Evaporator

Abstract

To provide an evaporator which can easily adjust a liquid supply amount and can effectively use the liquid and the generated steam.SOLUTION: An evaporator includes: an outer peripheral wall 11; a porous first honeycomb structure 10 provided inside the outer peripheral wall 11 and having a partitioning wall 14 for defining a plurality of cells 13 as a passage of the first fluid extending from a first end face 12a to a second end face 12b; a first cylindrical member 20 fitted to the outer peripheral wall 11 and having a penetration part 21 through which the liquid can flow; a jacket member 30 provided with an interval so as to configure a liquid passage 50 on a radial outside of the first cylindrical member 20; and a liquid supply device 40 which supplies the liquid to the liquid passage 50 and which can adjust the supply amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaporator. [Background technology]

[0002] Steam such as water vapor is used in a variety of applications, including humidifiers, absorption refrigerators, and fuel cells. One method of generating steam is the evaporation method (natural evaporation), which vaporizes a liquid by passing a gas such as air through a gas-permeable membrane that has been wetted with a liquid such as water. However, the evaporation method has a problem in that the air resistance of the membrane is large, which places a heavy load on the blower, making it difficult to miniaturize the blower. To address this issue, an evaporator made of a highly water-absorbent material such as porous ceramics and having a large number of through-holes has been proposed (Patent Document 1). This evaporator has a large number of through-holes that increase the passage of air sent from the blower, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the blower. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-66437 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The evaporator in Patent Document 1 has a water-absorbing material attached tightly to the periphery of the evaporator, which is immersed in water contained in a tank, and supplies water to the evaporator from all around, making it difficult to adjust the amount of water supplied. Furthermore, since the periphery of the absorbent material is exposed, it may not be possible to effectively utilize the water supplied to the tank or the steam generated around the absorbent material. Furthermore, in order to absorb water from the entire periphery of the evaporator, it is necessary to provide a water-absorbing material around the evaporator.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an evaporator that can easily adjust the amount of liquid supplied and can effectively utilize the liquid and the generated steam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research into evaporators, the inventors have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by using a specific structure, and have thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention is exemplified as follows.

[0007] <1> a porous first honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for a first fluid extending from a first end face to a second end face; a first cylindrical member fitted to the outer peripheral wall and having a through-hole through which a liquid can flow; a jacket member disposed radially outside the first cylindrical member at a distance so as to define a flow path for the liquid; a liquid supply device that supplies the liquid to the liquid flow path and is capable of adjusting the amount of the liquid supplied; An evaporator comprising:

[0008] <2> a liquid supply portion penetrating in a radial direction of the first honeycomb structure is provided in at least a part of the outer wall and the partition wall of the first honeycomb structure; <1> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0009] <3> The liquid supply portion is a slit and / or a through hole. <2> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0010] <4> A groove portion is provided in at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of the first honeycomb structure. <1> ~ <3> 10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein

[0011] <5> a heating unit for the first fluid is provided on the upstream side of the first honeycomb structure with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid; <1> ~ <4> 10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein

[0012] <6> the first honeycomb structure is a hollow honeycomb structure further having an inner peripheral wall, and the partition walls are disposed between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, A heated second fluid can flow through the inner circumferential wall, or a heating section is provided within the inner circumferential wall. <1> ~ <5> 10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein

[0013] <7> A second honeycomb structure is disposed within the inner peripheral wall of the first honeycomb structure, and the second honeycomb structure has an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for the second fluid and extend from a first end face to a second end face. <6> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0014] <8> Further provided is a second cylindrical member fitted to the inner circumferential wall, A heated second fluid can flow through the second cylindrical member, or a heating unit is provided in the second cylindrical member. <6> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0015] <9> A second honeycomb structure is disposed within the second cylindrical member, the second honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for the second fluid and extend from a first end face to a second end face. <8> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0016] <10> the first honeycomb structure is a hollow honeycomb structure further having an inner peripheral wall, and the partition walls are disposed between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, The device further includes a second cylindrical member fitted to the inner circumferential wall, and a heated second fluid can flow through the second cylindrical member. a first heat exchanger for heating the first fluid is provided on the upstream side of the first honeycomb structure with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid; <1> ~ <5> 10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein

[0017] <11> The second fluid flows in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the first fluid. <10> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0018] <12> the first heat exchanger comprises a third honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for the second fluid, the partition walls extending from a first end face to a second end face; a third cylindrical member fitted to the outer peripheral wall of the third honeycomb structure; and a jacket member disposed radially outside the third cylindrical member at a distance so as to form the flow paths for the first fluid. <10> or <11> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0019] <13> a second heat exchanger for heating steam generated in the first honeycomb structure is provided downstream of the first honeycomb structure with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid; <10> ~ <12> 10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein

[0020] <14> the second heat exchanger comprises a third honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for the second fluid, the partition walls extending from a first end face to a second end face; a third cylindrical member fitted to the outer peripheral wall of the third honeycomb structure; and a jacket member disposed radially outside the third cylindrical member at a distance to form a flow path for the steam. <13> The evaporator according to claim 1.

