U.S. patent application number 15/079321 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for heat storage and release unit, chemical heat pump, and non-electrified cooling unit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yasutomo AMAN, Kenichi HAYAKAWA, Masahiro MASUZAWA, Yoshifumi OHBA, Hiroko OHKURA, Yohei SHIREN, Tomiko TAKAHASHI, Kohji TSUKAHARA. Invention is credited to Yasutomo AMAN, Kenichi HAYAKAWA, Masahiro MASUZAWA, Yoshifumi OHBA, Hiroko OHKURA, Yohei SHIREN, Tomiko TAKAHASHI, Kohji TSUKAHARA.
Application Number | 20160290685 15/079321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57015792 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290685 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AMAN; Yasutomo ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
HEAT STORAGE AND RELEASE UNIT, CHEMICAL HEAT PUMP, AND
NON-ELECTRIFIED COOLING UNIT
Abstract
A heat storage and release unit includes a reactant formed body
for reacting with a reaction medium to store and release heat; a
reaction vessel for accommodating the reactant formed body and
exchanging heat with the reactant formed body; a reaction medium
flow path structure, connected to the reaction vessel, for
supplying the reaction medium to the reaction vessel or discharging
the reaction medium from the reaction vessel. The reactant formed
body includes a plate-like heat transfer plate that contacts the
reaction vessel, heat transfer elements extending from a surface of
the heat transfer plate at substantially right angles, and a
reactant formed unit that encloses the heat transfer elements in
such a way that the heat transfer elements are partially exposed
from the reactant formed unit, and the reaction vessel can change
form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of
the reaction vessel.
Inventors: |
AMAN; Yasutomo; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; SHIREN; Yohei; (Tokyo, JP) ; MASUZAWA;
Masahiro; (Kanagawa, JP) ; OHKURA; Hiroko;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; TAKAHASHI; Tomiko; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; OHBA; Yoshifumi; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
TSUKAHARA; Kohji; (Kanagawa, JP) ; HAYAKAWA;
Kenichi; (Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AMAN; Yasutomo
SHIREN; Yohei
MASUZAWA; Masahiro
OHKURA; Hiroko
TAKAHASHI; Tomiko
OHBA; Yoshifumi
TSUKAHARA; Kohji
HAYAKAWA; Kenichi |
Kanagawa
Tokyo
Kanagawa
Kanagawa
Kanagawa
Kanagawa
Kanagawa
Kanagawa |
|
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
57015792 |
Appl. No.: |
15/079321 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 17/08 20130101;
Y02E 60/142 20130101; F28F 3/048 20130101; F25B 30/04 20130101;
Y02E 60/14 20130101; F28D 20/003 20130101; F28D 2020/0008 20130101;
F28D 2020/0021 20130101; F28D 20/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 30/06 20060101
F25B030/06; F25B 30/04 20060101 F25B030/04; F28D 20/00 20060101
F28D020/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2015 |
JP |
2015-068476 |
Oct 7, 2015 |
JP |
2015-199692 |
Claims
1. A heat storage and release unit comprising: a reactant formed
body configured to react with a reaction medium to store and
release heat; a reaction vessel configured to accommodate the
reactant formed body and exchange heat with the reactant formed
body; a reaction medium flow path structure, connected to the
reaction vessel, configured to supply the reaction medium to the
reaction vessel or discharge the reaction medium from the reaction
vessel, wherein the reactant formed body includes a plate-like heat
transfer plate that contacts the reaction vessel, heat transfer
elements extending from a surface of the heat transfer plate at
substantially right angles, and a reactant formed unit that
encloses the heat transfer elements in such a way that the heat
transfer elements are partially exposed, and wherein the reaction
vessel is capable of changing form by a pressure difference between
the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel.
2. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein
the reaction vessel is formed by a sheet-like member.
3. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 2, wherein
the sheet-like member is a metal foil or a plastic sheet.
4. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein
the heat transfer elements have a pin-like shape or a plate-like
shape.
5. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein
the reactant formed unit is formed by molding and solidifying a
reactant.
6. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein
the heat transfer elements include exposed areas that are exposed
from a first surface of the reactant formed unit, the first surface
being on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate is
disposed.
7. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein
the heat transfer elements include exposed areas that are exposed
from a second surface of the reactant formed unit, the second
surface being on the side where the heat transfer plate is
disposed.
8. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein
the heat transfer elements are integrally formed with the heat
transfer plate and formed by having parts of the heat transfer
plate folded at substantially right angles with respect to the
surface of the heat transfer plate.
9. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein
the heat transfer plate and the heat transfer elements include
aluminum or copper.
10. A chemical heat pump comprising: the heat storage and release
unit according to claim 1; a heat transfer medium configured to be
thermally connected to the reaction vessel; a reaction medium flow
path piping configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow
path structure in the reaction vessel; a condenser configured to be
connected to the reaction medium flow path piping via an opening
and closing mechanism; and an evaporator configured to be connected
to the reaction medium flow path piping via the opening and closing
mechanism.
11. A non-electrified cooling unit comprising: the heat storage and
release unit according to claim 1; a reaction medium flow path
piping configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow path
structure of the heat storage and release unit; and a cooling panel
configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow path piping
via an opening and closing mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a heat storage and release
unit, a chemical heat pump, and a non-electrified cooling unit.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In recent years, a heat recovery system for recovering and
using heat sources such as waste heat, such as a chemical heat pump
and an adsorption refrigerator has drawn attention in terms of
saving energy. In the heat recovery system, a heat storage and
release unit including a reactant that exchanges heat with a
reaction medium, an evaporator that evaporates the reaction medium,
and a condenser that condenses the reaction medium are connected
via an opening and closing mechanism.
[0005] In this kind of a heat recovery system, sufficient heat
exchange may not be performed between the reaction medium and the
reactant if a contact area between the reaction medium and the
reactant in the heat storage and release unit is small. Therefore,
conventionally, a technique is known for increasing the contact
area between the reaction medium and the reactant as well as
facilitating the movement of the reaction medium, in which
technique a porous material is sandwiched by a set of the reactants
and the porous material is used as a flow path of the reaction
medium.
[0006] Further, in the heat recovery system, sensible heat loss in
a reaction vessel increases if capacity of the reaction vessel is
big. Therefore, conventionally, a technique is known for reducing
the sensible heat loss by reducing the capacity of the reaction
vessel by using a reaction vessel formed by a sheet-like
member.
[0007] However, in a heat storage and release unit that uses a
porous material for a flow path of the reaction medium, when a
sheet-like member is used as a reaction vessel, the porous material
may be compressed by a pressure difference between the inside and
the outside of the reaction vessel, and thus, a function as a flow
path of the reaction medium may be deteriorated. As a result, there
is a case where sufficient heat exchange efficiency may not be
achieved by a heat storage and release unit that includes a
reaction vessel with a sheet-like member.
[0008] An object of an aspect of the present invention is to
increase heat exchange efficiency in a heat storage and release
unit which includes a reaction vessel capable of changing form by a
pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the
reaction vessel.
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.
2014-044000
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.
