41a). Is set. For this reason, the opposing surface (41a) of the emitter member (41) faces a direction different from the first direction in which the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) face each other.
また、コレクタ部材（42）は、エミッタ部材（41）と同様に、本実施形態では、正面視で略直角三角形状を有しており、その斜辺に相当する面が対向面（42a）として設定されている。このため、コレクタ部材（42）の対向面（42a）も、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）とが相対向する第１方向とは異なる方向を向いている。 Further, like the emitter member (41), the collector member (42) has a substantially right triangle shape in front view, and the surface corresponding to the hypotenuse is set as the facing surface (42a). Has been. For this reason, the opposing surface (42a) of the collector member (42) also faces a direction different from the first direction in which the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) face each other.
また、実施形態２において、第１調整部材（61）は、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間に介在する柱状の部材とされている。 In the second embodiment, the first adjustment member (61) is a columnar member interposed between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14).
この実施形態２においては、エミッタ部材（41）とコレクタ部材（42）とは、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）とが相対向する第１方向とは異なる方向（第２方向）に、所定の間隙を隔てて配置されているため、仮に熱歪み等によって高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔が第１方向に変化したとしても、エミッタ部材（41）とコレクタ部材（42）との間隔はほとんど変化しない。それによって短絡が防止できる。 In the second embodiment, the emitter member (41) and the collector member (42) are different from the first direction in which the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) face each other (second direction). ), The emitter member (41) even if the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) is changed in the first direction due to thermal strain or the like. ) And the collector member (42) hardly change. Thereby, a short circuit can be prevented.
また、実施形態１と同様に、第１調整部材（61）と、第２調整部材（32）とが個別に設けられているため、各エミッタ部材（41）と各コレクタ部材（42）との間隔調整が、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔調整とは独立して行い得るようになり、熱電子発電装置（1）の製造が容易になる。
Moreover, since the 1st adjustment member (61) and the 2nd adjustment member (32) are provided separately similarly to
尚、図３に示すエミッタ部材（41）及びコレクタ部材（42）の形状は一例であり、エミッタ部及びコレクタ部の形状は、それらの対向面が第１方向とは異なる方向に向くのであれば、適宜設定することが可能である。 The shape of the emitter member (41) and the collector member (42) shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and the shape of the emitter part and the collector part is such that their facing surfaces are oriented in a direction different from the first direction. It is possible to set appropriately.
《発明の実施形態３》
次に本発明の実施形態３について説明する。実施形態３に係る熱電子発電装置（1）は、図４に示すように、複数の熱電子発電素子（10）を、電気的に直列に接続して構成されている。
<< Embodiment 3 of the Invention >>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric generator (1) according to Embodiment 3 is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of thermoelectric generators (10) in series.
この実施形態において、高温側部材（13）及び低温側部材（14）はそれぞれ、第１方向に直交する第２方向（図４における紙面左右方向）に延びる部材とされているのに対し、各エミッタ部材及びコレクタ部材は、実施形態１に係る熱電子発電装置（1）のエミッタ部材（21）及びコレクタ部材（22）と同じ構成である。 In this embodiment, each of the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) is a member extending in a second direction (left and right direction in FIG. 4) orthogonal to the first direction, The emitter member and the collector member have the same configuration as the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) of the thermoelectric generator (1) according to the first embodiment.
