U.S. patent application number 11/384410 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus and heat-storage type heat supplying system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho. Invention is credited to Yasuo Higashi, Kazuo Takahashi, Hiromiki Yagi.
Application Number | 20060230771 11/384410 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36716841 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060230771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takahashi; Kazuo ; et
al. |
October 19, 2006 |
Heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus and heat-storage type
heat supplying system
Abstract
Provided is a heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus capable
of supplying a fixed amount of heat-exchange medium to a
heat-removing device, by which the heat-removing device is operated
efficiently. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus has a
heat-storage tank that houses erythritol, which stores heat
depending on a state change between solid and liquid, and oil that
performs heat exchange by contacting the erythritol, has a smaller
specific gravity than that of the erythritol, and is separated from
the erythritol, in an internal space, takes in the oil in a lower
portion of the internal space, and discharges the oil from an upper
portion of the internal space. Then, the apparatus has a discharge
tube 6 and an intake tube, which supply the oil discharged from the
heat-storage tank to a heat exchanger, and a supply tube and a
removing tube, which supply the oil, from which heat has been
removed in the heat exchanger, to the heat-storage tank. Further,
the apparatus has a flow rate meter that detects the flow rate of
the oil flowing in the discharge tube, and a pump that is provided
on the discharge tube and controls the flow rate of the oil flowing
in the discharge tube based on a detection result from a flow rate
control section.
Inventors: |
Takahashi; Kazuo; (Kobe-shi,
JP) ; Yagi; Hiromiki; (Kobe-shi, JP) ;
Higashi; Yasuo; (Kobe-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REED SMITH LLP;SUITE 1400
3110 FAIRVIEW PARK DR.
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22032
US
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko
Sho
|
Family ID: |
36716841 |
Appl. No.: |
11/384410 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/185 ;
62/238.3; 62/434 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 9/20 20130101; Y02E
60/145 20130101; F24H 7/04 20130101; F28D 20/025 20130101; Y02E
60/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/185 ;
062/434; 062/238.3 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/02 20060101
F25D017/02; F25B 27/00 20060101 F25B027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 2, 2005 |
JP |
2005-348972 |
Apr 19, 2005 |
JP |
2005-120477 |
Claims
1. A heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus where stored heat
is supplied to a heat-exchange medium and said heat-exchange medium
is supplied to a heat-removing device that takes out heat from said
heat-exchange medium to which heat has been supplied, said
apparatus comprising: a heat-storage tank that houses a heat
storage, which stores heat depending on a state change between
solid and liquid, and a heat-exchange medium that performs heat
exchange by contacting said heat storage, has a smaller specific
gravity than that of said heat storage, and is separated from said
heat storage, in an internal space, takes in said heat-exchange
medium in a lower portion of said internal space, and discharges
said heat-exchange medium from an upper portion of said internal
space; a first supply tube that supplies the heat-exchange medium
discharged from said heat-storage tank to said heat-removing
device; a second supply tube that supplies the heat-exchange
medium, from which heat has been removed in said heat-removing
device, to said heat-storage tank; a flow rate detector that
detects the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium flowing in said
first supply tube; and a first flow rate control section that is
provided on said first supply tube and controls the flow rate of
the heat-exchange medium flowing in said first supply tube based on
a detection result from said flow rate detector.
2. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 1, wherein under a condition after a state of said heat
storage is changed to solid and paths for flowing said
heat-exchange medium are formed in the heat storage, said apparatus
further comprising: a second flow rate control section that
controls the flow rate of said heat-exchange medium to be supplied
from said first supply tube to said heat-removing device by
switching the case of stopping the flow of said heat-exchange
medium in said first supply tube and the case of allowing said
heat-exchange medium to flow in said first supply tube.
3. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 1, said apparatus comprising: a third supply tube that
supplies the heat-exchange medium flowing in said first supply tube
directly to said second supply tube; and a third flow rate control
section that controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium to
be supplied from said first supply tube to said heat-removing
device by controlling the flow rate of said heat-exchange medium to
be supplied from said first supply tube to said third supply
tube.
4. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 3, wherein said third flow rate control section controls the
flow rate of said heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said
first supply tube to said heat-removing device by switching the
case of stopping the supply of said heat-exchange medium from said
first supply tube to said heat-removing device and supplying the
medium to said third supply tube and the case of stopping the
supply of said heat-exchange medium from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube and supplying the medium to said
heat-removing device.
5. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 3, said apparatus further comprising: a first heat quantity
detector that detects a first thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity taken out from said
heat-exchange medium by said heat-removing device, wherein said
third flow rate control section controls the flow rate of said
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube and controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said heat-removing device based on a detection result of said first
heat quantity detector.
6. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 3, said apparatus further comprising: a second heat quantity
detector that detects the second thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity of said heat-exchange medium to
be supplied to said heat-removing device, wherein said third flow
rate control section controls the flow rate of said heat-exchange
medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to said third
supply tube and controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium
to be supplied from said first supply tube to said heat-removing
device based on a detection result of said second heat quantity
detector.
7. A heat-storage type heat supplying system, comprising: the
heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus comprising a third
supply tube that supplies the heat-exchange medium flowing in said
first supply tube directly to said second supply tube; a third flow
rate control section that controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said heat-removing device by controlling the flow rate of said
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube, and a first heat quantity detector that
detects a first thermal parameter being a state variable regarding
a heat quantity taken out from said heat-exchange medium by said
heat-removing device, wherein said third flow rate control section
controls the flow rate of said heat-exchange medium to be supplied
from said first supply tube to said third supply tube and controls
the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said
first supply tube to said heat-removing device based on a detection
result of said first heat quantity detector; and an absorption type
water cooler/heater that makes cold water by utilizing vaporization
heat of water; said heat-removing device that supplies heat taken
out from said heat-exchange medium, to which heat has been
supplied, to said water utilized in said absorption type water
cooler/heater; a first water supply tube that supplies said water
from said absorption type water cooler/heater to said heat-removing
device; and a second water supply tube that supplies said water to
which heat has been supplied, from said heat-removing device to
said absorption type water cooler/heater and has said first heat
quantity detector that detects the temperature of said water to
which heat has been supplied, as said first thermal parameter,
wherein said third flow rate control section controls the flow rate
of said heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply
tube to said third supply tube and controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said heat-removing device such that a temperature of said water,
which is detected by said first heat quantity detector, becomes
70.degree. C. or higher and 100.degree. C. or lower.
8. A heat-storage type heat supplying system, comprising: the
heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus comprising a third
supply tube that supplies the heat-exchange medium flowing in said
first supply tube directly to said second supply tube; a third flow
rate control section that controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said heat-removing device by controlling the flow rate of said
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube, and a second heat quantity detector that
detects the second thermal parameter being a state variable
regarding a heat quantity of said heat-exchange medium to be
supplied to said heat-removing device, wherein said third flow rate
control section controls the flow rate of said heat-exchange medium
to be supplied from said first supply tube to said third supply
tube and controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium to be
supplied from said first supply tube to said heat-removing device
based on a detection result of said second heat quantity detector,
and said heat-removing device, wherein said heat-removing device is
an absorption type water cooler/heater that supplies heat taken out
from said heat-exchange medium, to which heat has been supplied, to
water and makes cold water by utilizing the vaporization heat of
said water.
9. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 2, said apparatus comprising: a third supply tube that
supplies the heat-exchange medium flowing in said first supply tube
directly to said second supply tube; and a third flow rate control
section that controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium to
be supplied from said first supply tube to said heat-removing
device by controlling the flow rate of said heat-exchange medium to
be supplied from said first supply tube to said third supply
tube.
10. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 9, wherein said third flow rate control section controls the
flow rate of said heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said
first supply tube to said heat-removing device by switching the
case of stopping the supply of said heat-exchange medium from said
first supply tube to said heat-removing device and supplying the
medium to said third supply tube and the case of stopping the
supply of said heat-exchange medium from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube and supplying the medium to said
heat-removing device.
11. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 9, said apparatus further comprising: a first heat quantity
detector that detects a first thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity taken out from said
heat-exchange medium by said heat-removing device, wherein said
third flow rate control section controls the flow rate of said
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube and controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said heat-removing device based on a detection result of said first
heat quantity detector.
12. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 4, said apparatus further comprising: a first heat quantity
detector that detects a first thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity taken out from said
heat-exchange medium by said heat-removing device, wherein said
third flow rate control section controls the flow rate of said
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube and controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said heat-removing device based on a detection result of said first
heat quantity detector.
13. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 10, said apparatus further comprising: a first heat quantity
detector that detects a first thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity taken out from said
heat-exchange medium by said heat-removing device, wherein said
third flow rate control section controls the flow rate of said
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said third supply tube and controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to
said heat-removing device based on a detection result of said first
heat quantity detector.
14. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 9, said apparatus further comprising: a second heat quantity
detector that detects the second thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity of said heat-exchange medium to
be supplied to said heat-removing device, wherein said third flow
rate control section controls the flow rate of said heat-exchange
medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to said third
supply tube and controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium
to be supplied from said first supply tube to said heat-removing
device based on a detection result of said second heat quantity
detector.
15. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 4, said apparatus further comprising: a second heat quantity
detector that detects the second thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity of said heat-exchange medium to
be supplied to said heat-removing device, wherein said third flow
rate control section controls the flow rate of said heat-exchange
medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to said third
supply tube and controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium
to be supplied from said first supply tube to said heat-removing
device based on a detection result of said second heat quantity
detector.
16. The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
claim 10, said apparatus further comprising: a second heat quantity
detector that detects the second thermal parameter being a state
variable regarding a heat quantity of said heat-exchange medium to
be supplied to said heat-removing device, wherein said third flow
rate control section controls the flow rate of said heat-exchange
medium to be supplied from said first supply tube to said third
supply tube and controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium
to be supplied from said first supply tube to said heat-removing
device based on a detection result of said second heat quantity
detector.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a personal or professional
heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus of a fixed method or a
mobile method, which stores heat by using nighttime electric power
or exhaust steam and takes out heat when necessary, and a
heat-storage type heat supplying system where a heat-storage type
supplying apparatus is utilized in an absorption type water
cooler/heater.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] In recent years, there is a need to reduce energy
consumption during a peak time in daytime use of heat, and a
heat-storage apparatus that temporarily stores generating heat has
been suggested as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho
58-104494. Further, a system using heat-storage technology as shown
in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-138565 has been suggested
for the case where a heat source and a heat-demanding destination
are remote. In the invention of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho
58-104494, a heat-storage tank houses a heat-storage material that
stores heat and a heat medium that has a smaller specific gravity
than that of the heat-storage material and is separated from the
heat-storage material. In the heat-storage tank, the heat medium is
separated from the heat-storage material such that the medium is
located above the material due to the difference of specific
gravity. Then, for example, when the heat medium, to which heat
generated from ironworks, garbage-disposal facility or the like has
been supplied, is supplied from the bottom portion of the
heat-storage tank, the medium moves toward the upper portion of the
heat-storage tank because its specific gravity is smaller than that
of the heat-storage material. Then, due to direct contact of the
medium with the heat-storage material during the movement, the heat
supplied to the heat medium transmits to the heat-storage material,
and thus heat is stored in the material.
[0005] Furthermore, in the case of using the stored heat, when the
heat medium to which heat is not supplied is supplied from the
bottom portion of the heat-storage tank in the same manner as
above, the medium moves to the upper portion of the heat-storage
tank because its specific gravity is smaller than that of the
heat-storage material. Then, due to direct contact of the medium
with the heat-storage material during the movement, the heat stored
in the heat-storage material transmits to the heat medium, and thus
heat is supplied to the heat medium. Consequently, such heat medium
is supplied to a heat-removing device to collect heat in the
heat-removing device, and thus heat can be used in an external
device such as a heating device, for example.
[0006] In the case where heat is exchanged by direct contact
between the heat medium and the heat-storage material as in
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 58-104494, sodium acetate,
erythritol or the like, for example, is generally used as a
material used as the heat-storage material, and such a material is
solid under normal state due to high melting point and its state
changes to liquid when it stores heat. Therefore, when heat stored
in the heat-storage device as in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho
58-104494 is taken out, the heat-storage material is changed into
solid as heat is taken out continuously. Then, the heat medium to
which heat is transmitted by direct contact has difficulty of
moving upward in the heat-storage material, and it becomes
difficult to discharge the heat medium to which heat has been
transmitted from the upper portion of the heat-storage tank. This
makes it impossible to supply sufficient heat medium to the
heat-removing device, and as a result, there is a danger that the
heat-removing device or the external device cannot be operated
efficiently. Furthermore, in the case of performing cooling or the
like by using such heat-storage apparatus, a combination with an
absorption type water cooler/heater using waste heat is considered.
However, conditions are set for a temperature and an amount of hot
water that the absorption type water cooler/heater receives, and
heat quantity stored in the heat-storage tank cannot be used
effectively unless such conditions are satisfied.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus capable of
supplying a heat-exchange medium of a fixed amount to a
heat-removing device and efficiently operating the heat-removing
device, and a system where heat can be effectively used in an
absorption type water cooler/heater using waste heat.
[0008] To achieve the above-described object, the first invention
is a heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus where stored heat
is supplied to a heat-exchange medium and the heat-exchange medium
is supplied to a heat-removing device that takes out heat from the
heat-exchange medium to which heat has been supplied, in which the
apparatus has: a heat-storage tank that houses a heat storage,
which stores heat depending on a state change between solid and
liquid, and a heat-exchange medium, which performs heat exchange by
contacting the heat storage, has a smaller specific gravity than
that of the heat storage, and is separated from the heat storage,
in an internal space, takes in the heat-exchange medium in a lower
portion of the internal space, and discharges the heat-exchange
medium from an upper portion of the internal space; a first supply
tube that supplies the heat-exchange medium discharged from the
heat-storage tank to a heat-removing device; a second supply tube
that supplies the heat-exchange medium, from which heat has been
removed in the heat-removing device, to the heat-storage tank; a
flow rate detector that detects the flow rate of the heat-exchange
medium flowing in the first supply tube; and a first flow rate
control section that is provided on the first supply tube and
controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium flowing in the
first supply tube based on a detection result from the flow rate
detector.
[0009] According to this constitution, the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium flowing in the first supply tube is detected
and the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium is adjusted based on
the detection result, so that the flow rate of the heat-exchange
medium flowing in the first supply tube can be always maintained at
a fixed level. With this, a fixed amount of heat-exchange medium
can be always supplied to the heat-removing device, and the
heat-removing device can be operated efficiently.
[0010] Specifically, the heat-exchange medium has a smaller
specific gravity than that of the heat storage and is separated
from the heat storage, so that the heat storage and the
heat-exchange medium are housed in the internal space of the
heat-storage tank in a vertically separated manner. Then, by
discharging the heat-exchange medium to the lower portion of the
internal space, the heat-exchange medium passes through the heat
storage, moves to the heat-exchange medium of an upper portion, and
the heat storage changes its state from liquid to solid during the
movement. Once the heat storage changes to solid, it becomes
difficult for the heat-exchange medium, which has been discharged
to the lower portion of the internal space, to move upward, and as
a result, it is discharged from the heat-storage tank, and the flow
rate of the heat-exchange medium flowing in the first supply tube
becomes smaller. Consequently, it becomes impossible to supply
sufficient heat-exchange medium to the heat-removing device.
Therefore, sufficient heat-exchange medium can be supplied to the
heat-removing device by adjusting the flow rate of heat-exchange
medium flowing in the first supply tube by the first flow rate
control section.
[0011] Further, the second invention is the heat-storage type heat
supplying apparatus according to the first invention, in which
under a condition after a state of the heat storage is changed to
solid and paths for flowing the heat-exchange medium are formed in
the heat storage, the apparatus further has: a second flow rate
control section that controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange
medium to be supplied from the first supply tube to the
heat-removing device by switching the case of stopping the flow of
the heat-exchange medium in the first supply tube and the case of
allowing the heat-exchange medium to flow in the first supply
tube.
[0012] According to this constitution, since the heat storage of a
liquid state is not solidified to further interfere the flow of
heat-exchange medium after the state of heat storage is changed to
solid and the paths for heat-exchange medium are formed, the flow
rate of the heat-exchange medium supplied to the heat-removing
device can be easily controlled by switching the two states being
the case of stopping the flow of the heat-exchange medium in the
first supply tube and the case of flowing the heat-exchange medium,
an operating power of the second flow rate control section can be
reduced by stopping the flow, and thus the apparatus can be
efficiently operated.