9-142801
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A heat storage and release unit is provided. The heat
storage and release unit includes a reactant formed body configured
to react with a reaction medium to store and release heat; a
reaction vessel configured to accommodate the reactant formed body
and exchange heat with the reactant formed body; a reaction medium
flow path structure, connected to the reaction vessel, configured
to supply the reaction medium to the reaction vessel or discharge
the reaction medium from the reaction vessel. The reactant formed
body includes a plate-like heat transfer plate that contacts the
reaction vessel, heat transfer elements extending from a surface of
the heat transfer plate at substantially a right angle, and a
reactant formed unit that encloses the heat transfer elements in
such a way that the heat transfer elements are partially exposed
from the reactant formed unit, and the reaction vessel is capable
of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and
the inside of the reaction vessel.
[0010] One aspect of the present invention increases heat exchange
efficiency in a heat storage and release unit which includes a
reaction vessel capable of changing form by a pressure difference
between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel.
[0011] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a reactant formed
body according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views of the
reactant formed body according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat transfer
plate according to an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate
according to an embodiment (No. 1).
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate
according to an embodiment (No. 2).
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate
according to an embodiment (No. 3).
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate
according to an embodiment (No. 4).
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a reactant formed
body according to an embodiment.
[0020] FIGS. 9A through 9C are drawings illustrating an example-1
of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat
storage and release unit according to a first embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat
storage and release unit according to a second embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat
storage and release unit according to a third embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat
storage and release unit of a comparative example 1.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an example of a chemical
heat pump.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an example of a
non-electrified cooling unit.
[0027] FIGS. 16A and 16B are drawings illustrating an example-2 of
a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.
[0028] FIGS. 17A and 17B are drawings illustrating an example-3 of
a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.
[0029] FIGS. 18A through 18C are drawings illustrating a reactant
formed body in the example-3 of a heat storage and release unit
according to an embodiment.
[0030] FIGS. 19A and 19B are drawings illustrating a modified
example of the example-3 of a heat storage and release unit
according to an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a
reactant formed body in the modified example of the example-3 of a
heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will
be described referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be
noted that in the specification and the drawings, elements which
include substantially the same functional structure are given the
same signs in order to avoid duplicated descriptions.
[0033] (Reaction Material Formed Body)
[0034] An example of a reactant formed body used in a heat storage
and release unit according to an embodiment will be described.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a reactant formed body 10
according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic
cross-sectional views of the reactant formed body 10 according to
an embodiment. A-A line in FIG. 1A indicates a crosssection.
[0035] The reactant formed body 10 generates heat by reacting with
a reaction medium, or discharges the reaction medium by heating. As
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the reactant formed body 10 includes a
heat transfer plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a reactant
formed unit 13.
[0036] The heat transfer plate 11 is a plate-like member.
[0037] The heat transfer elements 12 are elements that extend from
a surface of the heat transfer plate 11 at substantially right
angles. The heat transfer elements 12 may have, for example, a
pin-like shape or a plate-like shape. The heat transfer elements 12
include exposed areas 12a and exposed areas 12b. The exposed areas
12a are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on
the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is
disposed. The exposed areas 12b are exposed from another surface of
the reactant formed unit 13 on the side where the heat transfer
plate 11 is disposed.
[0038] FIG. 1A illustrates a reactant formed body 10A whose heat
transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a that are exposed
from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite
from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed. FIG. 2A
illustrates a reactant formed body 10B whose heat transfer elements
12 include exposed areas 12b that are exposed from a surface of the
reactant formed unit 13 on the side where the heat transfer plate
11 is disposed. FIG. 2B illustrates a reactant formed body 10C
whose heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a that are
exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side
opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed, and
exposed areas 12b that are exposed from a surface of the reactant
formed unit 13 on the side where the heat transfer plate 11 is
disposed.
[0039] It should be noted that the heat transfer plate 11 and the
heat transfer elements 12 will be described in detail later.
[0040] The reactant formed unit 13 encloses the heat transfer
elements 12 in such a way that the heat transfer elements 12 are
partially exposed from the reactant formed unit 13. The reactant
formed unit 13 is formed by, for example, molding and solidifying a
reactant.
[0041] The reactant is not limited to a specific material as long
as it can reversibly perform adsorption-desorption with the
reaction medium and its form is solid or gel in the course of the
adsorption-desorption.
[0042] As a reaction medium, for example, water, ammonium, or
methanol can be used. In the case where water is used as a reaction
medium, as a reactant, for example, calcium sulfate, sodium
sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, manganese chloride,
calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate,
or calcium bromide can be used. Further, adsorbent represented by
silica gel or zeolite can be also used.
[0043] In the case where ammonium is used as a reaction medium, as
a reactant, for example, manganese chloride, magnesium chloride,
nickel chloride, barium chloride, or calcium chloride can be used.
In the case where methanol is used as a reaction medium, as a
reactant, for example, magnesium chloride can be used. Further, one
kind of the reactants alone may be used, or a mixture of two or
more kinds of the reactants may be used.
[0044] Further, the reactants include substance having
deliquescence. Even substance having deliquescence can be used as
long as it can take a solid form in the course of heat storage and
release by applying an impregnation process by mixing it with
expanded graphite.
[0045] It should be noted that a forming method of the reactant
formed body 10 is not limited but, for example, a method is
preferable in which the heat transfer plate 11 integrated with the
heat transfer elements 12 is set in a desired mold and a slurried
reactant (semi-hydrate dissolved in water) is poured and
solidified. Further, for example, a method may be used in which the
reactant formed body 10 is formed in a desired shape by using a
known binder. With the above methods, the reactant formed body 10
can be easily formed, which improves productivity.
[0046] In the above-described reactant formed body 10, when the
reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction vessel 20
described below, the heat transfer elements 12 exposed from the
reactant formed unit 13 serve as a bridging structure and form a
flow path of the reaction medium (hereinafter, referred to as
"reaction medium flow path 14").
[0047] (Heat Transfer Plate)
[0048] Next, a heat transfer plate 11 according to an embodiment
will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat
transfer plate 11 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic
plan view of a heat transfer plate 11 according to an embodiment.
Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a heat transfer plate 11 after
heat transfer elements 12 are folded, and FIG. 4 illustrates a heat
transfer plate 11 before the heat transfer elements 12 are folded.
It should be noted that it is assumed that X direction in FIG. 3
and FIG. 4 is a lateral direction, and Y direction is a
longitudinal direction.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the heat transfer plate 11 includes a
plurality of the heat transfer elements 12 that are integrally
formed with the heat transfer plate 11 and are folded at
substantially a right angle with respect to a surface of the heat
transfer plate 11. Further, the heat transfer plate 11 includes
through holes 111, penetrating the upper surface and the lower
surface of the heat transfer plate 11, which are formed by having
the heat transfer elements 12 at least partially folded at
substantially right angles with respect to the upper surface of the
heat transfer plate 11.
[0050] A material of the heat transfer plate 11 is not limited to a
specific material as long as it is a plate-like, easily processed
material having good thermal conductivity. For example, metal
materials including aluminum and copper are preferable from the
point of view that they can realize a structure having good heat
transfer between the metal materials and the reactant formed
body.
[0051] It is preferable that the heat transfer elements 12 have a
pin-like shape. With the above arrangement, heat can be efficiently
transferred among the heat transfer plate 11, the heat transfer
elements 12, and the reaction vessel 20.
