Salt water concentrator

Abstract

To provide a salt water concentrator for producing a salt in which a large amount of mineral is included using solar heat and wind natural energy (when salt water is sea water), the salt water concentrator having a simplified structure, saving a space and having enhanced productivity (vaporization of moisture).SOLUTION: A salt water concentrator 10 comprises: a discharge hole 20 for discharging salt water downward in a vertical direction; a channel 30 which is provided downward in the vertical direction to the discharge hole 20, whose upper part is opened for receiving salt water supplied from an upper side, and which guides the received salt water along a first direction D1; a rotary shaft 40 which is provided between the discharge hole 20 and the channel 30, and extends along a horizontal direction and crosses the first direction D1; a holding carrier 50 which is formed in a cylindrical shape, can hold the salt water supplied to the surface on at least a part of the surface, and is attached so as to be rotatable by the rotary shaft 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a salt water concentrating device capable of concentrating salt content in salt water, such as seawater, by evaporating the water therein using natural energy. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an apparatus that uses solar or wind energy to evaporate seawater (an example of salt water) and crystallize salt from the seawater to produce natural salt (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Generally, conventional salt production methods are mainly classified into three types: mechanical production using osmotic pressure, and natural production using boiling in a pot or drying in the sun. However, the device in Patent Document 1 uses solar heat to make it possible to produce high-quality natural salt rich in minerals in a short amount of time.

[0004] The device in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 produces salt by edging the periphery of a plate and moving it like a seesaw with the center as the fulcrum. In addition, the plate is attached to a black metal plate and fine irregularities are formed on the surface, which makes it possible to improve heat absorption and adhesion of seawater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-018719 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As mentioned above, the device of Patent Document 1 is capable of producing salt rich in minerals using natural energy from solar heat and / or wind, while suppressing production costs and preventing burden on the natural environment.

[0007] However, although it is possible to shorten the evaporation time of salt water by thinning the seawater layer by tilting the plate, there is a possibility that seawater may flow out at the same time. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the angle or speed at which the plate is tilted, which may complicate the structure of the device and make the operation cumbersome. Furthermore, when producing a large amount of salt, the device of Patent Document 1 requires an increase in the plate area, making it difficult in principle to save space. In other words, it can be said that the device of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of simplifying the structure and saving space.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a brine concentrating device that can produce salt rich in minerals using the natural energy of solar heat and wind (when the brine is seawater), while simplifying its structure, saving space, and increasing productivity (water evaporation) efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above-mentioned object of the present invention can be achieved by the following configuration. [1] a discharge port for discharging salt water vertically downward; a flow path that is disposed vertically below the discharge port, that is open at the top to receive the salt water supplied from above, and that guides the received salt water along a first direction; a rotation shaft that is disposed between the discharge port and the flow path, extends along a horizontal direction, and intersects with the first direction; A holding carrier that is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided so as to be able to hold the salt water supplied at at least a portion of its surface, and is rotatably attached by the rotating shaft; At least a portion of the salt water discharged from the discharge port is supplied to the flow path through the retention carrier. Brine concentrator. [2] The rotating shaft is disposed so that its rotation direction is reverse to the first direction in the circumferential direction on a lower side of the rotating shaft in the vertical direction. The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1]. [3] Between the rotating shaft and the outer periphery of the holding carrier, one or more blades are provided along the radially outer side of the rotating shaft so as to be able to generate wind and rotate together with the rotating shaft. The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1] or [2]. [4] Further comprising a blower for blowing air onto the surface of the flow path. The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1]. [5] The blower blows air in a direction opposite to the first direction. [4] The salt water concentrating apparatus according to the present invention. [6] The discharge port, the flow path, the rotating shaft, and the retention carrier are arranged inside a predetermined space, Further comprising a dehumidifier for dehumidifying the interior of the space. The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1]. [7] The support includes a mesh body stretched around the circumferential direction of the surface. The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1]. [8] The discharge port, the flow path, the rotating shaft, and the retention carrier are arranged inside a predetermined space, an illuminance detection unit that detects the illuminance of light irradiated toward the space; A humidity detection unit that detects humidity inside the space; a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the saltwater guided by the flow path; and a control unit that controls the number of rotations of the rotating shaft and / or the flow rate of the outlet port based on the detection results of the illuminance detection unit, the humidity detection unit, and the temperature detection unit. The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1]. [9] The surface of the support is provided with a dark color; The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1].

[10] the flow path communicates with the outlet port at a downstream end thereof; The salt water circulates through the flow path and the outlet port inside the device. The salt water concentrating apparatus according to [1].

