Power generation system

Abstract

To provide a power generation system capable of effectively utilizing compressed air.SOLUTION: A power generation system 10 comprises: a plurality of compression tanks 12, 13; and a power generation device 76 that generates power using kinetic energy of water discharged from the plurality of compression tanks 12, 13 and discharges the water used for the power generation. The power generation system 10 further comprises: a water storage pit 11 for storing water; a passage 45 for supplying water discharged from the compression tank 12 of the plurality of compression tanks 12, 13 to the power generation device 76; a passage 22 for supplying water stored in the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 13; a compressor 14 for discharging compressed air; a passage 37 for sending air inside the compression tank 13 to the compressor 14; and a passage 41 for sending the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 to the compression tank 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power generation system that harnesses the kinetic energy of water and converts it into electrical energy with a generator. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a power generation system that uses the kinetic energy of water to convert it into electrical energy with a generator is described in Patent Document 1. The power generation device described in Patent Document 1 includes a cylinder filled with compressed air, a first water storage tank and a second water storage tank for storing water, a turbine for generating electricity, a pipe for supplying the water in the first water storage tank to an inlet of the turbine, a pipe for supplying the water supplied from the second water storage tank to the turbine to the first water storage tank, a pipe for supplying the water in the second water storage tank to an inlet of the turbine, and a pipe for supplying the water supplied from the first water storage tank to the turbine to the second water storage tank. The power generation device described in Patent Document 1 is a power generation device that supplies the compressed air in the cylinder to the first water storage tank or the second water storage tank by switching a switching valve, thereby pressurizing and spraying the water in the first water storage tank and the water in the second water storage tank, and uses the water to rotate a turbine to generate electricity.

[0003] The power generating device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a route switching valve that can freely switch the route of compressed air pressure transmission from the cylinder to each water storage tank, and the compressed air supplied from the cylinder is supplied to an air inlet at the top of the first water storage tank. Then, water ejected from the first water storage tank is supplied to a turbine, which generates electricity. The water supplied from the first water storage tank to the turbine is discharged from the turbine and supplied to the turbine inlet of the second water storage tank. This increases the amount of water in the second water storage tank. When water is supplied to the turbine inlet of the second water storage tank, the air in the second tank is discharged from the air vent valve.

[0004] When the amount of water in the first water tank decreases, the switching valve is switched and compressed air supplied from the cylinder is supplied to the air inlet at the top of the second water tank. Then, water ejected from the second water tank is supplied to the turbine, which generates electricity. The water supplied from the second water tank to the turbine is discharged from the turbine and supplied to the turbine inlet of the first water tank. This causes the amount of water in the first water tank to increase. When water is supplied to the turbine inlet of the first water tank, air in the first tank is discharged from the air vent valve. In this way, in the power generating device described in Patent Document 1, compressed air from the cylinder is alternately supplied to the first water tank and the second water tank, and electricity is generated by the turbine using the water discharged from the first water tank and the second water tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6512670 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present inventors have recognized that the power generating device described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of effective utilization of compressed air.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power generation system that can effectively utilize compressed air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a power generation system having a plurality of compression tanks arranged in parallel with each other and pressurizing the stored water with compressed air and discharging it, and a power generation device that generates power using the kinetic energy of the water discharged from the plurality of compression tanks and discharges the water used for power generation, the power generation system having a water storage pit that stores water to be supplied to the plurality of compression tanks, a first water conduit that supplies water discharged from a first tank of the plurality of compression tanks to the power generation device, a second water conduit that supplies the water stored in the water storage pit to a second tank of the plurality of compression tanks that does not supply water to the power generation device when power generation is being performed by the power generation device, a compressor that draws in air and discharges compressed air, a first air passage that sends the air in the second tank to the compressor, and a second air passage that sends the compressed air discharged from the compressor to the first tank. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the power generation system of the present disclosure, the compressor draws in air from the first tank, discharges the compressed air, and supplies the compressed air to the second tank, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the compressed air. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a first embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to a first step. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the power generation system. [Figure 3A] FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of the power generation system, and is a conceptual diagram corresponding to a second step and a third step. [Figure 3B] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the first embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to a fourth step. [Figure 4A] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the first embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to a fifth step. [Figure 4B] 4 is a flowchart comprehensively illustrating an example of control performed in the power generation system. [Figure 5A]FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to an eleventh step. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to a twelfth step. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to a thirteenth step. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to a fourteenth step. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of the power generation system, corresponding to a fifteenth step. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a third embodiment of the power generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (overview) Hereinafter, several embodiments of the power generation system will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the power generation system, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0012] (First embodiment) A power generation system 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a water storage pit 11, compression tanks 12 and 13, a compressor 14, a water turbine 15, a generator 16, and a control unit 17. The water storage pit 11 is a tank that stores water as a compressible fluid. The water storage pit 11 has a volume that can simultaneously supply water to the compression tanks 12 and 13 and store a first predetermined amount of water in each of the compression tanks 12 and 13. The water storage pit 11 has a water supply port 18 and a drain port 19. The water supply port 18 is connected to a passage 20. The drain port 19 is connected to passages 21 and 22. The drain port 19 is provided at a lower position than the water supply port 18 in the direction of gravity. The direction of gravity is vertical.

