JP3836580B2

JP3836580B2 - Heat storage tank

Info

Publication number: JP3836580B2
Application number: JP27824697A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 幸雄佐藤; 晴信竹田; 裕一脇坂; 芳徳河原崎
Original assignee: Japan Steel Works Ltd
Current assignee: Japan Steel Works Ltd
Priority date: 1997-09-25
Filing date: 1997-09-25
Publication date: 2006-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-25
Also published as: JPH1194478A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、蓄熱タンクに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術及びその課題】
従来の蓄熱タンクとして、例えば特開平８−１２８７５６号公報に記載されるものが知られている。これは成層型蓄熱タンクであり、顕熱回収回路が成層型蓄熱タンクの下部及び上部に接続され、成層型蓄熱タンクが顕熱回収回路の一部を形成している。
【０００３】
この成層型蓄熱タンクは、内部が熱伝達率の小さな部材からなる多数の仕切りによつて区画されて自然対流が抑制される構造を有する。従つて、温度変化を生じながら送り込まれた熱媒がそのままの温度分布で蓄積され、成層型蓄熱タンクに蓄積された熱媒の温度分布が自然対流によつて均一になることが防止されるとしている。
【０００４】
しかしながら、このような従来の蓄熱タンクにあつては、次のような技術的課題を有している。
（１）熱媒を送るためにポンプを使用するので、ポンプに熱を奪われて熱効率が低下すると共に、腐食性、爆発性等を有する熱媒を簡単に送ることができない。更に、ポンプによつて熱媒の流量を制御するので、移送途中の熱媒にポンプが直接触れながら熱媒の流量を増減制御するようになる。また、蓄熱タンクの内部空間を外気と遮断させることが困難であり、これによつて内部空間に収容する気体の種類に制限を受けることになり、空気以外の気体を使用することが困難である。
【０００５】
（２）加熱装置による加熱状態と冷却装置による冷却状態とを熱利用装置に交互に与え、温度変化を与える熱利用装置の顕熱回収を行なうに際し、蓄熱タンクに貯留させる熱媒が、下部が高温で上部が低温となる場合がある。この場合、蓄熱タンク内の熱媒に自然対流を生じ易くなり、温度分布の保持性能に劣ることになり、収容空間内に回収蓄熱した顕熱を有効利用することができない。
【０００６】
（３）従来の成層型蓄熱タンクは、内部が熱伝達率の小さな部材からなる多数の仕切りによつて区画されて自然対流が抑制される構造を有するとされるが、具体的構造が不明であり、良好な温度分布の保持性能が得られず、収容空間内に回収蓄熱した顕熱を有効利用することができない。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、このような従来の技術的課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、その構成は次の通りである。
請求項１の発明は、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを下端部に備え、かつ、上端部に接続され、気体を正逆に送つて該蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂの気体を吸排させる吸排手段６０を備え、吸排手段６０によつて該内部空間６ｂ，７ｂの気体を吸排させることにより、蓄熱タンク６，７の出入口６ｃ，７ｃから熱媒が出入りすることを特徴とする蓄熱タンクである。
請求項２は、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを下端部に備え、かつ、蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに上下方向の摺動自在に設けたラム部材９と、ラム部材９を昇降駆動する駆動装置７０とを有し、ラム部材９を昇降駆動することにより、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃから熱媒が出入りすることを特徴とする蓄熱タンクである。
請求項３は、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを下端部に備え、かつ、蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに、熱媒に浮かんで上下方向の浮動自在なフロート部材８と、フロート部材８の下側に伸縮自在な連結部材４０によつて連結され、左右方向に延在する少なくとも１個の可動横境壁部材４１とを有し、可動横境壁部材４１の比重が内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに収容する熱媒の比重よりも大に設定され、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃから熱媒が流入することにより、熱媒に浮かんだフロート部材８と可動横境壁部材４１との間に収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃが区画されることを特徴とする蓄熱タンクである。
請求項４は、熱媒の出入口６ｃを下端部に備え、かつ、蓄熱タンク６の内部に形成されて熱媒を収容する内部空間６ｂに、上下方向の浮動自在なフロート部材１８と、先端部がフロート部材１８に取付けられてフロート部材１８の下面側に開口し、基端部が熱媒の出入口６ｃに接続する伸縮自在な熱媒流路４３とを有し、蓄熱タンク６，７の出入口６ｃ，７ｃから出入りする熱媒が熱媒流路４３を流れてフロート部材１８の下面側から出入りすることを特徴とする蓄熱タンクである。
請求項５は、熱媒の出入口６ｃを上端部に備え、かつ、蓄熱タンク６の内部に形成されて熱媒を収容する内部空間６ｂに、上下方向の浮動自在なフロート部材１８と、先端部がフロート部材１８の下面側に開口し、基端部が熱媒の出入口６ｃに接続する伸縮自在な熱媒流路４４，１８ａとを有し、蓄熱タンク６の出入口６ｃから出入りする熱媒が熱媒流路４４，１８ａを流れてフロート部材１８の下面側から出入りすることを特徴とする蓄熱タンクである。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。
先ず、本発明に係る蓄熱タンクが適用される熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置について、図１を参照して説明する。図１中において符号１は熱利用装置としての水素回収容器であり、内部に水素吸蔵合金Ｍを収容すると共に、水素吸蔵合金Ｍを加熱又は冷却するための熱媒通路１ａを有している。熱媒通路１ａの一端は、移送装置である正逆駆動が可能なポンプ２を備える流路１０の他端に接続され、流路１０の一端には、それぞれ開閉バルブ２０，２１を備える一対の流路１１，１２が接続され、一方の流路１１には加熱装置３が接続され、他方の流路１２には冷却装置４が接続されている。また、熱媒通路１ａの他端には、それぞれ開閉バルブ２２，２３を備える一対の流路１３，１４が接続され、一方の流路１３には加熱装置３が接続され、他方の流路１４には冷却装置４が接続されている。これらの熱媒通路１ａ及び流路１０，１１，１２，１３，１４には、液体からなる熱媒（冷媒を含む）が収容されている。
【０００９】
しかして、一対の開閉バルブ２０，２２を開いた状態でポンプ２を駆動することにより、加熱装置３によつて加熱された熱媒が熱媒通路１ａに導かれ、水素吸蔵合金Ｍを加熱するので、水素吸蔵合金Ｍから水素を放出させることができる。また、一対の開閉バルブ２１，２３を開いた状態でポンプ２を駆動することにより、冷却装置４によつて冷却された熱媒が熱媒通路１ａに導かれ、水素吸蔵合金Ｍを冷却するので、水素吸蔵合金Ｍに水素を吸蔵させることができる。吸蔵又は放出される水素は、水素回収容器１に流路５１を介して接続させた他の水素回収容器、水素利用装置等の水素装置５０との間で授受が行なわれる。
【００１０】
更に、熱媒通路１ａの両端側に、それぞれ流路１５，１６を介して蓄熱タンク６，７を接続させる。具体的には、ポンプ２よりも流路１１，１２寄りの流路１０には、開閉バルブ２４を備える流路１５を介して第１の蓄熱タンク６が接続され、開閉バルブ２３よりも水素回収容器１寄りの流路１４には、開閉バルブ２５を備える流路１６を介して第２の蓄熱タンク７が接続されている。各蓄熱タンク６，７は、同形をなし、上端部に通気孔６ａ，７ａを有する単一の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂを有し、両蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂには、一方の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂのみがほぼ満たされる量の熱媒が収容されている。各蓄熱タンク６，７は、下端部に熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを有し、これらに流路１５，１６が接続されている。しかして、両開閉バルブ２４，２５を開いてポンプ２を正又は逆方向に駆動することにより、いずれか一方の蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂ内の熱媒を出入り口６ｃ，７ｃから流出させ、熱媒通路１ａに導いた後に、他方の蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに熱媒の出入り口６ｃ，７ｃから導入させることができる。
【００１１】
次に、このような熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の作用について説明する。
水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに、加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒と冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒とを交互に供給して、水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍに温度変化を与える。水素吸蔵合金Ｍから水素を放出させる際には、一対の開閉バルブ２０，２２のみを開いた状態でポンプ２を駆動し、加熱装置３によつて加熱された熱媒を熱媒通路１ａに導き、水素吸蔵合金Ｍを加熱する。また、水素吸蔵合金Ｍに水素を吸蔵させる際には、一対の開閉バルブ２１，２３のみを開いた状態でポンプ２を駆動し、冷却装置４によつて冷却された熱媒を熱媒通路１ａに導き、水素吸蔵合金Ｍを冷却する。吸蔵又は放出される水素は、前述したように水素回収容器１に流路５１を介して接続させた他の水素装置５０との間で授受が行なわれる。
【００１２】
このようにして水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍを昇温又は降温させて温度変化を与える際に、次の操作を行なつて水素回収容器１内の顕熱を回収する。すなわち、加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍを昇温させた後であつて、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍを降温させる前、つまり水素吸蔵合金Ｍから水素を放出させた後に、第１の蓄熱タンク６に貯留させた熱媒を出入り口６ｃから流出させて水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに通し、流出する熱媒を第２の蓄熱タンク７に導いて出入り口７ｃから流入・貯留させる。その際、一対の開閉バルブ２４，２５のみを開いた状態でポンプ２を一方向（図１に示す方向）に駆動する。なお、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂには、既に、図１に示すように上部が比較的低温で下部が比較的高温状態の熱媒が貯留されている。これにより、比較的高温状態にある水素吸蔵合金Ｍが次第に冷却されると共に、水素回収容器１内の顕熱が熱媒によつて回収されて第２の蓄熱タンク７に貯留される。このとき、第２の蓄熱タンク７の内部空間７ｂに貯留される熱媒は、上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態となる。
【００１３】
また、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍを降温させた後であつて、加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍを昇温させる前、つまり水素吸蔵合金Ｍに水素を吸蔵させた後に、第２の蓄熱タンク７に貯留させた熱媒を水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに通し、熱媒通路１ａから流出する熱媒を第１の蓄熱タンク６に導いて貯留させる。その際、一対の開閉バルブ２４，２５のみを開いた状態でポンプ２を他方向（図１に示す方向と反対方向）に駆動する。これにより、比較的低温状態にある水素吸蔵合金Ｍが次第に加熱されると共に、水素回収容器１内の顕熱が熱媒によつて回収されて第１の蓄熱タンク６に貯留される。このとき、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂに貯留される熱媒は、上部が比較的低温で下部が比較的高温状態となる。
【００１４】
このような操作を繰り返して与えることにより、水素回収容器１内の顕熱が第１の蓄熱タンク６又は第２の蓄熱タンク７に次々に貯留され、その後に水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍの温度変更に有効活用される。この両蓄熱タンク６，７間での熱媒の移動は、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂに、上部が比較的低温で下部が比較的高温状態として貯留されている熱媒が、下部の出入り口６ｃから流出して高温状態の水素吸蔵合金Ｍに接し、熱媒が次第に温度低下しながら水素吸蔵合金Ｍを冷却するので、水素吸蔵合金Ｍの降温が効果的に行なわれる。
【００１５】
また、第２の蓄熱タンク７に、下部の出入り口７ｃから流入して、上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態として貯留された熱媒は、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１を降温させた後であつて、加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１を昇温させる前に、水素回収容器１に導入し、水素回収容器１から流出する熱媒を第１の蓄熱タンク６に導いて貯留させる。この両蓄熱タンク６，７間での熱媒の移動は、第２の蓄熱タンク７の内部空間７ｂに、上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態として貯留されている熱媒が、下部の出入り口７ｃから流出して低温状態の水素吸蔵合金Ｍに接し、熱媒が次第に温度上昇しながら水素吸蔵合金Ｍを加熱するので、水素吸蔵合金Ｍの昇温が効果的に行なわれる。
【００１６】
ところで、上記熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置にあつては、水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａを、両蓄熱タンク６，７の熱媒を通すためのみならず、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒及び加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒を交互に通すことにも共用したが、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒、加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒及び両蓄熱タンク６，７の熱媒を通す熱媒通路を個別に備えさせることも可能である。更に、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒及び加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒を交互に水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに通すことに代えて、冷却装置４で水素回収容器１の外壁を直接冷却し、また、加熱装置３で水素回収容器１の外壁を直接加熱し、熱媒及び熱媒通路１ａを蓄熱タンク６，７にのみ使用することも可能である。
【００１７】
このようにして、水素回収容器１内の多量（約７０％）の熱エネルギーを両蓄熱タンク６，７に回収可能であり、水素回収容器１の加熱装置３による加熱及び冷却装置４による冷却を最小限のエネルギー消費で行なうことが可能になる。
【００１８】
次に、蓄熱タンクの第１実施の形態について説明する。
図２は、第１実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示し、加熱装置３及び冷却装置４は省略してある。この蓄熱タンク６，７は、上端部の通気孔６ａ，７ａを塞いだ密閉型であり、熱媒を収容する内部空間６ｂ，７ｂを有する蓄熱タンク６，７の下端部に熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを形成すると共に、両蓄熱タンク６，７の上端部同士を連通する配管６１に、気体を正逆に送つて内部空間６ｂ，７ｂの気体を吸排させる吸排手段６０を備えさせる。この吸排手段６０は、正逆送りが可能なコンプレッサーによつて形成することができる。なお、第１の蓄熱タンク６の出入口６ｃは、流路７５によつて熱媒通路１ａの一端部に接続し、第２の蓄熱タンク７の出入口７ｃは、流路７６によつて熱媒通路１ａの他端部に接続している。