[0010] According to the configuration of [1], a part of the saltwater discharged from the discharge port is supplied to the flow path through a holding carrier that is rotatably attached by a rotating shaft disposed between the discharge port and the flow path. At this time, the holding carrier is extended in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, and the area (path) required for the saltwater to evaporate is circumferentially secured, thereby improving the evaporation efficiency of the saltwater while saving space. Furthermore, with the overall rotation of the holding carrier by the rotating shaft, an air flow (air current) is generated on the surface of the flow path, and the evaporation efficiency in the flow path can be improved at the same time while having a simple structure. In other words, when the saltwater is seawater, salt rich in minerals can be produced using natural energy of solar heat and wind, and the productivity (evaporation efficiency) can be improved while simplifying the structure and saving space. According to the configuration of [2], the air flow speed (wind speed) on the surface of the flow path can be relatively increased by generating wind in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the flow path. Here, when assuming the evaporation speed in a simple model "a state in which wind is blowing over a water surface where no heat is entering or leaving," it is theoretically known that the evaporation speed can be increased by increasing the wind speed over the water surface, and as a result, according to the configuration of [2], the evaporation efficiency in the flow path can be further increased. According to the configuration [3] above, a stronger wind flow can be generated on the surface of the flow path, and as a result, the evaporation efficiency in the flow path can be further increased. According to the above-mentioned configuration [4], a wind is forcibly generated on the surface of the flow path, and as a result, the efficiency of evaporation of water in the flow path can be further increased. According to the configuration [5] above, a wind is forcibly generated in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the flow passage, and as a result, the evaporation efficiency in the flow passage can be further increased. According to the configuration [6] above, by disposing a dehumidifier inside a specified space, the humidity inside the space can be reduced, which ultimately increases the evaporation efficiency inside the space. According to the configuration [7] above, by simultaneously improving the salt water retention capacity of the retention carrier and reducing its weight, it is possible to achieve a good balance between the evaporation efficiency in the retention carrier and the generation of airflow on the surface of the flow path. According to the configuration of [8], the control unit further includes a control unit that controls the rotation speed of the rotating shaft and / or the flow rate of the discharge port based on the detection results of the illuminance detection unit, the humidity detection unit, and the temperature detection unit. Therefore, the rotation speed of the rotating shaft and / or the flow rate of the discharge port are optimized based on a control algorithm such as machine learning and / or optimal control. As a result, it is possible to adaptively achieve both the evaporation efficiency in the retention carrier and the evaporation efficiency in the flow channel. According to the above-mentioned configuration [9], the surface of the support is provided with a dark color, which increases the efficiency of heat absorption from sunlight and further improves the evaporation efficiency in the support. According to the configuration of

[10] , the salt water is circulated inside the device, which makes it possible to further increase the concentration efficiency. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to produce salt rich in minerals by using the natural energy of solar heat and wind (when the salt water is seawater), while increasing productivity (evaporation of water) efficiency with a simple and space-saving structure.

[0012] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be more clearly understood by reading the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example of a model for explaining evaporation on the surface of liquid water. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a seawater concentrating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the structure of the rotating shaft, the holding carrier, and the surrounding area shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the rotating shaft shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions related to a control device of the device illustrated in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One or more embodiments specifically disclosing a saltwater concentrating apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] However, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. In addition, each of the attached drawings should be viewed according to the direction of the reference numerals.

[0016] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0017] For example, in the following embodiment, a case where seawater is used as the liquid to be concentrated for salt content will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various liquids that can be concentrated by evaporating water. However, when the embodiment is applied to seawater, it is possible to produce high-quality natural salt that is rich in minerals.

[0018] <Terminology explanation> The terms "comprising" or "characterized by" and "characterized by," which are synonymous with "having," "comprising," "including," and "containing," are to be interpreted in an inclusive or open-ended sense and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is a term of art used in claim language that means that the named claim element is required, but that other claim elements may be added to further form a structure within the scope of the claim.

[0019] Also, when the phrase (term) "consisting of" is used herein, the phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase "consisting of (or variations thereof)" appears in a section of the body of a claim rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the elements set forth in that section and does not exclude other elements from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to those elements or method steps specified in addition to those that do not materially affect the main and novel feature(s) of the claimed subject matter.

[0020] With respect to the terms "comprising," "consisting of," and "consisting essentially of," when one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may also include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus, in some embodiments not expressly recited otherwise, any instance of "comprising" may be replaced by "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of."

[0021] The term "process" or "step" may be used explicitly or implicitly in connection with a process or method feature, but no limitation is imposed on the order or sequence between such explicit processes or steps or between implicit processes or steps, unless the order or sequence is stated.

[0022] <Evaporation on the liquid surface> Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, one of the main features of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a model for explaining evaporation of water on the surface of a liquid state.

[0023] The model shown in Figure 1 is based on the following assumptions: Assume that wind with a constant speed, temperature and humidity is blowing over a horizontal water surface. There is no heat input to the water from any other source. -Constant evaporation occurs and the water surface is maintained at the wet bulb temperature. The temperature of the water vapor diffusion coefficient is the average of the air temperature and water temperature.

[0024] That is, as shown in Figure 1, the inventors set up a simple model to calculate the evaporation rate when wind is blowing over the water surface with no heat transfer. By setting up the model, the following four points were found to be effective measures (means) for increasing the evaporation rate.