複数のエミッタ部材（21）は、高温側部材（13）に対して、第２方向に所定の間隔を空けて並んで配置されているのに対し、複数のコレクタ部材（22）は、低温側部材（14）に、第２方向に所定の間隔を空けて並んで配置されている。高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との第１方向に対する間隔が、第１調整部材（31）によって所定の間隔となるように規定される一方、各エミッタ部材（21）の対向面（21c）と各コレクタ部材（22）の対向面（22c）との間隔が、第２調整部材（32）によって規定される点は、実施形態１と同じである。
The plurality of emitter members (21) are arranged side by side with a predetermined interval in the second direction with respect to the high temperature side member (13), whereas the plurality of collector members (22) are arranged on the low temperature side The members (14) are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the second direction. The distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) in the first direction is defined by the first adjustment member (31) to be a predetermined distance, while the emitter members (21) face each other. The point which the space | interval of a surface (21c) and the opposing surface (22c) of each collector member (22) is prescribed | regulated by the 2nd adjustment member (32) is the same as
そうして、実施形態３に係る熱電子発電装置（1）は、隣合う熱電子発電素子（10）同士を、電気的に互いに接続する導線部（50）を有している。この導線部（50）は、例えば銅線からなり、高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間に配置されて、その一端がエミッタ部材（21）における接触部（21a）に接続されていると共に、その他端がコレクタ部材（22）における接触部（22a）に接続されている。この導線部（50）はまた、比較的小径であり、これによって、各導線部（50）は、エミッタ部材（21）からコレクタ部材（22）へ、当該導線部（50）を介して熱が伝達することを抑制するヒートチョーク構造を有するようになっている。 Thus, the thermoelectric power generation device (1) according to Embodiment 3 includes a conductor portion (50) that electrically connects adjacent thermoelectric power generation elements (10) to each other. The conductor portion (50) is made of, for example, copper wire, and is disposed between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14), and one end thereof is connected to the contact portion (21a) of the emitter member (21). The other end is connected to the contact portion (22a) of the collector member (22). The conducting wire portion (50) is also relatively small in diameter so that each conducting wire portion (50) receives heat from the emitter member (21) to the collector member (22) via the conducting wire portion (50). It has a heat choke structure that suppresses transmission.
この実施形態３では、複数の熱電子発電素子（10）を導線部（50）で直列に接続しているので、熱電子発電装置（1）の出力電圧を熱電子発電素子（10）の個数分だけ高めることができる。低温度域での発電では、熱電子発電素子（10）の１つについて出力電圧が小さくなるが、複数の熱電子発電素子（10）を直列に接続することによって出力電圧を上げることができ、有用である。 In the third embodiment, since the plurality of thermionic power generation elements (10) are connected in series by the conductor portion (50), the output voltage of the thermionic power generation apparatus (1) is set to the number of thermionic power generation elements (10). Can be increased by minutes. In power generation in the low temperature range, the output voltage is reduced for one of the thermoelectric generators (10), but the output voltage can be increased by connecting a plurality of thermoelectric generators (10) in series, Useful.
また、エミッタ部材（21）とコレクタ部材（22）とが導線部（50）を介して互いに接続されているため、通常では、この導線部（50）を介してエミッタ部材（21）からコレクタ部材（22）に熱が伝達されて発電効率が低下してしまうが、この実施形態３では、導線部（50）がヒートチョーク構造を有しているため、熱伝導が抑制される。その結果、熱電子発電装置（1）の発電効率が低下してしまうことを抑制することができる。 In addition, since the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) are connected to each other via the conductor portion (50), the emitter member (21) is normally connected to the collector member via the conductor portion (50). Although heat is transmitted to (22) and power generation efficiency is reduced, in the third embodiment, since the conductor portion (50) has a heat choke structure, heat conduction is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device (1).
さらに比較的長尺の高温側部材（13）及び低温側部材（14）に対して、複数のエミッタ部材（21）及びコレクタ部材（22）を接続した構成の熱電子発電装置（1）では、熱歪み等に起因して、エミッタ部材（21）及びコレクタ部材（22）の接触が生じやすいものの、この実施形態３では、各エミッタ部材（21）及び各コレクタ部材（22）を、第１方向に直交する第２方向に相対向させているため、各エミッタ部材（21）及び各コレクタ部材（22）の接触が生じ難く、短絡の発生を防止することができる。 Further, in the thermoelectric generator (1) having a configuration in which a plurality of emitter members (21) and collector members (22) are connected to the relatively long high temperature side member (13) and low temperature side member (14), Although contact between the emitter member (21) and the collector member (22) is likely to occur due to thermal strain or the like, in the third embodiment, each emitter member (21) and each collector member (22) is moved in the first direction. Since the emitter members (21) and the collector members (22) do not easily come into contact with each other in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the occurrence of a short circuit can be prevented.
