JP6988264B2 - Thermoelectric conversion module, sensor module and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion module, a sensor module and an information processing system.

For example, the use of energy harvesting, which eliminates the need for power lines and signal lines, which is a problem when constructing a sensor network, is promising. As energy harvesting, in addition to solar power generation, power generation using thermoelectric conversion elements that can generate power if there is a temperature difference is promising.
For example, there is a device that causes a temperature difference in a thermoelectric conversion element by utilizing a change in temperature of a heat source over time.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a thermoelectric conversion module is configured, a heat source is brought into contact with one surface of the thermoelectric conversion element, and a latent heat storage material (PCM; Phase Change Material) is placed on the other surface, for example, via a heat transfer fin. Make contact. Then, as the temperature of the heat source changes with time, a temperature difference is generated between the temperature of the heat source and the latent heat storage material, and the thermoelectric conversion element generates electricity according to this temperature difference.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-16747 International Publication No. 2016/132533

However, in the thermoelectric conversion module using the latent heat storage material as described above, the latent heat storage material does not have a very large latent heat storage material, and it is necessary to increase the amount of the latent heat storage material in order to secure a sufficient latent heat storage material. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of power generation while reducing the size.
For example, when a plurality of motors are used as heat sources and power is generated by a thermoelectric conversion module using a latent heat storage material as described above, if a sufficient calorific value can be obtained, the thermoelectric conversion module provided in each motor can be used. It will be large.

An object of the present invention is to obtain a sufficient amount of power generation while reducing the size.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module contains a first thermoelectric conversion element and a compound that is thermally connected to the first thermoelectric conversion element and undergoes a reversible chemical reaction accompanied by heat generation and endothermic reaction at 100 ° C. or lower. It includes a first tank, a second thermoelectric conversion element, and a second tank that is connected to the first tank via a transport path and contains at least one type of product obtained by a chemical reaction of a compound. The first tank is a heat storage tank in which a chemical heat storage material as a compound stores heat and generates heat, and the second tank is connected to an evaporation tank in which at least one type of product evaporates and to the evaporation tank via a continuous passage. The second thermoelectric conversion element is thermally connected to the evaporation tank, which comprises a condensing tank in which at least one kind of product is condensed.
In one aspect, the sensor module comprises a sensor and the thermoelectric conversion module described above electrically connected to the sensor.

In one aspect, the information processing system comprises the sensor module described above and a computer that processes the data obtained by the sensor module.

As one aspect, it has an effect that a sufficient amount of power generation can be obtained while reducing the size.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A), (B) is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation in the case of using LiOH / LiOH · _{H 2} O based inorganic hydrate as a chemical heat storage material. (A), (B) is a schematic view for explaining the operation in the case of using LiOH / LiOH · H 2 _O based inorganic hydrate as a chemical heat storage material in the thermoelectric conversion module according to a first embodiment be. LiOH / LiOH · _{H 2} O system pressure - is the temperature (P-T) diagram. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the modification of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) and (B) are schematic views which show the structure of the modification of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) and (B) are diagrams for explaining the operation pattern of the first heat source and the second heat source in the configuration of the modification of the thermoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. (A) and (B) are schematic views which show the structure of the modification of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) and (B) are schematic views for demonstrating the operation in the structure of the modification of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric conversion module using the latent heat storage material. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the sensor module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system which used the sensor module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st application example of the sensor module and the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd application example of the sensor module and the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd application example of the sensor module and the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 4th application example of the sensor module and the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 5th application example of the sensor module and the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the thermoelectric conversion module, the sensor module, and the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, the thermoelectric conversion module according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present embodiment is thermally connected to the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 and the first thermoelectric conversion element 1, and is reversible with heat generation and endothermic at 100 ° C. or lower. The first tank 3 containing the compound 2 that undergoes a chemical reaction is connected to the first tank 3 via a transport channel (steam transport channel) 4, and is a product (reaction product) of the chemical reaction of the compound 2. A second tank 6 containing at least one of 5 is provided.

The thermoelectric conversion module is also referred to as a thermoelectric module, a thermoelectric power generation device, or a power generation device. Further, the thermoelectric conversion element is also referred to as a thermoelectric device or a thermoelectric element.
In the present embodiment, the first tank 3 is a heat storage tank in which the chemical heat storage material as the compound 2 stores heat and generates heat. Further, the second tank 6 is an evaporation / condensation tank in which at least one type of the product 5 evaporates (vaporizes) / condenses. Further, the end portion of the transport path 4 is in contact with the product 5 in the second tank 6. The first tank 3, the second tank 6, and the transportation path 4 may be made of a heat insulating material such as plastic.

Here, heat storage using the reaction heat of a reversible chemical reaction accompanied by heat generation and heat absorption is called chemical heat storage. Here, the chemical heat storage material 2 is a compound capable of reacting at a low temperature (low temperature zone) of 100 ° C. or lower. For example, it is an inorganic hydrate that causes a dehydration reaction / hydration reaction from around 50 ° C.
Examples of such an inorganic hydrate include lithium hydroxide hydrate [chemical formula LiOH · H ₂ O; decomposition temperature (reaction temperature) 60 ° C.; reaction calorific value 1440 kJ / kg], barium hydroxide hydrate [Ba. _{(OH) 2 · 8H 2 O} ; decomposition temperature (reaction temperature) 50 ° C.; reaction heat 1175kJ / kg], sodium phosphate hydrate _{[Na 3 PO 4 · 3H 2} O; decomposition temperature (reaction temperature) 60 ° C.; Reaction calorific value 1200 kJ / kg] and the like can be mentioned. Such an inorganic hydrate has a large amount of reaction heat, which is an order of magnitude larger than the amount of latent heat of the latent heat storage material.

Also, at least one of the reaction products 5 is water.
Therefore, the heat storage tank as the first tank 3 contains the chemical heat storage material as the compound 2, and the chemical heat storage material 2 causes a dehydration reaction / hydration reaction to store heat and generate heat. Further, the evaporation / condensation tank as the second tank 6 contains water as the reaction product 5, so that the water 5 evaporates / condenses.

As the chemical heat storage material 2, for example, hydrogen-based Mg + H ₂ = MgH ₂ (reaction temperature 287 ° C.; reaction heat 2900 kJ / kg), carbon dioxide-based CaO + CO ₂ = CaCO ₃ (reaction temperature 830 ° C.; reaction heat 1780 kJ / kg). ), aqueous _{CaO + H 2 O = Ca (} OH) 2 ( reaction temperature 480 ° C.; reaction heat 1480kJ / kg), ammonia-based _{FeCl 2 · NH 3 + NH 2} = FeCl 2 · 2NH 3 ( reaction temperature 278 ° C.; reaction heat 117KJ / There are also kg), etc., but these have a large amount of heat associated with the reaction, but the reaction temperature is too high and can only be used in special situations.

Then, the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 included in the thermoelectric conversion module 7 configured as described above is thermally connected to the first heat source 9 via, for example, a heat transfer component 8. In this case, the size of the first tank 3 provided on the first heat source 9 of the thermoelectric conversion module 7 can be reduced. Further, since the second tank 6 can be installed anywhere, the degree of freedom of installation is large.
By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 is thermally connected to the second tank 6, and is thermally connected to the second heat source 12 via, for example, a heat transfer component 11. It may be done.