【００１９】
図２に示すように吸排手段６０を一方向に駆動し、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂ内の気体を配管６１を通じて第２の蓄熱タンク７の内部空間７ｂ内の上部に送り込めば、第２の蓄熱タンク７の内部空間７ｂ内に貯留された熱媒が、流路７６，７５及び熱媒通路１ａを通つて第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂに流入する。また、吸排手段６０を他方向に駆動し、第２の蓄熱タンク７の内部空間７ｂ内の気体を配管６１を通じて第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂ内の上部に送り込めば、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂ内に貯留された熱媒が、流路７５，７６及び熱媒通路１ａを通つて第２の蓄熱タンク７の内部空間７ｂに流入する。
【００２０】
このようにして、水素回収容器１を昇温させた後で降温させる前に、第１の蓄熱タンク６に貯留させた熱媒を水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに導入し、水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａから流出する熱媒を第２の蓄熱タンク７に導いて貯留させ、かつ、水素回収容器１を降温させた後で昇温させる前に、第２の蓄熱タンク７に貯留させた熱媒を水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに導入し、水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａから流出する熱媒を第１の蓄熱タンク６に導いて貯留させ、水素回収容器１の顕熱を第１の蓄熱タンク６及び第２の蓄熱タンク７に回収することができる。
【００２１】
また、この第１実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置によれば、熱媒が流通するポンプ２を使用しないので、ポンプに熱を奪われて熱効率が低下することが防止されると共に、腐食性、爆発性等を有する熱媒も容易に送ることができる。ちなみに、腐食性、爆発性を有する熱媒を送るポンプは、特殊材料を使用して複雑構造を有するため、保守性に劣ると共にコストが嵩む。
【００２２】
更に、両蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂが密閉されて外気と遮断されているので、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに収容する気体の種類に制限を受け難く、空気以外の気体を使用することが可能である。また、吸排手段６０による気体の送り量によつて熱媒の流量を制御できるので、移送途中の熱媒に直接触れることなく熱媒の流量を増減制御することも容易にできる。
【００２３】
図３は、第２実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示し、図２と比較して、第２の蓄熱タンク７の上端部に通気孔７ａを形成すると共に、配管６１の吸排手段６０と第２の蓄熱タンク７とを接続する部分を省略した点で相違する。この熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置によれば、図２に示す熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置と比較して、吸排手段６０の正逆駆動によつて第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂの空気が強制的に吸排され、これに伴つて第２の蓄熱タンク７の内部空間７ｂ内の空気が通気孔７ａから出入りすることを除き、ほぼ同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
【００２４】
図４は、第３実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す。第３実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクにあつては、蓄熱タンク６，７の内部に形成されて熱媒を収容する内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに上下方向の摺動自在に設けたラム部材９と、ラム部材９を昇降駆動する駆動装置７０とを有し、ラム部材９を昇降駆動することにより、蓄熱タンク６，７の下端部の出入口６ｃ，７ｃから熱媒が強制的に出入りする。水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａの一端部は、流路７５を介して蓄熱タンク６の下端部の出入口６ｃに接続され、熱媒通路１ａの他端部は、流路７６を介して蓄熱タンク７の下端部の出入口７ｃに接続されている。なお、流路７５，７６に備える開閉バルブ２４，２５は省略してある。
【００２５】
第１の蓄熱タンク６のラム部材９の駆動装置７０は、蓄熱タンク６の上部に配設した複動式のシリンダ装置７１によつて構成され、シリンダ７１ａの内部にピストン７１ｂが摺動自在に嵌合して上圧力室７１ｄ及び下圧力室７１ｅを区画し、ピストンロッド７１ｃがラム部材９に連結されている。しかして、上圧力室７１ｄに圧力流体を供給し、下圧力室７１ｅをドレインすることにより、ピストン７１ｂ、ピストンロッド７１ｃ及びラム部材９が下降するので、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂに貯留された熱媒が出入口６ｃから流出する。また、下圧力室７１ｅに圧力流体を供給し、上圧力室７１ｄをドレインすることにより、ピストン７１ｂ、ピストンロッド７１ｃ及びラム部材９が上昇するので、熱媒が出入口６ｃから第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂに流入する。
【００２６】
第２の蓄熱タンク７のラム部材９の駆動装置７０は、蓄熱タンク７の上部に配設したねじ装置７２によつて構成され、第２の蓄熱タンク７を貫通させて回転自在に配置され、下端部にラム部材９が相対回転自在に連結されるねじ部材７２ａと、蓄熱タンク７の上部に固設され、ねじ部材７２ａに螺合するナット部材（図示せず）と、ねじ部材７２ａを正逆に回転駆動するモータ装置７２ｂとを有する。
【００２７】
しかして、モータ装置７２ｂによつてねじ部材７２ａを一方向に回転駆動することにより、ナット部材に螺合するねじ部材７２ａ及びラム部材９を下降させ、また、ねじ部材７２ａを他方向に回転駆動することにより、ねじ部材７２ａ及びラム部材９を上昇させることができるので、第１の蓄熱タンク６の駆動装置７０と同様の作用を得ることができる。なお、ナット部材（図示せず）を第２の蓄熱タンク７の上部に回転のみ自在に配置し、ねじ部材７２ａを回転不可能かつ昇降可能に第２の蓄熱タンク７の上壁を貫通させて配置し、モータ装置７２ｂによつてナット部材を正逆に回転駆動しても、同様の作用を得ることができる。
【００２８】
この第３実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置によれば、熱媒が流通するポンプ２を使用しないので、ポンプに熱を奪われて熱効率が低下することが防止される等、第１実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置とほぼ同様の作用効果を得ることができる。なお、第３実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクのラム部材９の駆動装置７０は、各蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂ内の熱媒を強制的に出入りさせるので、一方の蓄熱タンク６，７にのみ駆動装置７０を備えさせ、他方の蓄熱タンク６，７を図１に示すように上端部に通気孔６ａ，７ａを有する蓄熱タンク６，７によつて置換することも可能である。
【００２９】
図５は、第４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す。第４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクにあつては、蓄熱タンク６６の内部に形成されて熱媒を収容する内部空間６６ｂに上下方向の摺動自在に設けたラム部材９と、ラム部材９を昇降駆動する駆動装置７０とを有し、ラム部材９を昇降駆動することにより、蓄熱タンク６６の上下両端部の出入口６６ｃ₁，６６ｃ₂から熱媒が出入りする。内部空間６６ｂは、ラム部材９によつて上空間６６ｂ₁と下空間６６ｂ₂とに区分され、水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａの一端部は、流路７５を介して下端部の出入口６６ｃ₂に接続され、また、熱媒通路１ａの他端部は、流路７６を介して上端部の出入口６６ｃ₁に接続されている。なお、流路７５，７６に備える開閉バルブ２４，２５は省略してある。
【００３０】
そして、蓄熱タンク６６を磁力透過性を有する非磁性材によつて形成すると共に、非磁性材製のラム部材９の少なくとも直径方向の２箇所に磁性部材９ａを埋め込み、かつ、各磁性部材９ａに対向させて、蓄熱タンク６６の外側に磁石７３をそれぞれ配置してある。磁石７３は、支持部材７３ａに支持され、上下方向に延在する案内部材７４により、それぞれ支持部材７３ａが案内されて上下方向に移動が可能である。このラム部材９に取付けた磁性部材９ａ、支持部材７３ａに取付けた磁石７３及び案内部材７４並びに支持部材７３ａを昇降駆動する昇降装置７３ｂにより、ラム部材９の駆動装置７０を構成している。
【００３１】
しかして、昇降装置７３ｂを駆動し、支持部材７３ａ及び磁石７３を案内部材７４に沿つて昇降移動させることにより、磁性部材９ａに吸引力を受けてラム部材９が追従移動するので、熱媒が流路７５，７６及び熱媒通路１ａを通つて上空間６６ｂ₁と下空間６６ｂ₂との間で移動する。このように、第４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置ではポンプを使用しないので、水素回収容器１の顕熱回収に関し、第１実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置とほぼ同様の作用を得ることができる。但し、上空間６６ｂ₁及び下空間６６ｂ₂に貯留される熱媒は、いずれも下部が低温で上部が高温となるので、自然対流を生じ難く、上空間６６ｂ₁及び下空間６６ｂ₂に回収した顕熱を水素回収容器１の温度変化に有効利用することが可能である。なお、昇降装置７３ｂは、例えば案内部材７４と支持部材７３ａとの間に配設したリニアモータによつて構成することができ、リニアモータによつて支持部材７３ａ及び磁石７３を昇降駆動させることが可能である。また、駆動装置７０は、各種のものを使用することができる。
【００３２】
なお、図４，図５に示す第３，４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置において、流路７５，７６に熱媒の圧力又は流量を検出するセンサーを設け、圧力又は流量が適正になるように駆動装置７０によるラム部材９の昇降駆動速度を制御することも可能である。
【００３３】
図６，図７は、参考例に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す。参考例に係る蓄熱タンクにあつては、蓄熱タンク６６の内部に形成されて熱媒を収容する内部空間６６ｂに上下方向の摺動自在に設けた仕切部材１９により、内部空間６６ｂを上空間６６ｂ₁と下空間６６ｂ₂とに区分した。熱媒通路１ａの一端部は、蓄熱タンク６６の下端部の出入口６６ｃ₂にポンプ２を備える流路１０及び流路１５を介して接続され、熱媒通路１ａの他端部は、流路１６を介して蓄熱タンク６６の上端部の出入口６６ｃ₁に接続されている。なお、仕切部材１９には、熱媒とほぼ同じ比重を与えてある。また、流路１５，１６に備える開閉バルブ２４，２５は省略してある。
【００３４】
しかして、水素回収容器１内の水素吸蔵合金Ｍを昇温又は降温させて温度変化を与える際に、次の操作を行なつて水素回収容器１内の顕熱を回収する。すなわち、加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１を昇温させた後であつて、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１を降温させる前に、図７に示すようにポンプ２を他方向に駆動し、上空間６６ｂ₁に貯留させた熱媒を上端部の出入口６６ｃ₁から流出させて水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに通し、流出する熱媒を下端部の出入口６６ｃ₂から下空間６６ｂ₂に導いて貯留させる。その際、仕切部材１９が、内部空間６６ｂ内を上方に向けて摺動する。なお、上空間６６ｂ₁には、既に、図６に示すように上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態の熱媒が貯留されている。これにより、比較的高温状態にある水素吸蔵合金Ｍが次第に冷却されると共に、水素回収容器１の顕熱が熱媒によつて回収されて下空間６６ｂ₂に貯留される。このとき、下空間６６ｂ₂に貯留される熱媒は、上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態となる。
【００３５】
また、冷却装置４で冷却した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１を降温させた後であつて、加熱装置３で加熱した熱媒を導入して水素回収容器１を昇温させる前に、図６に示すようにポンプ２を一方向に駆動し、下空間６６ｂ₂に貯留させた熱媒を水素回収容器１の熱媒通路１ａに通し、水素回収容器１から流出する熱媒を上空間６６ｂ₁に導いて貯留させる。その際、仕切部材１９が、内部空間６６ｂ内を下方に向けて摺動する。これにより、比較的低温状態にある水素吸蔵合金Ｍが次第に加熱されると共に、水素回収容器１の顕熱が熱媒によつて回収されて上空間６６ｂ₁に貯留される。このとき、上空間６６ｂ₁に貯留される熱媒の温度分布は、上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態となる。このようにして、仕切部材１９によつて区画される上空間６６ｂ₁及び下空間６６ｂ₂において、一方から流出した熱媒が他方に流入するようになるため、熱媒の流入出が比較的スムースになり、図５に示す第４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクと同様に、特に上空間６６ｂ₁における熱媒の落下による混合が抑制される。
【００３６】
このような上空間６６ｂ₁と下空間６６ｂ₂との間での熱媒の移動は、図５に示す第４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクと同様に、それぞれ上部が比較的高温で下部が低温状態として貯留されている熱媒が、下端部の出入口６６ｃ₂からは低温側から流出して低温状態の水素吸蔵合金Ｍに接し、熱媒が次第に温度上昇しながら水素吸蔵合金Ｍを加熱するので、水素吸蔵合金Ｍの昇温が効果的に行なわれ、また、上端部の出入口６６ｃ₁からは高温側から流出して高温状態の水素吸蔵合金Ｍに接し、熱媒が次第に温度低下しながら水素吸蔵合金Ｍを降温させるので、水素吸蔵合金Ｍの降温が効果的に行なわれる。
【００３７】
また、上空間６６ｂ₁及び下空間６６ｂ₂の両者において、熱媒の対流及び混合が良好に防止され、熱媒の温度分布の保持性が向上するため、無駄なエネルギー消費を防止できる。加えて、図５に示す第４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクと同様に１個の蓄熱タンク６６で済むため、構造が簡素かつコンパクトになる。
【００３８】
図８，図９は、他の参考例に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す。他の参考例に係る蓄熱タンクにあつては、各蓄熱タンク６，７の内部空間６ｂ，７ｂが、上下に延在する縦境壁６８，７８によつて複数の収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂに分割され、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃが複数の全ての収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂに連通している。すなわち、各蓄熱タンク６，７に固着させた縦境壁６８，７８を内部空間６ｂ，７ｂの上下方向の中間部のみに配設し、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂの下端部に、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃに連通する出入口空間６ｃ₁，７ｃ₁を形成させると共に、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂの上端部に、単一の通気孔６ａ，７ａに連通する通気空間６ａ₁，７ａ₁を形成させてある。なお、流路１５，１６に備える開閉バルブ２４，２５は省略してある。
【００３９】