[0052] Further, it is preferable that the heat transfer elements 12
be formed by having cut-out structures 112 formed in the heat
transfer plate 11 as shown in FIG. 4 folded at substantially right
angles with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate
11 as shown in FIG. 3. As a method for forming the cut-out
structures 112, it is preferable to use a simple method such as a
wire-cut method or a cutout-by-cutlery method from the view point
of mass production.
[0053] An angle of the heat transfer elements 12 with respect to
the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11 is not limited as
long as it is substantially a right angle, but it is preferable
that the angle be equal to or more than 70 degrees and equal to or
less than 110 degrees from the view point of heat-transfer
facilitation to a reactant at a location away from the heat
transfer plate 11. Further, it is preferable that the angle be
equal to or more than 80 degrees and equal to or less than 100
degrees from the view point of equidistribution of heat-transfer
facilitation effect to the reactant in the surface of the heat
transfer plate 11.
[0054] Further, it is preferable that all of the heat transfer
elements 12 face the same direction with respect to the upper
surface of the heat transfer plate 11. In the case where some of
the heat transfer elements 12 face a different direction with
respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11,
adjacent heat transfer elements may interfere with each other.
[0055] Size of the heat transfer elements 12 is not limited, but,
for example, a width W of the heat transfer elements 12 may be 1 mm
and a height H may be 5 mm. Further, arrangement of the heat
transfer elements 12 is not limited, but, for example, a pitch P1
in the lateral direction may be 3.2 mm and a pitch P2 in the
longitudinal direction may be 7.5 mm.
[0056] The through holes 111 are holes penetrating the upper
surface and the lower surface of the heat transfer plate 11. The
through holes 111 are formed when the cut-out structures 112 in the
heat transfer plate 11 are folded.
[0057] Further, for example, a reactant formed body 10A as shown in
FIG. 8 can be obtained by molding and solidifying the slurried
calcium sulfate poured onto the heat transfer plate 11 in such a
way that the obtained reactant formed body 10A encloses the heat
transfer elements 12. It should be noted that it is preferable to
prepare a mold material made of resin, etc., beforehand in the
above molding.
[0058] It should be noted that the arrangement of the heat transfer
elements 12 formed in the heat transfer plate 11 is not limited to
the above-described arrangement shown in FIG. 4 as long as the heat
transfer elements 12 are at substantially right angles with respect
to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11. However, it is
preferable that the heat transfer elements 12 be evenly distributed
in the surface of the heat transfer plate 11 from the view point of
equidistribution of heat-transfer facilitation effect in the
surface of the heat transfer plate 11.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 5 through FIG. 7, another example of the
heat transfer plate 11 will be described. FIG. 5 through FIG. 7 are
schematic plan views of the heat transfer plate 11 according to an
embodiment.
[0060] Another example of the heat transfer plate 11 may have a
structure in which directions of adjacent cut-out structures 112
(folding direction to form heat transfer elements 12) is the same
as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the heat transfer plate 11 may have a
structure in which cut-out structures 112 are continuously formed
in the lateral direction as shown in FIG. 6.
[0061] Further, the heat transfer elements 12 may have a plate-like
shape as shown in FIG. 7. The heat transfer plate 11 including
plate-like heat transfer elements 12 may have a structure in which
heat transfer elements 12 with 20 mm width and 5 mm height are
arranged with a 25 mm pitch P1 in the lateral direction and a 7.5
mm pitch in the longitudinal direction.
[0062] Embodiments of the heat transfer plate 11 have been
described above, but the present invention is not limited to the
above. For example, the heat transfer elements 12 extending at
substantially right angles with respect to the surface of the heat
transfer plate 11 may be formed by welding elements with a pin-like
shape, a plate-like shape, a pinholder-like shape, etc., to the
heat transfer plate 11.
[0063] (Example-1 of Heat Storage and Release Unit)
[0064] Next, a heat storage and release unit according to an
embodiment will be described. FIGS. 9A through 9C are drawings
illustrating an example-1 of a heat storage and release unit 100
according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a schematic
side view of a heat storage and release unit 100 before a reactant
formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction vessel 20. Further,
FIG. 9B is a schematic plan view of the heat storage and release
unit 100 after the reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in the
reaction vessel 20. Further, FIG. 9C is a schematic side view of
the heat storage and release unit 100 after the reactant formed
body 10 is accommodated in the reaction vessel 20.
[0065] The heat storage and release unit 100 according to an
embodiment includes the reactant formed body 10 and the reaction
vessels 20 as shown in FIG. 9A. The heat storage and release unit
100 is formed by, for example, accommodating the reactant formed
body 10 in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the reaction vessels
20 as shown in FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C.
[0066] The reaction vessel 20 is a container for accommodating the
reactant formed body 10 and performing heat exchange with the
reactant formed body 10. Further, the reaction vessel 20 is a
flexible container capable of changing form by a pressure
difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction
vessel 20.
[0067] The reaction vessel 20 includes a seal unit 21, a reactant
accommodating unit 22, and a reaction medium flow path structure
23.
[0068] The seal unit 21 is a part formed along the outer edge
portion of the reaction vessel 20 (a part outside of a dashed line
in FIG. 9B).
[0069] The reactant accommodating unit 22 is a part for
accommodating the reactant formed body 10.
[0070] The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed in a
part of the outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20, and used
for supplying a reaction medium to be absorbed by the reactant
formed body 10 accommodated inside of the reaction vessel 20 or
discharging the reaction medium desorbed from the reactant formed
body 10.
[0071] The outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20 is formed
by the seal unit 21 or the reaction medium flow path structure 23.
Therefore, the reaction medium in the reactant accommodating unit
22 is supplied or discharged only through the reaction medium flow
path structure 23.
[0072] As the reaction vessel 20, a sheet-like member having, for
example, a rectangle shape or a round shape may be used. As the
sheet-like member, for example, a foil material (metal foil) using
metal with good heat-transfer performance such as aluminum, copper,
etc., may be used. Film thickness of the metal foil is not limited,
but, for example, in the case where aluminum is used, it may be
from 30 to 200 .mu.m, and in the case where copper is used, it may
be from 10 to 100 .mu.m. Further, a plastic sheet may also be used
as the sheet-like member.
[0073] The joining method for the seal unit 21 of the reaction
vessel 20 is not limited, but, in the case where the reaction
vessel 20 is made of metal, the method may be a joining method
using diffusion bonding, etc., a joining method using brazing,
etc., or a joining method using a known adhesive.
[0074] (Example-2 of Heat Storage and Release Unit)
[0075] Next, another example of a heat storage and release unit
according to an embodiment will be described. FIGS. 16A and 16B are
drawings illustrating an example-2 of a heat storage and release
unit 110 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 16A is an
exploded view of the heat storage and release unit 110, and FIG.
16B is a schematic diagram of the heat storage and release unit 110
after a reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction
vessel 20.
[0076] The heat storage and release unit 110 according to an
embodiment includes the reactant formed body 10, the reaction
vessel 20, a reaction medium flow path structure 23, and a lid 24
as shown in FIG. 16A. The heat storage and release unit 110 is
formed by, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 16A, accommodating the
reactant formed body 10 in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the
reaction vessel 20 and the lid 24 at the seal unit 21.
