Cremation facility and method of using exhaust heat

Abstract

To provide a cremation facility for storing and using heat of exhaust gas of a cremation furnace for improvement of energy efficiency without enlarging and complicating an exhaust facility, and a method of using exhaust heat.SOLUTION: The cremation facility comprises: a cremation furnace which cremates a corpse; an exhaust gas passage through which exhaust gas discharged from the cremation furnace passes; a heat storage unit which is provided midway in the exhaust gas passage; a post-stage facility which is provided midway in the exhaust gas passage and downstream relative to the heat storage unit; and an exhaust fan which is provided midway in the exhaust gas passage and downstream relative to the post-stage facility. The heat storage unit has: a heat storage body which stores heat of the exhaust gas; a bypass passage which bypasses the heat storage body; a switch valve which can switch a flow passage of the exhaust gas to the heat storage body side or to the bypass passage side; and a preheating unit which supplies the cremation furnace with the heat stored in the heat storage body. The exhaust fan sucks the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas passage. The preheating unit has: a blower which supplies preheated gas exchanging heat with the heat storage body; and a preheating passage which supplies the cremation furnace with the preheated gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cremation facility that stores and utilizes the heat of exhaust gas from a crematorium, and a method for utilizing the exhaust heat. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, the combustion temperature of a crematorium is over 800°C, and the exhaust gas generated from the crematorium is cooled to below 200°C before being released into the atmosphere. There are two cooling methods: a direct cooling method in which outside air is introduced into the exhaust gas, and a heat exchange cooling method in which heat is exchanged between the exhaust gas and a cooling medium such as water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-48331 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, this method of simply cooling and releasing high-temperature exhaust gases poses problems in terms of energy efficiency. In addition, the direct cooling method has the problem of increasing the volume of exhaust gas and making the exhaust equipment larger, while the heat exchange cooling method has the problem of making the exhaust equipment structure more complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a cremation facility and a method for utilizing the exhaust heat of the crematorium's exhaust gases by storing the heat in order to improve energy efficiency, without increasing the size and complexity of the exhaust equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cremation equipment of the present invention comprises a crematorium for crematizing bodies, an exhaust gas passage through which exhaust gas discharged from the crematorium passes, a heat storage unit provided in the exhaust gas passage, a subsequent equipment provided in the exhaust gas passage downstream of the heat storage unit, and an exhaust fan provided in the exhaust gas passage downstream of the subsequent equipment, wherein the heat storage unit has a heat storage body that stores the heat of the exhaust gas, a bypass passage that bypasses the heat storage body, a switching valve that can switch the flow path of the exhaust gas between the heat storage body side and the bypass passage side, and a preheating unit that supplies the heat stored in the heat storage body to the crematorium, and the exhaust fan sucks the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas passage, and the preheating unit has a blower that supplies preheated gas that exchanges heat with the heat storage body, and a preheating passage that supplies the preheated gas to the crematorium. The preheating unit includes a blower that supplies air to the heat storage body and a preheating path that connects the heat storage body to the crematorium.The preheating unit includes a blower that supplies preheated gas that exchanges heat with the heat storage body, and a flow path through which the preheated gas passes, which is a supply path connected to the blower, a heat exchange path that is connected to the supply path and comes into contact with the heat storage body, and a preheating path that connects the heat exchange path to the crematorium.

[0007] In addition, in the cremation equipment of the present invention, the heat storage body is arranged in a cylindrical shape, the flow path on the heat storage body side is a flow path that passes from the inner side to the outer side of the heat storage body, and the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body, and the flow path on the bypass path side is a flow path that passes along the central axis of the inner side of the heat storage body and reaches the bypass path.

[0008] In addition, the cremation equipment of the present invention may be such that the downstream equipment is a bag filter that collects dust in the exhaust gas.

[0009] The downstream equipment may also be a catalytic device for removing harmful substances contained in the exhaust gas.

[0010] The downstream equipment may be a heat exchanger. The heat transferred from the exhaust gas in the heat exchanger may be supplied to a heating equipment or a hot water supply equipment, for example.

