Power generation system and power generation system

Abstract

To combine a system for desalinating salt water at a low cost without performing temperature control on a mixed entropy battery with the mixed entropy battery to efficiently generate electric power.SOLUTION: A power generation system comprises: a mixed entropy battery having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a tank; a first storage unit for storing first fluid of which positive ions are captured to the first electrode and negative ions are captured to the second electrode; a generation unit for generating first fluid and supplying it the first storage unit; and a supply unit for alternately supplying the first fluid stored in the first storage unit and second fluid of which positive ions are ejected from the first electrode and negative ions are ejected from the second electrode, to the tank. The mixed entropy battery captures positive ions to the first electrode and captures negative ions to the second electrode when the first fluid is supplied to the tank, and ejects positive ions from the first electrode and ejects negative ions from the second electrode when the second fluid is supplied to the tank, thereby generating electric power.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation system and a power generation method.

Background Art

[0002] As a power generation method using a mixed entropy battery, for example, there is a power generation method disclosed in Patent Document 1. The mixed entropy battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a medium that undergoes a phase transition into a plurality of phases including a first phase and a second phase, and a metal salt. This medium is in a state of a mixture in which at least a first medium and a second medium are mixed in a first temperature range, and becomes a state of a plurality of phases that have undergone a phase transition into at least two phases in a second temperature range. Further, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are in contact with the mixture in the first temperature range, and are in contact with only one of the plurality of phases in the second temperature range. When a voltage is applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode in a state where the medium has undergone a phase transition into a first phase and a second phase in the second temperature range in this mixed entropy battery, the metal adsorbed or fixed to the positive electrode is oxidized into a cation, and the substance adsorbed or fixed to the negative electrode is reduced to an anion and released into the first phase and dissolved, and the mixed entropy battery becomes a charged state.

[0003] Further, when the medium is brought into the first temperature range in a state where this mixed entropy battery is charged, it becomes a state of a mixture in which the first phase and the second phase are mixed. Since the solubility of the metal salt in this mixture is higher than that in the first phase, the concentrations of the cations and anions in the mixture become higher than the concentrations of the cations and anions in the first phase in the second temperature range. When a load is connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode in this state, the mixed entropy battery discharges, the cations are reduced at the positive electrode, and the anions are oxidized at the negative electrode and adsorbed or fixed respectively.

[0004] In addition, as a technology related to a mixing entropy battery, there is a technology described in Non-Patent Document 1. In this technology, when fresh water flows into the tank, sodium ions and chloride ions are released from the electrodes, so a current flows through the load connected to the electrodes. Also, when seawater flows into the tank after the fresh water, the ions in the seawater are taken into the electrodes, so a current flows in the opposite direction to when the fresh water flowed into the tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In a mixed entropy battery using an ionic liquid as disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the ionic liquid has not been industrially mass-produced, it is costly and not suitable for large-scale power generation. Further, in the mixed entropy battery disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a large-capacity system for heating or cooling to change the temperature of the ionic liquid in the mixed entropy battery, which results in high costs. Furthermore, in the mixed entropy battery disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it takes time to change the temperature of the ionic liquid in the mixed entropy battery, the cycle of charging and discharging takes time, and the power that can be taken out is restricted.

[0008] The mixed entropy battery described in Non-Patent Document 1 is restricted by the difference in salt concentration between seawater and fresh water in terms of power generation amount. Also, the mixed entropy battery that utilizes the difference in salt concentration between fresh water and seawater described in Non-Patent Document 1 may be able to increase the salt concentration difference between the two solutions and perform power generation efficiently by combining it with a system for desalinating salt water, but such a system is not known.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to efficiently generate power by combining a low-cost desalination system for salt water and a mixed entropy battery without performing temperature control on the mixed entropy battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a power generation system according to the present invention includes a hybrid entropy battery having a first electrode that releases and takes in cations, a second electrode that releases and takes in anions, and a tank, a first storage unit that stores a first fluid in which cations are taken into the first electrode and anions are taken into the second electrode, a generation unit that generates the first fluid and supplies it to the first storage unit, and a supply unit that alternately supplies the first fluid stored in the first storage unit and a second fluid in which cations are released from the first electrode and anions are released from the second electrode to the tank. The hybrid entropy battery generates electricity by taking in cations into the first electrode and anions into the second electrode when the first fluid is supplied to the tank, and releasing cations from the first electrode and anions from the second electrode when the second fluid is supplied to the tank.

[0011] Further, in the power generation system according to the present invention, the generation unit may generate the first fluid by using a temperature-sensitive water absorbent having a cloud point and a forward osmosis membrane.

[0012] Further, in the power generation system according to the present invention, the first fluid may be salt water, and the second fluid may be the temperature-sensitive water absorbent that has absorbed fresh water.

[0013] Further, in the power generation system according to the present invention, the generation unit may generate the first fluid by using a reverse osmosis membrane.

[0014] Further, in the power generation system according to the present invention, the first fluid and the second fluid may be salt water, and the salt concentration of the first fluid may be higher than that of the second fluid.

[0015] Further, in the power generation system according to the present invention, the first fluid may be salt water, and the second fluid may be fresh water.

[0016] Further, in the power generation system according to the present invention, it may have a second storage unit for storing the second fluid, and the generation unit may generate the second fluid and supply it to the second storage unit.

[0017] Further, the power generation method according to the present invention includes a mixed entropy battery having a first electrode that releases and takes in cations, a second electrode that releases and takes in anions, and a tank, a first storage unit that stores a first fluid in which cations are taken into the first electrode and anions are taken into the second electrode, a generation unit that generates the first fluid and supplies it to the first storage unit, a supply unit that alternately supplies the first fluid stored in the first storage unit and a second fluid in which cations are released from the first electrode and anions are released from the second electrode to the tank, and a power generation method that performs power generation by a power generation system including: a generation step of generating the first fluid and supplying it to the first storage unit; and a supply step of alternately supplying the first fluid stored in the first storage unit and the second fluid to the tank. The mixed entropy battery generates power by taking in cations into the first electrode and anions into the second electrode when the first fluid is supplied to the tank, and releasing cations from the first electrode and anions from the second electrode when the second fluid is supplied to the tank.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, power generation can be efficiently performed by combining a system for desalinating salt water at low cost and a mixed entropy battery without performing temperature control on the mixed entropy battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below. Also, in the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are appropriately given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships of each element may be different from the actual ones. There may also be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings.