しかして、ポンプ２を正逆に駆動することにより、熱媒が、流路１５，１６及び熱媒通路１ａを通り、更に熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃ、出入口空間６ｃ₁，７ｃ₁を経て複数の収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂの間で移動する。その際、複数の収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂ内の空気が、通気空間６ａ₁，７ａ₁を経て通気孔６ａ，７ａから出入りする。このようにして、水素回収容器１の顕熱回収に関し、図１に示すものとほぼ同様の作用を得ることができる。加えて、熱媒が溜まる複数の収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂが縦境壁６８，７８によつて区画されて左右が狭幅をなし、対流の長さ／幅の比が大きくなつているので、各収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂ内で温度分布を有する熱媒に自然対流を生じ難くなる。これにより、各収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂ内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、各収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂ内に回収した顕熱を水素回収容器１の温度変化に有効利用することが可能となる。なお、縦境壁６８，７８は、少なくとも一方の蓄熱タンク６，７、特に上部が比較的低温で下部が比較的高温状態として熱媒が貯留される第１の蓄熱タンク６に設け、熱媒の自然対流を抑制すればよい。
【００４０】
図１０は、第１の蓄熱タンク６の他の例を示し、図８に示す第１の蓄熱タンク６を矩形断面に形成すると共に、縦境壁６８を前後方向及び左右方向の両方に配設し、内部空間６ｂを、上下に延在する縦境壁６８によつて複数の矩形状の収容空間６０ｂに分割させてあり、熱媒の出入口６ｃが複数の全ての収容空間６０ｂに連通している。図１０に示す第１の蓄熱タンク６を図８に示す熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置に適用すれば、ポンプ２を正逆に駆動することにより、熱媒が、流路１５，１６及び熱媒通路１ａを通り、更に熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃ、出入口空間６ｃ₁，７ｃ₁を経て複数の収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂの間で移動する。その際、複数の収容空間６０ｂ，７０ｂ内の空気が、通気空間６ａ₁，７ａ₁を経て通気孔６ａ，７ａから出入りする。このようにして、水素回収容器１の顕熱回収に関し、図１に示すものとほぼ同様の作用を得ることができる。加えて、第１の蓄熱タンク６において、熱媒が溜まる複数の収容空間６０ｂが縦境壁６８によつて区画されて左右のみならず前後も狭幅をなし、対流の長さ／幅の比が大きくなつているので、各収容空間６０ｂ内で温度分布を有する熱媒に自然対流を生じ難くなる。これにより、各収容空間６０ｂ内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、各収容空間６０ｂ内に回収した顕熱を水素回収容器１の温度変化に有効利用することが可能となる。なお、第２の蓄熱タンク７において、縦境壁７８を前後方向及び左右方向の両方に配設し、収容空間７０ｂを、上下に延在する縦境壁７８によつて複数の矩形の収容空間７０ｂに分割させて、収容空間７０ｂ内で温度分布を有する熱媒の自然対流を抑制することも勿論可能である。
【００４１】
図１１には、蓄熱タンク６の他の構造例を示し、出入口空間６ｃ₁を整流室として機能させるようにしてある。すなわち、蓄熱タンク６の下部にすのこ状をなす区画板６３を固着して出入口空間６ｃ₁を区画し、内部空間６ｂの下端部中央となる蓄熱タンク６の底板６ｅの中央に、流路１５に接続する熱媒の出入口６ｃを形成すると共に、熱媒の出入口６ｃの上方であつて出入口空間６ｃ₁の上下方向の中間部に、整流板６４を配設してある。そして、各縦境壁６８の下端部を区画板６３の上面に固着させ、各収容空間６０ｂが区画板６３の開口部６３ａを介して出入口空間６ｃ₁に連通するようになつている。
【００４２】
整流板６４は、蓄熱タンク６の底板６ｅに支持部材６５を介して取付けてあるが、整流板６４の周囲のほぼ全てに熱媒の流路を形成するように熱媒の出入口６ｃの上方であつて出入口空間６ｃ₁の上下方向の中間部に配設すればよく、区画板６３の下面又は蓄熱タンク６の側面のいずれかに支持部材を介して取付けて、同様の熱媒の流路を確保することも可能である。しかして、整流板６４の大きさは、区画板６３よりも当然に小さいが、熱媒の出入口６ｃの断面積よりも大きく設定することが望まれる。
【００４３】
これにより、熱媒の出入口６ｃから出入口空間６ｃ₁に流入する熱媒は、整流板６４に衝当し、区画板６３の開口部６３ａに向けて直接流れることが良好に防止され、出入口空間６ｃ₁内において滞留箇所を生ずることなく均一化された後に区画板６３の開口部６３ａを通つて各収容空間６０ｂに流入する。整流板６４の背後に位置する開口部６３ａには、整流板６４の周囲から回り込んで流れ込むようになる。このようにして、熱媒の出入口６ｃから流入する熱媒が、出入口空間６ｃ₁において整流された状態で各開口部６３ａを通つて各収容空間６０ｂに均一かつスムースに流入するので、各収容空間６０ｂ内に貯留される熱媒の上下方向の温度分布を各収容空間６０ｂにおいてほぼ同一にすることができる。なお、他方の蓄熱タンク７の下部にも、同様の整流室として機能する出入口空間７ｃ₁を形成することができることは勿論である。
【００４４】
図１２には、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂを２個の縦境壁６８’によつて３個の収容空間６０ｂに区画した例を示す。但し、本例では、内部空間６ｂの上下方向の全幅にわたつて縦境壁６８’を配設し、３個の収容空間６０ｂを独立させ、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂの下端部の出入口空間６ｃ₁，７ｃ₁及び上端部の通気空間６ａ₁，７ａ₁をそれぞれ省略させてある。このため、第１の蓄熱タンク６の上端部に、各収容空間６０ｂに連通する通気孔６ａ₂，６ａ₃，６ａ₄を個別に形成させると共に、下端部に、各収容空間６０ｂに連通する熱媒の出入口６ｃ₂，６ｃ₃，６ｃ₄を個別に形成させてある。本例のように３個の収容空間６０ｂに分割すれば、熱媒の粘性の如何にも影響を受けるが、一般的な蓄熱タンク６において、収容空間６０ｂに温度分布を有して貯留させた熱媒に図１２に矢印で示す自然対流を生じることが良好に抑制される。なお、第２の蓄熱タンク７も、同様に３個の収容空間７０ｂに区画することができる。
【００４５】
図１３は、第５実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置を示し、第１，第２蓄熱タンク６，７は、それぞれ同一構造を有している。第５実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクにあつては、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに連通する熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを下端部の側面に備え、上端部に通気孔６ａ，７ａを有する。また、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂには、熱媒に浮かんで上下方向の浮動自在なフロート部材８と、フロート部材８の下側に配置され、左右方向、つまり温度分布をもつて流入する熱媒の温度分布と垂直方向に延在する可動横境壁部材４１とを有する。
【００４６】
可動横境壁部材４１は、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂを移動可能に本例では複数配設され、フロート部材８と上端位置の可動横境壁部材４１との間及び上下に隣接する可動横境壁部材４１同士の間を伸縮自在な連結部材４０によつて連結させてある。下端位置の可動横境壁部材４１と蓄熱タンク６，７の底部との間は、必ずしも連結部材４０によつて連結させなくてもよい。可動横境壁部材４１の比重は、熱媒の比重よりも若干大に設定されて浮動が防止されている。ここでの伸縮自在な連結部材４０は、パンタグラフ状に折れ曲がり可能なもの、可撓性を有するひも、鎖等によつて構成することができる。なお、可動横境壁部材４１及び連結部材４０は、内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに熱媒を収容する収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃを所定幅で区画するために設けるものであり、フロート部材に連結させた少なくとも１個の可動横境壁部材４１を有すればよい。更に、流路１５，１６に備える開閉バルブ２４，２５は省略してある。
【００４７】
しかして、ポンプ２を正逆に駆動することにより、熱媒が、流路１５，１６及び熱媒通路１ａを通り、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを経て下端部に区画される収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃから出入りする。熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを蓄熱タンク６，７の下端部の側面に設けたため、蓄熱タンク６，７の下面に形成する場合と異なり、可動横境壁部材４１が底部に積み重なつた状態であつても、下端部に区画される収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃを熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃに連通させることができる。このため、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃは、蓄熱タンク６，７の底部に積み重なつた状態で下端位置の可動横境壁部材４１の下面から上端位置の可動横境壁部材４１の上面にまで、上下方向に延びている。下端部の収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃから熱媒が出入りすることにより、各可動横境壁４１，４１の上下部に熱媒が流入出しながら、フロート部材８が昇降する。
【００４８】
ポンプ２を他方向に駆動する図１３においてフロート部材８が熱媒に浮かんで上昇する第１の蓄熱タンク６では、熱媒が下端部の出入口６ｃから流入してフロート部材８が上昇するので、内部空間６ｂの下端部に積み重ね状態の可動横境壁部材４１が伸び状態の連結部材４０によつて次々に引かれて上昇しながら、フロート部材８と上端の可動横境壁部材４１との間、可動横境壁部材４１同士の間、及び蓄熱タンク６の底面と下端の可動横境壁部材４１との間に収容空間６０ｃが次々に区画されてゆく。一方、図１３においてフロート部材８が下降する第２の蓄熱タンク７では、熱媒が下端部の出入口７ｃから流出してフロート部材８が下降するので、連結部材４０が次々にたわみ、下側の可動横境壁部材４１から順次に積み重ね状態となり、蓄熱タンク７の底面と下端の可動横境壁部材４１との間、可動横境壁部材４１同士の間、及びフロート部材８と上端の可動横境壁部材４１との間の収容空間６０ｃが次々に消滅してゆく。フロート部材８と上端の可動横境壁部材４１との間の収容空間６０ｃが消滅した状態で、熱媒の全てが熱媒の出入口７ｃから流出する。このような熱媒の流入出に伴つて、収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃ内の空気が、通気孔６ａ，７ａから出入りする。
【００４９】
このようにして、水素回収容器１の顕熱回収に関し、図１に示すものとほぼ同様の作用を得ることができる。加えて、熱媒が溜まる複数の収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃが、フロート部材８及び可動横境壁部材４１によつて区画されて上下が狭幅をなしているので、温度分布をもつ熱媒を貯留させるに際し、上下に隣接する収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃの間で熱媒に自然対流を生じることが抑制される。これにより、各収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃ内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、各収容空間６０ｃ，７０ｃ内に回収した顕熱を水素回収容器１の温度変化に有効利用することが可能となる。なお、フロート部材８及び可動横境壁部材４１は、温度分布をもつ熱媒を貯留させる蓄熱タンク６，７に好適であるが、少なくとも一方の蓄熱タンク６，７、特に上部が比較的低温で下部が比較的高温状態の熱媒が貯留される第１の蓄熱タンク６に設け、熱媒の自然対流を抑制すればよい。
【００５０】
更に、第５実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンク６，７によれば、可動横境壁部材４１が、蓄熱タンク６，７の内壁に固着されておらず、熱媒の流入出に応じて移動するので、熱媒の流入出が円滑に得られる。また、可動横境壁部材４１に熱媒が流通するための隙間又は開口部を形成する必要がないと共に、流入出する熱媒が固定の横境壁に次々に接して熱の授受を行なうことがないため、更なる対流防止効果と高効率の蓄熱が可能となる。
【００５１】
図１４，１５は、第６実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す。第６実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクにあつては、第２の蓄熱タンク７は図１に示す第２の蓄熱タンク７と同一構造を有するので、第１の蓄熱タンク６について主として説明する。第１の蓄熱タンク６は、内部空間６ｂに連通する熱媒の出入口６ｃを下端部に備え、上端部に通気孔６ａを有する。また、内部空間６ｂには、熱媒に浮かんで上下方向の浮動自在なフロート部材１８が配置され、このフロート部材１８の下面に伸縮自在な熱媒流路４３の先端部が取付けられ、熱媒流路４３の先端の開口部４３ａがフロート部材１８の下面側に位置している。しかして、熱媒流路４３は、先端部がフロート部材１８に取付けられてフロート部材１８の下面側に開口し、基端部が熱媒の出入口６ｃに接続している。ここでの伸縮自在な熱媒流路４３とは、熱媒流路４３自体が伸縮するもののみならず、フロート部材１８の昇降動に追随して変形するものを含むものであり、フロート部材１８の浮動を阻害することなくフロート部材１８と熱媒の出入口６ｃとの間の長さの変動を吸収できるものであればよい。なお、流路１５，１６に備える開閉バルブ２４，２５は省略してある。
【００５２】
しかして、ポンプ２を正逆に駆動することにより、熱媒が、流路１５，１６及び熱媒通路１ａを通り、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを経て内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに出入りする。内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに熱媒が出入りすることにより、第１の蓄熱タンク６においてフロート部材１８が昇降する。第１の蓄熱タンク６では、図１４に示すようにポンプ２が他方向に駆動されてフロート部材１８が熱媒に浮かんで上昇する際には、熱媒が下端部の出入口６ｃから流入して熱媒流路４３を流れ、フロート部材１８の下面側に開口する熱媒流路４３の先端の開口部４３ａから流出する。これにより、内部空間６ｂ内に流入する熱媒が常に内部空間６ｂにある熱媒の上部に流出し、熱媒流路４３が次第に伸長する。
【００５３】
一方、第１の蓄熱タンク６において、図１５に示すようにポンプ２が一方向に駆動されて熱媒に浮かんだフロート部材１８が下降する際には、内部空間６ｂ内の熱媒が熱媒流路４３の上端の開口部４３ａから吸い込まれ、出入口６ｃに接続する熱媒流路４３から流路１５に向けて流出する。これにより、内部空間６ｂから流出する熱媒は常に内部空間６ｂ内の熱媒の上部から流出し、熱媒流路４３が次第に収縮する。
【００５４】
このようにして、水素回収容器１の顕熱回収に関し、図１に示すものとほぼ同様の作用を得ることができる。加えて、先に低温側の熱媒が流入する第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂにおいて、上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態となつて熱媒が貯留されるので、熱媒に自然対流を生じることが抑制される。これにより、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂ内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、第１の蓄熱タンク６に回収した顕熱を水素回収容器１の温度変化に有効利用することが可能となる。
【００５５】
図１６，１７は、第７実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す。第７実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクにあつては、第２の蓄熱タンク７は図１に示す第２の蓄熱タンク７と同一構造を有するので、第１の蓄熱タンク６について主として説明する。第１の蓄熱タンク６は、内部空間６ｂに連通する熱媒の出入口６ｃ及び通気孔６ａを上端部に有する。また、内部空間６ｂには、熱媒に浮かんで上下方向の浮動自在なフロート部材１８が配置され、このフロート部材１８の上面に伸縮自在な熱媒流路４４の先端部が取付けられ、熱媒の出入口６ｃを貫通する熱媒流路４４の先端部がフロート部材１８に貫通させて形成した熱媒流路１８ａの上端部に接続している。しかして、熱媒流路４４，１８ａは、先端部がフロート部材１８の下面側に開口部１８ｂによつて開口し、基端部が熱媒の出入口６ｃに接続している。ここでの伸縮自在な熱媒流路４４とは、熱媒流路４４自体が伸縮するもののみならず、フロート部材１８の昇降動に追随して変形するものを含むものであり、フロート部材１８の浮動を阻害することなくフロート部材１８と熱媒の出入口６ｃとの間の長さの変動を吸収できるものであればよい。なお、流路１５，１６に備える開閉バルブ２４，２５は省略してある。
【００５６】
しかして、ポンプ２を正逆に駆動することにより、熱媒が、流路１５，１６及び熱媒通路１ａを通り、熱媒の出入口６ｃ，７ｃを経て内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに出入りする。内部空間６ｂ，７ｂに熱媒が出入りすることにより、第１の蓄熱タンク６においてフロート部材１８が昇降する。第１の蓄熱タンク６では、図１６に示すようにポンプ２が他方向に駆動されてフロート部材１８が熱媒に浮かんで上昇する際には、流路１５からの熱媒が上端部の出入口６ｃに接続する熱媒流路４４から流入してフロート部材１８の熱媒流路１８ａを流れ、フロート部材１８の下面側に開口する熱媒流路１８ａの開口部１８ｂから流出する。これにより、内部空間６ｂに流入する熱媒は常に内部空間６ｂ内の熱媒の上部に流出し、熱媒流路４４が次第に縮小する。