[0021] <15> The liquid is water. <1> ~ <14> 10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an evaporator that can easily adjust the amount of liquid supplied and can effectively utilize the liquid and the generated vapor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1A] 1 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extending direction of a cell of an evaporator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 1A taken along line aa'. [Figure 1C]4 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the direction in which the cells of another evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention extend. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the cell extension direction of a first honeycomb structure used in an evaporator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the surface of the outer wall of the first honeycomb structure having slits. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the surface of the outer wall of the first honeycomb structure having through-holes. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extending direction of the cells of an evaporator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 4A taken along line bb'. [Figure 5A] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extending direction of the cells of an evaporator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 5A taken along line cc'. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extending direction of the cells of an evaporator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extending direction of the cells of an evaporator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it should be understood that modifications and improvements made to the following embodiments based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extension direction of the cells of the evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of Fig. 1A taken along line a-a' (a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells of the evaporator of Fig. 1A). As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a porous first honeycomb structure 10, a first cylindrical member 20, a jacket member 30, and a liquid supply device 40. The first honeycomb structure 10 has an outer peripheral wall 11 and partition walls 14 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 11 and defining a plurality of cells 13 that serve as flow paths for a first fluid, extending from a first end face 12a to a second end face 12b. The first cylindrical member 20 is fitted into the outer peripheral wall 11 and has through-holes 21 through which liquid can flow. The jacket member 30 is disposed at intervals on the radially outer side of the first cylindrical member 20 so as to define liquid flow paths 50. The liquid supply device 40 supplies liquid to the liquid flow paths 50 and is capable of adjusting the amount of liquid supplied. By configuring the evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention as described above, the amount of liquid supplied can be easily adjusted, and the liquid and the generated vapor can be effectively utilized.

[0026] Here, in this specification, the term "evaporator" refers to a device capable of vaporizing (evaporating) a liquid. Specifically, an evaporator is a device that allows a liquid to exchange heat with a first fluid (gas) and vaporize the liquid by absorbing heat. In addition, in this specification, "porous" means having pores. The pores may be open pores or closed pores. The porosity is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and even more preferably 50% or more. The porosity is measured by mercury porosimetry in accordance with JIS R1655:2003. By making the first honeycomb structure 10 porous, liquid can easily penetrate into the interior through the outer wall 11 and the partition walls 14, thereby enabling efficient generation of steam. The porosity can be controlled by adjusting conditions such as the amount of pore-forming material and sintering aid used in manufacturing the first honeycomb structure 10, and the firing atmosphere.

[0027] In this specification, "fit" refers to being fixed in a mutually fitted state. Therefore, "fit" includes not only fixing methods using fitting such as clearance fit, interference fit, and shrink fit, but also fixing by brazing, welding, diffusion bonding, and the like. The first fluid flowing through the cell 13 is not particularly limited and may be any of various gases. A typical first fluid is air. The structure of the evaporator will be described in detail below.

[0028] (First honeycomb structure 10) The shape of the first honeycomb structure 10 is not particularly limited, and in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 13, it can be circular as shown in FIG. 1B, as well as elliptical, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes. The shape of the cells 13 is not particularly limited, and in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 13, the shape may be a rectangle as shown in FIG. 1B, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a hexagon, or any other polygon.

[0029] The peripheral wall 11 is the part that becomes the outer surface of the first honeycomb structure 10, and therefore, from the viewpoint of improving resistance to external impact, it is preferable that the thickness of the peripheral wall 11 is thicker than the partition walls 14. Specifically, the thickness of the peripheral wall 11 is preferably 1.2 to 15 times, and more preferably 1.5 to 10 times, the thickness of the partition walls 14. By controlling the thickness of the peripheral wall 11 to such a value, it is possible to improve resistance to external impact. The thickness of the outer peripheral wall 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 mm, and even more preferably 1 to 3 mm.

[0030] The thickness of the partition walls 14 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 to 1.0 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.6 mm. By making the thickness of the partition walls 14 0.05 mm or more, it is possible to ensure sufficient mechanical strength of the first honeycomb structure 10. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the partition walls 14 1.0 mm or less, it is possible to suppress problems such as increased pressure loss due to a decrease in the opening area.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1C, the partition walls 14 may have first partition walls 14b extending in the circumferential direction and second partition walls 14c extending in the radial direction in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 13 of the first honeycomb structure 10. With this configuration, heat exchange between the first fluid flowing through the cells 13 and the liquid supplied to the first honeycomb structure 10 can be efficiently performed, and evaporation of the liquid can be easily promoted. Note that Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 13 of another evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The first honeycomb structure 10 (the outer peripheral wall 11 and the partition walls 14) is mainly composed of ceramics. "Mainly composed of ceramics" means that the mass ratio of ceramics to the mass of all components is 50 mass % or more. By using ceramics, it is possible to reduce the weight while suppressing rust and deformation.

