Processing apparatus for carbonaceous solid fuel, method for controlling characteristics of carbonaceous solid fuel, and power generation facility

Abstract

To provide a processing apparatus for carbonaceous solid fuel capable of controlling heat generation characteristics by suppressing heat generation factors (heat generation due to chemical oxidation and heat generation due to biological fermentation).SOLUTION: A processing apparatus for carbonaceous solid fuel includes: generating plasma 6 inside a vessel member 3 to which biomass 2 is transported; generating excited atoms (OH radicals and O radicals) of a treatment gas component; forming functional groups (a carboxyl group: COOH group and / or a hydroxy group: OH group) on a surface of the biomass 2 to hydrophilize the surface; removing (sterilizing) microorganisms (bacteria) adhering to the biomass 2 by OH radicals and O radicals acting on the microorganisms; and suppressing oxidative heat generation and fermentative heat generation by hydrophilization treatment and sterilization treatment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon-based solid fuel treatment device for treating the surface properties of a carbon-based solid fuel, a method for treating the properties of a carbon-based solid fuel, and a power generation facility. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, coal is widely used as a carbon-based solid fuel in power plants. Coal is found in many parts of the world, has large recoverable reserves, and has stable prices, so it has a stable supply and a low price per unit of heat. In addition, the use of biomass, such as woody biomass, is expanding as a carbon-based solid fuel, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions.

[0003] Since coal and biomass are stored in the atmosphere, there is a possibility that natural oxidation will generate heat and cause a rise in temperature. In order to suppress the rise in temperature, for example, a technique for spraying a spontaneous combustion inhibitor has been proposed (Patent Document 1). By using the techniques proposed in the past, it is possible to suppress the rise in temperature in coal yards and biomass storage areas.

[0004] At present, various technologies for suppressing temperature rise in coal yards and biomass storage sites are being considered other than that described in Patent Document 1, and the reality is that there is room to find an optimal method depending on the business form and the type of carbon-based solid fuel. In such a situation, it may be possible to control the heat generation characteristics by performing some kind of treatment on the carbon-based solid fuel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-194447 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a carbon-based solid fuel treatment device and a carbon-based solid fuel property treatment method that can control the characteristics regarding heat generation by performing a process to control the state of the carbon-based solid fuel and suppressing heat generation factors (heat generation due to chemical oxidation, heat generation due to biological fermentation).

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a power generation facility that uses a carbon-based solid fuel as fuel and can control the characteristics regarding heat generation by suppressing heat generation factors (heat generation due to chemical oxidation, heat generation due to biological fermentation). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device of the present invention according to claim 1 is characterized in comprising a container member in which a carbon-based solid fuel is accommodated, a treatment gas supply means for supplying a treatment gas into the inside of the container member, a treatment gas activation means (electrode, power supply, etc.) for activating a component of the treatment gas, and a control means for controlling the supply of the treatment gas from the treatment gas supply means and the operation of the treatment gas activation means, generating excited atoms of a component of the treatment gas inside the container member, and controlling the state of the carbon-based solid fuel.

[0009] In the present invention according to claim 1, a carbon-based solid fuel is stored inside a container member, a processing gas is supplied to the container member from a processing gas supply means, and a component of the processing gas is activated by a processing gas activation means. The state of the carbon-based solid fuel is controlled so that heat generation is suppressed by active atoms (active substances) generated from atoms of the processing gas components.

[0010] For example, it is possible to form hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals) or O radicals, which are active oxygen species, and form functional groups on the surface of carbonaceous solid fuel to make the surface hydrophilic (a process that inhibits contact of O2 with the surface and suppresses oxidation heat generation), or to sterilize the carbonaceous solid fuel (a process that kills microorganisms that cause fermentation). Radicals have a short life span, so there is no risk of them leaking from the equipment.

[0011] By using surplus electricity (for example, surplus renewable energy electricity) as the driving force (electricity) of the process gas activation means, it is possible to utilize the surplus energy.

[0012] This makes it possible to carry out a process for controlling the state of the carbon-based solid fuel, thereby suppressing heat generation and controlling the characteristics against heat generation.

[0013] The carbon-based solid fuel treatment device of the present invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device described in claim 1, the treatment gas activation means is a plasma generation means that converts the treatment gas into plasma and generates treatment gas plasma inside the container member.

[0014] In the present invention according to claim 2, a process gas plasma is generated inside the vessel member by the plasma generating means, and excited atoms of the components of the process gas are generated as active atoms.

[0015] Furthermore, the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device of the present invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device described in claim 1, the treatment gas contains atoms for forming functional groups in the carbon-based solid fuel and atoms that act on microorganisms attached to the carbon-based solid fuel, and the control means controls the supply of the treatment gas and the operation of the treatment gas activation means, and controls the formation of functional groups and the removal of microorganisms.