【００５７】
一方、第１の蓄熱タンク６において、図１７に示すようにポンプ２が一方向に駆動されて熱媒に浮かんだフロート部材１８が下降する際には、内部空間６ｂ内の熱媒がフロート部材１８の熱媒流路１８ａの下端の開口部１８ｂから吸い込まれ、出入口６ｃに接続する熱媒流路４４を経て流路１５に向けて流出する。これにより、内部空間６ｂから流出する熱媒は常に内部空間６ｂ内の熱媒の上部から流出し、熱媒流路４４が次第に伸長する。
【００５８】
このようにして、水素回収容器１の顕熱回収に関し、図１に示すものとほぼ同様の作用を得ることができる。加えて、先に低温側の熱媒が流入する第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂにおいて、上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態となつて熱媒が貯留されるので、熱媒に自然対流を生じることが抑制される。これにより、第１の蓄熱タンク６の内部空間６ｂ内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、第１の蓄熱タンク６に回収した顕熱を水素回収容器１の温度変化に有効利用することが可能となる。なお、熱媒流路４４の先端部をフロート部材１８に貫通させて埋め込み、熱媒流路４４の先端の開口部をフロート部材１８の下面側に開口させ、フロート部材１８の熱媒流路１８ａを省略することも可能である。
【００５９】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明によつて理解されるように、本発明に係る蓄熱タンクによれば、次の効果を奏することができる。
（１）請求項１によれば、上端部に接続した吸排手段によつて内部空間の気体を吸排させることにより、蓄熱タンクの出入口から熱媒が出入りする。しかして、熱媒が流通するポンプを使用しないので、ポンプに熱を奪われて熱効率が低下することが防止されると共に、腐食性、爆発性等を有する熱媒も容易に送ることができる。更に、吸排手段による気体の送り量によつて熱媒の流量を制御できるので、移送途中の熱媒に直接触れることなく熱媒の流量を増減制御することも容易にできる。また、蓄熱タンクの内部空間を外気と遮断させることが可能であり、これによつて内部空間に収容する気体の種類に制限を受け難くなり、空気以外の気体を使用することも可能となる。
【００６０】
（２）請求項２によれば、ラム部材を昇降駆動することにより、熱媒の出入口から熱媒が出入りするので、請求項１と同様の効果を奏することができる。
【００６３】
（５）請求項３によれば、熱媒が下端部の出入口から流入する際には、熱媒に浮かんでフロート部材が上昇するので、内部空間の下端部にある可動横境壁部材が伸び状態の連結部材によつて引かれて上昇し、フロート部材と上端の可動横境壁部材（及び可動横境壁部材同士）の間に熱媒の収容空間を区画してゆく。一方、熱媒が下端部の出入口から流出してフロート部材が下降する際には、熱媒が流出しながら可動横境壁部材が内部空間の底部に接した後に連結部材がたわみ、可動横境壁部材が内部空間の底部に密着状態となり、その後、フロート部材と可動横境壁部材との間（及び可動横境壁部材同士の間）の収容空間が消滅して、熱媒の全てが流出する。
【００６４】
このように、熱媒が溜まる収容空間がフロート部材及び可動横境壁部材によつて区画されて上下が狭幅をなしているので、上下に隣接する収容空間の間で熱媒に自然対流を生じることが抑制される。これにより、各収容空間内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、各収容空間内に回収蓄熱した顕熱を有効利用することが可能となる。
【００６５】
（６）請求項４によれば、内部空間に熱媒が出入りすることにより、フロート部材が昇降する。フロート部材が熱媒に浮かんで上昇する際には、熱媒が下端部の出入口から流入して熱媒流路を流れ、フロート部材の下面側に開口する熱媒流路の先端部から流出する。これにより、内部空間内に流入する熱媒は常に内部空間の熱媒の上部に流出し、熱媒流路が次第に伸長する。一方、熱媒に浮かんだフロート部材が下降する際には、内部空間内の熱媒が熱媒流路の上端部から吸い込まれ、出入口に接続する熱媒流路から外部に流出する。これにより、内部空間から流出する熱媒は常に内部空間内の熱媒の上部から流出し、熱媒流路が次第に収縮する。
【００６６】
これにより、低温から次第に温度上昇しながら流入する熱媒を、蓄熱タンクの内部空間内に上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態として貯留することができ、熱媒に自然対流を生じることを抑制できる。その結果、蓄熱タンクの内部空間内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、蓄熱タンクに回収蓄熱した顕熱を有効利用することが可能となる。
【００６７】
（７）請求項５によれば、内部空間に熱媒が出入りすることにより、フロート部材が昇降する。フロート部材が熱媒に浮かんで上昇する際には、熱媒が上端部の出入口に接続する熱媒流路から流入してフロート部材を通過し、フロート部材の下面側に開口する熱媒流路の先端部から流出する。これにより、内部空間に流入する熱媒は常に内部空間内の熱媒の上部に流出し、熱媒流路が次第に収縮する。一方、熱媒に浮かんだフロート部材が下降する際には、内部空間内の熱媒が熱媒流路の下端部から吸い込まれ、出入口に接続する熱媒流路から外部に流出する。これにより、内部空間から流出する熱媒は常に内部空間内の熱媒の上部から流出し、熱媒流路が次第に伸長する。
【００６８】
これにより、低温から次第に温度上昇しながら流入する熱媒を、蓄熱タンクの内部空間内に上部が比較的高温で下部が比較的低温状態として貯留することができ、熱媒に自然対流を生じることを抑制できる。その結果、蓄熱タンクの内部空間内での温度分布の保持性能が向上し、蓄熱タンクに回収蓄熱した顕熱を有効利用することが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る蓄熱タンクが適用される熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置を示す概略図。
【図２】本発明の第１実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図３】本発明の第２実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図４】本発明の第３実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図５】本発明の第４実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図６】参考例に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図７】同じく参考例に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の作用を示す概略図。
【図８】他の参考例に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図９】図８のＩＸ−ＩＸ線断面図。
【図１０】同じく蓄熱タンクを示す図９と同様の断面図。
【図１１】同じく他の構造例に係る蓄熱タンクの要部を示す断面図。
【図１２】同じく蓄熱タンクの内部空間を２個の縦境壁によつて区画した例を示す概略図。
【図１３】本発明の第５実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図１４】本発明の第６実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図１５】同じく第６実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の作用を示す概略図。
【図１６】本発明の第７実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の要部を示す概略図。
【図１７】同じく第７実施の形態に係る蓄熱タンクを適用した熱利用装置の顕熱回収装置の作用を示す概略図。
【符号の説明】
１：水素回収容器（熱利用装置）、１ａ：熱媒通路、２：ポンプ（移送装置）、３：加熱装置、４：冷却装置、６：第１の蓄熱タンク、６ｂ：内部空間、６ｃ：熱媒の出入口、７：第２の蓄熱タンク、７ｂ：内部空間、７ｃ：熱媒の出入口、８：フロート部材、９：ラム部材、１８：フロート部材、１８ａ：熱媒流路、１９：仕切部材、４０：連結部材、４１：可動横境壁部材、４３，４４：熱媒流路、６０：吸排手段、６０ｂ，７０ｂ：収容空間、６０ｃ，７０ｃ：収容空間、６１：配管、６３：区画板、６３ａ：開口部、６４：整流板、６５：支持部材、６６：蓄熱タンク、６６ｂ：内部空間、６６ｂ₁：上空間、６６ｂ₂：下空間、６６ｃ₁：出入口、６６ｃ₂：出入口、６８，６８’，７８：縦境壁、７０：駆動装置、Ｍ：水素吸蔵合金。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a heat storage tank.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems]
As a conventional heat storage tank, for example, one described in JP-A-8-128756 is known. This is a stratified heat storage tank, in which a sensible heat recovery circuit is connected to the lower and upper portions of the stratified heat storage tank, and the stratified heat storage tank forms a part of the sensible heat recovery circuit.
[0003]
This stratified heat storage tank has a structure in which natural convection is suppressed by being partitioned by a large number of partitions made of members having a small heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, it is assumed that the heat medium that is fed while causing a temperature change is accumulated with the same temperature distribution, and the temperature distribution of the heat medium accumulated in the stratified heat storage tank is prevented from becoming uniform due to natural convection. Yes.
[0004]
However, such a conventional heat storage tank has the following technical problems.
(1) Since a pump is used to send the heat medium, heat is lost to the pump and the heat efficiency is lowered, and a heat medium having corrosiveness, explosiveness, etc. cannot be sent easily. Furthermore, since the flow rate of the heat medium is controlled by the pump, the flow rate of the heat medium is controlled to increase or decrease while the pump directly touches the heat medium being transferred. Moreover, it is difficult to block the internal space of the heat storage tank from the outside air, which limits the type of gas stored in the internal space, and it is difficult to use a gas other than air. .
[0005]
(2) When the sensible heat recovery of the heat utilization device that gives a change in temperature is alternately given to the heat utilization device by the heating state by the heating device and the cooling state by the cooling device, the heat medium stored in the heat storage tank is The upper part may become cold at high temperature. In this case, natural convection is likely to occur in the heat medium in the heat storage tank, and the performance of maintaining the temperature distribution is inferior, and the sensible heat collected and stored in the accommodation space cannot be effectively used.
[0006]
(3) The conventional stratified heat storage tank is said to have a structure in which the inside is partitioned by a number of partitions made of members having a small heat transfer coefficient to suppress natural convection, but the specific structure is unknown. In addition, it is not possible to obtain good temperature distribution retention performance, and the sensible heat collected and stored in the housing space cannot be used effectively.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional technical problem, and its configuration is as follows.
The invention of claim 1 is provided with heating medium outlets 6c and 7c at the lower end portion, and connected to the upper end portion, and sends the gas in the forward and reverse directions so that the gas in the internal spaces 6b and 7b of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 is supplied. Heat storage and storage means characterized by comprising a suction and discharge means 60 for sucking and discharging, wherein the heat medium enters and exits through the inlets and outlets 6c and 7c of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 by sucking and discharging the gas in the internal spaces 6b and 7b by the suction and discharge means 60 It is a tank.
The second aspect of the present invention includes a ram member 9 provided with inlets and outlets 6c and 7c for the heat medium at the lower end portion and provided in the internal spaces 6b and 7b of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The heat storage tank has a drive device 70 that is driven to move up and down, and the heat medium enters and exits through the heat medium outlets 6c and 7c by driving the ram member 9 up and down.