In this case, the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 and the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 operate alternately and are thermally connected to the first heat source 9 and the second heat source 12 whose temperature changes over the reaction temperature of the compound 2, respectively. Will be done. Here, the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 and the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 are thermally connected to the first heat source 9 and the second heat source 12 via the heat transfer components 8 and 11, respectively.
Here, the first heat source 9 is one of a plurality of motors provided in, for example, an air conditioning machine room, and the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 is provided on the surface of the one motor 9. Further, the second heat source 12 is another motor different from one of the plurality of motors, and the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 is provided on the surface of the other motor 12. Here, the first heat source 9 and the second heat source 12 are used as motors, but they may be operated alternately, intermittently repeat operation and suspension, or have different temperature change cycles, for example, a pump. Or a boiler.

Here, one motor as the first heat source 9 and another motor as the second heat source 12, which is different from the first heat source 9, operate intermittently, for example, alternately for 12 hours. Further, the surface temperature of these motors 9 and 12 is room temperature (about 25 ° C.) while the operation is stopped, and the surface temperature is about 75 ° C. during the operation. That is, the temperature changes across the reaction temperature of the chemical heat storage material as the above-mentioned compound 2.

As described above, when the thermoelectric conversion module 7 according to the present embodiment performs thermoelectric power generation as energy harvesting, for example, a plurality of motors are used as heat sources 9 and 12, and a chemical heat storage material 2 is used instead of the latent heat storage material. Therefore, a temperature difference is generated on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1 and 10, and the generated power is obtained with higher efficiency than before.
Here, it is assumed that the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 thermally connected to the second tank 6 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 may not be provided. (See, for example, FIG. 1).

Hereinafter, it will be described as an example the case of using an inorganic hydrate LiOH / LiOH · H 2 _O system capable dehydration reaction from 60 ° C. as a chemical heat storage material 2.
First, the case of using the inorganic hydrate LiOH / LiOH · _{H 2} O system, FIG. 3 (A), operates as shown in Figure 3 (B).
That is, first, as shown in FIG. 3A, _{the tank (first tank; heat storage tank) containing the chemical heat storage material LiOH · H 2} O is heated, and the chemical heat storage material LiOH · H ₂ O absorbs heat. When the dehydration start temperature reaches 60 ° C., the dehydration reaction, that is, the reaction from left to right in the following formula proceeds. In this case, the dehydrated water (steam) is sent to a tank (second tank; water tank) in which water is previously filled, where it aggregates to become liquid water and dissipates heat. Note that s is solid and g is gas.
LiOH ・ H ₂ O (s) ＋ 1440kJ / kg ⇔ LiOH (s) ＋ H ₂ O (g)
On the other hand, when the water in the water tank absorbs heat and evaporates and steam is sent from the water tank to the heat storage tank, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), an exothermic reaction which is a reverse reaction, that is, from right to left in the above equation The reaction to is progressing. In this case, the temperature of the chemical heat storage material rises and heat is dissipated.

Thus, when using the inorganic hydrate LiOH / LiOH · _{H 2} O system, the following endothermic reaction (dehydration reaction), exothermic reaction (exothermic reaction; hydration), condensation (coagulation), vaporizing (Evaporation) occurs. Note that s is solid, g is gas, and l is liquid.
Endothermic reaction: LiOH · H ₂ O (s) + 1440 kJ / kg → LiOH (s) + H ₂ O (g) ... (1)
Condensation: H ₂ O (g) → H ₂ O (l) +2430kJ / kg ・ ・ ・ (2)
Exothermic reaction: LiOH (s) + H ₂ O (g) → LiOH · H ₂ O (s) + 1440 kJ / kg ... (3)
Vaporization: H ₂ O (l) +2430kJ / kg → H ₂ O (g) ・ ・ ・ (4)
Then, by using such a LiOH / LiOH · _{H 2} O based inorganic hydrate, the operation of the case where the thermoelectric conversion module 7 of the embodiments described above, FIG. 4 (A), the FIG. 4 (B ) Will be explained.

First, as shown in FIG. 4 (A), LiOH · H 2 O were placed bath of a chemical heat storage material 2; via a (first tank thermal storage tank) 3 thermoelectric conversion element (the first thermoelectric conversion element) 1 The heat source (first heat source; for example, one motor) 9 that is thermally connected is in a high temperature state (during operation), and a tank (second tank; water tank) in which water as the reaction product 5 is contained. ) 6 is thermally connected via the thermoelectric conversion element (second thermoelectric conversion element) 10. When the heat source (second heat source; for example, another motor) 12 is in a low temperature state (operation is stopped), It works as follows. Reference numeral 4 indicates a transportation path, and reference numerals 8 and 11 indicate heat transfer components.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (A), the heat storage tank 3 containing the LiOH · H 2 _O as a chemical heat storage material 2 is heated by the first heat source 9 of high temperature, reaching a dehydration reaction the reaction temperature [the formula (1) Refer to] starts.
During the dehydration reaction, the amount of heat input from the first heat source 9 is used for the decomposition reaction, so that the temperature of the chemical heat storage material 2 is substantially constant.

Here, the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 is installed between the first heat source 9 and the heat storage tank 3, and generates electricity by the temperature difference ΔT between the first heat source 9 and the chemical heat storage material 2 in the heat storage tank 3. Even if the temperature of the first heat source 9 rises, a large amount of power generation can be obtained while the temperature of the chemical heat storage material 2 does not change.
On the other hand, the dehydrated water (steam) 5 is sent to a water tank 6 (here, an unheated tank) in which water is pre-filled, where it becomes liquid water [see the above formula (2)]. Here, water is previously put in the water tank 6, and steam 5 is put into the water, and the temperature of the water rises due to the cohesive latent heat. Here, the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 is installed between the second heat source 12 and the water tank 6, and the water temperature rises due to aggregation (coagulation latent heat), and is between the second heat source 12 at a low temperature (room temperature). A temperature difference ΔT is generated and power generation becomes possible.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), tank filled with LiOH · H 2 _O as a chemical heat storage material 2; the (first tank thermal storage tank) 3 thermoelectric conversion element (the first thermoelectric conversion element) 1 A tank (second tank) in which a heat source (first heat source; for example, one motor) 9 thermally connected via the heat source (first heat source; for example, one motor) 9 is in a low temperature state (operation is stopped) and contains water as a reaction product 5. When the heat source (second heat source; for example, another motor) 12 to which the water tank 6 is thermally connected via the thermoelectric conversion element (second thermoelectric conversion element) 10 is in a high temperature state (during operation). , Works as follows. Reference numeral 4 indicates a transportation path, and reference numerals 8 and 11 indicate heat transfer components.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the dehydration reaction is completed, the heating of the heat storage tank 3 containing only LiOH is completed, and the heat storage tank 3 is cooled (here, one motor 9 is stopped and returns to room temperature). And), a reverse reaction, that is, an exothermic reaction [see the above formula (3)] occurs, and the temperature of the chemical heat storage material 2 rises.
Here, the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 is installed between the first heat source 9 and the heat storage tank 3, and the temperature of the first heat source 9 is lowered to a low temperature (room temperature), so that the heat storage tank generates heat. A temperature difference ΔT is generated between the temperature difference and 3 and power can be generated.

