boiler

Abstract

This invention provides a boiler that utilizes a heating device with a heating element disposed within a container for heating, and is capable of appropriately filling a circulation path that includes the container as a part of the required gas. The boiler comprises: a heating element; a container having the heating element disposed inside and capable of being filled with a gas having a higher specific heat than air; and a circulation path serving as a path for circulating the gas, including the interior of the container as a part of the path. During the filling operation of filling the circulation path with gas, the boiler monitors the circulation volume and the concentration of the gas within the circulation path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to boilers. Background Technology

[0002] Boilers have historically been widely used for various purposes, including industrial and commercial applications. A heating element is installed within the boiler for heating purposes; one example of this heating element is a structure where a heating element is located inside the container.

[0003] Furthermore, various specific methods of such heating devices can be cited. As one example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following structure as a heating system, in which a heating element (reactant) is disposed inside a container, and multiple metal nanoparticles composed of hydrogen storage metal or hydrogen storage alloy are formed on the surface of the heating element. According to Patent Document 1, the following is described: In this heating system, hydrogen-based gas that will help generate heat is supplied into the container, thereby adsorbing hydrogen atoms into the metal nanoparticles to generate residual heat.

[0004] It should be noted that, as described in Patent Document 1, the following content was also disclosed: a heating element made of palladium was placed inside the container, and a heating reaction occurred by heating the inside of the container while supplying deuterium gas. Furthermore, regarding the phenomenon of generating residual heat (an output enthalpy higher than the input enthalpy) using hydrogen storage metals or alloys, the detailed mechanism of residual heat generation was discussed among researchers from various countries, and reports on the occurrence of such phenomena were reported.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6448074

[0008] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent No. 9,182,365 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In boilers that utilize heating devices with heating elements placed inside containers, for example, to promote heat transfer by activating the movement of gas within the container, it is effective to fill the circulation path that includes the container as a part of the gas and circulate the gas. Especially when using the aforementioned reactant as the heating element, from the viewpoint of promoting the reaction that generates residual heat, it is important to fill the circulation path with hydrogen-based gas and circulate the gas within the circulation path.

[0011] As an action to fill the circulation path with the desired gas (hydrogen-based gas in the above example), an example could be to pre-open a vent valve located in the circulation path and supply the desired gas to the circulation path while circulating the gas within the circulation path. This allows the gas present in the circulation path to be gradually replaced with the desired gas, thereby filling the circulation path with the desired gas.

[0012] In performing such an operation, it is necessary to monitor the required gas level in the circulation path beforehand and continue the operation until it is adequately filled. However, if there are problems with this monitoring, it is difficult to ensure that the gas is adequately filled. For example, if the operation is stopped when the required gas supply is insufficient, the gas cannot be adequately filled. On the other hand, if the operation is continued until an oversupply occurs, in addition to wasting supply, the boiler start-up time may also be extended beyond the required time.

[0013] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a boiler that uses a heating device having a heating element disposed inside a container for heating, and is capable of appropriately filling the required gas into a circulation path that includes the container as a part.

[0014] Solution for solving the problem

[0015] The boiler of the present invention comprises: a heating element; a container having the heating element disposed inside and capable of being filled with a gas having a higher specific heat than air; and a circulation path serving as a path for circulating the gas and including the container as a part thereof. In the boiler, a controller (control device) monitors the circulation volume and the concentration of the gas in the circulation path when performing a filling operation to fill the circulation path with gas.

[0016] According to this structure, heating is achieved using a heating device with a heating element installed inside the container, and the required gas is appropriately filled into the circulation path that includes the container as a part. It should be noted that "circulation volume" here refers to the flow rate of gas (or, in the case of a mixture of multiple gases) circulating within the circulation path.

[0017] Furthermore, as described above, more specifically, the structure can also be configured to include a device for venting gas from the circulation path, and to supply gas to the circulation path simultaneously with the venting as part of the filling operation. The controller stops the venting when the circulation volume and concentration meet predetermined conditions. It should be noted that the "venting device" can be, for example, a venting valve or a vacuum pump.

[0018] In addition, more specifically, as described above, the controller can also be configured to monitor the circulation volume based on the pressure difference between the downstream and upstream sides of the heating element in the circulation path or a gas flow meter installed in the circulation path.

[0019] Furthermore, more specifically, the above structure can also be configured such that the gas is a hydrogen-based gas, and the heating element is a reactant in which metal nanoparticles composed of hydrogen-storing metals are disposed on the surface, and residual heat is generated by adsorbing hydrogen atoms into the metal nanoparticles. It should be noted that the hydrogen-based gas in this application is deuterium, protium, or a mixture of these gases. Additionally, "hydrogen-storing metals" in this application refers to hydrogen-storing metals such as Pd, Ni, Pt, and Ti, or hydrogen-storing alloys including one or more of these hydrogen-storing metals.

[0020] Furthermore, as described above, more specifically, the controller can be configured to fill the circulation path with purging gas before the filling action is executed. According to this configuration, hydrogen-based gas can be safely supplied into the circulation path.

[0021] In addition, more specifically, as described above, the controller may also be configured such that, after the execution of the filling action, it controls the heat output of the heating element based on the pressure of the steam supplied to the outside.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the boiler of the present invention, the boiler is heated by a heating device having a heating element disposed inside a container, and is capable of appropriately filling the required gas into a circulation path that includes the container as a part. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of boiler 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram relating to the path of water through the heat transfer tubes of boiler 1.