Claim 3 Includes a heating medium inlet / outlet 6c, 7c at the lower end, and floats 8 in the inner space 6b, 7b of the heat storage tanks 6, 7 floating in the heating medium and freely floating in the vertical direction. It has at least one movable lateral wall member 41 connected to the lower side by a telescopic coupling member 40 and extending in the left-right direction. The specific gravity of the movable lateral wall member 41 is the internal space 6b, 7b. It is set to be larger than the specific gravity of the heat medium accommodated in the heat medium, and is accommodated between the float member 8 floating on the heat medium and the movable boundary wall member 41 by the heat medium flowing in from the heat medium inlet / outlet 6c, 7c. The heat storage tank is characterized in that the spaces 60c and 70c are partitioned.
Claim 4 Is provided with a heat medium inlet / outlet 6c at its lower end, and is floated in a vertically floating float member 18 in an internal space 6b formed inside the heat storage tank 6 and containing the heat medium, and a tip part of the float member. 18, open to the lower surface side of the float member 18, and the base end portion has an expandable heat medium passage 43 connected to the heat medium inlet / outlet 6 c, and the outlets 6 c, 7 c of the heat storage tanks 6, 7. The heat storage tank is characterized in that the heat medium entering and exiting from the bottom flows through the heat medium passage 43 and enters and exits from the lower surface side of the float member 18.
Claim 5 Is provided with a heating medium inlet / outlet 6c at the upper end, and is floated in an up and down direction in an internal space 6b formed inside the heat storage tank 6 and containing the heating medium, and a tip part is a floating member. 18 is provided with elastic heat medium flow paths 44 and 18a that are open on the lower surface side of the heat transfer tank 18 and have base ends connected to the heat medium inlet / outlet 6c. The heat medium flowing in / out of the heat storage tank 6 through the inlet / outlet 6c The heat storage tank is characterized by flowing in and out of the lower surface side of the float member 18 through the paths 44 and 18a.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a sensible heat recovery device of a heat utilization device to which a heat storage tank according to the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a hydrogen recovery container as a heat utilization device, which contains a hydrogen storage alloy M inside and has a heat medium passage 1 a for heating or cooling the hydrogen storage alloy M. One end of the heat medium passage 1a is connected to the other end of the flow path 10 including the pump 2 that can be driven forward and backward, which is a transfer device, and one end of the flow path 10 includes a pair of open / close valves 20 and 21, respectively. The flow paths 11 and 12 are connected, the heating device 3 is connected to one flow path 11, and the cooling device 4 is connected to the other flow path 12. In addition, a pair of flow passages 13 and 14 each having open / close valves 22 and 23 are connected to the other end of the heat medium passage 1 a, the heating device 3 is connected to one flow passage 13, and the other flow passage 14. Is connected to the cooling device 4. The heat medium passage 1a and the flow paths 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 contain a heat medium (including a refrigerant) made of liquid.
[0009]
Thus, by driving the pump 2 with the pair of on-off valves 20 and 22 open, the heat medium heated by the heating device 3 is guided to the heat medium passage 1a and heats the hydrogen storage alloy M. Therefore, hydrogen can be released from the hydrogen storage alloy M. Further, by driving the pump 2 with the pair of on-off valves 21 and 23 being opened, the heat medium cooled by the cooling device 4 is guided to the heat medium passage 1a and cools the hydrogen storage alloy M. The hydrogen storage alloy M can store hydrogen. Occluded or released hydrogen is exchanged with a hydrogen device 50 such as another hydrogen recovery vessel or a hydrogen utilization device connected to the hydrogen recovery vessel 1 via a flow path 51.
[0010]
Furthermore, the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 are connected to both end sides of the heat medium passage 1a through flow paths 15 and 16, respectively. Specifically, the first heat storage tank 6 is connected to the flow path 10 closer to the flow paths 11 and 12 than the pump 2 via the flow path 15 including the open / close valve 24, and hydrogen is recovered from the open / close valve 23. A second heat storage tank 7 is connected to the flow path 14 near the container 1 via a flow path 16 including an opening / closing valve 25. Each of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 has the same shape, and has a single internal space 6b and 7b having vent holes 6a and 7a at the upper end, and the internal spaces 6b and 7b of both the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 have one side. An amount of the heat medium is contained so that only the internal spaces 6b and 7b are substantially filled. Each of the heat storage tanks 6, 7 has a heat medium inlet / outlet 6 c, 7 c at a lower end portion, to which the flow paths 15, 16 are connected. Thus, by opening both the open / close valves 24 and 25 and driving the pump 2 in the forward or reverse direction, the heat medium in the internal spaces 6b and 7b of any one of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 is transferred from the entrances 6c and 7c. After flowing out and being guided to the heat medium passage 1a, it can be introduced into the internal spaces 6b, 7b of the other heat storage tanks 6, 7 through the heat medium outlets 6c, 7c.
[0011]
Next, the operation of the sensible heat recovery device of such a heat utilization device will be described.
A heat medium heated by the heating device 3 and a heat medium cooled by the cooling device 4 are alternately supplied to the heat medium passage 1 a of the hydrogen recovery container 1 to change the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M in the hydrogen recovery container 1. give. When releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy M, the pump 2 is driven with only the pair of on-off valves 20 and 22 open, and the heat medium heated by the heating device 3 is guided to the heat medium passage 1a. Then, the hydrogen storage alloy M is heated. When storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy M, the pump 2 is driven with only the pair of on-off valves 21 and 23 opened, and the heat medium cooled by the cooling device 4 is transferred to the heat medium passage 1a. Then, the hydrogen storage alloy M is cooled. The hydrogen that is occluded or released is exchanged with the other hydrogen device 50 connected to the hydrogen recovery container 1 via the flow path 51 as described above.
[0012]
In this way, when the temperature is changed by raising or lowering the hydrogen storage alloy M in the hydrogen recovery container 1, the following operation is performed to recover the sensible heat in the hydrogen recovery container 1. That is, after the heating medium heated by the heating device 3 is introduced and the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M in the hydrogen recovery container 1 is raised, the heating medium cooled by the cooling device 4 is introduced and the hydrogen recovery container 1 is introduced. Before the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is lowered, that is, after hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy M, the heat medium stored in the first heat storage tank 6 is caused to flow out from the inlet / outlet 6c to heat the hydrogen recovery container 1 The heat medium flowing out through the passage 1a is guided to the second heat storage tank 7 to be introduced and stored from the inlet / outlet 7c. At that time, the pump 2 is driven in one direction (direction shown in FIG. 1) with only the pair of opening and closing valves 24 and 25 being opened. In addition, in the internal space 6b of the 1st heat storage tank 6, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat medium whose upper part is comparatively low temperature and whose lower part is comparatively high temperature is already stored. Thereby, the hydrogen storage alloy M in a relatively high temperature state is gradually cooled, and the sensible heat in the hydrogen recovery container 1 is recovered by the heat medium and stored in the second heat storage tank 7. At this time, the heat medium stored in the internal space 7b of the second heat storage tank 7 has a relatively high temperature at the top and a relatively low temperature at the bottom.
[0013]
Further, after introducing the heat medium cooled by the cooling device 4 and lowering the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M in the hydrogen recovery container 1, the heat medium heated by the heating device 3 is introduced and the hydrogen recovery alloy 1 in the hydrogen recovery container 1 is introduced. Before the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is increased, that is, after the hydrogen storage alloy M has stored hydrogen, the heat medium stored in the second heat storage tank 7 is passed through the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1 to generate heat. The heat medium flowing out from the medium passage 1a is guided to the first heat storage tank 6 and stored. At that time, the pump 2 is driven in the other direction (the direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 1) with only the pair of on-off valves 24 and 25 being opened. Accordingly, the hydrogen storage alloy M in a relatively low temperature state is gradually heated, and the sensible heat in the hydrogen recovery container 1 is recovered by the heat medium and stored in the first heat storage tank 6. At this time, the heat medium stored in the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 is in a state where the upper part is relatively low temperature and the lower part is relatively high temperature.
[0014]
By repeatedly giving such an operation, the sensible heat in the hydrogen recovery container 1 is stored one after another in the first heat storage tank 6 or the second heat storage tank 7, and then the hydrogen storage alloy in the hydrogen recovery container 1. It is effectively used to change the temperature of M. The movement of the heat medium between the two heat storage tanks 6 and 7 is caused by the fact that the heat medium stored in the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 with the upper part being relatively cold and the lower part being relatively hot is the lower part. The hydrogen storage alloy M flows out of the inlet / outlet 6c and comes into contact with the hydrogen storage alloy M in a high temperature state, and the heat storage medium cools the hydrogen storage alloy M while the temperature gradually decreases, so that the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is effectively lowered.
[0015]
Moreover, the heat medium which flowed into the 2nd heat storage tank 7 from the lower entrance 7c, and was stored by the upper part being comparatively high temperature and the lower part being comparatively low temperature state introduce | transduces the heat medium cooled with the cooling device 4. Then, after the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is lowered and before the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is increased by introducing the heating medium heated by the heating device 3, the hydrogen recovery container 1 is introduced into the hydrogen recovery container 1. The flowing out heat medium is guided to the first heat storage tank 6 and stored. The movement of the heat medium between the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 is caused by the fact that the heat medium stored in the internal space 7b of the second heat storage tank 7 with the upper part being relatively hot and the lower part being relatively cold is the lower part. The hydrogen storage alloy M flows out of the inlet / outlet 7c and comes into contact with the hydrogen storage alloy M in a low temperature state, and the heating medium heats the hydrogen storage alloy M while gradually increasing the temperature, so that the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is effectively increased.
[0016]
By the way, in the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device, not only the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is passed through the heat storage tanks 6 and 7, but also the heat cooled by the cooling device 4. The heating medium heated by the heating device 3 is also used alternately, but the heating medium cooled by the cooling device 4, the heating medium heated by the heating device 3, and the heating medium of both the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 are passed. It is also possible to provide the heat medium passage individually. Further, instead of alternately passing the heat medium cooled by the cooling device 4 and the heat medium heated by the heating device 3 through the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1, the cooling device 4 directly passes the outer wall of the hydrogen recovery container 1 directly. It is also possible to cool and heat the outer wall of the hydrogen recovery container 1 directly with the heating device 3 so that the heat medium and the heat medium passage 1 a can be used only for the heat storage tanks 6 and 7.
[0017]
In this way, a large amount (about 70%) of heat energy in the hydrogen recovery container 1 can be recovered in both the heat storage tanks 6 and 7, and the hydrogen recovery container 1 is heated by the heating device 3 and cooled by the cooling device 4. This can be done with minimal energy consumption.
[0018]
Next, a first embodiment of the heat storage tank will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a main part of the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device to which the heat storage tank according to the first embodiment is applied, and the heating device 3 and the cooling device 4 are omitted. The heat storage tanks 6 and 7 are hermetically sealed with the upper end vent holes 6a and 7a closed, and the heat medium inlet / outlet 6c at the lower end of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 having internal spaces 6b and 7b for accommodating the heat medium. 7c, and a pipe 61 that communicates the upper ends of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 with a suction / exhaust means 60 that feeds gas in the forward and reverse directions to suck and exhaust the gas in the internal spaces 6b and 7b. The suction / discharge means 60 can be formed by a compressor capable of forward / reverse feeding. The inlet / outlet 6c of the first heat storage tank 6 is connected to one end of the heat medium passage 1a by a flow path 75, and the inlet / outlet 7c of the second heat storage tank 7 is connected by a flow path 76 to the heat medium passage. It is connected to the other end of 1a.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, if the intake / exhaust means 60 is driven in one direction and the gas in the internal space 6 b of the first heat storage tank 6 is sent into the upper part of the internal space 7 b of the second heat storage tank 7 through the pipe 61. The heat medium stored in the internal space 7b of the second heat storage tank 7 flows into the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 through the flow paths 76 and 75 and the heat medium passage 1a. Further, if the intake / exhaust means 60 is driven in the other direction and the gas in the internal space 7b of the second heat storage tank 7 is sent to the upper part in the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 through the pipe 61, the first The heat medium stored in the internal space 6b of the heat storage tank 6 flows into the internal space 7b of the second heat storage tank 7 through the flow paths 75 and 76 and the heat medium passage 1a.
[0020]
In this way, after the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is raised and before the temperature is lowered, the heat medium stored in the first heat storage tank 6 is introduced into the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1, and the hydrogen recovery container 1 The heat medium flowing out from one heat medium passage 1a is guided to and stored in the second heat storage tank 7, and stored in the second heat storage tank 7 before the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is lowered and then raised. The heated heat medium is introduced into the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1, and the heat medium flowing out from the heat medium path 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is guided to the first heat storage tank 6 to be stored. Sensible heat can be recovered in the first heat storage tank 6 and the second heat storage tank 7.
[0021]
Further, according to the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device to which the heat storage tank according to the first embodiment is applied, the pump 2 through which the heat medium flows is not used. In addition, the heat medium having corrosiveness, explosiveness and the like can be easily sent. Incidentally, a pump that sends a corrosive and explosive heat medium has a complicated structure using a special material, so it is inferior in maintainability and expensive.
[0022]
Furthermore, since the internal spaces 6b and 7b of both the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 are sealed and shut off from the outside air, it is difficult to be restricted by the type of gas stored in the internal spaces 6b and 7b, and a gas other than air is used. It is possible. Further, since the flow rate of the heat medium can be controlled by the amount of gas fed by the intake / exhaust means 60, the flow rate of the heat medium can be easily increased or decreased without directly touching the heat medium being transferred.