[0013] The compression tank 12 can store water and air, and can pressurize and discharge the stored water. Both water and air are compressible fluids. In the compression tank 12, air is stored in an area above the area where water is stored in the direction of gravity. The lower end of the water storage pit 11 is provided at a higher position than the upper end of the compression tank 12 in the direction of gravity. The compression tank 12 has a water supply port 23, a drain port 24, an air intake port 25, an exhaust port 26, and an air vent 59. The water supply port 23 is connected to a passage 21, and a valve 27 is provided in the passage 21. The air intake port 25, the exhaust port 26, and the air vent 59 are provided at a higher position than the water supply port 23 and the drain port 24 in the direction of gravity. A passage 60 is connected to the air vent 59, and a valve 61 is provided to open and close the passage 60. The passage 60 is provided for discharging air within the compression tank 12 to the outside of the compression tank 12 when water is stored in the compression tank 12. The valve 61 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and the operation of the valve 61 is electrically controlled.

[0014] The compression tank 13 can store water and air, and can pressurize and discharge the stored water. In the compression tank 13, air is stored in an area above the area in which water is stored in the direction of gravity. The lower end of the water storage pit 11 is provided at a position higher than the upper end of the compression tank 13 in the direction of gravity. In this disclosure, an example will be described in which the upper end of the compression tank 12 and the upper end of the compression tank 13 are provided at the same position, and the lower end of the compression tank 12 and the lower end of the compression tank 13 are provided at the same position in the direction of gravity.

[0015] The compression tank 13 has a water supply port 28, a drain port 29, an air intake port 30, an exhaust port 31, and an air vent 62. The water supply port 28 is connected to a passage 22, and a valve 32 is provided in the passage 22. The air intake port 30, the exhaust port 31, and the air vent 62 are provided at a higher position than the water supply port 28 and the drain port 29 in the direction of gravity. A passage 63 is connected to the air vent 62, and a valve 64 is provided for opening and closing the passage 63. The passage 63 is provided to discharge air from the compression tank 13 to the outside of the compression tank 13 when water is stored in the compression tank 13. The valve 64 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and the operation of the valve 64 is electrically controlled.

[0016] The compressor 14 is an air machine that pressurizes the air it draws in and discharges it as compressed air. The compressor 14 has an intake port 33 and a discharge port 34. In addition, an electric motor 35 that drives the compressor 14 is provided. The electric motor 35 is a prime mover that is rotated by being supplied with electricity. When the rotation speed of the electric motor 35 is controlled, the pressure of the compressed air discharged from the discharge port 34 of the compressor 14 is adjusted. When the electric motor 35 is stopped, the compressor 14 is stopped.

[0017] The intake port 33 of the compressor 14 is connected to a passage 36 and a passage 37. A valve 39 is provided to connect the passage 36 to the exhaust port 26 or an outside air intake passage 38. The valve 39 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and the operation of the valve 39 is electrically controlled. The passage 36 is connected to the exhaust port 31, and a valve 40 is provided in the passage 37. The valve 40 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and the operation of the valve 40 is electrically controlled.

[0018] The discharge port 34 of the compressor 14 is connected to passages 41 and 42. The passage 41 is connected to the intake port 25 of the compression tank 12, and a valve 43 is provided in the passage 41. The valve 43 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and the operation of the valve 43 is electrically controlled. The passage 42 is connected to the intake port 30 of the compression tank 13, and a valve 44 is provided in the passage 42. The valve 44 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and the operation of the valve 44 is electrically controlled. The compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 passes through the passages 41 and 42.

[0019] The passages 36 and 41 form an air passage 72. The passages 37 and 42 form an air passage 72. The air passage 72 is connected to the intake port 33 and the discharge port 34 of the compressor 14. The air passage 73 is connected to the intake port 33 and the discharge port 34 of the compressor 14. The air passage 72 and the air passage 73 are arranged in parallel with the compressor 14.

[0020] The drain outlet 24 of the compression tank 12 is connected to the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15 via a passage 45. A valve 47 is provided in the passage 45. The drain outlet 29 of the compression tank 13 is connected to the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15 via a passage 48. A valve 49 is provided in the passage 48. The outlet 50 of the water turbine 15 is connected to the water supply port 18 of the water storage pit 11 via a passage 20. A water passage 70 is formed by the passage 21, the passage 45 and the compression tank 12. A water passage 71 is formed by the passage 22, the passage 48 and the compression tank 13.

[0021] The water turbine 15 has an inlet 46, an outlet 50, and a rotating shaft. The water turbine 15 is a fluid machine that converts the kinetic energy of water entering the inlet 46 into mechanical energy of the rotating shaft. The water turbine 15 may be any of a Francis turbine, a propeller turbine, a Pelton turbine, etc. The rotating shaft of the water turbine 15 is connected to the rotor of the generator 16. The generator 16 may be either a DC generator or an AC generator. The generator 16 has, for example, a rotor, a stator, a permanent magnet attached to the stator, and a coil wound around the rotor, and when the rotor is rotated, a current flows in the coil due to the principle of electromagnetic induction.