[0077] The reaction vessel 20 has a bottom 20b, and is formed in a
box shape with an opening in the top surface. The reaction vessel
20 is a container for accommodating the reactant formed body 10 and
exchanging heat with the reactant formed body 10. Further, the
reaction vessel 20 is a flexible container capable of changing form
by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the
reaction vessel 20.
[0078] The seal unit 21 is a part formed along the top side of the
inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 20 (an upper side part of
a dashed line in FIG. 16A).
[0079] The reactant accommodating unit 22 is a part for
accommodating the reactant formed body 10.
[0080] The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed to
penetrate the lid 24, and used for supplying a reaction medium to
the reactant formed body 10 accommodated inside of the reaction
vessel 20 or discharging the reaction medium desorbed from the
reactant formed body 10. The reaction medium flow path structure 23
is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape with openings at
both ends.
[0081] The lid 24 is a member for closing the opening in the top
surface of the reaction vessel 20, and is formed in, for example, a
plate-like shape. The lid 24 is joined to the reaction vessel 20 by
having its side surface 24s joined to the seal unit 21 of the
reaction vessel 20. As described above, the opening in the top
surface of the reaction vessel 20 is closed by the lid 24.
Therefore, the reaction medium in the reactant accommodating unit
22 is supplied or discharged only through the reaction medium flow
path structure 23.
[0082] It should be noted that the reaction medium flow path
structure 23 and the lid 24 may be formed integrally, or may be
formed separately and then joined together.
[0083] The reaction vessel 20 may be formed by, for example, a
drawing and ironing molding method used for production of cans for
beverages. Further, the reaction vessel 20 may be formed by using a
sheet-like member, by using various methods including laser
welding, seam welding, adhesive bonding, etc. As a material of the
reaction vessel 20, aluminum, copper, etc., may be used. In the
case where aluminum is used, thickness of the reaction vessel 20
may be from 30 to 200 .mu.m, and in the case where copper is used,
it may be from 10 to 100 .mu.m. Further, a plastic sheet may be
used as the sheet-like member.
[0084] The method for joining the reaction vessel 20 to the lid 24
at the seal unit 21 may be, in the case where the reaction vessel
20 is made of metal, a joining method using diffusion bonding,
etc., a joining method using brazing, etc., or a joining method
using a known adhesive.
[0085] Further, in the above example, the reaction vessel 20 has a
square shape, but may have a curved shape. It is important that the
reaction vessel 20 has a flexible structure and is capable of
changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the
inside of the reaction vessel 20. The reaction vessel 20 is not
limited to the examples described above, but may be any container
as long as it has a flexible function described above.
[0086] (Example-3 of Heat Storage and Release Unit)
[0087] Next, yet another example of a heat storage and release unit
according to an embodiment will be described. FIGS. 17A and 17B are
drawings illustrating an example-3 of a heat storage and release
unit 120 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 17A is an
exploded view of the heat storage and release unit 120, and FIG.
17B is a schematic diagram of the heat storage and release unit 120
after the reactant formed body is accommodated in the reaction
vessel. FIGS. 18A through 18C are drawings illustrating a reactant
formed body 10E in the example-3 of a heat storage and release unit
120 according to an embodiment.
[0088] The heat storage and release unit 120 according to an
embodiment includes a reactant formed body 10E, a reaction vessel
20, a reaction medium flow path structure 23, and a lid 24 as shown
in FIG. 17A. The heat storage and release unit 120 is formed by, as
indicated by arrows in FIG. 17A, accommodating the reactant formed
body 10E in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the reaction vessel
20 and the lid 24 at a seal unit 21.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 18C, the reactant formed body 10E (10)
includes a heat transfer plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a
reactant formed unit 13.
[0090] The heat transfer plate 11 is a curved-plate-like
member.
[0091] The heat transfer elements 12 are elements that extend at
substantially a right angle from a surface of the heat transfer
plate 11. The heat transfer elements 12 may have, for example, a
pin-like shape or a plate-like shape. The heat transfer elements 12
include exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the
reactant formed unit 13, the surface being on the side opposite
from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed. It should be
noted that the heat transfer elements 12 may be entirely enclosed
by the reactant formed unit 13 and may not have the exposed areas
12a.
[0092] The reactant formed unit 13 has a hollow cylindrical shape
such that it covers all of the inner wall surface of the heat
transfer plate 11 and at least partially covers the heat transfer
elements 12.
[0093] The reaction vessel 20 is a container that has a bottom 20b
as shown in FIG. 17A, has a cylindrical shape with an opening in
the top surface, accommodates the reactant formed body 10, and
exchanges heat with the reactant formed body 10. Further, the
reaction vessel 20 has a flexible structure and is capable of
changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the
inside of the reaction vessel 20.
[0094] The seal unit 21 is a part formed along the top side of the
inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 20 (an upper side part of
a dashed line in FIG. 17A).
[0095] The reactant accommodating unit 22 is a part for
accommodating the reactant formed body 10.
[0096] The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed to
penetrate the lid 24, and used for supplying a reaction medium to
the reactant formed body 10 accommodated inside of the reaction
vessel 20 or discharging the reaction medium desorbed from the
reactant formed body 10. The reaction medium flow path structure 23
is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape with openings at
both ends.
[0097] The lid 24 is a member for closing the opening in the top
surface of the reaction vessel 20, and is formed in, for example, a
plate-like shape. The lid 24 is joined to the reaction vessel 20 by
having its side surface 24s joined to the seal unit 21 of the
reaction vessel 20. As described above, the opening in the top
surface of the reaction vessel 20 is closed by the lid 24.
Therefore, the reaction medium in the reactant accommodating unit
22 is supplied or discharged only through the reaction medium flow
path structure 23.
[0098] It should be noted that the reaction medium flow path
structure 23 and the lid 24 may be formed integrally, or may be
formed separately and then joined together.
[0099] The reaction vessel 20 may be formed by, for example, a
drawing and ironing molding method used for production of cans for
beverages. Further, the reaction vessel 20 may be formed by using a
sheet-like member, by using various methods including laser
welding, seam welding, adhesive bonding, etc. The reaction vessel
20 may be easily formed by, for example, bending a rectangular
sheet-like member into a cylindrical shape and welding afterward,
or, by using a thin-walled aluminum tube and attaching a bottom
plate to close one of the openings of the aluminum tube.
[0100] As a material of the reaction vessel 20, aluminum, copper,
etc., may be used. In the case where aluminum is used, thickness of
the reaction vessel 20 may be from 30 to 200 .mu.m, and in the case
where copper is used, it may be from 10 to 100 .mu.m. Further, a
plastic sheet may be used as a material of the reaction vessel 20.
The reaction vessel 20 is not limited to a specific container as
long as it has a flexible structure and is capable of changing form
according to a pressure difference between the outside and the
inside of the reaction vessel 20.
[0101] The method for joining the reaction vessel 20 to the lid 24
at the seal unit 21 may be, in the case where the reaction vessel
20 is made of metal, a joining method using diffusion bonding,
etc., a joining method using brazing, etc., or a joining method
using a known adhesive.
[0102] Modified Example of the Example-3 of the Heat Storage and
Release Unit
[0103] Next, as a yet another example of a heat storage and release
unit according to an embodiment, a modified example of example-3 of
the heat storage and release unit will be described.
