Gas compressor

The gas compression device addresses heat generation and complexity issues by integrating a liquid supply and gas suction system, achieving efficient and cost-effective isothermal compression.

JP2026066886APending Publication Date: 2026-04-17SHIMIZU CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SHIMIZU CORP
Filing Date
2024-10-07
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional air compressors generate excessive heat during compression, leading to low energy efficiency and high maintenance costs due to complex systems with multiple phases and moving parts.

Method used

A gas compression device that combines a liquid supply means and a gas suction means within a sealed container, utilizing a Venturi tube to mix external gas with liquid, allowing for isothermal compression and simplifying the process by eliminating multiple phases.

Benefits of technology

The device achieves high energy efficiency with reduced equipment and maintenance costs by absorbing heat with liquid, ensuring isothermal compressibility and minimizing energy loss through a simple, continuous operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a simple gas compressor with excellent energy efficiency. [Solution] A device 100 for compressing gas stored inside a sealed container 10, comprising a liquid supply means 14 for supplying liquid to the sealed container 10 via a pipe 12, and a gas suction means 16 for drawing gas from outside the pipe 12 into the pipe 12, wherein the gas suction means 16 draws in the gas from outside and mixes it with the liquid, and this liquid is supplied to the sealed container 10.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a gas compression device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional air compressors generate a lot of heat during compression, resulting in low energy efficiency. Furthermore, they have many moving parts, leading to high maintenance costs and effort. To improve energy efficiency, it's necessary to effectively utilize that heat.

[0003] To suppress the rise in heat, systems are known that absorb the heat generated during the compression process using a liquid or the like to improve energy efficiency (see, for example, Patent Document 1). One such method involves injecting a pressurized liquid into a sealed container filled with gas, thereby reducing the volume of the gas and increasing the pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-83082 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The conventional method described above can achieve high isothermal compressibility through the method of liquid injection, making it an excellent technique for improving energy efficiency. However, compression systems employing this method typically require multiple phases, such as injecting gas into a sealed container, injecting liquid into a sealed container, discharging compressed gas from the sealed container, and discharging liquid and injecting gas, resulting in a complex system.

[0006] On the other hand, the inventors have devised an air compression device using a water pump and have found that it suppresses the heat generated during compression. However, the compression process is divided into phases such as filling a sealed container with air, generating compressed air by injecting water from the water pump into the sealed container, removing the compressed air from the sealed container, and discharging the water for the next compression cycle, so the device is expected to become complex.

[0007] Mixing air and water and sending it into a sealed container with a water pump helps eliminate these multiple phases, but it may reduce the efficiency of the water pump. Also, introducing air after creating a water flow with a water pump usually requires pressurizing and injecting the air, which is inefficient.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a simple gas compression device with excellent energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the gas compression device according to the present invention is a device for compressing gas stored inside a sealed container, comprising a liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the sealed container via piping, and a gas suction means for drawing gas from outside the piping into the piping, wherein the gas suction means draws in the gas from outside and mixes it with the liquid, and supplies this liquid to the sealed container.

[0010] Furthermore, another gas compression device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the sealed container is provided in a sealed piping path through which liquid circulates, and the gas and liquid are separated within the piping path.

[0011] Furthermore, another gas compression device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, it includes an adjustment means for adjusting the amount of gas drawn in by the gas suction means.

[0012] In addition, in another gas compression device according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the liquid supply means is constituted by a pump or means for supplying liquid to the sealed container by utilizing the head difference between an external water source located above the pipe and the pipe.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the gas compression device of the present invention, which is a device for compressing gas stored inside a sealed container, it includes liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the sealed container via a pipe, and gas suction means for sucking gas outside the pipe into the inside of the pipe. The gas suction means sucks external gas and mixes it with the liquid, and supplies this liquid to the sealed container, so that it is possible to provide a simple gas compression device with excellent energy efficiency.

[0014] In addition, according to another gas compression device of the present invention, the sealed container is provided in a sealed pipe path through which liquid circulates, and gas and liquid are separated in the pipe path, so that continuous operation becomes possible and the efficiency of the device can be improved.

[0015] In addition, according to another gas compression device of the present invention, since it includes adjustment means for adjusting the amount of gas sucked by the gas suction means, it is possible to obtain a desired amount of compressed air.