[0016] In the present invention according to claim 3, functional groups are formed on the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel, making the surface hydrophilic and also removing microorganisms. By making the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel hydrophilic, the bonding strength between the surface and moisture (bonding with the functional group) becomes stronger, and the surface is coated with water with strong bonding strength, making it difficult for O2 to come into contact with the surface, thereby suppressing oxidation heat generation. Since the moisture on the surface is bonded to the functional group, it does not act as moisture for the proliferation of microorganisms, and the proliferation of microorganisms again is suppressed.

[0017] Even if the bound moisture evaporates, the heat generation can be suppressed by the latent heat of vaporization. Because functional groups are formed on the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel, even if the moisture bound to the functional groups is released due to evaporation or other reasons, the functional groups and moisture can be re-bound with strong binding force by creating a wet environment, such as by spraying water, and the temperature can be stabilized after the heat generation is suppressed.

[0018] Furthermore, the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device of the present invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that in the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device according to claim 3, the treatment gas contains atoms for forming active oxygen species.

[0019] In the present invention according to claim 4, active oxygen species (e.g., hydroxyl radicals, superoxide, singlet oxygen) are formed, functional groups are formed on the surface of the carbonaceous solid fuel, the surface is hydrophilized, and microorganisms are removed (killed and prevented from reattaching), thereby making it possible to suppress heat generation due to oxidation and heat generation due to fermentation.

[0020] Furthermore, the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device of the present invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device described in claim 4, the treatment gas contains at least one of O and H, and the active oxygen species contains at least one of OH radicals and O radicals.

[0021] In the present invention according to claim 5, at least one of OH radicals and O radicals (superoxide) is formed, functional groups are formed on the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel, and the surface is hydrophilized, and microorganisms are removed (dead). Furthermore, by hydrophilizing the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel, reattachment of microorganisms is prevented, and microorganisms can be removed.

[0022] In addition, the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device of the present invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device described in claim 5, the functional group is a carboxyl group (COOH group) and / or a hydroxyl group (OH group).

[0023] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, COOH groups and OH groups can be formed as functional groups on the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel.

[0024] The functional groups formed are not limited to COOH groups and OH groups, and may be other hydrophilic functional groups such as aldehyde groups (CHO groups).

[0025] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the method for treating the properties of a carbon-based solid fuel of the present invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel is treated with excited atoms from plasma, and the state of the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel is controlled to make the surface hydrophilic and / or to remove microorganisms.

[0026] In the present invention according to claim 7, the carbon-based solid fuel is treated with excited atoms to form functional groups on the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel, making the surface hydrophilic (treatment that inhibits contact of O2 with the surface and suppresses oxidation heat generation) or sterilizing the carbon-based solid fuel (treatment that kills microorganisms that cause fermentation).

[0027] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the power generation equipment of the present invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that it comprises a carbon-based solid fuel treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a combustion means for obtaining a high-temperature, high-pressure fluid using the carbon-based solid fuel whose state has been treated in the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device as fuel, and a power generation means for generating power using the high-temperature, high-pressure fluid obtained by the combustion means as power.

[0028] In the present invention according to claim 8, the motive power for generating electricity can be obtained by using a carbon-based solid fuel in which heat generation factors (heat generation due to oxidation, heat generation due to fermentation) are suppressed and the heat generation characteristics are controlled. Effect of the Invention

[0029] The carbon-based solid fuel processing device and carbon-based solid fuel property processing method of the present invention perform processing to control the state of the carbon-based solid fuel and suppress heat generation factors (heat generation due to oxidation, heat generation due to fermentation), making it possible to control the heat generation characteristics.

[0030] The power generation equipment of the present invention is capable of using as fuel a carbon-based solid fuel (e.g., biomass such as woody biomass) whose heat generation characteristics are controlled by suppressing heat generation factors (heat generation due to oxidation, heat generation due to fermentation). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a carbon-based solid fuel treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the surface state of a carbon-based solid fuel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the surface state of a carbon-based solid fuel. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a state in which excited atoms act on a microorganism. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power generation facility equipped with a carbon-based solid fuel treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The carbon-based solid fuel treatment device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic overall configuration of a carbon-based solid fuel (e.g., woody biomass) treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a concept explaining the state of functional groups on the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel, FIG. 3 shows a concept of the state of water adhesion to the carbon-based solid fuel in a state of enhanced hydrophilicity, and FIG. 4 shows a concept of the state in which microorganisms (bacteria) are killed by hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals) and O radicals.

[0034] 1, the treatment device 1 includes a container member 3 in which biomass 2 (woody biomass) as a carbon-based solid fuel is transported and stored. An electrode 4 is disposed in the container member 3, and the electrode 4 is connected to a power source 5 (treatment gas activation means: plasma generation means).

