気密ケース入り熱電変換モジュールの開発および廃熱利用への適用

概要

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An encapsulated thermoelectric (TE) module consists of a vacuum tight stainless steel container of 55×50×11 mm in which a SiGe or BiTe TE module is encapsulated. This situation enables maximum performance and durability because (1) the thermal expansion mismatch between the hot and cold sides of the container can be accommodated by a sliding sheet in the container, (2) the TE module inside is always kept in a vacuum environment, therefore no oxidation can occur, and (3) the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the container reduces thermal contact resistance inside the container. The encapsulated module could be applied to various environments and features maximum TE power with minimum installation cost. An attempt has been made to adopt the encapsulated TE modules to make use of waste heat of the powder metallurgy furnace. Heat transfer analysis and cost evaluation of the system have been made. Demonstration of the encapsulated TE module performance at the powder metallurgy furnace has been conducted and proven 3000 hr operation.