[0021] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation system 1000A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The power generation system 1000A is a system that accumulates energy using the power generated at night when the power generated by the power plant is surplus, and performs power generation using the accumulated energy when the power is insufficient. The power generation system 1000A includes tanks 11 to 15, a membrane module 16, pumps 21a to 21f, valves 31a to 31d, heating devices 41a and 41b, a cooling device 42, and a mixed entropy battery 51.

[0022] Tanks 11 to 15 are tanks made of metal or resin and having a hollow cylindrical shape. The membrane module 16 is provided with a forward osmosis membrane 16a inside. Regarding the form of the forward osmosis membrane 16a, various forms of membranes such as flat membranes, tubular membranes, or hollow fibers can be used. The membrane module 16 is, for example, a cylindrical or box-shaped container, and by installing the forward osmosis membrane 16a inside, the inside is partitioned into two chambers by the forward osmosis membrane 16a. A concentrated draw solution 1b is supplied to one of these two chambers, and seawater is supplied to the other chamber by a pump 21f. Examples of the form of the membrane module 16 include various forms such as a spiral module type, a laminated module type, and a hollow fiber module type. As the membrane module 16, a known semipermeable membrane device can be used, or a commercially available product can also be used.

[0023] The forward osmosis membrane 16a is a type of semipermeable membrane and is a membrane that allows water to permeate from the side with a lower osmotic pressure to the side with a higher osmotic pressure. The forward osmosis membrane 16a allows water in seawater to permeate to the concentrated draw solution 1b side. The material of the forward osmosis membrane 16a is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include materials such as cellulose acetate-based, polyamide-based, polyethyleneimine-based, polysulfone-based, or polybenzimidazole-based materials.

[0024] The draw solution 1a and the concentrated draw solution 1b are, for example, aqueous solutions containing a temperature-responsive water absorbent of the LCST (Lower Critical Solution Temperature) type having temperature responsiveness. The LCST-type temperature-responsive water absorbent is a substance that is hydrophilic and has a large water absorption amount at low temperatures, but the water absorption amount decreases as the temperature rises, and becomes hydrophobic and aggregates when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. In the temperature-responsive water absorbent, the temperature at which water solubility and water insolubility change is called the cloud point. That is, the temperature-responsive water absorbent has a cloud point, absorbs water below the cloud point, and aggregates when heated above the cloud point, separating from the absorbed fresh water.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the temperature-responsive water absorbent is a substance that separates when heated above the cloud point and includes at least a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part. Examples of the temperature-responsive water absorbent include polymers composed of at least one selected from linear ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) or butylene oxide (BO) (block copolymers, random copolymers, or polymers containing both block copolymers and random copolymers). Note that the concentrated draw solution 1b may have a specific gravity greater than that of water when heated and may sediment as long as it does so. Since some polymers composed of EO, PO, and BO are also commercially available as surfactants, existing raw materials and equipment for manufacturing the temperature-responsive water absorbent can be utilized. Therefore, the temperature-responsive water absorbent can be manufactured industrially at low cost.

[0026] In the membrane module 16, the water that has permeated through the forward osmosis membrane 16a from seawater is absorbed by the concentrated draw solution 1b. By absorbing the water that has permeated through the forward osmosis membrane 16a, the concentrated draw solution 1b becomes a draw solution 1a that is less concentrated than the concentrated draw solution 1b within the membrane module 16. Also, within the membrane module 16, as water permeates through the forward osmosis membrane 16a from seawater, concentrated brine 2a with a salt concentration higher than that of seawater within the membrane module 16 is generated. The concentrated brine 2a has, for example, a salt concentration of 5%, but it may also have a salt concentration exceeding 5% or a salt concentration of 5% or less. Further, the concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the draw solution 1a is, for example, 60 wt%, and the concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the concentrated draw solution 1b is, for example, 80 wt%. Note that the concentrations of the draw solution 1a and the concentrated draw solution 1b are not limited to these concentrations and are determined by various conditions such as the water absorption capacity of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent, the salt concentration of seawater, the supply amounts of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent or seawater to the forward osmosis membrane 16a, and the separation conditions of the draw solution 1a.

[0027] Tank 11 is a tank that stores the draw solution 1a supplied from the membrane module 16. The capacity of tank 11 is, for example, 30 m 3 ³. The draw solution 1a stored in tank 11 is discharged from tank 11 by pump 21a or pump 21b. Pump 21a is a pump that sends the draw solution 1a stored in tank 11 to the heating device 41a. The heating device 41a is a device that heats the draw solution 1a supplied from pump 21 to, for example, 80 °C. When the draw solution 1a is heated by the heating device 41a, the fresh water 3 that was being absorbed separates. As the draw solution 1a is heated by the heating device 41a and the fresh water 3 separates, it becomes a concentrated draw solution 1b that is more concentrated than the draw solution 1a.

[0028] Tank 13 is a tank that stores the fresh water 3 separated from the draw solution 1a by being heated by the heating device 41a and the concentrated draw solution 1b. The capacity of tank 13 is, for example, 3 m 3It is so. The fresh water 3 stored in the tank 13 is used for, for example, industrial water, agricultural water, domestic water, etc. When the fresh water 3 is contaminated with salt at a low concentration, it can be used for washing water and agricultural water that have no problem in use even at a low salt concentration. Also, the fresh water 3 stored in the tank 13 may be discharged from the tank 13 to a river or the sea, for example. Note that the fresh water 3 may be cooled by a cooling device (not shown) before being discharged outside the system or used as service water.

[0029] The pump 21d is a pump that sends the concentrated draw solution 1b stored in the tank 13 and the concentrated draw solution 1b stored in the tank 15 to the cooling device 42. The cooling device 42 is a device that cools the concentrated draw solution 1b supplied from the tanks 13 and 15 via the pump 21d. The concentrated draw solution 1b is cooled by the cooling device 42 and sent to the membrane module 16. The temperature of the concentrated draw solution 1b cooled by the cooling device 42 is, for example, 40°C.