In order for the above exothermic reaction to occur, sufficient steam of at least the same mol as LiOH is required, but when the water tank 6 is heated by the high temperature second heat source 12, the water 5 evaporates [the above formula (4)). Refer to], steam 5 is sent to the heat storage tank 3, and the above-mentioned exothermic reaction occurs. Here, the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 is installed between the second heat source 12 and the water tank 6, and the sensible heat of the water 5 causes a temperature difference ΔT between the high temperature second heat source 12 and power generation. Is possible.

In order for the reaction of the chemical heat storage material 2 as described above to circulate, it is desirable that the heat storage tank 3 and the water tank 6 are alternately heated by the heat sources 9 and 12. For example, in facilities such as factories and data centers these days, which require constant operation, for example, pumps and motors are arranged with redundancy, and two or more units are operated alternately. Is preferably used as the heat sources 9 and 12. That is, by installing the thermoelectric conversion module 7 of the above-described embodiment on the surface of equipment (for example, a motor, a pump, etc.) in which the temperature is alternately operated and the temperature rises and falls alternately, the above-mentioned reaction [the above formula (1)). ~ (Refer to (4)]] will be repeated continuously.

Here, FIG. 5, LiOH / LiOH · _{H 2} O system pressure - shows the temperature (P-T) diagram.
The heat source 9 on the heat storage tank 3 side rises to 60 ° C to 70 ° C, a dehydration reaction occurs, and steam 5 is sent to the water tank 6 side. Since the saturated vapor pressure at this time is 3 kPa and the saturated vapor pressure of water at a temperature of 30 ° C., the water tank 6 side is not heated, and if it is 30 ° C. or lower, condensation proceeds.

When the heat generated by the heat sources 9 and 12 alternates and the heat source 12 on the water tank 6 side reaches 60 ° C to 70 ° C, the steam pressure at that time is 20 kPa and is sent to the heat storage tank 3 side. Since the heat source 9 on the heat storage tank 3 side is stopped, the temperature has dropped from 60 ° C. or lower to about room temperature. A hydration reaction occurs in the heat storage tank 3 and heat is generated, but the heat output temperature at a steam pressure of 20 kPa is about 100 ° C.
Further, from the PT diagram, it can be seen that the reaction can proceed even when the heat source temperature on the water tank 6 side is not sufficient. For example, if the temperature rises to about 45 ° C, the saturated water vapor pressure at that time is about 10 kPa and the heat output temperature is about 85 ° C, which means that the temperature that can be taken out is low. Furthermore, even when the temperature of the water tank 6 side was 30 ° C. unchanged, higher than _{LiOH · H 2 O⇔LiOH + H 2} O vapor pressure of 30 ° C. the saturated vapor pressure 30 ° C., the hydration reaction proceeds .. However, in this case, the reaction rate becomes very slow. Since the actual alternating operation has a long span of half a day or one day, it is considered that the hydration reaction proceeds sufficiently and the dehydration reaction starts when the temperature of the next heat source rises.

Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present embodiment has an effect that a sufficient amount of power generation can be obtained while reducing the size. That is, it is possible to realize miniaturization and high performance of the thermoelectric conversion module 7.
By the way, the reason why it is configured as described above is as follows.
The thermoelectric conversion element is mainly composed of a plurality of p-type thermoelectric semiconductors and n-type thermoelectric semiconductors, and has a function of directly converting thermal energy into electrical energy and directly converting electrical energy into thermal energy. When a temperature difference is applied to both sides of this thermoelectric conversion element, a voltage is generated by the Seebeck effect. A thermoelectric power generator is a device that takes out this voltage as electrical energy.

Such a thermoelectric power generation device enables direct energy conversion from thermal energy to electrical energy, and is attracting attention as one of the effective utilization methods of thermal energy represented by waste heat utilization.
In a general thermoelectric conversion element, a columnar p-type thermoelectric semiconductor and an n-type thermoelectric semiconductor having almost the same length are paired at both ends to form a thermocouple, and a plurality of these thermocouples are arranged in a plane to form a p-type thermocouple. It has a structure in which semiconductors and n-type thermoelectric semiconductors are arranged alternately and regularly, and the thermocouples are electrically connected in series.

Wiring for electrical connection is formed by, for example, two substrates made of Si or ceramic material, and this substrate is the thickness of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor / n-type thermoelectric semiconductor and the electrodes connecting them. The structure is such that they face each other with a gap of minutes.
By bringing one substrate into contact with a heat source (heat generation source) and dissipating heat from the other substrate, a temperature difference is generated in the thermoelectric semiconductor pair. In order to continuously generate a temperature difference, heat dissipation parts are attached to the substrate on the heat dissipation side.

In the case of natural air cooling, it is common to use a heat sink in which aluminum is anodized (anodized) and an aluminum oxide film is formed on the surface as the heat dissipation component.
Power generation by the thermoelectric conversion element can be generated anywhere there is a temperature difference, but since it depends on the naturally occurring temperature, it is left to nature.
For example, when concrete or metal that can be heated by solar heat is selected as the heat source and a thermoelectric conversion element is attached to it, the heat from the heat source is dissipated to the atmosphere through the heat sink, causing a temperature difference in the thermoelectric conversion element. Generate electricity by doing so.

However, in the thermoelectric conversion module, even if the surface area of the fins of the heat sink is increased, it is difficult to make the side of the thermoelectric conversion element provided with the heat sink the same as the outside air temperature.
Therefore, the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element is smaller than the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the high-temperature heat source. Therefore, the amount of power generation that can be generated by the thermoelectric conversion module is also small.

Further, some thermoelectric conversion modules utilize a change in the temperature of a heat source over time to cause a temperature difference in the thermoelectric conversion element. In such a thermoelectric conversion module, a heat source is brought into contact with one surface of the thermoelectric conversion element, and a latent heat storage material is brought into contact with the other surface (see, for example, FIG. 11). The temperature of the heat source used in this case is not constant, and a heat source whose temperature changes with time is used.

For example, as a heat source, a motor or a boiler that intermittently repeats operation and suspension is used. Alternatively, by utilizing the temperature change between daytime and nighttime, things left outside, such as the outer wall of a building, the rooftop, the engine or exterior of a vehicle such as an automobile, are used as a heat source.
Here, the latent heat storage materials are organic and inorganic materials, respectively, but generally used are saturated hydrocarbon-based organic substances that are relatively easy to handle. The melting point has various temperatures from -30 ° C to 40 ° C, and it is used for air cooling and is also being considered for application to building materials.

Further, the latent heat storage material has a property of maintaining a constant temperature by causing a phase change in the material. Therefore, when the temperature of the heat source changes with time, a temperature difference is generated between the temperature of the heat source and the latent heat storage material, and the thermoelectric conversion element generates electricity according to the temperature difference.
In this case, it is necessary to estimate the amount of inflow heat to the thermoelectric conversion element and the amount of outflow heat from the thermoelectric conversion element due to the time change of the temperature of the heat source, and these heat amounts should be smaller than the latent heat amount of the latent heat storage material. This is a condition that always causes a temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element.

