Gas processing system

Abstract

Achieve cost reduction. [Solution] A gas processing system according to one embodiment includes a heat storage container in which a heat storage medium is stored, and a first flow path switching mechanism which forms a flow path so that when heat from the gas is absorbed into the heat storage medium, the gas flows in from the top of the heat storage container and flows out from the bottom of the heat storage container, and when heat is released from the heat storage medium into the gas, the flow path is formed so that the gas flows in from the bottom of the heat storage container and flows out from the top of the heat storage container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas treatment system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system for treating gas in order to supply a gas suitable for an environment provided for facility horticulture or the like using a greenhouse.

[0003] As for gas treatment, for example, there is a technique of adsorbing carbon dioxide contained in exhaust gas to an adsorbent to recover carbon dioxide. For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, three adsorption towers containing an adsorbent having carbon dioxide storage (adsorption) performance are provided. And each of the three adsorption towers is assigned to perform a different one of the adsorption step, the desorption step, and the air supply step. Moreover, it is controlled so that the steps to be executed are switched in order. Patent Document 1 enables carbon dioxide to be constantly recovered by continuously performing a cycle of switching steps.

[0004] As for further gas treatment, for example, a technique of absorbing the heat of a gas by a heat storage material has been proposed. For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, a tin dish-shaped container having an inclined surface is provided at the lower part of a heat storage tank housing containing a heat storage material, and when condensed water is generated because the gas is cooled by being deprived of heat by the heat storage material in the heat storage step, a technique is proposed that enables the condensed water accumulated in the lower part of the heat storage tank housing to be drained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the technology described in Reference 1 is not a technology that recovers carbon dioxide from the air or other sources when it is not needed in an environment such as a greenhouse, and provides that carbon dioxide when it is needed in that environment.

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 is a technology for draining moisture that has fallen from the heat storage material, and does not take into account that the storage material may become wet due to moisture generated during heat storage. In other words, with the technology described in Patent Document 2, the time it takes to complete heat storage may be extended as the heat storage material becomes wet due to moisture generated during heat storage operation. This extended time to complete heat storage may lead to increased costs.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a gas treatment system that reduces costs by efficiently generating gases to be discharged into the environment, such as in greenhouse horticulture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A gas processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a heat storage container in which a heat storage medium is stored, and a first flow path switching mechanism that, when the heat of the gas is to be absorbed into the heat storage medium, forms a flow path so that the gas flows in from the top of the heat storage container and flows out from the bottom of the heat storage container, and when the heat is to be released from the heat storage medium into the gas, forms a flow path so that the gas flows in from the bottom of the heat storage container and flows out from the top of the heat storage container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, cost reduction is achieved by efficiently generating gases to be discharged into a predetermined environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]This figure schematically shows the system of the gas processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the flow path when heat is stored in the heat storage system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the flow path when heat is dissipated in the heat storage system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the flow path when carbon dioxide is recovered in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the flow path when carbon dioxide is applied in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure during carbon dioxide recovery using the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the flow path when carbon dioxide is recovered and applied simultaneously in a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the flow path when carbon dioxide is recovered and applied simultaneously in a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system according to the third embodiment, in which carbon dioxide recovery and carbon dioxide application are realized through different flow paths. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system according to the third embodiment, in which carbon dioxide recovery and carbon dioxide application are realized through different flow paths. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are illustrative and do not limit the invention. Not all features and combinations thereof in the embodiments of this disclosure are necessarily essential to the invention. In each drawing, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0013] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of the system of a gas treatment system 1 according to the first embodiment. The gas treatment system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a boiler 10, a first electric valve 21, a second electric valve 22, a heat storage system 30, a carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption system 40, a greenhouse 50, and a host controller 60.

[0014] The host controller 60 is a device for controlling the entire gas treatment system 1, and transmits and receives information to and from various devices provided in the gas treatment system 1.

[0015] The greenhouse 50 is a facility for crop production such as a plant factory or a vinyl house, and grows crops and the like inside (protected horticulture). In order to maintain an appropriate environment for growing crops and the like in the greenhouse 50, the boiler 10, the heat storage system 30, and the carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption system 40 are provided.

[0016] The boiler 10 burns the supplied fuel to generate hot water or steam. The generated hot water or steam is guided to the inside of the greenhouse 50 by a pipe (not shown) and used to adjust the temperature to an appropriate temperature for growing crops and the like.

[0017] In addition, the boiler 10 burns the supplied fuel to generate hot water or steam, and discharges high-temperature carbon dioxide-containing gas, which is exhaust gas. The fuel supplied to the boiler 10 can be arbitrarily selected as long as it can generate carbon dioxide-containing gas. For example, as the fuel, a liquid fuel such as heavy oil or kerosene, or a gaseous fuel such as natural gas can be selected. In the present embodiment, an example in which the boiler 10 is provided in the gas treatment system 1 will be described, but the facilities provided in the gas treatment system 1 are not limited to the boiler 10, and for example, a warm air blower may be provided.

[0018] For example, during the operating time when carbon dioxide is being applied, the higher-level control device 60 receives the carbon dioxide concentration from a carbon dioxide concentration meter (not shown) installed inside the greenhouse 50. Based on the received carbon dioxide concentration inside the greenhouse 50, the higher-level control device 60 controls the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 to adjust the carbon dioxide concentration. The specific method for adjusting the concentration is the same as in the conventional method and will not be explained.