[0023]
FIG. 3 shows a main part of the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device to which the heat storage tank according to the second embodiment is applied. Compared with FIG. 2, the vent hole 7 a is formed at the upper end of the second heat storage tank 7. And the portion of the pipe 61 connecting the intake / exhaust means 60 and the second heat storage tank 7 is omitted. According to the sensible heat recovery device of this heat utilization device, compared with the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device shown in FIG. Except that the air in the internal space 7b of the second heat storage tank 7 enters and exits from the vent hole 7a, the substantially same effect can be obtained.
[0024]
FIG. 4: shows the principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is applied. For the heat storage tank according to the third embodiment, a ram member 9 formed inside the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 and slidably provided in the vertical direction in the internal spaces 6b and 7b for accommodating the heat medium; The ram member 9 has a drive device 70 that drives the ram member 9 up and down. By driving the ram member 9 up and down, the heat medium is forced to enter and exit from the inlets 6 c and 7 c at the lower ends of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7. One end portion of the heat medium passage 1 a of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is connected to the inlet / outlet 6 c at the lower end portion of the heat storage tank 6 via the flow path 75, and the other end portion of the heat medium passage 1 a stores heat via the flow path 76. The tank 7 is connected to the entrance / exit 7 c at the lower end of the tank 7. The open / close valves 24 and 25 provided in the flow paths 75 and 76 are omitted.
[0025]
The drive device 70 for the ram member 9 of the first heat storage tank 6 is constituted by a double-acting cylinder device 71 disposed in the upper part of the heat storage tank 6, and the piston 71b is slidable inside the cylinder 71a. The upper pressure chamber 71 d and the lower pressure chamber 71 e are partitioned by fitting, and the piston rod 71 c is connected to the ram member 9. Thus, by supplying the pressure fluid to the upper pressure chamber 71d and draining the lower pressure chamber 71e, the piston 71b, the piston rod 71c, and the ram member 9 are lowered, so that the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 enters the interior space 6b. The stored heat medium flows out from the entrance 6c. Further, by supplying a pressure fluid to the lower pressure chamber 71e and draining the upper pressure chamber 71d, the piston 71b, the piston rod 71c, and the ram member 9 are raised, so that the heat medium is passed through the inlet / outlet 6c to the first heat storage tank 6. Flows into the internal space 6b.
[0026]
The driving device 70 for the ram member 9 of the second heat storage tank 7 is configured by a screw device 72 disposed on the upper portion of the heat storage tank 7, and is rotatably disposed through the second heat storage tank 7. A screw member 72a to which the ram member 9 is rotatably coupled to the lower end, a nut member (not shown) fixed to the upper portion of the heat storage tank 7 and screwed into the screw member 72a, and the screw member 72a are connected to each other. On the other hand, it has a motor device 72b that rotationally drives.
[0027]
Thus, by rotating the screw member 72a in one direction by the motor device 72b, the screw member 72a and the ram member 9 screwed into the nut member are lowered, and the screw member 72a is rotated in the other direction. By doing so, since the screw member 72a and the ram member 9 can be raised, the same operation as that of the driving device 70 of the first heat storage tank 6 can be obtained. A nut member (not shown) is disposed on the upper portion of the second heat storage tank 7 so as to be rotatable only, and the screw member 72a is passed through the upper wall of the second heat storage tank 7 so that the screw member 72a cannot rotate and can be moved up and down. Even if it is arranged and the nut member is rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions by the motor device 72b, the same action can be obtained.
[0028]
According to the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device to which the heat storage tank according to the third embodiment is applied, the pump 2 through which the heat medium circulates is not used. It is possible to obtain substantially the same operational effects as the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device to which the heat storage tank according to the first embodiment is applied. In addition, since the drive device 70 of the ram member 9 of the heat storage tank according to the third embodiment forcibly causes the heat medium in the internal spaces 6b and 7b of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 to enter and exit, the one heat storage tank 6 , 7 can be provided with a driving device 70, and the other heat storage tank 6, 7 can be replaced by a heat storage tank 6, 7 having vent holes 6a, 7a at the upper end as shown in FIG. .
[0029]
FIG. 5: shows the principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on 4th Embodiment is applied. In the heat storage tank according to the fourth embodiment, a ram member 9 formed inside the heat storage tank 66 and slidably provided in an up-down direction in an internal space 66b that accommodates the heat medium, and a ram member 9 are provided. And a drive device 70 that is driven to move up and down, and by driving the ram member 9 to move up and down, the entrances 66c at the upper and lower ends of the heat storage tank 66 ₁ 66c ₂ The heating medium enters and exits. The internal space 66b is separated from the upper space 66b by the ram member 9. ₁ And lower space 66b ₂ One end portion of the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is connected to a lower end inlet / outlet 66c via a flow path 75. ₂ The other end of the heat medium passage 1a is connected to the upper and lower ports 66c via the flow channel 76. ₁ It is connected to the. The open / close valves 24 and 25 provided in the flow paths 75 and 76 are omitted.
[0030]
The heat storage tank 66 is formed of a nonmagnetic material having magnetic permeability, and the magnetic members 9a are embedded in at least two locations in the diameter direction of the nonmagnetic material ram member 9, and each magnetic member 9a is embedded. The magnets 73 are arranged outside the heat storage tank 66 so as to face each other. The magnet 73 is supported by the support member 73a and can be moved in the vertical direction by the support member 73a being guided by the guide member 74 extending in the vertical direction. The magnetic member 9a attached to the ram member 9, the magnet 73 and guide member 74 attached to the support member 73a, and the elevating device 73b for elevating and driving the support member 73a constitute the drive device 70 for the ram member 9.
[0031]
Thus, by driving the elevating device 73b and moving the support member 73a and the magnet 73 up and down along the guide member 74, the magnetic member 9a receives the attractive force and the ram member 9 follows and moves. The upper space 66b passes through the flow paths 75 and 76 and the heat medium passage 1a. ₁ And lower space 66b ₂ Move between. As described above, since the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank according to the fourth embodiment is applied does not use a pump, the heat storage tank according to the first embodiment relates to the sensible heat recovery of the hydrogen recovery container 1. It is possible to obtain substantially the same operation as the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device to which is applied. However, the upper space 66b ₁ And the lower space 66b ₂ The heat medium stored in the upper space 66b is less likely to cause natural convection because the lower part is at a low temperature and the upper part is at a high temperature. ₁ And the lower space 66b ₂ It is possible to effectively use the sensible heat recovered in the above for the temperature change of the hydrogen recovery container 1. In addition, the raising / lowering apparatus 73b can be comprised by the linear motor arrange | positioned between the guide member 74 and the support member 73a, for example, and can drive the support member 73a and the magnet 73 up and down with a linear motor. Is possible. Various types of driving devices 70 can be used.
[0032]
In the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank according to the third and fourth embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is applied, a sensor for detecting the pressure or flow rate of the heat medium is provided in the flow paths 75 and 76. It is also possible to control the raising / lowering driving speed of the ram member 9 by the driving device 70 so that the pressure or flow rate is appropriate.
[0033]
6 and 7 Reference example The principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on is applied is shown. Reference example In the heat storage tank according to the above, the internal space 66b is formed in the upper space 66b by the partition member 19 that is formed inside the heat storage tank 66 and is slidable in the vertical direction in the internal space 66b that accommodates the heat medium. ₁ And lower space 66b ₂ And was divided into One end of the heat medium passage 1 a is an inlet / outlet 66 c at the lower end of the heat storage tank 66. ₂ The other end of the heat medium passage 1 a is connected to the upper and lower ports 66 c of the heat storage tank 66 via the flow channel 16. ₁ It is connected to the. The partition member 19 is given substantially the same specific gravity as the heat medium. Further, the open / close valves 24 and 25 provided in the flow paths 15 and 16 are omitted.
[0034]
Thus, when the temperature is changed by raising or lowering the hydrogen storage alloy M in the hydrogen recovery container 1, the following operation is performed to recover the sensible heat in the hydrogen recovery container 1. That is, after introducing the heat medium heated by the heating device 3 and raising the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1, before introducing the heat medium cooled by the cooling device 4 and lowering the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1, As shown in FIG. 7, the pump 2 is driven in the other direction, and the upper space 66b ₁ The heat medium stored in the upper end entrance 66c ₁ The heat medium flowing out from the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is passed through the heat medium passage 1a at the lower end of the inlet / outlet 66c. ₂ From the bottom space 66b ₂ Lead to and store. At that time, the partition member 19 slides upward in the internal space 66b. The upper space 66b ₁ As shown in FIG. 6, a heat medium having a relatively high temperature in the upper part and a relatively low temperature in the lower part has already been stored. Thereby, the hydrogen storage alloy M in a relatively high temperature state is gradually cooled, and the sensible heat of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is recovered by the heat medium so that the lower space 66b. ₂ It is stored in. At this time, the lower space 66b ₂ The heat medium stored in the upper part has a relatively high temperature in the upper part and a relatively low temperature in the lower part.
[0035]
In addition, after introducing the heat medium cooled by the cooling device 4 and lowering the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1, before introducing the heat medium heated by the heating device 3 and raising the temperature of the hydrogen recovery container 1, The pump 2 is driven in one direction as shown in FIG. ₂ The heat medium stored in is passed through the heat medium passage 1a of the hydrogen recovery container 1, and the heat medium flowing out of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is passed through the upper space 66b. ₁ Lead to and store. At that time, the partition member 19 slides downward in the internal space 66b. Thereby, the hydrogen storage alloy M in a relatively low temperature state is gradually heated, and the sensible heat of the hydrogen recovery container 1 is recovered by the heat medium, so that the upper space 66b. ₁ It is stored in. At this time, the upper space 66b ₁ The temperature distribution of the heat medium stored in the upper part is relatively high in the upper part and relatively low in the lower part. Thus, the upper space 66b partitioned by the partition member 19 ₁ And the lower space 66b ₂ In this case, since the heat medium that has flowed out from one side flows into the other, the flow of the heat medium becomes relatively smooth, and particularly in the upper space as in the heat storage tank according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 66b ₁ Mixing due to the dropping of the heat medium in is suppressed.
[0036]
Such an upper space 66b ₁ And lower space 66b ₂ As in the case of the heat storage tank according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the heat medium that is stored in the upper part is relatively hot and the lower part is stored in a low temperature state. Doorway 66c ₂ The hydrogen storage alloy M flows out from the low temperature side and comes into contact with the hydrogen storage alloy M in the low temperature state, and the heating medium heats the hydrogen storage alloy M as the temperature rises gradually, so that the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is effectively increased. , Doorway 66c at the upper end ₁ Since it flows out from the high temperature side and contacts the hydrogen storage alloy M in a high temperature state, the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is lowered while the heat medium gradually decreases in temperature, so that the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is effectively lowered.
[0037]
Also, the upper space 66b ₁ And the lower space 66b ₂ In both cases, the convection and mixing of the heat medium are prevented satisfactorily and the retention of the temperature distribution of the heat medium is improved, so that useless energy consumption can be prevented. In addition, since only one heat storage tank 66 is required similarly to the heat storage tank according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the structure is simple and compact.
[0038]
FIG. 8 and FIG. Other reference examples The principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on is applied is shown. Other reference examples In the heat storage tank according to the above, the internal spaces 6b and 7b of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 are divided into a plurality of housing spaces 60b and 70b by vertical walls 68 and 78 extending vertically. The entrances 6c and 7c communicate with all of the plurality of accommodating spaces 60b and 70b. That is, the vertical walls 68 and 78 fixed to the respective heat storage tanks 6 and 7 are disposed only in the middle part in the vertical direction of the internal spaces 6b and 7b, and the inlet / outlet of the heat medium is provided at the lower ends of the internal spaces 6b and 7b. Entrance / exit space 6c communicating with 6c, 7c ₁ 7c ₁ And a ventilation space 6a communicating with the single ventilation holes 6a and 7a at the upper ends of the internal spaces 6b and 7b. ₁ 7a ₁ Is formed. The open / close valves 24 and 25 provided in the flow paths 15 and 16 are omitted.
[0039]
Thus, by driving the pump 2 in the forward and reverse directions, the heat medium passes through the flow paths 15 and 16 and the heat medium passage 1a, and further, the heat medium inlet / outlet ports 6c and 7c, and the inlet / outlet space 6c. ₁ 7c ₁ And move between the plurality of accommodation spaces 60b, 70b. At that time, the air in the plurality of housing spaces 60b and 70b is moved into the ventilation space 6a. ₁ 7a ₁ It goes in and out from the vent holes 6a and 7a. In this way, with respect to the sensible heat recovery of the hydrogen recovery container 1, it is possible to obtain substantially the same action as that shown in FIG. In addition, since the plurality of housing spaces 60b, 70b in which the heat medium accumulates are partitioned by the vertical walls 68, 78, the left and right are narrow, and the ratio of the length / width of the convection is large. Natural convection hardly occurs in the heat medium having a temperature distribution in the accommodation spaces 60b and 70b. As a result, the performance of maintaining the temperature distribution in the storage spaces 60b and 70b is improved, and the sensible heat recovered in the storage spaces 60b and 70b can be effectively used for the temperature change of the hydrogen recovery container 1. . The vertical walls 68 and 78 are provided in at least one of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7, particularly the first heat storage tank 6 in which the heat medium is stored with the upper portion being relatively low temperature and the lower portion being relatively high temperature What is necessary is to suppress natural convection.
