U.S. patent application number 13/380315 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for steam supply apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to IHI CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Shinsuke Matsuno, Kazuo Miyoshi, Hiroyuki Otsuka.
Application Number | 20120097151 13/380315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43429291 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120097151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsuno; Shinsuke ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
STEAM SUPPLY APPARATUS
Abstract
In this steam supply apparatus, a steam inlet (20a) of a steam
injector (20) is connected to a steam outlet (19a) of a
high-pressure steam-generating boiler (19). A solar heat-collector
(22) is connected to an inlet port (20b) of the steam injector
(20), and steam-utilizing equipment (25) is connected to a
discharging port (20c). The steam injector (20) is driven by
high-pressure and high-temperature steam (27) generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler (19), and pressure of the
inlet port (20b) is decreased. In the inner portion of the solar
heat-collector (22) which is decompressed according to a decrease
in pressure of the inlet port (20b), water with a temperature
increased by irradiation of the sunlight (24) is boiled and
evaporated at less than 100.degree. C., and low-pressure and
low-temperature steam (28) is generated. The steam (28) is
introduced to the steam injector (20), mixed with the high-pressure
and high-temperature steam (27) generated by the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler (19), and intermediate pressure and
intermediate temperature steam (27a) is generated. The amount of
generated steam in the high-pressure steam-generating boiler (19)
is decreased by supplying the steam (27a) to the steam-utilizing
equipment (25).
Inventors: |
Matsuno; Shinsuke;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Miyoshi; Kazuo; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Otsuka; Hiroyuki; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
IHI CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
43429291 |
Appl. No.: |
13/380315 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
December 21, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US10/61628 |
371 Date: |
December 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/615 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F22B 1/006 20130101;
F22B 3/045 20130101; F24S 90/00 20180501; G06F 3/0325 20130101;
F22B 33/14 20130101; G06F 16/58 20190101; G06T 19/006 20130101;
G06F 3/011 20130101; Y02E 10/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/615 |
International
Class: |
F22B 33/18 20060101
F22B033/18; F24J 2/42 20060101 F24J002/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2009 |
US |
12644957 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a visual data receiver module for receiving
visual data from a client; a detection module for detecting
placeholder information included with the visual data, the
placeholder information associated with a placeholder; a placement
determination module for determining placement information using
the placeholder information; a retrieval module for retrieving an
item image associated with the placeholder based on unique markings
of the placeholder; and a modification module for modifying the
received visual data to include imaged data associated with the
retrieved image into the visual data with reference to the
placement information.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an input receiver
module for receiving an input including an item selection; and an
information provider module for providing generation information
for generating the placeholder based on the received input.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the placement determination
module is to determine a scale factor.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the retrieval module is to detect
a unique marker associated with the placeholder.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the image retrieval module is to:
determine dimensions of the item; and modify the retrieved image of
the item utilizing the determined dimensions and the determined
scale factor of the item.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the detection module is further
to detect at least one of a change in contrast of the placeholder
and edges of the placeholder.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the modification module is further
to retrieve information associated with the item for display with
the item image.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the retrieval module is to access
a database of images, and select the image of the item from a
plurality of images of the item based on determined parameters of
the placeholder.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the placement determination
module is further to determine a scale factor based on a distance
of the placeholder from a camera, and to determine an orientation
factor based on an angle of the placeholder in relation to the
camera.
10. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving visual data
from a client; detecting placeholder information included with the
visual data, the placeholder information associated with a
placeholder; determining placement information using the
placeholder information; retrieving an image of an item associated
with the placeholder based on unique markings of the placeholder;
and using a processor, modifying the received visual data to
include image data associated with the retrieved image into the
visual data with reference to the placement information.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving an input
including an item selection; and providing generation information
for generating the placeholder based on the received input.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the determining of the
placement information further comprises determining a scale factor
based on the placement information.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the retrieving of the image of
the item associated with the placeholder further comprises
selecting the image with reference to the determined scale
factor.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the retrieving of the image of
an item associated with the placeholder further comprises:
determining dimensions of the item; and modifying the retrieved
image of the item in reference to the determined dimensions and the
determined scale factor of the item.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the determining of the scale
factor further comprises detecting at least one of a change in
contrast and edge portions of the placeholder.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the retrieving of the image of
the item associated with the placeholder further comprises:
accessing a database of images; and selecting the image of the item
from a plurality of images based on the placement information.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the modifying of the received
visual data further comprises replacing the placeholder information
with item image information.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the determining of placement
information further comprises: determining a scale factor based on
a distance of the placeholder from a camera; and determining an
orientation factor based on an angle of the placeholder in relation
to the camera.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the modifying of the received
visual data to include the retrieved image with reference to the
placement information further comprises: modifying the retrieving
image with reference to the scale factor and the orientation
factor; and modifying the received visual data with modified
retrieved image data.
20. A machine-readable medium embodying instructions that, when
executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations
comprising: receiving an input including an item selection;
providing generation information for generating a placeholder based
on the received input; receiving visual data from a client;
detecting placeholder information included with the visual data,
the placeholder information associated with the placeholder;
determining placement information using the placeholder
information; retrieving an image of an item associated with the
placeholder based on unique markings of the placeholder; and using
a processor, modifying the received visual data to include image
data associated with the retrieved image into the visual data with
reference to the placement information.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a steam supply apparatus.
More particularly, the invention relates to a steam supply
apparatus which is used for supplying steam (process steam) used in
factories, buildings, or the like.
[0002] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No.
2009-163385, filed Jul. 10, 2009, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0003] When steam-utilizing equipment which uses steam (water
vapor) or heat thereof in factories, buildings, and the like is
used, in general, boilers such as small-sized once-through boilers
are widely used as a supply source of the steam (process
steam).
[0004] In the steam-utilizing equipment used in factories,
buildings, and the like, there are various pressure or temperature
conditions which are required of steam to be supplied according to
the intended purpose thereof. However, generally, the
steam-generating capability of the boiler does not correspond to
pressure or temperature conditions of the steam which are required
by each piece of steam-utilizing equipment, and many boilers are
manufactured according to general-purpose standards. In the
general-purpose standards, in consideration of regulations or the
like according to the law, for example, the boiler generates steam
at about a maximum pressure (gauge pressure) of 1 MPa and a
temperature of about 180.degree. C. That is, the boiler is
regulated so as to generate the steam having certain constant
temperature or pressure conditions.