[0019] Furthermore, the higher-level control device 60 transmits an operation start signal to the boiler 10 at the start of the operation time for carbon dioxide recovery by the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40. The boiler 10 starts burning the supplied fuel in accordance with the start signal. Then, the gas processing system 1 starts heat storage by the heat storage system 30 (described later) and carbon dioxide recovery by the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 (described later).

[0020] The first electric valve 21 is a valve that can be opened and closed according to control from a higher-level control device 60. For example, the first electric valve 21 can be switched by the higher-level control device 60 to either allow exhaust gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) from the chimney 10a of the boiler 10 to flow into the heat storage system 30 or not.

[0021] The second electric valve 22 is a valve that can be opened and closed according to control from the higher-level control device 60. For example, the second electric valve 22 can switch whether or not to allow outside air (air) to flow into the heat storage system 30 through opening and closing control by the higher-level control device 60. In this embodiment, the second electric valve 22 does not restrict the gas that flows into the heat storage system 30 to outside air (air), but may also be air from inside the greenhouse 50.

[0022] During the operating time for carbon dioxide recovery, the thermal energy storage system 30 recovers heat from the incoming gas (outside air or carbon dioxide-containing gas) in accordance with the control from the higher-level control device 60 after the boiler 10 has started operation. Then, during the operating time when carbon dioxide is being applied, the thermal energy storage system 30 applies the recovered heat to the incoming gas in accordance with the control from the higher-level control device 60.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the heat storage system 30 will be described using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows the flow path when heat storage is performed in the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment, and Figure 3 shows the flow path when heat is released in the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment.

[0024] Incidentally, in conventional heat storage systems, a large amount of moisture is generated inside the heat storage tank during heat storage due to condensation caused by the cooling of high-temperature exhaust gas. This generated moisture tends to flow downwards due to gravity. Therefore, when exhaust gas is vented from the bottom upwards during heat storage, the heat storage medium at the bottom, which has recovered the heat from the exhaust gas, may not dry properly or may be cooled by the moisture flowing from above.

[0025] Furthermore, in both heat storage and heat dissipation, if the gas is vented from top to bottom, and the heat storage operation is started before the heat dissipation operation is complete, moisture generated in the upper part of the heat storage tank will flow downwards due to gravity and adhere to the heat storage medium at the bottom. As a result, the heat storage medium at the bottom, which was storing heat, may be cooled by the moisture. If the heat storage medium is wet or cooled, the time required to complete the heat storage operation will increase, and the blowing power will increase, which may lead to an increase in power consumption.

[0026] Therefore, the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment is equipped with a flow path switching mechanism that allows a flow path to be formed such that when heat from the gas is absorbed into the heat storage medium, the gas flows in from above the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 and flows out from below the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38, and when heat is released from the heat storage medium into the gas, the gas flows in from below the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 and flows out from above the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38. The flow path switching mechanism of the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment is realized, for example, by the 11th electric valve 36A, the 12th electric valve 36B, the 13th electric valve 36C, and the 14th electric valve 36D.

[0027] The heat storage system 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3 enables heat storage and heat release using a heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38.

[0028] The heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 stores the heat storage medium. The heat storage medium can be any material capable of storing heat, such as zeolite or hask clay.

[0029] The heat storage system 30 is equipped with a fan 37 to move the gas (outside air or high-temperature carbon dioxide-containing gas) that flows into the heat storage system 30 from the upstream side (boiler side) to the downstream side (greenhouse side). In this embodiment, an example is described in which the fan 37 is installed on the boiler (upstream) side of the heat storage system 30, but this does not restrict the position of the fan 37, and for example, the fan 37 may be installed on the greenhouse (downstream) side.

[0030] The heat storage system 30 includes a lower pipe 31 and an upper pipe 32 located above the lower pipe 31, for moving the gas horizontally, in other words, from the boiler side to the greenhouse side.

[0031] The thermal storage system 30 includes a boiler-side vertical pipe 33, a central vertical pipe 34, and a greenhouse-side vertical pipe 35 for moving gas in the vertical direction. The boiler-side vertical pipe 33 is located upstream of the thermal storage tank (thermal storage container) 38 and connects the lower pipe 31 and the upper pipe 32 to move the gas upward to the upper pipe 32. The central vertical pipe 34 connects the central part of the lower pipe 31 and the central part of the upper pipe 32 and is provided to allow the gas to move upward or downward through the thermal storage tank (thermal storage container) 38. The greenhouse-side vertical pipe 35 is located downstream of the thermal storage tank (thermal storage container) 38 and connects the lower pipe 31 and the upper pipe 32 to move the gas downward from the upper pipe 32.

[0032] Furthermore, the heat storage system 30 is equipped with an 11th electric valve 36A and a 12th electric valve 36B in the lower piping 31. The 11th electric valve 36A is located downstream of the boiler-side vertical piping 33 and is installed in a section of the lower piping 31A of the lower piping 31, which serves as a flow path for guiding gas to the lower opening 34A of the central vertical piping 34. The 12th electric valve 36B is located downstream of the central vertical piping 34 and upstream of the greenhouse-side vertical piping 35, and is installed in a section of the lower piping 31B of the lower piping 31.

