JP2015119065A - Multi-layer thermoelectric unit and combustion equipment provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bilayer thermoelectric unit capable of avoiding reduction of generation power, by suppressing even somewhat of unnecessary temperature rise on the heat-receiving surface.SOLUTION: A bilayer thermoelectric unit includes first heat transfer means 111 for transferring first main thermal energy, a second heat transfer means 112 for transferring second main thermal energy by a heat transfer form different from that of the first main thermal energy, a first thermoelectric unit 130a generating power when heat is transferred from a first heat-receiving surface to a first heat radiation surface via a semiconductor arrangement layer, a second thermoelectric unit 130b generating power when heat is transferred from a second heat-receiving surface to a second heat radiation surface via the semiconductor arrangement layer, and heat absorption means 120 arranged in a region where the first heat radiation surface is facing the second heat radiation surface, and absorbing thermal energy from both heat radiation surfaces.

Description

  The present invention relates to a multilayer thermoelectric unit and a combustion device, and is particularly suitable for use in effectively generating generated power using a thermoelectric element.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-204164 (Patent Document 1) introduces a technique of generating power using a heat source having a high combustion section by disposing a thermoelectric element in a combustion device such as a stove. In such a technique, when heat transfer is performed from a surface that receives heat energy (heat receiving surface) to a surface that dissipates heat energy (heat radiating surface), electric power corresponding to the heat transfer is generated by the Seebeck effect. In particular, the thermoelectric element of the same document adopts a structure that causes heat transfer in one direction from one heat receiving surface to one heat radiating surface, and the heat receiving surface is arranged toward the heat source and the heat radiating surface toward the atmosphere. Is placed.

JP-A 64-204164

  However, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, the structure of a thermoelectric element that causes heat transfer to occur in one direction is provided. Therefore, if a structure that exposes or contacts the heat radiation surface at a low temperature location such as the atmosphere is sufficiently provided, It is difficult to effectively eliminate the heat transfer path from the heat dissipation surface to the heat dissipation surface. For this reason, in a thermoelectric element, the temperature difference between both surfaces is not sufficiently given, and the generated power is reduced.

  In view of the above problems, a first object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer thermoelectric unit capable of suppressing an unnecessary temperature rise on the heat receiving surface to some extent and avoiding a decrease in generated power. A second object of the present invention is to provide a combustion device capable of exhibiting high power generation capacity by using such a multilayer thermoelectric unit.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following multi-layer thermoelectric unit configuration. That is, the first heat transfer means for transferring the first main heat energy and the second heat transfer means for transferring the second main heat energy in a heat transfer form different from the first main heat energy. And a first thermoelectric unit that generates generated power when heat is transferred from the first heat receiving surface facing or contacting the first heat transfer means to the first heat radiating surface via the semiconductor arrangement layer; A second thermoelectric unit for generating generated power when heat is transferred from the second heat receiving surface facing or in contact with the second heat transfer means to the second heat radiating surface via the semiconductor arrangement layer; And a heat absorbing means that is disposed in a region where the heat radiating surface of 1 and the second heat radiating surface face each other and absorbs heat energy from both heat radiating surfaces.

  Preferably, a unit connection wiring for connecting the first thermoelectric unit and the second thermoelectric unit, and a power supply wiring for outputting the power generated by the first thermoelectric unit and the second thermoelectric unit to a load. It shall be provided with.

  Preferably, the unit connection wiring connects the first thermoelectric unit and the second thermoelectric unit in parallel.

In the present invention, the following configuration of the combustion device may be used. That is, a high temperature chamber that houses a main heat generating portion, a partition structure that forms a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion of the high temperature chamber, an adjacent chamber that is adjacent to the high temperature chamber via the partition structure, and any of the above-described ones In combustion equipment comprising a multilayer thermoelectric unit,
The adjacent chamber has a sub-high temperature region positioned higher than the bottom wall portion, and a low temperature region positioned lower than the bottom wall portion,
The multilayer thermoelectric unit has a part or all of the multi-layer thermoelectric unit arranged in the sub-high temperature region, and the portion arranged in the sub-high temperature region of the first heat receiving portion is arranged facing the side wall portion. It will be done.