[0022] In this way, the generator 16 converts mechanical energy applied to the rotor into electrical energy and outputs it. The water wheel 15 and the generator 16 constitute a power generating device 76. The entire power generating device 76 is provided outside the compression tank 12 and outside the compression tank 13. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the power generating device 76 is provided at a position higher than the water supply port 18 of the water storage pit 11. The power generated by the generator 16 is supplied to a power supply destination 51. The power supply destination 51 includes a secondary battery, an electrical device, and the like. The secondary battery is an electricity storage device that can be charged and discharged. The electrical device is a device that operates and functions by consuming electrical power. The power of the secondary battery can be supplied to the electrical device. The electrical device to which power is supplied from the secondary battery may include an electric motor 35.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a control system of the power generation system 10. The power generation system 10 has a control unit 52 and a memory unit 53. The control unit 52 can also be defined as a control circuit or a processing circuit. The control unit 52 is a computer having an input port, an output port, a timer, a central processing circuit, and the like. In addition, a water volume sensor 54 that detects the amount of water stored in the water storage pit 11 and outputs a signal, a water volume sensor 55 that detects the amount of water stored in the compression tank 12 and outputs a signal, and a water volume sensor 56 that detects the amount of water stored in the compression tank 13 and outputs a signal are provided. In addition, a flow rate sensor 57 that detects the flow rate of water supplied to the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15 and outputs a signal is provided. In addition, an air pressure sensor 65 that detects the air pressure in the compression tank 12 and outputs a signal, and an air pressure sensor 66 that detects the air pressure in the compression tank 13 and outputs a signal are provided.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 52 is connected to an operation unit 74 and a display unit 75. The operation unit 74 is operated by an operator. The operator can operate the operation unit 74 to input information, data, etc. used in the power generation system 10. The operation unit 74 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a scanner, a liquid crystal panel, etc. The control unit 52 stores the information and data input by operating the operation unit 74 in the storage unit 53. The display unit 75 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, and the operator can visually check the display unit 75. The display unit 75 can display the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensors 65 and 66, the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 57, the water volume detected by the water volume sensors 54, 55, and 56, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 52 is connected to the power supply destination 51, and performs a process of determining the power required by the power supply destination 51 by processing a signal from the power supply destination 51. If the power supply destination 51 includes a secondary battery, the control unit 52 performs a process of determining the voltage of the secondary battery.

[0025] Furthermore, a memory unit 53 is connected to the control unit 52, and the memory unit 53 stores information and data input by operating the operation unit 74, and also stores information, data, programs, etc. used for processing, judgment, etc. performed by the control unit 52. The control unit 52 can control the amount of power generated by the generator 16, the rotation speed of the electric motor 35, the opening and closing of each of the valves 27, 32, 39, 40, 43, 44, 49, 61, 64, etc., based on the operation content of the operation unit 74, the signals of the water volume sensors 54, 55, 56, the signal of the flow rate sensor 57, the signal of the air pressure sensors 65, 66, the judgment result of the required power, the voltage of the secondary battery, and the information, data, programs, etc. stored in the memory unit 53.

[0026] The valves 27, 32, 47, and 49 are, for example, solenoid valves, and the operation of the valves 27, 32, 47, and 49 is controlled by the control unit 52. The valves 27, 32, 47, and 49 may be flow control valves that control the flow rate of water in addition to being valves that open and close passages. That is, the control unit 52 can control the flow rate of water supplied from the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 12 by controlling the valve 27. Furthermore, the control unit 52 can control the flow rate of water discharged from the compression tank 12 by controlling the valve 47. Furthermore, the control unit 52 can control the flow rate of water supplied from the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 13 by controlling the valve 32. Furthermore, the control unit 52 can control the flow rate of water discharged from the compression tank 13 by controlling the valve 49.

[0027] In the power generation system 10 shown in Fig. 1, two water passages 70, 71 are arranged in parallel between the drainage outlet 19 of the water storage pit 11 and the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15. One compression tank 12 is arranged in the water passage 70, and one compression tank 13 is arranged in the water passage 71. In addition, two ventilation passages 72, 73 are connected in parallel to the intake port 33 and the discharge port 34 of the compressor 14. The compression tank 12 is arranged in the ventilation passage 72, and the compression tank 13 is arranged in the ventilation passage 73.

[0028] (Example of processes carried out in a power generation system) An example of control, that is, an example of a process, performed by the power generation system 10 of the present disclosure is as follows. For convenience, an example will be described in which water stored in the compression tank 12 is supplied to the water turbine 15 to generate electricity with the generator 16, and when the amount of water in the compression tank 12 decreases, water stored in the compression tank 13 is supplied to the water turbine 15 to generate electricity with the generator 16.

[0029] [1st step] In the first step, the control unit 52 controls the power generation system 10 as follows. In the first step, the control unit 52 supplies water from the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13. The valve 27 shown in FIG. 1 opens the passage 21, and the valve 47 closes the passage 45. Furthermore, the valve 32 opens the passage 22, and the valve 49 closes the passage 48. Furthermore, the valve 39 connects the outside air intake path 38 to the intake port 33 of the compressor 14, and blocks the passage 36 from the intake port 33. Furthermore, the valve 40 closes the passage 37. Furthermore, the valve 43 opens the passage 41, and the valve 44 closes the passage 42. Furthermore, the valve 61 opens the passage 60, and the valve 64 opens the passage 63.

[0030] 1, water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied by gravity through passage 21 into compression tank 12, and the amount of water in compression tank 12 increases. Also, the amount of water in the water storage pit 11 decreases. The pressure of the water supplied into compression tank 12 is determined based on a pressure obtained by multiplying the plane area of ​​the water storage pit 11 by the water level, and a pressure corresponding to the potential energy due to the difference in height between drain outlet 19 and water supply outlet 23. In this way, during the process in which the water in the water storage pit 11 is stored in compression tank 12, the air in compression tank 12 is discharged from air vent 59 to the outside of compression tank 12.

[0031] Furthermore, the water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied by gravity through the passage 22 into the compression tank 13, and the amount of water in the compression tank 13 increases. The pressure of the water supplied into the compression tank 13 is determined based on a pressure obtained by multiplying the plane area of ​​the water storage pit 11 by the water level, and a pressure corresponding to the potential energy due to the difference in height between the drain outlet 19 and the water supply outlet 28. In this manner, during the process in which the water in the water storage pit 11 is stored in the compression tank 13, the air in the compression tank 13 is discharged to the outside of the compression tank 13 through the ventilation port 62. Then, when the control unit 52 detects that the amount of water in each of the compression tanks 12 and 13 has increased to a first predetermined amount, the process proceeds to the second step.