[0005] Thereby, when steam is supplied to the steam-utilizing
equipment which is used in factories, buildings, and the like, in
the related art, a boiler having standards exceeding the pressure
or temperature conditions of steam required in the steam-utilizing
equipment has been used. After the pressure and temperature of the
steam generated in the boiler have decreased to the predetermined
pressure and temperature conditions required in the steam-utilizing
equipment, the steam is supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the steam supply methods used in the
related art. In the steam supply method of the related art, as
shown in FIG. 6, a necessary decompression valve 2 is connected to
the downstream side of a steam outlet 1a in a boiler 1. Steam 3
generated in the steam boiler 1 of about 1 MPa and about
180.degree. C., for example, is appropriately decompressed through
a decompression valve 2, and for example, the pressure and
temperature of the steam are decreased to the pressure and
temperature which match the predetermined pressure and temperature
conditions of 0.2 MPa and 130.degree. C. or the like required in
the steam-utilizing equipment 4. The steam 3a (process steam) with
decreased pressure and temperature is supplied to the
steam-utilizing equipment 4.
[0006] In addition, as a method for generating a process steam in
factories or the like, in the related art, the method shown in FIG.
7 is suggested (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the
method for generating the process steam shown in FIG. 7, a
generator 5, an internal combustion engine 6 for driving the
generator 5, a steam-generating portion 7 which recovers heat
exhausted from the internal combustion engine 6 and generates
steam, a steam-generating boiler 8, and an ejector (injector) 11
which uses high-pressure steam 9 generated in the steam-generating
boiler 8 as a driving stream and which uses low-pressure steam 10
generated in the steam-generating portion 7 as a secondary stream
are used. The low-pressure steam 10 is generated at the
steam-generating portion 7 by recovering the exhaust heat of the
internal combustion engine 6 when the generator 5 is driven and
power is generated. The low-pressure steam 10 is sucked into the
ejector 11 and mixed with the high-pressure steam 9 from the
steam-generating boiler 8. Process steam 12 is generated from the
mixture of the low-pressure steam 10 and the high-pressure steam
9.
[0007] As a method of generating low-pressure steam by using the
exhaust heat of an engine, other than the above-described method,
an evaporative cooling engine for cogeneration is suggested in
Patent Document 2. In the evaporative cooling engine suggested in
Patent Document 2, high-pressure steam is generated by heat
exchange between the exhaust gas of a gas engine and water. A steam
ejector is disposed in a high-pressure steam line in which the
high-pressure steam is transported. The steam ejector is connected
to a jacket portion which is installed in the outer peripheral
portion of the engine. A water supply pipe is connected to the
jacket portion and engine cooling water is supplied. The
temperature of the engine cooling water supplied to the jacket
portion is increased by cooling the engine. If the high-pressure
steam passes through the steam ejector, the steam ejector assumes a
negative pressure, and the inner portion of the jacket portion
which is connected to the steam ejector assumes a decompression
state which is equal to or less than the atmospheric pressure. If
the inner portion of the jacket portion is in a decompression
state, cooling water with an increased temperature by cooling the
engine will evaporate, and become steam. The cooling water steam is
sucked into the steam ejector and mixed with the high-pressure
steam, and intermediate pressure steam is generated.
[0008] Moreover, in Patent Document 3, a method of enhancing
overall efficiency in a cogeneration system is suggested. In the
method suggested in Patent Document 3, intermediate pressure steam
is generated by a method similar to that of the evaporative cooling
engine which is suggested in Patent Document 2. That is,
high-pressure steam is generated through a waste-heat steam boiler
by using waste-heat of a reciprocating engine. The high-pressure
steam generated by the waste-heat steam boiler is supplied to a
steam ejector. The steam ejector is connected to a decompression
evaporator. Warm water, which is obtained by performing heat
exchange with the cooling water cooling the reciprocating engine,
is supplied to the decompression evaporator. If the high-pressure
steam passes through the steam ejector, the steam ejector assumes a
negative pressure and the inner portion of the decompression
evaporator connected to the steam ejector is decompressed. If the
inner portion of the decompression evaporator assumes a
decompression state, the warm water supplied into the decompression
evaporator is evaporated and becomes steam. The water vapor of the
warm water is sucked into the steam ejector, mixed with the
high-pressure steam, and generates an intermediate steam.
[0009] In the methods suggested in Patent Documents 1 to 3, exhaust
heat of the internal combustion engine, such as the engine, is used
as the heat source for generating the low-pressure steam. Here, as
the heat source for generating the low-pressure steam, using
natural energy such as solar heat is considered. As equipment which
uses the solar heat as the heat source, a solar water heater is
suggested in the related art (for example, refer to Patent Document
4). An example of the solar water heater is shown in FIG. 8. The
solar water heater shown in FIG. 8 includes a storage tank 13, a
heat exchanger 14 which is installed in the inner portion of the
storage tank 13, and a high-temperature heat-collector 15 and a
low-temperature heat-collector 16 for generating steam by a heating
medium in the lower side of the storage tank 13. A pipe of an
outlet of the heat exchanger 14 is divided into two directions: one
side is connected to an inlet of the high-temperature
heat-collector 15 and the other side is connected to an inlet of
the low-temperature heat-collector 16 via an expansion means 17. An
inlet of an ejector 18 (injector) is connected to the outlet of the
high-temperature heat-collector 15. An inlet port for the
low-pressure generation of the ejector 18 is connected to the
outlet of the low-temperature heat-collector 16. In addition, the
outlet of the ejector 18 is connected to the inlet of the heat
exchanger 14.
[0010] In the solar water heater shown in FIG. 8, in general, the
liquefied heating medium is accumulated at the lower portion of the
high-temperature heat-collector 15 by the liquefied heating
medium's own weight. If the solar water heater is irradiated with
sunlight, the heating medium is evaporated at the high-temperature
heat-collector 15. Then, the heating medium becomes
high-temperature and high-pressure steam, and flows into the
ejector 18. If the high-temperature and high-pressure steam flows
into the ejector 18, the low-temperature heat-collector 16
connected to the inlet port of the ejector 18 is decompressed, and
the steam in the inner portion of the heat-collector 16 is sucked
into the ejector 18. The steam sucked into the ejector 18 is mixed
with the high-temperature and high-pressure steam which is
generated at the high-temperature heat-collector 15. The mixed
steam stream enters the heat exchanger 14 via the outlet of the
ejector 18, and is condensed and liquefied. The heat of
condensation generated at this time increases the temperature of
the water in the storage tank 13, and the heat is stored.
DOCUMENTS OF THE PRIOR ART
Patent Documents
[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application,
First Publication No. S59-196956
[0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent (Granted) Publication No.
2942851
[0013] Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application,
First Publication No. 2002-4943
[0014] Patent Document 4 Japanese Examined Patent Application,
Second Publication No. S63-13113
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0015] The boiler which is used for generating steam (process
steam) supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment used in factories,
buildings, or the like generates the steam by combustion of fossil
fuels. That is, since fossil fuels are burnt for performing
low-temperature heating in which steam of a temperature of about
100.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. is obtained, it is difficult to
enhance energy efficiency.