[0033] The ceramic is not particularly limited, but is preferably composed primarily of silicon carbide (SiC). Examples of ceramics containing silicon carbide (SiC) as the main component include Si-impregnated SiC, (Si+Al)-impregnated SiC, metal composite SiC, recrystallized SiC, Si3N4, and SiC. Among these, it is preferable to use Si-impregnated SiC and (Si+Al)-impregnated SiC because they can be produced inexpensively and have high thermal conductivity.

[0034] The cell density (i.e., the number of cells 13 per unit area) of the first honeycomb structure 10 in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the cells 13 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 4 to 320 cells / cm. 2 The cell density is 4 cells / cm 2 By setting the cell density to the above, it is possible to sufficiently secure the strength of the partition walls 14, and in turn the strength and effective GSA (geometric surface area) of the first honeycomb structure 10 itself. 2 By setting the above, it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure loss when the first fluid flows.

[0035] The isostatic strength of the first honeycomb structure 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100 MPa or more, more preferably 150 MPa or more, and even more preferably 200 MPa or more. By making the isostatic strength of the first honeycomb structure 10 100 MPa or more, the durability of the first honeycomb structure 10 can be improved. Here, the "isostatic strength" in this specification can be measured in accordance with the method for measuring isostatic strength specified in JASO standard M505-87, an automotive standard issued by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan.

[0036] The diameter (outer diameter) of the outer wall 11 of the first honeycomb structure 10 in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 13 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 to 200 mm, more preferably 30 to 150 mm. By setting the diameter in this range, it is possible to promote the evaporation of the liquid. When the outer wall 11 is not circular, the diameter of the outer wall 11 is defined as the diameter of the largest inscribed circle inscribed in the cross-sectional shape of the outer wall 11.

[0037] The thermal conductivity of the first honeycomb structure 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 W / (m·K) or more, more preferably 100 to 300 W / (m·K), and even more preferably 120 to 300 W / (m·K) at 25° C. By setting the thermal conductivity of the first honeycomb structure 10 within this range, the heat of the first fluid can be efficiently transferred to the liquid, thereby accelerating the evaporation of the liquid. Here, the term "thermal conductivity" in this specification refers to a value measured by the laser flash method (JIS R1611:1997).

[0038] 2, the first honeycomb structure 10 may be provided with liquid supply portions 15 that penetrate the first honeycomb structure 10 in the radial direction, at least in a part of the outer wall 11 and the partition walls 14. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to supply liquid to the center of the first honeycomb structure 10, and therefore steam can be generated efficiently. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the direction in which the cells 13 of the first honeycomb structure 10 used in the evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention extend.

[0039] The liquid supply portion 15 is not particularly limited, but may be a slit or a through-hole, or a combination of these. Fig. 3A shows a partially enlarged plan view of the surface of the outer wall 11 of the first honeycomb structure 10 having the slits 15a, and Fig. 3B shows a partially enlarged plan view of the surface of the outer wall 11 of the first honeycomb structure 10 having the through-holes 15b. In this specification, the term "slit 15a" refers to a thin gap, and the term "through hole 15b" refers to a hole that penetrates through the material. The number and size of the slits 15a and through holes 15b may be set appropriately depending on the required characteristics, and are not particularly limited. The slits 15a and the through holes 15b can be formed by a known method such as machining.

[0040] Furthermore, the first honeycomb structure 10 may have grooves formed in at least a part of the outer peripheral wall 11. By providing the grooves, the contact area of ​​the outer peripheral wall 11 with the liquid can be increased, making it easier to supply the liquid to the center of the first honeycomb structure 10 and enabling efficient generation of steam.

[0041] In the evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the heating section for the first fluid may be provided on the upstream side of the first honeycomb structure 10, based on the flow direction of the first fluid. By providing the heating section for the first fluid at such a position, steam can be generated efficiently.

[0042] (Method for manufacturing the first honeycomb structure 10) The first honeycomb structure 10 can be manufactured in accordance with a method known in the art. For example, the first honeycomb structure 10 can be manufactured according to the method described below. First, a clay containing ceramic powder is extruded into a desired shape to produce a honeycomb molded body. At this time, by selecting an appropriate type of die and jig, it is possible to control the thickness of the outer wall 11 and partition walls 14, the shape of the cells 13, the cell density, etc. For example, when producing a honeycomb molded body whose main component is a Si-impregnated SiC composite material, a binder and water or an organic solvent are added to a predetermined amount of SiC powder, and the resulting mixture is kneaded to form a clay, which is then molded to produce a honeycomb molded body of the desired shape. Next, after the honeycomb formed body is dried, the slits 15a and the through holes 15b are formed by machining such as cutting, if necessary. Next, the honeycomb formed body is impregnated with metal Si in a reduced pressure inert gas or in a vacuum, and then fired, whereby the first honeycomb structure 10 can be obtained. In the above description, the case where the processing for providing the slits 15a and the through holes 15b is performed on the honeycomb formed body has been described, but the processing may be performed after the honeycomb formed body has been fired.