[0013] Further, the third invention is the heat-storage type heat
supplying apparatus according to the first invention or the second
invention, in which the apparatus has: a third supply tube that
supplies the heat-exchange medium flowing in the first supply tube
directly to the second supply tube; and a third flow rate control
section that controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium to
be supplied from the first supply tube to the heat-removing device
by controlling the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium to be
supplied from the first supply tube to the third supply tube.
[0014] According to this constitution, the flow rate of
heat-exchange medium taken in by the heat-removing device can be
controlled, so that heat quantity taken out by the heat-removing
device can be adjusted.
[0015] Furthermore, the fourth invention is the heat-storage type
heat supplying apparatus according to the third invention, in which
the third flow rate control section controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from the first supply tube to
the heat-removing device by switching the case of stopping the
supply of the heat-exchange medium from the first supply tube to
the heat-removing device and supplying the medium to the third
supply tube and the case of stopping the supply of the
heat-exchange medium from the first supply tube to the third supply
tube and supplying the medium to the heat-removing device.
[0016] According to this constitution, since the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium supplied to the heat-removing device can be
controlled by switching the two states being the case of supplying
the heat-exchange medium to the heat-removing device and the case
of stopping the supply of the medium, the heat quantity taken out
by the heat-removing device can be easily adjusted.
[0017] Still further, the fifth invention is the heat-storage type
heat supplying apparatus according to the third invention or the
fourth invention, in which the apparatus further has: a first heat
quantity detector that detects a first thermal parameter being a
state variable regarding the heat quantity taken out from the
heat-exchange medium by the heat-removing device, in which the
third flow rate control section controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from the first supply tube to
the third supply tube and controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from the first supply tube to
the heat-removing device based on a detection result of the first
heat quantity detector.
[0018] According to this constitution, since the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium taken in by the heat-removing device is
controlled based on the first thermal parameter being the state
variable regarding the heat quantity taken out by the heat-removing
device, heat quantity required by the heat-removing device can be
taken out.
[0019] Further, the sixth invention is the heat-storage type heat
supplying apparatus according to the third invention or the fourth
invention, in which the apparatus further has: a second heat
quantity detector that detects the second thermal parameter being a
state variable regarding the heat quantity of the heat-exchange
medium to be supplied to the heat-removing device, in which the
third flow rate control section controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from the first supply tube to
the third supply tube and controls the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium to be supplied from the first supply tube to
the heat-removing device based on a detection result of the second
heat quantity detector.
[0020] According to this constitution, since the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium taken in by the heat-removing device is
controlled based on the second thermal parameter being the state
variable regarding the heat quantity taken out by the heat-removing
device, heat quantity required by the heat-removing device can be
taken out.
[0021] Furthermore, the seventh invention is a heat-storage type
heat supplying system that has: the heat-storage type heat
supplying apparatus of the fifth invention; an absorption type
water cooler/heater that makes cold water by utilizing vaporization
heat of water; the heat-removing device that supplies heat taken
out from the heat-exchange medium, to which heat has been supplied,
to the water utilized in the absorption type water cooler/heater; a
first water supply tube that supplies the water from the absorption
type water cooler/heater to the heat-removing device; and a second
water supply tube that supplies the water, to which heat has been
supplied, from the heat-removing device to the absorption type
water cooler/heater and has the first heat quantity detector that
detects the temperature of the water to which heat has been
supplied, as the first thermal parameter, in which the third flow
rate control section controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange
medium to be supplied from the first supply tube to the third
supply tube and controls the flow rate of the heat-exchange medium
to be supplied from the first supply tube to the heat-removing
device such that the temperature of the water, which is detected by
the first heat quantity detector, becomes 70.degree. C. or higher
and 100.degree. C. or lower.
[0022] According to this constitution, the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium supplied to the heat-removing device is
controlled such that the temperature of water, which is detected by
the first heat quantity detector, becomes 70.degree. C. or higher
and 100.degree. C. or lower. Since the absorption type water
cooler/heater has a limited temperature of hot water to be used,
hot water outside a condition range cannot be used. Therefore, the
heat stored can be effectively utilized without wasting it by
controlling the temperature of water at 70.degree. C. or higher and
100.degree. C. or lower.
[0023] Still further, the eighth invention is a heat-storage type
heat supplying system that has the heat-storage type heat supplying
apparatus of the sixth invention and the heat-removing device, in
which the heat-removing device is an absorption type water
cooler/heater that supplies heat taken out from the heat-exchange
medium, to which heat has been supplied, to water and makes cold
water by utilizing the vaporization heat of the water.
[0024] According to this constitution, by making the heat-removing
device become the absorption type water cooler/heater where the
heat taken out from the heat-exchange medium, to which heat has
been supplied, is supplied to water and makes cold water by
utilizing the vaporization heat of the water, the stored heat can
be directly used, so that the heat-removing device being the
absorption type water cooler/heater can be operated
efficiently.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a heat supplying system
including a heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a view expressing a flowchart that shows an
operation of a flow rate control device.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a view expressing a flowchart that shows an
operation of a flow rate control device.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic view expressing the first modification
example of the heat supplying system shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic view expressing the second
modification example of the heat supplying system shown in FIG.
1.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic view expressing the third modification
example of the heat supplying system shown in FIG. 1.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0032] A heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1 according to
this embodiment is an apparatus that stores waste heat generated
from a factory, garbage-disposal facility or the like, and it is
preferably used in a heat-storage type heat supplying system 100 or
the like. The heat-storage type heat supplying system 100 is made
up of a heat exchanger 11 (heat-removing device) connected to the
heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1 and an external device
15 (absorption type water cooler/heater) connected to the heat
exchanger 11 in addition to the heat-storage type heat supplying
apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 1.
(Heat Exchanger)
[0033] The heat exchanger 11 collects heat stored in the
heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1 in order to use it in
the external device 15. Specifically, the heat exchanger 11 takes
in oil 21 to which heat, which is stored in a heat-storage tank 2
of the heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1, is supplied
(described later), and on the other hand, takes in a heat medium
used in the external device 15. Then, tubes having high heat
conductivity in which the oil 21 and the heat medium, which have
been taken in, flow are provided so as to contact each other, and
the heat of the oil 21 is transmitted to the heat medium indirectly
via the wall of the tubes. The heat collected in the heat exchanger
11 in this manner is used in the external device 15.
(External Device)
[0034] The external device 15 is an absorption type water
cooler/heater that makes cold water by utilizing the vaporization
heat of water, and the heat medium is water. The absorption type
water cooler/heater can perform cooling, for example, by making
cold water. The heat exchanger 11 and the external device 15 are
connected to each other by a supply tube 16 (the first water supply
tube) that supplies water being the heat medium from the external
device 15 to the heat exchanger 11, and an intake tube 17 (the
second water supply tube) that takes in the heat medium, to which
heat has been transmitted and which has become hot water, from the
heat exchanger 11 to the external device 15. When the external
device 15 being the absorption type water cooler/heater takes in
hot water from the heat exchanger 11, it vaporizes the hot water to
make cold water by utilizing vaporization heat generated at the
time of vaporization. Then, the device is designed to perform
cooling or the like is performed by utilizing the cold water.
[0035] Note that the external device 15 may be a water heater
supplying hot water, for example, and the heat medium is water in
such a case. The device also may be a heater, and the heat medium
is air in this case.
(Heat-Storage Type Heat Supplying Apparatus)
[0036] The heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1 has the
heat-storage tank 2, a heater 3, a flow path controller 4 (the
third flow rate control section), a flow rate controller 5 (the
first flow rate control section), and tubes 6 to 10.
[0037] The heat-storage tank 2 has an internal space, and a
heat-insulating material made of bubble-foamed resin having heat
resistance property is attached on its peripheral area. Then, the
oil 21 (heat-exchange medium) and erythritol 22 (heat storage) are
housed in the internal space of the heat-storage tank 2.