[0016] In addition, according to another gas compression device of the present invention, the liquid supply means is constituted by a pump or means for supplying liquid to the sealed container by utilizing the head difference between an external water source located above the pipe and the pipe, so that a constant liquid flow can be formed in the pipe.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the gas compression device according to the present invention, where (1) is Embodiment 1 and (2) is Embodiment 2. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of this embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of this second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of a modified embodiment of the gas compressor according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a supplementary explanatory diagram regarding the Venturi effect, etc. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] An embodiment of the gas compressor according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this embodiment does not limit the present invention.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) First, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1(1), the gas compressor 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a non-circulating type compressor that compresses gas stored inside a sealed container 10, and comprises a water pump 14 that supplies water (liquid) to the sealed container 10 via piping 12, and a venturi tube 16 provided in the piping 12. The water pump 14 draws water from a water tank 18 and discharges it into the piping 12, and functions as a liquid supply means of the present invention. The piping 12 is a tube with a circular cross-section.

[0020] Although not shown in the diagram, the gas compressor 100 includes solenoid valves that control the water flow in the piping 12 and the airflow of the air being drawn in, as well as control devices that control these solenoid valves, thereby adjusting the water flow and airflow. A gas-liquid separator (gas-liquid separation unit) may also be provided to separate the compressed air from the water. A compressed air tank that can communicate with the sealed container 10 and the gas-liquid separator may be provided, and compressed air may be discharged to the compressed air tank through the sealed container 10 and the gas-liquid separator. The extracted compressed air can be used for various purposes.

[0021] The Venturi tube 16 is a tube with a circular cross-section and has an inlet 20, a constricted section 22, and an outlet 24. The Venturi tube 16 functions as a gas suction means of the present invention. The inlet 20 is located upstream of the constricted section 22 and is connected to the constricted section 22 via a gradually narrowing section in which the diameter gradually decreases as it approaches the constricted section 22. The constricted section 22 is a narrowed section connecting the inlet 20 and the outlet 24. The outlet 24 is located downstream of the constricted section 22 and is connected to the constricted section 22 via a gradually expanding section in which the diameter gradually increases as it moves away from the constricted section 22. The diameters of the inlet 20 and the outlet 24 are larger than the diameter of the constricted section 22. The constricted section 22 is provided with an air intake 26 for taking in outside air (gas) into the constricted section 22. Outside air can be drawn in through this air intake 26 and mixed with the water inside the constricted section 22. The drawn-in air mixes with the water in the constricted section 22 and is supplied to the sealed container 10 through the piping 12. Note that the gas suction means of the present invention is not limited to the Venturi tube 16. Instead of the Venturi tube 16, a device having a similar function of drawing air into water, such as an injector or ejector, may be used.

[0022] The operation and function of the above configuration will be explained. As shown in Figure 2, air is sealed inside the sealed container 10, and the water pump 14 is driven to draw water from the water tank 18 (not shown), generating a water flow in the piping 12 toward the sealed container 10. As water flows into the sealed container 10, the air inside is compressed. The heat generated during compression is absorbed by the water. As water flows through the piping 12, the water pressure decreases in the constricted section 22 of the venturi tube 16, and outside air is drawn in as bubbles from the air intake 26. As a result, the drawn-in air is injected into the sealed container 10 along with the water. The drawn-in air is pressurized to the same pressure as the water pressure in the water flow and is further pressurized by the air drawn into the piping 12. The compressed air generated inside the sealed container 10 can be separated from the water and extracted for use.

[0023] It should be noted that the liquid supply means of the present invention is not limited to the water pump 14, and can also be obtained by utilizing a water source with head. For example, if a dam reservoir located above the pipe 12 is connected to the pipe 12 by a water conduit, water from the dam reservoir will flow into the pipe 12 due to the difference in head between the dam reservoir and the pipe 12, thereby generating a constant water flow within the pipe 12.

[0024] In this embodiment 1, compared to the case where only water is injected into the sealed container 10, injecting air at the same time increases the volume of compressed air that can be generated in one compression cycle. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2(1), if the initial mass of air in the sealed container 10 (volume 3L) is 3.6g, when water (0.7L) and air (2.2g) flow in through the Venturi tube 16, as shown in Figure 2(2), the mass of air in the sealed container 10 increases, and the volume of air decreases due to the increase in the volume of water. Because of its high isothermal compressibility, the temperature change of the gas is minimal, the atmospheric pressure inside the sealed container 10 rises to 208kPa, the mass of air becomes 5.8g, and the volume of water becomes 0.7L.