[0033] Furthermore, the heat storage system 30 is equipped with a 13th electric valve 36C and a 14th electric valve 36D in the upper piping 32. The 13th electric valve 36C is located downstream of the boiler-side vertical piping 33 and is installed in a section of the upper piping 32A of the upper piping 32, which serves as a flow path for guiding gas to the upper opening 34B of the central vertical piping 34. The 14th electric valve 36D is located downstream of the central vertical piping 34 and upstream of the greenhouse-side vertical piping 35, and is installed in a section of the upper piping 32B of the upper piping 32.

[0034] Furthermore, the heat storage system 30 is equipped with a first temperature sensor 39A and a second temperature sensor 39B in the central vertical piping 34. The first temperature sensor 39A is located above the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38. The second temperature sensor 39B is located below the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38.

[0035] The control device 300 controls the opening and closing of the 11th electric valve 36A, the 12th electric valve 36B, the 13th electric valve 36C, and the 14th electric valve 36D based on instructions from the higher-level control device 60 and the detection results from the first temperature sensor 39A and the second temperature sensor 39B. The control device 300 and the various components (first temperature sensor 39A, second temperature sensor 39B, 11th electric valve 36A, 12th electric valve 36B, 13th electric valve 36C, and 14th electric valve 36D) are connected by signal lines shown by dotted lines.

[0036] The higher-level control device 60 can recognize that carbon dioxide-containing gas (exhaust gas) can flow from the boiler 10 to the heat storage system 30 when it receives a signal from the boiler 10 indicating that it is in operation. Therefore, the higher-level control device 60 sends a command to the control device 300 to perform heat storage operation when it is within the operating time for carbon dioxide recovery and it receives a signal from the boiler 10 indicating that it is in operation. When the control device 300 receives a command from the higher-level control device 60 to perform heat storage operation, it controls the system to allow the heat from the carbon dioxide-containing gas (exhaust gas) from the boiler to be absorbed by the heat storage medium stored in the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38. When the control device 300 allows the heat from the carbon dioxide-containing gas to be absorbed by the heat storage medium stored in the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38, it controls the system to open the 13th electric valve 36C and close the 11th electric valve 36A. Furthermore, the control device 300 controls the system to open the 12th electric valve 36B and close the 14th electric valve 36D. Therefore, in the heat storage system 30, when the heat from the carbon dioxide-containing gas is absorbed by the heat storage medium 38a stored in the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38, a gas flow path is formed as shown by the thick line in Figure 2.

[0037] In the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment, during heat storage, carbon dioxide-containing gas is passed through the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 from top to bottom. In the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38, heat is recovered sequentially from the upper heat storage medium by the carbon dioxide-containing gas flowing in from the top. Since the moisture generated in the upper heat storage medium flows downward (in the direction of arrows 1201 and 1202 in Figure 2), moisture does not flow back into the upper heat storage medium where heat storage is complete. In this way, the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment can suppress the cooling of the heat storage medium by moisture after heat storage is complete.

[0038] The higher-level control device 60 can recognize whether or not the greenhouse 50 is requesting the application of carbon dioxide based on the presence or absence of an application request signal from the greenhouse 50.

[0039] The heat release operation by the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment is performed to adjust the concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas supplied to the greenhouse 50, regardless of the operation of the boiler 10. For example, the control device 300 performs the heat release operation when it wants to make the concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas supplied to the greenhouse 50 higher than that of the outside air, between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. (an example of the operating time for applying carbon dioxide).

[0040] Therefore, when the higher-level control device 60 is within the operating time for carbon dioxide application and receives an application request signal from the greenhouse 50, it sends a command to the control device 300 of the heat storage system 30 to start heat release operation (for carbon dioxide application). When the control device 300 receives a command from the higher-level control device 60, it controls the heat storage medium stored in the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 to release heat through adsorption heat from moisture in the outside air. When releasing heat from the heat storage medium 38a stored in the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 to the outside air, the control device 300 controls the 11th electric valve 36A to open and the 13th electric valve 36C to close. Furthermore, the control device 300 controls the 14th electric valve 36D to open and the 12th electric valve 36B to close. Therefore, in the heat storage system 30, when heat is released from the heat storage medium 38a accumulated in the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 to the gas, a gas flow path is formed as shown by the thick line in Figure 3.

[0041] In the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment, during heat release, gas is passed through the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 from the bottom upward. In the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38, heat is released sequentially from the lower heat storage medium by the gas flowing in from the bottom. Therefore, if the heat release operation ends before the heat release from the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 is complete, the upper heat storage medium in the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 tends to have more heat stored than the lower heat storage medium. When heat storage is started in this state, carbon dioxide-containing gas is passed through the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 from the top downward. Since the moisture generated in the upper heat storage medium flows downward, it is possible to suppress the cooling of the heat storage medium that has not yet completed heat release by moisture.

[0042] Therefore, in the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment, when heat storage is started while heat dissipation is not yet complete, the cooling of the heat storage medium, which has not yet completed heat dissipation, by moisture is suppressed. This shortens the heat storage operation time, reduces power consumption due to blower power, and reduces costs.

[0043] As described above, the control device 300 according to this embodiment controls the thermal storage system 30 for thermal storage operation and thermal release operation. Thermal storage operation is performed while the boiler 10 is operating. For example, the boiler 10 operates when it is necessary to heat the greenhouse 50 at night, etc. The control device 300 then performs thermal storage operation while the boiler 10 is operating.