[0011] The exhaust heat utilization method of the present invention is a method of utilizing exhaust heat using the above-mentioned cremation equipment, and is characterized by having a heat storage process in which, during combustion in the crematorium, the switching valve is switched to the heat storage body side and the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body; a preheating process in which, during preheating of the crematorium, the switching valve is switched to the bypass path side, the blower is driven, and the heat stored in the heat storage body is supplied to the crematorium through the preheating path; and a subsequent utilization process in which, when the crematorium is stopped, the switching valve is switched to the heat storage body side, the exhaust fan is driven, and the heat stored in the heat storage body is supplied to the subsequent equipment through the exhaust gas path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the cremation equipment and waste heat utilization method of the present invention, the heat of the exhaust gas from the crematorium is stored in a heat storage medium, which cools the exhaust gas and supplies the heat to the crematorium or downstream equipment for use, thereby improving energy efficiency compared to conventional methods that simply cool and release exhaust gas. Furthermore, since the method of storing heat in a heat storage medium does not increase the amount of exhaust gas, the equipment does not become larger, and the structure of the equipment does not become complicated.

[0013] Furthermore, when the heat storage body is arranged in a cylindrical shape and exhaust gas passes from the inner periphery to the outer periphery of the heat storage body, and the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body, the pressure loss of the exhaust gas during heat storage is reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, if the downstream equipment is a bag filter, condensation is prevented by supplying heat from the heat storage medium. Condensation can occur in a bag filter as the temperature of the exhaust gas drops, potentially reducing dust collection performance. Therefore, conventional bag filters are equipped with heaters to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gas above a predetermined value. The present invention eliminates the need for such heaters, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of a first embodiment of a cremation facility. [Figure 2]5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the heat storage unit of the first embodiment, in which (a) shows the heat storage process, (b) shows the preheating process, and (c) shows the subsequent use process. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an overall view (partially omitted) of a second embodiment of the cremation equipment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the heat storage section of the third embodiment of the cremation equipment, where (a) is an overall view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of (a). [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the heat storage unit of the third embodiment, in which (a) shows the heat storage process, (b) shows the preheating process, and (c) shows the subsequent use process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The specific contents of the present invention will be described below. As shown in Figure 1, the first embodiment of this cremation equipment comprises a crematorium 10 for cremating bodies, an exhaust gas passage 20 through which exhaust gas discharged from the crematorium 10 passes, a heat storage unit 30, a bag filter 40, a catalytic device 50, and an exhaust fan 60 provided in the exhaust gas passage 20, and an exhaust pipe 21 connected to the downstream end of the exhaust gas passage 20. The heat storage unit 30, the bag filter 40, the catalytic device 50, and the exhaust fan 60 are provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the exhaust gas passage 20. In the first embodiment, the bag filter 40 and the catalytic device 50 are downstream equipment.

[0017] The crematorium 10 comprises a main combustion chamber 11 in which the body is stored, and a reburning chamber 12 located above the main combustion chamber 11 and communicating with the main combustion chamber 11. A door 13 is provided at the front of the main combustion chamber 11. A dolly 14 enters and exits the main combustion chamber 11 through the door 13. The dolly 14 is used to place the coffin containing the body. A main combustion burner 15 is provided in the main combustion chamber 11, and a reburning burner 16 is provided in the reburning chamber 12. Combustion air is supplied to the main combustion burner 15 and the reburning burner 16 from a combustion air blower (not shown), and fuel is supplied from a fuel tank (not shown).

[0018] The exhaust gas path 20 consists of multiple pipes 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, which will be described later. These pipes 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 sequentially connect the crematorium 10, the heat storage unit 30, the bag filter 40, the catalytic device 50, the exhaust fan 60, and the exhaust pipe 21, forming a flow path from the crematorium 10 to the exhaust pipe 21.