[0032] [Second process] In the second step, the control unit 52 controls the valve 61 shown in FIG. 1 to close the passage 60, and controls the valve 27 to close the passage 21. The control unit 52 also controls the valve 39 to connect the outside air intake passage 38 to the intake port 33 of the compressor 14, and to block the exhaust port 26 of the compression tank 12 from the intake port 33. Furthermore, the control unit 52 rotates the electric motor 35 to drive the compressor 14. Then, as shown in FIG. 3A, air present outside the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13, that is, outside air, is sucked into the intake port 33 of the compressor 14 through the outside air intake passage 38. The air sucked into the compressor 14 is at atmospheric pressure (1 atm = 1013.25 Pa). The compressor 14 compresses the sucked air and discharges the compressed air from the discharge port 34. The compressed air discharged from the discharge port 34 is supplied into the compression tank 12 from the intake port 25. This increases the air pressure in the compression tank 12. When the control unit 52 detects that the air pressure in the compression tank 12 has increased to the first predetermined pressure, the process proceeds to a third step.

[0033] [3rd step] 1 to connect the drain outlet 24 to the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15. Then, as shown in FIG. 3A, the water in the compression tank 12 is discharged from the drain outlet 24 by the air pressure in the compression tank 12, and the amount of water in the compression tank 12 decreases. In addition, the electric motor 35 is driven, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied into the compression tank 12. The water drained from the compression tank 12 is supplied to the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15.

[0034] As a result, the rotating shaft of the water turbine 15 is rotated to generate electricity in the generator 16, and the electricity generated by the generator 16 is sent to the electricity supply destination 51. The control unit 52 controls the output of the generator 16 based on the required electricity determined by the required electricity determination unit 58 and the information and data stored in the memory unit 53. Furthermore, the water discharged from the outlet 50 of the water turbine 15 is sent to the water storage pit 11 through the passage 20. When the air pressure in the compression tank 12 drops to the second predetermined pressure, the control unit 52 proceeds to the fourth step.

[0035] [4th step] In the fourth step, the control unit 52 controls the valve 47 shown in FIG. 1 to close the drain port 24 of the compression tank 12 and the water turbine 15. The control unit 52 also controls the valve 27 to open the passage 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, the water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied to the compression tank 12, and the amount of water in the compression tank 12 increases. The control unit 52 also controls the valve 64 to close the passage 63, and controls the valve 44 to connect the discharge port 34 of the compressor 14 and the intake port 30 of the compression tank 13. Furthermore, the control unit 52 also controls the valve 39 to connect the exhaust port 26 of the compression tank 12 and the intake port 33 of the compressor 14, and also blocks the outside air intake path 38 and the intake port 33. Furthermore, the control unit 52 also controls the valve 40 to block the intake port 33 and the exhaust port 31. Therefore, the air in the compression tank 12 is sucked into the compressor 14 and compressed, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied to the compression tank 13. Furthermore, the control unit 52 controls the valve 49 to connect the compression tank 13 and the water turbine 15.

[0036] 3B, water discharged from compression tank 13 is supplied to hydraulic turbine 15, and generator 16 generates electricity. The electricity generated by generator 16 is sent to electricity supply destination 51. Control unit 52 controls the output of generator 16 based on the required electricity determined by required electricity determination unit 58 and the information and data stored in memory unit 53. Furthermore, water discharged from outlet 50 of hydraulic turbine 15 is sent to water storage pit 11. When water is discharged from compression tank 13 and electricity is being generated by generator 16, the air pressure of compression tank 13 drops to a second predetermined pressure, and the air pressure of compression tank 12 rises to a first predetermined pressure, control unit 52 proceeds to a fifth step.

[0037] [5th ​​step] In the fifth step, the control unit 52 controls the valve 27 to close the passage 21. Then, the water in the water storage pit 11 is no longer supplied to the compression tank 12. The control unit 52 also closes the valve 49 shown in FIG. 1 to isolate the compression tank 13 from the water turbine 15. The control unit 52 also closes the valve 49. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, water is not discharged from the compression tank 13. Furthermore, the control unit 52 opens the valve 32 to supply the water in the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 13. As a result, the amount of water in the compression tank 13 increases.

[0038] The control unit 52 also controls the valve 40 to connect the exhaust port 31 and the intake port 33. Furthermore, the control unit 52 controls the valve 44 to close the passage 42. Furthermore, the control unit 52 controls the valve 39 to close the intake port 33 and the exhaust port 26, and to close the intake port 33 and the outside air intake path 38. Furthermore, the control unit 52 controls the valve 43 to connect the discharge port 34 and the intake port 25. Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, the air in the compression tank 13 is sucked into the compressor 14 and compressed, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied to the compression tank 12. Furthermore, the control unit 52 controls the valve 47 shown in FIG. 1 to connect the drain port 24 of the compression tank 12 and the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15. Therefore, the water discharged from the compression tank 12 is supplied to the water turbine 15, and the generator 16 generates electricity.

[0039] Furthermore, the water discharged from the outlet 50 of the water turbine 15 is supplied to the water storage pit 11. When the air pressure in the compression tank 12 drops to the second predetermined pressure and the air pressure in the compression tank 13 rises to the first predetermined pressure, the control unit 52 proceeds to the aforementioned fourth step. Thereafter, the fourth and fifth steps are alternately repeated, so that the generator 16 continues to generate electricity, that is, electricity is generated continuously.

[0040] In addition, instead of controlling various valves based on the air pressure in the compression tank 12 and the air pressure in the compression tank 13 and executing the first to fifth steps, the control unit 52 can also control various valves based on the amount of water in the compression tank 12 and the amount of water in the compression tank 13 and execute the first to fifth steps.