[0104] FIGS. 19A and 19B are drawings illustrating a modified
example of example-3 of a heat storage and release unit 130
according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 19A is an exploded
view of the heat storage and release unit 130, and FIG. 19B is a
schematic diagram of the heat storage and release unit 130 after a
reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction vessel 20.
FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating the reactant formed body 10 in
the modified example of example-3 of a heat storage and release
unit 130 according to an embodiment, which shows a cross-section of
the reactant formed body 130.
[0105] The heat storage and release unit 130 is different from the
heat storage and release unit 120 of example-3 in terms of the form
of the reactant formed body 10. It should be noted that, because
the heat storage and release unit 130 is the same as the heat
storage and release unit 120 in terms of other than the form of the
reactant formed body 10, the aspect of the heat storage and release
unit 130 different from the heat storage and release unit 120 will
be mainly described below.
[0106] The heat storage and release unit 130 according to an
embodiment includes the reactant formed body 10, a reaction vessel
20, a reaction medium flow path structure 23, and a lid 24 as shown
in FIG. 19A. The heat storage and release unit 130 is formed by, as
indicated by arrows in FIG. 19A, accommodating the reactant formed
body 10 in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the reaction vessel
20 and the lid 24 at the seal unit 21.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 20, the reactant formed body 10 (10F)
includes a heat transfer plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a
reactant formed unit 13.
[0108] The heat transfer plate 11 is a curved-plate-like
member.
[0109] The heat transfer elements 12 are members which are joined
to the inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11, a part of
which members are extending at substantially a right angle with
respect to a surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and all of
which members are aligned to face substantially the same
direction.
[0110] The reactant formed unit 13 is a member which has a hollow
cylindrical shape and formed in such a way that it covers the
entire inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11 and the
entirety of the heat transfer elements 12.
[0111] The reactant formed body 10 (10G) includes a heat transfer
plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a reactant formed unit
13.
[0112] The heat transfer plate 11 is a curved-plate-like
member.
[0113] The heat transfer elements 12 are members which are joined
to the inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11, a part of
which members are extending at substantially a right angle with
respect to a surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and all of
which members are aligned to face substantially the same direction.
The heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a that are
exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side
opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed.
[0114] The reactant formed unit 13 a member which has a hollow
cylindrical shape and formed in such a way that it covers a part of
inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11 and a part of the
heat transfer elements 12.
[0115] The reactant formed body 10F and the reactant formed body
10G are combined to form a cylindrical shape, and accommodated in
the reactant accommodating unit 22.
[0116] It should be noted that in the above example, the reactant
formed body 10G includes the heat transfer elements 12 including
the exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the
reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from where the heat
transfer plate 11 is disposed, but the embodiment is not limited to
this example as long as at least one of the reactant formed bodies
10 (reactant formed bodies 10F and 10G) has heat transfer elements
12 which include the exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a
surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from
where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed.
[0117] In the following, example-1 of the heat storage and release
unit will be described in detail.
First Embodiment
[0118] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat
storage and release unit 100A according to a first embodiment. FIG.
10 illustrates a cross section corresponding to B-B line in FIG.
9B.
[0119] In the heat storage and release unit 100A, as shown in FIG.
10, a reaction vessel 20 accommodates the reactant formed body 10A
with a structure shown in FIG. 1B and a reactant formed body 10D
that has a structure in which exposed areas 12a of the heat
transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed body 10A are removed.
Specifically, the reactant formed body 10A and the reactant formed
body 10D are facing each other having respective heat transfer
plates 11 facing outside, and accommodated in the reaction vessel
20.
[0120] In the first embodiment, a space S1 is formed, between the
reactant formed body 10A and the reactant formed body 10D, by the
exposed areas 12a of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant
formed body 10A, and the space S1 serves as a reaction medium flow
path 14, which is a feature of the first embodiment.
[0121] In the process of forming the heat storage and release unit
100A, inside of the reaction vessel 20 is drawn to vacuum
(evacuated) after the reactant formed body 10A and the reactant
formed body 10D are accommodated in the reaction vessel 20. At this
time, the volume of the reaction vessel 20 is decreased and the
reaction vessel 20 closely contacts the heat transfer plate 11 of
the reactant formed body 10A and the heat transfer plate 11 of the
reactant formed body 10D. Further, a space of the outer edge
portion of the reaction vessel 20 is also compressed and a
so-called "vacuum pack" state is created.
[0122] Even in this state, in the heat storage and release unit
100A according to the first embodiment, the reaction medium flow
path 14, which communicates from the reaction medium flow path
structure 23 to the surface of the reactant formed unit 13, is
maintained by the bridging structure of the heat transfer elements
12. Therefore, a sufficient contact area between the reaction
medium and the reactant can be secured as well as facilitating the
movement of the reaction medium in the reaction vessel 20. As a
result, heat exchange efficiency of the heat storage and release
unit 100A is improved.
[0123] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 10, the heat
storage and release unit 100A includes the reactant formed body 10A
having the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed areas 12a and
the reactant formed body 10D having the heat transfer elements 12
without the exposed areas 12a, but the present invention is not
limited to this example. For example, both of the reactant formed
bodies 10 may have the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed
areas 12a exposed from the reactant formed unit 13, and the
reactant formed bodies 10 may face each other in such a way that
the heat transfer elements 12 do not interfere with each other.
[0124] In this embodiment, the heat transfer plate 11 may be curved
and accommodated in the cylindrical reaction vessel 20 as shown in
example-3 of the heat storage and release unit 120. Further,
directions of the heat transfer elements 12 may be arranged to fit
the cylindrical reaction vessel 20 as shown in the modified example
of example-3 of the heat storage and release unit 130.
Second Embodiment
[0125] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat
storage and release unit 100B according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross section corresponding to B-B line in
FIG. 9B.
[0126] In the heat storage and release unit 100B, a reactant formed
body 10B with a structure shown in FIG. 2A is accommodated in the
reaction vessel 20 as shown in FIG. 11.
[0127] In the second embodiment, a space S2 is formed, between the
heat transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit 13, by the
exposed areas 12b of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant
formed body 10B, and the space S2 serves as a reaction medium flow
path 14, which is a feature of the second embodiment.
[0128] In the process of forming the heat storage and release unit
100B, inside of the reaction vessel 20 is drawn to vacuum
(evacuated) after the reactant formed body 10B is accommodated in
the reaction vessel 20. At this time, the volume of the reaction
vessel 20 is decreased and the reaction vessel 20 closely contacts
the heat transfer plate 11 of the reactant formed body 10B and a
surface of the reactant formed unit 13. Further, a space of the
outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20 is also compressed and
a so-called "vacuum pack" state is created.
[0129] Even in this state, in the heat storage and release unit
100B according to the second embodiment, the reaction medium flow
path 14, which communicates from the reaction medium flow path
structure 23 to the surface of the reactant formed unit 13, is
maintained by the bridging structure of the heat transfer elements
12. Therefore, a sufficient contact area between the reaction
medium and the reactant can be secured as well as facilitating the
movement of the reaction medium in the reaction vessel 20. As a
result, heat exchange efficiency of the heat storage and release
unit 100B can be improved.