The latent heat storage material is melted (melted) by the heat transferred from the heat source via the thermoelectric conversion element, but all the latent heat storage materials have the property of maintaining a constant temperature until they are completely melted. Therefore, if it is considered that the heat exchange with other than the heat source can be ignored in the entire thermoelectric conversion module, the integrated value of the amount of heat flowing from the heat source to the latent heat storage material via the thermoelectric conversion element is the latent heat amount of the latent heat storage material. When it reaches, all the latent heat storage material melts. Therefore, if the latent heat amount of the latent heat storage material is exceeded, all the latent heat storage material is melted, and it becomes difficult to cause a temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element.

In this type of thermoelectric conversion module, a temperature difference is created between the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element by utilizing heat conduction between the latent heat storage material and the thermoelectric conversion element, or between the surface of the heat source and the thermoelectric conversion element. Cause. Therefore, a temperature difference can be reliably generated as compared with a thermoelectric conversion module of a type that utilizes heat transfer with the outside air.
However, the performance of the thermoelectric conversion module using the latent heat storage material as a power generation device depends on the physical characteristics of the latent heat storage material, that is, the phase transition point (melting point) and the amount of latent heat.

Here, as a typical phase change material, e.g., calcium chloride hydrate [Formula CaCl ₂ · _{6H 2} O; mp 29.7 ° C.; latent heat 192kJ / kg], sodium thiosulfate hydrate [Formula Na _{2 S 2 O 3 · 5H 2} O; mp 48 ° C.; latent heat 251kJ / kg], sodium acetate hydrate [formula _CH 3 COOH · _3H 2 O; inorganic water such latent heat 264kJ / kg]; mp 58 ° C. There are organic compounds such as Japanese salt and paraffin [chemical formula CnH2n + 2; melting point −30 ° C. to 45 ° C.; latent calorific value 160 kJ / kg to 250 kJ / kg].

These latent heat storage materials have a relatively low melting point, and it is possible to utilize the temperature difference generated in the natural environment or the living environment.
However, the amount of latent heat is not very large.
Therefore, in order to secure a sufficient latent heat amount, it is necessary to increase the amount of the latent heat storage material, and there is a problem that the size of the apparatus becomes large.

For example, in the case of a motor that operates intermittently by half-day switching, the surface temperature is maximum 75 ° C, minimum 25 ° C, average 50 ° C, and a thermoelectric conversion module using paraffin as a latent heat storage material is installed on the surface to generate electricity. The volume of the latent heat storage material is calculated as follows.
As the latent heat storage material, paraffin having a melting point of 50 ° C. and a latent heat of melting of 250 kJ / kg is used, and when the total thermal resistance of the thermoelectric conversion element and other heat transfer parts is 3 K / W, the operating time is 12 hours. The latent heat amount of the latent heat storage material needs to be 250 kJ. Since a latent heat amount 1.3 times the required latent heat amount is required, the required paraffin weight is 1.5 kg, and the specific gravity is 0.77, the required volume is 1.8 L. This is a cube with a side of about 13 cm, and a heat insulating material of at least about 1.5 cm is required to prevent the latent heat from being dissipated. That is, it becomes a cube having a side of 15 cm or more, which is considerably large for installation in a motor, and the larger the temperature difference, the larger the required latent heat, so that the capacity increases.

As described above, in the thermoelectric conversion module using the latent heat storage material, the latent heat storage material does not have a very large latent heat amount, and it is necessary to increase the amount of the latent heat storage material in order to secure a sufficient latent heat storage material. It is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of power generation while reducing the size.
For example, when a plurality of motors are used as heat sources and power is generated by a thermoelectric conversion module using a latent heat storage material as described above, if a sufficient calorific value can be obtained, the thermoelectric conversion module provided in each motor can be used. It will be large.

Therefore, in order to obtain a sufficient amount of power generation while reducing the size, the latent heat storage material is configured as described above, and when thermoelectric power generation is performed as energy harvesting, for example, a plurality of motors are used as heat sources. Instead, a chemical heat storage material is used to create a temperature difference on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element so that power generation can be obtained with higher efficiency than before. Further, it is possible to reduce the size of each heat source as compared with the case where a thermoelectric conversion module using a latent heat storage material is provided.

For example, there is a thermoelectric element arranged in the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine to generate electricity by using the heat of the exhaust gas, and the heating means is used to maintain the power generation capacity of the thermoelectric element regardless of the operating state of the internal combustion engine. Some use a chemical heat pump using a magnesium compound that reacts with the heat of a high-temperature exhaust gas of about 250 ° C. to 450 ° C. However, a compound that reacts at a high temperature of about 250 ° C. to 450 ° C. is used, and unlike a compound that chemically reacts at 100 ° C. or lower, it is difficult to use it for performing thermoelectric power generation as energy harvesting.

In the above-described embodiment, the dehydration / hydration reaction is described on the premise that most of the generated water vapor can be transported, but as in the above-mentioned embodiment (see, for example, FIG. 2), the heat storage tank is used. When 3 and the water tank 6 are installed on separate heat sources 9 and 12 in a separated state, it is preferable to prevent dew condensation during steam transportation.
Therefore, it is conceivable to insulate the transportation route 4 with a heat insulating material.

In this case, the transport path 4 may be made of a heat insulating material such as plastic, but for example, the transport path 4 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity such as metal, and the transport path 4 is shown in FIG. In addition, it is preferable to cover with a heat insulating material 13 such as a foaming material. That is, in the thermoelectric conversion module 7, the transport path 4 is made of a heat transfer material (for example, a material having a high thermal conductivity such as metal) and is covered with a heat insulating material (for example, a foaming material) 13. preferable. In this case, the transport path 4 is composed of a heat transfer tube (for example, a metal tube; a metal pipe), which is covered with a heat insulating material (for example, a foam material) 13.

Further, it is also conceivable to heat the transportation channel 4.
However, since it is the end of the story to use electric power for heating, it is conceivable to supply the heat of the heat sources 9 and 12 in which the thermoelectric conversion module 7 is installed to the transport path 4, for example.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, sheets 14 and 15 made of a heat conductive material such as a metal sheet or a graphite sheet (heat transfer sheet; for example, a graphite sheet having a thickness of about 0.2 mm) 14 and 15 are used, and one end thereof is transported. It is considered effective to supply the heat of the heat sources 9 and 12 to the transport path 4 to prevent dew condensation by attaching the heat to the surface of the path 4 and attaching the other end to the heat sources 9 and 12.

In this case, the thermoelectric conversion module 7 includes heat transfer sheets 14 and 15 having one end attached to the transport path 4 and the other end thermally connected to the heat sources 9 and 12.
Further, when the transport path 4 is made of a heat transfer tube and is covered with the heat insulating material 13, one end of the heat transfer sheets 14 and 15 is referred to as a transport path (heat transfer tube; for example, a metal tube) 4. It may be provided between the heat insulating material (for example, foam material) 13.