[0041] Specifically, when the control unit 52 detects in the first step that the amount of water in the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13 has increased to a first predetermined amount, the control unit 52 can transition from the first step to the second step. In addition, when the water is discharged from the compression tank 13 and the generator 16 is generating electricity, the amount of water in the compression tank 13 decreases to a second predetermined amount, and the amount of water in the compression tank 12 increases to the first predetermined amount in the fourth step, the control unit 52 can transition from the fourth step to the fifth step. When the amount of water in the compression tank 12 decreases to the second predetermined amount and the amount of water in the compression tank 13 increases to the first predetermined amount in the fifth step, the control unit 52 proceeds to the aforementioned fourth step. The first predetermined amount exceeds the second predetermined amount.

[0042] (Effects of the first embodiment) The power generation system 10 can pressurize the air drawn from inside the compression tank 12 with the compressor 14 and supply it to the compression tank 13. The power generation system 10 can also pressurize the air drawn from inside the compression tank 13 with the compressor 14 and supply it to the compression tank 12. In other words, in the second step and thereafter, the power generation system 10 can effectively use the compressed air by circulating and compressing the air in the compressor 14, the compression tank 12, and the compression tank 13 without newly drawing air at atmospheric pressure from the outside into the compressor 14. Therefore, the time required for the compressor 14 to pressurize the air from atmospheric pressure to generate compressed air can be shortened, and the compression efficiency of the compressor 14 is improved.

[0043] Furthermore, the power generation device 76 of the power generation system 10 can convert the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy of the water turbine 15, and the generator 16 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Furthermore, a water storage pit 11 is provided to store the water supplied to the power generation device 76 before returning it to the compression tank 12 or the compression tank 13 from which the water is discharged. The water storage pit 11 is provided at a higher position than the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13 in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the water in the water storage pit 11 is sent to the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13 by its own weight and potential energy according to the height. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a power source to send the water in the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13.

[0044] In addition, since the water flow path 70 and the water flow path 71 are provided in parallel, the water in the water storage pit 11 can be reliably distributed between the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13. Furthermore, since the air vent path 72 and the air vent path 73 are provided in parallel, the air sucked from one of the compression tanks can be compressed by the compressor 14 and reliably supplied to the other compression tank. Furthermore, the entire power generation device 76 is provided outside the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13. Therefore, it is possible to suppress interruption of the supply of water and air to the compression tank 12, and also to suppress interruption of the supply of water and air to the compression tank 13.

[0045] Furthermore, if the valves 27 and 49 each have a function as a flow control valve, then in the fourth step, by controlling the flow rate of water supplied to the compression tank 12 and the flow rate of water discharged from the compression tank 13, it is possible to substantially match the timing at which the amount of water in the compression tank 12 increases to a first predetermined amount with the timing at which the amount of water in the compression tank 13 decreases to a second predetermined amount. Therefore, in the process in which the control unit 52 switches from the fourth step to the fifth step, a temporary decrease in the amount of water supplied to the hydraulic turbine 15 can be suppressed, and a decrease in the power generation function of the generator 16 can be suppressed.

[0046] Furthermore, if the valves 32 and 47 each have a function as a flow control valve, then in the fifth step, by controlling the flow rate of water supplied to the compression tank 13 and the flow rate of water discharged from the compression tank 12, it is possible to substantially match the timing at which the amount of water in the compression tank 13 increases to a first predetermined amount with the timing at which the amount of water in the compression tank 12 decreases to a second predetermined amount. Therefore, in the process in which the control unit 52 switches from the fifth step to the fourth step, a temporary decrease in the amount of water supplied to the hydraulic turbine 15 can be suppressed, and a decrease in the power generation function of the generator 16 can be suppressed.

[0047] Second embodiment A second embodiment of the power generation system is shown in Figures 2 and 5A. In the second embodiment of the power generation system 10, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the power generation system 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment of the power generation system 10. The second embodiment of the power generation system 10 has a compression tank 80 in addition to the compression tanks 12 and 13. The basic configuration and function of the compression tank 80 are the same as those of the compression tanks 12 and 13. A passage 81 is provided for supplying water from the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 80, and a valve 82 is provided for opening and closing the passage 81, as shown in Figure 2.

[0048] In addition, a passage 83 is provided to send the water in the compression tank 80 to the inlet 46 of the water turbine 15. A valve 84 shown in FIG. 2 is provided in the passage 83. The valves 82 and 84 are, for example, solenoid valves, and the valves 82 and 84 are each controlled by the control unit 52. When the valve 82 opens the passage 81, the water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied to the compression tank 80. When the valve 82 closes the passage 81, the water in the water storage pit 11 is not supplied to the compression tank 80. When the valve 84 opens the passage 83, the water discharged from the compression tank 80 is sent to the water turbine 15. When the valve 84 closes the passage 83, the water in the compression tank 80 is not sent to the water turbine 15.

[0049] Further, a passage 85 is provided for sending the air in the compression tank 80 to the intake port 33 of the compressor 14. Further, a passage 86 is provided for supplying the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 to the compression tank 80. A valve 87 shown in FIG. 2 is provided in the passage 85, and a valve 88 for opening and closing the passage 86 is provided. The valves 87 and 88 are, for example, solenoid valves, and the valves 87 and 88 are each controlled by the control unit 52. When the valve 87 opens the passage 85, the air in the compression tank 80 is sucked into the compressor 14 and compressed. When the valve 87 closes the passage 85, the air in the compression tank 80 is not sucked into the compressor 14. When the valve 88 opens the passage 86, the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied to the compression tank 80. When the valve 88 closes the passage 86, the compressed air of the compressor 14 is not supplied to the compression tank 80.