[0043] (First cylindrical member 20) The first cylindrical member 20 is fitted to the outer peripheral wall 11 of the first honeycomb structure 10. In other words, the first cylindrical member 20 is a cylindrical member capable of accommodating the first honeycomb structure 10 therein. The fitting may be either direct or indirect. It is preferable that the axial direction of the first cylindrical member 20 coincides with the axial direction of the first honeycomb structure 10, and the central axis of the first cylindrical member 20 coincides with the central axis of the first honeycomb structure 10. Furthermore, the central position in the axial direction of the first cylindrical member 20 may coincide with the central position in the axial direction of the first honeycomb structure 10. Furthermore, the diameter (outer diameter and inner diameter) of the first cylindrical member 20 may be uniform along the axial direction, but at least a portion (for example, both axial ends) may be reduced or increased in diameter.

[0044] The first cylindrical member 20 has through-holes 21 through which a liquid can flow. By providing the through-holes 21, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply device 40 can be supplied to the first honeycomb structure 10. The through-holes 21 may be provided at any position that allows the outer peripheral wall 11 of the first honeycomb structure 10 to be exposed, and may be provided, for example, at the center in the axial direction as shown in FIG. 1A. The shape of the through-hole 21 is not particularly limited, and may be any of various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or a slit. The size of the through-hole 21 may be adjusted appropriately depending on the shape of the through-hole 21, and is not particularly limited. The number of through-holes 21 may be adjusted appropriately depending on the size, shape, etc. of the through-holes 21, and is not particularly limited. The through portion 21 can be formed by a known method such as machining.

[0045] The material of the first cylindrical member 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal from the viewpoint of manufacturability. Furthermore, if the first cylindrical member 20 is made of a metal, it is advantageous in that it can be easily welded to the jacket member 30 described below. Examples of materials that can be used for the first cylindrical member 20 include stainless steel, titanium alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, brass, etc. Among these, stainless steel is preferred because it is highly durable, reliable, and inexpensive.

[0046] The thickness of the first cylindrical member 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more. By making the thickness of the first cylindrical member 20 0.1 mm or more, durability and reliability can be ensured. Furthermore, the thickness of the first cylindrical member 20 is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 3 mm or less. By making the thickness of the first cylindrical member 20 10 mm or less, the weight of the evaporator can be reduced.

[0047] (Jacket member 30) The jacket member 30 is disposed radially outside the first cylindrical member 20 at a distance so as to form a flow path 50 for liquid. It is preferable that the axial direction of the jacket member 30 coincides with the axial direction of the first honeycomb structure 10 , and the central axis of the jacket member 30 coincides with the central axis of the first honeycomb structure 10 .

[0048] The jacket member 30 preferably has a supply port 31 for supplying liquid to the liquid flow path 50. The supply port 31 may be located at any position that allows connection to the liquid flow path 50, and may be located, for example, at the center in the axial direction as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0049] The jacket member 30 is preferably disposed so that the inner circumferential surfaces of the upstream end and downstream end are in direct or indirect contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member 20 . The method for fixing the inner peripheral surfaces of the upstream end and downstream end of the jacket member 30 to the outer peripheral surface of the first tubular member 20 is not particularly limited, but may include, but is not limited to, fitting methods such as clearance fitting, interference fitting, and shrink fitting, as well as brazing, welding, diffusion bonding, etc.

[0050] The diameter (outer diameter and inner diameter) of the jacket member 30 may be uniform along the axial direction, but may be narrowed or widened at least in part (for example, the axial center portion, both axial ends, etc.). The material of the jacket member 30 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the material of the first cylindrical member 20 described above. The thickness of the jacket member 30 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as that of the first cylindrical member 20 described above.

[0051] (Liquid supply device 40) The liquid supply device 40 is a device that can supply liquid to the liquid flow path 50 and adjust the amount of liquid supplied. The liquid supply device 40 is not particularly limited as long as it has this function, and commercially available products can be used. The liquid supply device 40 is connected to the supply port 31 of the jacket member 30 by a supply pipe 41 or the like. The liquid supplied by the liquid supply device 40 may be appropriately selected depending on the application of the evaporator, and is not particularly limited. When used in an evaporator that generates water vapor, the liquid is water.

[0052] (Evaporator manufacturing method) The evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured using the above-described components in accordance with a method known in the art. For example, the evaporator can be manufactured according to the method described below. First, the first honeycomb structure 10 is inserted into the first cylindrical member 20, and the first cylindrical member 20 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall 11 of the first honeycomb structure 10. Next, the jacket member 30 is disposed and fixed radially outside the first cylindrical member 20. Next, the jacket member 30 and the liquid supply device 40 are connected by a supply pipe 41. The arrangement and fixing (fitting) order of the components are not limited to the above, and may be changed as appropriate within the scope of manufacturability. The fixing (fitting) method may be the same as that described above.