[0019] The thermal storage unit 30 is provided downstream of the crematorium 10. More specifically, the outlet of the reburning chamber 12 of the crematorium 10 and the inlet of the thermal storage unit 30 are connected by a conduit 22. The thermal storage unit 30 has an inlet line 34, a bypass line 32, and an outlet line 35 that form a single conduit, two conduits branching off from this conduit, a thermal storage chamber inlet line 36 and a thermal storage chamber outlet line 37, a thermal storage chamber 38 that is a space provided at the end of these two conduits, and a cooling air supply conduit 39 connected to the downstream side of the outlet line 35 (conduit 23 described below). The inlet line 34 is connected to the conduit 22. A bypass line 32 is provided downstream of the inlet line 34, and an outlet line 35 is provided downstream of the bypass line 32. A thermal storage chamber inlet line 36 is connected to the boundary between the inlet line 34 and the bypass line 32, and a thermal storage chamber outlet line 37 is connected to the boundary between the bypass line 32 and the outlet line 35. As a result, the heat storage unit 30 has two flow paths. One path runs from the inlet path 34 to the outlet path 35 via the heat storage chamber inlet pipe 36, the heat storage chamber 38, and the heat storage chamber outlet pipe 37. The other path runs from the inlet path 34 to the outlet path 35 via the bypass path 32, i.e., bypassing the heat storage chamber 38. The heat storage chamber 38 is filled with a heat storage body 31. The heat storage body 31 is made of ceramic balls made of, for example, aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. The heat storage body 31 stores the heat of the exhaust gas. Note that while the calorific value of the exhaust gas in one combustion (cremation) varies depending on the size of the corpse, the upper limit of the calorific value is roughly determined, and the amount of heat stored can be estimated. Therefore, the capacity of the heat storage body 31 is set based on this estimated amount. A cooling air supply fan (not shown) is provided on the upstream side (opposite side to the pipe 23) of the cooling air supply pipe 39, and when the cooling air supply fan is driven, cooling air is introduced into the exhaust gas that has left the thermal storage unit 30. Furthermore, the thermal storage unit 30 has a switching valve 33. The switching valve 33 is made up of a bypass switching valve 331 provided in the bypass path 32, an inlet switching valve 332 provided in the thermal storage chamber inlet pipe 36, and an outlet switching valve 333 provided in the thermal storage chamber outlet pipe 37. The bypass switching valve 331, the inlet switching valve 332, and the outlet switching valve 333 are all made up of butterfly valves.By closing the bypass switching valve 331 and opening the inlet switching valve 332 and outlet switching valve 333, the flow path becomes the heat storage body 31 (heat storage chamber 38) side, and by opening the bypass switching valve 331 and closing the inlet switching valve 332 and outlet switching valve 333, the flow path becomes the bypass path 32 side.

[0020] Furthermore, the heat storage unit 30 has a preheating unit 70 that supplies the heat stored in the heat storage body 31 to the crematorium 10. The preheating unit 70 has a blower 71, a supply path 73 that connects the blower 71 to the heat storage chamber 38 of the heat storage unit 30, and a preheating path 72 that connects the heat storage chamber 38 to the re-burning chamber 12 of the crematorium 10. When the blower 71 is driven with the inlet switching valve 332 and the outlet switching valve 333 in the "closed" position, the blower 71 takes in air from the outside and supplies it to the heat storage chamber 38 through the supply path 73. The supplied air is exhausted to the re-burning chamber 12 through the preheating path 72.

[0021] The bag filter 40 is provided downstream of the heat storage unit 30. More specifically, the outlet (outlet passage 35) of the heat storage unit 30 and the inlet of the bag filter 40 are connected by a pipe line 23. The bag filter 40 has a cylindrical upper body 41, a funnel-shaped lower body 42, and a filter cloth 43 provided inside the upper body 41. As the exhaust gas passes through the upper body 41, dust in the exhaust gas is captured by the filter cloth 43. A compressed air injector (not shown) is provided inside the upper body 41, and by injecting compressed air onto the filter cloth 43, the dust captured on the filter cloth 43 is knocked off and stored in the lower body 42. The stored dust is appropriately discharged from the lower end of the lower body 42 and disposed of. In the bag filter 40, if condensation occurs on the surface of the filter cloth 43, the filter cloth 43 becomes clogged, reducing the collection (dust collection) performance.

[0022] The catalytic device 50 is provided downstream of the bag filter 40. More specifically, the outlet of the bag filter 40 and the inlet of the catalytic device 50 are connected by a pipe 24. The catalytic device 50 has the following features: It removes harmful substances contained in the exhaust gas that has passed through the bag filter 40. In order to ensure the performance of the catalyst, the catalyst device 50 needs to be heated to a temperature at which the catalyst is activated.