[0025] The outside air suction force due to the Venturi effect depends on the difference between the pressure in the constricted section 22 and the outside air pressure. As will be described later, the pressure in the constricted section 22 is affected by the air pressure (static pressure) inside the sealed container 10, so as the pressure inside the sealed container 10 increases, the air suction force decreases. To address this, additional pressurization (water injection) may be performed while the intake of air by the Venturi tube 16 is stopped. This reduces the volume of air inside the sealed container 10, allows for continued pressurization of the air, and enhances the compression function. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2(3), the air pressure inside the sealed container 10 rises to 1 MPa, the air mass becomes 5.9 g, and the water volume becomes 2.5 L.

[0026] Thus, in this embodiment 1, isothermal compression performance is ensured by absorbing the heat generated during air compression with water, while efficiently drawing in air after creating a water flow with the water pump 14 using the Venturi effect. Therefore, even in the phase of generating compressed air by injecting water from the water pump 14 into the sealed container 10 in the above compression process, air can be injected simultaneously, making it possible to increase the amount of compressed air generated. Furthermore, since the air compression process is carried out by bubbles in the water flow, a high thermal conductivity from compressed air to water can be ensured, and excellent isothermal compression performance can be secured. Energy efficiency is also excellent because heat generation is suppressed, and the system paths other than air compression are simple, resulting in low energy loss.

[0027] Furthermore, the gas compressor 100 of this embodiment 1 has movable parts consisting of a control device (electric valve, etc.) and a water pump 14, and non-movable parts consisting of piping 12, a venturi tube 16, and a sealed container 10, all of which are readily available parts and can be constructed inexpensively. In addition, due to its simple structure, initial equipment costs and maintenance costs can be significantly reduced compared to conventional air compressors. Therefore, according to this embodiment 1, equipment costs and maintenance costs can be reduced. Moreover, when handling only water and air, the rate of deterioration of the device slows down, which can further reduce maintenance costs.

[0028] Therefore, according to this embodiment 1, a simple gas compressor with excellent energy efficiency can be provided.

[0029] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1(2), the gas compressor 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is a circulating type compressor that compresses gas stored inside a sealed container 10, and comprises a water pump 14 that supplies water (liquid) to the sealed container 10 via piping 12, and a venturi tube 16 provided in the piping 12. The water pump 14 functions as a liquid supply means of the present invention, drawing water from piping 28 connected to the bottom of the sealed container 10 and discharging it into piping 12, so that the water circulates through the sealed container 10 and inside piping 28 and 12. The piping 12 and venturi tube 16 are as described above.

[0030] The gas compressor 200, like the gas compressor 100 in Embodiment 1 described above, has solenoid valves that control the water flow in the pipes 12 and 28 and the airflow of the air to be drawn in, as well as a control device that controls these solenoid valves, etc., thereby adjusting the water flow and airflow. Also, like the gas compressor 100 in Embodiment 1 described above, a gas-water separator and a compressed air tank may be provided.

[0031] The operation and function of the above configuration will be explained. As shown in Figure 3, air and water are sealed inside the sealed container 10, and the water pump 14 is driven to draw water from the sealed container 10, generating a water flow in the piping 12 from the venturi tube 16 towards the sealed container 10. As a result, in addition to the air already present in the sealed container 10, air continuously drawn in through the air intake 26 of the venturi tube 16 flows into the sealed container 10. Although the mass of the air increases, the volume of the air remains unchanged due to the incompressibility of water, resulting in the air being compressed. The heat generated during compression is absorbed by the water, thus achieving high isothermal compressibility. The air drawn in by the venturi tube 16 is incorporated into the water flow as bubbles, but is separated from the water in the piping 12, 28 and the sealed container 10, becoming compressed air. Depending on the water flow velocity and piping configuration, separation of water and compressed air by gravity is possible, but if necessary, a gas-water separator such as a cyclone separator or Wayball may be placed in the circulation path of the piping 12, 28.

[0032] It should be noted that the liquid supply means of the present invention is not limited to the water pump 14, and can also be provided by utilizing a water source with head. For example, if a dam reservoir located above the pipe 12 is connected to the pipe 12 by a water conduit, the difference in head between the dam reservoir and the pipe 12 will cause water from the dam reservoir to flow into the pipe 12, thereby generating a constant water flow within the pipe 12. In this case, the water does not circulate within the gas compressor 200, but rather the same amount of water that was taken into the gas compressor 200 from the water source is discharged outside the device 200.