[0044] The control device 300 determines whether or not to complete the heat storage operation or the heat dissipation operation based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 39A and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 39B.

[0045] For example, at the start of heat storage, exhaust gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) at 150 degrees Celsius flows into the heat storage system 30 and flows out of the heat storage system 30 as exhaust gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) at 20-30 degrees Celsius. The control device 300 then determines that heat storage is complete and that the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 39A and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 39B are approximately equal, and completes the heat storage operation. Upon completion of the heat storage operation, the control device 300 switches the flow path so that the exhaust gas does not pass through the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38. For example, the control device 300 controls the 11th electric valve 36A and the 12th electric valve 36B to open and the 13th electric valve 36C and the 14th electric valve 36D to close. Therefore, the blowing power of the fan 37 can be suppressed, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0046] In the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 of the heat storage system 30 according to this embodiment, a heat storage medium 38a is accumulated such that the heat storage time is longer than the carbon dioxide recovery time by the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40. When the combustion of the boiler 10 starts, heat storage by the heat storage system 30 and carbon dioxide recovery by the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 start, and when the heat storage of the heat storage system 30 is completed, the recovery of carbon dioxide by the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is also completed. For this reason, the higher-level control device 60 stops the operation of the boiler 10, etc., at the timing when the heat storage of the heat storage system 30 is completed.

[0047] For example, at the start of heat dissipation, 20-degree outside air flows into the heat storage system 30 and flows out of the heat storage system 30 as 50-degree outside air. The control device 300 then determines that heat dissipation is complete and that the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 39A and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 39B are approximately equal, at which point the heat dissipation operation is completed. Upon completion of the heat dissipation operation, the control device 300 switches the airflow path so that outside air does not pass through the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38. Therefore, the blowing power of the fan 37 is suppressed, reducing power consumption and thus reducing costs.

[0048] Returning to Figure 1, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40, during the operating time in which carbon dioxide is being recovered, recovers carbon dioxide from the gas (outside air or carbon dioxide-containing gas) flowing in from the heat storage system 30, in accordance with the control from the higher-level control device 60. The gas after carbon dioxide recovery may be discharged as outside air, other than into the greenhouse 50.

[0049] Furthermore, during the operating time when carbon dioxide is being applied, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40, while the heat storage system 30 is performing heat release operation, incorporates the recovered carbon dioxide into the gas flowing in from the heat storage system 30, in accordance with the control from the higher-level control device 60. The gas containing carbon dioxide may be discharged into the greenhouse 50.

[0050] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is supplied with gas that is hotter than the outside air due to the heat dissipation operation of the heat storage system 30, which allows for an efficient increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide.

[0051] This embodiment illustrates an example of a gas flow path and flow path switching mechanism, and is not limited to this gas flow path and flow path switching mechanism. For example, in a thermal energy storage system, the piping that passes through the thermal energy storage tank (thermal energy storage container) 38 during thermal energy storage may be different from the piping that passes through the thermal energy storage tank (thermal energy storage container) 38 during thermal energy release.

[0052] In this embodiment, the case in which the above-described heat storage system 30 is applied as part of the configuration of the gas processing system 1 has been described. However, this embodiment is not limited to the use of the above-described heat storage system 30 in combination with a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 or the like, and may be applied to any system that can utilize the released heat gas.

[0053] (Second embodiment) In the embodiments described above, the configuration of the heat storage system 30 of the gas processing system 1 was explained. In contrast, in this embodiment, a case in which the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 of the gas processing system 1 has a characteristic configuration will be described.

[0054] In conventional carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption systems, as the scale of greenhouse horticulture increased, the amount of carbon dioxide adsorption medium required also increased, and the external dimensions of the tank for filling the adsorption medium tended to increase. Therefore, in conventional carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption systems, even on days when the amount of carbon dioxide applied was small, such as rainy or cloudy days, it was necessary to blow air throughout the entire tank, which increased the power of the fan (blower). Consequently, power consumption tended to be high.

[0055] Therefore, in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 of the gas treatment system 1 according to this embodiment, instead of preparing a filling tank according to the scale of the horticultural facility, multiple filling tanks are provided.

[0056] Next, the configuration of the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 will be described using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow path when carbon dioxide is recovered using the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 according to this embodiment, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow path when carbon dioxide is applied using the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 according to this embodiment.

[0057] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 shown in Figures 4 and 5 uses three filled tanks (media storage containers) 41A, 41B, and 41C to adsorb and desorb carbon dioxide. This embodiment describes the case where three filled tanks (media storage containers) 41A, 41B, and 41C are provided, but the number of filled tanks (media storage containers) is not limited and two or four or more may be provided.

[0058] The filled tanks (media storage containers) 41A, 41B, and 41C are where the adsorption medium is stored. The adsorption medium can be any medium capable of adsorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide. As a specific adsorption medium, it is preferable to use a solid absorbent with moisture resistance, but zeolite, activated carbon, porous coordination polymer (PCP), or metal-organic framework (MOF) may also be used.

[0059] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is equipped with a fan 42 to move the gas (outside air or carbon dioxide-containing gas) that flows into the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 from the upstream side (boiler side) to the downstream side (greenhouse side). The fan 42 only needs to have enough power to blow air into any one of the packed tanks (media storage containers) 41A, 41B, or 41C.