[0016] Therefore, it is preferable to suppress fuel consumption in
the boiler used as the steam-generating apparatus while supplying
the required amount of steam (process steam) at the pressure and
the temperature which are matched to predetermined pressure and
temperature conditions required in the steam-utilizing equipment
which is used in factories, buildings, or the like. Thereby, it is
preferable to improve reduction of operating costs of the
steam-generating apparatus and further decrease CO.sub.2 exhaust
amount.
[0017] However, as shown in FIG. 6, steam (process steam) 3a having
decreased pressure and temperature is supplied to the
steam-utilizing equipment, after the pressure and temperature of
steam 3 generated by the boiler 1 are decreased to the pressure and
temperature corresponding to predetermined pressure and temperature
conditions required in the steam-utilizing equipment 4 which is the
usage destination, via the decompression valve 2. In this method,
energy corresponding to differences between the pressure and
temperature of steam generated by a small-sized boiler 1 and a
predetermined pressure and temperature of the steam (process steam)
3a obtained after the pressure and temperature are decreased by the
decompression valve 2 is wasted.
[0018] In the method for generating the process steam in factories
or the like as shown in FIG. 7, the steam-generating portion 7
which recovers the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine 6
for driving the generator 5 and generates the low-pressure steam 10
is essential. Thereby, there is a problem in that the method can
only be applied to factories or the like in which exhaust heat
which can be used for steam generation is discharged.
[0019] In the methods suggested in Patent Document 2 or the Patent
Document 3, the low-pressure steam is generated by the
decompression effect when the high-pressure steam passes through
the steam ejector, the high-pressure steam and the low-pressure
steam are mixed with each other, and the intermediate pressure
steam is generated. Thereby, there is an advantage in that
steam-generating efficiency with respect to the heat source is
improved. However, the methods are all intended for improving the
efficiency of the cogeneration system. Therefore, there is a
problem in that the methods can only be applied to factories or the
like which use the cogeneration system. Moreover, in the methods
suggested in Patent Document 2 or the Patent Document 3, the
high-pressure steam is generated by the exhaust heat of the gas
engine or the reciprocating engine. Therefore, the generating
efficiency of the high-pressure steam is intrinsically lower
compared to that of the boiler. In addition, if the methods are
only used for supplying steam, the operating costs or the CO.sub.2
exhaust amount is increased, which does not contribute to solving
the problems.
[0020] Moreover, the solar water heater shown in FIG. 8 obtains
warm water by increasing the temperature of the water in the
storage tank 13 by using CFC or the like as the heating medium.
However, the solar water heater cannot generate steam which can be
supplied to a variety of steam-utilizing equipment types used in
factories, buildings, or the like. In addition, since a
heat-collector of complicated configuration, such as a vacuum tube
type heat-collector or a plate-shaped heat collector having a
double transmissive body, needs to be used as the high-temperature
heat-collector 15, there is a problem in that the costs
increase.
[0021] Moreover, water can be heated to 100.degree. C. or more by
using solar heat as the heat source. However, in this case, it is
important to prevent heat of the water, which is heated by
absorbing solar heat, from being diffused into the atmosphere.
Thereby, since an advanced insulation configuration is needed in
the heat-collector, there are problems in that the configuration of
the heat-collector is complicated and the costs increase.
[0022] Moreover, in the solar water heater, the heat quantity which
can be obtained is highly dependent on the weather. Thereby, in a
case where solar heat is used as the heat source in factories or
the like, a backup heat source which can supply 100% of the heat
quantity required by factories or the like even on days without
sunshine is additionally needed. Therefore, there is a problem in
that the equipment costs increase.
[0023] The present invention provides a steam supply apparatus
capable of supplying a required amount of steam (process steam) at
a pressure and temperature which match required predetermined
pressure and temperature conditions to a variety of steam-utilizing
equipment used in usage destinations such as factories and
buildings in which exhaust heat for use in steam generation is not
generated, and is capable of reducing the equipment costs and the
operating costs.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0024] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a
steam supply apparatus related to the present invention includes: a
steam-generating device; a steam injector in which a steam inlet is
connected to a steam outlet of the steam-generating device; a
heat-collector which is connected to an inlet port of the steam
injector, stores water therein, and increases the temperature of
the water by natural energy; and steam-utilizing equipment which is
connected to a discharging port of the steam injector, wherein the
steam injector is driven by steam which is generated by the
steam-generating device, pressure in the heat-collector is
decreased by driving the steam injector and steam is generated in
the heat-collector, and steam which is supplied from the
steam-generating device and steam which is generated in the
heat-collector are mixed by the steam injector and supplied to the
steam-utilizing equipment.
[0025] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the
steam-generating device has a capability to supply an entire amount
of steam required by the steam-utilizing equipment.
[0026] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the
steam-generating device is a high-pressure steam-generating
boiler.
[0027] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
heat-collector is a solar heat-collector.
[0028] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the
solar heat-collector is a closed-loop type which circulates a
heating medium whose temperature is increased by absorbing solar
heat, and the temperature of the water stored in an inner portion
of the solar heat-collector is increased by circulating the heating
medium.
Effects of the Invention
[0029] The steam supply apparatus according to the present
invention shows improved effects such as the following.
[0030] (1) The steam supply apparatus according to the present
invention includes: the steam-generating device; the steam injector
in which the steam inlet is connected to the steam outlet of the
steam-generating device; the heat-collector which is connected to
the inlet port of the steam injector, stores water therein, and
increases the temperature of the water by natural energy; and the
steam-utilizing equipment which is connected to the discharging
port of the steam injector. The steam injector is driven by steam
which is generated by the steam-generating device. Pressure in the
heat-collector is decreased by driving the steam injector and steam
is generated in the heat-collector. Steam which is supplied by the
steam-generating device and steam which is generated in the
heat-collector are mixed by the steam injector and supplied to the
steam-utilizing equipment. Thereby, the amount of steam which is
generated by the steam-generating device can be less than the
amount of steam which is required by the steam-utilizing equipment.
Reduction in operating costs of the steam-generating device can be
improved when supplying the steam corresponding to the required
amount for the steam-utilizing equipment.
[0031] (2) Even when steam-utilizing equipment is in factories,
buildings and the like in which exhaust heat to be used for steam
generation is not generated, it is possible to supply the required
amount of steam at a pressure and temperature corresponding to the
pressure and the temperature conditions which are required by the
steam-utilizing equipment.
[0032] (3) It is preferable that the heat-collector satisfy the
following conditions in order to be able to boil and evaporate the
stored water by decompression. That is, the heat collector is able
to: (i) store water; (ii) be strong enough not to be deformed even
when the pressure of the inner portion thereof is decreased; and
(iii) collect the heat, which is lost as evaporation heat when the
water is evaporated, through heat exchange with the ambient
environment. Thereby, a complicated configuration or an advanced
insulation configuration is not needed in the heat-collector, and
the costs necessary for the heat-collector can be reduced.