[0040]
FIG. 10 shows another example of the first heat storage tank 6. The first heat storage tank 6 shown in FIG. 8 is formed in a rectangular cross section, and the vertical wall 68 is arranged in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The internal space 6b is divided into a plurality of rectangular accommodation spaces 60b by vertical walls 68 extending vertically, and the heating medium outlet 6c communicates with all of the plurality of accommodation spaces 60b. Yes. If the first heat storage tank 6 shown in FIG. 10 is applied to the sensible heat recovery device of the heat utilization device shown in FIG. Passing through the medium passage 1a, the heat medium inlet / outlet 6c, 7c, the inlet / outlet space 6c ₁ 7c ₁ And move between the plurality of accommodation spaces 60b, 70b. At that time, the air in the plurality of housing spaces 60b and 70b is moved into the ventilation space 6a. ₁ 7a ₁ It goes in and out from the vent holes 6a and 7a. In this way, with respect to the sensible heat recovery of the hydrogen recovery container 1, it is possible to obtain substantially the same action as that shown in FIG. In addition, in the first heat storage tank 6, a plurality of accommodation spaces 60b in which the heat medium is accumulated are partitioned by the vertical boundary wall 68 to form a narrow width not only on the left and right but also on the front and rear, and the ratio of convection length / width Therefore, natural convection hardly occurs in the heat medium having a temperature distribution in each accommodation space 60b. Thereby, the holding performance of the temperature distribution in each storage space 60b is improved, and the sensible heat recovered in each storage space 60b can be effectively used for the temperature change of the hydrogen recovery container 1. In the second heat storage tank 7, the vertical walls 78 are arranged in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and the storage space 70 b is formed by a plurality of rectangular storage spaces by the vertical walls 78 extending vertically. Of course, it is also possible to suppress the natural convection of the heat medium having a temperature distribution in the accommodation space 70b by dividing it into 70b.
[0041]
FIG. 11 shows another structural example of the heat storage tank 6, and the entrance / exit space 6 c ₁ Is made to function as a rectifying chamber. That is, a partition plate 63 having a sawtooth shape is fixed to the lower part of the heat storage tank 6 to fix the entrance / exit space 6c. ₁ Is formed at the center of the bottom plate 6e of the heat storage tank 6 which is the center of the lower end portion of the internal space 6b, and the inlet / outlet 6c of the heat medium connected to the flow path 15 is formed above the inlet / outlet 6c of the heat medium. Space 6c ₁ A rectifying plate 64 is disposed in the middle in the vertical direction. And the lower end part of each vertical boundary wall 68 is made to adhere to the upper surface of the partition plate 63, and each accommodation space 60b passes through the opening part 63a of the partition plate 63, and the entrance / exit space 6c. ₁ To communicate with.
[0042]
The rectifying plate 64 is attached to the bottom plate 6e of the heat storage tank 6 via a support member 65. The rectifying plate 64 is disposed above the heating medium inlet / outlet 6c so as to form a heat medium flow path almost entirely around the rectifying plate 64. Atte entrance / exit space 6c ₁ It is possible to secure the same heat medium flow path by attaching it to either the lower surface of the partition plate 63 or the side surface of the heat storage tank 6 via a support member. is there. Therefore, the size of the rectifying plate 64 is naturally smaller than that of the partition plate 63, but it is desirable to set it larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet / outlet 6c of the heat medium.
[0043]
Thereby, the entrance / exit space 6c from the entrance / exit 6c of the heat medium. ₁ The heat medium that flows into the swash plate collides with the rectifying plate 64 and is prevented from flowing directly toward the opening 63a of the partition plate 63, and the entrance / exit space 6c. ₁ After being made uniform without generating a staying portion, the air flows into the respective accommodation spaces 60b through the opening 63a of the partition plate 63. The opening 63 a located behind the rectifying plate 64 flows around from the periphery of the rectifying plate 64. In this way, the heat medium flowing in from the heat medium entrance / exit 6c becomes the entrance / exit space 6c. ₁ In the rectified state, the air flows smoothly and uniformly into each accommodation space 60b through each opening 63a, so that the vertical temperature distribution of the heat medium stored in each accommodation space 60b is almost equal in each accommodation space 60b. Can be the same. An entrance / exit space 7c that functions as a similar rectifying chamber is also provided under the other heat storage tank 7. ₁ Of course, can be formed.
[0044]
FIG. 12 shows an example in which the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 is divided into three accommodation spaces 60b by two longitudinal walls 68 ′. However, in this example, the vertical wall 68 ′ is disposed over the entire vertical width of the internal space 6b, the three accommodating spaces 60b are made independent, and the entrance / exit space 6c at the lower end of the internal spaces 6b and 7b. ₁ 7c ₁ And the ventilation space 6a at the upper end. ₁ 7a ₁ Are omitted. For this reason, the upper end of the first heat storage tank 6 has a vent hole 6a that communicates with each accommodation space 60b. ₂ , 6a _Three , 6a _Four Are formed individually, and at the lower end portion, the heating medium inlet / outlet 6c communicating with each of the accommodating spaces 60b. ₂ , 6c _Three , 6c _Four Are individually formed. If it is divided into three accommodation spaces 60b as in this example, it will be affected by the viscosity of the heat medium, but in the general heat storage tank 6, it is stored in the accommodation space 60b with a temperature distribution. The natural convection shown by the arrow in FIG. Similarly, the second heat storage tank 7 can be partitioned into three accommodation spaces 70b.
[0045]
FIG. 5th The sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank according to the embodiment is applied is shown, and the first and second heat storage tanks 6 and 7 have the same structure. 5th In the heat storage tank according to the embodiment, the inlet / outlet ports 6c and 7c of the heat medium communicating with the internal spaces 6b and 7b are provided on the side surface of the lower end portion, and the vent holes 6a and 7a are provided at the upper end portion. Also, in the internal spaces 6b and 7b, a float member 8 that floats in the heat medium and floats in the vertical direction, and is arranged below the float member 8, and the heat medium that flows in the left-right direction, that is, with a temperature distribution, is provided. And a movable lateral wall member 41 extending in the vertical direction with the temperature distribution.
[0046]
A plurality of movable lateral wall members 41 are arranged in the present example so as to be movable in the internal spaces 6b, 7b, and are located between the float member 8 and the movable lateral wall member 41 at the upper end position and adjacent to the upper and lower sides. The members 41 are connected to each other by an elastic connecting member 40. It is not always necessary to connect the movable lateral wall member 41 at the lower end position and the bottom of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 by the connecting member 40. The specific gravity of the movable lateral wall member 41 is set slightly larger than the specific gravity of the heat medium to prevent floating. The stretchable connecting member 40 here can be formed of a material that can be bent in a pantograph shape, a flexible string, a chain, or the like. The movable lateral wall member 41 and the connecting member 40 are provided to partition the housing spaces 60c and 70c for storing the heat medium in the internal spaces 6b and 7b with a predetermined width, and are at least connected to the float member. It suffices to have one movable lateral wall member 41. Further, the open / close valves 24 and 25 provided in the flow paths 15 and 16 are omitted.
[0047]
Thus, by driving the pump 2 in the forward and reverse directions, the heat medium passes through the flow paths 15 and 16 and the heat medium passage 1a, passes through the heat medium outlets 6c and 7c, and is accommodated in the accommodation space 60c, Enter and exit from 70c. Since the heat medium outlets 6c and 7c are provided on the side surfaces of the lower ends of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7, unlike the case where the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 are formed on the lower surface, the movable lateral wall member 41 is stacked on the bottom. Even so, the storage spaces 60c and 70c defined at the lower end can be communicated with the heating medium outlets 6c and 7c. For this reason, the inlet / outlet ports 6c and 7c of the heat medium are stacked on the bottom of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 from the lower surface of the movable lateral wall member 41 at the lower end position to the upper surface of the movable lateral wall member 41 at the upper end position. It extends in the vertical direction. As the heat medium enters and exits from the accommodation spaces 60c and 70c at the lower end, the float member 8 moves up and down while the heat medium flows in and out of the upper and lower portions of the movable lateral walls 41 and 41.
[0048]
In the first heat storage tank 6 in which the float member 8 floats on the heat medium and rises in FIG. 13 in which the pump 2 is driven in the other direction, the heat medium flows in from the inlet / outlet 6c at the lower end and the float member 8 rises. Between the float member 8 and the upper movable movable wall member 41, the movable movable wall member 41 in a stacked state is pulled and raised one after another by the extended connecting member 40 at the lower end of the internal space 6b. The accommodating spaces 60c are successively partitioned between the movable lateral wall members 41 and between the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 6 and the movable lateral wall member 41 at the lower end. On the other hand, in the second heat storage tank 7 in which the float member 8 descends in FIG. 13, the heat medium flows out from the inlet / outlet 7c at the lower end and the float member 8 descends, so that the connecting member 40 bends one after another, and the lower side The movable lateral wall members 41 are sequentially stacked, and are located between the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 7 and the lower movable lateral wall member 41, between the movable lateral wall members 41, and between the float member 8 and the upper movable lateral wall. The accommodation space 60c between the boundary wall member 41 disappears one after another. In the state where the accommodation space 60c between the float member 8 and the movable boundary wall member 41 at the upper end disappears, all of the heating medium flows out from the inlet / outlet port 7c of the heating medium. As the heat medium flows in and out, the air in the accommodation spaces 60c and 70c enters and exits the vent holes 6a and 7a.
[0049]
In this way, with respect to the sensible heat recovery of the hydrogen recovery container 1, it is possible to obtain substantially the same action as that shown in FIG. In addition, since the plurality of storage spaces 60c and 70c in which the heat medium is accumulated are partitioned by the float member 8 and the movable lateral wall member 41 and have a narrow upper and lower width, the heat medium having a temperature distribution is stored. In doing so, it is possible to suppress natural convection in the heat medium between the upper and lower storage spaces 60c and 70c. Thereby, the holding performance of the temperature distribution in each of the storage spaces 60c and 70c is improved, and the sensible heat recovered in each of the storage spaces 60c and 70c can be effectively used for the temperature change of the hydrogen recovery container 1. . The float member 8 and the movable boundary wall member 41 are suitable for the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 for storing a heat medium having a temperature distribution, but at least one of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7, particularly the upper part, is relatively low temperature. What is necessary is just to provide in the 1st heat storage tank 6 by which the heat medium whose lower part is a comparatively high temperature state is stored, and to suppress the natural convection of a heat medium.
[0050]
Furthermore, 5th According to the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 according to the embodiment, the movable lateral wall member 41 is not fixed to the inner walls of the heat storage tanks 6 and 7 and moves according to the inflow and outflow of the heat medium. Inflow and outflow can be obtained smoothly. In addition, it is not necessary to form a gap or opening for the heat medium to flow through the movable boundary wall member 41, and the heat medium flowing in and out contacts the fixed boundary wall one after another to transfer heat. Therefore, further convection prevention effect and highly efficient heat storage are possible.
[0051]
14 and 15 6th The principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on embodiment is applied is shown. 6th As for the heat storage tank according to the embodiment, the second heat storage tank 7 has the same structure as the second heat storage tank 7 shown in FIG. The first heat storage tank 6 is provided with a heat medium inlet / outlet 6c communicating with the internal space 6b at the lower end, and has a vent hole 6a at the upper end. Further, in the internal space 6b, a float member 18 that floats on the heat medium and floats in the vertical direction is disposed, and a distal end portion of the heat medium flow path 43 that is stretchable is attached to the lower surface of the float member 18, and the heat medium The opening 43 a at the tip of the flow path 43 is located on the lower surface side of the float member 18. Thus, the heat medium flow path 43 has a distal end attached to the float member 18 and opened to the lower surface side of the float member 18, and a proximal end connected to the heat medium inlet / outlet 6c. The expandable heat medium flow path 43 here includes not only the heat medium flow path 43 itself that expands and contracts but also the one that deforms following the up and down movement of the float member 18. What is necessary is just to be able to absorb the fluctuation of the length between the float member 18 and the inlet / outlet 6c of the heat medium without hindering the floating of the air. The open / close valves 24 and 25 provided in the flow paths 15 and 16 are omitted.
[0052]
Thus, by driving the pump 2 in the forward and reverse directions, the heat medium passes through the flow paths 15 and 16 and the heat medium passage 1a, and enters and exits the internal spaces 6b and 7b through the heat medium entrances 6c and 7c. As the heat medium enters and exits the internal spaces 6 b and 7 b, the float member 18 moves up and down in the first heat storage tank 6. In the first heat storage tank 6, as shown in FIG. 14, when the pump 2 is driven in the other direction and the float member 18 floats and rises in the heat medium, the heat medium flows in from the inlet / outlet 6c at the lower end. It flows through the heat medium passage 43 and flows out from the opening 43a at the tip of the heat medium passage 43 that opens to the lower surface side of the float member 18. As a result, the heat medium flowing into the internal space 6b always flows out to the top of the heat medium in the internal space 6b, and the heat medium flow path 43 gradually expands.
[0053]
On the other hand, in the first heat storage tank 6, when the pump 2 is driven in one direction as shown in FIG. 15 and the float member 18 floated on the heat medium descends, the heat medium in the internal space 6b becomes the heat medium. The air is sucked from the opening 43 a at the upper end of the flow path 43 and flows out from the heat medium flow path 43 connected to the inlet / outlet 6 c toward the flow path 15. Thereby, the heat medium flowing out from the internal space 6b always flows out from the upper part of the heat medium in the internal space 6b, and the heat medium flow path 43 gradually contracts.