[0025] -An increase in the amount of saturated steam at the water surface is equivalent to an increase in the water temperature. A decrease in the vapor content of air is equivalent to a decrease in the temperature and humidity of the air. Increase wind speed. -Increase the surface area exposed to air.

[0026] In other words, the following are specific suggestions for efficiently evaporating the water from saltwater. -Increasing the vapor pressure difference between water and air increases the amount of diffusion. - The saturated vapor pressure layer that forms on the water surface is properly removed by wind. -Wind (air flow) flows thinly and widely over the water surface.

[0027] In this way, the inventors have obtained the specific suggestions mentioned above, and in the present invention, in order to make it possible to efficiently evaporate the water from the flowing salt water by appropriately utilizing natural forces, a special configuration is provided as in one or more embodiments described below.

[0028] First Embodiment A first embodiment of a seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a saltwater concentrating apparatus) according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5.

[0029] [Overview of the device] An example of a schematic configuration of a seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a saltwater concentrating apparatus) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 of this embodiment.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, a seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a saltwater concentrating apparatus) of this embodiment includes a structure 11 (an example of a predetermined space) or is mounted inside the structure 11.

[0031] [...Buildings] The building structure 11 is configured to include a plurality of columns (not shown), a plurality of beams (not shown), and a roof portion 12, and these structural portions define a cubic space. That is, at least the roof portion 12 and the bottom portion 13 of the building structure 11 are formed in a rectangular shape.

[0032] Each of the columns is erected on the installation surface (e.g., the ground) of the building. Each of the beams extends between the columns along the installation surface and bridges (connects) these columns. The roof 12 is disposed so as to cover the columns and beams.

[0033] In addition, an outer wall portion (not shown) defined by the pillars and beams etc. is provided with, for example, a plate-like or sheet-like member, to define an internal space separated from the outside.

[0034] The exterior wall may be provided in whole or in part so as to be open and allow ventilation from the outside of the building 11. The plate-like or sheet-like members constituting the exterior wall may be transparent in whole or in part so as to allow natural light to enter. If it is possible to secure a predetermined space for installing various components described below, all or all of the side surfaces (five sides) may be closed (to prevent ventilation) by a predetermined member or may be open (to allow ventilation), and may be provided so as to allow natural light to enter. The same applies to the configuration of the roof 12. The specific structure of the building 11 is set (designed) as desired depending on the manner of use.

[0035] [··Construction other than the building] The seawater concentrating apparatus 10 of this embodiment further includes a plurality of outlets 20 (a pair (two) in this embodiment), one flow path 30, a plurality of rotating shafts 40 (a pair (two) in this embodiment), a plurality of retention carriers 50 (a pair (two) in this embodiment), a sensor group 60, and a control device 70 (an example of a control unit).These components other than the control device 70 are disposed inside the space of the aforementioned structure 11 (see below).

[0036] [...Discharge port] Each of the multiple discharge ports 20 is commonly connected to one pipe 21, and each of the discharge ports 20 includes an outlet portion 25 (for example, a nozzle) and an electric flow rate control valve .

[0037] The piping 21 is configured to include a plurality of straight pipes 22 and bent pipes 23, and seawater pumped up by a pump 83 described later flows through the inside of the piping. A plurality of discharge ports 20 are disposed in the straight pipe 22, which is disposed at the terminal end (downstream end) of the piping 21. An outlet 25 is disposed at the tip of the discharge port 20, and an electric flow control valve 26 is disposed at its base end.

[0038] A heating unit 24 is disposed downstream of the pair of discharge ports 20 in the downstream straight pipe 22. The heating unit 24 heats the saltwater flowing through the pipe 21. This heating makes it possible to improve the efficiency of evaporation of water in the saltwater.

[0039] Each of the outlets 25 discharges to the outside the seawater flowing inside the pipes 21. In this embodiment, the outlets 25 are disposed so that their central axes face downward, and supply the seawater to the surface of the retention carrier 50 by dripping or discharging (including the concept of spraying) the seawater toward the retention carrier 50 described below.

[0040] The electric flow control valve 26 is disposed directly in the pipe 21 so as to be adjacent to and located upstream of the outlet 25. The electric flow control valve 26 of this embodiment has an electric actuator (not shown) built in, and is provided so as to be able to adjust the flow rate of seawater passing through. The opening degree (degree of opening and closing) of the electric flow control valve 26 is electrically controlled by a control device 70, which will be described later. As a result, the discharge amount at the outlet 25 (the flow rate at the discharge port 20), i.e., the supply amount to the retention carrier 50, can be adjusted (controlled).

[0041] [··Flow path] The flow path 30 is configured to include the bottom surface 13 of the structure 11, and is surrounded by an outer wall (not shown) on the front side and an outer wall (not shown) on the back side in Fig. 1 so as to be able to guide the flow in the left-right direction in Fig. 1. In addition, the flow path 30 is disposed vertically below the aforementioned discharge port 20, and is formed with an upper opening to receive salt water supplied from above (discharge port 20).