[0033] (4) The steam-generating device included in the steam supply
apparatus according to the present invention has a capability to
supply an entire amount of steam required by the steam-utilizing
equipment connected to the discharging side of the steam injector.
Thereby, when heat exchange with the ambient environment is not
expected at the heat-collector due to influences, such as the
weather, and the amount of steam generated in the heat-collector is
decreased, the entire required amount of steam can be easily
supplied by increasing the amount of steam generated by the
steam-generating device. Therefore, backup steam-generating
equipment is not additionally needed, and an effect of reducing
equipment costs can be anticipated.
[0034] (5) Therefore, it is possible to improve reduction of the
equipment costs and the operating costs which are needed when
supplying the steam (process steam) used in factories, buildings,
or the like.
[0035] (6) According to the configuration in which the
steam-generating device is a high-pressure steam-generating boiler,
the configuration of a steam supply apparatus having the
above-described effects (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) can be easily
realized.
[0036] (7) By making the heat-collector a solar heat-collector, the
temperature of the water in the inner portion of the solar
heat-collector can be increased when the solar heat-collector is
irradiated with sunlight. Thereby, in the inner portion of the
solar heat-collector which is decompressed when the steam injector
is operated, the water whose temperature is increased can be
efficiently boiled and evaporated, and a large amount of steam can
be generated. The steam generated by the solar heat-collector is
introduced into the steam injector, and large amounts of the steam
can be mixed with the steam which is generated by the
steam-generating device. In this way, when an amount of steam
corresponding to the required amount of the desired steam-utilizing
equipment is supplied, the amount of steam generated in the
steam-generating device can be further decreased. Thereby, fuel
consumption of the steam-generating device can be further
decreased, and the operating costs can be further reduced.
[0037] (8) Due to the fact that the solar heat-collector has a
closed-loop type configuration in which the temperature of water
stored in the inner portion of a evaporator is increased by using
circulation of a heating medium whose temperature is increased by
absorbing solar heat, it is possible to divide the solar heat
collection function and the evaporation function in the solar
heat-collector. Thereby, a portion in which the heating medium
absorbs the solar heat can be optimally designed into the solar
heat collection function, and the evaporator can be optimally
designed into the evaporation function. Moreover, since the solar
heat-collector is the closed-loop type, water is not directly
evaporated at the portion where the heating medium absorbs the
solar heat. Thereby, possibility of scale-generation at the portion
can be prevented, and places where scale-generation may be expected
can be limited to the evaporator. Therefore, the evaporator can be
designed in advance so as to simplify the performance of
maintenance during occurrence of scaling, and an effect of
decreased labor required for maintenance during the occurrence of
scaling can be anticipated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a
steam supply apparatus of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing still another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of operating results
of the steam supply apparatus related to the embodiments of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing results of a performance
prediction simulation of the steam supply apparatus related to the
embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the
steam supply method in the related art.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a method for
generating process steam in factories or the like which is
suggested in the related art.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the
solar water heater which is suggested in the related art.
EMBODIMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION
[0046] Hereinafter, forms for embodying the present invention will
be described with reference to the drawings.
[0047] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a steam supply apparatus of
the present invention.
[0048] A steam inlet 20a of a steam injector 20 is connected to a
steam outlet 19a of a high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19
which is a steam-generating device to generate high-pressure and
high-temperature steam, via a steam line 21.
[0049] A solar heat-collector 22 as a heat-collector for increasing
the temperature of water by heat of the ambient environment, is
connected to an inlet port 20b of the steam injector 20 via a
suction line 23. In the solar heat-collector 22, a hollow container
whose shape can be maintained even when the inner portion thereof
is decompressed, is placed so as to be exposed to sunlight 24. In
the solar heat-collector 22, water can be stored in the container,
and if the container is irradiated with the sunlight 24, the
temperature of the water stored in the container can be increased
by absorbing energy which is held in the sunlight 24. From the
standpoint of the function of the solar heat-collector 22 which
increases the temperature of water through the energy held in the
sunlight 24, it is preferable that the area which receives the
sunlight 24 is as large as possible. In addition, as described
hereinafter, in the solar heat-collector 22, from the standpoint of
increasing efficiency when water is evaporated in the inner portion
of the container which is decompressed according to the suction
through the steam injector 20, it is preferable that the container
have a shape in which the surface area of water stored in the inner
portion of the container is as large as possible.
[0050] Steam-utilizing equipment 25 is connected to a discharging
port 20c of the steam injector 20 via a steam supply line 26. As
the steam-utilizing equipment 25, equipment is used which requires
steam (process steam) 27a with pressure and temperature conditions
lower than the pressure and the temperature of the high-pressure
and high-temperature steam 27 generated by the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler 19.
[0051] In other words, the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19
has the capability to supply the entire amount of steam required by
the steam-utilizing equipment 25.
[0052] In FIG. 1, a reference number 28 indicates steam which is
generated by the solar heat-collector 22. In addition, a reference
number 29 indicates a shut-off valve which is provided on the
suction line 23.
[0053] When the steam supply apparatus related to the present
embodiment is used, the solar heat-collector 22 is installed so
that the solar heat-collector 22 is irradiated with the sunlight
24. Moreover, water stored in the inner portion of the solar
heat-collector 22 absorbs energy of the irradiated sunlight 24 and
the temperature of the water is increased.
[0054] If the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 is operated
in the above state, the steam 27 which is generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 is introduced from the
steam outlet 19a to the steam inlet 20a of the steam injector 20
via the steam line 21. When the steam 27 which flows in from the
steam inlet 20a passes through to the side of the discharging port
20c, the steam injector 20 is driven. If the steam injector 20 is
driven, pressure of the inlet port 20b is decreased.
[0055] If the pressure of the inlet port 20b is decreased due to
the driving of the steam injector 20, the inner portion of the
solar heat-collector 22 connected to the inlet port 20b assumes a
decompression (low pressure) state. If the inner portion of the
solar heat-collector 22 assumes a decompression state, boiling and
evaporation occur in the inner portion of the solar heat-collector
22 even when the temperature of the water with a temperature
increased by the energy of the sunlight 24 is less than 100.degree.
C., which is the boiling point by one atmospheric pressure, and the
steam 28 is generated. Thereby, the steam 28, which is generated in
the inner portion of the decompressed solar heat-collector 22, is
continuously sucked into the inlet port 20b of the steam injector
20. In the steam injector 20, the steam 27 which has a high
pressure and high temperature and flows into the steam inlet 20a
from the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 and the steam 28
which has a low pressure and low temperature and is sucked into the
inlet port 20b from the solar heat-collector 22 are mixed with each
other, and steam 27a which has an intermediate pressure and
intermediate temperature is generated. The intermediate pressure
and intermediate temperature steam 27a generated by the mixing is
supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment 25 through the steam
supply line 26 from the discharging port 20c, in a state where the
amount of the steam 27a was increased more than the amount of the
steam 27 generated by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19
by mixing the steam 28 generated by the solar heat-collector
22.