[0030] The tank 12 is a tank that stores the concentrated brine 2a supplied to the mixed entropy battery 51. The capacity of the tank 12 is, for example, 15 m 3 It is so. The concentrated brine 2a is supplied to the tank 12 from the membrane module 16. Note that the concentrated brine 2a exceeding a predetermined amount in the tank 12 is discharged to the sea.

[0031] The pump 21b is a pump that sends the draw solution 1a stored in the tank 11 to the mixed entropy battery 51. The valve 31a is installed between the pump 21b and the mixed entropy battery 51 and adjusts the flow of the draw solution 1a. The valve 31a allows the concentrated draw solution 1b supplied from the pump 21b to flow to the mixed entropy battery 51 in the open state and blocks the flow of the concentrated draw solution 1b in the closed state.

[0032] The pump 21c is a pump that sends the concentrated brine 2a stored in the tank 12 to the mixed entropy battery 51. The valve 31b is installed between the pump 21c and the mixed entropy battery 51 and adjusts the flow of the concentrated brine 2a. When the valve 31b is in the open state, it allows the concentrated brine 2a supplied from the pump 21c to flow into the mixed entropy battery 51, and when in the closed state, it blocks the flow of the concentrated brine 2a.

[0033] The mixed entropy battery 51 is a battery that generates electricity by utilizing the difference in entropy caused by the difference in salt concentration. The mixed entropy battery 51 has a tank 52, a first electrode 53, and a second electrode 54. The tank 52 stores the draw solution 1a or the concentrated brine 2a. The first electrode 53 is an electrode made of, for example, Prussian blue which is a pigment. The second electrode 54 is an electrode made of, for example, polypyrrole which is a kind of organic polymer formed by the polymerization of pyrrole.

[0034] The valve 31c is installed between the mixed entropy battery 51 and the tank 14 and adjusts the flow of the draw solution 1a discharged from the mixed entropy battery 51. When the valve 31c is in the open state, it allows the draw solution 1a discharged from the mixed entropy battery 51 to flow into the tank 14, and when in the closed state, it blocks the flow of the draw solution 1a. The valve 31d is provided in the pipe connected to the mixed entropy battery 51. The valve 31d adjusts the flow of the concentrated brine 2a stored in the mixed entropy battery 51. When the valve 31d is in the open state, it allows the concentrated brine 2a to flow from the mixed entropy battery 51 into the sea, and when in the closed state, it blocks the flow of the concentrated brine 2a into the sea.

[0035] The tank 14 is a container that stores the draw solution 1a supplied from the mixed entropy battery 51. The capacity of the tank 14 is, for example, 30m 3It is. The pump 21e is a pump that sends the draw solution 1a stored in the tank 14 to the heating device 41b. The heating device 41b is a device that heats the draw solution 1a supplied from the pump 21e. The draw solution 1a discharged from the tank 14 is heated to, for example, 80°C by the heating device 43, and the absorbed fresh water 3 is separated. The draw solution 1a heated by the heating device 41b becomes a concentrated draw solution 1b with a higher concentration than the draw solution 1a due to the separation of the fresh water 3.

[0036] The tank 15 is a container that stores the fluid discharged from the heating device 41b. The capacity of the tank 15 is, for example, 3m 3 It is. The tank 15 stores the fresh water 3 separated from the draw solution 1a. Also, the tank 15 stores the concentrated draw solution 1b sent from the heating device 41b.

[0037] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100 that controls the power generation system 1000A. The control device 100 controls control targets such as the pumps 21a to 21f, the valves 31a to 31d, the heating devices 41a and 41b, and the cooling device 42 according to, for example, the operations of the operator.

[0038] The operation unit 102 has a keyboard, a mouse, and various buttons for operating the control device 100, and is operated by the operator of the power generation system 1000A. The display unit 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various information related to the control targets. The interface 104 is controlled by the control unit 101 and outputs a control signal for controlling the control target to the control target.

[0039] The control unit 101 includes an arithmetic unit and a storage unit. The arithmetic unit is constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit includes a part constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a part constituted by a RAM (Random Access Memory). Various programs and data used by the arithmetic unit for performing arithmetic processing are stored in the part constituted by the ROM. The RAM is used for storing a work space when the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing and the results of the arithmetic processing of the arithmetic unit. The control unit 101 realizes a function of controlling a control target by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM, and controls the control target according to the operation of the operator.

[0040] Next, an operation example when the mixed entropy battery 51 stores the concentrated brine 2a and the draw solution 1a used for power generation and an operation example when the mixed entropy battery 51 generates power in the power generation system 1000A will be described.

[0041] The facility surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 3 is a facility that operates at night when the power generated by the power plant is surplus. When accumulating energy for power generation at night, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21a, 21d, 21e, 21f, the heating devices 41a, 41b, and the cooling device 42.

[0042] Specifically, when the pump 21f operates, seawater is supplied to the membrane module 16. Also, the concentrated draw solution 1b is sent from the tanks 13 and 15 to the cooling device 42 by the operated pump 21d, and the concentrated draw solution 1b cooled by the operated cooling device 42 is supplied to the membrane module 16. Here, the pump 21f supplies seawater with a salt concentration of 3.5% to the membrane module 16 at 1.7 m 3 / h, and the pump 21d supplies the concentrated draw solution 1b at 1.7 m 3It is supplied to the membrane module 16 at / h. In the membrane module 16, water in seawater permeates through the forward osmosis membrane 16a. The concentrated draw solution 1b supplied to the membrane module 16 absorbs the water that has permeated through the forward osmosis membrane 16a and becomes a draw solution 1a that is less concentrated than the concentrated draw solution 1b. The concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the draw solution 1a is, for example, 57 wt%. Also, the seawater supplied to the membrane module 16 becomes concentrated brine 2a with a higher salt concentration than the seawater as the water is absorbed by the concentrated draw solution 1b. The salt concentration of the concentrated brine 2a is, for example, 6%. The concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the membrane module 16 and stored in the tank 12. The concentrated brine 2a is, for example, 1m 3 It is supplied to the tank 12 at / h.

[0043] On the other hand, the draw solution 1a is discharged from the membrane module 16 and supplied to the tank 11. Here, 2.4m 3 The draw solution 1a is supplied to the tank 11 at / h. The draw solution 1a supplied to the tank 11 is sent to the heating device 41a at 2.4m 3 / h by the operating pump 21a. The draw solution 1a is heated by the heating device 41a, sent to the tank 13, and then separated into fresh water 3 and concentrated draw solution 1b by being left in a stationary state for a predetermined time. This separated fresh water 3 is discharged from the tank 13 at, for example, 0.7m 3 / h. Here, the concentration of the sensitive water absorbent in the concentrated draw solution 1b is, for example, 80 wt%.