[0050] The valves 82, 84 may be flow control valves that control the flow rate of water in addition to being valves that open and close the passages. That is, the control unit 52 can control the flow rate of water supplied from the water storage pit 11 to the compression tank 80 by controlling the valve 82. The control unit 52 can also control the flow rate of water sent from the compression tank 80 to the water turbine 15 by controlling the valve 84. Furthermore, a valve 89 is provided that opens and closes a passage for discharging air in the compression tank 80 to the atmosphere. The valve 89 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and the valve 89 is controlled by the control unit 52. A water volume sensor 90 is provided that detects the water volume in the compression tank 80 and outputs a signal. An air pressure sensor 91 is provided that detects the air pressure in the compression tank 80 and outputs a signal.

[0051] 2 can also be applied to the second embodiment of the power generation system 10. The control unit 52 processes signals from the water volume sensors 54, 55, 56, 90 and signals from the air pressure sensors 65, 66, 91, and controls the valves 27, 32, 39, 40, 43, 44, 49, 61, 64, 82, 84, 87, 88, 89 and the electric motor 35 based on information, data, etc. stored in the memory unit 53.

[0052] In the second embodiment of the power generation system 10, the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 are arranged in parallel to the water storage pit 11. Also, the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 are arranged in parallel to the water turbine 15. Furthermore, the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 are arranged in parallel to the compressor 14. Furthermore, the passage 81, the passage 83, and the compression tank 80 form a water passage 92. And, the water passages 70, 71, and 92 are arranged in parallel.

[0053] (Example of processes carried out in a power generation system) An example of control, that is, an example of a process, performed in the second embodiment of the power generation system 10 is as follows. For convenience, an example will be described in which first, water stored in the compression tank 12 is supplied to the water turbine 15 to generate electricity with the generator 16, then water stored in the compression tank 13 is supplied to the water turbine 15 to generate electricity with the generator 16, and thereafter water stored in the compression tank 80 is supplied to the water turbine 15 to generate electricity with the generator 16.

[0054] [Step 11] In an eleventh step, the control unit 52 controls the power generation system 10 in the same manner as in the first step, and stores water from the water storage pit 11 in the compression tank 12 and the compression tank 13 as shown in Fig. 5A. When the control unit 52 detects that the air pressures in the compression tanks 12 and 13 have each increased to a first predetermined pressure, the control unit 52 proceeds to a twelfth step.

[0055] [Step 12] In the 12th step, the control unit 52 closes the passages 21 and 22 and opens the passage 81. The control unit 52 also opens the passages 41 and 85 and rotates the electric motor 35 to drive the compressor 14. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied to the compression tank 80, and the amount of water in the compression tank 80 increases. Also, the air in the compression tank 80 is sucked into the compressor 14 and compressed, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied to the compression tank 12. Furthermore, the water discharged from the compression tank 12 is sent to the water wheel 15, and the generator 16 generates electricity. When the control unit 52 detects that the air pressure in the compression tank 12 has decreased to the second predetermined pressure and that the air pressure in the compression tank 80 has increased to the first predetermined pressure, the control unit 52 proceeds to the 13th step.

[0056] [Step 13] In the 13th step, the control unit 52 opens the passages 21 and 48 and closes the passages 45 and 81. The control unit 52 also opens the passages 36 and 42 and closes the passages 41 and 85. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied to the compression tank 12, and the amount of water in the compression tank 12 increases. Also, the air in the compression tank 12 is sucked into the compressor 14 and compressed, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied to the compression tank 13. Furthermore, the water discharged from the compression tank 13 is sent to the water wheel 15, and the generator 16 generates electricity. When the control unit 52 detects that the air pressure in the compression tank 13 has decreased to the second predetermined pressure and that the air pressure in the compression tank 12 has increased to the first predetermined pressure, the control unit 52 proceeds to the 14th step.

[0057] [Step 14] In the 14th step, the control unit 52 opens the passages 22 and 83 and closes the passages 21 and 48. The control unit 52 also opens the passages 37 and 86 and closes the passages 36 and 42. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied to the compression tank 13, and the amount of water in the compression tank 13 increases. Also, the air in the compression tank 13 is sucked into the compressor 14 and compressed, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied to the compression tank 80. Furthermore, the water discharged from the compression tank 80 is sent to the water wheel 15, and the generator 16 generates electricity. When the control unit 52 detects that the air pressure in the compression tank 80 has decreased to the second predetermined pressure and that the air pressure in the compression tank 13 has increased to the first predetermined pressure, the control unit 52 proceeds to the 15th step.

[0058] [Step 15] In the fifteenth step, the control unit 52 opens the passages 45 and 81 and closes the passages 22 and 83. The control unit 52 also opens the passages 41 and 85 and closes the passages 37 and 86. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the water in the water storage pit 11 is supplied to the compression tank 80, and the amount of water in the compression tank 80 increases. Also, the air in the compression tank 80 is sucked into the compressor 14 and compressed, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 14 is supplied to the compression tank 12. Furthermore, the water discharged from the compression tank 12 is sent to the water wheel 15, and the generator 16 generates electricity. When the control unit 52 detects that the air pressure in the compression tank 12 has dropped to the second predetermined pressure and that the air pressure in the compression tank 80 has risen to the first predetermined pressure, the control unit 52 proceeds to the thirteenth step. Thereafter, the thirteenth step, the fourteenth step, and the fifteenth step are repeated, so that the generator 16 continues to generate electricity, that is, continuously generates electricity.

[0059] In addition, instead of controlling various valves based on the air pressure of the compression tank 12, the air pressure of the compression tank 13, and the air pressure of the compression tank 80 and executing steps 11 to 15, the control unit 52 can also control various valves based on the amount of water in the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 and execute steps 11 to 15.