[0026] Figure 3 It is a flowchart related to the start of the operation.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a flowchart related to the operation and stop actions.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of boiler 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of boiler 1a, which enables the flow of heat medium to the heat medium path.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of boiler 1b, which has an external heat exchanger.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 1, 1a, 1b, 2 Boilers

[0033] 11 Containers

[0034] 11a Sidewall

[0035] 11b Top and bottom

[0036] 11c Bottom

[0037] 12 Reacting bodies

[0038] 12a Heating element

[0039] 13 Heaters

[0040] 14 Gas Path

[0041] 14a Flame Arrestor

[0042] 15a Purge Gas Corresponding Valve

[0043] 15b Hydrogen-based gas corresponding valve

[0044] 16 air pumps

[0045] 17 Gas Filter

[0046] 18. Vent valve

[0047] 21 Separator

[0048] 22 Water Path

[0049] 22a heat transfer tube

[0050] 23 Water Receiving Department

[0051] 24 Water pumps

[0052] 25 detectors

[0053] 30 Separator Pressure Sensor

[0054] 31 First pressure sensor

[0055] 32 Second pressure sensor

[0056] 33. Heat exchanger pressure sensor

[0057] 40 Heat transfer path

[0058] 40A heat transfer tube

[0059] 41 First Temperature Sensor

[0060] 42 Second Temperature Sensor

[0061] 50 controllers

[0062] 60 Heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The boilers of various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] 1. First Implementation Method

[0065] First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the boiler 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the boiler 1 includes a container 11, a reactant 12, a heater 13, a gas path 14, a flame arrester 14a, a purge gas corresponding valve 15a, a hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b, a gas pump 16, a gas filter 17, a vent valve 18, and a controller 50. In addition, in the boiler 1, a separator pressure sensor 30, a first pressure sensor 31, and a second pressure sensor 32 are provided as pressure sensors, and a first temperature sensor 41 and a second temperature sensor 42 are provided as temperature sensors.

[0066] It should be noted that, Figure 1 (The following is a summary) Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 Similarly, the container 11 and its interior are shown in a schematic cross-sectional view with the container 11 roughly divided into two parts by a plane. The vertical and horizontal directions (the vertical direction is consistent with the vertical direction) are shown in this figure. Furthermore, Figure 1 ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The single-dotted line shown in the diagram also illustrates the configuration of the heat transfer tube 22a.

[0067] The container 11, when viewed as a whole, is cylindrical with its vertical axis and bottoms at both ends, and is designed to seal gas inside. More specifically, the container 11 has a cylindrical sidewall 11a formed by the heat transfer tube 22a (described later), with the upper side of the sidewall 11a closed by an upper bottom 11b and the lower side closed by a lower bottom 11c. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the sidewall 11a of the container 11 is cylindrical as an example, but it can also be formed in other cylindrical shapes. Furthermore, a tank cover can be provided around the outer periphery of the sidewall 11a, and a heat-insulating material can be provided between the sidewall 11a and the tank cover.

[0068] The reactor 12 is constructed by distributing multiple metal nanoparticles on the surface of a carrier that is integrally formed into a fine mesh. This carrier uses a hydrogen storage alloy (hydrogen storage metal or hydrogen storage alloy) as a raw material and is formed into a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower axes and bottoms at both ends. The upper surface of the reactor 12 is connected to the gas path 14, and is capable of delivering gas flowing into the interior of the reactor 12 through the mesh-like gaps into the gas path 14.

[0069] In this embodiment, three reactants 12 are arranged in a left-right direction inside the container 11. It should be noted that since the carrier is formed in a mesh shape, the reactants 12 have multiple pores (mesh-shaped gaps) that allow gas to pass through.

[0070] The heater 13 is spirally wound around the side of the reaction body 12, which is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is configured to generate heat using supplied electricity. For example, a ceramic heater can be used as the heater 13. The heater 13 generates heat, thereby heating the reaction body 12, which raises the temperature of the reaction body 12 to a predetermined reaction temperature that facilitates the reaction for generating residual heat, as described later. It should be noted that the controller 50 can regulate the temperature of the heater 13 by controlling the power supply to it.

[0071] The control of the power supply to the heater 13 by the controller 50 can also be performed in a manner that brings the temperature of the heater 13 closer to a target value. For example, the controller 50 may detect the temperature of the heater 13 and increase the power supply to the heater 13 if the detected value is lower than the target value, and decrease the power supply to the heater 13 if the detected value is higher than the target value.

[0072] Gas path 14 is disposed outside container 11 and forms a gas circulation path (hereinafter referred to as "circulation path S") that includes the interior of container 11 as a part. One end of gas path 14 is connected to the upper surface of each reactant 12, and the other end is connected to the interior of container 11. To explain in more detail, the portions of gas path 14 connected to the upper surface of each reactant 12 merge into one path within container 11 and pass through the upper bottom 11b, and then pass through the gas pump 16 and gas filter 17 to further pass through the lower bottom 11c, thereby connecting to the interior of container 11.