[0056] Therefore, the amount of the steam 27 generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 may be smaller than the
amount of steam which is required by the steam-utilizing equipment
25. Thereby, the amount of fuel which is necessary for operating
the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 can be decreased
compared to that of the case where the entire amount of steam
required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25 is generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19.
[0057] Incidentally, in a case where irradiation of the sunlight 24
is not present or the irradiation amount of the sunlight 24 is
small in the solar heat-collector 22 due to influences such as the
weather, the temperature of water is not sufficiently increased in
the solar heat-collector 22.
[0058] In this case, even when the high-pressure steam-generating
boiler 19 is operated and the steam injector 20 is driven by the
high-pressure and high-temperature steam 27 supplied from the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, boiling and evaporation
of water in the inner portion of the solar heat-collector 22 which
is decompressed due to the pressure decrease generated at the inlet
port 20b are not sufficiently performed. Therefore, the amount of
the low-pressure and low-temperature steam 28 which is sucked into
the inlet port 20b of the steam injector 20 from the solar
heat-collector 22, that is, the amount of the steam 28 which is
mixed with the steam 27 supplied from the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler 19 in the steam injector 20 is
decreased.
[0059] In this case, in order to supplement the decrease of the
low-pressure and low-temperature steam 28 which is sucked into the
steam injector 20 from the solar heat-collector 22, the amount of
the steam 27 which is generated by the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler 19 may be increased by strengthening the
operation of the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19.
[0060] Moreover, in the case where irradiation of the sunlight 24
to the solar heat-collector 22 is not present at all, or in the
case where an increase in temperature of water in the solar
heat-collector 22 cannot be expected at all due to the winter
season or the like, boiling and evaporation of water in the inner
portion of the solar heat-collector 22 barely occurs even though
the steam injector 20 is driven. In this case, the shut-off valve
29 on the suction line 23 is closed, and in this state, the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 may be operated so that
the entire amount of steam required by the steam-utilizing
equipment 25 is fulfilled through the steam 27 generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19.
[0061] Thereby, the steam 27 generated by the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler 19 is supplied with the amount thereof
corresponding to the required amount to the steam-utilizing
equipment 25, in the state where the pressure and the temperature
of the steam 27 are decreased according to the pressure drop when
the steam 27 passes through the steam injector 20.
[0062] In this way, according to the steam supply apparatus related
to the present embodiment, in the case where the solar
heat-collector 22 is irradiated with the sunlight 24 and the
temperature of water in the solar heat-collector 22 is increased,
the amount of the steam 27 generated by the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler 19 can be smaller than the amount of steam
which is required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25. Thereby,
fuel consumption of the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19
can be decreased when the steam 27a corresponding to the amount
required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25 is supplied, and
reduction in the operating costs can be improved.
[0063] Moreover, even at factories, buildings, or the like in which
exhaust heat for use in steam generation is not generated, it is
possible to supply the steam 27a with a pressure and temperature
which match predetermined pressure and temperature conditions
required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25 according to the
required amount.
[0064] It is preferable that the solar heat-collector 22 increases
the temperature of water stored in the inner portion thereof by the
irradiated sunlight 24 to the temperature in which the water can be
boiled and evaporated when pressure of the inner portion of the
solar heat-collector 22 is decreased according to the pressure
decrease of the inlet port 20b due to the driving of the steam
injector 20. Thereby, an advanced insulation configuration is not
particularly needed. Therefore, if the solar heat-collector 22 is
capable of storing water and has strength enough not to deform its
shape when the inner portion thereof is decompressed, there is no
need to use expensive glass or complicated configurations in
manufacture. For example, a hollow panel made of resin or the like,
which is reinforced by ribs disposed in parallel with the required
spacing in the inner space, can be used as the solar heat-collector
22. Thereby, the cost necessary for the solar heat-collector 22 can
be greatly reduced compared with that of the solar heat-collector
which is generally used in the related art.
[0065] Even when the amount of steam 28 generated by the solar
heat-collector 22 is decreased due to influences such as the
weather or when generation of the steam 28 cannot be expected, by
strengthening operation of the high-pressure steam-generating
boiler 19 which originally has the capability to supply the entire
amount of steam required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25, steam
can be supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment 25 corresponding
to the required amount. Accordingly, additional steam-generating
equipment is not needed for backup.
[0066] Therefore, by adopting the steam supply apparatus related to
the present embodiment for supplying steam (process steam) which is
used in factories, buildings, or the like, reduction of equipment
costs and operating costs can be improved.
[0067] Next, an application example of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 is shown in FIG. 2 as another embodiment of the present
invention. In a steam supply apparatus shown in FIG. 2, a bypass
line 30, in which an on-off valve 31 and a decompression valve 32
are installed in order from the upstream side, is provided so as to
be divided at a middle position of the steam line 21 which connects
the steam outlet 19a of the high-pressure steam-generating boiler
19 and the steam inlet 20a of the steam injector 20. The end of the
downstream side of the bypass line 30 is connected to a middle
position of the steam supply line 26 which connects the discharging
port 20c of the steam injector 20 and the steam-utilizing
equipment.
[0068] Moreover, a shut-off valve 33 is provided further on the
downstream side than the division location of the bypass line 30 in
the steam line 21.
[0069] In the steam supply apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the shut-off
valve 29 on the suction line 23 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted. Except
for that, the configuration in FIG. 2 is similar to that shown in
FIG. 1, and the same reference numbers are associated with the same
parts.
[0070] When the steam supply apparatus of the present embodiment is
used, the shut-off valve 33 on the steam line 21 is opened in
advance. The on-off valve 31 on the bypass line 30 is closed.
[0071] In addition, the solar heat-collector 22 is irradiated with
the sunlight 24. Thereby, water stored in the inner portion of the
solar heat-collector 22 absorbs energy of the irradiated sunlight
24 and the temperature of the water is increased.
[0072] In this state, if the high-pressure steam-generating boiler
19 is operated, similarly to the steam supply apparatus of the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the steam injector 20 is driven by the steam
27 generated by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, and
water with a temperature increased by the sunlight 24 is boiled and
evaporated at the inner portion of the solar heat-collector 22
which is decompressed according to the pressure decrease of the
inlet port 20b. The steam 28 generated at this time is continuously
sucked into the inlet port 20b of the steam injector 20. The sucked
steam 28 is mixed with the high-pressure and high-temperature steam
27 from the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 in the steam
injector 20. The intermediate pressure and intermediate temperature
steam 27a, which is increased in amount since the steam 28 is mixed
with the steam 27, is discharged from the discharging port 20c of
the steam injector 20, and supplied to the steam-utilizing
equipment 25 through the steam supply line 26.