For example, two heat transfer sheets 14 and 15 are used, and one end of one heat transfer sheet 14 is provided between a transport path 4 (heat transfer tube; for example, a metal tube) and a heat insulating material 13 (for example, a foam material), and the other end. Is thermally connected to the heat source (first heat source) 9 to which the heat storage tank 3 is thermally connected, and one end of the other heat transfer sheet 15 is connected to the transport path 4 (heat transfer tube; for example, a metal tube) and a heat insulating material. The heat transfer tube 4 and the heat sources 9 and 12 are connected by providing the other end between the heat source 13 (for example, a foam material) and thermally connecting the other end to the heat source (second heat source) 12 to which the water tank 6 is thermally connected. It may be thermally connected via the heat transfer sheets 14 and 15. The other ends of the heat transfer sheets 14 and 15 may be thermally connected to at least one of the first heat source 9 and the second heat source 12.

In this way, the path through which water vapor flows (transportation path 4) is insulated, and the path is brought into thermal contact with a heat source to transfer heat into the path without causing dew condensation in the path. , Can be sent to the heat storage tank 3 or the water tank 6.
Although FIG. 6 illustrates the case where the heat transfer sheets 14 and 15 are provided, the heat transfer sheets 14 and 15 may not be provided and the heat transfer sheets 14 and 15 may be provided and only covered with the heat insulating material 13.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where one water tank (second tank) 6 is connected to one heat storage tank (first tank) 3 via the transport path 4 is described as an example. For example, a plurality of water tanks (second tank) may be connected to one heat storage tank (first tank) via a transport path. In this case, a plurality of second thermoelectric conversion elements thermally connected to each of the plurality of water tanks (second tanks) may be provided.

For example, as in the examples described later, the weight of the chemical heat storage material can be reduced to 87 g by using the chemical heat storage material. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A, the heat storage tank 3 is as small as 0.2 L, for example. Can be transformed into. On the other hand, in the water tank 6, if the increase in water temperature due to the latent heat of vaporization is to be suppressed to, for example, about 20 ° C., it may be about 1 L. However, also in this case, the size can be reduced as compared with the case where the thermoelectric conversion module using the latent heat storage material is provided in each heat source.

Further, for example, when it is desired to reduce the size of the water tank 6 due to restrictions such as the size of the heat source, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the water tank 6 is divided into 0.25 L units, and each of them is divided. It is also possible to secure the required amount of water by installing the water tanks 6A to 6D in separate heat sources 12A to 12D and connecting the water tanks 6A to 6D to the heat storage tank 3. As a result, all of the heat storage tanks 3 and the water tanks 6A to 6D mounted on the heat sources 9, 12A to 12D can be miniaturized. The total amount of power generation is the same as when the 1L water tank 6 is installed.

In this case, the operation pattern of the first heat source 9 to which the heat storage tank (first tank) 3 is thermally connected via the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 is shown in FIG. 8A, and the water tank (second tank) is shown. ) If the operation patterns of the plurality of second heat sources 12A to 12D to which 6A to 6D are thermally connected via the second thermoelectric conversion element are shown in FIG. 8 (B) so as to operate alternately. good.
Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the water tank 6 may be separated into an evaporation tank 6X and a condensation tank 6Y.

Here, the transport path 4 extending from the heat storage tank 3 is separately connected to the condensation tank 6Y and the evaporation tank 6X, and in the condensation tank 6Y, one end thereof is in contact with the water 5. Further, the condensation tank 6Y and the evaporation tank 6X are connected by a connecting passage 16 so that the condensation and evaporation are repeated so that the water 5 can enter and exit. Further, the heat storage tank 3 is thermally connected to the first heat source 9 via the first thermoelectric conversion element 1, and the evaporation tank 6X is thermally connected to the second heat source 12 via the second thermoelectric conversion element 10. do.

In this case, the thermoelectric conversion module 7 includes, as the first tank 3, a heat storage tank in which the chemical heat storage material as the compound 2 stores and generates heat, and is connected to the first tank 3 via the transport path 4. 6 includes an evaporation tank 6X at which at least one type of product 5 evaporates, and a condensation tank 6Y which is connected to the evaporation tank 6X via a communication passage 16 and condenses at least one type of product 5. Will be. Then, in addition to the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 thermally connected to the heat storage tank 3, the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 thermally connected to the evaporation tank 6X is provided.

In this configuration, when the temperature of the first heat source 9 in contact with the heat storage tank 3 rises and a dehydration reaction occurs in the heat storage tank 3, water vapor is transported as shown in FIG. 10 (A). It is sent to the condensing tank 6Y via the passage 4, condenses in the condensing tank 6Y, the amount of water increases, and the water temperature rises. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B, a valve 17 that opens and closes with time is provided in the transport path 4 connecting the evaporation tank 6X and the heat storage tank 3, and the valve 17 is closed to allow water vapor to flow. It may not be sent to the evaporation tank 6X.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the second heat source 12 in contact with the evaporation tank 6X rises, as shown in FIG. 10B, the water 5 in the evaporation tank 6X evaporates, and water vapor flows through the transport path 4. It is sent to the heat storage tank 3 and a hydration reaction occurs in the heat storage tank 3. As a result, the amount of water in the evaporation tank 6X and the condensation tank 6Y decreases.
The condensation tank 6Y is not in contact with a heat source, and the temperature (water temperature) of the water 5 in the condensation tank 6Y is always near the ambient temperature.

Further, the amount of water in the condensation tank 6Y is, for example, about 1 L, and as shown in FIG. 10 (A), the amount increased by the condensation flows into the evaporation tank 6X through the communication passage 16. As a result, the amount of water in the evaporation tank 6X can be secured in an amount required for hydration (for example, about 37.43 g in the examples described later). It is desirable that more water 5 is contained in the evaporation tank 6X before the temperature of the second heat source 12 rises in order to prevent empty heating.

By separating the water tank 6 into the condensing tank 6Y and the evaporation tank 6X in this way, the degree of freedom in installing the condensing tank 6Y is increased, the amount of water in the condensing tank 6Y can be sufficiently secured, and the rise in water temperature can be suppressed within an appropriate range. Further, the size of the evaporation tank 6X installed on the second heat source 12 can be reduced to about the size of the heat storage tank 3.
Further, even when the water tank 6 is separated into the evaporation tank 6X and the condensation tank 6Y, the first thermoelectric conversion element 1 is thermally connected to the heat storage tank 3 and the second thermoelectric conversion element 10 is thermally connected to the evaporation tank 6X. By doing so, the total amount of power generation that can be obtained does not change.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 (A), 9 (B), 10 (A), and 10 (B), the heat radiation fins (air-cooled fins) 20 are passed through another thermoelectric conversion element 18 in the condensation tank 6Y. It is also possible to increase the amount of power generation by thermally connecting the condenser tank 6Y to the floor surface, the wall surface, or the like via another thermoelectric conversion element 19. In this case, the condensation tank 6Y is used as a heat source.
[Example]
Next, examples will be given to more specifically explain the present invention. The present invention is not limited to these examples.