Third Embodiment
[0130] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat
storage and release unit 100C according to a third embodiment. FIG.
12 illustrates a cross section corresponding to B-B line in FIG.
9B.
[0131] In the heat storage and release unit 100C, a reactant formed
body 10B with a structure shown in FIG. 2A and a reactant formed
body 10C with a structure shown in FIG. 2B are accommodated in the
reaction vessel 20 as shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, the reactant
formed body 10B and the reactant formed body 10C are facing each
other having respective heat transfer plates 11 facing outside, and
accommodated in the reaction vessel 20.
[0132] In the third embodiment, a space S1 is formed, between the
reactant formed body 10B and the reactant formed body 10C, by the
exposed areas 12a of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant
formed body 10C. Further, spaces S2 are formed, between the heat
transfer plates 11 and the reactant formed units 13, by the exposed
areas 12b of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed
body 10B and the reactant formed body 10C, and the spaces S1 and S2
serve as reaction medium flow paths 14, which is a feature of the
third embodiment.
[0133] In the process of forming the heat storage and release unit
100C, inside of the reaction vessel 20 is drawn to vacuum
(evacuated) after the reactant formed body 10B and the reactant
formed body 10C are accommodated in the reaction vessel 20. At this
time, the volume of the reaction vessel 20 is decreased and the
reaction vessel 20 closely contacts the heat transfer plate 11 of
the reactant formed body 10B and the heat transfer plate 11 of the
reactant formed body 10C. Further, a space of the outer edge
portion of the reaction vessel 20 is also compressed and a
so-called "vacuum pack" state is created.
[0134] Even in this state, in the heat storage and release unit
100B according to the third embodiment, the three reaction medium
flow paths 14, which communicate from the reaction medium flow path
structure 23 to the surface of the reactant formed unit 13, are
maintained by the bridging structure of the heat transfer elements
12. Therefore, a sufficient contact area between the reaction
medium and the reactant can be secured as well as facilitating the
movement of the reaction medium in the reaction vessel 20. As a
result, heat exchange efficiency of the heat storage and release
unit 100C can be improved.
[0135] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 12, the heat
storage and release unit 100A includes the reactant formed body 10C
having the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed areas 12a and
the reactant formed body 10B having the heat transfer elements 12
without the exposed areas 12a, but the present invention is not
limited to this example. For example, both of the reactant formed
bodies 10 may have the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed
areas 12a exposed from the reactant formed unit 13, and the
reactant formed bodies 10 may face each other in such a way that
the heat transfer elements 12 do not interfere with each other.
EXAMPLES
[0136] In the following, an embodiment of the present invention
will be described by using examples and comparative examples, which
should not be taken as limitations to the present invention.
Example 1
[0137] In Example 1, a heat storage and release unit with two
reactant formed bodies 10A shown in FIG. 1 was created.
[0138] Specifically, two reactant formed bodies 10A were created by
using the heat transfer plate 11 shown in FIG. 4, by folding the
cut-out structures 112 at substantially a right angle with respect
to an upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and forming the
reactant formed unit 13 in such a way that the heat transfer
elements 12 were enclosed in the reactant formed unit 13.
[0139] A 500 mm.times.800 mm.times.0.5 mm aluminum plate was used
as the heat transfer plate 11. The size of the cut-out structures
112 was adjusted in such a way that the height of the heat transfer
elements 12 was 10 mm, the width was 2 mm, and the density of the
heat transfer elements 12 in the surface was 78 elements
(13.times.6 elements) per 100 cm.sup.2.
[0140] Calcium sulfate was used as the reactant. The slurried
calcium sulfate was poured onto the heat transfer plate 11, and the
reactant formed unit 13 was formed enclosing the heat transfer
elements 12. At this time, by adjusting the amount of the reactant,
the heat transfer elements 12 were exposed from the molded and
solidified reactant formed unit 13 by 1 mm. At this time, the
volume of the reactant formed unit 13 was about 3600 cm.sup.3 per
formed body.
[0141] The reactant formed bodies 10A were combined by having the
surfaces of the reactant formed bodies 10A on the side where the
heat transfer elements 12 were exposed, facing each other, and by
adjusting their positions in the surface direction so that the heat
transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed bodies 10A do not
interfere each other; the reaction vessel 20 was formed by a 100
.mu.m aluminum sheet-like member; and the reaction medium flow path
structure 23 was attached. With the above process, the heat storage
and release unit 100A was created.
[0142] With the above process, the surface area of the reactant
formed unit 13, capable of reacting with a reaction medium, was
8500 cm.sup.2 per heat storage and release unit 100A. The more the
value of the surface area is, the faster is the reaction rate, and
thus, the heat input/output rate in the heat storage and release
process can be improved.
[0143] Further, in Example 1, the thermal conductivity of the heat
transfer elements 12 in the longitudinal direction can be made
about 2 W/(m*K), which is about 10 times 0.2 W/(m*K) as compared
with the case where only calcium sulfate is solidified as a
reactant. It should be noted that the heat conductivity can be
adjusted by the number of the heat transfer elements 12. It is
needless to say that in the case where it is needed, the higher
heat conductivity can be obtained by increasing the number of the
heat transfer elements 12.
Example 2
[0144] In Example 2, a heat storage and release unit with one
reactant formed body 10B shown in FIG. 2A was created.
[0145] Specifically, the reactant formed body 10B was created by
using the heat transfer plate 11 shown in FIG. 4, by folding the
cut-out structures 112 at substantially a right angle with respect
to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and forming the
reactant formed unit 13 in such a way that the heat transfer
elements 12 were enclosed in the reactant formed unit 13.
[0146] A 500 mm.times.800 mm.times.0.5 mm aluminum plate was used
as the heat transfer plate 11. The size of the cut-out structures
112 was adjusted in such a way that the height of the heat transfer
elements 12 was 20 mm, the width was 2 mm, and the density of the
heat transfer elements 12 in the surface was 52 elements
(13.times.4 elements) per 100 cm.sup.2.
[0147] Calcium sulfate was used as the reactant. The slurried
calcium sulfate was poured onto the heat transfer plate 11, and the
reactant formed unit 13 was formed enclosing the heat transfer
elements 12. At this time, by adjusting the amount of the reactant,
the length of the exposed areas 12b of the heat transfer elements
12 between the heat transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit
13 was 2 mm. At this time, the volume of the reactant formed unit
13 was about 7200 cm.sup.3 per formed body.
[0148] The created reactant formed body 10B was accommodated in the
reaction vessel 20 formed by a 100 .mu.m aluminum metal-sheet-like
member, the reaction medium flow path structure 23 was attached,
and the heat storage and release unit was created.
[0149] With the above process, the surface area of the reactant
formed unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was
about 4500 cm.sup.2 per heat storage and release unit. The more the
value of the surface area is, the faster is the reaction rate, and
thus, the heat input/output rate in the heat storage and release
process can be improved.
[0150] Further, in Example 2, the thermal conductivity of the heat
transfer elements 12 in the longitudinal direction can be made
about 1.4 W/(m*K), which is about 7 times 0.2 W/(m*K) as compared
with the case where only calcium sulfate is solidified as a
reactant. It should be noted that the heat conductivity can be
adjusted by the number of the heat transfer elements 12. It is
needless to say that in the case where it is needed, the higher
heat conductivity can be obtained by increasing the number of the
heat transfer elements 12.