  Preferably, in the first heat transfer means, one part is exposed in the high temperature chamber and the other part is exposed in the sub-high temperature region, and the part in contact with the first heat receiving surface is an integral structure or contact. Suppose that it is a fixed structure.

  Preferably, the heat absorption means has a good heat dissipation portion disposed in the low temperature region.

  Preferably, the heat radiating portion is supplied with cooling air from a blower fan disposed in the low temperature region.

  Preferably, the second heat transfer means is composed of a heat storage member having a larger heat capacity than the structure in which the second heat receiving surface is formed.

  According to the multilayer thermoelectric unit according to the present invention, since the heat radiation surfaces of the respective thermoelectric units are arranged facing and approaching each other, the heat transfer path from the heat source to each heat radiation surface is effectively eliminated, and accordingly Therefore, the temperature rise of each heat radiating surface is suppressed. In addition, according to the multilayer thermoelectric unit, two-way heat transfer occurs from the two external heat receiving surfaces provided across the heat radiating surface toward the internal heat absorbing means. As a result, the generated power is increased.

  According to the combustion apparatus according to the present invention, by arranging the multilayer thermoelectric unit in the sub-high temperature region of the adjacent chamber, the thermal energy from the heat source can be effectively obtained by the two heat receiving surfaces provided with the heat radiating surface interposed therebetween. Can do. In this case, the multi-layer thermoelectric unit has the advantage that the sum of the thermal energy received on each heat receiving surface is increased, and the advantage that the temperature rise on each heat radiating surface is suppressed, Due to the nature of the merits being related to each other, the effect of increasing the generated power is synergistically raised.

The figure which shows the structure of a general thermoelectric unit. The figure which shows the structure of the multilayer thermoelectric unit which concerns on embodiment. The wiring diagram (series wiring) of the multilayer thermoelectric unit which concerns on Example 1. FIG. The wiring diagram (parallel connection) of the multilayer thermoelectric unit which concerns on Example 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a combustion device according to a third embodiment. The figure which shows the internal structure of the combustion equipment which concerns on Example 4. FIG.

  First, the configuration and operation of a general thermoelectric unit will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1A, in a general thermoelectric unit 100, one heat conductive layer 131, a semiconductor arrangement layer 135, and the other heat conductive layer 133 are sequentially stacked.

  The heat conductive layer 131 is made of a material having high heat conductivity, and its shape is a substantially plate-like body. In addition, the heat conducting layer 131 has a planar heat receiving surface, and is arranged so that the heat receiving surface faces the heat transfer means 110. When a metal having high electrical conductivity is selected as the material of the heat conductive layer 131, it is necessary to stack an electrical insulating layer between the semiconductor alignment layer 135. In addition, when a material such as alumina is used for the heat conductive layer 131, both high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation are ensured, so that it is not necessary to separately provide an insulating layer between the semiconductor alignment layer 135.

  Further, even in the heat conductive layer 133, the material and shape of the heat conductive layer 131 are substantially the same. The heat conducting layer 133 is provided with a heat radiating surface 134 facing the heat absorbing means 120. Even in the heat radiating surface 134, the heat receiving surface 134 is processed into a substantially flat shape, similar to the heat receiving surface 132 described above.

  In the semiconductor alignment layer 135, P-type semiconductors and N-type semiconductors are alternately connected in series via electrode layers. The electrode layer t2 is a portion where the generated current Ig flows from “N-type semiconductor to P-type semiconductor” and is disposed on the heat absorption means side. The electrode layer t3 is a portion where current flows from “P-type semiconductor to N-type semiconductor” and is disposed on the heat transfer means side. The P-type semiconductor at one end is laminated with an electrode layer t1 on the heat transfer means side, and the N-type semiconductor at the other end is also laminated with an electrode layer t4 on the heat transfer means.