[0042] In this embodiment, the bottom surface portion 13 is formed with a slope (incline) along its longitudinal direction (one example of the first direction D1: the flow direction of the flow path 30). Specifically, in FIG. 1, the left side of the flow path 30 is set slightly higher than the right side. Therefore, the flow path 30 is set to flow from the left side to the right side in FIG. 1 (one example of the first direction D1, hereinafter this direction will be referred to as the "first direction D1" or the "flow direction of the flow path 30"), and guides seawater discharged from the discharge port 20 and received through the opening along the first direction D1.

[0043] [··Rotation axis] Each of the multiple rotating shafts 40 is made of, for example, a highly rigid rod-shaped metallic member, and both ends thereof are rotatably supported by shaft supports 41 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the building 11. The rotating shafts 40 are disposed between the discharge port 20 and the flow path 30. The rotating shafts 40 also extend horizontally and are disposed perpendicular to the first direction D1 described above, i.e., the flow direction of the flow path 30. In other words, the rotating shafts 40 are mounted on the building 11 so as to span the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 1.

[0044] A drive motor 45 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 40 via a reducer, and the rotating shaft 40 is rotated by the drive motor 45 (see below). In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 40 is disposed such that its rotation direction is opposite to the flow direction (first direction D1) of the flow passage 30 in the circumferential direction on the lower vertical side.

[0045] [...Support carrier] Each of the plurality of holding carriers 50 has a framework made up of a plurality of frame members, and is provided in an overall cylindrical shape.

[0046] As the frame member, for example, a hollow pipe member or the like can be used, and by using a synthetic resin material, it can be provided lightly. The central axis of the holding carrier 50 is disposed so as to substantially coincide with the above-mentioned rotating shaft 40, and is provided (attached: see below) so as to be rotatable by the rotating shaft 40 by being connected to the rotating shaft 40. The rotating shaft 40 and the holding carrier 50 are provided integrally, and the number of them is the same. In this embodiment, a pair of assemblies of the holding carrier 50 and the rotating shaft 40 are provided.

[0047] [··Control device] The control device 70 is configured with a general-purpose minicomputer (not shown) etc. That is, the control device 70 is configured to include a CPU (central processing unit: not shown), a ROM (read-only memory circuit: not shown), a RAM (writable memory circuit: not shown), an interface circuit (not shown), a communication circuit (not shown), and a bus that connects these circuits to each other.

[0048] The ROM of the control device 70 is provided with a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area stores various programs for acquiring detection information from the sensor group 60 described below and for controlling actuators such as the drive motor 45. The data storage area stores various parameters necessary for the above-mentioned detection and control. The CPU of the control device 70 appropriately reads and executes these various programs to perform drive control for concentrating salt water (optimal control in this embodiment). The communication circuit and / or interface circuit of the control device 70 receives the detection results from the sensor group 60 described above.

[0049] [...Other configurations] Furthermore, the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 of this embodiment further includes a dehumidifier 81, a tank 82, and a pump 83 outside the above-mentioned structure 11.

[0050] The dehumidifier 81 includes an intake port (not shown), a heat exchanger (not shown), and an exhaust port (not shown). The intake port is connected to the atmosphere inside the building 11. The air inside the building 11 taken in from the intake port is cooled by passing through the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier 81. By turning the air into cooled air, the dehumidifier 81 condenses the moisture contained in the space inside the building 11 into water droplets, and discharges the water droplets to the outside from the exhaust port. In this way, the dehumidifier 81 manages the humidity inside the building 11. The dehumidifier 81 is also configured so that its drive can be controlled by the control device 70.

[0051] Tank 82 is formed of, for example, a metallic rectangular container body, and is capable of storing saltwater therein. Tank 82 is buried underground adjacent to building 11, and receives saltwater flowing downstream in flow path 30 at its downstream end and temporarily stores the saltwater.

[0052] The pump 83 is connected to the downstream end of the pipe 21 of the discharge port 20, and is interposed (located) between the downstream end and the tank 82. A motor is built in the pump 83, and by operating the motor, the pump 83 pumps up the saltwater temporarily stored in the tank 82 toward the pipe 21 of the discharge port 20. As a result, the pumped up saltwater is discharged (spurted or dripped) from the outlet 25 of the discharge port 20.

[0053] In this way, the flow path 30 communicates with the discharge port 20 through the tank 82 and the pump 83 on the downstream side thereof, and the saltwater can circulate and flow inside the device through the flow path 30 and the discharge port 20. By circulating the saltwater inside the device, the water in the saltwater can be continuously evaporated on the surfaces of the retention carrier 50 and the flow path 30, as described below, and the salt concentration of the saltwater can be efficiently increased.

[0054] [About the composition of the support] The configuration of the retention carrier 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the structure of the rotating shaft 40, the holding carrier 50 and their surroundings shown in FIG.

[0055] 2, the holding carrier 50 includes a frame portion 51 and a mesh body 58. The holding carrier 50 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is attached to a rotating shaft 40 to serve as a rotor that is rotated by the rotating shaft 40.