[0023] The exhaust fan 60 is provided downstream of the catalytic device 50. More specifically, the outlet of the catalytic device 50 and the inlet of the exhaust fan 60 are connected by a pipe 25. The exhaust fan 60 sucks in exhaust gas through the exhaust gas path 20. The suction force of the exhaust fan 60 sucks in the exhaust gas from the crematorium 10 through the heat storage unit 30, the bag filter 40, and the catalytic device 50.

[0024] The exhaust stack 21 is provided downstream of the exhaust fan 60 and at the downstream end of the exhaust gas passage 20. More specifically, the outlet of the exhaust fan 60 and the inlet of the exhaust stack 21 are connected by a pipe 26. The exhaust gas exhausted from the exhaust fan 60 is released into the atmosphere from the upper end of the exhaust stack 21.

[0025] When cremating, first, the door 13 of the main combustion chamber 11 of the crematorium 10 is opened, and the cart 14 carrying the coffin containing the body is moved in and placed inside the main combustion chamber 11. Next, the door 13 of the main combustion chamber 11 is closed, and the body is cremated using the main combustion burner 15. At this time, unburned gases are re-burned by the re-burner 16 in the re-burning chamber 12, ensuring complete combustion. Once the cremation is complete, the door 13 of the main combustion chamber 11 is opened, and the cart 14 is removed from the main combustion chamber 11.

[0026] This cremation facility is equipped with a control device 100 for controlling each of the above-mentioned devices. The control device 100 is composed of hardware (computer) such as a PLC that executes a control program for controlling each device, and includes a CPU that executes the program's instructions in sequence, and a storage device that stores the program, data necessary for program execution, and processing results. It can be said that the control program causes the hardware to function as the control device 100. The control program executes various steps, and the control device 100 functions as various means, causing each device to operate in various ways and executing various processes. In other words, the control device 100 has various means, and these various means cause each device to operate in various ways and execute various processes.

[0027] Here, we will omit explanations of the parts that are controlled in the same way as conventional cremation equipment, and will only explain the parts that are controlled in relation to the heat storage unit 30. As shown in Figure 1, the control device 100 is connected to the heat storage unit 30 (switching valve 33, blower 71, and cooled air supply blower) (it is also connected to other devices, but these are not shown). The control device 100 controls the opening and closing of the switching valve 33 (bypass switching valve 331, inlet switching valve 332, outlet switching valve 333) of the heat storage unit 30, and controls the driving and stopping of the blower 71 and cooled air supply blower.

[0028] During combustion in the crematorium 10, a control program is executed, and the control device 100 functions as heat storage means. The heat storage means switches the switching valve 33 to the heat storage body 31 side and executes a heat storage process in which the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body 31. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the heat storage means switches the switching valve 33 of the heat storage unit 30 to the heat storage body 31 side. That is, the bypass switching valve 331 is "closed," and the inlet switching valve 332 and the outlet switching valve 333 are "open." High-temperature exhaust gas (e.g., about 850°C) discharged from the re-burning chamber 12 of the crematorium 10 is sucked into the exhaust fan 60 and introduced into the heat storage unit 30 through the pipe 22. The exhaust gas is then introduced into the heat storage chamber 38 via the inlet path 34 and the heat storage chamber inlet pipe 36. In the heat storage chamber 38, the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body 31. That is, the heat of the exhaust gas is transferred to the heat storage body 31, and the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases. The exhaust gas, now at a low temperature (for example, about 200°C), is discharged further downstream from the heat storage unit 30 via the heat storage chamber 38, the heat storage chamber outlet pipe 37, and the outlet path 35. If the amount of heat in the exhaust gas is greater than expected and exceeds the amount of heat that the heat storage body 31 can store, the temperature of the exhaust gas at the outlet of the heat storage unit 30 increases. When the temperature of the exhaust gas at the outlet of the heat storage unit 30 exceeds a predetermined value, the heat storage means drives the cooling air supply fan to introduce cooling air into the exhaust gas, thereby lowering the temperature of the exhaust gas. The temperature of the exhaust gas at the outlet of the heat storage unit 30 is measured, for example, by a temperature sensor provided downstream of the cooling air supply pipe 39 of the pipeline 23.