  For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the electrode layer t1 is connected to the load 10 through a power supply line, and the electrode layer t4 is electrically connected to the ground potential through another power supply line.

  The heat transfer means 110 and the heat absorption means 120 are completely different from each other in temperature state. For example, if the absolute temperature of the heat receiving surface 132 adjusted by the heat transfer means 110 is Ta [K] and the absolute temperature of the heat dissipation surface 134 adjusted by the heat absorption means 120 is Tb [K], the relationship between the two temperatures is “Ta> Tb” is maintained. In this case, heat transfer occurs from the heat transfer means 110 toward the heat absorption means 120, and at this time, energy conversion is performed in the thermoelectric unit 100 (see FIG. 1B).

  Here, in the Seebeck effect, a generated current flows from “N-type semiconductor → P-type semiconductor” at a portion that absorbs heat. In the thermoelectric unit 100, since the electrode layer t2 is disposed on the heat absorption means side, the total amount of generated current Ig generated at each semiconductor junction is output from the electrode layer t1 to the load 10 due to this Seebeck effect. Will be.

  Since the generated voltage due to the Seebeck effect depends on the temperature difference, the larger the temperature difference between the heat receiving surface 132 on the heat transfer means side and the heat dissipation surface 134 on the heat absorbing means side, the larger the generated voltage. It becomes. However, the temperature difference is roughly determined by the environment in which the thermoelectric unit 100 is arranged. In addition, if a structure for exchanging heat with the heat absorbing means 120 is excessively provided on the heat radiating surface 134, a heat transfer path for heat energy from the heat source to the heat radiating surface is also secured. Thus, the temperature difference between the heat receiving surface 132 and the heat radiating surface 134 on the heat absorbing means side becomes insufficient, and sufficient generated power cannot be obtained.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 thru | or FIG. 4, the structure and effect | action of the multilayer thermoelectric unit which concerns on this Embodiment are demonstrated. FIG. 2A shows the configuration of the multilayer thermoelectric unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200 is formed by laminating a first thermoelectric unit 130a and a second thermoelectric unit 130b. The configuration of each thermoelectric unit is the same as that of the thermoelectric unit 100 described with reference to FIG. 1, and thus the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200, the heat absorption means 120 is disposed between the first thermoelectric unit 130a and the second thermoelectric unit 130b. This heat absorbing means 120 is equivalent to the above description. Moreover, the 1st heat-transfer means 111 is arrange | positioned at the other surface of the 1st thermoelectric unit 130a. Further, the second heat transfer means 112 is disposed on the other surface of the second thermoelectric unit 130b. As described above, the plurality of thermoelectric units 200 are arranged in the order of the first heat transfer unit 111, the first thermoelectric unit 130a, the heat absorption unit 120, the second thermoelectric unit 130b, and the second heat transfer unit 112. Is done.

  The first heat transfer means 111 plays a role of transferring the first main heat energy, and supplies the heat energy to the heat receiving surface 132a (first heat receiving surface 132a) of the first thermoelectric unit 130a. In the heat receiving surface 132a, in addition to the first main energy, there is another heat energy supplied through another heat transfer path, and the surface temperature depends on all the total heat energy and the surrounding environment that consumes the energy. T2 is determined. However, what is called the 1st main heat energy is what was deceived by the heat transfer path | route which transfers the heat energy which the ratio to which it occupies the highest among the total heat energy added with respect to the heat receiving surface 132a. Point to.

  The second heat transfer means 112 plays a role of transferring the second main heat energy and supplies the heat energy to the heat receiving surface 132b (second heat receiving surface 132b) of the second thermoelectric unit 130b. In the heat receiving surface 132b, in addition to the second main energy, there is another heat energy supplied through another heat transfer path, and the surface temperature depends on all the total heat energy and the surrounding environment that consumes the energy. T1 is determined. However, what is called the second main heat energy is the one that is deceived by the heat transfer path that transfers the heat energy with the highest proportion of the total heat energy applied to the heat receiving surface 132b. Point to.