[0060] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is equipped with piping (an example of a parallel flow path) 43 for connecting each of the three filled tanks (media storage containers) 41A, 41B, and 41C in parallel from piping (flow path) connected to the heat storage system 30.

[0061] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 includes piping 43 for connecting in parallel to each of the multiple medium storage containers from piping (flow channels) connected to the heat storage system 30. A first branch pipe 43A branching off from piping 43 is connected to the first filling tank 41A, a second branch pipe 43B branching off from piping 43 is connected to the second filling tank 41B, and a third branch pipe 43C branching off from piping 43 is connected to the third filling tank 41C.

[0062] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 has a 21st electric valve 45A installed in the first branch pipe 43A, a 22nd electric valve 45B installed in the second branch pipe 43B, and a 23rd electric valve 45C installed in the third branch pipe 43C.

[0063] The electric valves 45A to 45C (an example of a second flow path switching mechanism) allow switching of the flow path for introducing gas into the filling tanks 41A to 41C from the branch pipes 43A to 43C when adding carbon dioxide from the adsorption medium accumulated in the filling tanks 41A to 41C to the gas (outside air) that has been heated by the heat storage system 30, or when recovering carbon dioxide from the gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) that has been absorbed by the heat storage system 30 into the adsorption medium accumulated in the filling tanks 41A to 41C.

[0064] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is equipped with piping 44 downstream of the first filling tank 41A, the second filling tank 41B, and the third filling tank 41C.

[0065] The piping 44 is equipped with a 24th electric valve 45D and a 25th electric valve 45E. When the 24th electric valve 45D is open, gas is discharged to the outside of the gas treatment system 1. When the 25th electric valve 45E is open, gas is discharged to the greenhouse 50.

[0066] Furthermore, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is equipped with a first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A and a second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B. The first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A is located upstream of the first filling tank 41A, the second filling tank 41B, and the third filling tank 41C. The second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B is located downstream of the first filling tank 41A, the second filling tank 41B, and the third filling tank 41C.

[0067] The control device 400 controls the opening and closing of the 21st electric valve 45A, 22nd electric valve 45B, 23rd electric valve 45C, 24th electric valve 45D, and 25th electric valve 45E based on instructions from the higher-level control device 60 and the detection results from the first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A and the second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B. The control device 400 and the various components (first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A, second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B, 21st electric valve 45A, 22nd electric valve 45B, 23rd electric valve 45C, 24th electric valve 45D, and 25th electric valve 45E) are connected by signal lines (not shown).

[0068] During the operating time when carbon dioxide is being recovered, the control device 400 controls the system to recover the carbon dioxide contained in the incoming gas (exhaust gas) into the first packed tank 41A, the second packed tank 41B, or the third packed tank 41C when carbon dioxide-containing gas (exhaust gas) flows in from the boiler side. The control device 400 can recognize whether or not carbon dioxide-containing gas has flowed in from the boiler side based on a signal from the higher-level control device 60. When the control device 400 recovers carbon dioxide into the first packed tank 41A, it opens the 21st electric valve 45A and closes the 22nd electric valve 45B and the 23rd electric valve 45C. Furthermore, the control device 400 opens the 24th electric valve 45D and closes the 25th electric valve 45E to discharge the exhaust gas after carbon dioxide recovery to the outside. Therefore, in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40, when carbon dioxide is recovered into the first packed tank 41A, a gas flow path is formed as shown by the thick line in Figure 4.

[0069] The control device 400 controls the switching of filling tanks to recover carbon dioxide in the order of the second filling tank 41B and the third filling tank 41C after the recovery of carbon dioxide in the first filling tank 41A is completed.

[0070] The control device 400 determines whether carbon dioxide recovery has been completed in each of the filling tanks 41A to 41C based on the first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A and the second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B. For example, the control device 400 determines that carbon dioxide recovery has been completed when it determines that the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A and the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B are approximately equal.

[0071] During the operating time when carbon dioxide is being applied, if outside air flows in from the boiler side while the heat storage system 30 is performing heat dissipation operation, the control device 400 controls the system to desorb carbon dioxide adsorbed on the adsorption medium in the first packing tank 41A, the second packing tank 41B, or the third packing tank 41C, thereby adding carbon dioxide to the incoming outside air. The control device 400 can recognize whether outside air has flowed in from the boiler side and whether heat dissipation operation is being performed based on signals from the higher-level control device 60. When applying carbon dioxide adsorbed on the adsorption medium in the first packing tank 41A, the control device 400 controls the system to open the 21st electric valve 45A and close the 22nd electric valve 45B and the 23rd electric valve 45C. Furthermore, the control device 400 closes the 24th electric valve 45D and opens the 25th electric valve 45E to discharge the outside air, which has been enriched with carbon dioxide, into the greenhouse 50. Therefore, in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40, when carbon dioxide adsorbed on the adsorption medium in the first packed tank 41A is applied, a gas flow path is formed as shown by the thick line in Figure 5.

[0072] Furthermore, when a solid absorbent is used as the adsorption medium in the filling tanks (media storage containers) 41A, 41B, and 41C, the amount of carbon dioxide desorbed increases with increasing temperature. Therefore, by having the heat storage system 30 according to the first embodiment perform a heat dissipation operation, the heated outside air is introduced into the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40, thereby enabling efficient application of carbon dioxide.