[0060] Specifically, when the control unit 52 detects in step 11 that the amount of water in the compression tank 12 and the amount of water in the compression tank 13 have each increased to a first predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step 12. When the control unit 52 detects in step 12 that the amount of water in the compression tank 12 has decreased to a second predetermined amount and the amount of water in the compression tank 80 has increased to the first predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step 13. When the control unit 52 detects in step 13 that the amount of water in the compression tank 13 has decreased to the second predetermined amount and the amount of water in the compression tank 12 has increased to the first predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step 14. When the control unit 52 detects in step 14 that the amount of water in the compression tank 80 has decreased to the second predetermined amount and the amount of water in the compression tank 13 has increased to the first predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step 15. When the control unit 52 detects in the fifteenth step that the amount of water in the compression tank 12 has decreased to the second predetermined amount and the amount of water in the compression tank 80 has increased to the first predetermined amount, the control unit 52 proceeds to the thirteenth step.

[0061] Furthermore, if the valves 27, 32, 47, 49, 82, and 84 each have a function as a flow control valve, the flow rate of water supplied to the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80, respectively, and the flow rate of water discharged from the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80, respectively, can be controlled to approximately coincide with the timing at which the amount of water in the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 increases to a first predetermined amount and the timing at which the amount of water in the compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 decreases to a second predetermined amount. This makes it possible to prevent a temporary decrease in the amount of water supplied to the hydraulic turbine 15, and to prevent a decrease in the power generation function of the generator 16.

[0062] Third embodiment FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the power generation system. The third embodiment of the power generation system 10 has a plurality of, for example, three compression systems C1, C2, C3 and a plurality of, for example, two plants P1, P2. The compression systems C1, C2, C3 each include the electric motor 35 and the compressor 14 shown in FIG. 2. That is, the power generation system 10 includes a plurality of electric motors 35 and a plurality of compressors 14. The plants P1, P2 each include the water storage pit 11 shown in FIG. 1, the power generation device 76 shown in FIG. 2, the power supply destination 51, the air pressure sensors 65, 66, 91, the water volume sensors 54, 55, 56, 90, the flow rate sensor 57, and the valves 27, 32, 39, 40, 43, 44, 61, 64, 49, 82, 84, 87, 88, 89. The control unit 52 controls the plants P1 and P2, and also controls the compression systems C1, C2, and C3.

[0063] When the compression systems C1, C2, and C3 are driven, the compression systems C1, C2, and C3 respectively suck in air from the plant P1 and supply the compressed air discharged from the compression systems C1, C2, and C3 to the plant P1. When the compression systems C1, C2, and C3 are driven, the compression systems C1, C2, and C3 respectively suck in air from the plant P2 and supply the compressed air discharged from the compression systems C1, C2, and C3 to the plant P2.

[0064] In the third embodiment of the power generation system 10, the control unit 52 can select a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode as a mode for controlling the power generation system 10 by switching between them. When the first mode for controlling the power generation system 10 is selected, the compression systems C1 and C2 are driven and the compression system C3 is stopped, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 8. When the second mode for controlling the power generation system 10 is selected, the compression systems C1 and C3 are driven and the compression system C2 is stopped, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 8. When the third mode for controlling the power generation system 10 is selected, the compression systems C2 and C3 are driven and the compression system C1 is stopped, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 8.

[0065] The control unit 52 can switch from the first mode to the second mode when a predetermined time, for example, four hours, has elapsed since the first mode was selected. The control unit 52 can also switch from the second mode to the third mode when a predetermined time, for example, four hours, has elapsed since the second mode was selected. The control unit 52 can also switch from the third mode to the first mode when a predetermined time, for example, four hours, has elapsed since the third mode was selected. In this way, the control unit 52 can alternately select the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Then, the three compression systems C1, C2, and C3 are intermittently driven and stopped. When the control unit 52 alternately switches between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, the three compression systems C1, C2, and C3 are each driven for eight hours and stopped for four hours, repeating this state. Therefore, the plants P1 and P2 can generate power at all times, and maintenance of the stopped compression systems can be performed.

[0066] (Comprehensive control example) The flow chart of FIG. 4B comprehensively illustrates an example of control performed in the power generation system 10. In step S20, the control unit 52 processes input signals, information, data, and the like. In step S21, the control unit 52 can control the plants P1 and P2, respectively, or can separately control the various valves 27, 32, 39, 40, 43, 44, 49, 61, 64, 82, 84, 87, 88, and 89, respectively. In step S22, the control unit 52 can control the compression systems C1, C2, and C3, respectively, or can control the electric motor 35. In step S23, the control unit 52 controls the plants P1 and P2, respectively, or controls the generator 16 alone, and ends the control example of FIG. 4B. The control unit 52 may execute steps S20, S21, S22, and S23 in any order.

[0067] (supplementary explanation) This embodiment is not limited to those disclosed using the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the second predetermined pressure used by the control unit 52 for control is a lower limit pressure at which the generator 16 can generate electricity when the water discharged from the compression tank is supplied to the water turbine 15. The first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the first predetermined pressure is higher than the second predetermined pressure. The first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are stored in the memory unit 53. The second predetermined amount used by the control unit 52 for control is a lower limit water amount at which the generator 16 can generate electricity when the water discharged from the compression tank is supplied to the water turbine 15. The first predetermined amount is higher than the second predetermined amount, and the first predetermined amount and the second predetermined amount are stored in the memory unit 53.