[0073] The air pump 16 controls its rotational speed, for example, via an inverter, and causes the gas in the gas path 14 to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side at a flow rate corresponding to that rotational speed (i.e., to...). Figure 1The air flows in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. It should be noted that the controller 50 can adjust the amount of gas circulating in the circulation path S (circulation flow rate) by controlling the rotational speed of the air pump 16.

[0074] The speed control performed by the controller 50 can also be performed in a way that brings the amount of gas circulating in the circulation path S closer to the target value. For example, the controller 50 can detect the amount of gas circulating and increase the speed of the air pump 16 to increase the amount of gas circulating if the detected value is lower than the target value, and decrease the speed of the air pump 16 to decrease the amount of gas circulating if the detected value is higher than the target value.

[0075] Gas filter 17 removes impurities (especially those that significantly hinder the reaction in reactant 12 that generates residual heat) from the gas in gas path 14. Separator 21 receives steam generated by heating water as it passes through heat transfer tube 22a and separates the steam from the water (separating any wastewater contained within the steam). The steam separated in separator 21 can then be supplied to the outside of boiler 1.

[0076] Water path 22 is the path for water from the receiving section 23 to the separator 21. A portion of water path 22 forms the heat transfer pipe 22a that forms the aforementioned sidewall 11a. Additionally, a water pump 24 is positioned near the downstream side of the receiving section 23 along water path 22. It should be noted that in water path 22, liquid water supplied from the receiving section 23 flows in the path upstream of the heat transfer pipe 22a, while water (steam) heated and vaporized by the heat transfer pipe 22a flows in the path downstream of the heat transfer pipe 22a (between container 11 and separator 21).

[0077] The water receiving section 23 appropriately receives water from the outside, which serves as a steam source, and allows the supplied water to flow into the water path 22. The water pump 24 causes the water in the water path 22 to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side (i.e., towards...). Figure 1 The direction of flow is indicated by the solid arrow.

[0078] The heat transfer tube 22a extends spirally from the lower bottom 11c toward the upper bottom 11b to form the cylindrical sidewall 11a of the container 11. That is, the heat transfer tube 22a extends spirally toward the cylindrical sidewall 11a in a manner that eliminates gaps between adjacent portions of the heat transfer tube 22a. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the inner wall of the heat transfer tube 22a is quadrilateral, but it can also be circular or other shapes.

[0079] The detector 25 can detect whether there are important hazardous factors such as flames or ignition sources inside the container 11, and can also detect the concentration of various gases (at least purge gases and hydrogen-based gases) inside the container 11.

[0080] At a predetermined position upstream of the gas pump 16 in gas path 14 (downstream of the second pressure sensor 32), the purge gas corresponding valve 15a and the hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b are connected in parallel via the flame arrester 14a. Figure 1 In the example shown, only one purge gas valve 15a and one hydrogen gas valve 15b are configured, but for safety reasons, multiple valves can be configured in series. Purge gas (nitrogen in this embodiment) is supplied to the upstream side of the purge gas valve 15a from an external supply source. For example, if the purge gas is supplied from a pre-stored tank, the tank becomes the purge gas supply source.

[0081] On the other hand, hydrogen gas (deuterium, protium, or a mixture thereof) is supplied to the upstream side of the hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b from an external supply source. For example, when hydrogen gas is supplied from a tank that has been pre-stored with hydrogen gas, the tank becomes the hydrogen gas supply source.

[0082] The opening and closing of the purge gas corresponding valve 15a and the hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b are controlled by the controller 50. When the purge gas corresponding valve 15a is open, purge gas is supplied to the gas path 14 through the purge gas corresponding valve 15a and the flame arrester 14a; when the purge gas corresponding valve 15a is closed, no purge gas is supplied. On the other hand, when the hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b is open, hydrogen gas is supplied to the gas path 14 through the hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b and the flame arrester 14a; when the hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b is closed, no hydrogen gas is supplied.

[0083] A vent valve 18 is connected at a predetermined position downstream of the gas filter 17 in gas path 14. The opening and closing of the vent valve 18 is controlled by the controller 50. When the vent valve 18 is open, gas is vented from gas path 14, and this venting stops when the vent valve 18 is closed. It should be noted that if the pressure in gas path 14 is lower than atmospheric pressure, a vacuum pump or vacuum valve can be used instead of the vent valve 18. The aforementioned vent valve, vacuum pump, and vacuum valve are examples of devices capable of venting gas from circulation path S.

[0084] The separator pressure sensor 30 is a sensor that detects the pressure in the separator 21. When steam is generated, it continuously detects the pressure of the steam supplied from the separator 21 to the outside (hereinafter referred to as "steam pressure"). It should be noted that, for the amount of steam requested from the outside (steam load), when the amount of steam supplied from the boiler 1 is large, the detected value (steam pressure value) of the separator pressure sensor 30 is high, and conversely, when the amount of steam supplied from the boiler 1 is small, the detected value of the separator pressure sensor 30 is low.

[0085] The first pressure sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the pressure inside the container 11, and the second pressure sensor 32 is a sensor that detects the pressure at a predetermined position inside the gas path 14 (a position upstream of the gas pump 16). It should be noted that in the following description, the pressure value detected by the separator pressure sensor 30 is sometimes referred to as "pressure Ps", the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor 31 is sometimes referred to as "pressure P1", and the pressure value detected by the second pressure sensor 32 is sometimes referred to as "pressure P2". Additionally, the first temperature sensor 41 is configured to detect the temperature of the reactant 12, and the second temperature sensor 42 is configured to detect the temperature within the gas path 14. The aforementioned pressure and temperature detection information is sent to the controller 50.