Specifically, a separating plate 2a that separates the internal
space in two (upper and lower) spaces is disposed in the
heat-storage plate 2. The separating plate 2a is a flat plate, and
a plurality of holes through which the oil 21 can pass are provided
in the plate. Note that the separating plate 2a is formed of a
member having high heat conductivity. The oil 21 and the erythritol
22 are housed in the upper side (hereinafter, referred to "upper
space") out of the internal spaces that are separated in upper and
lower area by the separating plate 21, only the oil 21 is housed in
the lower side (hereinafter, referred to as "lower space") out of
the separated internal spaces. Meanwhile, the erythritol 22 capable
of storing heat efficiently in a short time is used as the heat
storage in this embodiment, but it may be sodium acetate trihydrate
salt or the like.
[0038] The oil 21 is a heat medium to which waste heat generated
from a factory or the like is supplied, which exchanges heat with
the erythritol 22 by the direct contact with the erythritol 22 to
store the waste heat in the erythritol 22, takes out heat stored in
the erythritol 22, and supplies it to the heat exchanger 11. Note
that when the oil 21 is supplied to the heat exchanger 11 as
described above, heat of the oil 21 is collected in order to use
the heat in the external device 15. Further, in the explanation
below, collecting (taking out) the heat stored in the erythritol 22
is called the cooling of the erythritol 22.
[0039] The erythritol 22 directly contacts the oil 21, to which
heat has been supplied, to store the heat of the oil 21 depending
on a state change between solid and liquid. Specifically, the
melting point of the erythritol 22 is about 119.degree. C. and it
is solid under the normal state (room temperature). Then, when the
heat of the oil 21 is transmitted by directly contacting the oil to
which heat has been supplied, the state of erythritol changes from
solid to liquid, and stores heat in a liquid state. Further, when
the erythritol 22 is in a heat-storing state, that is, when the
erythritol 22 is in a liquid state, the stored heat is transmitted
to the oil 21 by directly contacting the oil 21 having no heat, and
the state of erythritol is changed from liquid to solid.
[0040] Meanwhile, since the oil 21 has a lighter specific gravity
than the erythritol 22 and is not mixed with the erythritol 22, the
oil 21 and the erythritol 22 that are housed in the upper space are
separated into the oil 21 in an upper layer and the erythritol 22
in a lower layer even if a member or the like is not laid between
them for separating from each other. Further, the oil 21 is filled
in the lower space, the oil 21 is discharged from the holes of the
separating plate 21 by allowing the oil 21 to be discharged from
the heater 3 (described later) to the lower space, and the
discharging pressure prevents the erythritol 22 in the upper space
from moving to the lower space via the holes of the separating
plate 2a even if it is liquid.
[0041] The heater 3 is integrally provided for the heat storage
tank 2, and it supplies waste heat generated from a factory or the
like to the oil 21, stops supplying heat, and discharges the oil 21
to the lower portion of the internal space of the heat-storage tank
2. The heater 3 has a heat transfer tube arranged so as to surround
and wrap the pipe in which the oil 21 flows, for example, and heat
can be supplied (heating) to the oil 21 via a tube wall by sending
the waste heat to the heat transfer tube. Then, in the case of
storing heat in the erythritol 22, heat is supplied to the oil 21,
and the oil 21 to which heat has been supplied is discharged.
Further, in the case of cooling the erythritol 22, supply of heat
(heating) is stopped and the oil 21 that has been taken in is
discharged as it is.
[0042] Further, the heater 3 is arranged so as to protrude from the
top portion of the heat-storage tank 2 toward the internal space
and pass across the boundary surface between the oil 21 and the
erythritol 22 in the upper space approximately perpendicularly. By
forming the heater 3 and the heat-storage tank 2 into a unit such
that a part of the heater 3 is provided in the internal space of
the heat-storage tank 2, space saving of the apparatus 1 can be
achieved. Further, when heat is supplied to the oil 21 from the
heater 3, time and distance required in supplying heat from the
heater 3 to the heat-storage tank 2 can be made shorter, the heat
of the oil 21 is not taken away in supplying heat, and thus heat
can be stored in the erythritol 22 efficiently. Moreover, by
arranging the heater 3 so as to pass across the boundary surface
between the oil 21 and the erythritol 22, the heat generated from
the heater 3 can be transmitted to the erythritol 22, and the heat
can be stored more efficiently by effectively utilizing the heat
from the heater 3.
[0043] Still further, the heater 3 has a tube 3a for heater and an
auxiliary tube 3b, which are formed of a member having high heat
conductivity. The tube 3a for heater is provided at the lower
portion of the heater 3, and it discharges the oil 21 that has been
taken in by the heater 3 to the lower space of the heat-storage
tank 2. The oil 21 discharged to the lower space is discharged into
the erythritol 22 through the holes of the separating plate 2a, and
after that, it goes up to the oil 21 in the upper layer. The oil 21
exchanges heat with the erythritol 22 by the direct contact with
the erythritol 22 as it goes up in erythritol.
[0044] The auxiliary tube 3b is arranged so as to pass through the
erythritol 22 in the upper space of the heat-storage tank 2 and the
oil 21 in the lower space, and it discharges the oil 21 of the
heater 3 into the oil 21 in the upper space of the heat-storage
tank 2. In the case where heat is supplied to the oil 21 by the
heater 3, the heat of the oil 21 is transmitted to the erythritol
22 and the oil 21 in the lower space by indirect contact via the
wall of the auxiliary wall 3b as the oil flows in the auxiliary
tube 3b. Consequently, heat can be stored in the erythritol 22, the
oil 21 in the lower space can be maintained at high temperature,
and thus heat can be stored more efficiently.
[0045] Furthermore, as the erythritol 22 is cooled down, that is,
as the heat stored in the erythritol 22 is taken out, the
erythritol 22 is solidified, so that it becomes difficult for the
oil 21, which directly contacts the erythritol 22, to go up in the
erythritol 22. Accordingly, the amount of the oil 21 in the upper
space is reduced, and it reduces a discharging amount from a
discharge tube 6 (described later), but the amount reduction of the
oil 21 can be prevented by providing the auxiliary tube 3b. In
addition, a valve 3c is provided in the middle of the auxiliary
tube 3b, and the oil 21 can be allowed to flow or the flow can be
stopped by opening/closing the valve 3c.
[0046] Furthermore, the separating plate 2a is formed of a member
having high heat conductivity as described above, and heat can be
transmitted to the erythritol 22 indirectly via the separating
plate 2a from the entire lower side by discharging the oil 21, to
which heat has been supplied, to the lower space.
[0047] The discharge tube 6 (the first supply tube) that discharges
the oil 21 housed in the upper space is disposed in the
above-described heat-storage tank 2. Note that a pump 5a and a flow
rate meter 5b of the flow rate controller 5 are disposed in the
middle of the discharge tube 6, the oil 21 flows in the discharge
tube 6 by operating the pump 5a, and the flow rate meter 5b can
measure the flow rate of the oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube
6. Then, the pump 5a is controlled (specifically, the rotation
number of pump is controlled) based on a measurement result of the
flow rate meter 5b, and the flow rate of the oil 21 can be
controlled to maintain a fixed level always. The pump 5a and the
flow rate meter 5b will be described later.
[0048] A connection tube 8 (the third supply tube) and an intake
tube 9 are connected to the discharge tube 6. Specifically, the
discharge tube 6, the connection tube 8, and the intake tube 9 are
connected to each other by a three-way valve 4a. The three-way
valve 4a is a valve capable of switching two flow paths by an
opening/closing operation. Note that the three-way valve 4a can
connect the discharge tube 6 to the connection tube 8 in a flowable
manner, can connect the discharge tube 6 to the intake tube 9 in a
flowable manner, and can switch the flow paths for the oil 21 by a
control section 4c of the flow path controller 4 (described later).
Further, the intake tube 9 is connected to the heat exchanger 11,
and the oil 21 flowing in the intake tube 9 is taken in by the heat
exchanger 11.