[0073] In this case, the amount of the steam 27 generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 can be decreased to less
than the amount of steam required by the steam-utilizing equipment
25. Thereby, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, fuel
consumption of the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 can be
reduced, and reduction in the operating costs can be improved.
[0074] On the other hand, in a case where irradiation of the
sunlight 24 is not present or the irradiation amount of the
sunlight 24 is small in the solar heat-collector 22 due to
influences such as the weather and the temperature of the water not
being sufficiently increased in the solar heat-collector 22, the
shut-off valve 33 on the steam line 21 is closed and the on-off
valve 31 on the bypass line 30 is opened. In this state, the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 may be operated so that
the entire amount of steam required by the steam-utilizing
equipment 25 is supplied by the steam 27 generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19. Thereby, as shown by a
two-dot chain line of FIG. 2, the entire amount of the steam 27
generated by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 is
supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment 25 through the bypass
line 30 which is divided from the middle position of the steam line
21 and to which the decompression valve 32 is attached, and through
the steam supply line 26. Therefore, by appropriately regulating
the decompression valve 32 provided on the bypass line 30 according
to conditions of the pressure and the temperature of steam required
by the steam-utilizing equipment 25 in advance, the steam 27 which
is reliably regulated to the pressure and the temperature matching
the pressure and the temperature conditions of steam required by
the steam-utilizing equipment 25 at the decompression valve 32 can
be supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment 25.
[0075] Therefore, also according to the present embodiment, effects
similar to the effects of the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be
obtained.
[0076] Next, another application example of the embodiment in FIG.
1 is shown in FIG. 3 as still another embodiment of the present
invention. A steam supply apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is one in which
the solar heat-collector 22 included in the steam supply apparatus
shown in FIG. 1 is replaced by a solar heat-collector 34. The solar
heat-collector 22 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the inlet port
20b of the steam injector 20 via the suction line 23. In the solar
heat-collector 22, the inner portion of the container which is
installed so as be exposed to the sunlight 24 can be decompressed
according to the suction through the steam injector 20. On the
other hand, a solar heat-collector 34 which is included in the
steam supply apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is a closed-loop type solar
heat-collector which circulates a heating medium 35 with a
temperature increased by absorbing solar heat and can increase the
temperature of water 37 stored in an inner portion of an evaporator
36. The evaporator 36 included in the solar heat-collector 34 is
connected to the inlet port 20b of the steam injector 20 via the
suction line 23.
[0077] In the solar heat-collector 34, a heat-exchanging portion 38
is installed in the inner portion of the evaporator 36 which is a
hollow container which can store water 37 and has strength enough
not to deform its shape even when being decompressed by the suction
through the steam injector 20.
[0078] Moreover, a solar heat-receiving container 39 is installed
so as to be exposed to the sunlight 24 on the outer portion of the
evaporator 36. The solar heat-receiving container 39 and the upper
end of the heat-exchanging portion 38 in the inner portion of the
evaporator 36 are connected to each other by a heating medium line
40. The solar heat-receiving container 39 and the lower end of the
heat-exchanging portion 38 are connected to each other by a heating
medium line 41 which includes a circulation pump 42. A closed loop,
which is formed by the solar heat-receiving container 39 and the
heat-exchanging portion 38 and the both heating medium lines 40 and
41, is filled with the heating medium 35.
[0079] By operating the circulation pump 42, the solar
heat-collector 34 can cause the heating medium 35 to circulate
through the solar heat-receiving container 39, the heating medium
line 40, the heating-exchanging portion 38, and the heating medium
line 41 in order.
[0080] If the solar heat-receiving container 39 is irradiated with
the sunlight 24, the temperature of the heating medium 35 which is
circulated in the inner portion of the solar heat-receiving
container 39 can be increased by absorbing energy held in the
sunlight 24.
[0081] Therefore, the heating medium 35, which absorbs energy held
in the sunlight 24 at the solar heat-receiving container 39 and is
increased in temperature, is sequentially circulated to the
heat-exchanging portion 38 installed in the inner portion of the
evaporator 36. Thereby, the temperature of the water 37 stored in
the inner portion of the evaporator 36 can be increased by
heat-exchange with the heating medium 35 which is circulated to the
heat-exchanging portion 38 and increased in temperature.
[0082] In order to efficiently increase temperature of the heating
medium which fills the inner portion of the solar heat-receiving
container 39 by using the energy held in the sunlight 24, it is
preferable that the area receiving the sunlight 24 be as large as
possible in the solar heat-receiving container 39. In addition, the
heating medium 35 is not limited to water, and a heating medium
having low pressure loss, or one having a high boiling point, and
the like are appropriately selected and used.
[0083] Except for that, the configuration in FIG. 3 is similar to
that shown in FIG. 1, and the same reference numbers are associated
with the same parts.
[0084] When the steam supply apparatus of the present embodiment is
used, the solar heat-receiving container 39 of the solar
heat-collector 34 is irradiated with the sunlight 24. Thereby, the
circulation pump 42 is driven, and temperature of the water 37
stored in the inner portion of the evaporator 36 of the solar
heat-collector 34 is increased with the energy held in the
irradiated sunlight 24 as the heat source.
[0085] In this state, if the high-pressure steam-generating boiler
19 is operated, the steam injector 20 is driven by the steam 27
which is generated by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19.
If the steam injector 20 is driven, the inner portion of the
evaporator 36 of the solar heat-collector 34 is decompressed
according to the pressure decrease of the inlet port 20b. If the
inner portion of the evaporator 36 of the solar heat-collector 34
is decompressed, even when the water 37 with a temperature
increased by the energy held in the sunlight 24 as the heat source
is less than 100.degree. C., the water 37 is boiled and evaporated.
The low-pressure and low-temperature steam 28 generated at this
time is continuously sucked into the inlet port 20b of the steam
injector 20.
[0086] Therefore, since the low-pressure and low-temperature steam
28 sucked in by the evaporator 36 of the solar heat-collector 34 is
mixed with the high-pressure and high-temperature steam 27 from the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, the intermediate pressure
and intermediate temperature steam 27a which is increased in amount
is discharged from the discharging port 20c of the steam injector
20. The steam 27a discharged from the discharging port 20c of the
steam injector 20 is supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment 25
through the steam supply line 26.
[0087] Therefore, the amount of the steam 27 generated by the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 can be decreased to less
than the amount of steam required by the steam-utilizing equipment
25. Thereby, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, fuel
consumption of the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 can be
reduced, and reduction in the operating cost can be improved.
[0088] On the other hand, in the case where the irradiation of the
sunlight 24 is not present or the irradiation amount of the
sunlight 24 is small in the solar heat receiving container 39 of
the solar heat-collector 34 due to influences such as the weather,
temperature of the heating medium 35 is not sufficiently increased
in the solar heat receiving container 39. Thereby, temperature of
the water 37 in the inner portion of the evaporator 36 is also not
sufficiently increased.