[0086] The controller 50 includes an arithmetic processing unit and acquires information such as various detection values, and appropriately controls various parts of the boiler 1 based on this information. The specific control content performed by the controller 50 will be clarified in the following description.

[0087] Next, the main actions of boiler 1 will be explained in turn, divided into normal operation actions, operation start actions, and operation stop actions.

[0088] <Normal Operation Actions>

[0089] First, the normal operation of boiler 1 will be explained. It should be noted that, at the start of normal operation, the operation start-up action described later is performed in advance, so that the circulation path S is filled with hydrogen gas and the water path 22 is supplied with an appropriate amount of water.

[0090] Controller 50 drives gas pump 16, causing the hydrogen gas filling the circulation path S to flow towards... Figure 1 The direction indicated by the dashed arrow is cyclical. At this time, inside the container 11, the hydrogen gas flows into the interior of the reactor 12 through the mesh-like gaps (multiple holes) and is then sent out into the gas path 14 connected to the upper part of the reactor 12.

[0091] Simultaneously, the controller 50 drives the heater 13 to heat the reaction body 12. Thus, when the reaction body 12 is heated by the heater 13 while hydrogen gas is supplied to the interior of the container 11, hydrogen atoms are adsorbed within the metal nanoparticles disposed in the reaction body 12, thereby generating residual heat in the reaction body 12 above the heating temperature of the heater 13. In this way, the reaction body 12 functions as a heat source by carrying out a reaction that generates residual heat. The principle of this residual heat generation reaction is the same as that disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0092] The hydrogen gas in the circulation path S has impurities removed when it passes through the gas filter 17. Therefore, the high-purity hydrogen gas with impurities removed is continuously supplied into the container 11. As a result, a stable supply of high-purity hydrogen gas can be provided to the reactant 12, thereby maintaining a state that easily induces the output of residual heat and enabling the reactant 12 to generate heat effectively.

[0093] In addition, simultaneously with the aforementioned action of heating the reactant 12, the controller 50 drives the water pump 24, causing the water in the water path 22 to flow towards... Figure 1 The flow is indicated by the solid arrow. When the water flowing in the water path 22 passes through the heat transfer tube 22a that forms the side wall 11a of the container 11, it is heated by the heat emitted by the reactant 12. That is, the heat emitted by the reactant 12 is transferred to the heat transfer tube 22a through convection (heat transfer), heat conduction and radiation caused by the hydrogen gas in the container 11, thereby heating the water flowing inside the heat transfer tube 22a, which becomes hot.

[0094] exist Figure 2 In the diagram, solid arrows represent the general path of water traveling through heat transfer tube 22a. As shown, water entering heat transfer tube 22a from inlet α (the lowermost part of heat transfer tube 22a) travels along a spirally extending path within the tube and exits as steam towards separator 21 from outlet β (the uppermost part of heat transfer tube 22a). At this time, heat is transferred from the heat transfer tube 22a (the side wall 11a of the container) heated by the heat emitted from reactant 12, thereby raising the temperature of the water passing through heat transfer tube 22a.

[0095] In this way, the water flowing in the water path 22 is heated as it passes through the heat transfer tube 22a, and its temperature rises, eventually turning into steam. This steam is sent to the separator 21, and after its dryness is improved through gas-water separation, it is supplied to the outside of the boiler 1.

[0096] The amount of steam supplied from separator 21 to the outside can be adjusted, for example, according to the demand for steam from the outside. In addition, controller 50 supplies water to water receiving section 23 sequentially according to the amount of steam supplied to the outside, i.e., the amount of water reduction. As a result, boiler 1 can continuously generate steam and supply it to the outside.

[0097] Here, the calorific value of the reaction body 12 varies depending on the temperature of the heater 13 and the circulation rate of the hydrogen gas. Specifically, the higher the temperature of the heater 13, the more the reaction in the reaction body 12 generates residual heat, thus increasing the calorific value of the reaction body 12. Furthermore, the greater the circulation rate of the hydrogen gas, the more hydrogen gas in the container 11 acts on the reaction body 12, further promoting the reaction that generates residual heat and increasing the calorific value of the reaction body 12. Additionally, the greater the calorific value of the reaction body 12, the more the water in the heat transfer tube 22a is heated, generating more steam, thus increasing the steam pressure.

[0098] Using this information, controller 50 controls the heat generated by reactant 12 to ensure appropriate steam pressure (so that pressure Ps converges to a pre-set appropriate range). More specifically, controller 50 continuously acquires information about pressure Ps (the detected value of steam pressure) and monitors whether the detected value converges to an appropriate range. This appropriate range is expected to be pre-set appropriately based on the specifications of boiler 1, steam load, etc.

[0099] Furthermore, if the detected value exceeds the appropriate range, the controller 50 adjusts by lowering the temperature of the heater 13 and by reducing the circulation rate of the hydrogen gas. By performing these adjustments, the heat generated by the reactant 12 decreases, thereby lowering the vapor pressure and bringing it closer to the appropriate range. Conversely, if the detected value falls below the appropriate range, the controller 50 adjusts by raising the temperature of the heater 13 and by increasing the circulation rate of the hydrogen gas. By performing these adjustments, the heat generated by the reactant 12 increases, thereby raising the vapor pressure and bringing it closer to the appropriate range. Through this feedback control, the vapor pressure can be maintained within the appropriate range.