[0049] On the other hand, a supply tube 7 for taking in the oil 21
(the second supply tube) is disposed to the heater 3. Then, the
connection tube 8 and a removing tube 10 are connected to the
supply tube 7. Specifically, the supply tube 7, the connection tube
8 and the removing tube 10 are connected to each other by a
three-way valve 12. Note that the removing tube 10 is connected to
the heat exchanger 11, heat is collected in the heat exchanger 11,
and the oil 21 discharged from the heat exchanger 11 flows in the
tube 10. Then, by operating the three-way valve 12, the supply tube
7 can be connected to the removing tube 10 in a flowable manner, or
the supply tube 7 can be connected to the connection tube 8 in a
flowable manner. Meanwhile, a connection part between the supply
tube 7, the connection tube 8 and the removing tube 10 may be a
three-way regulator to prevent a reverse flow of the oil 21 instead
of the valve. In this case, there is no need to operate the
regulator to switch flow path as required in the case of the
three-way valve.
[0050] Note that the intake tube 9 and the removing tube 10 may be
connected to the heat exchanger 11 detachably, or may be directly
connected to the external device 15 without laying the heat
exchanger 11 between them.
[0051] As described, by disposing the tubes 6 to 10, two flow paths
being a flow path (hereinafter, referred to as the first flow path)
that consists of the discharge tube 6, the connection tube 8 and
the supply tube 7 and a flow path (hereinafter, referred to as the
second flow path) that consists of the discharge tube 6, the intake
tube 9, the removing tube 10 and the supply tube 7 are formed.
Then, the three-way valve 4a is opened/closed depending on a
heat-storage condition or the like to switch the first flow path
and the second flow path. For example, the flow path is switched to
the first flow path in the case of storing heat in the heat-storage
tank 2. Further, the flow path is switched to the second flow path
in the case of using the stored heat in the external device 15 in
order to allow the oil 21 to be supplied to the heat exchanger 11.
Further, although described later, in the case where the flow rate
of the oil 21 to be supplied to the heat exchanger 11 needs to be
controlled, the oil 21 is allowed to flow in both flow paths of the
first flow path and the second flow path. Meanwhile, the three-way
valve 12 may be operated synchronously with the three-way valve 4a
to switch the flow path, or may be operated independently.
[0052] The control of the flow rate of the oil 21 flowing in the
above-described tubes 6 to 10 and the switching of the first flow
path and the second flow path are controlled by the flow path
controller 4 and the flow rate controller 5.
[0053] The flow rate controller 5 has the pump 5a, the flow rate
meter 5b and the control section 5c, and the pump 5a and the flow
rate meter 5b are provided in the middle of the discharge tube 6 as
described above. The pump 5a is a device for allowing the oil 21 to
flow, and the flow rate meter 5b is a device for measuring a volume
or a mass of fluid flowing through a section in a unit time
regarding the oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6. Further, the
control section 5c is connected to the pump 5a and the flow rate
meter 5b, and controls the pump 5a to maintain the value of the
flow rate meter 5b always at a fixed level based on a measurement
result of the flow rate meter 5b. Specifically, as the erythritol
22 in the heat-storage tank 2 is cooled down, its state is changed
from liquid to solid as described above. Then, it becomes difficult
for the oil 21 in the lower space of the heat-storage tank 2 to
pass through the holes of the separating plate 2a and move to the
upper space. As a result, the amount of the oil 21 in the upper
space is reduced, and the flow rate of the oil 21 discharged from
the discharge tube 6 is also reduced. This reduces the flow rate of
the oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6, and it becomes
impossible to supply sufficient oil 21 to the heat exchanger 11.
Therefore, the rotation number (drive force) of the pump 5a is
increased to increase the flow rate when the flow rate is reduced,
or the rotation number of the pump 5a is reduced to reduce the flow
rate when the flow rate is increased, and thus the flow rate of the
oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6 is controlled to maintain a
fixed level always. With this, the heat exchanger 11 can always
take in a fixed amount of oil 21.
[0054] Meanwhile, the flow rate meter 5b is used to maintain the
flow rate at a fixed level in this embodiment. However, other
measuring devices may be used where the flow rate is led out by
measuring the flow pressure of the oil 21 flowing in the discharge
tube 6 and the pump 5a is controlled to maintain the flow pressure
at a fixed level always.
[0055] The flow path controller 4 has the three-way valve 4a, a
thermometer 4b (the first heat quantity detector) and the control
section 4c. The three-way valve 4a is a valve for connecting the
discharge tube 6, the connection tube 8 and the intake tube 9 as
described above. The thermometer 4b measures temperature as the
first thermal parameter being the state variable regarding heat
quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11. Herein, the thermal
parameter is a state variable showing the energy state regarding
the heat quantity of a heat medium, which is a parameter having
association with the heat quantity to be exchanged, and it is not
limited to the temperature shown in this embodiment. Further, there
is a case where the thermometer measures a plurality of parameters.
Specifically, the heat exchanger 11 takes in the oil 21 that has
taken in heat stored in the heat-storage tank 2 as described above,
and on the other hand, it takes in the heat medium (water) used in
the external device 15, and the heat of the oil 21 is transmitted
to the heat medium by indirect contact between the oil 21 that has
been taken in and the heat medium. The thermometer 4b is arranged
in the middle of the intake tube 17 in which the heat medium flows,
which has been discharged as hot water after heat was transmitted
therein in the heat exchanger 11, and the heat quantity taken out
in the heat exchanger 11 is led out by measuring the temperature of
the heat medium.
[0056] The control section 4c controls an opening level of the
three-way valve 4a based on the heat quantity measured by the
thermometer 4b, and adjusts the level of flow rate of the oil 21
flowing in the first flow path and the second flow path. For
example, in the case where the heat quantity taken out in the heat
exchanger 11 is high, that is, when the temperature of water
discharged from the heat exchanger 11 is high, control section
adjusts the opening level of the three-way valve 4a to allow the
oil 21 to flow in the first flow path as well, and thus the flow
rate of the oil 21 taken in by the heat exchanger 11 can be
reduced. Thus, the heat quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11
can be reduced. Further, in the case where the heat quantity taken
out in the heat exchanger 11 is low, the flow rate of the oil 21
taken in by the heat exchanger 11 can be increased by preventing
the oil 21 from flowing in the first flow path, and thus the heat
quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11 can be also
increased.
[0057] As described, by controlling the three-way valve 4a based on
the heat quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11, the heat
quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11 can be controlled as
well. Consequently, it is possible to adjust heat quantity to a
level required in the heat exchanger 11 and the external device 15,
and the heat exchanger 11 and the external device 15 can be
operated efficiently.
[0058] For example, the erythritol 22 having the melting point at
119.degree. C. is used as the heat-storage material in this
embodiment, but when a heat-storage material having the melting
point at 100.degree. C. or higher is used, heat quantity that the
oil 21 to be taken in by the heat exchanger 11 holds is also high
at the initial stage of operating heat collection. For this reason,
the heat quantity taken in by the heat exchanger 11 and the
external device 15 also becomes high. Accordingly, there is a
danger that water being the heat medium will be boiled when the
external device 15 is a water cooler/heater or the like, for
example, and heat cannot be used even if it is collected.
Therefore, heat quantity required by the external device 15 can be
collected by adjusting the flow rate of the oil 21 taken in by the
heat exchanger 11 while measuring the heat quantity, and efficient
operation can be performed.
[0059] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the control section 4c
controls the flow rate in such a manner that the temperature of
water detected by the thermometer 4b becomes 70.degree. C. or
higher and 100.degree. C. or lower in this embodiment. In this
embodiment, the external device 15 is an absorption type water
cooler/heater and the absorption type water cooler/heater performs
cooling or the like by using vaporization of water as described
above. Then, since the boiling point of water is 100.degree. C.,
water cannot be vaporized sufficiently and cooling or the like
cannot be performed efficiently by the external device 15 when the
temperature of water supplied to the external device 15 is
70.degree. C. or lower. Further, since water vaporizes at
100.degree. C. or higher, it is impossible to use vapor in the
external device 15. Therefore, it is preferable to control the
temperature of water to be discharged from the heat exchanger 11
within the range of 70.degree. C. or higher and 100.degree. C. or
lower.
[0060] Furthermore, the thermometer 4b may be installed so as to
measure temperature as the second thermal parameter being the state
variable regarding the heat quantity of the oil 21 taken in by the
heat exchanger 11. Specifically, it may be provided in the middle
of the intake tube 9. In this case, since the flow rate of the oil
21 taken in by the heat exchanger 11 is controlled based on the
heat quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11 in the same manner
as above, it is possible to adjust heat quantity to a level
required in the heat exchanger 11 and the external device 15, and
the heat exchanger 11 and the external device 15 can be operated
efficiently. In addition, the measuring device that measures the
thermal parameter being the state variable regarding heat quantity
may not be a thermometer.