[0089] In this case, even when the high-pressure steam-generating
boiler 19 is operated and the steam injector 20 is driven by the
high-pressure and high-temperature steam 27 supplied from the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, boiling and evaporation
of water 37 are not sufficiently performed in the inner portion of
the evaporator 36 of the solar heat-collector 34 which is
decompressed due to the pressure decrease generated at the inlet
port 20b. Thereby, the amount of the low-pressure and
low-temperature steam 28 which is sucked into the inlet port 20b of
the steam injector 20 from the evaporator 36, that is, the amount
of the steam 28 which is mixed with the steam 27 supplied from the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 in the steam injector 20
is decreased.
[0090] Therefore, in this case, in order to supplement the decrease
of the low-pressure and low-temperature steam 28 which is sucked
into the steam injector 20 from the evaporator 36 of the solar
heat-collector 34, the amount of the steam 27 which is generated by
the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 may be increased by
strengthening the operation of the high-pressure steam-generating
boiler 19.
[0091] Moreover, in the case where irradiation of the sunlight 24
to the solar heat receiving container 39 of the solar
heat-collector 34 is not present at all, or in the case where an
increase in temperature of the water 37 in the evaporator 36 of the
solar heat-collector 34 cannot be expected at all due to the winter
season or the like, and boiling and evaporation of water in the
evaporator 36 of the solar heat-collector 34 are barely generated
even though the steam injector 20 is driven, similarly to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, in the state where the shut-off valve 29 on
the suction line 23 is closed, the high-pressure steam-generating
boiler 19 may be operated so that the entire amount of steam
required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25 is supplied by the
steam 27 generated by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19.
Thereby, the steam 27 generated by the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler 19 can be supplied with the amount thereof
corresponding to the required amount to the steam-utilizing
equipment 25, in the state where the pressure and the temperature
of the steam 27 are decreased according to the pressure drop when
the steam 27 passes through the steam injector 20.
[0092] In this way, also according to the present embodiment,
effects similar to the effects of the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be
obtained.
[0093] Moreover, in the steam supply apparatus related to the
present embodiment, a solar heat collection function and an
evaporation function'in the solar heat-collector 34 can be
individually allotted to the solar heat-receiving container 39 and
the evaporator 36. Therefore, the solar heat-receiving container 39
and the evaporator 36 can be optimally designed for the solar heat
collection function and the evaporation function respectively.
[0094] Further, since the solar heat-collector 34 is the
closed-loop type, water is not directly evaporated in the solar
heat-receiving container 39. Thereby, possibility of scale
occurrence in the inner portion of the solar heat-receiving
container 39 can be prevented, and the place in which the scale may
occur can be limited to the evaporator 36. Therefore, since the
evaporator 36 is designed so as to simplify the performing of
maintenance when responding to the occurrence of scaling in
advance, an effect of decreased labor required for maintenance
during the occurrence of scaling can be anticipated.
[0095] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the
above-described embodiments. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 2,
the closed-loop type solar heat-collector 34 shown in FIG. 3 may be
used instead of the solar heat-collector 22.
[0096] In each embodiment described above, a geothermal
heat-collector which collects geothermal heat and increases the
temperature of the stored water may be connected to the inlet port
20b of the steam injector 20 instead of the solar heat-collectors
22 and 34. In this case, if the steam injector 20 is driven by the
high-pressure and high-temperature steam 27 which is generated by
the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, water is boiled and
evaporated even at normal temperatures in the inner portion of the
geothermal heat-collector which is decompressed according to the
pressure decrease of the inlet port 20b. Thereby, the steam
generated by boiling and evaporation of water in the geothermal
heat-collector is introduced to the steam injector 20 and mixed
with the high-pressure and high-temperature steam 27 generated by
the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, and therefore,
intermediate pressure and intermediate temperature steam which is
increased in amount can be generated.
[0097] Moreover, in the case where using the steam injector 20
having a function (performance) in which the pressure of the inlet
port 20b can be decreased to a low pressure which causes the water
to be boiled and evaporated even at a normal temperature when
driven by the high-pressure and high-temperature steam 27 generated
by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, a heat-collector
of a type in which the heat of the stored water can be exchanged
with the heat of the ambient environment such as the ambient air
may be connected to the inlet port 20b of the steam injector 20
instead of the solar heat collectors 22 and 34. In this case, if
the steam injector 20 is driven by the high-pressure and
high-temperature steam 27 generated by the high-pressure
steam-generating boiler 19, water is boiled and evaporated even at
a normal temperature in the inner portion of the heat-collector
which is decompressed according to the pressure decrease of the
inlet port 20b. In the heat collector, since the temperature of the
water whose heat is lost by the evaporation heat is maintained in
the vicinity of a normal temperature through heat-exchange with the
heat of the ambient environment, boiling and evaporation of the
water can be continuously performed. Thereby, the steam generated
by boiling and evaporation of water of a normal temperature in the
heat collector is introduced to the steam injector 20 and mixed
with the high-pressure and high-temperature steam 27 which is
generated by the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19.
Therefore, an effect in which the intermediate pressure and
intermediate temperature steam which is increased in amount is
generated and can be supplied to the steam-utilizing equipment 25
can be anticipated. Further, configuration of the heat-collector
can be made simpler and it can be installed regardless of whether
or not irradiation of sunlight is present. Thereby, an effect of a
reduction in equipment costs being further improved can also be
anticipated.
[0098] If the high-pressure steam which can drive the steam
injector 20 can be generated in the amount according to the amount
of steam required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25, instead of
the high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19, any type of
steam-generating device such as a device which generates steam
through a heat source using electric power, for example, a heater
or a heat pump, may be adopted.
[0099] It is needless to say that various modifications can be made
to the present invention and be within the scope not departing from
the gist of the present invention.
Working Example
[0100] The results of actual operation of the steam supply
apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 4 as
a working example of the present invention. In the steam supply
apparatus which is used in operation as the working example, a
boiler which burns fossil fuels and generates steam is used as the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19. The boiler has a
performance in which steam of 180.degree. C. and 850 kPa is
generated. As the solar heat-collector 22, a solar heat-collector
of a type which uses a solar thermal collector panel is used. The
solar heat 24 is collected by the solar thermal collector panel,
and the temperature of water in the inner portion thereof is
increased. Accordingly, in the steam supply apparatus which is used
in the working example, the temperature of water in the inner
portion can be detected by measuring the temperature of the solar
thermal collector panel.