[0035] The electrode 4 is not limited to a plate shape, and may be of other shapes such as a needle shape.

[0036] O2 gas and H2O (water vapor) are supplied as processing gases by a processing gas supplying means into the container member 3. That is, the processing gas contains atoms (O, H) for forming functional groups in the biomass 2, and atoms (O, H) acting on the microorganisms (bacteria) attached to the biomass 2. It is also possible to use air as the processing gas.

[0037] The supply (supply control) of O2 gas and H2O (water vapor) from the process gas supply means and the supply (operation control) of power from the power source 5 to the electrode 4 are performed by the control means. That is, the control means controls the supply of O2 gas and H2O (water vapor) from the process gas supply means and the operation of the plasma generation means, so that plasma 6 is generated inside the container member 3 to generate excited atoms as active atoms generated from atoms of the process gas components {active oxygen species: hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals) and O radicals as active substances}. That is, the process gas plasma is generated.

[0038] Instead of supplying H2O (water vapor), a water source such as a water tank is provided inside the container member 3, and excited atoms (OH radicals: OH * , O radical: O * ) can also be generated.

[0039] Excited atoms (OH radicals: OH * , O radical: O *), functional groups (carboxyl groups: COOH groups and / or hydroxyl groups: OH groups) are formed on the surface of the biomass 2, making the surface hydrophilic, and OH radicals and O radicals that act on the microorganisms (bacteria) can be used to remove (sterilize) microorganisms attached to the biomass 2.

[0040] That is, as shown in Fig. 2, OH radicals and O radicals act on the surface of biomass 2, converting it into OH groups, COOH groups, etc., and forming hydrophilic functional groups such as OH groups and COOH groups. By making the surface of biomass 2 hydrophilic, the bonding strength (bonding with functional groups) between the surface of biomass 2 and moisture 12 becomes stronger as shown in Fig. 3, that is, the bonding strength becomes stronger by bonding with functional groups compared to the moisture present between particles, and the biomass 2 is coated with water with strong bonding strength, making it difficult for O2 to come into contact with the biomass 2, thereby suppressing the generation of heat due to oxidation.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4 (Figure 2), OH radicals and O radicals act on the microorganisms (bacteria) 11 attached to the biomass 2 (sterilization treatment), killing and removing the microorganisms (bacteria) 11 that cause fermentation, thereby suppressing the heat generated by fermentation.

[0042] Since the moisture 12 on the surface of the biomass 2 is bonded to functional groups, it does not serve as moisture for the proliferation of the microorganisms (bacteria) 11, and the proliferation of the microorganisms (bacteria) 11 is suppressed.

[0043] As the means for generating excited atoms (process gas activation means), means other than the plasma generating means can be used. For example, a means for generating excited atoms using a photocatalyst that generates OH radicals when exposed to ultraviolet light (sunlight) can be used.

[0044] When the bound moisture 12 evaporates, the heat generation can be suppressed by the latent heat of evaporation. Even if the moisture bound to the functional group is released due to evaporation or the like, the functional group is formed on the surface of the biomass 2, so that the functional group and the moisture can be bound again with a strong binding force by creating a wet environment such as by watering, and the temperature can be stabilized after the heat generation is suppressed.

[0045] This makes it possible to subject the biomass 2 to hydrophilization treatment (treatment for controlling the state of the biomass 2) and sterilization treatment, thereby suppressing heat generation in the biomass 2 and controlling the characteristics against heat generation.

[0046] Surplus energy can be utilized by using surplus power (for example, surplus renewable energy power) as the driving force (electricity) of the plasma generating means, that is, as the power source of the power supply 5. In addition, the by-product (O2) generated after generating H2 by electrolysis can be used as the processing gas.

[0047] Returning to Fig. 1, the biomass 2 that has been subjected to hydrophilization (treatment to control the state of the biomass 2) and sterilization and whose heat generation has been suppressed (characteristics against heat generation have been controlled) is transported to a storage site 7 (such as a silo) and used as various types of fuel. Because the biomass 2 is in a state in which heat generation has been suppressed, the risk of the biomass 2 catching fire is significantly reduced even in the storage site 7 where the biomass 2 is stored in a harsh environment or in the storage site 7 where the biomass 2 is stored for a long period of time.

[0048] In the above embodiment, biomass 2 (woody biomass) has been used as an example of carbonaceous solid fuel, but coal can also be subjected to hydrophilic and sterilizing treatments to suppress heat generation. Therefore, even for coal that requires measures against heat generation, heat generation can be suppressed and appropriate measures taken against ignition can be taken. When applied to coal, the coal that has been subjected to hydrophilic and sterilizing treatments is sent to a coal yard, for example. Furthermore, biomass charcoal, sludge charcoal, refuse-derived fuels (RDF, RPF), etc. can be used as carbonaceous solid fuels.