  Here, the first heat transfer means 111 and the second heat transfer means 112 have different heat transfer paths. In this way, by giving heat energy to each heat transfer means by “different heat transfer modes”, even if the heat sources are the same, the heat energy supplied to both does not match, so the first thermoelectric unit In 130a and 2nd thermoelectric unit 130b, the temperature of each heat receiving surface is made into a different state. In this embodiment, assuming that the amount of heat energy supplied from the first heat transfer means 111 is large, the surface temperature of the heat receiving surface 132a is T2, and the surface temperature of the heat receiving surface 132b is T4, "T2> T4" The relationship is established.

In addition, the following are mentioned as a typical form of the movement (namely, heat transfer) of thermal energy.
・ Heat conduction (transfer of thermal energy in the body)
・ Heat transfer (transfer of heat energy accompanied by movement of objects and materials)
・ Thermal radiation (transfer of thermal energy generated by the emission of electromagnetic waves)
And what is called a heat transfer path is formed by any of these transmission forms or an appropriate combination of these transmission forms.
Therefore, the “different heat transfer forms” are concepts including that the heat transfer forms forming the heat transfer paths are different and the combinations of the heat transfer forms forming the paths are different. In addition, the term “different heat transfer forms” includes a path and includes a case where physical distances are different.

  The heat absorbing means 120 is configured so that both the heat radiation surface 134a (first heat radiation surface 134a) of the first thermoelectric unit 130a and the heat radiation surface 134b (second heat radiation surface 134b) of the second thermoelectric unit 130b are opposed to each other. Arranged in the facing area. By disposing the heat absorbing means 120 in such a region, the exposed portions of the surface portion are dramatically reduced, and the heat transfer path from the heat source is almost eliminated. In this way, the surface temperature T1 of the heat radiating surface 134a and the surface temperature T3 of the heat radiating surface 134b are sufficiently lower than the surface temperature of the heat receiving surface. In addition, each surface temperature T1, T3 in a heat radiating surface approaches an equilibrium state by the heat absorption means 120.

  As described above, according to the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200 according to the present embodiment, since the heat radiation surfaces of the respective thermoelectric units are arranged facing each other and approaching each other, the heat transfer path from the heat source to each heat radiation surface is effective. Accordingly, the temperature rise of each heat radiating surface is suppressed accordingly. Therefore, the heat absorption means 120 absorbs heat energy from both the first heat radiating surface 134a and the second heat radiating surface 134b because the temperature rise is suppressed compared to the heat receiving surfaces 132a and 132b (FIG. 2 ( b)).

  As described above, the first thermoelectric unit 130 a is disposed with the first heat receiving surface 132 a facing the first thermoelectric means 111 and the first heat radiating surface 134 a facing the heat absorbing means 120. Here, the “face-to-face” includes a state in which an appropriate gap is provided, and a mode in which the surfaces are in contact with each other is also included. The thermal energy supplied from the first heat transfer means 111 moves (heat moves) from the first heat receiving surface 132a to the first heat radiating surface 134a and the heat absorbing means 112 via the semiconductor arrangement layer 135a. In the first thermoelectric unit 130a, generated power corresponding to this heat transfer is generated.

  As described above, the second thermoelectric unit 130b is disposed with the second heat receiving surface 132b facing the second thermoelectric means 112 and the second heat radiating surface 134b facing the heat absorbing means 120. The thermal energy supplied from the second heat transfer means 112 moves (heat moves) from the second heat receiving surface 132b to the first heat radiating surface 134b and the heat absorbing means 112 via the semiconductor arrangement layer 135b. In the second thermoelectric unit 130b, generated power corresponding to this heat transfer is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, the heat energy supply points are provided on both sides of the heat absorbing means 120, and therefore, heat transfer in two different directions occurs. And in this Embodiment, it becomes possible to produce electric power generation from each thermoelectric unit by arrange | positioning a thermoelectric unit to each of these two heat transfer paths.