[0100] It should be noted that the temperature of heater 13 can be adjusted by appropriately changing the power supplied to heater 13. Similarly, the circulation rate of hydrogen gas can be adjusted by appropriately changing the rotational speed of pump 16. As described above, controller 50 adjusts both the temperature of heater 13 and the circulation rate of hydrogen gas based on pressure Ps. This allows for a balanced change in both parameters to control the calorific value of reactant 12. However, depending on the circumstances, it is also possible to adjust only one parameter instead of both. Furthermore, the specific parameter to be adjusted can be arbitrarily set.

[0101] <Start Action>

[0102] Next, refer to the following Figure 3 The flowchart shown illustrates the start-up operation of boiler 1.

[0103] If the operation to start the operation of the boiler 1 (e.g., the prescribed switching operation) is completed, the controller 50 supplies water from the outside to the water receiving section 23 and supplies water to the water path 22 until the water level reaches the prescribed value (step S1). Thus, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of water to the heat transfer tube 22a in advance before the heat of the reactant 12 causes the heat transfer tube 22a to become high temperature.

[0104] Then, the controller 50 determines whether the pressure Ps is below the specified standby value Z (step S2). The standby value Z is set to approximately 0.8 MPa. When the pressure Ps exceeds the standby value Z, there is no need to supply steam from the boiler 1 to the outside, and the operation for steam supply becomes a standby state.

[0105] If the pressure Ps is below the standby value Z ("Yes" in step S2), then the controller 50 will next check for any abnormalities within the container 11 (step S3). It should be noted that the confirmation of any abnormalities within the container 11 (the presence or absence of significant hazards such as flames or ignition sources) is based on the detection information from the detector 25. If an abnormality is detected, the controller 50 may also temporarily stop operation and notify external parties (e.g., the manager of boiler 1) of the abnormality.

[0106] If there is no abnormality within container 11, the controller 50 then performs purging of the circulation path S by purge gas (step S4). More specifically, the controller 50 opens the corresponding valve 15a for the purge gas and supplies purge gas into the gas path 14.

[0107] Subsequently, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the purge gas supply, or when the concentration of the purge gas (the value detected by detector 25) exceeds a predetermined value, purging is considered to have been sufficiently performed, and the controller 50 closes the corresponding purge gas valve 15a. Thus, the purging process is complete. In this way, by filling the circulation path S with purge gas before the operation of step S5 described later, hydrogen-based gases can be safely supplied to the circulation path S.

[0108] Next, controller 50 begins driving heater 13 and supplying hydrogen gas into circulation path S (step S5). More specifically, controller 50 supplies power to heater 13 and opens hydrogen gas valve 15b to supply hydrogen gas into gas path 14. It should be noted that the power supply to heater 13 is performed to maintain heater 13 at a specified temperature (i.e., a temperature that ensures safety and is lower than the normal operating temperature) until the operation of step S9 described later is performed.

[0109] In addition, along with the supply of hydrogen gas to the circulation path S, the controller 50 monitors whether the pressure P1 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value (step S6). If this predetermined value is reached, the air pump 16 is considered to be in a state where it can be properly utilized, and the controller 50 opens the vent valve 18 and begins driving the air pump 16 (step S7). This promotes the circulation of gas in the circulation path S. Thus, by supplying hydrogen gas to the circulation path S with the vent valve 18 open, the circulation path S can be filled with hydrogen gas while the purge gas is gradually discharged from the vent valve 18. This operation corresponds to the filling operation of the present invention.

[0110] Subsequently, the controller 50 monitors whether the circulation volume V1 and the concentration V2 of hydrogen-based gases in the circulation path S meet the prescribed reference conditions (step S8). The circulation volume V1 is the circulation volume of the gas in the circulation path S (or a mixture of hydrogen-based gases and purge gas), and the concentration V2 is the concentration of hydrogen-based gases in the gas in the circulation path S, which can be detected by the detector 25.

[0111] In this embodiment, using the first and second pressure sensors 31 and 32, when the difference between pressure P2 and pressure P1 is above a predetermined value, it is determined that the circulation volume V1 meets the reference condition. It should be noted that the difference between pressure P2 and pressure P1 is equivalent to the pressure difference between the downstream side (upstream of the air pump 16) and the upstream side (downstream of the air pump 16) of the reactor 12 in the circulation path S. This pressure difference is significantly affected by the pressure loss in the multiple orifices of the reactor 12, and the greater the circulation volume in the circulation path S, the larger this pressure difference becomes.

[0112] Thus, since the pressure difference is closely related to the circulation volume V1, the circulation volume V1 can be monitored by monitoring this pressure difference. Alternatively, a gas flow meter can be pre-installed within the circulation path S, and the flow meter's reading can be monitored instead of the pressure difference between P2 and P1, thereby monitoring the circulation volume V1. In this case, the circulation volume V1 is considered to meet the baseline condition as long as the gas flow meter's reading is above a specified value. It should be noted that regarding the concentration V2, the baseline condition is met when the concentration of hydrogen-based gases detected by detector 25 is above a specified value.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, during the filling operation to fill the circulation path S with hydrogen gas, both the circulation volume V1 and the concentration V2 are monitored. Therefore, from the viewpoints of both absolute quantity and proportion, it is possible to determine with high precision whether the circulation path S is adequately filled with hydrogen gas, and to supply hydrogen gas in a manner that is as precise as possible.