[0044] Also, at night when the power generated by the power plant becomes surplus, the draw solution 1a stored in the tank 14 is sent to the heating device 41b by the operating pump 21e. The draw solution 1a heated by the heating device 41b is stored in the tank 15 and separated into fresh water 3 and concentrated draw solution 1b by being left in a stationary state for a predetermined time. Here, the concentration of the sensitive water absorbent in the concentrated draw solution 1b is, for example, 80 wt%. Also, the concentrated draw solution 1b stored in the tank 15 is sent to the cooling device 42 by the pump 21d.

[0045] During the night when the power generated by the power plant becomes surplus, the draw solution 1a used for power generation by the hybrid entropy battery 51 can be stored in the tank 11, and the concentrated brine 2a can be stored in the tank 12 to accumulate energy for power generation.

[0046] Next, an operation example when the power generation system 1000A generates power will be described. The facilities enclosed by the broken line in Fig. 4 are the facilities that operate when the power generation system 1000A generates power during the daytime when the power is insufficient. When the power of the power plant is insufficient during the daytime or the like, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21b and 21c and the valves 31a to 31d, and alternately supplies the draw solution 1a and the concentrated brine 2a to the hybrid entropy battery 51. Figs. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the states of cations and anions in the hybrid entropy battery 51 when the draw solution 1a is supplied to the hybrid entropy battery 51. Figs. 5C and 5D are diagrams showing the states of cations and anions in the hybrid entropy battery 51 when the concentrated brine 2a is supplied to the hybrid entropy battery 51.

[0047] Specifically, when the sodium ions 55, which are cations, are reduced, adsorbed or fixed on the first electrode 53, and the chloride ions 56, which are anions, are oxidized, adsorbed or fixed on the second electrode 54, the operator operates the control device 100 to open the valve 31d and discharge the concentrated brine 2a from the hybrid entropy battery 51. When the concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the hybrid entropy battery 51, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pump 21b, closes the valves 31b, 31c, and 31d, opens the valve 31a, and stops the pump 21c. In this state, the draw solution 1a is supplied from the tank 11 to the tank 52. Here, the amount of electric power consumed by the pump 21b is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the draw solution 1a is supplied to the tank 52 at, for example, 1 m 3 / h. When the fluid in the tank 52 is replaced with the draw solution 1a as shown in Fig. 5A, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21b and close the valve 31a.

[0048] When the draw solution 1a is supplied to the tank 52 and comes into contact with the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sodium adsorbed or fixed on the first electrode 53 is oxidized to cations, and sodium ions 55 are released into the draw solution 1a. The chlorine adsorbed or fixed on the second electrode 54 is reduced to anions, and chloride ions 56 are released into the draw solution 1a. A current flows in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5B through the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. The transfer amounts of sodium and chlorine in the mixed entropy battery 51 are, for example, 4000 g / h. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity, for example, at 1 kWh, and the generated power is more than the power consumed by the pump 21b when supplying the draw solution 1a.

[0049] When the operator notices that the voltage of the mixed entropy battery 51 decreases due to the release of sodium ions 55 from the first electrode 53 and the release of chloride ions 56 from the second electrode 54, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21b, close the valve 31a, open the valve 31c, and send the draw solution 1a to the tank 14. When the draw solution 1a is discharged from the mixed entropy battery 51, the operator controls the control device 100 to operate the pump 21c, open the valve 31b, stop the pump 21b, and close the valves 31a, 31c, and 31d. In this state, the concentrated brine 2a is supplied from the tank 12 to the tank 52. Here, the power consumption of the pump 21c is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the concentrated brine 2a is supplied to the tank 52 at, for example, 1 m 3 / h. When the fluid in the tank 52 is replaced with the concentrated brine 2a, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21c and close the valve 31b.

[0050] In this state, as shown in FIG. 5C, sodium ions 55 and chloride ions 56 are in the concentrated brine 2a. Here, the sodium ions 55 are reduced and adsorbed or fixed to the first electrode 53, the chloride ions 56 are oxidized and adsorbed or fixed to the second electrode 54, and a current flows in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5D with respect to the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. The amount of movement of sodium and chlorine in the mixed entropy battery 51 is, for example, 4000 g / h. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity with a power generation amount larger than the amount of power consumed by the pump 21c when supplying the concentrated brine 2a, for example, generating 1 kWh of electricity.

[0051] When the operator observes that the sodium ions 55 are adsorbed or fixed to the first electrode 53, the chloride ions 56 are adsorbed or fixed to the second electrode 54, and the voltage of the mixed entropy battery 51 decreases, the operator operates the control device 100 to open the valve 31d and discharge the concentrated brine 2a from the mixed entropy battery 51. When the concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the mixed entropy battery 51, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pump 21b, close the valves 31b, 31c, 31d, open the valve 31a, and stop the pump 21c. Here, the draw solution 1a is supplied again from the tank 11 to the tank 52. When the fluid in the tank 52 is replaced with the draw solution 1a and returns to the state of FIG. 5A, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21b and close the valve 31a. When the draw solution 1a contacts the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54, a current flows in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5B with respect to the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. Thereafter, the operator operates the control device 100 so that the concentrated brine 2a and the draw solution 1a are alternately supplied to the mixed entropy battery 51.

[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, by alternately supplying the draw solution 1a stored with surplus power at night and the concentrated brine 2a to the mixing entropy battery 51 during the day or the like, the movement of cations and anions occurs and power generation can be performed. Further, in this embodiment, since power generation can be performed by alternately supplying the stored draw solution 1a and concentrated brine 2a to the mixing entropy battery 51, power generation can be performed without being restricted by the time for heating and cooling the ionic liquid as in the invention of Patent Document 1. Further, in this embodiment, by appropriately setting the storage amounts of the draw solution 1a and the concentrated brine 2a, the heat exchange capacity in the heating devices 41a, 41b, and the cooling device 42 can be made smaller than the heat exchange capacity of the conventional system for heating and cooling the ionic liquid as in the invention of Patent Document 1. Further, in this embodiment, by incorporating the membrane module 16 for desalinating the brine into the power generation system 1000A, the difference in salt concentration between the draw solution 1a and the concentrated brine 2a can be made larger than that of the conventional system, so that the power generation amount can be increased. In the above-described embodiment, instead of the load R, a rechargeable power storage device may be connected, and the electrical energy supplied by the mixing entropy battery 51 may be stored. Further, in the first embodiment, the concentrated draw solution 1b in the tank 15 may be sent to the tank 13 by a pump.