Example 3
[0151] In Example 3, a heat storage and release unit with two
reactant formed bodies 10C shown in FIG. 2B was created.
[0152] Specifically, the reactant formed bodies 10C were created by
using the heat transfer plate 11 shown in FIG. 4, by folding the
cut-out structures 112 at substantially a right angle with respect
to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and forming the
reactant formed unit 13 in such a way that the heat transfer
elements 12 were enclosed in the reactant formed unit 13.
[0153] A 500 mm.times.800 mm.times.0.5 mm aluminum plate was used
as the heat transfer plate 11. The size of the cut-out structures
112 was adjusted in such a way that the height of the heat transfer
elements 12 was 10 mm, the width was 2 mm, and the density of the
heat transfer elements 12 in the surface was 78 elements
(13.times.6 elements) per 100 cm.sup.2.
[0154] Calcium sulfate was used as the reactant. The slurried
calcium sulfate was poured onto the heat transfer plate 11, and the
reactant formed unit 13 was formed enclosing the heat transfer
elements 12. At this time, by adjusting the amount of the reactant,
the heat transfer elements 12 were exposed from the molded and
solidified reactant formed unit 13 by 1 mm, and the length of the
exposed areas 12b of the heat transfer elements 12 between the heat
transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit 13 was 1 mm.
[0155] The above structure can be realized, for example, by setting
the heat transfer elements 12 in the prepared 50 cm.times.80
cm.times.1 cm silicon mold with the heat transfer elements 12
dipped into the silicon mold by 1 mm; and adjusting the amount of
poured reactant, in such a way that a gap is formed between the
heat transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit 13.
[0156] At this time, the volume of the reactant formed unit 13 was
about 3200 cm.sup.3 per formed body.
[0157] The reactant formed bodies 10C were combined by having the
surfaces of the reactant formed bodies 10C on the side where the
heat transfer elements 12 were exposed, facing each other, and by
adjusting their positions in the surface direction so that the heat
transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed bodies 10C do not
interfere each other; the reaction vessel 20 was formed by a 100
.mu.m aluminum sheet-like member; and the reaction medium flow path
structure 23 was attached. With the above process, the heat storage
and release unit 100C was created.
[0158] With the above process, the surface area of the reactant
formed unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was
about 16500 cm.sup.2 per heat storage and release unit. The more
the value of the surface area is, the faster is the reaction rate,
and thus, the heat input/output rate in the heat storage and
release process can be improved.
[0159] Further, in Example 3, similar to Example 1, the thermal
conductivity of the heat transfer elements 12 in the longitudinal
direction can be made about 2 W/(m*K), which is about 10 times 0.2
W/(m*K) as compared with the case where only calcium sulfate is
solidified as a reactant. It should be noted that the heat
conductivity can be adjusted by the number of the heat transfer
elements 12. It is needless to say that in the case where it is
needed, the higher heat conductivity can be obtained by increasing
the number of the heat transfer elements 12.
Comparative Example 1
[0160] A comparative example 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a
schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit
of a comparative example 1.
[0161] In the comparative example 1, a heat storage and release
unit 100Z having a reactant formed body 10Z without heat transfer
elements 12 was created as shown in FIG. 13.
[0162] Specifically, the reactant formed body 10Z was created by,
preparing a 50 cm.times.80 cm.times.1 cm silicon mold, using
calcium sulfate as a reactant, and pouring the slurried reactant
into the silicon mold. The created reactant formed body 10Z was
accommodated in a reaction vessel 20 formed by a 100 .mu.m aluminum
metal-sheet-like member, a reaction medium flow path structure 23
was attached, and the heat storage and release unit 100Z was
created.
[0163] With the above process, the surface area of the reactant
formed unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was
about 500 cm.sup.2 per heat storage and release unit.
[0164] As described above, in Examples 1 through 3, compared with
the comparative example 1, the surface area of a reactant formed
unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was greatly
increased, and a heat storage and release unit 100 capable of
highly facilitating the reaction rate was realized. More
specifically, in Examples 1 through 3, compared with the
comparative example 1, from 9 to 32 times surface areas were
obtained.
[0165] Further, the thermal conductivity in the reactant formed
unit 13 was greatly increased by enclosing the heat transfer
elements 12 in the reactant formed body 10. More specifically, in
Examples 1 through 3, compared with the comparative example 1, from
7 to 10 times thermal conductivity was obtained.
[0166] In Examples 1 through 3, it is especially advantageous that
the reactant movement in the reaction vessel 20 can be facilitated,
and the reaction surface area can be increased by using a reaction
vessel 20 with a flexible structure, and it is possible to design a
heat storage and release unit 100 in which sensitive heat loss of
the reaction vessel 20 is especially decreased.
[0167] It should be noted that, in Examples 1 through 3, calcium
sulfate was used as a reactant, but the present invention is not
limited to these examples. As a reactant, calcium oxide, magnesium
oxide, calcium bromide, calcium chloride, a reactant that uses
another chemical reaction can be used, and various materials,
capable of storing and releasing heat, including adsorbent
represented by silica gel and zeolite can be used.
Example 4
[0168] In Example 4, referring to FIG. 14, an example, in which the
heat storage and release unit 100 according to an embodiment is
applied to a chemical heat pump, will be described.
[0169] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an example of a chemical
heat pump 200. It should be noted that in the case where the heat
storage and release unit 100 is used as a chemical heat pump, one
more heat storage and release units 100 should be prepared. A first
heat storage and release unit 100 is connected to a condenser, and
proceeds with a heat storage process. Further, a second heat
storage and release unit 100 is connected to an evaporator, and
proceeds with a heat release process. It should be noted that the
chemical heat pump 200 has a feature in which the heat storage
process and the heat release process can be switched by an opening
and closing mechanism such as a valve, but the mechanism is
indicated in a simplified way in FIG. 14.
[0170] The chemical heat pump 200 includes the heat storage and
release unit 100, a reaction medium flow path piping 210, a heat
transfer medium flow path 220, a condenser 230, and an evaporator
240.
[0171] The reaction medium flow path piping 210 is a piping an end
of which is connected to the reaction medium flow path structure 23
of the heat storage and release unit 100. Further, another end of
the reaction medium flow path piping 210 is connected to the
condenser 230 via a valve 250, and connected to the evaporator 240
via a valve 260.
[0172] The heat transfer medium flow path 220 is a flow path,
inside of which a heat transfer medium flows through. Multiple heat
storage and release units 100 are arranged in the heat transfer
medium flow path 220. In this case, the reaction medium flow path
structures 23 of the heat storage and release units 100 are
thermally connected to each other via the reaction medium flow path
piping 210.
[0173] The condenser 230 is connected to the heat transfer medium
flow path 220, and has a function of condensing a gaseous reaction
medium desorbed from the reactant formed unit 13 in the heat
storage process.
[0174] The evaporator 240 has a function of evaporating the
condensed reaction medium in order to supply it to the reactant
formed unit 13 in the heat release process.
[0175] Next, an example of heat recovery by using the chemical heat
pump 200 will be described. It should be noted that in this
example, for the sake of description convenience, a case will be
described in which calcium sulfate is used for the reactant formed
unit 13 and water vapor is used as a reaction medium, but the
present invention is not limited to this case.