[0053] The evaporator of embodiment 1 of the present invention uses a liquid supply device 40, which makes it easy to adjust the amount of liquid supplied, and also makes it possible to efficiently supply the liquid supplied to the liquid flow path 50 to the first honeycomb structure 10 through the through portion 21 of the first tubular member 20, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the liquid and the generated steam.

[0054] <Embodiment 2> Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extension direction of the cells of the evaporator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb' of the heat exchanger of Fig. 4A (a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells of the evaporator of Fig. 4A). 4A and 4B, the evaporator according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention in that the first honeycomb structure 10 is a hollow honeycomb structure 10a in which the first honeycomb structure 10 further has an inner peripheral wall 16 and partition walls 14 are arranged between the inner peripheral wall 16 and the outer peripheral wall 11, and further includes a second cylindrical member 60 fitted into the inner peripheral wall 16. Although an example in which the second cylindrical member 60 is provided is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second cylindrical member 60 may not be provided. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those appearing in the description of the evaporator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention are the same as the components of the evaporator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Therefore, detailed description of the same components will be omitted, and only different components will be described.

[0055] When the second cylindrical member 60 is not provided, a heated second fluid can be circulated within the inner circumferential wall 16, or a heating section is provided within the inner circumferential wall 16. By circulating the heated second fluid within the inner circumferential wall 16, the heat of the second fluid can be transferred to the hollow honeycomb structure 10a, thereby improving the steam generation efficiency. Similarly, by providing a heating section within the inner circumferential wall 16, the heat generated by the heating section can be transferred to the hollow honeycomb structure 10a, thereby improving the steam generation efficiency. Furthermore, when the second cylindrical member 60 is provided, a heated second fluid can flow through the second cylindrical member 60 or a heating unit is provided within the second cylindrical member 60. By circulating the heated second fluid within the second cylindrical member 60, the heat of the second fluid can be transferred to the hollow honeycomb structure 10a via the second cylindrical member 60, thereby improving the steam generation efficiency. Similarly, by providing a heating unit within the second cylindrical member 60, the heat generated by the heating unit can be transferred to the hollow honeycomb structure 10a via the second cylindrical member 60, thereby improving the steam generation efficiency.

[0056] The heated second fluid is not particularly limited, and various liquids and gases can be used. An example of the heated second fluid is exhaust gas emitted from an internal combustion engine. The heating section is not particularly limited, and various heaters can be used.

[0057] The thickness of the inner peripheral wall 16 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and even more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, from the viewpoint of ensuring resistance to thermal stress. Furthermore, the diameter (inner diameter) of the inner peripheral wall 16 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 13 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 50 mm, more preferably 2 to 30 mm. When the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral wall 16 is not circular, the diameter of the inner peripheral wall 16 is defined as the diameter of the largest inscribed circle inscribed in the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral wall 16.

[0058] The hollow honeycomb structure 10a can be manufactured in accordance with a method known in the art, similar to the first honeycomb structure 10. Specifically, when extrusion molding a clay containing ceramic powder, a hollow honeycomb molded body can be produced by selecting an appropriate die and jig, and thereafter, the same manufacturing method as the first honeycomb structure 10 can be used.

[0059] The second cylindrical member 60 is fitted into the inner peripheral wall 16 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a. That is, the second cylindrical member 60 is a cylindrical member that can be inserted into the inner peripheral wall 16 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a. The fitting may be either direct or indirect. The axial direction of the second cylindrical member 60 preferably coincides with the axial direction of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a, and the central axis of the second cylindrical member 60 preferably coincides with the central axis of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a. In addition, the central position of the second cylindrical member 60 in the axial direction preferably coincides with the central position of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a in the axial direction.

[0060] The diameter (outer diameter and inner diameter) of the second cylindrical member 60 may be uniform along the axial direction, but may be narrowed or widened at least in part (for example, the axial center, both axial ends, etc.). The material of the second cylindrical member 60 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the material of the first cylindrical member 20 described above. The thickness of the second cylindrical member 60 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as that of the first cylindrical member 20 described above.

[0061] The evaporator according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured using the above-mentioned components in accordance with a method known in the art. First, the hollow honeycomb structure 10a is inserted into the first cylindrical member 20, and the first cylindrical member 20 is fitted to the outer peripheral wall 11 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a. Next, the second cylindrical member 60 is inserted inside (hollow region) the inner peripheral wall 16 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a, and the second cylindrical member 60 is fitted to the surface of the inner peripheral wall 16 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a. Next, the jacket member 30 is disposed and fixed radially outside the first cylindrical member 20. Next, the jacket member 30 and the liquid supply device 40 are connected by a supply pipe 41. The arrangement and fixing (fitting) order of the components are not limited to the above, and may be changed as appropriate within the scope of manufacturability. The fixing (fitting) method may be the same as that described above.