[0029] After the end of combustion in the crematorium 10, when the crematorium 10 is preheated (standby for the next cremation), the control program is executed and the control device 100 functions as preheating means. The preheating means switches the switching valve 33 to the bypass path 32, drives the blower 71, and executes a preheating process in which the heat stored in the heat storage body 31 is supplied to the crematorium 10 through the preheating path 72. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the preheating means switches the switching valve 33 of the heat storage unit 30 to the bypass path 32. That is, the bypass switching valve 331 is "open" and the inlet switching valve 332 and the outlet switching valve 333 are "closed." This isolates the heat storage chamber 38 from the exhaust gas path 20. Air taken in from the outside by the blower 71 is introduced into the heat storage chamber 38 via the supply path 73. In the heat storage chamber 38, the air is heated by the heat stored in the heat storage body 31. The heated air is introduced into the re-burning chamber 12 of the crematorium 10 via the preheating path 72, and heats up the re-burning chamber 12. The air is then discharged from the re-burning chamber 12 into the exhaust gas path 20.

[0030] After the crematorium 10 has finished burning, when the crematorium 10 is stopped, the control program is executed and the control device 100 functions as a post-stage utilization means. The post-stage utilization means switches the switching valve 33 to the heat storage body 31 side, drives the exhaust fan 60, and executes a post-stage utilization process in which the heat stored in the heat storage body 31 is supplied to the bag filter 40 and catalytic device 50, which are post-stage equipment, through the exhaust gas passage 20. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the post-stage utilization means switches the switching valve 33 of the heat storage unit 30 to the heat storage body 31 side. That is, the bypass switching valve 331 is "closed" and the inlet switching valve 332 and outlet switching valve 333 are "opened." Even when the crematorium 10 is stopped, the heat stored during combustion remains in the heat storage body 31. Air in the exhaust gas passage 20 is sucked into the exhaust fan 60, passes through the heat storage chamber 38 via the inlet passage 34 and the heat storage chamber inlet pipe 36, and is heated by the heat stored in the heat storage body 31. The heated air is introduced into the bag filter 40 via the heat storage chamber outlet pipe 37, the outlet passage 35, and the pipe 23. This transfers the heat from the heat storage body 31 to the bag filter 40, keeping the bag filter 40 warm and cooling the heat storage body 31. Furthermore, the exhaust gas that has passed through the bag filter 40 is introduced into the catalytic device 50 via the pipe 24. The heat remaining in the exhaust gas raises the temperature of the catalyst in the catalytic device 50.

[0031] In this way, the control program is executed, and the control device 100 functions as the heat storage means, preheating means, and post-use means, and executes the heat storage process, preheating process, and post-use process, thereby implementing the above-mentioned method of utilizing exhaust heat using cremation equipment. Note that this method of utilizing exhaust heat is not limited to executing each process in the above order. For example, assuming a day's operation, the heat storage process and preheating process may be repeated, and the post-use process may be executed after the last combustion (heat storage process) of the day.

[0032] According to the first embodiment of the cremation equipment and the waste heat utilization method using the same, the heat of the exhaust gas from the crematorium 10 is stored in the heat storage body 31, thereby cooling the exhaust gas and supplying it to the crematorium 10 and downstream equipment, the bag filter 40 and catalytic converter 50, for use. This improves energy efficiency compared to conventional methods that simply cool and release exhaust gas. Furthermore, since the method of storing heat in the heat storage body 31 does not increase the amount of exhaust gas, the equipment does not become larger or more complex. Furthermore, the supply of heat from the heat storage body 31 to the bag filter 40 prevents condensation. The bag filter 40 previously required a heater to maintain the exhaust gas temperature above a predetermined value because a drop in the exhaust gas temperature could cause condensation and reduce dust collection performance. However, the use of the heat storage body 31 eliminates the need for such a heater, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the supply of heat from the heat storage body 31 to the catalytic converter 50 activates the catalyst, ensuring performance. Conventionally, a catalyst device 50 is provided with a heater for raising the temperature to a temperature at which the catalyst is activated, but the heat storage body 31 makes such a heater unnecessary or reduces the load on the heater even if it is necessary, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0033] Next, a second embodiment of the cremation equipment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that a heat exchanger 80 is added. Below, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the second embodiment includes the same configuration as the first embodiment, but with a heat exchanger 80 provided between the heat storage unit 30 and the bag filter 40. However, in Fig. 3, the downstream side of the catalytic converter 50 is not shown. In the second embodiment, the heat exchanger 80, the bag filter 40, and the catalytic converter 50 form downstream equipment. More specifically, the outlet of the heat storage unit 30 and the inlet of the primary side (exhaust gas side) of the heat exchanger 80 are connected by a pipe 23, and the outlet of the primary side of the heat exchanger 80 and the inlet of the bag filter 40 are connected by a pipe 27. The heat exchanger 80 includes a heat exchanger body 81, a secondary air blower 82, a secondary air inlet passage 83 connecting the secondary air blower 82 and the secondary side inlet of the heat exchanger body 81, and a secondary air outlet passage 84 connecting the secondary side outlet of the heat exchanger body 81 and a device (not shown) to which heat is supplied. The equipment to which the heat is supplied is, for example, the heating equipment or hot water supply equipment of the building in which the cremation facility is installed. The secondary air blower 82 takes in air from outside and supplies it to the secondary side of the heat exchanger main body 81 through the secondary air inlet passage 83. In the heat exchanger main body 81, the exhaust gas on the primary side and the air on the secondary side exchange heat without contact, lowering the temperature of the exhaust gas and raising the temperature of the air. The air that has exchanged heat with the exhaust gas is introduced into the equipment to which the heat is supplied through the secondary air outlet passage 84.