[0101] In FIG. 4, a horizontal axis represents elapsed time. The
elapsed time is represented in seconds, and operation results shown
in FIG. 4 represent the results up to three hours after the start
of the operation. The left vertical axis represents temperature of
the solar thermal collector panel which is used in the solar
heat-collector. The right vertical axis represents the driving
pressure of the steam injector and amount of solar radiation. The
unit of driving pressure of the steam injector is kPaG The unit of
the amount of solar radiation is W/m.sup.2. The driving pressure of
the steam injector means the pressure as output of the boiler.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 4, in a position in which the elapsed time
shown in the horizontal axis is 3600(sec), that is, in the state
before starting the operation, the panel temperature represented
about 100.degree. C. On the other hand, the driving pressure of the
steam injector was approximately zero. In a position shifted
slightly to the right side from 3600(sec) in the elapsed time
(after a dozen or so minutes elapsed), if the boiler which is the
high-pressure steam-generating boiler 19 is actuated, the driving
pressure of the steam injector was dramatically increased to about
600 kPaG After reaching 600 kPaG, the driving pressure of the steam
injector increased gently, representing 850 kPaG at the time when
about 2400(sec) had elapsed after actuation of the boiler, and
stabilized. The temperature of the panel outlet decreased to the
vicinity of 75.degree. C. at one time when the boiler was actuated.
However, thereafter, the temperature of the panel outlet increased
gently to 110.degree. C. at the time when the elapsed time was
7200(sec).
[0103] At the time when the elapsed time was 7200(sec), the steam
injector was driven. The driving of the steam injector means that
the shut-off valve 29 is opened and the inner portion of the solar
heat-collector 22 is decompressed.
[0104] If the steam injector is driven, according to the
decompression of the inner portion of the solar heat-collector 22,
the boiling point of the water stored in the inner portion is
decreased and the temperature of the water is decreased. In the
working example, the boiling point of the water was decreased by
the driving of the steam injector, and the temperature of the water
which could be detected from the panel temperature was decreased to
about 80.degree. C. After the temperature of the water was
decreased to about 80.degree. C., the temperature was stabilized.
In the working example, a substantially constant temperature of the
water was showed during the approximately two hours in which the
steam injector was driven. The driving pressure of the steam
injector was substantially constant during the two hours from the
start of driving the steam injector to the operation stop of the
steam supply apparatus, and continuously represented about 850 kPaG
in the pressure.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 4, in the steam supply apparatus related to
the present invention, the driving pressure of the steam injector
and the panel temperature (water temperature) all represented a
substantially constant value during the driving of the steam
injector. Thereby, it was demonstrated that the steam supply
apparatus related to the present invention represented considerably
stabilized output characteristics.
[0106] Next, based on the steam supply apparatus which is used in
the working example shown in FIG. 4, results of a performance
simulation of the steam supply apparatus are shown in FIG. 5 as a
working example of the steam supply apparatus related to the
present invention.
[0107] The simulation was performed so as to predict the
performance of the supply apparatus when size of the boiler for
generating the high-pressure steam is constant and the area of the
solar thermal collector panel included in the solar heat-collector
is changed. The performance of the steam supply apparatus was
evaluated in triplicate such as panel efficiency, a solar share,
and a panel temperature.
[0108] The panel efficiency means a ratio of energy which is
converted to energy of steam 28 so as to be effectively used in
energy of the solar heat 24 which irradiates the solar
heat-collector 22.
[0109] The solar share means a ratio of the steam 28 generated by
the solar heat-collector 22 which accounts for the steam 27a
discharged from the steam injector.
[0110] The panel temperature means the temperature of the solar
thermal collector panel which is included in the solar
heat-collector 22.
[0111] In FIG. 5, the left vertical axis represents the panel
efficiency and the solar share. Moreover, in FIG. 5, the right
vertical axis represents the panel temperature. The horizontal axis
of FIG. 5 represents the panel area. In FIG. 5, a square symbol
represents the panel temperature. A triangle symbol represents the
panel efficiency. A diamond symbol represents the solar share.
Moreover, in all of the panel temperature, the panel efficiency,
and the solar share, black symbols represent actual test data
results, and white symbols represent simulation results.
[0112] If the panel area is small, the panel efficiency is high and
the solar share is low. For example, under conditions of 20
m.sup.2, which is the minimum panel area assumed in the simulation
range, the solar share is about 10% while the panel efficiency is
about 46%. However, as the panel area is increased, the panel
efficiency is decreased and the solar share is increased. For
example, under conditions of 180 m.sup.2, which is a maximum panel
area in the simulation range, the panel efficiency is decreased to
about 20%. However, the solar share is increased to about 30%. The
reason is as follows. That is, since the decompression amount due
to the driving of the steam injector is constant under conditions
in which the size of the boiler is constant and the same steam
injector is used, if the panel area is increased, the effect of the
decompression amount due to the driving of the steam injector is
decreased. However, if the panel area is increased, the amount of
the water stored in the inner portion is also increased, and the
amount of the steam 28 sucked into the steam injector is increased.
Thereby, the solar share is increased according to the increase of
the panel area.
[0113] The panel temperature is increased according to the increase
of the panel area.
[0114] In FIG. 5, in the actually measured values represented by
the black symbols, the value of the solar share is close to the
simulation results. However, the test data of the panel temperature
represents higher values than the simulation results, and the test
data of the panel efficiency represents lower values than the
simulation results. This is considered to be because the amount of
the water stored in the solar heat-collector is insufficient with
respect to amount of the steam 28 which can be generated in the
solar heat-collector through the driving of the steam injector and
drying-out occurs in the solar heat-collector. It is considered
that both the panel temperature and the panel efficiency are close
to the simulation results by storing a proper amount of water in
the solar heat-collector in order to prevent the drying-out.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 5 described above, in the steam supply
apparatus related to the present invention, it can be understood
that the operation conditions can be appropriately set according to
the steam condition required by the steam-utilizing equipment 25,
or the fuel consumption or the operating cost required by the
boiler by changing the panel area of the solar heat-collector
22.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0116] In the steam supply apparatus related to the present
invention, the amount of steam which is generated by the
steam-generating device can be smaller than the amount of steam
which is required by the steam-utilizing equipment. In addition,
when the amount of steam generated in the heat-collector is
decreased due to influences such as the weather, the entire
required amount of steam can be easily supplied by increasing the
amount of steam generated by the steam-generating device. Thereby,
even at factories and buildings in which exhaust heat to be used in
steam generation is not generated, it is possible to supply the
steam (process steam) of pressure and temperature matching
predetermined pressure and temperature conditions which are
required by the steam-utilizing equipment by the required amount
without being affected by natural conditions such as the weather.
Therefore, a reduction in equipment costs or operating costs can be
improved.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0117] 19: high-pressure steam-generating boiler (steam-generating
device) [0118] 19a: steam outlet [0119] 20: steam injector [0120]
20a: steam inlet [0121] 20b: inlet port [0122] 20c: discharging
port [0123] 22: solar heat-collector (heat-collector) [0124] 25:
steam-utilizing equipment [0125] 27, 27a: steam [0126] 28: steam
[0127] 34: solar heat-collector [0128] 35: heating medium [0129]
36: evaporator [0130] 37: water
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