[0062] The evaporator according to the second embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same effects as the evaporator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, the evaporator according to the second embodiment of the present invention can increase the steam generation efficiency because the heated second fluid can flow inside the inner circumferential wall 16 or the second cylindrical member 60, or a heating section is provided inside the inner circumferential wall 16 or the second cylindrical member 60.

[0063] <Embodiment 3> Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extension direction of the cells of an evaporator according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, and Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of Fig. 5A taken along line c-c' (a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells of the evaporator of Fig. 5A). 5A and 5B, the evaporator according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the evaporator according to the second embodiment of the present invention (particularly, the configuration in which the heated second fluid can flow through the second cylindrical member) in that a second honeycomb structure 10b having an outer peripheral wall 11a and partition walls 14a disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 11a and defining a plurality of cells 13a that serve as flow paths for the second fluid, extending from the first end face 12a to the second end face 12b, is disposed within the second cylindrical member 60. By disposing the second honeycomb structure 10b within the second cylindrical member 60, the heat of the second fluid flowing through the second honeycomb structure 10b can be efficiently transferred to the hollow honeycomb structure 10a via the second honeycomb structure 10b, thereby further improving the steam generation efficiency. Although not shown, the second honeycomb structure 10b may be disposed within the inner peripheral wall 16 of the hollow honeycomb structure 10a without a second cylindrical member interposed therebetween. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those described above can be obtained. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those appearing in the description of the evaporators according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention are the same as those of the evaporator according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, detailed description of the same components will be omitted, and only different components will be described.

[0064] The diameter (outer diameter) of the outer peripheral wall 11a of the second honeycomb structure 10b in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the cells 13a may be adjusted according to the inner diameter of the second cylindrical member 60, and is not particularly limited. Other features of the second honeycomb structure 10b can be the same as those of the first honeycomb structure 10. However, unlike the first honeycomb structure 10, the second honeycomb structure 10b is preferably dense from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity. Specifically, the porosity of the outer peripheral wall 11a and partition walls 14a of the second honeycomb structure 10b is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 3% or less. The porosity of the outer peripheral wall 11a and partition walls 14a of the second honeycomb structure 10b may be 0%. By setting the porosity of the outer peripheral wall 11a and partition walls 14a of the second honeycomb structure 10b to 10% or less, the thermal conductivity can be improved. Furthermore, the second honeycomb structure 10b can be manufactured by the same method as the first honeycomb structure 10.

[0065] The evaporator of embodiment 3 of the present invention can be manufactured in the same manner as the evaporator of embodiment 2 of the present invention, except that the second honeycomb structure 10b is inserted into the second cylindrical member 60 and the second cylindrical member 60 is fitted into the outer wall 11a of the second honeycomb structure 10b.

[0066] The evaporator according to the third embodiment of the present invention can obtain the same effects as the evaporators according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, in the evaporator according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the second honeycomb structure 10b is disposed inside the second cylindrical member 60, and therefore the heat of the second fluid flowing inside the second honeycomb structure 10b can be efficiently transferred to the hollow honeycomb structure 10a via the second honeycomb structure 10b, thereby further improving the steam generation efficiency.

[0067] <Embodiment 4> FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extending direction of the cells of an evaporator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6 , the evaporator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the evaporator according to the second embodiment of the present invention (particularly, the evaporator in which the heated second fluid can flow through the second cylindrical member) in that a first heat exchanger 100 for heating the first fluid is provided upstream of the first honeycomb structure 10 (hollow honeycomb structure 10a) with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid. By providing the first heat exchanger 100 upstream of the first honeycomb structure 10 with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid, the first fluid to be supplied to the evaporator can be preheated, thereby improving the steam generation efficiency. Furthermore, there is no need to heat the first fluid using a heating unit such as a heater, and the heat of the second fluid such as exhaust gas can be utilized in the first heat exchanger 100, thereby achieving energy saving effects. The evaporator according to embodiment 4 of the present invention is the same as the evaporator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention except that the first heat exchanger 100 is provided upstream of the first honeycomb structure 10, based on the flow direction of the first fluid, so only the different components (first heat exchanger 100) will be described.

[0068] The first heat exchanger 100 is not particularly limited, but may include a third honeycomb structure 110 having an outer peripheral wall 111, partition walls 114 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 111 and defining a plurality of cells 113 that serve as flow paths for the second fluid extending from a first end face 112a to a second end face 112b, a third cylindrical member 120 fitted into the outer peripheral wall 111 of the third honeycomb structure 110, and a jacket member 130 disposed at an interval radially outside the third cylindrical member 120 to define a flow path for the first fluid. The first heat exchanger 100 having such a structure can efficiently exchange heat between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0069] The third honeycomb structure 110 has the same features as the second honeycomb structure 10b described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The downstream end of the third tubular member 120 can be connected to the upstream end of the second tubular member 60 directly or indirectly via another member such as a flange. Similarly, the downstream end of the jacket member 130 can be connected to the upstream end of the first tubular member 20 directly or indirectly via another member such as a flange.