  As described above, according to the multilayer thermoelectric unit according to the present embodiment, two-way heat transfer occurs from the two external heat receiving surfaces provided across the heat radiating surface toward the internal heat absorbing means. Accordingly, a plurality of power generation locations are provided, and the generated power is increased. This effect is also closely related to the function of suppressing the temperature rise of the internal heat absorption means, and combined with the increase in the power generation location and the formation of a suitable temperature difference, increase the generated power extremely effectively. It becomes possible.

  In this embodiment, a wiring example of the multilayer thermoelectric unit described above is shown. As shown in FIG. 3A, the multilayer thermoelectric unit 201 according to the present embodiment is provided with a unit connection wiring L1 and power supply wirings L2 and L3. The unit connection wiring L1 is an electrical wiring that connects the first thermoelectric unit 130a and the second thermoelectric unit 130b, and electrically connects the input side electrode layer t4a and the output side electrode layer t1b. The power supply wirings L2 and L3 are used to supply and output the power generated by the first thermoelectric unit 130a and the second thermoelectric unit 130b to the load 10. Among these, the power supply wiring L2 connects the output side electrode layer t1a of the first thermoelectric unit 130a and the load 10, and the power supply wiring L3 connects to the input side electrode layer t4b of the second thermoelectric unit 130b and the load 10. And connect.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, different thermal energy is supplied to each thermoelectric unit, so that different electric power is generated from each thermoelectric unit. And both thermoelectric units will be in the state connected in series as shown in FIG.3 (c) in the closed wiring (annular wiring) containing the load 10. FIG. For this reason, in this Embodiment, it becomes possible to generate a high electromotive force by utilizing both thermoelectric units and to generate a high value of electric power accordingly.

  In this embodiment, another wiring example of the multilayer thermoelectric unit is shown. As shown in FIG. 4A, the multilayer thermoelectric unit 202 according to the present embodiment is provided with unit connection wirings L4 and L5 and power supply wirings L6 and L7. The unit connection wirings L4 and L5 are electrical wirings for connecting the first thermoelectric unit 130a and the second thermoelectric unit 130b, and electrically connect the electrode layers to each other. The power supply wires L6 and L7 are for supplying and outputting the power generated by the first thermoelectric unit 130a and the second thermoelectric unit 130b to the load 10 from the contacts k1 and k2. Among these, the power supply wiring L6 connects the contact k1 and the load 10, and the power supply wiring L7 connects the contact k2 and the load 10.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, different thermal energy is supplied to each thermoelectric unit, and different electric power is generated from each thermoelectric unit. Then, both thermoelectric units form a parallel circuit as shown in FIG. 3C in a closed wiring including the load 10. Thus, in this embodiment, units having different electromotive forces are connected in parallel, so that a circulating current is generated in the parallel circuit and heat is generated in each unit.

  In the present embodiment, such a phenomenon is intentionally generated, and heat energy generated from one thermoelectric unit is given to the heat receiving surface of the other thermoelectric unit, and the amount of power generation in the thermoelectric unit receiving this is increased. . For example, a part Qy of the thermal energy generated in the first thermoelectric unit 130a is given to the heat receiving surface 132b of the second thermoelectric unit 130b, which contributes to an improvement in the generated power in the unit 130b. Further, a part Qx of the thermal energy generated in the second thermoelectric unit 130b is given to the heat receiving surface 132a of the first thermoelectric unit 130a, and contributes to the improvement of the generated power in the unit 130a.

  In this example, a combustion apparatus equipped with a multilayer thermoelectric unit will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of thermoelectric units can be appropriately replaced within the scope of the technical idea described above. Further, although an explanation will be given by taking an oil stove as an example of the combustion equipment, it is needless to say that the meaning of the terminology of the combustion equipment is not limited to this.