[0035] In this second embodiment, after the end of combustion in the crematorium 10, when the crematorium 10 is stopped, a control program is executed and the control device 100 functions as a post-stage utilization means. The post-stage utilization means switches the switching valve 33 to the heat storage body 31 side, drives the exhaust fan 60, and executes a post-stage utilization process in which the heat stored in the heat storage body 31 through the exhaust gas path 20 is supplied to the downstream equipment, that is, the heat exchanger 80, the bag filter 40, and the catalytic device 50. In addition to the same control as in the first embodiment, the post-stage utilization means further drives the secondary air blower 82 of the heat exchanger 80. The air in the exhaust gas path 20 is sucked into the exhaust fan 60, passes through the heat storage chamber 38, and is introduced into the heat exchanger 80. As a result, the heat of the heat storage body 31 is transferred to the secondary air in the heat exchanger 80, where it is utilized by other equipment and the heat storage body 31 is cooled. The primary side exhaust gas after heat exchange is introduced into the bag filter 40 via the pipe 27, and further introduced into the catalytic device 50 via the pipe 24. The heat remaining in the exhaust gas keeps the bag filter 40 warm and raises the temperature of the catalyst in the catalytic device 50. In addition, even during combustion in the crematorium 10, heat exchange can be performed in the heat exchanger 80 between the exhaust gas, which has been cooled by storing heat in the heat storage body 31, and the secondary air.