The heat source is a motor in the air-conditioning machine room, and at least two of them operate intermittently for 12 hours. The motor surface temperature was about 25 ° C. during operation and about 75 ° C. during operation.
As the thermoelectric conversion element (first thermoelectric conversion element and second thermoelectric conversion element), TEG254-200-12 (0.103V / K, 0.357W / K = 2.8K / W, 13Ω) manufactured by Thermalforce was used.
_{LiOH · H 2} O was used as the chemical heat storage material.

Assuming that the total thermal resistance of other heat transfer components of the power generation device (heat transfer components to the heat storage material, etc.) is about 1.2 K / W and the reaction temperature is about 65 ° C, the amount of heat flowing into the chemical heat storage material Is 100 kJ in total for 12 hours. Assuming that the efficiency is about 80%, the required latent heat amount is about 125 kJ. Therefore, the weight of LiOH · _{H 2} O required,
125kJ ÷ 1440kJ / kg = 0.087kg = 87g
It turned out that it was a very small amount.

In addition, plastic was used for the heat storage tank, the water tank, and the transportation route (steam transportation route), and the heat insulation specifications were adopted.
First, the amount of power generation on the heat storage tank side is calculated.
Since BQ25505 (Texas Instruments Inc.) was used as the DCDC converter connected to the first thermoelectric conversion element thermally connected to the heat storage tank, its efficiency is also taken into consideration.

Calculate the amount of power generated during the endothermic process. The exothermic process is the opposite, so it is almost the same.
Assuming that the heat source temperature is constant at 75 ° C., the temperature difference between the heat source and the heat storage tank is about 10 ° C. The voltage is about 0.67V. Since the electric power based on the efficiency at this time is about 7.07 mW, the amount of electric power that can be generated in 12 hours is 305 J.

Next, the amount of power generation on the water tank side is calculated.
The specific heat of water is about 4.2 kJ / kg · K at room temperature, and the latent heat of condensation (evaporation) is about 2257 kJ / kg.
The number of moles of water vapor dehydration, all the complete dehydration, since it is same as LiOH · _{H 2} O, the molar mass ratio fraction 37.43g of weight required LiOH · _{H 2} O above, the latent heat of condensation The amount is about 84.48 kJ. Assuming that the amount of water in the water tank is 1 L, the rising temperature of the water temperature is about 20.1 ° C. The temperature difference ΔT in the thermoelectric conversion element is about 13.1 ° C from the ratio of thermal resistance, and the open circuit voltage is about 1.35V, but this gradually increases as the water temperature rises, so it is necessary to calculate the amount of power generation. Since the average value is taken, it is set to about 0.67V. Since the electric power based on the efficiency at this time is about 7.16 mW, the amount of electric power that can be generated in 12 hours is 309 J.

Here, for example, the electric power required for sensing temperature / humidity data and wirelessly transmitting it at intervals of, for example, 10 minutes is about 40 J (40 J / day) per day.
In the power generation using the chemical heat storage material as described above, it is possible to generate power alternately on the heat storage tank side and the water tank side, and since it is possible to obtain more than 10 times the required power (power generation amount), various data. It is possible to cover the sensing of the above with one thermoelectric conversion module (power generation system).

Further, as described above, for the weight of LiOH · H 2 _O is needed is a 87 g, the heat storage tank, for example as compared with the case of using a phase change material such as paraffin, to 1/10 by weight ratio It is possible to reduce the size. Further, it is possible to reduce the size of the thermoelectric conversion module as compared with the case where each motor is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module using a latent heat storage material.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, the sensor module and the information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18.

The sensor module according to the present embodiment is an integrated module, and as shown in FIG. 12, the integrated module 160 includes a power generation module 161, a power storage module 162, a sensor 163, a controller 164, and a memory 165. A communication circuit 166 and an antenna 167 are provided.
For example, the thermoelectric conversion module 7 of the first embodiment described above is applied to the power generation module 161. Therefore, the sensor module includes at least the sensor 163 and the thermoelectric conversion module 7 of the first embodiment described above electrically connected to the sensor 163.

The power storage module 162 is connected to the power generation module 161 and stores the electric power generated by the power generation module 161. The power storage module 162 may be any as long as it has a function of storing electric power. As the power storage module 162, for example, an all-solid-state secondary battery is preferable because it saves space and has high safety.
The power generation module 161 and the power storage module 162 constitute a power supply unit 168. Power is supplied to the sensor 163, the controller 164, and the communication circuit 166 from at least one of the power generation module 161 and the power storage module 162 constituting the power supply unit 168. If the power generation module 161 can supply stable electric power, the power storage module 162 may be omitted.

As the sensor 163, for example, a sensor that detects temperature, humidity, pressure, light, sound, electromagnetic wave, acceleration, vibration, gas, fine particles, and the like can be applied. Further, the sensor 163 includes, for example, a distance measuring sensor that measures the distance to the object by emitting infrared rays to the object and receiving light reflected from the object, a weight sensor that measures the weight of the object, and a weight sensor. , A water level sensor or the like that detects data such as water level can be applied.

The controller 164 transmits, for example, various data detected by the sensor 163 to the server 175 (see FIG. 13) via the communication circuit 166 and the antenna 167. The controller 164 may, for example, transmit secondary data based on various data detected by the sensor 163 and other data to the server 175 (see FIG. 13). Further, the controller 164 may, for example, perform a predetermined operation using various data detected by the sensor 163 to calculate secondary data, and transmit the secondary data to the server 175 (see FIG. 13).

The memory 165 stores various data detected by the sensor 163 and the calculated secondary data by the instruction of the controller 164. The stored information is read out by the instruction of the controller 164.
The communication circuit 166 and the antenna 167 form a communication unit 169. The communication unit 169 transmits / receives data between the controller 164 and the server 175 (see FIG. 13). In the example shown in FIG. 12, wireless communication using the antenna 167 is adopted, but wired communication may be adopted instead of wireless communication.

The integrated module 160 described above is applied to the information processing system 170 according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG.
The information processing system 170 includes a plurality of integrated modules 160 and a server 175. That is, the information processing system 170 includes the above-mentioned integrated module (sensor module) 160 and a server (computer) 175 that processes the data obtained by the integrated module 160. Here, the information processing system 170 is a system that processes information obtained from the manhole 176. Therefore, the plurality of integrated modules 160 are installed in the manhole 176. The plurality of integrated modules 160 installed in the plurality of manholes 176 are connected to the server 175 via the network 177.

For example, a vehicle equipped with a server 175 is driven, and data is transmitted from the integrated module 160 to the server 175 by short-range wireless communication each time the vehicle approaches the integrated module 160 installed in each manhole 176. It may be like that. Further, the integrated module 160 may be installed anywhere as long as it is the structure of the manhole 176.
The integrated module 160 is fixed to a lid 178, a concrete pipe 179, or the like, which is a structure of the manhole 176, depending on the detection target of the sensor 163 or the type of the sensor 163. The thermoelectric conversion element provided in the integrated module 160 is thermally connected to the structure of the manhole 176, and generates electricity by the temperature difference between the structure of the manhole 176 and the outside air or the temperature inside the manhole 176.

Hereinafter, a specific application example of the information processing system 170 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[First application example]
In the first application example, as shown in FIG. 14, the information processing system 170 is used to grasp the deterioration of the structure (cover 178 and concrete pipe 179) of the manhole 176.