[0061] Next, description will be made for an operation during heat
storage and an operation during heat collection of the heat-storage
type heat supplying apparatus 1 and the heat supplying system 100,
which are constituted as described above.
[0062] First, the case of storing heat in the heat-storage tank 2
will be described. The three-way valves 4a, 12 are switched to the
first flow path first, and the pump 5a is activated to send the oil
21 housed in the upper space of the heat-storage tank 2 from the
first flow path to the heater 3. Then, the oil 21, once it is taken
in by the heater 3, is supplied with waste heat generated from a
factory or the like. The oil 21 to which heat has been supplied is
discharged to the lower space of the heat-storage tank 2 by the
tube 3a for heater. On the other hand, the oil 21 to which heat has
been supplied by the heater 3 flows in the auxiliary tube 3b whose
valve 3c is opened, and is discharged into the oil 21 of the upper
space.
[0063] Since the erythritol 22 is solid at the beginning point of
heat storage and it clogs the holes of the separating plate 2a, the
oil 21 in the lower space is not discharged from the holes of the
separating plate 2a. Therefore, by allowing the oil 21 to which
heat has been supplied to flow in the auxiliary tube 3b, heat is
transmitted to the erythritol 22 indirectly, and the erythritol 22
can be changed from solid to liquid faster. Further, since the
auxiliary tube 3b passes in the lower space, it is possible to
indirectly transmit heat to the oil 21 in the lower space to
maintain the oil 21 in the lower space at high temperature. With
this, heat can be transmitted to the erythritol 22 indirectly via
the separating plate 2a from the entire lower side, and the
erythritol 22 can be changed from solid to liquid even faster.
Furthermore, since a part of the heater 3 is provided so as to
contact the erythritol 22, the erythritol 22 can be changed from
solid to liquid by using heat generated from the heater 3.
[0064] As the erythritol 22 is changed to liquid and the oil 21 in
the lower space is discharged from the holes of the separating
plate 2a, the oil 21 passes through the holes of the separating
plate 2a and is discharged in the erythritol 22. The oil discharged
in the erythritol 22 goes up because its specific gravity is
lighter than that of the erythritol 22, and is taken in by the oil
21 in the upper space. The oil transmits heat to the erythritol 22
while it goes up. Then, the oil 21 in the upper space of the
heat-storage tank 2, which has finished heat exchange, is supplied
to the heater 3 by the pump 5a again, and heat can be stored by
repeating the above-described operation.
[0065] Next, description will be made for the case of cooling the
erythritol 22 in the heat-storage tank 2, that is, the case of
collecting heat from the erythritol 22 in which heat is stored. The
three-way valves 4a, 12 are switched to the second flow path first,
and the pump 5a is activated to flow the oil 21 housed in the upper
space of the heat-storage tank 2 in the discharge tube 6. Note
that, in this embodiment, the three-way valves 4a, 12 are operated
to allow the oil 21 to flow only in the second flow path at the
initial stage of operating heat collection.
[0066] At this point, the flow rate of the oil 21 flowing in the
discharge tube 6 is controlled by the flow rate controller 5.
Specifically, the flow rate controller 5 measures the flow rate of
the oil 21 in the discharge tube 6 first by the flow rate meter 5b,
and determines whether or not the flow rate is a flow rate
previously set as shown in FIG. 2 (A1). Note that the flow rate to
be previously set is decided by the external device 15. When the
flow rate is the previously set flow rate (A1: YES), A1 is repeated
to check the flow rate of the oil 21 constantly. If it is not the
previously set flow rate (A1: NO), whether or not the flow rate of
the oil 21 is larger than the previously set flow rate is
determined (A2). When it is larger than the previously set flow
rate, the rotation number of the pump 5a is reduced (A3) in order
to reduce the flow rate of the oil 21, and processing returns to
A1. On the other hand, it is not larger than the previously set
flow rate (A2: NO), that is, when it is smaller than the previously
set flow rate, the rotation number of the pump 5a is increased (A4)
in order to increase the flow rate of the oil 21. Specifically,
since the erythritol 22 is solidified as the erythritol 22 is
cooled down, a discharge amount from the heat-storage tank 2 is
reduced. Accordingly, the flow rate of the oil 21 to be supplied to
the heat exchanger 11 is also reduced, so that the flow rate of the
oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6 can be increased by
increasing the rotation number of the pump 5a. Processing returns
to A1 after the rotation number of the pump 5a is increased.
[0067] As described, the flow rate of the oil 21 is measured by the
flow rate meter 5b, and the pump 5a is controlled to bring it to
the previously set flow rate. Then, the oil 21 is taken in by the
heat exchanger 11.
[0068] The heat exchanger 11, which has taken in the oil 21 having
a fixed flow rate as described above, takes in water being the heat
medium to be used in the external device 15 on one hand. In the
heat exchanger 11, since tubes having high heat conductivity, in
which the oil 21 taken in and the heat medium flows, are provided
so as to contact each other, the heat of the oil 21 is indirectly
transmitted to the heat medium via the wall of the tubes. Once heat
is transmitted to the heat medium in the heat exchanger 11, the
heat medium is discharged from the heat exchanger 11 and supplied
to the external device 15. At this point, the flow path controller
4 performs control of switching the first flow path and the second
flow path based on the heat quantity of the discharged heat medium,
and adjusts the flow rate of the oil 21 flowing in each path.
[0069] Specifically, the flow path controller 4 firstly determines
whether or not the heat quantity led out from the temperature as
the first parameter, which has been measured by the thermometer 4b,
is within the range of the previously set heat quantity
(preferably, measured temperature is 70.degree. C. or higher and
100.degree. C. or lower) as shown in FIG. 3 (B1). When the heat
quantity is within the range of the previously set heat quantity
(B1: YES), B1 is repeated and heat quantity to be taken out is
constantly checked. If it is not within the range of the previously
set heat quantity (B1: NO), whether or not the heat quantity is
larger than the range of the previously set heat quantity is
determined (B2). When the heat quantity is larger than the range
(B2: YES), the opening level of the three-way valve 4a is adjusted
to allow the oil 21 to flow in the connection tube 8 as well (B3),
processing returns to B 1, and whether or not the heat quantity is
within the range of the previously set heat quantity is checked
again. If the heat quantity is not larger than the range of the
previously set heat quantity (B2: NO), that is, when it is smaller
than the range of the previously set heat quantity, the opening
level of the three-way valve 4a is adjusted not to allow the oil 21
to flow in the connection tube 8 (B4), processing returns to B 1,
and whether or not the heat quantity is within the range of the
previously set heat quantity is checked again.
[0070] Once the heat exchanger 11 collects heat from the oil 21
that has been taken in, it supplies the heat medium, to which heat
has been transmitted, to the external device 15 and discharges the
oil 21 to be sent to the heater 3. The heat medium to which heat
has been transmitted is used in the external device 15. Further,
when the oil 21 is taken in by the heater 3, it is discharged to
the lower space of the heat-storage tank 2, and on the other hand,
the oil 21 supplied with heat by the heater 3 flows in the
auxiliary tube 3b and is discharged into the oil 21 of the upper
space. Note that, in the case of cooling, the valve 3c of the
auxiliary tube 3b is closed to prevent the oil 21 from flowing in
the auxiliary tube 3b. In the case of taking out stored heat, by
not allowing the oil 21 to flow in the auxiliary tube 3b, it is
possible to prevent the oil 21 from being sent to the heat
exchanger 11 before heat is sufficiently transmitted from the
erythritol 22 to the oil.
[0071] Meanwhile, when the flow rate controller 5 determines that
the flow rate of the oil 21 is smaller than the previously set flow
rate, the valve 3c of the auxiliary tube 3b may be turned to an
open state to allow the oil 21 to easily flow from the heater 3 to
the upper space of the heat-storage tank 2. This makes the flow
rate of the oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6 easily
adjustable. Further, in the case where the heat quantity taken out
is larger than a predetermined range, the valve 3c of the auxiliary
tube 3b is turned to an open state by the flow path controller 4,
and the oil 21 to which heat is not transmitted from the erythritol
22 may be discharged to the upper space of the heat-storage tank 2.