[0070] The third cylindrical member 120 is fitted into the outer peripheral wall 111 of the third honeycomb structure 110. In other words, the third cylindrical member 120 is a cylindrical member that can accommodate the third honeycomb structure 110. The fitting may be either direct or indirect. It is preferable that the axial direction of the third cylindrical member 120 coincides with the axial direction of the third honeycomb structure 110, and that the central axis of the third cylindrical member 120 coincides with the central axis of the third honeycomb structure 110. It is also preferable that the central position of the third cylindrical member 120 in the axial direction coincides with the central position of the third honeycomb structure 110 in the axial direction.

[0071] The diameter (outer diameter and inner diameter) of the third cylindrical member 120 may be uniform along the axial direction, but may be narrowed or widened at least in part (for example, the axial center, both axial ends, etc.). The material of the third cylindrical member 120 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the material of the first cylindrical member 20 described above. The thickness of the third cylindrical member 120 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as that of the first cylindrical member 20 described above.

[0072] The jacket member 130 is disposed radially outside the third cylindrical member 120 at a distance so as to form a flow path for the first fluid. It is preferable that the axial direction of the jacket member 130 coincides with the axial direction of the third honeycomb structure 110 , and the central axis of the jacket member 130 coincides with the central axis of the third honeycomb structure 110 .

[0073] The jacket member 130 preferably has a supply port 131 for supplying the first fluid to the flow path of the first fluid. The position of the supply port 131 is not particularly limited as long as it is located upstream of the first end face 112a of the third honeycomb structure 110.

[0074] The jacket member 130 is preferably disposed so that the inner peripheral surface of the upstream end portion thereof is in direct or indirect contact with the outer peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member 120 . The method for fixing the inner peripheral surface of the upstream end of the jacket member 130 to the outer peripheral surface of the third tubular member 120 is not particularly limited, but may include fixing methods using fitting such as clearance fitting, interference fitting, and shrink fitting, as well as brazing, welding, diffusion bonding, etc.

[0075] The diameter (outer diameter and inner diameter) of the jacket member 130 may be uniform along the axial direction, but may be narrowed or widened at least in part (for example, the axial center portion, both axial ends, etc.). The material of the jacket member 130 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the material of the first cylindrical member 20 described above. The thickness of the jacket member 130 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as that of the first cylindrical member 20 described above.

[0076] In the first heat exchanger 100, the flow directions of the first fluid and the second fluid are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the second fluid flows in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the first fluid. By flowing the second fluid in a direction opposite to the first fluid, heat from the second fluid is easily transferred to the first fluid, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0077] The first heat exchanger 100 can be manufactured by inserting the third honeycomb structure 110 into the third tubular member 120, fitting the third tubular member 120 into the outer wall 111 of the third honeycomb structure 110, and then positioning and fixing the jacket member 130 radially outside the third tubular member 120. The arrangement and fixing (fitting) order of the components are not limited to the above, and may be changed as appropriate within the scope of manufacturability. The fixing (fitting) method may be the same as that described above.

[0078] The evaporator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same effects as the evaporators according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, the evaporator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can preheat the first fluid supplied to the evaporator by providing the first heat exchanger 100 upstream of the first honeycomb structure 10 with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid, thereby improving the steam generation efficiency. Furthermore, since there is no need to heat the first fluid using a heating unit such as a heater, and the heat of the second fluid such as exhaust gas can be utilized in the first heat exchanger 100, an energy saving effect can also be achieved.

[0079] <Embodiment 5> FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the extending direction of the cells of an evaporator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 7, the evaporator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the evaporator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention (particularly, the configuration in which the heated second fluid can flow through the second tubular member) in that a second heat exchanger 200 for heating the steam generated in the first honeycomb structure 10 (hollow honeycomb structure 10a) is further provided downstream of the first honeycomb structure 10 with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid. By providing the second heat exchanger 200 downstream of the first honeycomb structure 10 with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid, the steam generated in the first honeycomb structure 10 can be heated, and therefore the evaporator can be used for various applications requiring heated steam. The evaporator according to embodiment 5 of the present invention is the same as the evaporator according to embodiment 4 of the present invention except that a second heat exchanger 200 is provided downstream of the first honeycomb structure 10, based on the flow direction of the first fluid, and therefore only the different components (second heat exchanger 200) will be described.

[0080] The second heat exchanger 200 is not particularly limited, but may have a structure similar to that of the first heat exchanger 100. That is, the second heat exchanger 200 may include: a third honeycomb structure 210 having an outer peripheral wall 211; partition walls 214 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 211 and defining a plurality of cells 213 that serve as flow paths for the second fluid, extending from a first end face 212 a to a second end face 212 b; a third cylindrical member 220 fitted to the outer peripheral wall 211 of the third honeycomb structure 210; and a jacket member 230 disposed at a distance radially outward from the third cylindrical member 220 to define a flow path for steam. The second heat exchanger 200 having such a structure can efficiently exchange heat between the second fluid and steam.