The sensor 163 detects the temperature and humidity in the manhole 176, the vibration (acceleration) acting on the structure of the manhole 176, and the like, and the data detected by the sensor 163 is stored in the memory 165.
When the measurement vehicle 180 running on the road passes over the manhole 176, the controller 164 transmits the data stored in the memory 165 via the communication circuit 166 and the antenna 167. The server 175 provided in the measurement vehicle 180 collects data.

The server 175 combines the position information of the vehicle 180 by the GPS (Global Positioning System) and the collected data, and displays the collected data on the map displayed on the in-vehicle monitor. It is possible to estimate the degree of deterioration of the concrete pipe 179 in each manhole 176 from the displayed information such as temperature, humidity, and vibration.
Further, in addition to the receiving device 181, a camera 182 for acquiring an image of the manhole 176 lid 178 is attached to the lower part of the measurement vehicle 180, and deterioration of the manhole 176 lid 178 (iron part) is judged by image recognition. You may be able to do it. Based on this result, the replacement time of the manhole 176 lid 178 may be sold to the local government as information. Here, the vehicle for collecting data is not limited to a vehicle for special measurement, but may be, for example, a garbage truck operated by a local government. By installing the receiving device 181 and the camera 182 at the bottom of the garbage truck, data can be collected regularly without incurring collection costs.

Further, the sensor 163 may detect the concentration of the gas generated in the manhole 176. Examples of the gas generated in the manhole 176 include hydrogen sulfide gas. It is known that the hydrogen sulfide gas generated in the sewer 183 rapidly deteriorates the structure of the manhole 176. The generation of hydrogen sulfide gas is also a cause of complaints from neighboring residents. By using a hydrogen sulfide gas sensor as the sensor 163, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of predicting deterioration of the structure of the manhole 176 and to quickly respond to the complaints of the residents.

In the first application example, the sensor 163 may be any as long as it can detect at least one of the temperature, humidity, vibration in the manhole 176, and the concentration of the gas generated in the manhole 176.
In addition, the humidity is always high in the manhole 176, and there is a possibility that the water of the sewer 183 (or the water supply) overflows in the manhole 176. Further, although the temperature inside the manhole 176 is almost constant, it is known that, for example, the lid 178 has a high temperature in summer and a low temperature in winter, and hydrogen sulfide gas that dissolves various metals is generated. In such a harsh environment, it is important to protect electronic components such as the sensor 163 and thermoelectric conversion elements, and to maintain long-term reliability. In this case, by configuring the integrated module 160 as an electronic component such as a sensor 163 and a thermoelectric conversion element sealed with a resin, it is possible to maintain long-term reliability.
[Second application example]
In the second application, as shown in FIG. 15, the information processing system 170 is used to predict the flow rate of the sewer 183 connected to the manhole 176.

For the sensor 163, for example, a water level gauge or a flow meter is used. By installing a water level gauge and a sensor 163, which is a flow meter, in the manhole 176, it is possible to grasp the water level and flow rate of the sewerage 183 in detail. Although the sensor 163 is incorporated in the integrated module 160 in FIG. 15, for example, a sensor control unit that controls the operation of an external sensor may be provided instead of the sensor 163. In this case, the sensor control unit may control a sensor (not shown) such as a water level gauge or a flow meter arranged in the sewerage 183 and acquire the information detected by the sensor. Further, the information detected by the sensor may be wirelessly transmitted to the sensor control unit.

Specifically, the water level and flow rate of the sewer 183 are detected by the sensor 163 once a day or once an hour, and the data detected by the sensor 163 is the server of the data center 184 through the high-speed communication line. Collected at 175. The water level and flow rate data of the sewerage 183 detected by the sensor 163 may be transmitted at the same time as the measurement, or may be transmitted after accumulating one day or one week's worth in order to reduce power consumption. It may be done. As in the first application example, the measurement vehicle may collect the data.

Normally, rainwater flows into the sewerage 183, so the prediction of the water level and the flow rate of the sewerage 183 is strongly linked with the rainfall data. Therefore, by analyzing the water level and flow rate data of the sewerage 183 collected by the sensor 163 in combination with the rainfall data of the Japan Meteorological Agency, for example, flood prediction, warning / warning information of the river into which the water of the sewerage 183 flows. Can be provided.

It is also possible to establish the relationship between the meteorological phenomenon and the water level and flow rate of the sewerage 183 from the analysis result of the water level and flow rate data of the sewerage 183 and the rainfall data of the Japan Meteorological Agency. Then, the water level and the flow rate of the sewerage 183 in each place may be predicted from the rainfall data of the Japan Meteorological Agency, and a charge may be made for providing and distributing the predicted data. Since the water level and flow rate of the sewerage 183 change year by year according to the housing construction, the living situation, and the land development situation, this information processing system 170 capable of continuously updating data is useful.

Further, in the second application example, the information processing system 170 can also be used for measuring the water level and the flow rate of the sewerage 183 when a local torrential rain or the like occurs. In the event of a local torrential rain in a city, it is necessary to measure the water level and flow rate of the sewerage 183 and disseminate information on a minute-by-minute basis in order to ensure the safety of workers in the sewerage 183 and prevent the flooding of the sewerage 183. In this case, data may be collected only in the integrated module 160 installed in a small number of manholes 176 having a relatively low altitude.

It is preferable that the power storage module 162 of the integrated module 160 for measuring the water level is sufficiently stored in advance. The controller 164 transmits sequential data to the server 175 through the communication circuit 166 and the high-speed communication line. The server 175 can issue an alarm to the smartphone or tablet of the worker or the resident in the vicinity of the flooding with the received data. Alternatively, a vehicle for measurement may be parked on a specific manhole 176 so that the data can be collected by a server provided in the vehicle by short-range wireless communication.
[Third application example]
In the third application example, as shown in FIG. 16, the information processing system 170 is used for the security and work history of the manhole 176.

The sensor 163 detects the opening and closing of the lid 178 of the manhole 176. For this sensor 163, for example, an acceleration sensor or an open / close switch is used. In order to detect the opening / closing of the manhole 176 lid 178, the sensor 163 may detect at least one of the acceleration generated in the manhole 176 lid 178 and the open / closed state of the manhole 176 lid 178. The data (signal) output from the sensor 163 in response to the opening and closing of the lid 178 of the manhole 176 is received by the server 175.

According to this information processing system 170, it is possible to confirm security measures such as sewerage 183 (for example, anti-bomb terrorism) and work history in cleaning work of sewerage 183.
[Fourth application example]
In the fourth application example, as shown in FIG. 17, the information processing system 170 is used for acquiring road traffic information.

Sensor 163 detects vehicles 185,186,187 passing over manhole 176. For this sensor 163, for example, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a microphone, or the like is used. From the sensor 163, a signal corresponding to the number of vehicles passing over the manhole 176 is obtained. The data (signal) output from the sensor 163 is received by the server 175.