[0114] When both the circulation volume V1 and concentration V2 reach or exceed predetermined values ​​("Yes" in step S8), it is considered that the circulation path S is sufficiently filled with hydrogen gas with almost no residual purge gas, and the controller 50 closes the vent valve 18 (step S9). Thus, in this embodiment, as the aforementioned filling operation, hydrogen gas is supplied to the circulation path S while venting from the circulation path S, and the venting is stopped when the circulation volume V1 and concentration V2 meet the aforementioned reference conditions. This completes the filling operation of the circulation path S with hydrogen gas, and then the boiler 1 performs the normally operating operations as described above.

[0115] It should be noted that in this embodiment, since the heater 13 is started when the hydrogen gas supply to the circulation path S begins, the start-up time of the boiler 1 can be shortened. However, if it would be difficult to ensure safety to start the heater 13 when the hydrogen gas is fully supplied, or if the temperature rise of the reactant 12 caused by the heater 13 can be carried out sufficiently quickly, the heater 13 can be started after the operation of step S9.

[0116] <Run Stop Action>

[0117] When boiler 1, which performs the aforementioned normal operating actions, stops operating, it enters a stopped state through a predetermined operating stop action. For example, a situation where operation stops may occur when the pressure Ps exceeds the aforementioned standby value Z. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 4 The flowchart shown illustrates the operation and shutdown procedures of boiler 1.

[0118] The controller 50 first stops the operation of the heater 13 (step S21), and then closes the hydrogen gas corresponding valve 15b, thereby stopping the supply of hydrogen gas to the gas path 14 (step S22). Afterwards, the controller 50 opens the vent valve 18 and performs purging of the circulation path S by purge gas (step S23). More specifically, the controller 50 opens the purge gas corresponding valve 15a and supplies purge gas into the gas path 14. Thus, by simultaneously supplying purge gas to the circulation path S and venting gas via the vent valve 18, the hydrogen gas present in the circulation path S is gradually replaced by purge gas.

[0119] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the purge gas supply, or when the concentration of the purge gas (the value detected by detector 25) exceeds a predetermined value, the purging is considered to have been sufficiently completed, and controller 50 closes the corresponding valve 15a for the purge gas. Thus, the purging process is complete. Afterwards, controller 50 stops the drive of air pump 16 (step S24), thereby bringing boiler 1 to a stopped state.

[0120] When boiler 1 is restarted after a shutdown, the aforementioned start-up operation can be performed again. However, at this time, the purging in the circulation path S of boiler 1 has ended due to the previous shutdown operation, and water remaining in the water path 22 after the supply has ended, so steps S1 and S4 in the start-up operation can be omitted.

[0121] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0122] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that the second embodiment is essentially the same as the first embodiment, except for the manner of the heating element and related aspects. In the following description, details that differ from the first embodiment will sometimes be emphasized, while details common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0123] Figure 5This is a schematic structural diagram of the boiler 2 in the second embodiment. In the boiler 1 of the first embodiment, a reactor 12 was used as the heating element, but in the second embodiment, a general heating element 12a is used instead. It should be noted that, as an example, the heating element 12a here is a halogen heater that generates heat by supplying electricity. In addition, for convenience, the shape and size of the heating element 12a are the same as those of the reactor 12. When the heating element 12a is used as the heating element, there is no need to generate waste heat as in the first embodiment, so there is no need for a component equivalent to the heater 13, and therefore it is omitted. In addition, in the second embodiment, the upstream end of the gas path 14 is connected to the upper bottom 11b instead of the heating element 12a, thereby connecting to the space inside the container 11.

[0124] In boiler 2, heat emitted from heating element 12a, which replaces reactant 12, is used to heat heat transfer tube 22a. Heat from heat transfer tube 22a (side wall 11a of the container) is transferred, causing the temperature of the water passing through heat transfer tube 22a to rise. Furthermore, in this method, the aforementioned reaction for generating waste heat is not required, and the temperature of heating element 12a is directly controlled by electrical control, thereby enabling moderate heating of water to generate steam.

[0125] Furthermore, in boiler 2, controller 50 can control the heat output of heating element 12a (heating body) by adjusting the power supply to heating element 12a. Therefore, in the second embodiment, controller 50 controls the heat output of heating element 12a to ensure appropriate steam pressure. More specifically, controller 50 continuously acquires information about pressure Ps (a detected value of steam pressure) and monitors whether the detected value converges to an appropriate range.

[0126] Then, if the detected value exceeds the appropriate range, the controller 50 adjusts the temperature of the heating element 12a by decreasing it. By performing this adjustment, the heat output of the heating element 12a decreases, thereby lowering the vapor pressure and bringing it closer to the appropriate range. On the other hand, if the detected value is below the appropriate range, the controller 50 adjusts the temperature of the heating element 12a by increasing it. By performing this adjustment, the heat output of the heating element 12a increases, thereby raising the vapor pressure and bringing it closer to the appropriate range. In this way, the heat output of the heating element 12a can be controlled to ensure an appropriate vapor pressure.