尚、ここでは、実施形態１に係るエミッタ部材（21）及びコレクタ部材（22）を複数個並べることによって、熱電子発電装置（1）を構成しているが、実施形態２に係るエミッタ部材（41）及びコレクタ部材（42）を複数個並べることによって、熱電子発電装置（1）を構成してもよいことは言うまでもよい。また、エミッタ部材及びコレクタ部材の形状は特に限定されるものでもない。 Here, the thermionic power generator (1) is configured by arranging a plurality of emitter members (21) and collector members (22) according to the first embodiment, but the emitter member (1) according to the second embodiment ( It goes without saying that the thermoelectric generator (1) may be constituted by arranging a plurality of 41) and collector members (42). Further, the shapes of the emitter member and the collector member are not particularly limited.
《その他の実施形態》
上記実施形態については、以下のような構成としてもよい。
<< Other Embodiments >>
About the said embodiment, it is good also as the following structures.
例えば、上記実施形態では、熱電子発電装置を自動車の排気ガスの排熱を利用して発電するものとして説明したが、ガスバーナー、ガス給湯器又はガスストーブなどにおけるガスの燃焼熱を利用した発電装置に応用したり、燃料電池の排熱を利用した発電装置に応用することもできる。 For example, in the above embodiment, the thermionic power generation apparatus has been described as generating power by using exhaust heat of automobile exhaust gas. However, power generation using the combustion heat of gas in a gas burner, gas water heater, gas stove, or the like. The present invention can be applied to a device or a power generation device that uses exhaust heat of a fuel cell.
また、本発明は低温度域での発電に特に有効であるが、それに限らず、高温度域の発電時に出力電圧を高めるのにも適用できる。 In addition, the present invention is particularly effective for power generation in a low temperature range, but is not limited thereto, and can be applied to increase the output voltage during power generation in a high temperature range.
尚、以上の実施形態は、本質的に好ましい例示であって、本発明、その適用物、あるいはその用途の範囲を制限することを意図するものではない。 In addition, the above embodiment is an essentially preferable illustration, Comprising: It does not intend restrict | limiting the range of this invention, its application thing, or its use.
以上説明したように、本発明は、熱電子を放出するエミッタと該熱電子を捕集するコレクタとが所定の間隙を隔てて配置された熱電子発電素子を用いて構成された熱電子発電装置について有用である。 As described above, the present invention relates to a thermionic power generation apparatus configured using a thermionic power generation element in which an emitter for emitting thermoelectrons and a collector for collecting the thermoelectrons are arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween. Useful for.
１ 熱電子発電装置
１０ 熱電子発電素子
１３ 高温側部材
１４ 低温側部材
２１ エミッタ部材（エミッタ）
２２ コレクタ部材（コレクタ）
３１ 第１調整部材
３２ 第２調整部材
４１ エミッタ部材（エミッタ）
４２ コレクタ部材（コレクタ）
５０ 導線部（導電部）
６１ 第１調整部材
DESCRIPTION OF
22 Collector member (collector)
31
42 Collector member (collector)
50 Conductor part (conductive part)
61 First adjustment member
Claims (4)
前記第１熱源に接続される高温側部材（13）と、当該高温側部材（13）に対して第１方向に相対して配置されかつ、相対的に低温の第２熱源に接続される低温側部材（14）と、をさらに備え、
前記エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）とは、前記エミッタ(21,41）が前記高温側部材（13）に接触しかつ、前記コレクタ(22,42）が前記低温側部材（14）に接触した状態で、前記第１方向とは異なる第２方向に前記熱電子が移動するように所定の間隙を隔てて配置されていることを特徴とする熱電子発電装置。 An emitter (21, 41) that emits thermoelectrons and a collector (22, 42) that collects the thermoelectrons are provided with a thermionic power generation element (10) arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween, and the emitter ( 21,41) connected to a relatively high temperature first heat source,
A high temperature side member (13) connected to the first heat source, and a low temperature disposed relative to the high temperature side member (13) in the first direction and connected to a relatively low temperature second heat source. A side member (14),
The emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42) are such that the emitter (21, 41) is in contact with the high temperature side member (13) and the collector (22, 42) is the low temperature side member ( 14. The thermoelectron generator according to claim 14, wherein the thermoelectron generator is disposed with a predetermined gap so that the thermoelectrons move in a second direction different from the first direction in a state of contact with 14).