  FIG. 5 shows each cross-sectional structure of the oil stove according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the oil stove 300 appropriately accommodates each part of the apparatus configuration inside the housing 310. In addition, partition structures 311, 312, and 313 are provided inside the housing 310, and a high temperature chamber R 1 and adjacent chambers (R 2 and R 3) that are adjacent via the partition structures 311 to 313 are formed. Hereinafter, in this structure, the partition structure 311 is referred to as the first side wall portion 311, the partition structure 312 is referred to as the bottom wall portion 312, and the partition structure 313 is referred to as the second side wall portion 313.

  The first side wall portion 311, the second side wall portion 313, and the bottom wall portion 312 together with the inner wall of the housing 310 define a high temperature chamber R1 and adjacent chambers (R2, R3). Among these, the high temperature chamber R1 is provided with an opening on the front side, and a protective structure (not shown) such as a wire mesh is provided in the opening. The adjacent chambers (R2, R3) are provided with a space that is a lower region (low temperature region R2) than the bottom wall portion 312 and a higher region (sub-high temperature region R3) than the bottom wall portion 112. Space is provided.

  The main body of the heat generating part 330 is fixed to the high greenhouse R1. The main heat generating portion 330 includes an iron wire lid 331, a cylindrical body 332, and the like, and a lower end portion of the cylindrical body 332 is inserted and fixed into a through hole of the horizontal wall 312. Here, the heat generating part 330 (the iron wire lid 331 and the cylindrical body 332) emits infrared rays by generating high-temperature parts by the flame ignited by the burner 334 and changing to red. Thus, the heat generating portion 330 does not indicate the entire structure but indicates a portion that generates significant heat, and in this sense, the portion accommodated in the high temperature chamber R1 or a part thereof corresponds to this.

  In addition, a reflective boundary is provided on the back surface of the high temperature chamber R1, and radiant heat is applied in the forward opening direction. In addition, a heat transfer unit 111 (first heat transfer unit) is disposed at a position close to the iron wire lid 331 at the upper part in the vertical direction of the heat generating unit 330. The heat transfer unit 111 according to the present embodiment is made of a thermoconductive material, and a plate-like body that is substantially the same as the width of the heat generating unit 330 is used. One end is disposed and exposed in the high temperature chamber R1, and the other end is disposed and exposed in the sub-high temperature region R3. The heat transfer unit 111 receives high heat energy from the heat generating unit 330 and efficiently transmits the heat energy from the high temperature chamber R1 to the sub-high temperature region R3.

  In the heat transfer unit 111 according to the present embodiment, a portion extending from the high temperature chamber R1 to the sub-high temperature chamber R3 and a contact portion between the heat receiving surface of the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200 have an integral structure. However, these two parts may be brought into contact with each other by welding or a fastener. By doing in this way, the main heat-transfer path | route from high temperature chamber R1 is ensured, and thermal energy will be supplied effectively. With such a configuration, the first thermoelectric unit 130a in contact with the heat transfer unit 111 can guide high thermal energy conducted from the high temperature chamber R1, and accordingly, high generated power can be generated. Can be generated.

  In the low temperature region R2, a burner 334 is disposed immediately below the heat generating portion 330. A burner head 333 is provided at the upper end of the burner 334, and a flame is formed near the upper end surface of the burner head 333. Since the burner head 333 is disposed close to the height of the bottom wall portion 312, the temperature at the upper and lower positions is made different. For this reason, in the oil stove 300 in operation, the temperature of the high temperature chamber R1 becomes much higher than the low temperature region R2.

  In addition, a blower 340, an oil storage unit 360, and the like are provided in the low temperature region R2. The petroleum fuel stored in the oil storage tank 350 is sent to the fuel pipe 361 through the oil storage unit 360. And the petroleum fuel which passed here is fog-purified when passing a nozzle (not shown). At this time, inside the burner 334, an air-fuel mixture having an appropriate concentration is generated by the air sent from the blower pipe 341 and the petroleum fuel injected from the nozzle, and this is burned by the burner head 333.