[0056] The frame portion 51 is configured to have a substantially cylindrical structure in external appearance, and serves as a skeleton of the main body of the holding carrier 50. The frame portion 51 has a pair of end frame structures 52 and a plurality of connecting frames 55.

[0057] Each of the pair of end frame structures 52 extends radially (disc-shaped) and is disposed facing each other with a space therebetween in the axial direction. The end frame structure 52 is configured to include a rectangular closed link structure 53 that serves as its basic structure and is made of, for example, a plurality of resin pipe members. Furthermore, the end frame structure 52 includes a cross structure 54 that is similarly made of a plurality of resin pipe members, and the cross structure 54 abuts against the closed link structure to be connected and fixed.

[0058] Each of the end frame structures 52 is constituted by the closed link structure and the cross structure 54. At this time, the rotating shaft 40 is fixedly attached to the central (cross) portion of the cross structure 54. In this manner, each of the end frame structures 52 is disposed so as to form an end portion of the rotor. Moreover, the pair of end frame structures 52 are disposed in the same phase (shape-matching) with each other in the circumferential direction.

[0059] Each of the multiple connection frames 55 is disposed extending along the axial direction. Each of the multiple connection frames 55 axially connects the corners of the closed link structures 53 described above in the pair of end frame structures 52, or axially connects the tip ends of the cross structures 54 described above. In this manner, each of the multiple connection frames 55 is provided so as to form a circumferential portion of the rotor described above.

[0060] Furthermore, a mesh-like net body 58 is wound and stretched (tensioned) around the plurality of connecting frames 55 in the circumferential direction of the main body of the holding carrier 50. The surface of the net body 58 is provided in a dark color.

[0061] Specifically, the mesh body 58 is braided with a large number of black or dark colored fibers, and is provided with light absorbing and breathable properties. The fibers are made of, for example, synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the mesh body 58 constitutes the outer circumferential surface (circumferential surface) of the main body of the retention carrier 50, and retains saltwater supplied from the discharge port 20 with its braided structure.

[0062] That is, in this embodiment, the retention carrier 50 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, and is provided so as to be able to retain seawater supplied from the discharge port 20 at at least a portion of its surface.

[0063] Specifically, a portion of the salt water supplied from the discharge port 20 comes into contact with the mesh body 58 of the rotating retention carrier 50, is impregnated inside the mesh body 58, and is then conducted (transmitted) by gravity. The salt water is then continuously dripped toward the flow path 30 from the underside of the main body of the rotating retention carrier 50, and is supplied to the flow path 30. In other words, at least a portion of the salt water discharged from the discharge port 20 is supplied to the flow path 30 through the mesh body 58 of the retention carrier 50.

[0064] As a result, the saltwater is conducted in a detour through the retention carrier 50 compared to a route in which the saltwater is directly supplied from the discharge port 20 to the flow path 30, and is finally supplied to the flow path 30. At the same time, since the retention carrier 50 has light absorption properties and air permeability as described above, the moisture in the saltwater evaporates efficiently during the conduction process.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a blade 56 is fixedly disposed integrally on each of the circumferentially inner sides of the multiple connecting frames 55. The blade 56 is formed to have a substantially cup-shaped cross section, and the openings 57 of the blades 56 attached to each connecting frame 55 are disposed so as to face in substantially the same direction in the circumferential direction. Also, each of the multiple blades 56 is disposed in parallel with the connecting frame 55 on the radially inner side of the connecting frame 55 along its extending direction (axial direction).

[0066] In this embodiment, a plurality of blades 56 are disposed between the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 40 and the retaining carrier 50, and the retaining carrier 50 is rotated together with the rotating shaft 40, so that the blades 56 rotate integrally. As a result, it is possible to generate wind (air flow) along the radially outward direction of the rotating shaft 40. As described above, the rotating shaft 40 and the retaining carrier 50 rotate in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the flow path 30. Therefore, the wind generated by the blades 56 hits the surface of the saltwater in the flow path 30 near the surface of the saltwater and is rectified, and similarly flows along the opposite direction to the flow direction of the flow path 30.

[0067] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of wings 56 can also store (receive) in its internal space having a roughly cup-shaped cross section the saltwater that drips down after passing through the mesh body 58 of the retention carrier 50 in the front-back direction. That is, each of the plurality of wings 56 also functions as a tray for saltwater. The saltwater temporarily stored in the internal space of the wings 56 spills out appropriately from the inside as the retention carrier 50 rotates.

[0068] [· Driving mechanism around the support carrier] The driving mechanism around the retention carrier 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the rotating shaft 40 shown in FIG. In addition, the multiple rotating shafts 40 and holding carriers 50 each have the same structure, and only one of them is shown in FIG. 4 as a representative example.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, each of the rotating shafts 40 is rotatably supported by a pair (a left and right pair in Fig. 3) of shaft supports 41. Each of the pair of shaft supports 41 is fixed to the building 11 at the vertical center of the building 11.