[0053] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation system 1000B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the paths of the concentrated brine 2a and the draw solution 1a discharged from the mixing entropy battery 51 are different from those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, for the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0054] The power generation system 1000B does not include the tanks 14 and 15, the pump 21e, and the heating device 41b, but includes the pump 21g. The pump 21g is a pump that sends the draw solution 1a discharged from the mixed entropy battery 51 to the tank 11. The valve 31c is installed between the pump 21g and the mixed entropy battery 51 and adjusts the flow of the draw solution 1a. When the valve 31c is in the open state, the draw solution 1a supplied from the mixed entropy battery 51 flows to the pump 21g, and when the valve 31c is in the closed state, the flow of the draw solution 1a is blocked.

[0055] Next, regarding the power generation system 1000B, an operation example when the mixed entropy battery 51 stores the concentrated brine 2a and the draw solution 1a used for power generation, and an operation example when the mixed entropy battery 51 generates power will be described.

[0056] When the operator accumulates energy for power generation at night, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21f, 21a, 21d, the heating device 41a, and the cooling device 42. When the pump 21f operates, seawater is supplied to the membrane module 16. Also, the concentrated draw solution 1b is sent from the tank 13 to the cooling device 42 by the operated pump 21d, and the concentrated draw solution 1b cooled by the operated cooling device 42 is supplied to the membrane module 16. Here, the pump 21f supplies seawater with a salt concentration of 3.5% to the membrane module 16 at 1.7 m 3 / h, and the pump 21d supplies the concentrated draw solution 1b to the membrane module 16 at 1.7 m 3 / h. In the membrane module 16, water in the seawater permeates through the forward osmosis membrane 16a. The concentrated draw solution 1b supplied to the membrane module 16 absorbs the water that has permeated through the forward osmosis membrane 16a and becomes a draw solution 1a that is less concentrated than the concentrated draw solution 1b. The concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the draw solution 1a is, for example, 60 wt%. Also, the seawater supplied to the membrane module 16 becomes concentrated brine 2a with a higher salt concentration than the seawater as water is absorbed by the concentrated draw solution 1b. The salt concentration of the concentrated brine 2a is, for example, 6%. The concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the membrane module 16 and stored in the tank 12. The concentrated brine 2a is, for example, 1 m 3It is supplied to the tank 12 at / h. In the second embodiment, the capacity of the tank 12 is 2m 3 is.

[0057] On the other hand, the draw solution 1a is discharged from the membrane module 16 and supplied to the tank 11. Here, 2.4m 3 / h of the draw solution 1a is supplied from the membrane module 16 to the tank 11. The draw solution 1a supplied to the tank 11 is sent to the heating device 41a at 2.4m 3 / h by the operating pump 21a. The draw solution 1a is heated by the heating device 41a and sent to the tank 13, and then separated into fresh water 3 and concentrated draw solution 1b by being left in a stationary state for a predetermined time. This separated fresh water 3 is discharged from the tank 13 at, for example, 0.7m 3 / h. Here, the concentration of the sensitive water absorbent in the concentrated draw solution 1b is, for example, 80 wt%.

[0058] Thus, also in the second embodiment, at night when the power generated by the power plant becomes surplus, the draw solution 1a used for power generation by the mixed entropy battery 51 is stored in the tank 11, and the concentrated brine 2a is stored in the tank 12 to accumulate energy for power generation.

[0059] When the power of the power plant is insufficient during the day or the like, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21b, 21c, 21g, and the valves 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and alternately supplies the draw solution 1a and the concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51.

[0060] Specifically, when sodium ions 55 are reduced, adsorbed, or fixed on the first electrode 53 and chloride ions 56 are oxidized, adsorbed, or fixed on the second electrode 54, the operator first operates the control device 100 to open the valve 31d and discharge the concentrated brine 2a from the mixed entropy battery 51. When the concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the mixed entropy battery 51, the operator operates the control device 100 to close the valve 31d, operate the pump 21b, open the valve 31a, stop the pumps 21c and 21g, and close the valves 31b and 31c. In this state, the draw solution 1a is supplied from the tank 11 to the tank 52. Here, the power consumption of the pump 21b is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the draw solution 1a is supplied to the tank 52 at, for example, 1 m 3 / h. When the fluid in the tank 52 is replaced with the draw solution 1a as shown in FIG. 5A, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21b and close the valve 31a.

[0061] When the draw solution 1a is supplied to the tank 52 and comes into contact with the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sodium adsorbed or fixed on the first electrode 53 is oxidized to cations and the sodium ions 55 are released into the draw solution 1a, and the chlorine adsorbed or fixed on the second electrode 54 is reduced to anions and the chloride ions 56 are released into the draw solution 1a. A current flows in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5B through the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. The amount of movement of sodium and chlorine in the mixed entropy battery 51 is, for example, 4000 g / h. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity, for example, at 1 kWh, with a power generation amount greater than the amount of power consumed by the pump 21b when supplying the draw solution 1a.

[0062] When the voltage of the mixed entropy battery 51 decreases due to the release of sodium ions 55 from the first electrode 53 and the release of chloride ions 56 from the second electrode 54, the operator operates the control device 100 to activate the pumps 21c and 21g, open the valves 31b and 31c, stop the pump 21b, and close the valve 31a. In this state, the concentrated brine 2a is supplied from the tank 12 to the tank 52, and the draw solution 1a in the tank 52 is discharged to the tank 11. Here, the power consumption of the pump 21c is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the concentrated brine 2a is supplied to the tank 52 at, for example, 1 m 3 / h. When the fluid in the tank 52 is replaced with the concentrated brine 2a, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pumps 21c and 21g and close the valves 31b and 31c.