This can reduce the heat quantity of the oil 21 that is discharged
to the discharge tube 6 and taken in by the heat exchanger 11, so
that it is possible to adjust the heat quantity required in the
heat exchanger 11 and the external device 15, and the heat
exchanger 11 and the external device 15 can be efficiently
operated.
[0072] When the oil is discharged to the lower space, the oil 21 in
the lower space passes through the holes of the separating plate 2a
to be discharged into the erythritol 22. The oil 21 discharged into
the erythritol 22 goes up because its specific gravity is lighter
than that of the erythritol 22, and is taken in by the oil 21 of
the upper space. Heat is transmitted from the erythritol 22 while
the oil goes up. Then, the oil 21 in the upper space of the
heat-storage tank 2, which has finished heat exchange, is supplied
to the heat exchanger 11 by the pump 5a. After that, the
above-described operation is repeated until the heat stored in the
erythritol 22 is collected, that is until the erythritol 22 becomes
solid.
FIRST MODIFICATION EXAMPLE
[0073] Further, as the first modification example of the
heat-storage type heat supplying system 100 explained in the
above-described embodiment, the constitution as shown in FIG. 4 may
be employed where the heat exchanger 11 is the external device 15
of the absorption type water cooler/heater. In other words, in the
above-described embodiment, the heat exchanger 11 takes out stored
heat and the heat taken out is used in the external device 15.
However, the oil 21 to which heat has been supplied in the
heat-storage tank 2 may be directly supplied to the external device
15 to take out the stored heat in the external device 15. In this
case, the thermometer 4d (the second heat quantity detector) of the
flow path controller 4 is provided on the intake tube 9, and the
flow path is controlled based on the detected temperature of oil 21
to be taken in by the external device 15. Since the absorption type
water cooler/heater is designed to perform cooling by using the
vaporization of water as described above, water can be vaporized
without losing heat by directly taking in the oil 21 to which heat
has been supplied in the heat-storage tank 2, and thus it is
possible to efficiently operate the absorption type water
cooler/heater.
SECOND MODIFICATION EXAMPLE
[0074] Further, as the second modification example of the
heat-storage type heat supplying system 100 explained in the
above-described embodiment, the constitution as shown in FIG. 5 may
be employed where a three-way valve 24a controls the flow rate of
the oil 21 to be supplied to the heat exchanger 11 by switching the
case of blocking the intake tube 9 to allow the oil 21 to flow only
in the connection tube 8 and the case of blocking the connection
tube 8 to allow the oil 21 to flow only in the intake tube 9.
[0075] In this case, the external device 15 determines whether or
not sufficient heat is supplied and transmits ON/OFF signals to a
flow path controller 24 (the third flow rate control section) that
consists of the three-way valve 24a and a control section 24c. For
example, the ON signal is transmitted when heat supplied to the
external device is insufficient, and the OFF signal is transmitted
when excessive heat is supplied. The control section 24c controls
the three-way valve 24a based on the signal, the oil 21 is allowed
to flow in the intake tube 9 in the case of the ON signal, and the
flow of the oil 21 to the intake tube 9 is stopped in the case of
the OFF signal. Accordingly, the flow rate of the oil 21 to be
supplied to the heat exchanger 11 can be controlled by a simple
control mechanism using ON/OFF signals, and heat required by the
external device 15 can be easily supplied.
THIRD MODIFICATION EXAMPLE
[0076] Furthermore, the third modification example of the
heat-storage type heat supplying system 100 explained in the
above-described embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. In this
constitution, the operation of a pump 25a is controlled by a pump
control section 30. The pump control section 30 consists of a
constant flow rate control section 25c, an external control section
26c and an operation switching control section 27c, and the
operation control section 27c controls switching of the case where
the operation of the pump 25a is controlled by the constant flow
rate control section 25c and the case where the operation is
controlled by the external control section 26c. Herein, the first
flow rate control section 25 consists of the pump 25a, a flow rate
meter 25b and the constant flow rate control section 25c, and
constant flow rate control section 25c controls the rotation number
of the pump 25a based on the measurement result of the flow rate of
the oil 21, which is measured by the flow rate meter 25b. Further,
the second flow rate control section 26 consists of the pump 25a
and the external control section 26c, and the external control
section 26c controls the pump 25a to activate or stop based on the
ON/OFF signals indicating a request of heat supply, which is
transmitted from the external device 15.
[0077] The operation switching control section 27c allows the
constant flow rate control section 25c to control the pump 25a when
the erythritol 22 is in a liquid state (early part of heat supply
to external device 15). In this case, the flow rate of the oil 21
to supplied to the heat exchanger 11 is controlled by the three-way
valve 24a based on the ON/OFF signals indicating a request of heat
supply from the external device 15 in the same manner as the second
modification example described. When the erythritol 22 is
solidified after forming the flow paths for the oil 21 in the later
part of heat supply, the operation switching control section 27c
switches to the control of the pump 25a by the external control
section 26c. Specifically, based on a temperature detection result
of the erythritol 22 obtained by the thermometer, for example, the
erythritol 22 is determined to be solid when the temperature is the
melting point of the erythritol 22 or lower, and control is
switched to pump control by the external control section 26c. At
this point, the three-way valve 24a is controlled so as to block
the flow paths to the connection tube 8 and allow the oil 21 to
flow only in the intake tube 9 in order to prevent heat loss caused
by the passage of the oil 21 in the connection tube 8.
[0078] Herein, in the case of supplying heat to the external device
15, when the operation of the pump 25a is stopped in a state before
the erythritol 22 changes to solid, there is a possibility that a
part of the erythritol 22 in the liquid state will be solidified so
as to clog ascending paths for the oil 21, and the oil 21 has a
difficulty of moving upward in the erythritol 22 at the point of
re-starting an operation compared to the case of operating the pump
25a continuously. As a result, it is considered that an increase of
the output of the pump 25a will be necessary. Further, there is
also a danger that the erythritol 22 will be solidified in the
state where erythritol completely clogs the ascending paths for the
oil 21. On the other hand, when the pump 25a is continuously
operated until all erythritol 22 is changed to solid, a fixed flow
rate of the oil 21 keeps on moving upward in the erythritol 22, and
the erythritol 22 is easily solidified without clogging the
ascending paths for the oil 21.
[0079] Therefore, by switching the pump 25a to an ON/OFF operation
after the erythritol 22 forms the flow paths for the oil 21 and is
solidified, it becomes possible to reduce the operating power of
the pump 25a without blocking the upward movement of the oil 21 in
the erythritol 22 by the stop of pump 25a.
[0080] As described above, this embodiment is the heat-storage type
heat supplying apparatus 1 where stored heat is supplied to the oil
21 and the oil 21 is supplied to the heat exchanger 11 that takes
out heat from the oil 21 to which heat has been supplied, in which
the apparatus has: the heat-storage tank 2 that houses the
erythritol 22, which stores heat depending on a state change
between solid and liquid, and the oil 21, which performs heat
exchange by contacting the erythritol 22, has a smaller specific
gravity than that of the erythritol 22, and is separated from the
erythritol 22, in the internal space, takes in the oil 21 in the
lower portion of the internal space, and discharges the oil 21 from
the upper portion of the internal space; the discharge tube 6 and
the intake tube 9, which supply the oil 21 discharged from the
heat-storage tank 2 to a heat exchanger 11; the supply tube 7 and
the removing tube 10, which supply the oil 21 from which heat has
been removed in the heat exchanger 11 to the heat-storage tank 2; a
flow rate meter 5b that detects the flow rate of the oil 21 flowing
in the discharge tube 6; and the pump 5a that is provided on the
discharge tube 6 and controls the flow rate of the oil 21 flowing
in the discharge tube 6 based on a detection result from the flow
rate control section 5.
[0081] According to this constitution, since the flow rate of the
oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6 is detected and the flow
rate of the oil 21 is adjusted based on the detection result, the
flow rate of the oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6 can be
fixed always. Thus, a fixed amount of the heat-exchange medium can
be always supplied to the heat exchanger 11, and the heat exchanger
11 can be operated efficiently.
[0082] Specifically, the oil 21 has a smaller specific gravity than
that of the erythritol 22 and is separated from the erythritol 22,
so that the erythritol 22 and the oil 21 are housed in the internal
space of the heat-storage tank 2 in a vertically separated manner.