前記高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との間隔を調整する第１調整部材(31,61）と、
前記エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との間隔を調整する第２調整部材（32）と、をさらに備え、
前記第１及び第２調整部材（31,32,61）によって、前記高温側部材（13）と低温側部材（14）との第１方向に対する間隔と、前記エミッタ(21,41）とコレクタ(22,42）との第２方向に対する間隔とが、互いに独立して調整可能に構成されていることを特徴とする熱電子発電装置。 The thermoelectric generator according to claim 1,
A first adjustment member (31, 61) for adjusting the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14);
A second adjusting member (32) for adjusting a distance between the emitter (21, 41) and the collector (22, 42);
By the first and second adjusting members (31, 32, 61), the distance between the high temperature side member (13) and the low temperature side member (14) in the first direction, the emitter (21, 41) and the collector ( 22, 42) and the distance in the second direction can be adjusted independently of each other.
前記熱電子発電素子（10）を複数備え、
前記複数の熱電子発電素子（10）は、電気的に直列に接続されていることを特徴とする熱電子発電装置。 The thermionic power generator according to claim 1 or 2,
A plurality of the thermoelectric generators (10),
The thermoelectric generator (10), wherein the plurality of thermoelectric generators (10) are electrically connected in series.
前記熱電子発電素子（10）同士を電気的に接続する導電部（50）を備え、
前記導電部（50）は、当該導電部（50）を介した熱伝導を抑制するヒートチョーク構造を有していることを特徴とする熱電子発電装置。 The thermionic power generator according to claim 3,
A conductive portion (50) for electrically connecting the thermoelectric generators (10) to each other;
The said electroconductive part (50) has the heat choke structure which suppresses the heat conduction through the said electroconductive part (50), The thermoelectron power generator characterized by the above-mentioned.
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| JP2012248618A (en) * | 2011-05-26 | 2012-12-13 | Denso Corp | Thermoelectric power generation element |
| JP2013165290A (en) * | 2013-04-23 | 2013-08-22 | Denso Corp | Thermoelectric power generation element |
| US8970088B2 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2015-03-03 | Denso Corporation | Thermionic converter |
| JP2019149493A (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2019-09-05 | 株式会社Ｇｃｅインスティチュート | Thermoelectric element, thermoelectric device, and forming method of thermoelectric element |
| JP2021192569A (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2021-12-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Power generation element |
| JP2022076177A (en) * | 2020-11-09 | 2022-05-19 | 株式会社東芝 | Power generation element and power generating system |
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| US8970088B2 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2015-03-03 | Denso Corporation | Thermionic converter |
| JP2012248618A (en) * | 2011-05-26 | 2012-12-13 | Denso Corp | Thermoelectric power generation element |
| US9000652B2 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2015-04-07 | Denso Corporation | Thermionic generator |
| JP2013165290A (en) * | 2013-04-23 | 2013-08-22 | Denso Corp | Thermoelectric power generation element |
| JP2019149493A (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2019-09-05 | 株式会社Ｇｃｅインスティチュート | Thermoelectric element, thermoelectric device, and forming method of thermoelectric element |
| WO2019167691A1 (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2019-09-06 | 株式会社Ｇｃｅインスティチュート | Thermoelectric element, thermoelectric device and method for forming thermoelectric element |
| US11527694B2 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2022-12-13 | Gce Institute Inc. | Thermoelectric element, thermoelectric device, and method for forming thermoelectric element |
| JP2021192569A (en) * | 2020-06-05 | 2021-12-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Power generation element |
| JP7360360B2 (en) | 2020-06-05 | 2023-10-12 | 株式会社東芝 | power generation element |
| JP2022076177A (en) * | 2020-11-09 | 2022-05-19 | 株式会社東芝 | Power generation element and power generating system |
| JP7490536B2 (en) | 2020-11-09 | 2024-05-27 | 株式会社東芝 | Power generation element and power generation system |
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