Heat medium supply system

Abstract

To provide a heat medium supply system capable of increasing thermal output in response to load by installing a plurality of heat medium heating devices, even in the case that such a device has a low maximum operating pressure.SOLUTION: A heat medium supply system for supplying a heat medium to a load comprises: a first circulation line formed so as to interpose the load and configured to circulate a first heat medium used as the heat medium; a plurality of heat exchangers respectively disposed to interpose the first circulation line; and a heat medium heating device and a second circulation line for each of the heat exchangers. In the heat medium supply system, each of the second circulation lines is formed so as to interpose the heat exchanger and heat medium heating device corresponding thereto and circulates a second heat medium; each of the heat medium heating devices heats the second heat medium circulating through the second circulation line corresponding thereto; and each of the heat exchangers performs heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium circulating through the second circulation line corresponding thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat medium supply system for supplying a heat medium to a load. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a heat transfer medium supply system has been proposed that supplies a heat transfer medium (heat medium) heated by a heat transfer medium heating device to a load. Generally, in such a heat transfer medium supply system, a heat transfer medium circulation path is formed between the load and the heat transfer medium heating device, and the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device is supplied to the load, and the heat transfer medium used by the load is returned to the heat transfer medium heating device and heated again.

[0003] An example of a conventional heat transfer medium heating device is the heat transfer medium boiler disclosed in Patent Document 1. This heat transfer medium boiler is capable of preventing the heat transfer oil from being overheated when operation is stopped, and suppressing an increase in power consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5455564 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a heat transfer medium supply system, it is sometimes desirable to install multiple heat transfer medium heating devices to increase the heat output relative to the load. When multiple heat transfer medium heating devices are installed, a pump (forced pump specification) must be installed on the inlet side of the boiler body in order to flow the rated amount of heat transfer medium into the boiler body.

[0006] However, for example, if the heat transfer medium heating device is an electric heat transfer medium heater (a device that heats a heat transfer medium using electricity) and is positioned as a simple boiler, the maximum operating pressure is low (for example, 0.1 MPa), and if it is a forced-inlet specification, there is a risk that the pump discharge pressure will exceed this maximum operating pressure. In such cases, it is not possible to install multiple heat transfer medium heating devices, and only a single boiler can be installed, making it difficult to further increase the heat output relative to the load.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a heat transfer medium supply system that allows installation of multiple heat transfer medium heating devices, even if the maximum operating pressure is low, to further increase the heat output relative to the load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The heat medium supply system according to the present invention is a heat medium supply system that supplies a heat medium to a load, and includes a first circulation line that is formed to interpose the load and circulates a first heat medium used as the heat medium, a plurality of heat exchangers that are each arranged to interpose in the first circulation line, and a heat medium heating device and a second circulation line that are provided for each of the heat exchangers, wherein each second circulation line is formed to interpose the corresponding heat exchanger and heat medium heating device and circulates a second heat medium, each of the heat medium heating devices heats the second heat medium circulating in the corresponding second circulation line, and each of the heat exchangers exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the second heat medium circulating in the corresponding second circulation line.

[0009] According to this configuration, even if the maximum operating pressure of the heat medium heating device is low, a plurality of units can be installed, and the heat output relative to the load can be further increased.

[0010] More specifically, the heat exchangers may be arranged in parallel in the first circulation line, which makes it possible to obtain good heating efficiency in each heat exchanger.

[0011] More specifically, the above configuration may include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the first heat medium, and the number of operating heat medium heating devices may be controlled based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately control the number of operating heat medium heating devices and adjust the temperature of the first heat medium.

[0012] More specifically, the above configuration may include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the first heat medium, and the heating intensity of at least one of the heat medium heating devices may be controlled based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. With this configuration, the heating intensity of at least one of the heat medium heating devices can be appropriately controlled to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium.

[0013] More specifically, the above configuration may be configured such that each of the heat medium heating devices is an electric heat medium heater that heats the second heat medium with electricity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the heat transfer medium supply system of the present invention, even if a heat transfer medium heating device has a low maximum operating pressure, a plurality of units can be installed, making it possible to further increase the heat output relative to the load. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat medium supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart of an operation relating to temperature adjustment of a first heat medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a heat transfer medium supply system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0017] 1, the heat medium supply system 1 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) heat medium heating devices 11a to 11c (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as heat medium heating devices 11). The number of heat medium heating devices 11 provided in the heat medium supply system 1 is not limited, and may be two or four or more.