[0070] One of the shaft support parts 41 includes a housing 42 (e.g., a metal or resin case) and a bearing 43 built into the housing 42. The other shaft support part 41 similarly includes a housing 42, which has a bearing 43 built into it. The pair of bearings 43 are inserted into the respective ends of the rotating shaft 40, and hold the rotating shaft 40 rotatably.

[0071] The other end of the rotating shaft 40 is supported exposed outward from the bearing 43, and the end is mechanically connected to the drive motor 45 via the coupling 44. The coupling 44 is interposed between the end of the rotating part and the drive motor 45, and connects the rotating shaft 40 and the drive motor 45 as an intermediate member. When the drive motor 45 is driven to rotate, the rotating shaft 40 is driven to rotate through the coupling 44. As a result, the aforementioned holding carrier 50 rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating shaft 40.

[0072] In this embodiment, in order to increase the output torque, the drive motor 45 is, for example, a geared drive motor provided integrally with a reduction mechanism.

[0073] [Functions related to the control device of the salt water concentrator] The functions of the control device 70 of the salt water concentrating device will be described with reference to FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions related to a control device 70 of the device shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

[0074] 5, the saltwater concentrating device of this embodiment is configured to include a control device 70, and an environment detection SN is set as an input system in the control system. The output system is set to include a rotation control C1, a dehumidification control C2, and a circulation control C3.

[0075] The environment detection SN is made up of a sensor group 60. The sensor group 60 includes a water temperature sensor 61, a room temperature sensor 62, a humidity sensor 63, an illuminance sensor 64, and a concentration sensor 65.

[0076] The water temperature sensor 61 is installed inside the flow path 30 and electrically detects the liquid temperature of the seawater flowing through the flow path 30. The room temperature sensor 62 is installed on an inner wall of the building 11 or the like and electrically detects the air temperature inside the building 11. Similarly, the humidity sensor 63 is installed on an inner wall of the building 11 or the like and electrically detects the humidity inside the building 11. The illuminance sensor 64 is installed on a ceiling wall of the building 11 or the like and electrically detects the illuminance of sunlight (an example of light) irradiated toward the building 11. In other words, the illuminance sensor detects fluctuations in illuminance due to changes over time in the altitude of the sun (for example, sunrise or sunset). The concentration sensor 65 is installed inside the flow path 30 like the water temperature sensor 61 and electrically detects the concentration of the seawater flowing through the flow path 30.

[0077] The detection values ​​(detection results) of each of the sensors of the sensor group 60 configured in this manner are output (transmitted) to the control device 70. The control device 70 calculates and outputs (transmits) control values ​​(control signals) for each of the output systems based on the detection values ​​of those sensors. That is, each of the detection results of those sensor group 60 is output to the control device 70 and used for driving and controlling actuator devices such as the drive motor 45, the dehumidifier 81, and the motorized flow control valve 26.

[0078] In addition, there is no particular limitation on the electrical and / or mechanical structure of the sensor group 60 as long as it can detect the above-mentioned detection target. As long as the control device 70 can perform the desired control based on the detection results of the sensor group 60, various sensor devices can be appropriately adopted.

[0079] The rotation control C1 includes a driver DR, a drive motor 45, and a holding carrier 50.

[0080] The driver DR is connected to a power source (not shown) and drives the drive motor 45 by managing the power supplied from the power source to the drive motor 45. The driver DR receives a control signal from the control device 70 and operates the drive motor 45 based on the control signal. In this embodiment, the control device 70 controls the number of rotations of the drive motor 45 by controlling the voltage supplied to the drive motor 45 through the drive. As described above, the drive motor 45 and the holding carrier 50 are mechanically linked, and when the drive motor 45 is rotationally driven, the holding carrier 50 also rotates at the same time.

[0081] The dehumidification control C2 is configured to include a dehumidification device 81. The control device 70 controls the humidity in the internal space of the building 11, for example, by controlling the ON / OFF of the dehumidification device 81.

[0082] The circulation control C3 includes an electric flow rate control valve 26, a pump 83, and a tank 82.

[0083] As described above, saltwater flowing from flow path 30 is temporarily stored in tank 82, and the stored seawater is pumped up toward the discharge portion by pump 83. At that time, control device 70 drives and controls the above-mentioned electric actuator in electric flow control valve 26 of discharge port 20 to rotate the valve seat (not shown). In other words, the electric actuator of electric flow control valve 26 rotates the valve seat based on the drive control of control device 70, and adjusts the opening degree. As a result, the discharge amount (supply amount) of seawater discharged from discharge port 20 is controlled (adaptively adjusted).

[0084] In the control system thus configured, the control device 70 is configured to be capable of control based on machine learning and / or optimal control, with detection information from the sensor group 60 as an input value and drive information (control amount) of actuators such as the drive motor 45 as an output value. When executing control based on machine learning, for example, the control device 70 of this embodiment determines the control amount while adaptively setting the model so that the amount of evaporation of water from seawater at that point in time is maximized at each moment.