[0033] In this second embodiment, the sealed container 10 and the water pump 14 are installed in a sealed piping path through which water circulates. This allows for the intake of gas from the outside and the separation of gas and liquid within the piping, enabling continuous operation. This improves the efficiency of the device. The water in the piping 12 is circulating and does not require any additional water.

[0034] For example, as shown in Figure 3(1), if the initial mass of air in the sealed container 10 (volume 3L) at the start of compression is 1.8g (50% of the container volume), the amount of water in the container is 1.5L, and the atmospheric pressure inside the container 10 is 103kPa, then when water (1L) and air (1.8g) flow in through the Venturi tube 16, as shown in Figure 3(2), the mass of air in the sealed container 10 increases, but the same amount of water flows out of the container 10, so the volumes of water and air inside the container 10 remain unchanged. Due to its high isothermal compressibility, the temperature change of the gas is minimal, the atmospheric pressure inside the sealed container 10 rises to 206kPa, the mass of air becomes 3.6g, and the amount of water becomes 1.5L.

[0035] Air compression is achieved by increasing the amount of water and air taken in from the Venturi tube 16. The pipes 12 and 28 are enclosed spaces, and due to the immobility of water, the volume of air remains constant; therefore, the air pressure increases with the increase in air volume. In Figure 3(2), although the volume of air remains unchanged, the pressure doubles because the air mass doubles. At this time, the amount of additional air taken in is x(m³). 3 ( / s), at a pressure of 103 kPa, (1 / 2)·x(m 3It is possible to continuously extract compressed air (206 kPa) every second. Furthermore, once the generated compressed air reaches the required pressure (target pressure), compressed air at that pressure can be continuously extracted from the sealed container 10, as shown in Figure 3(3). The amount (volume) of compressed air that can be continuously extracted can be calculated using the following formula.

[0036] [Continuously available compressed air volume] = [Intake air volume] × [Intake air pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) / Exhaust air pressure] ... (Equation 1)

[0037] The outside air suction force due to the Venturi effect depends on the difference between the pressure in the constricted section 22 and the outside air pressure. As will be described later, the pressure in the constricted section 22 is affected by the air pressure (static pressure) inside the sealed container 10, so as the pressure inside the sealed container 10 increases, the air suction force decreases. To address this, with the intake of air by the Venturi tube 16 stopped, additional pressurization (water injection) may be performed as shown in Figure 3(4). This reduces the volume of air inside the sealed container 10 and allows for adjustment of the gas pressure.

[0038] Thus, in this embodiment 2, isothermal compression performance is ensured by absorbing the heat generated during air compression with water, while efficiently drawing in air after creating a water flow with the water pump 14 using the Venturi effect. Therefore, even in the phase of generating compressed air by injecting water from the water pump 14 into the sealed container 10 in the above compression process, air can be injected simultaneously, making it possible to increase the amount of compressed air generated. Furthermore, since the air compression process is carried out by bubbles in the water flow, a high thermal conductivity from compressed air to water can be ensured, and excellent isothermal compression performance can be secured. Energy efficiency is also excellent because heat generation is suppressed, and the system paths other than air compression are simple, resulting in low energy loss.

[0039] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the gas compressor 200 has movable parts consisting of a control device (electric valve, etc.) and a water pump 14, while the non-movable parts consist of piping 12 and 28, a venturi tube 16, and a sealed container 10. All of these are readily available parts and can be constructed inexpensively. In addition, due to its simple structure, initial equipment costs and maintenance costs can be significantly reduced compared to conventional air compressors. Therefore, this second embodiment can reduce equipment costs and maintenance costs. Moreover, when handling only water and air, the rate of deterioration of the device slows down, further reducing maintenance costs.

[0040] Therefore, according to this second embodiment, a simple gas compressor with excellent energy efficiency can be provided.

[0041] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the case in which air is used as the gas and water as the liquid was explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other gases may be used, or other liquids may be used. In this case as well, the same effects and advantages as described above can be achieved.

[0042] (modified version) Next, modified examples 1 and 2 of the present invention will be described. These modified examples 1 and 2 enhance the compression function in the embodiments 1 and 2 described above.