  On the other hand, a part or all of the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200 is disposed in the sub-high temperature region R3 of the adjacent chamber. The sub-high temperature region R3 is a low temperature region because natural convection occurs in the adjacent room, the altitude of the portion where the heat generating part 330 reaches high heat, or a large heat transfer action from the first heat transfer means 111. The temperature is higher over the entire region than R2. As described above, as the second heat transfer means 112 according to the present embodiment, heat energy is supplied in a heat transfer form different from that of the first heat transfer means (heat transfer portion 111) due to the structure of the oil stove 300. Done.

  According to the combustion apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, by disposing the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200 in the sub-high temperature region R3 of the adjacent chamber, the heat energy from the heat source is provided by the two heat receiving surfaces provided with the heat radiating surface and the heat absorbing means interposed therebetween. Can be acquired effectively. In this case, the multi-layer thermoelectric unit 200 has the advantage that the sum of the thermal energy received at each heat receiving surface is increased and the advantage that the temperature rise of each heat radiating surface is suppressed, Because the merits of each other are related to each other, the effect of increasing the generated power is synergistically enhanced.

  Further, in the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200, a portion of the first heat receiving surface 132a (the heat receiving surface of the first thermoelectric unit) arranged in the sub-high temperature region R3 faces the second side wall portion 313. Is done. According to this, the contact peripheral structure with the heat transfer unit 111 is simplified, and high thermal energy can be efficiently introduced into the multilayer thermoelectric unit 200.

  FIG. 6 shows a modification of the combustion device according to the third embodiment described above. Among these, the modification 1 is made into the shape where the heat absorption means 120 of the multilayer thermoelectric unit 203 reaches the low temperature region R2. Thus, since the heat absorption means 120 is provided with a good heat dissipation part arranged in a low temperature region, the heat absorption means 120 is suitably radiated at the good heat dissipation part, and its own temperature is lowered.

  Accordingly, in the multi-layer thermoelectric unit 203, the temperatures T1 and T3 at the respective heat dissipation surfaces are further reduced, so that the temperature difference between the heat receiving surface and the heat dissipation surface in each thermoelectric unit is increased. That is, in the multi-layer thermoelectric unit 203, the generated power is increased as the temperature difference increases. Furthermore, it should be noted that such an effect is remarkable that promotes an increase in generated power for both units by a simple change such as devising the shape of the heat absorbing means 120.

  The heat absorbing means 120 may be a plate-like body having high thermal conductivity, and does not ask about its shape / structure. Further, a heat radiating fin may be provided for the heat radiating portion of the heat absorbing means 120 to promote the cooling action. Furthermore. As the heat absorbing means 120, a heat pipe that circulates the refrigerant inside the structure may be used.

  In addition, it is preferable that cooling air is given to the good heat dissipation portion of the heat absorbing means 120 by a blower fan (see FIG. 6B). In this case, the blower fan is disposed in the low temperature region R <b> 2, so that low temperature cooling air can be applied to the heat absorbing means 120.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6C, a large-capacity heat storage member may be used as the second heat transfer means 112. The heat storage member only needs to have a sufficiently larger heat capacity than the structure in which the second heat receiving surface 132b is formed. For example, a metal plate-like body, a structure in which a heat insulating material is embedded, or It is preferable to use an appropriate structure such as a liquid storage structure in which fluid is stored inside. In particular, according to the liquid storage structure, the temperature state of the liquid is maintained when the phase transition between the liquid phase and the gas phase is performed. Therefore, depending on the selection of the stored liquid, suitable thermal energy for a plurality of thermoelectric units. Can be given.