[0085] When executing control based on machine learning, the control device 70 may be configured to externally acquire, for example, an initial model of the machine learning or an existing model in another device operating in a similar environment via the Internet. Alternatively, the control device 70 may be configured to mainly transmit and receive information such as detection information and control information to an external server device, and to perform external processing using a machine learning algorithm built into (installed in) the external server device (for example, using a SaaS (Software as a Service) system). Various configurations can be adopted as long as the control system can maximize the amount of evaporation of water from the saltwater circulated by this device.

[0086] [Features and advantages of this embodiment] As described above, the seawater concentrating device 10 (one example of a saltwater treatment device) of this embodiment includes the discharge port 20 that discharges saltwater vertically downward, the flow path 30 that is arranged vertically below the discharge port 20 and is formed with an open upper portion to receive saltwater supplied from above and guides the received saltwater along a first direction D1, the rotating shaft 40 that is arranged between the discharge port 20 and the flow path 30 and extends horizontally and intersects with the first direction D1, and the retention carrier 50 that is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided so that at least a portion of its surface can hold the saltwater supplied thereon and is rotatably attached by the rotating shaft 40. At least a portion of the saltwater discharged from the discharge port 20 is supplied to the flow path 30 through the retention carrier 50.

[0087] Therefore, a part of the saltwater discharged from the discharge port 20 is supplied to the flow path 30 through the retention carrier 50 rotatably attached by the rotating shaft 40 disposed between the discharge port 20 and the flow path 30. At this time, the retention carrier 50 extends in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 40, and the area (path) required for the saltwater to evaporate is circumferentially secured, thereby improving the evaporation efficiency of the saltwater while saving space. Furthermore, with the overall rotation of the retention carrier 50 by the rotating shaft 40, an air flow (air current) is generated on the surface of the flow path 30, and the evaporation efficiency in the flow path 30 can be improved at the same time while having a simple structure. In other words, when the saltwater is seawater, salt rich in minerals can be produced using natural energy of solar heat and wind, and the productivity (evaporation efficiency) can be improved while simplifying the structure and saving space.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a salt water treatment apparatus) of this embodiment, the rotating shaft 40 is disposed so that its rotation direction is reverse to the first direction D1 in the circumferential direction on the lower vertical side.

[0089] Therefore, with regard to the speed of the air flow (wind speed) on the surface of the flow path 30, the wind speed on the surface of the flow path 30 can be relatively increased by generating wind in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the flow path 30. Here, when assuming the evaporation rate in a simple model "a state in which wind is blowing over the water surface where no heat is entering or leaving," it is theoretically known that the evaporation rate can be increased by increasing the wind speed over the water surface. As a result, according to this embodiment, the evaporation efficiency in the flow path 30 can be further increased.

[0090] In addition, according to the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 of this embodiment (an example of a salt water treatment apparatus), one or more blades 56 are provided between the rotating shaft 40 and the outer periphery of the retaining carrier 50 so as to be capable of generating wind along the radially outward direction of the rotating shaft 40 and rotate together with the rotating shaft 40.

[0091] Therefore, it is possible to generate an even stronger wind flow on the surface of the flow path 30, and as a result, it is possible to further increase the evaporation efficiency in the flow path 30.

[0092] According to the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a saltwater treatment apparatus) of the present embodiment, the discharge port 20, the flow path 30, the rotating shaft 40, and the retention carrier 50 are arranged inside the structure 11 (an example of a predetermined space). The structure 11 further includes a dehumidifier 81 for dehumidifying the inside of the space.

[0093] Therefore, by disposing the dehumidifier 81 inside a given space, the humidity inside the space can be reduced, which results in an increased evaporation efficiency inside the space.

[0094] Moreover, according to the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a saltwater treatment apparatus) of the present embodiment, the retention carrier 50 includes a mesh body 58 stretched over the circumferential direction on the surface thereof.

[0095] Therefore, by simultaneously improving the saltwater retention capacity of the retention carrier 50 and reducing its weight, it is possible to achieve a good balance between the evaporation efficiency in the retention carrier 50 and the generation of airflow on the surface of the flow path 30.

[0096] Moreover, according to the seawater concentrating device 10 (an example of a saltwater treatment device) of this embodiment, the discharge port 20, the flow path 30, the rotating shaft 40, and the retention carrier 50 are arranged inside the structure 11 (an example of a predetermined space).The seawater concentrating device 10 further includes an illuminance detection unit that detects the illuminance of light irradiated toward the space, a humidity detection unit that detects the humidity inside the space, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of saltwater guided by the flow path 30, and a control device 70 (an example of a control unit) that controls the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 40 and / or the flow rate of the discharge port 20 based on the detection results of the illuminance detection unit, the humidity detection unit, and the temperature detection unit.

[0097] For this reason, the control device 70 (an example of a control unit) is further included, and the control device 70 controls the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 40 and / or the flow rate of the discharge port 20 based on the detection results of the illuminance detection unit, the humidity detection unit, and the temperature detection unit. For this reason, the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 40 and / or the flow rate of the discharge port 20 are optimized based on a control algorithm such as machine learning and / or optimal control. As a result, it is possible to adaptively achieve both the evaporation efficiency in the retention carrier 50 and the evaporation efficiency in the flow channel 30.