According to this information processing system 170, it is possible to obtain traffic congestion information even on narrow roads and alleys that are not measured by the current vehicle information and communication system. This makes it possible to provide detailed traffic jam information.
Further, the type of the vehicle 185, 186, 187 passing over the manhole 176 (for example, a small car, an ordinary car, a truck, etc.) may be detected from the strength of the detection value of the sensor 163. In this case, the data set in which the detection value of the sensor 163 and the type of the vehicle are associated with each other may be stored in the memory 165 in advance. Then, the controller 164 may determine the type of the vehicle from the detection value of the sensor 163 and the above data set, and transmit the information on the type of the vehicle to the server 175. This makes it possible to grasp the type of vehicle passing over the manhole 176.

Further, the sensor 163 may detect individual identification information of vehicles 185, 186, 187 passing over the manhole 176. For example, when a magnetic sensor is used as the sensor 163, the reaction of the magnetic sensor may give the characteristics of the vehicle. That is, for example, by mounting a medium that emits magnetism characteristic of each vehicle on the vehicle, each vehicle can be identified. By analyzing the difference in the flow of vehicles in the city depending on the vehicle type, it leads to the control of the city road and the evaluation of the city, such as planning to guide a specific vehicle to a specific road.

In the fourth application example, the sensor 163 may be any as long as it can detect at least one of the number, type, and individual identification information of vehicles passing over the manhole 176.
[Fifth application example]
In the fifth application example, as shown in FIG. 18, the information processing system 170 is used for measuring the amount of rainfall.

For the sensor 163, for example, an X-band radar for weather prediction is used. The radio waves of the X-band radar do not reach beyond the heavy rain area during heavy rain, and cannot exceed large objects such as mountains. In addition, it is often difficult to detect and track heavy rainfall areas that occur suddenly or develop rapidly with current radar. High spatiotemporal resolution is required for high-precision prediction.
Normally, the resolution of the X-band radar is 250 m, but by installing the sensor 163 in a manhole 176 with an average interval of about 30 m, much more detailed meteorological observation becomes possible, and measurement of localized torrential rains and the like can be performed. It is thought to be useful for prediction. The data (signal) output from the sensor 163 is received by the server 175.

In the above-mentioned first to fifth application examples, the dedicated server 175 was used, but a general-purpose computer may be used as the server 175. Further, a program for executing the operation performed by the controller 164 or the server 175 may be installed and executed on a general-purpose computer functioning as the server 175. Further, in this case, the program may be supplied by a recording medium or may be downloaded from a network.
[others]
The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately combined. ..

Hereinafter, additional notes will be disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiment.
(Appendix 1)
The first thermoelectric conversion element and
A first tank containing a compound that is thermally connected to the first thermoelectric conversion element and that undergoes a reversible chemical reaction accompanied by heat generation and endothermic reaction at 100 ° C. or lower.
A thermoelectric conversion module which is connected to the first tank via a transport path and includes a second tank containing at least one kind of product obtained by a chemical reaction of the compound.

(Appendix 2)
The thermoelectric conversion module according to Appendix 1, further comprising a second thermoelectric conversion element thermally connected to the second tank.
(Appendix 3)
The first tank is a heat storage tank in which the chemical heat storage material as the compound stores heat and generates heat.
The thermoelectric conversion module according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the second tank is an evaporation / condensation tank in which at least one kind of the product evaporates / condenses.

(Appendix 4)
The thermoelectric conversion module according to Supplementary Note 1 or 3, wherein the second tank is provided with a plurality of the second tanks.
(Appendix 5)
The thermoelectric conversion module according to Appendix 4, further comprising a plurality of second thermoelectric conversion elements thermally connected to each of the plurality of second tanks.

(Appendix 6)
The first tank is a heat storage tank in which the chemical heat storage material as the compound stores heat and generates heat.
The second tank includes an evaporation tank in which at least one kind of the product evaporates, and a condensation tank which is connected to the evaporation tank via a communication passage and condenses at least one kind of the product.
The thermoelectric conversion module according to Appendix 1, further comprising a second thermoelectric conversion element thermally connected to the evaporation tank.

(Appendix 7)
The first thermoelectric conversion element and the second thermoelectric conversion element are characterized in that they operate alternately and are thermally connected to a first heat source and a second heat source whose temperature changes over the reaction temperature of the compound, respectively. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of Supplementary note 2, 5 and 6.
(Appendix 8)
The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 7, wherein the end portion of the transport path is in contact with the product in the second tank.

(Appendix 9)
The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 8, wherein the transport path is made of a heat transfer material and is covered with a heat insulating material.
(Appendix 10)
The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of Supplementary Provisions 1 to 9, wherein one end thereof is attached to the transport path and the other end is provided with a heat transfer sheet thermally connected to a heat source.

(Appendix 11)
With the sensor
A sensor module comprising the thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 10, which is electrically connected to the sensor.
(Appendix 12)
The sensor module described in Appendix 11 and
An information processing system including a computer that processes data obtained by the sensor module.

1 1st thermoelectric conversion element 2 compound (chemical heat storage material)
3 1st tank (heat storage tank)
4 Transport route (steam transport route)
5 Product (reaction product; water)
6 Second tank (water tank)
6A-6D water tank (second tank)
6X evaporation tank (water tank; second tank)
6Y condensation tank (water tank; second tank)
7 Heat transfer module 8 Heat transfer component 9 1st heat source 10 2nd heat transfer conversion element 11 Heat transfer component 12 2nd heat source 12A-12D Heat source (2nd heat source)
13 Insulation material 14, 15 Heat transfer sheet 16 Continuous passage 17 Valve 18, 19 Other thermoelectric conversion element 20 Heat dissipation fin 160 Integrated module 161 Power generation module 162 Power storage module 163 Sensor 164 Controller 165 Memory 166 Communication circuit (communication unit)
167 Antenna 168 Power supply unit 169 Communication unit 170 Information processing system 175 Server (computer)
176 Manhole 177 Network 178 Closure 179 Concrete pipe 180 Vehicle 181 Receiver 182 Camera 183 Sewer 184 Data center 185,186,187 Vehicle

Claims (8)

The first thermoelectric conversion element and
A first tank containing a compound that is thermally connected to the first thermoelectric conversion element and that undergoes a reversible chemical reaction accompanied by heat generation and endothermic reaction at 100 ° C. or lower.
The second thermoelectric conversion element and
It is provided with a second tank which is connected to the first tank via a transportation channel and contains at least one kind of product obtained by a chemical reaction of the compound.
The first tank is a heat storage tank in which the chemical heat storage material as the compound stores heat and generates heat.
The second tank comprises an evaporation tank in which at least one kind of the product evaporates, and a condensing tank which is connected to the evaporation tank via a communication passage and condenses at least one kind of the product.
It said second thermoelectric conversion element, a thermoelectric conversion module according to claim <br/> be thermally connected to the evaporation tank. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of the second tanks. Characterized in that it comprises a plurality of the second thermoelectric conversion element that is thermally connected to each of the plurality of second tank, thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 2. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the end portion of the transport path is in contact with the product in the second tank. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the transport path is made of a heat transfer material and is covered with a heat insulating material. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein one end thereof is attached to the transport path and the other end is provided with a heat transfer sheet thermally connected to a heat source. With the sensor
A sensor module comprising the thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which is electrically connected to the sensor. The sensor module according to claim 7 and
An information processing system including a computer that processes data obtained by the sensor module.

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