[0054]
In this way, with respect to the sensible heat recovery of the hydrogen recovery container 1, it is possible to obtain substantially the same action as that shown in FIG. In addition, in the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 into which the low-temperature heat medium flows first, the heat medium is stored because the upper part is relatively hot and the lower part is relatively cold. The generation of natural convection is suppressed. Thereby, the holding performance of the temperature distribution in the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 is improved, and the sensible heat recovered in the first heat storage tank 6 can be effectively used for the temperature change of the hydrogen recovery container 1. It becomes possible.
[0055]
16 and 17 7th The principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on embodiment is applied is shown. 7th As for the heat storage tank according to the embodiment, the second heat storage tank 7 has the same structure as the second heat storage tank 7 shown in FIG. The first heat storage tank 6 has an inlet / outlet port 6c and a vent hole 6a for the heat medium communicating with the internal space 6b at the upper end. In the internal space 6b, a float member 18 that floats on the heat medium and floats in the vertical direction is disposed, and a front end portion of the heat medium flow path 44 that can be stretched is attached to the upper surface of the float member 18. The tip of the heat medium flow path 44 that passes through the inlet / outlet 6c is connected to the upper end of the heat medium flow path 18a formed by penetrating the float member 18. Thus, the heat medium flow paths 44 and 18a are opened at the front end portion by the opening portion 18b on the lower surface side of the float member 18, and the base end portion is connected to the inlet / outlet port 6c of the heat medium. The expandable heat medium flow path 44 here includes not only the heat medium flow path 44 itself that expands and contracts, but also includes a structure that deforms following the up and down movement of the float member 18. What is necessary is just to be able to absorb the fluctuation of the length between the float member 18 and the inlet / outlet 6c of the heat medium without hindering the floating of the air. The open / close valves 24 and 25 provided in the flow paths 15 and 16 are omitted.
[0056]
Thus, by driving the pump 2 in the forward and reverse directions, the heat medium passes through the flow paths 15 and 16 and the heat medium passage 1a, and enters and exits the internal spaces 6b and 7b through the heat medium entrances 6c and 7c. As the heat medium enters and exits the internal spaces 6 b and 7 b, the float member 18 moves up and down in the first heat storage tank 6. In the first heat storage tank 6, as shown in FIG. 16, when the pump 2 is driven in the other direction and the float member 18 floats and rises to the heat medium, the heat medium from the flow path 15 is at the inlet / outlet of the upper end portion. 6c flows from the heat medium flow path 44 connected to 6c, flows through the heat medium flow path 18a of the float member 18, and flows out from the opening 18b of the heat medium flow path 18a that opens to the lower surface side of the float member 18. Thereby, the heat medium flowing into the internal space 6b always flows out to the upper part of the heat medium in the internal space 6b, and the heat medium flow path 44 gradually increases. Shrink To do.
[0057]
On the other hand, in the first heat storage tank 6, when the pump 2 is driven in one direction and the float member 18 floating on the heat medium descends as shown in FIG. 17, the heat medium in the internal space 6b is floated. 18 is sucked from the opening 18b at the lower end of the 18 heat medium flow path 18a, and flows out toward the flow path 15 through the heat medium flow path 44 connected to the inlet / outlet 6c. Thereby, the heat medium flowing out from the internal space 6b always flows out from the upper part of the heat medium in the internal space 6b, and the heat medium flow path 44 gradually expands.
[0058]
In this way, with respect to the sensible heat recovery of the hydrogen recovery container 1, it is possible to obtain substantially the same action as that shown in FIG. In addition, in the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 into which the low-temperature heat medium flows first, the heat medium is stored because the upper part is relatively hot and the lower part is relatively cold. The generation of natural convection is suppressed. Thereby, the holding performance of the temperature distribution in the internal space 6b of the first heat storage tank 6 is improved, and the sensible heat recovered in the first heat storage tank 6 can be effectively used for the temperature change of the hydrogen recovery container 1. It becomes possible. It should be noted that the front end portion of the heat medium passage 44 is embedded in the float member 18, the opening portion at the front end of the heat medium passage 44 is opened on the lower surface side of the float member 18, and the heat medium passage 18 a of the float member 18. Can be omitted.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
As understood from the above description, the heat storage tank according to the present invention can provide the following effects.
(1) According to claim 1, the heat medium enters and exits from the entrance / exit of the heat storage tank by allowing the gas in the internal space to be sucked and discharged by the suction / discharge means connected to the upper end. Therefore, since a pump through which a heat medium flows is not used, it is possible to prevent heat from being lost to the pump and decrease in thermal efficiency, and it is also possible to easily send a heat medium having corrosiveness, explosiveness, and the like. Furthermore, since the flow rate of the heat medium can be controlled by the amount of gas fed by the intake / exhaust means, the flow rate of the heat medium can be easily controlled to increase or decrease without directly touching the heat medium being transferred. Moreover, it is possible to block the internal space of the heat storage tank from the outside air, which makes it difficult to be restricted by the type of gas stored in the internal space, and it is also possible to use a gas other than air.
[0060]
(2) According to the second aspect, since the heating medium enters and exits from the inlet / outlet of the heating medium by driving the ram member up and down, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.
[0063]
(5) Claim 3 According to the above, when the heat medium flows from the inlet / outlet of the lower end, the float member rises by floating on the heat medium, so that the movable lateral wall member at the lower end of the internal space is extended by the extended connection member. As a result, it pulls up and rises to partition the space for accommodating the heat medium between the float member and the movable lateral wall member (and the movable lateral wall members) at the upper end. On the other hand, when the heating medium flows out from the inlet / outlet of the lower end and the float member descends, the connecting member bends after the movable lateral wall member contacts the bottom of the internal space while the thermal medium flows out, and the movable lateral boundary The wall member comes into close contact with the bottom of the internal space, and then the accommodation space between the float member and the movable lateral wall member (and between the movable lateral wall members) disappears, and all of the heat medium flows out. To do.
[0064]
In this way, the storage space in which the heat medium is accumulated is partitioned by the float member and the movable lateral wall member, and the top and bottom are narrow, so that natural convection is applied to the heat medium between the storage spaces adjacent to the top and bottom. Occurrence is suppressed. Thereby, the holding performance of the temperature distribution in each accommodation space is improved, and the sensible heat collected and stored in each accommodation space can be used effectively.
[0065]
(6) Claim 4 According to this, when the heat medium enters and exits the internal space, the float member moves up and down. When the float member floats and rises on the heat medium, the heat medium flows in from the inlet / outlet at the lower end, flows through the heat medium flow path, and flows out from the front end of the heat medium flow path that opens to the lower surface side of the float member. . Thereby, the heat medium flowing into the internal space always flows out to the upper part of the heat medium in the internal space, and the heat medium flow path gradually expands. On the other hand, when the float member floating on the heat medium descends, the heat medium in the internal space is sucked from the upper end of the heat medium flow path and flows out from the heat medium flow path connected to the inlet / outlet. Thereby, the heat medium flowing out from the internal space always flows out from the upper part of the heat medium in the internal space, and the heat medium flow path gradually contracts.
[0066]
As a result, the heat medium that flows in while gradually increasing in temperature from the low temperature can be stored in the internal space of the heat storage tank with the upper part being relatively hot and the lower part being relatively cold, and natural convection occurs in the heat medium. Can be suppressed. As a result, the performance of maintaining the temperature distribution in the internal space of the heat storage tank is improved, and the sensible heat collected and stored in the heat storage tank can be used effectively.
[0067]
(7) Claim 5 According to this, when the heat medium enters and exits the internal space, the float member moves up and down. When the float member floats and rises on the heat medium, the heat medium flows from the heat medium flow path connected to the inlet / outlet of the upper end portion, passes through the float member, and opens to the lower surface side of the float member Out of the tip of As a result, the heat medium flowing into the internal space always flows out to the top of the heat medium in the internal space, and the heat medium flow path gradually contracts. On the other hand, when the float member floating in the heat medium descends, the heat medium in the internal space is sucked from the lower end portion of the heat medium flow path and flows out from the heat medium flow path connected to the inlet / outlet. Thereby, the heat medium flowing out from the internal space always flows out from the upper part of the heat medium in the internal space, and the heat medium flow path gradually extends.
[0068]
As a result, the heat medium that flows in while gradually increasing in temperature from the low temperature can be stored in the internal space of the heat storage tank with the upper part being relatively hot and the lower part being relatively cold, and natural convection occurs in the heat medium. Can be suppressed. As a result, the performance of maintaining the temperature distribution in the internal space of the heat storage tank is improved, and the sensible heat collected and stored in the heat storage tank can be used effectively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sensible heat recovery device of a heat utilization device to which a heat storage tank according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a sensible heat recovery device of a heat utilization device to which a heat storage tank according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a main part of a sensible heat recovery device of a heat utilization device to which a heat storage tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a main part of a sensible heat recovery device of a heat utilization device to which a heat storage tank according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a main part of a sensible heat recovery device of a heat utilization device to which a heat storage tank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.
[Fig. 6] Reference example Schematic which shows the principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on is applied.
[Fig. 7] Reference example Schematic which shows the effect | action of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on is applied.
[Fig. 8] Other reference examples Schematic which shows the principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on is applied.
9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 showing a heat storage tank.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a heat storage tank according to another structural example.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example in which the internal space of the heat storage tank is partitioned by two vertical walls.
FIG. 13 shows the present invention. 5th Schematic which shows the principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on embodiment is applied.
FIG. 14 shows the present invention. 6th Schematic which shows the principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on embodiment is applied.
Fig. 15 6th Schematic which shows the effect | action of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on embodiment is applied.
FIG. 16 shows the present invention. 7th Schematic which shows the principal part of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on embodiment is applied.
Fig. 17 7th Schematic which shows the effect | action of the sensible heat recovery apparatus of the heat utilization apparatus to which the heat storage tank which concerns on embodiment is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: hydrogen recovery container (heat utilization device), 1a: heat medium passage, 2: pump (transfer device), 3: heating device, 4: cooling device, 6: first heat storage tank, 6b: internal space, 6c: Heat medium inlet / outlet, 7: second heat storage tank, 7b: internal space, 7c: heat medium inlet / outlet, 8: float member, 9: ram member, 18: float member, 18a: heat medium flow path, 19: partition 40, connecting member, 41: movable lateral wall member, 43, 44: heat medium flow path, 60: intake / exhaust means, 60b, 70b: accommodating space, 60c, 70c: accommodating space, 61: piping, 63: partition Plate, 63a: opening, 64: current plate, 65: support member, 66: heat storage tank, 66b: internal space, 66b ₁ : Upper space, 66b ₂ : Lower space, 66c ₁ : Entrance, 66c ₂ : Gateway, 68, 68 ', 78: vertical wall, 70: drive device, M: hydrogen storage alloy.

Claims

The heat medium inlet / outlet (6c, 7c) is provided at the lower end and connected to the upper end, and the gas is sent forward and backward to suck and exhaust the gas in the internal space (6b, 7b) of the heat storage tank (6, 7). The intake / exhaust means (60) is provided, and the gas in the internal space (6b, 7b) is absorbed / exhausted by the intake / exhaust means (60), whereby the heat medium is transferred from the inlet / outlet (6c, 7c) of the heat storage tank (6, 7) Is a heat storage tank characterized by that

A ram member (9) provided with a heat medium inlet / outlet (6c, 7c) at the lower end and provided in the internal space (6b, 7b) of the heat storage tank (6, 7) so as to be slidable in the vertical direction; And a drive device (70) for driving the member (9) up and down, and the heating medium goes in and out from the inlet / outlet (6c, 7c) of the heat medium by driving the ram member (9) up and down. Thermal storage tank.

A float member (8) that is provided with a heat medium inlet / outlet (6c, 7c) at its lower end and that floats in the heat medium in the internal space (6b, 7b) of the heat storage tank (6, 7). And at least one movable lateral wall member (41) connected to the lower side of the float member (8) by a telescopic connecting member (40) and extending in the left-right direction. The specific gravity of the boundary wall member (41) is set larger than the specific gravity of the heat medium accommodated in the internal space (6b, 7b), and the heat medium flows in from the inlet / outlet (6c, 7c) of the heat medium. A heat storage tank characterized in that accommodation spaces (60c, 70c) are defined between the float member (8) floating on the wall and the movable lateral wall member (41).

A float member (18) that is vertically floatable in an internal space (6b) that is provided in the lower end portion of the heat storage tank (6) and accommodates the heat medium. A telescopic heat medium flow path (43) having a distal end portion attached to the float member (18) and opened to the lower surface side of the float member (18), and a proximal end portion connected to the heat medium inlet / outlet (6c); The heat medium entering and exiting from the inlet / outlet (6c, 7c) of the heat storage tank (6, 7) flows through the heat medium passage (43) and enters / exits from the lower surface side of the float member (18). Thermal storage tank.

A float member (18) that is vertically floatable in an internal space (6b) that is provided in the upper end portion of the heat storage tank (6) and that has a heat medium inlet / outlet (6c) at the upper end, and accommodates the heat medium. The front end portion opens to the lower surface side of the float member (18), and the base end portion has an expandable heat medium flow path (44, 18a) connected to the heat medium inlet / outlet (6c). The heat storage tank, wherein the heat medium entering and exiting from the inlet / outlet (6c) of 6) flows in and out of the lower surface side of the float member (18) through the heat medium flow path (44, 18a).