[0098] Moreover, according to the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a salt water treatment apparatus) of this embodiment, the surface of the retention carrier 50 is provided in a dark color.

[0099] Therefore, the efficiency of absorbing heat from sunlight can be increased, and the evaporation efficiency in the support 50 can be further improved.

[0100] According to the seawater concentrating apparatus 10 (an example of a saltwater treatment apparatus) of the present embodiment, the downstream end of the flow path 30 communicates with the discharge port 20. Saltwater circulates through the flow path 30 and the discharge port 20 inside the apparatus.

[0101] For this reason, the salt water is circulated inside the device, which can further increase the concentration efficiency.

[0102] [Regarding the first modified example of this embodiment] A first modification of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. In this modification, one or more air blowers (an example of an air blowing section), such as an electric fan and / or a circulator, are disposed inside the building 11. The air blower blows air against the surface of the flow path 30. At that time, the air blower blows air in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the flow path 30.

[0103] According to this modification, the device further includes a blower (an example of a blower section) that blows air onto the surface of the flow path 30. In this case, air is forcibly generated onto the surface of the flow path 30, and as a result, the efficiency of evaporation of moisture in the flow path 30 can be further increased.

[0104] According to this modification, the blower (an example of a blower section) blows air in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. In this case, air is forcibly generated in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the flow path 30, and as a result, the evaporation efficiency in the flow path 30 can be further improved.

[0105] <Conclusion> Although the specific embodiments have been described above, the aspects of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments, and suitable modifications and improvements are possible. [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] The present invention is useful as a brine concentrating device that can produce mineral-rich salt using the natural energy of solar heat and wind, and that can increase productivity (water evaporation) efficiency while simplifying and saving space in its structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10: Seawater concentrator 11: Buildings 12: Roof 13: Bottom part 20:Discharge port 21: Piping 22: Straight pipe 23: Bent pipe 24: Heating section 25:Exit part 26: Electric flow control valve 30: Flow path 40: Rotation axis 41: Shaft support part 42: Housing 43: Bearing 44: Coupling 45: Drive motor 50: Support 51: Frame section 52: End frame structure 53: Closed link structure 54: Cross structure 55: Connecting frame 56: Wings 57: Opening 58: Reticulum 60: Sensor group 61: Water temperature sensor 62: Room temperature sensor 63: Humidity sensor 64: Illuminance sensor 65: Concentration sensor 70: Control device 81:Dehumidifier 82: Tank 83: Pump C1: Rotation control C2: Dehumidification control C3: Circulation control D1: First direction DR: Driver SN:Environment Detection

Claims

1. An outlet (20) for discharging salt water vertically downward; a flow path (30) that is disposed vertically below the discharge port (20), that is open at the top to receive the salt water supplied from above, and that guides the received salt water along a first direction (D1); a rotation shaft (40) disposed between the discharge port (20) and the flow path (30), extending along a horizontal direction and intersecting the first direction (D1); a holding carrier (50) formed in a cylindrical shape, capable of holding the salt water supplied at at least a portion of its surface, and rotatably attached by the rotating shaft (40); At least a portion of the salt water discharged from the discharge port (20) is supplied to the flow path (30) through the retention carrier (50). A saline concentrator (10).

2. The rotating shaft (40) is disposed so that its rotation direction is reverse to the first direction (D1) in the circumferential direction on the lower vertical side thereof. The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 1.

3. Between the rotating shaft (40) and the outer periphery of the holding carrier (50), one or more blades (56) are provided along the radially outer side of the rotating shaft (40) so as to be capable of generating wind and rotate together with the rotating shaft (40). A saltwater concentrator (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising a blower for blowing air onto the surface of the flow path (30), The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 1.

5. The blower blows air in a direction opposite to the first direction (D1). The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 4.

6. The discharge port (20), the flow path (30), the rotating shaft (40), and the retention carrier (50) are arranged inside a predetermined space, Further comprising a dehumidifier (81) for dehumidifying the interior of the space. The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 1.

7. The support (50) includes a mesh (58) stretched around the circumferential direction of the surface. The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 1.

8. The discharge port (20), the flow path (30), the rotating shaft (40), and the retention carrier (50) are arranged inside a predetermined space, an illuminance detection unit that detects the illuminance of light irradiated toward the space; A humidity detection unit that detects humidity inside the space; a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the saltwater guided by the flow path; and a control unit (70) that controls the number of rotations of the rotating shaft (40) and / or the flow rate of the discharge port (20) based on the detection results of the illuminance detection unit, the humidity detection unit, and the temperature detection unit. The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 1.

9. The surface of the support (50) is provided with a dark color; The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 1.

10. The flow path (30) communicates with the discharge port (20) at its downstream end, The salt water circulates through the flow path (30) and the discharge port (20) inside the device. The saltwater concentrator (10) of claim 1.

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