[0018] Furthermore, the heat transfer medium supply system 1 has a plurality of heat exchangers 12a to 12c (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as heat exchangers 12), a plurality of second circulation lines 13a to 13c (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as second circulation lines 13), and a plurality of expansion tanks 14a to 14c (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as expansion tanks 14), each corresponding to one of the heat transfer medium heating devices 11.

[0019] The heat transfer medium supply system 1 further includes a first circulation line 15, an expansion tank 17, a pump 18, and a temperature detection unit 19. As will become clear from the description below, the heat transfer medium supply system 1 is configured to be able to supply the first heat transfer medium HM1 from each heat exchanger 12 to the load L, and to supply the second heat transfer medium HM2 from each heat transfer medium heating device 11 to the corresponding heat exchanger 12. Note that both the first heat transfer medium HM1 and the second heat transfer medium HM2 are assumed to be heat transfer oil, but may be other fluids such as water.

[0020] The first circulation line 15 is a circulation line formed to pass through the load L and each heat exchanger 12, and is a line for circulating the first heat medium HM1. The heat exchangers 12 are arranged to be interposed in the first circulation line 15, and perform heat exchange between the first heat medium HM1 and the second heat medium HM2. The second circulation line 13 is a circulation line formed to pass through the corresponding heat exchanger 12 and the heat medium heating device 11, and is a line for circulating the second heat medium HM2 that undergoes heat exchange in the corresponding heat exchanger 12.

[0021] The heat medium heating device 11 heats the second heat medium HM2 circulating through the corresponding second circulation line 13. In this embodiment, as an example, an electric heat medium heater, which is positioned as a simple boiler, is used for the heat medium heating device 11. Such electric heat medium heaters are characterized by not generating exhaust gas or blowing air and being relatively easy to handle since they are treated as simple boilers, but they have a low maximum operating pressure of 0.1 MPa. However, as will be made clear in the explanation below, in this embodiment, even such electric heat medium heaters can be installed in multiple units, making it possible to further increase the heat output relative to the load L. Note that the type of heat medium heating device 11 is not limited to the one described above, and various heating devices can be used.

[0022] The expansion tank 14 is connected to the corresponding second circulation line 13 downstream of the heat medium heating device 11 (the position where the second heat medium HM2 flows from the heat medium heating device 11 to the heat exchanger 12). The expansion tank 14 is provided so as to be able to absorb the expansion of the second heat medium HM2 in the corresponding second circulation line 13. The second circulation line 13 is designed so that a pump (not shown) for circulating the second heat medium HM2 is provided on the outlet side of the heat medium heating device 11 (suction specification), and the pump is installed downstream of the connection position of the expansion tank 14 in the second circulation line 13.

[0023] The first circulation line 15 includes a heat medium supply line 15a that sends the first heat medium HM1 from each heat exchanger 12 to the load L side, and a heat medium recovery line 15b that returns the first heat medium HM1 from the load L side to each heat exchanger 12.

[0024] The downstream end of the heat medium supply line 15a is connected to the load L, and the upstream end branches into two at position P1, one of which is connected to the heat exchanger 12a. The other branch further branches into two at position P2, one of which is connected to the heat exchanger 12b and the other to the heat exchanger 12c.

[0025] The heat medium recovery line 15b has an upstream end connected to the load L, and its downstream end branches into two at position P3, one of which is connected to the heat exchanger 12c. The other end further branches into two at position P4, one of which is connected to the heat exchanger 12a and the other to the heat exchanger 12b. In this way, the multiple heat exchangers 12 are arranged in parallel in the first circulation line 15.

[0026] The expansion tank 17 is connected to the heat medium supply line 15a at a position downstream of the position P1. The expansion tank 17 is provided so as to be able to absorb the expansion of the first heat medium HM1 in the first circulation line 15.