[0036] According to the second embodiment of the cremation system configured in this way, the heat of the exhaust gas from the crematorium 10 can be used by other equipment that is not a component of this cremation system. In this case, the heat stored in the heat storage body 31 can be used with a time lag (for example, for heating the next morning). In addition, the second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0037] Next, a third embodiment of the cremation equipment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the heat storage unit 30a. Only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0038] 4, the heat storage unit 30a of the third embodiment has a heat storage chamber 38a, an inlet passage 34a, a bypass passage 32a, and a heat storage outlet passage 37a, which are pipes connected to the heat storage chamber 38a, a cooling air supply pipe 39 connected to the downstream side (pipe 23) of the bypass passage 32a and the heat storage outlet passage 37a, a switching valve 33a, a preheating unit 70a, and a heat storage body 31a. The preheating unit 70a has a blower 71a, and a supply passage 73a, a heat exchange passage 74a, and a preheating passage 72a, which are pipes leading from the blower 71a to the crematorium 10. The heat storage chamber 38a has a substantially cylindrical shape and both ends are closed. An inlet passage 34a and a bypass passage 32a are connected to the center of each end surface of the heat storage chamber 38a. A heat storage outlet passage 37a is connected to the side peripheral surface of the heat storage chamber 38a. The inlet passage 34a is connected to the pipe line 22. That is, the outlet of the reburning chamber 12 of the crematorium 10 and the inlet of the heat storage unit 30a are connected by the pipe line 22. The bypass passage 32a and the heat storage outlet passage 37a merge downstream and are connected to the pipe line 23. That is, the outlet of the heat storage unit 30a and the inlet of the bag filter 40 are connected by the pipe line 23. The heat exchange passages 74a of the preheating unit 70a are multiple pipes extending parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical heat storage chamber 38a. The heat exchange passages 74a penetrate both end surfaces of the heat storage chamber 38a. The heat exchange passages 74a consist of an outer heat exchange passage 741a arranged in an annular shape along the inner side of the side circumferential surface of the heat storage chamber 38a, and an inner heat exchange passage 742a arranged in an annular shape inside the outer heat exchange passage 741a to surround the inlet passage 34a and the bypass passage 32a. Gaps are provided between the adjacent outer heat exchange passages 741a and between the adjacent inner heat exchange passages 742a. ​​The supply passage 73a of the preheating unit 70a is connected to the upstream side (upper side in FIG. 4) of each heat exchange passage 74a. That is, the supply passage 73a branches into each heat exchange passage 74a. The upstream end of the supply passage 73a is connected to the blower 71a. The preheating path 72a of the preheating section 70a is connected to the downstream side (lower side in FIG. 4) of each heat exchange path 74a. That is, each heat exchange path 74a merges with the preheating path 72a. The downstream end of the preheating path 72a is connected to the re-burning chamber 12 of the crematorium 10. The heat storage body 31a is filled in the cylindrical region between the outer heat exchange passage 741a and the inner heat exchange passage 742a. ​​The heat storage body 31a is made of ceramic balls. The diameter of the balls is larger than the gaps between the adjacent outer heat exchange passages 741a and the adjacent inner heat exchange passages 742a. ​​Therefore, the balls cannot pass through the gaps and are contained between the outer heat exchange passage 741a and the inner heat exchange passage 742a. ​​Furthermore, exhaust gas can pass through the gaps between the balls. The switching valve 33a is a butterfly valve provided in the bypass passage 32a. The switching valve 33a switches the flow path of the exhaust gas passing through the thermal storage unit 30a. When the switching valve 33a is "closed," the flow path becomes the thermal storage body 31a (thermal storage outlet passage 37a) side. The exhaust gas flows from the inlet passage 34a into the thermal storage chamber 38a and spreads toward the outer periphery of the thermal storage chamber 38a. Then, it passes through the gaps in the inner heat exchange passage 742a, passes from the inner periphery to the outer periphery of the thermal storage body 31a, and further passes through the gaps in the outer heat exchange passage 741a to reach the thermal storage outlet passage 37a. When the switching valve 33a is "open," the flow path becomes the bypass passage 32a side. The exhaust gas flows from the inlet passage 34a into the thermal storage chamber 38a, passes along the central axis of the cylindrically arranged thermal storage body 31a, and reaches the bypass passage 32a.

[0039] In the cremation system of the third embodiment, the heat storage process, preheating process, and subsequent use process are carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The operation of the heat storage unit 30a in each process will be explained.

[0040] During the heat storage process, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the switching valve 33a is closed. High-temperature exhaust gas flows into the heat storage chamber 38a from the inlet passage 34a and spreads toward the outer periphery of the heat storage chamber 38a. It then passes through the gaps in the inner heat exchange passage 742a and passes through the heat storage body 31a. During this process, the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body 31a, and the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases. The cooled exhaust gas passes from the heat storage body 31a through the gaps in the outer heat exchange passage 741a, passes through the heat storage outlet passage 37a, and is discharged further downstream from the heat storage unit 30a. During the heat storage process, if the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the heat storage chamber 38a is high (for example, above a predetermined temperature), the blower 71a may be driven. The air taken in by the blower 71a cools and protects the heat exchange passage 74a. At this time, the air passing through the heat exchange path 74a is heated by the heat stored in the heat storage body 31a and is used as auxiliary air for combustion (for example, air for burning the coffin and burial goods) in the crematorium 10 (main combustion chamber 11 and re-combustion chamber 12).