[0043] First, this modified example 1 uses another compressor in combination with the above embodiment 1 or 2. Specifically, in embodiments 1 and 2, another compressor is installed before or after the compression stroke. For example, the other compressor is connected to the suction side of the water pump 14, between the venturi tube 16 and the water pump 14, or between the venturi tube 16 and the sealed container 10. This makes it possible to increase the pressure of the compressed air. When installed before the compression stroke, the air pressure outside the air intake port 26 increases, increasing the air intake capacity and making it possible to increase the pressure of the compressed air. When installed after the stroke, the pressure of the intake air of the other compressor increases, suppressing the compression ratio and reducing the generation of compression heat. In addition, the energy required for compression by the compressor can be reduced, which also contributes to miniaturization of the device.

[0044] This modified example 2 is a multi-stage arrangement of the above embodiment 1 or 2. For example, when applied to embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 4(1), two gas compressors 200A and 200B are connected by piping 30, and the air compressed in the sealed container 10 of one gas compressor 200A is taken in through the air intake 26 of the other gas compressor 200A via piping 30 to perform further pressurization. The number of gas compressors is not limited to two; it is possible to use a multi-stage arrangement until compressed air at the required pressure is obtained, and there may be three or more units.

[0045] Next, modified examples 3 and 4 of the present invention will be described. Modifications 3 and 4 described above add a water volume adjustment function to the constricted portion 22 of the Venturi tube 16, as in embodiments 1 and 2 described above. The water volume adjustment function functions as an adjustment means for adjusting the amount of air drawn into the constricted portion 22.

[0046] Adjusting the water flow rate in the constricted section 22 of the Venturi tube 16 is crucial for adjusting the velocity of the incoming airflow and, consequently, the amount of compressed air generated. The flow velocity of the water in the constricted section 22 of the Venturi tube 16 is a key factor in determining the air suction force. If the flow velocity decreases, the suction force decreases, and depending on the air pressure in the piping 12, backflow may occur. Also, if the flow velocity is too high, the velocity of the airflow flowing into the Venturi tube 16 approaches the speed of sound, leading to structural problems. In addition to conventional methods such as flow control valves, the following method using a venturi tube 16 is also possible for adjusting the water flow rate.

[0047] This modified example 3, as shown in Figure 4(2), involves connecting three venturi tubes 16A to 16C in parallel to the piping 12. Note that the venturi tubes 16 are not limited to three; two or more may be used. Each venturi tube 16A to 16C is connected to the upstream piping 12 via solenoid valves 32A to 32C, and the solenoid valves 32A to 32C are used to select the venturi tube that will produce the water flow. The flow velocity of each venturi tube 16A to 16C is controlled by changing the number of venturi tubes used. By using venturi tubes 16A to 16C with different sizes (especially the cross-sectional areas of the inlet 20, constricted section 22, and outlet 24), the range of flow velocity control can be increased.

[0048] This modified example 4 involves making the air intake port 26 in the constricted section 22 of a variable area. For example, as shown in Figure 4(3), multiple air intake ports 26 (four in the example shown) are provided in the constricted section 22 of the venturi tube 16, and each air intake port 26 can be opened and closed by a solenoid valve or the like (not shown) to adjust the airflow rate to the constricted section 22. Increasing the area of ​​the air intake port 26 increases the amount of air drawn in, which in turn increases the water flow resistance in the constricted section 22 and leads to a decrease in water flow. This mechanism can also be used to adjust the amount of air taken in.

[0049] <Supplementary explanation regarding the effects of the present invention> (Supplementary explanation regarding isothermal compressibility) As described above, the gas compression devices of embodiments 1 and 2 have high isothermal compressibility. When air is drawn into the water flow in a sealed path, the bubbles in the water flow are instantly compressed by the water pressure. The pressure of the fluid consists of static pressure and dynamic pressure, but the static pressure is almost the same as the pressure of the compressed gas in the sealed container. Therefore, the pressure of the drawn bubbles in the water flow is equivalent to the pressure of the compressed gas in the container.

[0050] The air intake port 26 of the Venturi tube 16 has a high flow velocity and a high heat transfer coefficient. Also, because water has a high specific heat, the heat of compression of the generated air is absorbed by the water, suppressing the rise in air temperature. The specific heat of air at constant volume (20°C) is 0.72 kJ / kg(K), and the specific heat of water at constant volume (20°C) is 4.19 kJ / kg(K).