[0068] Instead of switching from a process to another process based on the air pressure in each compression tank or the amount of water in each compression tank, the control unit 52 can measure the elapsed time from the start of one of the processes using a timer, and switch to another process when the elapsed time reaches or exceeds a predetermined time. The predetermined time used by the control unit 52 to switch between processes is stored in the memory unit 53.

[0069] Also, each valve disclosed in this embodiment may be structured to be manually operable, and an operator may manually switch between opening and closing each valve. Note that, if the water wheel 15 shown in Fig. 1 is of a type that can ensure a pressure that allows the water discharged from the outlet 50 to reach the water supply port 18 of the water storage pit 11 through the passage 20, the power generation device 76 may be provided at a position lower than the water supply port 18 of the water storage pit 11.

[0070] An example of the technical meaning of the matters described in this embodiment is as follows. The power generation system 10 is an example of a power generation system, the power generation device 76 is an example of a power generation device, and the generator 16 is an example of a generator. The compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 are an example of a plurality of compression tanks. The compression tanks 12, 13, and 80 may correspond to a first tank and a second tank, respectively. The water storage pit 11 is an example of a water storage pit. The compressor 14 is an example of a compressor. The compressors 14 included in the compression systems C1, C2, and C3 may correspond to a first compressor, a second compressor, and a third compressor, respectively. The passages 45, 48, and 83 may correspond to a first water passage, respectively. The passages 21, 22, and 81 may correspond to a second water passage, respectively. The passage 20 is an example of a third water passage. The passages 45, 48, and 83 may correspond to a fourth water passage.

[0071] The passages 36, 37, and 85 may correspond to the first air passage. The passages 41, 42, and 86 may correspond to the second air passage. The valves 47, 49, and 84 may correspond to the first valve. The valves 47, 49, and 84 may correspond to the second valve. The air pressure sensors 65, 66, and 91 are each an example of an air pressure sensor. The control unit 52 is an example of a first control unit, a second control unit, and a third control unit. "Air pressure drops to a second predetermined pressure" is an example of "air pressure drops to a predetermined pressure". "Water volume decreases to a second predetermined volume" is an example of "water volume decreases to a predetermined volume". The water volume sensors 55, 56, and 90 are each an example of a water volume sensor. The plants P1 and P2 may correspond to a first plant and a second plant, respectively. The first mode, the second mode, and the third mode are examples of a plurality of types of modes. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The present disclosure can be used as a power generation system that converts kinetic energy of water into electrical energy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10...power generation system, 11...water storage pit, 12, 13, 80...compression tank, 14...compressor, 16...generator, 20, 21, 22, 36, 37, 41, 42, 61, 64, 48, 81, 83, 85, 86...passage, 47, 49, 84...valve, 52...control unit, 55, 56, 90...water volume sensor, 65, 66, 91...air pressure sensor, 76...power generation device, P1, P2...plant

Claims

1. A plurality of compression tanks arranged in parallel with each other and pressurizing the stored water with compressed air and discharging the water; a power generation device that generates power using kinetic energy of the water discharged from the plurality of compression tanks and discharges the water used for power generation; A power generation system having: a water storage pit for storing water to be supplied to the plurality of compression tanks; a first water passage that supplies water discharged from a first tank among the plurality of compression tanks to the power generation device; a second water passage for supplying the water stored in the water storage pit to a second tank among the plurality of compression tanks that does not supply water to the power generation device when the power generation device is generating electricity; A compressor that draws in air and discharges compressed air; a first air passage for sending air in the second tank to the compressor; a second air passage for sending compressed air discharged from the compressor to the first tank; A power generation system having the above configuration.

2. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, A power generation system, wherein the first tank and the second tank are arranged in parallel with respect to the water storage pit.

3. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, a third water passage for conveying water used for power generation by the power generation device to the water storage pit;

4. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, A power generation system, wherein the water storage pit is located at a higher position in the direction of gravity than the multiple compression tanks.

5. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, a fourth water passage that supplies the water discharged from the second tank to the power generation device; A first valve that opens and closes the first water passage; A second valve that opens and closes the fourth water passage; having an air pressure sensor for detecting an air pressure in the first tank; a first control unit that supplies water discharged from the first tank to the power generation device through the first water passage to cause the power generation device to generate power; a second control unit that controls the first valve to close the first water passage and controls the second valve to open the second water passage when the air pressure in the first tank drops to a predetermined pressure in a case where water discharged from the first tank is supplied to the power generation device to generate power in the power generation device; A power generation system having the above structure.

6. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, a fourth water passage that supplies the water discharged from the second tank to the power generation device; A first valve that opens and closes the first water passage; A second valve that opens and closes the fourth water passage; having a water level sensor for detecting the amount of water in the first tank; a first control unit that supplies water discharged from the first tank to the power generation device through the first water passage to cause the power generation device to generate power; a second control unit that controls the first valve to close the first water passage and controls the second valve to open the second water passage when the amount of water in the first tank decreases to a predetermined amount in a case where the water discharged from the first tank is supplied to the power generation device to generate power in the power generation device; A power generation system having the above structure.

7. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, A first plant including a plurality of compression tanks including the first tank and the second tank; A second plant including a plurality of compression tanks including the first tank and the second tank; Equipped with the compressor includes a plurality of compressors capable of discharging compressed air to be supplied to the first tank included in the first plant and the first tank included in the second plant, a third control unit that executes a mode in which a first compressor included in the plurality of compressors is driven to supply compressed air to the first tank included in the first plant, and a second compressor that is not supplying compressed air to the first tank is driven to supply compressed air to the first tank included in the second plant, and a third compressor that is not supplying compressed air to the first tank and the second tank is stopped; The third control unit is capable of switching between a plurality of different modes in which the third compressor is operated.

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