[0049] An application example of the treatment device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a power generation facility (for example, a coal-fired power generation facility) equipped with the treatment device 1 described above.

[0050] The biomass 2, which has been subjected to hydrophilization and sterilization treatment in the treatment device 1 to suppress heat generation, is sent, for example, via a storage site 7 (see FIG. 1) or directly to a crushing device (mill) 15 where it is crushed into a desired shape, and is then sent as part of the fuel to a boiler 17 of a power generation facility 16. In the boiler 17, the biomass 2 crushed into the desired shape is combusted as part of the fuel to generate high-temperature, high-pressure steam (high-temperature, high-pressure fluid).

[0051] The high-temperature, high-pressure steam generated in the boiler 17 is sent to and expanded by the steam turbine 18, which drives the steam turbine 18. The driving of the steam turbine 18 operates a generator 19, which generates electricity. The steam that has completed its work in the steam turbine 18 is condensed in a condenser 20 and supplied to the boiler 17.

[0052] The biomass 2, which has been subjected to hydrophilization and sterilization treatment in the processing device 1 to suppress heat generation, is pulverized in the pulverizing device (mill) 15, so that heat generation of the biomass 2 inside the mill 15 is also suppressed.

[0053] The above-mentioned power generation equipment 16 can pulverize the biomass 2 in which heat generation factors (heat generation due to oxidation and heat generation due to fermentation) are suppressed and the heat generation characteristics are controlled, and use the pulverized biomass 2 as part of the fuel for the boiler 17. This can suppress unnecessary heat generation in the fuel supply system in the power generation equipment 16, and reduce the causes of operational problems.

[0054] The above-mentioned power generation facility 16 can use biomass 2 with controlled heat generation characteristics, and therefore can increase the amount and frequency of use of biomass 2. This makes it possible to build a low-carbon power generation facility.

[0055] In addition, examples of applications of the biomass 2 that has been subjected to hydrophilic treatment and sterilization treatment in the treatment device 1 to suppress heat generation are not limited to fuel (part of fuel) for the boiler 17, but can be used for other purposes. For example, it can be used as a raw material for a gasification furnace, or for other purposes. [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be utilized in the industrial fields of carbon-based solid fuel treatment devices and carbon-based solid fuel property treatment methods, and in the industrial field of power generation facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Processing equipment 2. Biomass 3. Container Materials 4 electrodes 5 Power supply 6. Plasma 7 Storage 11 Microorganisms (bacteria) 12. Moisture 15 Grinding equipment (mill) 16 Power generation facilities 17 Boiler 18 Steam Turbine 19. Generator 20 Condenser

Claims

1. A container member in which a carbon-based solid fuel is contained; a process gas supply means for supplying a process gas into the container member; a process gas activation means for activating a component of the process gas; a control means for controlling the supply of the processing gas from the processing gas supply means and the operation of the processing gas activation means, generating excited atoms of components of the processing gas inside the container member, and controlling the state of the carbon-based solid fuel. A carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus according to claim 1, The processing gas activation means includes: a plasma generating means for generating a processing gas plasma inside the container member by converting the processing gas into plasma. A carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus comprising:

3. 2. The carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus according to claim 1, The process gas is The carbon-based solid fuel includes an atom for forming a functional group, and an atom acting on a microorganism attached to the carbon-based solid fuel, The control means controls the supply of the processing gas and the operation of the processing gas activation means, and controls the formation of functional groups and the removal of microorganisms. A carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus comprising:

4. The carbon-based solid fuel treatment device according to claim 3, The process gas contains atoms for forming reactive oxygen species. A carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus comprising:

5. The carbon-based solid fuel treatment device according to claim 4, The process gas is Contains at least one of O and H, The reactive oxygen species is Contains at least one of OH radicals or O radicals A carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus comprising:

6. 6. The carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus according to claim 5, The functional group is a carboxyl group (COOH group) and / or a hydroxyl group (OH group). A carbon-based solid fuel treatment apparatus comprising:

7. The surface of the carbon-based solid fuel is treated with excited atoms produced by plasma, and the state of the surface of the carbon-based solid fuel is controlled to make the surface hydrophilic and / or to remove microorganisms. A method for processing the properties of a carbon-based solid fuel.

8. A carbon-based solid fuel treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a combustion means for obtaining a high-temperature and high-pressure fluid by using the carbon-based solid fuel whose state has been treated by the carbon-based solid fuel treatment device as fuel; a power generation means for generating electricity using the high-temperature and high-pressure fluid obtained by the combustion means as a power source. The power generation facility is characterized by:

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