[0063] In this state, as shown in FIG. 5C, the sodium ions 55 and the chloride ions 56 are in the concentrated brine 2a. Here, the sodium ions 55 are reduced and adsorbed or fixed to the first electrode 53, the chloride ions 56 are adsorbed or fixed to the second electrode 54, and a current flows in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5D with respect to the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. The amount of sodium and chlorine transferred in the mixed entropy battery 51 is, for example, 4000 g / h. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity, for example, at 1 kWh, with a higher power generation amount than the amount of power consumed by the pump 21c when supplying the concentrated brine 2a.

[0064] When the operator observes that sodium ions 55 are adsorbed or fixed to the first electrode 53 and chloride ions 56 are adsorbed or fixed to the second electrode 54, causing the voltage of the mixed entropy battery 51 to drop, the operator operates the control device 100 to open the valve 31d and discharge the concentrated brine 2a from the mixed entropy battery 51. When the concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the mixed entropy battery 51, the operator operates the control device 100 to activate the pump 21b, open the valve 31a, and close the valve 31d. Here, the draw solution 1a is again supplied from the tank 11 to the tank 52. When the fluid in the tank 52 is replaced with the draw solution 1a and returns to the state shown in Fig. 5A, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21b and close the valve 31a. When the draw solution 1a is again supplied to the tank 52 and comes into contact with the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54, a current flows in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 5B through the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. Thereafter, the operator operates the control device 100 so that the concentrated brine 2a and the draw solution 1a are alternately supplied to the mixed entropy battery 51. When discharging the concentrated brine 2a from the tank 52, if the amount of concentrated brine 2a in the tank 12 decreases and the concentrated brine 2a supplied to the tank 52 becomes insufficient, the valve 31d may be opened and the concentrated brine 2a discharged from the valve 31d may be returned to the tank 12 by a pump (not shown).

[0065] Thus, also in the second embodiment, by alternately supplying the draw solution 1a stored with surplus power at night and the concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51 during the day or the like, the movement of cations and anions occurs and power generation can be performed.

[0066] [Third Embodiment] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation system 1000C according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the fluid supplied to the mixed entropy battery 51 is different from that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, for the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0067] The power generation system 1000C includes a tank 12, a membrane module 17, pumps 21b and 21c, valves 31a and 31b, a mixed entropy battery 51, and a pressurizing device 61.

[0068] The membrane module 17 is provided with a reverse osmosis membrane 17a inside. Regarding the form of the reverse osmosis membrane 17a, various forms of membranes such as flat membranes, tubular membranes, or hollow fibers can be used. The membrane module 17 is, for example, a cylindrical or box-shaped container, and by installing the reverse osmosis membrane 17a inside, the inside is partitioned into two chambers by the reverse osmosis membrane 17a. Seawater is supplied to one of these two chambers. The form of the membrane module 17 can include various forms such as a spiral module type, a laminated module type, and a hollow fiber module type. As the membrane module 17, a known semi-permeable membrane device can be used, or a commercially available product can also be used.

[0069] The reverse osmosis membrane 17a is a kind of semi-permeable membrane, which is a membrane that allows water to permeate but does not allow ions and salts to permeate. When pressure is applied to the seawater in the membrane module 17 by the pressurizing device 61, the reverse osmosis membrane 17a allows the water in the seawater to permeate. The fresh water 3 that has permeated through the reverse osmosis membrane 17a inside the membrane module 17 is discharged from the membrane module 17. On the other hand, the seawater that has been pressurized by the pressurizing device 61 inside the membrane module 17 becomes concentrated brine 2a with a higher salt concentration than the seawater as the fresh water 3 permeates through the reverse osmosis membrane 17a. The concentrated brine 2a inside the membrane module 17 is sent to the tank 12.

[0070] Next, regarding the power generation system 1000C, an operation example when the mixed entropy battery 51 stores the concentrated brine 2a used for power generation and an operation example when the mixed entropy battery 51 generates power will be described.

[0071] When the operator accumulates energy for power generation at night, for example, at 1.7 m 3Seawater is supplied to the membrane module 17 at / h. The operator operates the control device 100 to activate the pressurizing device 61 to apply pressure to the seawater. When pressure is applied to the seawater in the membrane module 17, the reverse osmosis membrane 17a permeates the water in the seawater, and concentrated brine 2a with a salt concentration of 6% and fresh water 3 are generated. The concentrated brine 2a generated in the membrane module 17 is stored in the tank 12. Here, the fresh water 3 is, for example, 0.7m 3 / h is discharged from the membrane module 17.

[0072] Thus, in the third embodiment, during the night when the power generated by the power plant is surplus, the concentrated brine 2a used for power generation by the mixed entropy battery 51 can be stored in the tank 12 to accumulate energy for power generation.

[0073] Next, an operation example when the power generation system 1000C performs power generation will be described. When the power of the power plant is insufficient during the day or the like, the operator operates the control device 100 to activate the pumps 21b and 21c and the valves 31a and 31b, and alternately supplies seawater and concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51.

[0074] Specifically, when sodium ions 55 are reduced and adsorbed or fixed to the first electrode 53 and chloride ions 56 are oxidized and adsorbed or fixed to the second electrode 54, the operator operates the control device 100 to first discharge the concentrated brine 2a in the tank 52 from the tank 52. Next, the operator operates the control device 100 to activate the pump 21c, open the valve 31b, stop the pump 21b, and close the valve 31a. In this state, seawater is supplied to the tank 52. Here, the power consumption of the pump 21c is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the seawater is, for example, 1m 3It is supplied to the tank 52 at / h. When the inside of the tank 52 is replaced with seawater, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21c and close the valve 31b. When seawater is supplied to the tank 52 and comes into contact with the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54, the sodium adsorbed or fixed on the first electrode 53 is oxidized to a cation and sodium ions 55 are released into the seawater, and the chlorine adsorbed or fixed on the second electrode 54 is reduced to an anion and chloride ions 56 are released into the seawater, and a current flows through the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity, for example, at 0.43 kWh, and can generate electricity with a power generation amount larger than the amount of power consumed by the pump 21c when supplying seawater.