Then, by discharging the oil 21 to the lower portion of the
internal space, the oil 21 passes through the erythritol 22 to move
to the oil 21 in the upper portion, and the erythritol 22 changes
its state from liquid to solid during the movement. Once it changes
to solid, it becomes difficult for the erythritol 22, which has
been discharged to the lower portion of the internal space, to move
upward, and as a result, the flow rate of the oil 21 to be
discharged from the heat-storage tank 2 to flow in the discharge
tube 6 becomes smaller. Consequently, sufficient oil 21 cannot be
supplied to the heat exchanger 11. Therefore, by adjusting the flow
rate of the oil 21 flowing in the discharge tube 6, sufficient oil
21 can be supplied to the heat exchanger 11.
[0083] Further, the third modification example is a constitution
having the pump 25a that controls the flow rate of the oil 21 to be
supplied from the discharge tube 6 to the heat exchanger 11 by
switching the case of stopping the flow of the oil 21 in the
discharge tube 6 and the case of allowing the oil 21 to flow in the
discharge tube 6 in the state after the erythritol 22 is changed to
solid and paths for flowing the oil 21 are formed in the erythritol
22.
[0084] According to this constitution, since the erythritol 22 of
the liquid state is not solidified to block the flow of the oil 21
after the state of the erythritol 22 is changed to solid and the
paths for the heat-exchange medium are formed, the flow rate of the
oil 21 to be supplied to the heat exchanger 11 can be easily
controlled by the ON/OFF control of the pump 25a, the operating
power can be reduced by stopping the operation of the pump 25a, and
an efficient operation can be performed.
[0085] Furthermore, this embodiment is a constitution having the
connection tube 8 that supplies the oil 21 flowing in the discharge
tube 6 directly to the supply tube 7, and the three-way valve 4a
that controls the flow rate of the oil 21 to be supplied from the
discharge tube 6 to the heat exchanger 11 by controlling the flow
rate of the oil 21 to be supplied from the supply tube 7 to the
connection tube 8.
[0086] According to this constitution, the flow rate of the oil 21
taken in by the heat exchanger 11 can be controlled, so that the
heat quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11 can be
adjusted.
[0087] Further, the second modification example is a constitution
where the three-way valve 24a controls the flow rate of the oil 21
by switching the case where the supply of the oil 21 from the
discharge tube 6 to the heat exchanger 11 is stopped and the oil
supplied to the connection tube 8 and the case where the supply of
the oil 21 from the discharge tube 6 to the connection tube 8 is
stopped and the oil is supplied to the heat exchanger 11.
[0088] According to this constitution, the flow rate of the oil 21
to be supplied to the heat exchanger 11 can be controlled by
switching the two states being the case of supplying the oil 21 to
the heat exchanger 11 and the case of stopping the supply of oil by
the ON/OFF control of the three-way valve 24a, so that the heat
quantity taken out by the heat exchanger 11 can be easily
adjusted.
[0089] Furthermore, this embodiment a constitution further having
the thermometer 4b that detects the temperature as the first
thermal parameter being the state variable regarding the heat
quantity taken out from the oil 21 in the heat exchanger 11, in
which the three-way valve 4a controls the flow rate of the oil 21
to be supplied from the discharge tube 6 to the connection tube 8
and controls the flow rate of the oil 21 to be supplied from the
discharge tube 6 to the heat exchanger 11 based on the detection
result of the thermometer 4b.
[0090] According to this constitution, since the flow rate of the
oil 21 taken in by the heat exchanger 11 is controlled based on the
temperature as the first thermal parameter being the state variable
regarding the heat quantity taken out in the heat exchanger 11, a
heat quantity required by the heat exchanger 11 can be taken
out.
[0091] Still further, as the first modification example of this
embodiment, it further has the thermometer 4d that detects the
temperature of the oil 21 to be supplied to the heat exchanger 11,
in which the three-way valve 4a controls the flow rate of the oil
21 to be supplied from the discharge tube 6 to the connection tube
8 and controls the flow rate of the oil 21 to be supplied from the
discharge tube 6 to the heat exchanger 11 based on the detection
result of the thermometer 4d.
[0092] According to this constitution, since the flow rate of the
heat-exchange medium taken in by the heat-removing device is
controlled based on the temperature as the second thermal parameter
being the state variable regarding the heat quantity taken out in
the heat exchanger 11, so that a heat quantity required by the heat
exchanger 11 can be taken out.
[0093] Further, the heat supplying system of this embodiment has:
the heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1; the external
device 15 being the absorption type water cooler/heater that makes
cold water by utilizing the vaporization heat of water; the
heat-removing device 11 that supplies heat taken out from the
heat-exchange medium, to which heat has been supplied, to the water
utilized in the external device 15; the supply tube 16 that
supplies the water from the external device 15 to the heat-removing
device 11; and the intake tube 17 that supplies the water, to which
heat has been supplied, from the heat-removing device 11 to the
external device 15 and has the thermometer 4b that detects the
temperature of the water to which heat has been supplied, in which
the three-way valve 4a controls the flow rate of the oil 21 to be
supplied from the discharge tube 6 to the connection tube 8 and
controls the flow rate of the oil 21 to be supplied from the
discharge tube 6 to the heat exchanger 11 such that the temperature
of the water, which is detected by the thermometer 4b, becomes
70.degree. C. or higher and 100.degree. C. or lower.
[0094] According to this constitution, the flow rate of the oil 21
to be supplied to the heat-removing device 11 is controlled such
that the temperature of the water detected by the thermometer 4b
becomes 70.degree. C. or higher and 100.degree. C. or lower. Since
the external device 15 has a limited temperature of hot water to be
used, hot water outside a condition range cannot be used.
Therefore, the heat stored can be effectively utilized without
wasting it by controlling the temperature of water at 70.degree. C.
or higher and 100.degree. C. or lower.
[0095] As the first modification example, it is a heat supplying
system that has the heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1
and the heat-removing device 11, in which the heat-removing device
11 is the external device 15 of the absorption type water
cooler/heater that supplies heat taken out from the oil 21, to
which heat has been supplied, to water, and makes cold water by
utilizing the vaporization heat of water.
[0096] According to this constitution, stored heat can be directly
used by making the heat-removing device 11 become the absorption
type water cooler/heater that supplies heat taken out from the
heat-exchange medium, to which heat has been supplied, to the water
and makes cold water by utilizing the vaporization heat of water,
so that the absorption type water cooler/heater can be operated
efficiently.
[0097] In addition, although the present invention has been
explained based on the preferable embodiment, the present invention
can be modified within a scope without departing from the gist of
the invention. Specifically, the erythritol 22 is used as the heat
storage storing waste heat and the oil 21 is used as the
heat-exchange medium that supplies heat to the heat storage, but
the invention is not limited to them. Further, although the
internal space of the heat-storage tank 2 is separated by the
separating plate 2a, it may not be separated, and the oil 21 to
which heat has been supplied by the heater 3 may be discharged into
the erythritol 22. Furthermore, although only one discharge tube 6
is provided for discharging the oil 21 in the heat-storage tank 2
to the outside, the discharge tube for the first flow path and the
discharge tube for the second flow path may be separately provided.
Moreover, the valve 3c of the auxiliary tube 3b is opened in
storing heat and closed in cooling, but the invention is not
limited to this, and the valve may be opened/closed depending on
the state of the erythritol 22. Consequently, it is possible to
eliminate problems such that the oil 21 is not discharged from the
holes of the separating plate 2a depending on the state of the
erythritol 22 and a tube is burst.
[0098] Furthermore, although the flow rate meter 5b that measures
the flow rate of the oil 21 and the pump 5a are provided only on
the discharge tube 6, they may be provided on the supply tube 7 and
other tubes as well. In this case, the entire flow rate of the oil
21 circulating in the heat-storage type heat supplying apparatus 1
can be maintain at a fixed level, so that more stable heat storage
and heat collection can be performed.
[0099] Note that the present invention is described in the
above-described preferred embodiment, but the present invention is
not limited only to the embodiment. It should be understood that
various embodiments without departing the spirit and the scope of
the present invention can be employed. Furthermore, the operation
and the effect by the constitutions of the present invention are
described in this embodiment, but such operation and effect are
only examples, and not limitative to the present invention.
* * * * *