[0127] In addition, in the second embodiment, the same operation start action (steps S1 to S9) and operation stop action (steps S21 to S24) as in the first embodiment can also be performed. In this embodiment, the only difference is that in step S5, the driving of the heating element 12a is started instead of the driving of the heater 13, and the driving of the heating element 12a is stopped instead of the action in step S21.

[0128] 3. Other

[0129] The boilers 1 and 2 described above, in their respective embodiments, include a heating element and a container 11 in which the heating element is disposed, and generate steam by heating supplied water (an example of a fluid). Furthermore, each boiler 1 and 2 includes a heat transfer tube 22a, which is heated by heat emitted from the heating element in an environment where the container 11 is filled with a gas with a higher specific heat than air (hydrogen-based gas in this embodiment), thereby heating the water passing through the heat transfer tube 22a (the water that becomes the steam source). It should be noted that, for example, at 200°C and 1 atm, the specific heat of air is approximately 1026 J / kg°C, while the specific heat of hydrogen is approximately 14528 J / kg°C, which is significantly higher than that of air. Additionally, the boiler 1 uses a reactor 12 as the heating element, while the boiler 2 uses a heating element 12a.

[0130] According to each boiler 1 and 2, in each boiler 1 and 2, while heating water to generate steam using a heating device with a heating element installed inside the container 11, the heat emitted by the heating element can be efficiently transferred to the water. As a result, the heat emitted by the heating element can be efficiently transferred to the water, which becomes the steam source.

[0131] Furthermore, since the interior of container 11 is filled with a gas that has a higher specific heat than air, heat transfer is better compared to when it is filled with ordinary air, thus enabling efficient transfer of heat emitted by the heating element to the water, which serves as a steam source. In addition, due to its high specific heat, the temperature of the gas is less prone to fluctuation, allowing for more stable heat transfer to the water.

[0132] Furthermore, the heat transfer tube 22a forms the entire circumference of the cylindrical sidewall 11a, thus enabling efficient transfer of heat emitted by the heating element to the water, which serves as a steam source. In particular, in this embodiment, the heat transfer tube 22a is arranged to surround the heating element, thereby encompassing approximately the entire circumference of the sidewall 11a and transferring heat emitted by the heating element to the water, which serves as a steam source, with minimal waste. It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the heat transfer tube is arranged in a spiral shape to surround the heating element, but the method of surrounding the heating element is not limited to this. For example, multiple heat transfer tubes extending in the vertical direction can also be used to surround the heating element.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the sidewall 11a used to seal the gas inside the container 11 is formed by a heat transfer tube 22a. However, it is also possible to replace this by pre-setting the sidewall 11a and the heat transfer tube 22a separately, and then setting the heat transfer tube 22a inside the sidewall 11a. In this case, the heat transfer tube 22a can be heated by the heat emitted by the heating element in an environment where the interior of the container 11 is filled with a gas with a higher specific heat than air. In addition, although in this case the heat transfer tube 22a does not need to function as a sidewall 11a, it is preferable that there are gaps between the portions of the adjacent heat transfer tubes 22a, which makes it easier to receive heat from the heating element.

[0134] Furthermore, in each of boilers 1 and 2, the aforementioned gas is circulated in the circulation path S (the circulation path formed by the container 11 and the gas path 14). This is intended to activate the gas flow within the container 11, thereby more effectively transferring heat from the gas to the side wall 11a. It should be noted that since no waste heat reaction is required in boiler 2, a gas other than a hydrogen-based gas can be used as the gas with the aforementioned higher specific heat than air.

[0135] Furthermore, in each of the boilers 1 and 2, since a controller 50 is provided to control the heat output of the heating element, the water can be appropriately heated according to various conditions. In particular, in the above embodiments, since the heat output is controlled based on steam pressure (the pressure of steam supplied to the outside), it is easy to control the heat output in a way that makes the steam pressure appropriate. However, the control of the heat output of the heating element of the present invention is not limited to control based on steam pressure, and can be based on various other information.

[0136] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, water, which serves as the steam source, flows into the water path 22, including the heat transfer pipe 22a. However, instead of this, the heat medium Y can flow into the heat medium path, including the heat transfer pipe, and the heat medium Y can be used to heat the water, which serves as the steam source. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a schematic structure of a boiler constructed in this manner.

[0137] exist Figure 6 In the boiler 1a shown, a heat medium path 40 is provided instead of a water path 22, and a heat exchanger 60 is provided instead of a separator 21. The heat exchanger 60 is configured with a portion of the heat medium path 40 through which the heating medium Y flows, and receives water from an external source (water that becomes a steam source). It should be noted that the heat medium Y is as follows... Figure 6As indicated by the solid arrow, the heat medium circulates in the heat transfer tube 40 path 40. The structure and arrangement of the heat transfer tube 40a are the same as those of the heat transfer tube 22a in the first embodiment. Thus, the heat medium Y, heated by the reactant 12 (heating element), can be fed into the heat exchanger 60, and the supplied water can be heated using this heat medium Y to generate steam, which is then supplied to the outside. It should be noted that, in addition to a structure that heats water to generate steam, the heat exchanger 60 can also be configured to generate warm water.