[0073] The control device 400 controls the switching of the filling tanks to which carbon dioxide is applied, in the order of the second filling tank 41B and the third filling tank 41C, after the application of carbon dioxide to the first filling tank 41A is completed.

[0074] The control device 400 determines whether the application of carbon dioxide has been completed in each of the filling tanks 41A to 41C based on the first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A and the second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B. For example, the control device 400 determines that the application of carbon dioxide has been completed when it determines that the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A and the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B are approximately equal.

[0075] The processing procedure for carbon dioxide recovery using the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for carbon dioxide recovery using the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 according to this embodiment.

[0076] The control device 400 receives a command from the higher-level control device 60 to recover carbon dioxide (S1601). For example, when the boiler 10 starts burning the supplied fuel to produce hot water or steam, the higher-level control device 60 sends a command to the control device 400 to recover carbon dioxide.

[0077] The control device 400 controls the opening of the 21st electric valve 45A corresponding to the first filling tank 41A, as well as the opening of the 24th electric valve 45D for discharging gas to the outside (S1602). The control device 400 also controls the closing of the electric valves other than the 21st electric valve 45A and the 24th electric valve 45D (the 22nd electric valve 45B, the 23rd electric valve 45C, and the 25th electric valve 45E).

[0078] The control device 400 determines whether the difference between the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the upstream first carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46A and the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the downstream second carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B is within a predetermined range (S1603). The predetermined range is determined according to the embodiment and will not be explained further.

[0079] If the control device 400 determines that the concentration difference is greater than a predetermined range (S1603: NO), it continues carbon dioxide recovery and repeats the process in S1603.

[0080] On the other hand, if the control device 400 determines that the difference in concentration is within a predetermined range (S1603: YES), it determines whether or not carbon dioxide recovery has been completed in all filling tanks 41A to 41C (S1604).

[0081] If the control device 400 determines that carbon dioxide recovery is not complete in all filling tanks 41A to 41C (S1604: NO), it controls the closing of the electric valve corresponding to the filling tank currently being used for recovery, and controls the opening of the electric valve corresponding to any one of the filling tanks from which carbon dioxide has not been recovered (S1605). After that, it performs the process of S1603 again. In this embodiment, the control device 400 may process the recovery of carbon dioxide in the order of the first filling tank 41A, the second filling tank 41B, and the third filling tank 41C.

[0082] On the other hand, if the control device 400 determines that carbon dioxide recovery has been completed in all filling tanks 41A to 41C (S1604: YES), it terminates the process, considering that carbon dioxide recovery is complete.

[0083] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 according to this embodiment can perform the processing procedure shown in Figure 6, and when carbon dioxide recovery is completed in any one of the filling tanks 41A to 41C, it can switch the flow path to allow gas to flow into the filling tank among the filling tanks 41A to 41C from which carbon dioxide has not been recovered, and repeat this process until carbon dioxide recovery is completed in all of the filling tanks 41A to 41C.

[0084] The processing procedure shown in Figure 6 describes the procedure for carbon dioxide recovery. The procedure for applying carbon dioxide is the same as the processing procedure shown in Figure 6, and is omitted from the explanation, assuming that carbon dioxide can be applied in the order of, for example, the first filling tank 41A, the second filling tank 41B, and the third filling tank 41C.

[0085] In this embodiment, carbon dioxide recovery by the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is performed while the boiler 10 is operating. For example, the boiler 10 operates when heating the greenhouse 50 between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m. The control device 400 then completes the recovery of carbon dioxide in all filled tanks 41A to 41C according to the processing procedure described above during the period from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. when the boiler 10 is operating.

[0086] The control device 400 then applies carbon dioxide between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM. At this time, the control device 400 may use outside air heated by the heat storage system 30 for carbon dioxide application. Since heating the outside air makes it easier for carbon dioxide to escape, the concentration of carbon dioxide emitted into the greenhouse 50 can be increased.

[0087] In this embodiment, instead of preparing a filling tank corresponding to the size of the greenhouse 50, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 is provided with multiple filling tanks 41A to 41C, and electric valves 45A to 45C control the ventilation of each filling tank 41A to 41C individually. In this embodiment, since it is not necessary to prepare a filling tank corresponding to the size of the greenhouse 50, uneven ventilation within the filling tanks that would occur with larger tanks can be suppressed. In addition, by using a single fan 42 to ventilate each of the filling tanks 41A to 41C, uneven airflow from one filling tank to the other can be suppressed. By suppressing uneven ventilation and uneven airflow, the adsorption medium can be efficiently utilized within the filling tanks 41A to 41C. Therefore, by efficiently utilizing the adsorption medium, the amount of carbon dioxide adsorption medium to be filled can be reduced. Furthermore, since the amount of air blown can be reduced compared to conventional systems, the size of at least one of the ducts and pipes can be reduced compared to conventional systems. By reducing the amount of adsorption medium to be filled and by reducing the size of at least one of the ducts and pipes, the initial cost of installing the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 can be reduced.

[0088] Furthermore, on rainy or cloudy days when the amount of carbon dioxide applied is low, compared to a system where a filling tank is provided according to the size of the greenhouse 50, the amount of air supplied to any one of the filling tanks 41A to 41C can be suppressed according to the amount of carbon dioxide applied, thereby reducing the power required for air supply. Consequently, power consumption can be reduced, leading to cost savings.