[0176] In the heat storage process, the valve 260 is closed and the
valve 250 is opened. In this state, for example, exhaust generated
at the factory is introduced as a heat transfer medium H into the
heat transfer medium flow path 220; water vapor is desorbed from
the hydrated calcium sulfate; and the heat release process
progresses. The water vapor desorbed from the calcium sulfate goes
through the reaction medium flow path piping 210, and is condensed
in the condenser 230.
[0177] On the other hand, in the heat release process, the valve
250 is closed and the valve 260 is opened. Water vapor evaporated
in the evaporator 240 is introduced into the heat storage and
release units 100 through the reaction medium flow path piping 210.
By having the introduced water vapor react with the calcium
sulfate, the heat release process progresses.
[0178] It is assumed that in the heat storing process and the heat
release process, pressure in an area which is inside of the heat
transfer medium flow path 220 and outside of the heat storage and
release units 100 (i.e., an area in which the heat transfer medium
H exists) is, for example, an atmospheric pressure. On the other
hand, because inside of the heat storage and release units 100 is
in a state in which water vapor and the calcium sulfate exist in a
vacuumed space, its pressure is water vapor pressure in the heat
storage and release units 100.
[0179] The above water vapor pressure will approximate water vapor
pressure at temperature of the condenser 230 in the heat storage
process, and approximate water vapor pressure depending on the
temperature of the calcium sulfate, and both of the water vapor
pressures are less than a normal atmospheric pressure. In other
words, a pressure difference is created between the inside and the
outside of the heat storage and release units 100, in which the
pressure of the outside is higher than the pressure of the
inside.
[0180] In this example, because a heat transfer surface, which is a
part of the outer wall of the reaction vessel 20, is formed by a
sheet-like member, the heat transfer surface is pressed against the
calcium sulfate due to the pressure difference. In other words, the
heat transfer surface can be connected to the reactant formed unit
13 with low thermal resistance between the heat transfer surface
and the reactant formed unit 13. With the above arrangement, in the
heat release process, the reaction heat, generated by reaction
between the reactant formed unit 13 and the reaction medium, can be
efficiently transferred to the heat transfer surface, and exchanged
with the heat transfer medium H. On the other hand, in the heat
storage process, the heat transferred from the heat transfer medium
H to the heat transfer surface can be efficiently stored in the
reactant formed unit 13. In other words, a chemical heat pump 200
with good thermal input output characteristics of the heat storage
and release units 100 can be obtained.
[0181] In the above operation, compressive force due to the
atmospheric pressure affects the inside of the reaction vessel 20,
but the reaction medium flow path 14 is maintained without being
narrowed because of the bridging structure as described in Examples
1 through 3. Therefore, a large contact area of the reactant formed
unit 13 can be maintained as well as the movement of the reaction
medium in the heat storage and release process being
facilitated.
[0182] An embodiment as a more specific example will be described
in which pressure of an area that is inside of the heat transfer
medium flow path 220 and outside of the heat storage and release
unit is approximately an atmospheric pressure (e.g., 101 kPa),
calcium sulfate is used as the reactant formed unit 13, and water
vapor is used as the reaction medium.
[0183] A chemical heat pump 200 with good thermal input output
characteristics is obtained under a condition in which temperature
of the calcium sulfate is less than 190.degree. C., and water vapor
pressure is less than 90 kPa in the heat release process of the
embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the
above embodiment, but the higher temperature of the reactant formed
unit 13 and the higher pressure of the reaction medium can be
designed by using a method in which the heat storage and release
unit is arranged in a heat transfer medium bath and external
pressure is applied, or the like. In other words, a chemical heat
pump 200 with good thermal input output characteristics can be
obtained under all conditions in which the pressure in the heat
storage and release unit is lower than the pressure of an area
which is inside of the heat transfer medium flow path 220 and
outside of the heat storage and release unit.
Example 5
[0184] In Example 5, referring to FIG. 15, an aspect in which the
heat storage and release unit 100 according to an embodiment is
applied to a non-electrified cooling unit will be described.
[0185] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an example of a
non-electrified cooling unit 300. It should be noted that only a
basic structure for realizing a cooling function is shown in a
simplified way in FIG. 15. In the cooling operation, it is assumed
that the heat storage of the reactant in the heat storage and
release unit has already been completed, and thus, the detailed
description of heat storage will be omitted. For example, in the
case where calcium sulfate is used as a reactant, when firing is
performed for 5 hours at 150.degree. C., crystal water is taken
away; an anhydrous hydrate is obtained; and the heat is stored.
This kind of operation should be performed beforehand.
[0186] The non-electrified cooling unit 300 includes the
above-described heat storage and release unit 100, a reaction
medium flow path piping 310 connected to the reaction medium flow
path structure 23 of the heat storage and release unit 100, and a
cooling panel 320 (corresponding to the evaporator 240 of the
chemical heat pump 200). The reaction medium flow path piping 310
is connected to the cooling panel 320 via a valve 330. The cooling
panel 320 is arranged, for example, in a cooling room 340 and cools
the inside of the cooling room 340.
[0187] Next, the cooling operation in which the non-electrified
cooling unit 300 is used will be described. In this example, for
the sake of description convenience, a case will be described in
which calcium sulfate is used for the reactant formed unit 13 and
water vapor is used as a reaction medium, but the present invention
is not limited to this case.
[0188] The heat storage and release unit 100 is in a state where
the heat storage is completed, and the cooling panel 320 is filled
with water. Inside of the heat storage and release unit 100, the
reaction medium flow path piping 310, and the cooling panel 320 is
vacuumed and the valve 330 is closed.
[0189] In the above state, when the valve 330 is opened, the water
in the cooling panel 320 is evaporated and introduced into the heat
storage and release unit 100 through the reaction medium flow path
piping 310. By having the introduced water vapor react with the
calcium sulfate, evaporation of the water in the cooling panel 320
is facilitated, and, as a result, the cooling panel 320 is cooled
by the heat of vaporization.
[0190] The calcium sulfate generates heat by reacting with the
water vapor, but the generated heat is efficiently released into
the atmosphere from surfaces of the reaction vessel 20, and the
reaction between the calcium sulfate and the water vapor is
continuously performed because of the facilitation effect of heat
transfer and reaction of the heat storage and release unit 100 of
this example. The above cooling effect continues until either the
calcium sulfate in the heat storage and release unit 100 becomes a
hemihydrate and the reaction stops, or the water in the cooling
panel 320 is evaporated.
[0191] In other words, a non-electrified cooling unit 300 with good
cooling capacity can be provided. As described above, because power
supply is not needed in the cooling operation, the function in this
example is referred to as a non-electrified cooling unit 300.
[0192] As described above, a chemical heat pump and a
non-electrified cooling unit have been described by using examples,
but the present invention is not limited to the above examples and
various modifications and variations can be made within the scope
of the present invention.
[0193] The present invention is not limited to the specifically
disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0194] The present application is based on and claims the benefit
of priority of Japanese Priority Application No. 2015-068476 filed
on Mar. 30, 2015, and Japanese Priority Application No. 2015-199692
filed on Oct. 7, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
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