[0051] In the case of a non-circulating gas compressor 100, the compression of gas inside the sealed container 10 is achieved by injecting compressed air and water, which are in a water flow, into the sealed space 10. In the sealed space, the water flow has a large turbulent portion and a large contact surface with the air, so the heat generated by the compression of the air is efficiently transferred to the water, and the temperature rise is suppressed.

[0052] On the other hand, in the case of a circulating gas compressor 200, after the required pressure is achieved, the gas pressure in the pipelines of pipes 12 and 28 is balanced, and the compression of the gas ends within the bubbles taken into the pipelines. Before the required pressure is achieved, the amount of heat generated during adiabatic compression is given by the following equation from the ideal gas law.

[0053] T2 = T1 · (V1 / V2) (γ―1) / γ ...(Formula 2)

[0054] Here, T1 and T2 are the temperatures before and after compression, V1 and V2 are the volumes before and after compression, and γ is the adiabatic index (approximately 1.4 for air).

[0055] From the above equation, the amount of heat generated increases exponentially with increasing compression ratio. In the case of a circulating gas compressor 200, the compression of air is due to an increase in the number of moles of air, not a decrease in the volume of air in the container 10, and the fluctuation in compression ratio is extremely low compared to other mechanisms.

[0056] Figure 5(1) shows the changes in pressure and compression ratio (volume) when the amount of air inside a sealed container 10 is increased. The horizontal axis shows the percentage increase in the number of moles of air. The compression ratio (calculated from the increase in pressure) decreases as the amount of air injected increases. In reality, the amount of gas drawn in decreases as the air pressure in the path increases, so the compression ratio decreases further. Many conventional air compressors perform compression that involves a decrease in gas volume, so the compression ratio in the high-pressure section becomes high and the amount of heat generated increases exponentially.

[0057] In the case of the circulating gas compressor 200, until the required pressure is reached, the air separated from the water flow is compressed by the amount of increased gas taken into the pipeline. Unlike conventional compressors, the volume of air in the pipeline (total volume including bubbles) does not change, so the compression ratio does not increase and the amount of heat generated is structurally suppressed. In addition, because compression is performed by water, which has a high heat capacity, the heat generated is absorbed by the water, resulting in high isothermal compressibility.

[0058] (Supplementary explanation regarding energy efficiency) The air compression according to the present invention is highly energy-efficient. The physical energy of the initial liquid flow changes within the apparatus as follows. [Initial physical energy of the liquid flow] = [Energy stored in the compressed gas] + [Energy loss within the system (friction, vibration, temperature change)] + [Residual physical energy of the liquid flow] ... (Equation 3)

[0059] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the high isothermal compressibility obtained by using water flow reduces energy consumption due to temperature changes. The residual physical energy of the water flow is the energy of the water flow that cannot be consumed for air intake and compression of bubbles in the water flow. In the non-circulating gas compressor 100, this is used for air compression, and in the circulating gas compressor 200, it is maintained as the water flow circulates through the pipeline, thus reducing the number of points where energy loss occurs. Embodiments 1 and 2 described above have a simple system, which allows for a shorter and simpler pipeline design and reduces energy loss due to friction.

[0060] (Supplementary explanation regarding Venturi tubes) The Venturi effect is the phenomenon where restricting the flow of a fluid increases its velocity, resulting in lower pressure compared to slower-moving sections. Venturi tubes, which utilize this effect, have low energy loss due to friction and high precision, making them widely used in measuring the flow rate of liquids and gases, as well as in fluid dynamics research. They are also used in fields such as aerospace engineering and the chemical industry to understand and control fluid behavior, and in applications involving liquids, such as carburetors for gasoline-inhaling engines, atomizers, and airbrushes.

[0061] As described above, the Venturi tube 16 is composed of an inlet 20, a constricted section 22 (throat), and an outlet 24. As shown in Figure 5(2), the inlet 20 is the entrance portion where the fluid (water) enters the tube, with a diameter of d1, a cross-sectional area of ​​A1, a fluid velocity of v1, and a pressure of P1. The constricted section 22 is a section with a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet 20, with a diameter of d2 and a cross-sectional area of ​​A2. When the fluid passes through this section, its velocity increases to v2 and its pressure decreases to P2. The outlet 24 is a section with a larger cross-sectional area than the constricted section 22, and when the fluid passes through this section, its speed decreases and its pressure increases. As shown in Figure 5(2), when the cross-sectional areas of the inlet 20 and the outlet 24 are the same, the fluid pressures in both sections are equal. When an air intake 26 (not shown) is opened in the constricted section 22, a suction force is generated that attempts to draw outside air into the constricted section 22 due to the difference in pressure between the outside air and the constricted section 22.