[0027] The pump 18 is a pump for circulating the first heat medium HM1 in the first circulation line 15, and is provided in the heat medium supply line 15a downstream of the expansion tank 17. The temperature detection unit 19 is provided in the heat medium supply line 15a downstream of the expansion tank 17, and detects the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 at that position. A thermocouple, for example, can be used as the temperature detection unit 19.

[0028] According to the heat medium supply system 1 configured as described above, the second heat medium HM2 heated by each heat medium heating device 11 flows into each heat exchanger 12 via the corresponding second circulation line 13. Furthermore, in each heat exchanger 12, heat exchange between the flowing second heat medium HM2 and the first heat medium HM1 circulating in the first circulation line 15 takes place.

[0029] According to the heat medium supply system 1, each heat medium heating device 11 is required to be connected to the corresponding second circulation line 13 and capable of supplying the heated second heat medium HM2 to the corresponding heat exchanger 12. Therefore, even a device with a low maximum operating pressure, such as an electric heat medium heater, can be used as the heat medium heating device 11. Note that devices other than electric heat medium heaters can also be used as the heat medium heating device 11 in the heat medium supply system 1.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the heat medium supply system 1, the second heat medium HM2 supplied to each heat exchanger 12 is heated by the corresponding heat medium heating device 11, and the first heat medium HM1 is heated by heat exchange with the second heat medium HM2 in each of these heat exchangers 12. Therefore, the first heat medium HM1 can be heated by multiple heat medium heating devices 11 via the heat exchangers 12, and it is possible to increase the heat output to the load L compared to when the first heat medium HM1 is heated by a single heat medium heating device 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the operation relating to the temperature adjustment of the first heat medium HM1 in the heat medium supply system 1 can be controlled by a control device (not shown) provided in the system (hereinafter referred to as "controller C" for convenience). The flow of the operation relating to the temperature adjustment of the first heat medium HM1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0032] The controller C has information on the required temperature (temperature value or temperature range) of the load L. This required temperature information may be sent from the load L to the controller C as needed. The controller C can also continuously acquire information on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 19 (temperature T of the first heat medium HM1).

[0033] The controller C acquires information on the latest detection result (temperature T of the first heat medium HM1) of the temperature detection unit 19 (step S1). If the detected temperature T is lower than the required temperature of the load (if the required temperature is a temperature range, the lower limit of the range) (Yes in step S2), the controller C controls the number of operating heat medium heaters 11 or the heating intensity (heating intensity of the second heat medium HM2) so that the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 increases (step S3).

[0034] As one example, if there is a heat medium heating device 11 that is not in operation, that heat medium heating device 11 is put into operation. As a result, it is possible to increase the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 by the amount corresponding to the increase in the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11. As another example, if there is a heat medium heating device 11 whose heating intensity is not at its maximum, the heating intensity of that heat medium heating device 11 is increased. As a result, it is possible to increase the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 by the amount corresponding to the increase in heating intensity of the heat medium heating device 11.

[0035] Furthermore, the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11 may be increased, and the heating intensity of some or all of the heat medium heating devices 11 may be increased. This makes it possible to increase the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 by the amount corresponding to the increase in the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11 and the increase in heating intensity. After performing the operation of step S3, the controller C repeats the operation of step S1.

[0036] On the other hand, if the detected temperature T is higher than the required temperature of the load L (if the required temperature is a temperature range, the upper limit of the range) (Yes in step S4), the controller C controls the number of operating heat medium heaters 11 or the heating intensity so that the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 decreases (step S5).

[0037] As one example, the operation of at least one of the operating heat medium heating devices 11 is stopped. This reduces the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11, making it possible to lower the temperature of the first heat medium HM1. As another example, the heating intensity of at least one of the operating heat medium heating devices 11 is reduced. This reduces the heating intensity of the heat medium heating device 11, making it possible to lower the temperature of the first heat medium HM1.

[0038] Furthermore, the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11 may be reduced, and the heating intensity of some or all of the heat medium heating devices 11 may be reduced. This makes it possible to lower the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 by the amount corresponding to the reduction in the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11 and the reduction in heating intensity. After performing the operation of step S5, the controller C repeats the operation of step S1.