[0041] During the preheating process, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the switching valve 33a is "open." In addition, the blower 71a is driven. Air (preheated gas) taken in from the outside by the blower 71a is introduced into the heat exchange path 74a via the supply path 73a. Because the heat exchange path 74a is in contact with the heat storage body 31a, the air passing through the heat exchange path 74a is heated by the heat stored in the heat storage body 31a. The heated air is introduced from the heat exchange path 74a via the preheating path 72a into the re-burning chamber 12 of the crematorium 10, raising the temperature of the re-burning chamber 12. The air is then discharged from the re-burning chamber 12 into the exhaust gas path 20 (pipe line 22).

[0042] In the latter stage of use, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the switching valve 33a is "closed." In addition, the exhaust fan (not shown) is driven. Even when the crematorium 10 is stopped, the heat stored during combustion remains in the heat storage body 31a. The air inside the crematorium 10 is sucked into the exhaust fan, flows into the heat storage chamber 38a through the inlet passage 34a, and stores heat via the heat storage body 31a. The heated air is introduced into the bag filter 40 via the heat storage outlet passage 37a and the pipe 23. This keeps the bag filter 40 warm. Furthermore, the air that has passed through the bag filter 40 is introduced into the catalytic device (not shown) via the pipe. The heat remaining in the air heats the catalyst in the catalytic device.

[0043] According to the third embodiment of the cremation system configured in this way, the heat storage body 31a is arranged in a cylindrical shape, and the exhaust gas passes from the inner periphery to the outer periphery of the heat storage body 31a, and the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body 31a, so that the pressure loss of the exhaust gas during the heat storage process is suppressed. Similarly, the pressure loss of the air during the subsequent utilization process is suppressed. In addition, the third embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the shape and structure of each part can be modified as appropriate within the spirit of the invention. For example, a system may have multiple crematoria, and heat stored from the exhaust gas of one crematoria may be used to preheat the other crematoria. The downstream equipment may be equipment other than a bag filter, catalytic converter, or heat exchanger. The control device may also be a general-purpose personal computer. In the second embodiment, a heat accumulator may be provided downstream of the secondary air outlet passage, and heat may be utilized when needed. In the third embodiment, the heat accumulator may be a rectangular or other tubular shape. In this case, the heat exchange passage is arranged in a rectangular ring shape, and the heat accumulator fills the rectangular tubular region. Regarding the components of the present invention in the above-described embodiments, some elements may be removed or other elements may be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Crematorium 20 Exhaust gas passage 30 Heat storage section 31 Heat storage body 32 Bypass Road 33 Switching valve 40 Bag filter (post-stage equipment) 60 Exhaust fan 70 Preheating section 71 Blower 72 Preheating path

Claims

1. A crematorium for cremating bodies, an exhaust gas passage through which exhaust gas discharged from the crematorium passes, a heat storage unit provided in the exhaust gas passage, a subsequent equipment provided in the exhaust gas passage downstream of the heat storage unit, and an exhaust fan provided in the exhaust gas passage downstream of the subsequent equipment, The heat storage unit has a heat storage body that stores the heat of the exhaust gas, a bypass path that bypasses the heat storage body, a switching valve that can switch the flow path of the exhaust gas between the heat storage body side and the bypass path side, and a preheating unit that supplies the heat stored in the heat storage body to the crematorium, The exhaust fan sucks the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas passage, The cremation equipment is characterized in that the preheating unit has a blower that supplies preheated gas that exchanges heat with the heat storage body, and a preheating path that supplies the preheated gas to the crematorium.

2. The heat storage body is arranged in a cylindrical shape, the flow path on the heat storage body side is a flow path that passes from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side of the heat storage body, and heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body, The cremation facility according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow path on the bypass path side is a flow path that passes along the central axis of the heat storage body on the inner periphery side and reaches the bypass path.

3. The cremation facility according to claim 1, characterized in that the downstream equipment is a bag filter that collects dust in the exhaust gas.

4. A method for utilizing exhaust heat using the cremation facility according to claim 1, 2 or 3, During combustion in the crematorium, the switching valve is switched to the heat storage body side, and the heat of the exhaust gas is stored in the heat storage body. During preheating of the crematorium, the switching valve is switched to the bypass path side, the blower is driven, and the heat stored in the heat storage body is supplied to the crematorium through the preheating path; A method for utilizing exhaust heat, characterized in that when the crematorium is stopped, the switching valve is switched to the heat storage side, the exhaust fan is driven, and the heat stored in the heat storage body is supplied to the downstream equipment through the exhaust gas path.

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