[0138] As the heat exchanger 60, for example, a plate type, a shell-and-tube type heat exchanger, or a steam generator of various types can be used. As an example of such a steam generator, a steam generator with a structure having a storage space for storing supplied water and a tubular body disposed within the storage space through which a heat medium passes, the heat of the heat medium being transferred to the stored water via the tubular body. Figure 6 In the boiler 1a shown, the separator pressure sensor 30 is pre-installed in the heat exchanger 60, and the controller 50 can control the heat output of the heating element based on the steam pressure (pressure Ps) detected in the heat exchanger 60, just as in the case of the first embodiment.

[0139] Boiler 1a has a heat exchanger 60 installed in the heat medium path 40, but it can also replace the heat medium path 40, which includes heat transfer tubes 22a, with a side wall 11a that is not a heat transfer tube 22a, and place the heat exchanger 60 in the circulation path S, thereby heating the water supplied to the heat exchanger 60 to generate steam. Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a boiler 1b configured in this manner is shown below. It should be noted that sometimes the description of aspects that differ from those of boiler 1a is emphasized, while descriptions of common aspects are omitted.

[0140] exist Figure 7 In the boiler 1b shown, the container 11 has a cylindrical sidewall 11a on its side, and the upper side of the sidewall 11a is closed by an upper bottom 11b, while the lower side of the sidewall 11a is closed by a lower bottom 11c. It should be noted that in the boiler 1b, the sidewall 11a of the container 11 is cylindrical as an example, but it can also be formed in other cylindrical shapes. Furthermore, a tank cover can be provided around the outer periphery of the sidewall 11a, and heat-insulating material can be provided between the sidewall 11a and the tank cover.

[0141] The heat exchanger 60 is configured such that a portion of the gas path 14 is provided, and water, which serves as a steam source, is supplied to it. Thus, by exchanging heat between the gas in the gas path 14 and the supplied water, the heat exchanger 60 can heat the water to generate steam and supply the steam to the outside of the boiler 1b. It should be noted that the heat exchanger 60 of this embodiment is designed to heat water to generate steam, but it is also possible to use a design that heats water to generate warm water instead.

[0142] In boiler 1b, the amount of steam supplied from heat exchanger 60 to the outside can also be adjusted based on the detection value of heat exchanger pressure sensor 33, which detects the pressure (steam pressure) of the steam supplied to the outside. Regarding the amount of steam demanded from the outside (steam load), when the supply of steam from heat exchanger 60 is high, the detection value (steam pressure value) of heat exchanger pressure sensor 33 is high; conversely, when the supply of steam from heat exchanger 60 is low, the detection value of heat exchanger pressure sensor 33 is low. Therefore, this can be achieved by increasing the calorific value of reactant 12 to increase steam production when the detection value of heat exchanger pressure sensor 33 is lower than an appropriate value, and by decreasing the calorific value of reactant 12 to decrease steam production when the detection value of heat exchanger pressure sensor 33 is higher than an appropriate value.

[0143] It should be noted that the heat generation of the reactant 12 can be controlled by adjusting the temperature of the heater 13 or the circulation rate of the aforementioned gas. The higher the temperature of the heater 13 or the greater the circulation rate, the greater the heat generation of the reactant 12. In addition, in the heat exchanger 60, water is supplied sequentially in the amount of steam supplied to the outside, i.e., the amount of water reduced, thereby enabling the continuous generation of steam and its supply to the outside.

[0144] In addition, boilers 1a and 1b can also perform the same operation start-up action (steps S1 to S9) and operation stop action (steps S21 to S24) as in the first embodiment.

[0145] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the structure of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. That is, the above embodiments should be considered illustrative in all respects, not restrictive. For example, the boiler of the present invention can be applied not only to boilers that generate steam as described in the above embodiments, but also to hot water boilers, hot medium boilers, etc. It should be understood that the scope of the technology of the present invention is not indicated by the description of the above embodiments but by the technical solution, and includes all modifications that are equivalent to and within the scope of the technical solution.

[0146] [Industrial Applicability]

[0147] This invention can be used in boilers for various purposes.

Claims

1. A boiler, characterized in that, The boiler comprises: a heating element; a container having the heating element disposed inside and capable of being filled with hydrogen-based gas; a circulation path serving as a path for circulating the gas and including the interior of the container as a part thereof; and a controller that monitors the circulation volume and the concentration of the gas in the circulation path during a filling operation that fills the circulation path with gas. The heating element is a reactive body in which hydrogen atoms are adsorbed into the surface of metal nanoparticles composed of hydrogen storage metals, and waste heat is generated by adsorbing hydrogen atoms into the metal nanoparticles. The controller fills the circulation path with purging gas before the filling action is executed.

2. The boiler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boiler is equipped with a device for venting exhaust gas from the circulation path, and the exhaust gas is supplied to the circulation path simultaneously with the filling operation. The controller stops the exhaust when the circulation volume and concentration meet the specified conditions.

3. The boiler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The controller monitors the circulation volume based on the pressure difference between the downstream and upstream sides of the heating element in the circulation path or a gas flow meter installed in the circulation path.

4. The boiler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the filling action is executed, the controller controls the heat output of the heating element based on the pressure of the steam supplied to the outside.

5. The boiler according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the filling action is executed, the controller controls the heat output of the heating element based on the pressure of the steam supplied to the outside.

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