[0039] By performing the above-described series of operations (steps S1 to S5), it is possible to adjust the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 to match the required temperature of the load L. However, the method for adjusting the temperature of the first heat medium HM1 is not limited to the above-described method, and various methods can be adopted within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] As described above, the heat transfer medium supply system 1 is a system that supplies a heat transfer medium to a load L, and is formed so as to interpose the load L, and includes a first circulation line 15 that circulates a first heat transfer medium HM1 used as the heat transfer medium, a plurality of heat exchangers 12 that are each arranged so as to interpose in the first circulation line 15, and a heat transfer medium heating device 11 and a second circulation line 13 that are provided for each heat exchanger 12.

[0041] Each second circulation line 13 is formed to interpose a corresponding heat exchanger 12 and heat medium heating device 11 therebetween to circulate the second heat medium HM2, and each heat medium heating device 11 heats the second heat medium HM2 circulating through the corresponding second circulation line 13. Furthermore, each heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the first heat medium HM1 and the second heat medium HM2 circulating through the corresponding second circulation line 13.

[0042] Therefore, according to the heat transfer medium supply system 1, the first heat transfer medium HM1 supplied to the load L and the second heat transfer medium HM2 heated by each heat transfer medium heating device 11 are indirectly heat exchanged using each heat exchanger 12, and even if the heat transfer medium heating device 11 has a low maximum operating pressure, multiple units can be installed to further increase the heat output to the load L.

[0043] Furthermore, in the heat medium supply system 1, the heat exchangers 12 are arranged in parallel in the first circulation line 15. If two or more heat exchangers 12 are arranged in series in the first circulation line 15, the first heat medium HM1 passing through that section will be heated by two or more heat exchangers 12 in duplicate, which may cause a problem in terms of heating efficiency.

[0044] In this regard, in the heat medium supply system 1, such a problem is solved by providing the heat exchangers 12 in parallel, and good heating efficiency is obtained in each heat exchanger 12. However, depending on various circumstances, it is also possible to provide all or some of the heat exchangers 12 in series in the first circulation line 15.

[0045] The heat medium supply system 1 also includes a temperature sensor 19 that detects the temperature of the first heat medium HM1, and controls the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11 or the heating intensity of at least one of the heat medium heating devices 11 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 19. Therefore, the heat medium supply system 1 makes it possible to appropriately control the number of operating heat medium heating devices 11 or the heating intensity of at least one of the heat medium heating devices, thereby adjusting the temperature of the first heat medium HM1.

[0046] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and should be considered not to be limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0047] The present invention can be used in a heat medium supply system that supplies a heat medium to a load.

[0048] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This disclosure also includes matters that contribute to achieving Goal 12 of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), "Responsible Consumption and Production," and Goal 13, "Take urgent action to combat climate change." [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Heat transfer medium supply system 11, 11a~11c Heat medium heating device 12, 12a~12c heat exchanger 13, 13a~13c Second circulation line 14, 14a-14c Expansion tank 15 First Circulation Line 17 Expansion tank 18 Pump 19 Temperature detection unit HM1 First heat transfer medium HM2 2nd heating medium L load

Claims

1. A heat transfer medium supply system for supplying a heat transfer medium to a load, a first circulation line formed to interpose the load and for circulating a first heat medium used as the heat medium; a plurality of heat exchangers each disposed in the first circulation line; a heat medium heating device and a second circulation line provided for each of the heat exchangers, Each second circulation line is formed to circulate the second heat medium through the corresponding heat exchanger and the heat medium heating device; Each of the heat medium heating devices heats a second heat medium circulating through a corresponding second circulation line; A heat medium supply system in which each of the heat exchangers exchanges heat between a first heat medium and a second heat medium circulating through a corresponding second circulation line.

2. The heat medium supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the heat exchangers are arranged in parallel in the first circulation line.

3. a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the first heat medium; The heat transfer medium supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the number of operating heat transfer medium heating devices is controlled based on the detection result of the temperature sensor.

4. a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the first heat medium; The heat transfer medium supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the heating intensity of at least one of the heat transfer medium heating devices is controlled based on the detection result of the temperature sensor.

5. 5. The heat medium supply system according to claim 1, wherein each of the heat medium heating devices is an electric heat medium heater that heats the second heat medium by electric power.

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