[0062] The outside air suction force of the Venturi tube 16 depends on the difference between the pressure (P2) at the constriction 22 and the outside air pressure (P atm ). In the above-described Embodiments 1, 2, etc., the pressures (P1) at the inlet portion 20 and the outlet portion 24 are the air pressure (P container ) inside the sealed container 10. When the pressure (P2) at the constriction 22 is obtained from Bernoulli's theorem, it is as follows. Here, ρ is the density of the fluid (water).

[0063] P2 = P container -(1 / 2)·ρ·(v2 2 - v1 2 ) ···(Equation 4)

[0064] On the other hand, from the continuity equation, the following equation holds. v2 = (A1 / A2)·v1 ···(Equation 5)

[0065] From this, the pressure (P2) at the constriction 22 can be expressed as follows. P2 = P container -(1 / 2)·ρ·((A1 / A2) 2 ·v1 2 - v1 2 ) = P container -(1 / 2)·ρ·v1 2 ·(A1 2 - A2 2 ) / A2 2 ···(Equation 6)

[0066] The suction force is the difference between the outside air pressure (P atm ) and the pressure at the constriction 22, so it is as follows. However, the exact actual suction force depends on the path and the design of the Venturi tube, so it needs to be calculated according to the actual device.

[0067] ΔP = P atm - P2 = P atm - P container +(1 / 2)·ρ·v1 2 ·(A1 2 - A2 2 ) / A2 2 ···(Equation 7)

[0068] The amount of air drawn in (Q) can be calculated using the following formula. Q = (Area of ​​air intake) × (Air velocity) ... (Equation 8)

[0069] air velocity (V air ) can be expressed by the following formula, where ρ air This is the density of air. V air =(2·ΔP / ρ air ) 1 / 2 ...(Formula 9)

[0070] Therefore, the amount of air drawn in (Q) is as follows: Q = (Area of ​​air intake) × (2·ΔP / ρ) air ) 1 / 2 ...(Formula 10)

[0071] As described above, the gas compression device according to the present invention is a device for compressing gas stored inside a sealed container, comprising a liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the sealed container via piping, and a gas suction means for drawing gas from outside the piping into the piping, wherein the gas suction means draws in the gas from outside and mixes it with the liquid, and this liquid is supplied to the sealed container, thus providing a simple gas compression device with excellent energy efficiency.

[0072] Furthermore, according to another gas compression device of the present invention, the sealed container is provided in a sealed piping path through which the liquid circulates, and the gas and liquid are separated within the piping path, thereby enabling continuous operation and improving the efficiency of the device.

[0073] Furthermore, according to another gas compression device of the present invention, an adjustment means is provided to adjust the amount of gas drawn in by the gas suction means, so that a desired amount of compressed air can be obtained.

[0074] Furthermore, according to another gas compression device of the present invention, the liquid supply means is configured by a pump or means for supplying liquid to the sealed container by utilizing the head difference between an external water source located above the piping and the piping, thereby forming a constant liquid flow within the piping. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] As described above, the gas compressor according to the present invention is useful for compressing gases such as air, and is particularly suitable for improving energy efficiency and simplifying the configuration of the apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 airtight containers 12, 28, 30 Piping 14. Water pump (liquid supply means) 16. Venturi tube (gas suction means) 18 water tanks 20 Entrance 22 Stenosis 24 Exit section 26 Air intake 32A~32C Solenoid valve 100,200 Gas Compressor

Claims

1. A device for compressing gas stored inside a sealed container, A gas compression device comprising a liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the sealed container via piping, and a gas suction means for drawing gas from outside the piping into the piping, wherein the gas suction means draws in the gas from outside and mixes it with the liquid, and supplies this liquid to the sealed container.

2. The gas compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealed container is provided in a sealed piping path through which the liquid circulates, and the gas and liquid are separated within the piping path.

3. The gas compression device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an adjustment means for adjusting the amount of gas drawn in by the gas suction means.

4. The gas compression device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid supply means is comprised of a pump, or means for supplying liquid to the sealed container by utilizing the head difference between an external water source located above the piping and the piping.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Heat pump

    JP2017083082A