  In addition, a configuration similar to such a heat storage member may be used in another manner. For example, an appropriate structure may be provided so that the heat storage member contacts each heat conduction layer 131 of the thermoelectric unit, and heat energy may be supplied from the heat storage member to each heat conduction layer 131. According to this, since the heat energy of the heat storage member is supplied to each heat receiving surface by heat conduction, an effect of further increasing the generated power in the multilayer thermoelectric unit is expected. Moreover, since the said heat storage member also has the effect | action which balances the temperature of both heat receiving surfaces, it will also promote effective utilization of the thermoelectric unit (2nd thermoelectric unit) with which temperature difference formation is overdue. In the heat storage member used in this way, the heat energy supply action can be exhibited at a high level by being arranged at a relatively high position in the sub-high temperature region R3 or a position close to the side wall portion 313. There is expected.

  In the above-described embodiments and examples, the oil stove has been described as a specific example of the combustion equipment. However, the combustion equipment according to the scope of claims is not limited to this, and can be applied to apparatuses belonging to combustion equipment such as stoves, hot water heaters, and incinerators by other methods.

  111 1st heat transfer means, 112 2nd heat transfer means, 120 heat absorption means, 130a 1st thermoelectric unit, 130b 2nd thermoelectric unit, 200-205 multilayer thermoelectric unit, 300 combustor, 311-312 partition Structure, 330 Heating part (part of high temperature chamber), 333 burner, 400 blower fan, R1 high greenhouse, R2 adjacent room (low temperature area), R3 adjacent room (sub-high temperature area).

Claims (8)

  A first heat transfer means for transferring the first main heat energy; a second heat transfer means for transferring the second main heat energy in a heat transfer form different from the first main heat energy; A first thermoelectric unit for generating generated power when heat is transferred from the first heat receiving surface facing or contacting the first heat transfer means to the first heat radiating surface via the semiconductor arrangement layer; A second thermoelectric unit that generates generated power when heat is transferred from the second heat receiving surface facing or contacting the two heat transfer means to the second heat radiating surface via the semiconductor arrangement layer; A multi-layer thermoelectric unit comprising: a heat-absorbing means disposed in a region where the heat-radiating surface and the second heat-radiating surface are opposed to each other, and absorbing heat energy from both heat-radiating surfaces.   A unit connection wiring for connecting the first thermoelectric unit and the second thermoelectric unit, and a power supply wiring for outputting the power generated by the first thermoelectric unit and the second thermoelectric unit to a load. The multilayer thermoelectric unit according to claim 1, comprising: a multilayer thermoelectric unit according to claim 1.   The multilayer thermoelectric unit according to claim 2, wherein the unit connection wiring connects the first thermoelectric unit and the second thermoelectric unit in parallel. A high temperature chamber containing a main heat generating portion, a partition structure that forms a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion of the high temperature chamber, an adjacent chamber adjacent to the high temperature chamber via the partition structure, and claims 1 to 3 In the combustion equipment comprising the multilayer thermoelectric unit according to any one of
The adjacent chamber has a sub-high temperature region positioned higher than the bottom wall portion, and a low temperature region positioned lower than the bottom wall portion,
The multilayer thermoelectric unit has a part or all of the multi-layer thermoelectric unit arranged in the sub-high temperature region, and the portion arranged in the sub-high temperature region of the first heat receiving portion is arranged facing the side wall portion. Combustion equipment characterized by being made.   In the first heat transfer means, one part is exposed in the high temperature chamber and the other part is exposed in the sub-high temperature region, and the part in contact with the first heat receiving surface is an integrated structure or a contact fixing structure. The combustion apparatus according to claim 4, wherein   The combustion apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the heat absorbing means includes a heat radiating portion disposed in the low temperature region.   The combustion apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the good heat dissipation portion is supplied with cooling air from a blower fan disposed in the low temperature region.   The combustion according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second heat transfer means includes a heat storage member having a larger heat capacity than a structure in which the second heat receiving surface is formed. machine.

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