[0089] Furthermore, when inspecting the filling tanks 41A to 41C, one tank can be inspected while carbon dioxide is being applied or recovered in another tank. In other words, in this embodiment, the filling tanks 41A to 41C can be inspected without stopping the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40.

[0090] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which an electric valve is provided for each flow path as the flow path switching mechanism, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, a directional control valve that can switch to any one of multiple flow paths may be used as the flow path switching mechanism.

[0091] In this embodiment, the case in which the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 described above is applied as part of the configuration of the gas treatment system 1 has been described. However, this embodiment is not limited to the use of the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 described above in combination with the heat storage system 30 etc. shown in the first embodiment. The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 40 described above may be used by introducing carbon dioxide gas or outside air from another heat storage system, or it may be used without providing a heat storage system.

[0092] (Third embodiment) The second embodiment shows an example of one form of a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system. The third embodiment describes another form of a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system.

[0093] Incidentally, when a solid absorbent is used as the adsorption medium in a filled tank (medium storage container), the amount of carbon dioxide desorbed increases as the incoming gas becomes hotter, more humid (and lower in pressure). This is because the concentration of carbon dioxide decreases due to the water pressure.

[0094] For example, air with a carbon dioxide concentration of 400 ppm at a temperature of 25°C, humidity of 50% RH, and pressure of 1013 hPa can have its carbon dioxide concentration reduced to 155 ppm at a temperature of 50°C, humidity of 100% RH, and pressure of 200 hPa.

[0095] High-temperature gas is generated not only by heat dissipation from the heat storage tank (heat storage container) 38 within the heat storage system 30, but also, for example, when carbon dioxide is adsorbed onto the adsorption medium in the filling tank (medium storage container). Therefore, this embodiment describes a carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 that can generate high-temperature gas internally as another form of carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system.

[0096] In this embodiment, while the heat storage system 30 is performing heat storage operation, the exhaust gas that has passed through the heat storage tank 38 of the heat storage system 30 flows into the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140. In this case, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 receives exhaust gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) that is at a lower temperature than the exhaust gas discharged from the boiler 10. The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment achieves efficient application of carbon dioxide even when exhaust gas at a lower temperature flows in from the heat storage system 30.

[0097] Next, the configuration of the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 will be described using Figures 7 and 8. Figures 7 and 8 show the flow path when carbon dioxide is recovered and applied simultaneously in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment.

[0098] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 shown in Figures 7 and 8 uses two filled tanks (media storage containers) 141A and 141B to adsorb and desorb carbon dioxide. This embodiment describes the case where two filled tanks (media storage containers) 141A and 141B are provided, but the number of filled tanks (media storage containers) is not limited to two.

[0099] The filled tanks (media storage containers) 141A and 141B store the adsorption medium. The adsorption medium can be any medium capable of adsorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide. As a specific adsorption medium, it is preferable to use a moisture-resistant solid absorbent, but zeolite, activated carbon, porous coordination polymer (PCP), or metal-organic framework (MOF) may also be used.

[0100] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 is equipped with a fan 142A to move the gas (outside air or carbon dioxide-containing gas) flowing into the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 from the upstream side (boiler side) to the downstream side (greenhouse side). The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 is also equipped with a fan 142B to draw outside air into the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140.

[0101] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 includes piping 143, 144, and 145 that form a flow path from a pipe (flow path) connected to the heat storage system 30 through two filled tanks (media storage containers) 141A and 141B.

[0102] Pipe 143 is provided to pass through the first filling tank 141A. Pipe 144 (an example of a series flow path) is provided to connect in series between the first filling tank 141A and the second filling tank 141B. Pipe 145 is provided to pass through the second filling tank 141B.

[0103] Furthermore, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 is equipped with a pipe 146 for bringing in outside air and a pipe 147 for releasing gas to the outside.

[0104] The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment is equipped with 11 electric valves 148A to 148L to form various flow paths.

[0105] The control device 1400 controls the opening and closing of the electric valves 148A to 148L based on instructions from the higher-level control device 60. The control device 1400 and the electric valves 148A to 148L are connected by signal lines (not shown).

[0106] When the control device 1400 receives a signal from the higher-level control device 60 and recognizes that carbon dioxide-containing gas (exhaust gas) (whose temperature is lower than when it was discharged from the boiler 10) is flowing in from the boiler side and that the carbon dioxide-containing gas is to be discharged into the greenhouse 50, it forms a flow path within the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to the degree of carbon dioxide adsorption of the adsorption media accumulated in the first packed tank 141A and the second packed tank 141B.

[0107] For example, if the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed by the adsorption medium accumulated in the first filling tank 141A is lower than the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed by the adsorption medium accumulated in the second filling tank 141B, the control device 1400 controls the opening and closing of the electric valves 148A to 148L to form the flow path shown in Figure 7. The case where the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed by the adsorption medium accumulated in the first filling tank 141A is lower than the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed by the adsorption medium accumulated in the second filling tank 141B is, for example, a state where carbon dioxide has not yet been adsorbed in the adsorption medium accumulated in the first filling tank 141A, and carbon dioxide has already been adsorbed in the adsorption medium accumulated in the second filling tank 141B.