[0081] The third honeycomb structure 210, the third cylindrical member 220, and the jacket member 230 constituting the second heat exchanger 200 can be similar to the third honeycomb structure 110, the third cylindrical member 120, and the jacket member 130 constituting the first heat exchanger 100. However, the third cylindrical member 220 is provided with a steam discharge port 231 instead of the supply port 131. Furthermore, the second heat exchanger 200 can be manufactured in the same manner as the first heat exchanger 100.

[0082] The evaporator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can obtain the same effects as the evaporators according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, the evaporator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can heat the first fluid supplied to the evaporator by providing the second heat exchanger 200 downstream of the first honeycomb structure 10 with reference to the flow direction of the first fluid, and therefore can heat the steam generated in the first honeycomb structure 10, making it possible to use the evaporator for various applications requiring heated steam. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 First honeycomb structure 10a Hollow honeycomb structure 10b Second honeycomb structure 11,11a Outer wall 12a 1st end surface 12b 2nd end face 13,13a Cell 14,14a Bulkhead 14b 1st bulkhead 14c 2nd bulkhead 15 Liquid supply section 15a Slit 15b Through hole 16 Inner wall 20 First cylindrical member 21 Penetration 30 Jacket material 31 Supply port 40 Liquid supply device 41 Supply pipe 50 Liquid flow path 60 second cylindrical member 100 1st heat exchanger 110,210 Third honeycomb structure 111,211 Peripheral wall 112a, 212a 1st end surface 112b,212b 2nd end surface 113,213 cells 114,214 Bulkhead 120,220 Third cylindrical member 130,230 Jacket material 131 Supply port 231 Outlet 200 Second heat exchanger

Claims

1. a porous first honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for a first fluid, the cells extending from a first end face to a second end face; a first cylindrical member fitted to the outer peripheral wall and having a through-hole through which a liquid can flow; a jacket member disposed radially outside the first cylindrical member at a distance so as to define a flow path for the liquid; a liquid supply device that supplies the liquid to the liquid flow path and is capable of adjusting the amount of the liquid supplied; An evaporator comprising:

2. The evaporator according to claim 1 , wherein a liquid supply portion penetrating the first honeycomb structure in a radial direction is provided in at least a part of the outer peripheral wall and the partition walls of the first honeycomb structure.

3. The evaporator according to claim 2 , wherein the liquid supply portion is a slit and / or a through-hole.

4. The evaporator according to claim 1 , wherein a groove is provided in at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of the first honeycomb structure.

5. 5. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein a heating section for the first fluid is provided upstream of the first honeycomb structure with respect to a flow direction of the first fluid.

6. the first honeycomb structure is a hollow honeycomb structure further having an inner peripheral wall, and the partition walls are disposed between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, The evaporator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a heated second fluid is allowed to flow inside the inner circumferential wall, or a heating portion is provided inside the inner circumferential wall.

7. An evaporator as described in claim 6, wherein a second honeycomb structure is arranged within the inner peripheral wall of the first honeycomb structure, the second honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for the second fluid extending from the first end face to the second end face.

8. a second cylindrical member fitted to the inner circumferential wall; The evaporator according to claim 6 , wherein a heated second fluid is allowed to flow through the second tubular member or a heating section is provided within the second tubular member.

9. An evaporator as described in claim 8, wherein a second honeycomb structure is disposed within the second cylindrical member, the second honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for the second fluid extending from the first end face to the second end face.

10. the first honeycomb structure is a hollow honeycomb structure further having an inner peripheral wall, and the partition walls are disposed between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, The heating device further includes a second cylindrical member fitted to the inner circumferential wall, and a heated second fluid is allowed to flow through the second cylindrical member. An evaporator as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a first heat exchanger for heating the first fluid is provided upstream of the first honeycomb structure, based on the flow direction of the first fluid.

11. The evaporator according to claim 10 , wherein the second fluid flows in a direction opposite to a flow direction of the first fluid.

12. The evaporator described in claim 10, wherein the first heat exchanger comprises: a third honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall; partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as a flow path for the second fluid extending from the first end face to the second end face; a third cylindrical member fitted into the outer peripheral wall of the third honeycomb structure; and a jacket member arranged at a distance radially outside the third cylindrical member to form a flow path for the first fluid.

13. An evaporator as described in claim 10, wherein a second heat exchanger for heating steam generated in the first honeycomb structure is provided downstream of the first honeycomb structure with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid.

14. The evaporator described in claim 13, wherein the second heat exchanger comprises a third honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that serve as flow paths for the second fluid extending from the first end face to the second end face, a third cylindrical member fitted into the outer peripheral wall of the third honeycomb structure, and a jacket member arranged at a distance radially outside the third cylindrical member to form a flow path for the steam.

15. The evaporator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid is water.

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