[0075] When the voltage of the mixed entropy battery 51 decreases due to the release of sodium ions 55 and chloride ions 56, the operator operates the control device 100 to discharge the seawater in the tank 52 from the tank 52. Next, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pump 21b, open the valve 31a, stop the pump 21c, and close the valve 31b. In this state, the concentrated brine 2a is supplied from the tank 12 to the tank 52, and the seawater in the tank 52 is discharged. Here, the power consumption of the pump 21b is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the concentrated brine 2a is, for example, 1 m 3 It is supplied to the tank 52 at / h. When the tank 52 is replaced with the concentrated brine 2a, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21b and close the valve 31a. In this state, the sodium ions 55 in the concentrated brine 2a are reduced and adsorbed or fixed on the first electrode 53, the chloride ions 56 are adsorbed or fixed on the second electrode 54, and a current flows through the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity, for example, at 0.43 kWh, and can generate electricity with a power generation amount larger than the amount of power consumed by the pump 21b when supplying the concentrated brine 2a. Thereafter, the operator operates the control device 100 so that the concentrated brine 2a and seawater are alternately supplied to the mixed entropy battery 51.

[0076] Thus, in the third embodiment, by alternately supplying seawater and the concentrated brine 2a stored with the surplus power at night to the mixing entropy battery 51 during the day or the like, the movement of cations and anions occurs and power generation can be performed.

[0077] [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation system 1000D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The power generation system 1000D according to the fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that fresh water is supplied to the mixing entropy battery 51 instead of seawater. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the third embodiment will be described.

[0078] The power generation system 1000D is different from the third embodiment in that it includes a tank 18. The tank 18 is a hollow cylindrical tank made of metal or resin. The tank 18 stores the fresh water 3 generated by the membrane module 17.

[0079] When the operator accumulates energy for power generation at night, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pressurizing device 61. In this embodiment, for example, seawater is supplied to the membrane module 17 at 1.7 m 3 / h. When the pressurizing device 61 operates, concentrated brine 2a having a salt concentration of 6% is supplied to the tank 12 as in the third embodiment. Further, the fresh water 3 generated by the operation of the pressurizing device 61 is discharged from the membrane module 17 at, for example, 0.7 m 3 / h and stored in the tank 18.

[0080] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, at night when the power generated by the power plant becomes surplus, the concentrated brine 2a used for power generation by the mixing entropy battery 51 is stored in the tank 12, and the fresh water 3 is stored in the tank 18 to accumulate energy for power generation.

[0081] When the power of the power plant is insufficient during the day or the like, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21b and 21c and the valves 31a and 31b, and alternately supplies the fresh water 3 and the concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51.

[0082] Specifically, when sodium ions 55 are reduced and adsorbed or fixed on the first electrode 53 and chloride ions 56 are oxidized and adsorbed or fixed on the second electrode 54, the operator operates the control device 100 to discharge the concentrated brine 2a contained in the tank 52 from the tank 52. Next, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pump 21c, opens the valve 31b, stops the pump 21b, and closes the valve 31a. In this state, the fresh water 3 is supplied to the tank 52. Here, the power consumption of the pump 21c is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the fresh water 3 is supplied to the tank 52 at, for example, 0.7 m 3 / h. When the inside of the tank 52 is replaced with the fresh water 3, the operator operates the control device 100 to stop the pump 21c and close the valve 31b. When the fresh water 3 is supplied to the tank 52 and the fresh water 3 comes into contact with the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54, the sodium adsorbed or fixed on the first electrode 53 is oxidized to a cation and the sodium ions 55 are released into the fresh water 3, and the chlorine adsorbed or fixed on the second electrode 54 is reduced to an anion and the chloride ions 56 are released into the fresh water 3, and a current flows through the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity with a power generation amount larger than the power consumption amount of the pump 21c when supplying the fresh water 3, for example, 0.7 kWh.

[0083] When the voltage of the mixed entropy battery 51 decreases due to the release of sodium ions 55 and chloride ions 56, the operator operates the control device 100 to discharge the fresh water 3 in the tank 52. Next, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pump 21b, opens the valve 31a, stops the pump 21c, and closes the valve 31b. In this state, the concentrated brine 2a is supplied from the tank 12 to the tank 52. Here, the power consumption of the pump 21b is, for example, 0.1 kWh, and the concentrated brine 2a is supplied to the tank 52 at, for example, 1 m 3 / h. When the inside of the tank 52 is replaced with the concentrated brine 2a, the operator stops the pump 21b and closes the valve 31a. In this state, the sodium ions 55 in the concentrated brine 2a are reduced and adsorbed or fixed to the first electrode 53, the chloride ions 56 are adsorbed or fixed to the second electrode 54, and a current flows through the load R connected to the first electrode 53 and the second electrode 54. Here, the mixed entropy battery 51 can generate electricity with a power generation amount larger than the amount of power consumed by the pump 21b when supplying the concentrated brine 2a, for example, 0.7 kWh. Thereafter, the operator operates the control device 100 so that the concentrated brine 2a and the fresh water are alternately supplied to the mixed entropy battery 51.

[0084] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, by alternately supplying the fresh water 3 and the concentrated brine 2a stored with surplus power at night to the mixed entropy battery 51 during the day or the like, the movement of cations and anions occurs and power generation can be performed.

[0085] [Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation system 1000E according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that the pump 21b supplies seawater to the tank 52 instead of the draw solution 1a, and discharges the seawater and the concentrated brine 2a supplied to the tank 52 to the sea.

[0086] In the fifth embodiment, the concentrated brine 2a is generated in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the generated concentrated brine 2a is stored in the tank 12.

[0087] When the operator accumulates energy for power generation at night, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21f, 21a, 21d, the heating device 41a, and the cooling device 42. Thereby, concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the membrane module 16 and stored in the tank 12 as in the first embodiment. Further, the draw solution 1a is also heated by the heating device 41a as in the first embodiment, and the heated draw solution 1a is separated into a concentrated draw solution 1b and fresh water 3 in the tank 13.

[0088] When the power of the power plant is insufficient during the day or the like, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21b, 21c, and the valves 31a, 31b, and alternately supplies seawater and concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51. By alternately supplying seawater and concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51, the mixed entropy battery 51 generates power in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

[0089] In the fifth embodiment, the pump 21f supplies seawater having a salt concentration of 3.5% to the membrane module 16 at 1.7 m 3 / h, and the pump 21d supplies the concentrated draw solution 1b to the membrane module 16 at 1.7 m 3 / h. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the draw solution 1a is, for example, 60 wt%, and the concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the concentrated draw solution 1b is 80 wt%.

[0090] The pump 21b supplies seawater to the tank 52 at, for example, 1 m 3 / h, and the pump 21c supplies concentrated brine 2a to the tank 52 at, for example, 1 m 3 / h. The amount of electric power consumed by the pumps 21b and 21c at this time is, for example, 0.1 kWh. The mixed entropy battery 51 can generate power with a power generation amount larger than the amount of electric power consumed by the pump 21b when supplying seawater or concentrated brine 2a, for example, 0.43 kWh.

[0091] [Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation system 1000F according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, fresh water 3 is supplied to the tank 52 instead of seawater, the fresh water 3 supplied to the tank 52 is discharged into a river, and the concentrated brine 2a supplied to the tank 52 is discharged into the sea, which is different from the fifth embodiment.

[0092] When the operator accumulates energy for power generation at night, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21f, 21a, 21d, the heating device 41a, and the cooling device 42. Thereby, the concentrated brine 2a is discharged from the membrane module 16 and stored in the tank 12 as in the first embodiment. Also, the draw solution 1a is heated by the heating device 41a as in the first embodiment, and the heated draw solution 1a is separated into a concentrated draw solution 1b and fresh water 3 in the tank 13.

[0093] When the power of the power plant is insufficient during the day or the like, the operator operates the control device 100 to operate the pumps 21b, 21c, and the valves 31a, 31b, and alternately supplies fresh water 3 and concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51. By alternately supplying fresh water 3 and concentrated brine 2a to the mixed entropy battery 51, the mixed entropy battery 51 generates power in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

[0094] In the sixth embodiment, the pump 21f supplies seawater with a salt concentration of 3.5% to the membrane module 16 at 1.7 m 3 / h, and the pump 21d supplies the concentrated draw solution 1b to the membrane module 16 at 1.7 m 3 / h. Also, in the sixth embodiment, the concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the draw solution 1a is, for example, 60 wt%, and the concentration of the temperature-sensitive water absorbent in the concentrated draw solution 1b is 80 wt%.

[0095] The pump 21b supplies fresh water 3 to the tank 52 at, for example, 0.7 m 3 / h, and the pump 21c supplies the concentrated brine 2a to the tank 52 at, for example, 0.7 m 3It is supplied to the tank 52 at / h. The amount of electric power consumed by the pumps 21b and 21c at this time is, for example, 0.1 kWh. The hybrid entropy battery 51 can generate electricity with a power generation amount larger than the amount of electric power consumed by the pumps 21b and 21c when supplying fresh water 3 and concentrated brine 2a. For example, it generates electricity at 0.7 kWh.

[0096] [Modification Example] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, the present invention may be implemented by modifying the above-described embodiments as follows. Note that the above-described embodiments and the following modification examples may be combined with each other. The present invention also includes those configured by appropriately combining the components of the above-described embodiments and each modification example. Further, additional effects and modification examples can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, a broader aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modification examples, and various changes are possible.

[0097] In the third embodiment, when storing seawater in the tank during the surplus of electric power and supplying the seawater stored in this tank to the hybrid entropy battery 51 by the pump 21c when supplying the seawater to the hybrid entropy battery 51, it may be supplied.

[0098] In each of the above-described embodiments, during the night when the electric power generated by the power plant becomes surplus, energy is stored using the electric power generated at night. However, it may be operated continuously regardless of day or night to generate fresh water 3 and concentrated brine 2a, and to perform seawater desalination and power generation simultaneously.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 11 to 15, 18, 52 Tanks 16, 17 Membrane Modules 21a to 21g Pumps 31a to 31d Valves 41a, 41b Heating Devices 42 Cooling Device 51 Hybrid Entropy Battery 53 First Electrode 54 Second electrode 61 Pressurizing device 1000A to 1000D Power generation system

Claims

1. A hybrid entropy battery having a first electrode that releases and takes in cations, a second electrode that releases and takes in anions, and a tank, a first storage unit that stores a first fluid in which cations are taken into the first electrode and anions are taken into the second electrode, a generation unit that generates the first fluid and supplies it to the first storage unit, a supply unit that alternately supplies the first fluid stored in the first storage unit and a second fluid in which cations are released from the first electrode and anions are released from the second electrode to the tank, comprising, when the first fluid is supplied to the tank, the hybrid entropy battery takes in cations into the first electrode and anions into the second electrode, and when the second fluid is supplied to the tank, the hybrid entropy battery releases cations from the first electrode and anions from the second electrode to generate electricity power generation system.

2. The generation unit generates the first fluid with a temperature-sensitive water absorbent having a cloud point and a forward osmosis membrane The power generation system according to Claim 1.

3. The first fluid is salt water, The second fluid is the temperature-sensitive water absorbent that has absorbed fresh water The power generation system according to Claim 2.

4. The generation unit generates the first fluid with a reverse osmosis membrane The power generation system according to Claim 1.

5. The first fluid and the second fluid are salt water, The first fluid has a higher salt concentration than the second fluid The power generation system according to Claim 2 or Claim 4.

6. The first fluid is salt water, The second fluid is fresh water The power generation system according to Claim 2 or Claim 4.

7. having a second storage unit that stores the second fluid, The generation unit generates the second fluid and supplies it to the second storage unit The power generation system according to Claim 1.

8. A power generation method of generating electricity by a power generation system comprising a hybrid entropy battery having a first electrode that releases and takes in cations, a second electrode that releases and takes in anions, and a tank, a first storage unit that stores a first fluid in which cations are taken into the first electrode and anions are taken into the second electrode, a generation unit that generates the first fluid and supplies it to the first storage unit, a supply unit that alternately supplies the first fluid stored in the first storage unit and a second fluid in which cations are released from the first electrode and anions are released from the second electrode to the tank, comprising, A generation step of generating the first fluid and supplying the first fluid to the first storage unit; A supply step of alternately supplying the first fluid stored in the first storage unit and the second fluid to the tank; and when the first fluid is supplied to the tank, the hybrid entropy battery takes in cations into the first electrode and anions into the second electrode, and when the second fluid is supplied to the tank, the hybrid entropy battery discharges cations from the first electrode and anions from the second electrode to generate electricity. Power generation method.

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