[0108] Specifically, the control device 1400 controls the following to open: the electric valve 148A located upstream of the first filling tank 141A, the electric valves 148D, 148E, and 148F connecting the first filling tank 141A and the second filling tank 141B, and the electric valve 148J located downstream of the second filling tank 141B. Furthermore, the control device 1400 controls the other electric valves (electric valves 148B, 148C, 148G, 148H, 148K, and 148L) to close.

[0109] Thus, the electric valves 148A to 148L (an example of a third flow path switching mechanism) are controlled by the control device 1400 to switch the flow path so that the gas discharged from the heat storage system 30 passes through the first filling tank 141A and then through the second filling tank 141B via the piping 144, as shown in Figure 7.

[0110] When the flow path shown in Figure 7 is formed, the higher-level control device 60 is not limited to controlling the exhaust gas after heat storage in the heat storage system 30 to flow to the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140. For example, the higher-level control device 60 may instruct the heat storage system 30 not to store heat in the heat storage system 30, but to flow the exhaust gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) generated in the boiler 10 directly to the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140.

[0111] When the flow path shown in Figure 7 is formed, the first filling tank 141A recovers carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) that flows in through the piping 143. Furthermore, the gas that flows out of the first filling tank 141A not only has carbon dioxide recovered, but depending on the conditions of the first filling tank 141A, at least one of the following occurs: heating and humidification.

[0112] Subsequently, the gas flowing out of the first filling tank 141A passes through piping 144 and then flows into piping 145. Alternatively, a pressure reducing valve may be installed on piping 144 to reduce the pressure of the gas flowing out of the first filling tank 141A.

[0113] In other words, the second filling tank 141B receives gas with a lower concentration of carbon dioxide compared to when it flowed into the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140, and which has undergone one or more of the following treatments: heating, humidification, and depressurization.

[0114] The second filling tank 141B then removes carbon dioxide and incorporates it into the gas (carbon dioxide-containing gas) that flows in through the piping 145. Furthermore, when gas that has undergone one or more of the following processes—heating, humidification, and depressurization—flows into the second filling tank 141B, the concentration of carbon dioxide incorporated into the gas can be increased compared to when gas that has not undergone any of these processes flows in.

[0115] Therefore, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment can discharge gas containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide into the greenhouse 50.

[0116] Then, through the recovery of carbon dioxide in the first filling tank 141A and the application of carbon dioxide in the second filling tank 141B, the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed in the first filling tank 141A increases, and the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed in the second filling tank 141B decreases. As a result, the adsorption medium accumulated in the second filling tank 141B becomes unadsorbed carbon dioxide, and the adsorption medium accumulated in the first filling tank 141A becomes fully adsorbed carbon dioxide. In this case, the control device 1400 switches the flow path so that carbon dioxide is recovered in the second filling tank 141B and carbon dioxide is applied in the first filling tank 141A. For example, the control device 1400 controls the opening and closing of the electric valves 148A to 148L to form the flow path shown in Figure 8.

[0117] Specifically, the control device 1400 controls the following to open: the electric valve 148B located upstream of the second filling tank 141B, the electric valves 148G, 148E, and 148C connecting the first filling tank 141A and the second filling tank 141B, and the electric valve 148H located downstream of the first filling tank 141A. Furthermore, the control device 1400 controls the other electric valves (electric valves 148A, 148D, 148F, 148J, 148K, and 148L) to close.

[0118] In this embodiment, carbon dioxide can be efficiently recovered and applied by switching the flow path according to the degree of carbon dioxide adsorption in the first filling tank 141A and the second filling tank 141B.

[0119] Furthermore, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment can achieve carbon dioxide recovery and carbon dioxide application through different flow paths. Figures 9 and 10 show the case in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment where carbon dioxide recovery and carbon dioxide application are achieved through different flow paths.

[0120] For example, in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment, if the control device 1400 determines that the exhaust gas after carbon dioxide has been recovered by the first filling tank 141A or the second filling tank 141B does not meet the conditions for application, it forms a flow path as shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10 and applies carbon dioxide using outside air.

[0121] The conditions for application include, for example, at least one of the following: the temperature of the exhaust gas after carbon dioxide has been recovered is higher than a predetermined temperature, and the humidity of the exhaust gas after carbon dioxide has been recovered is higher than a predetermined humidity. If the control device 1400 determines that the exhaust gas after carbon dioxide has been recovered by the first filling tank 141A or the second filling tank 141B does not meet the conditions for application, in other words, the temperature of the exhaust gas after carbon dioxide has been recovered is lower than a predetermined temperature, or the humidity of the exhaust gas is lower than a predetermined humidity, it uses outside air for carbon dioxide application.

[0122] For this reason, sensors for measuring the humidity and temperature of the exhaust gas may be provided in the flow path of the gas discharged after carbon dioxide has been recovered in the first filling tank 141A, or in the flow path of the gas discharged after carbon dioxide has been recovered in the second filling tank 141B.

[0123] If the control device 1400 determines that the exhaust gas after carbon dioxide recovery does not meet the conditions for application, and the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed by the adsorption medium accumulated in the first filling tank 141A is lower than the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed by the adsorption medium accumulated in the second filling tank 141B, the control device 1400 controls the opening and closing of the electric valves 148A to 148L to form the flow path shown in Figure 9.

[0124] Specifically, the control device 1400 controls the motorized valve 148A located upstream of the first filling tank 141A, and the motorized valves 148F and 148L located downstream of the first filling tank 141A, to open. Furthermore, the control device 1400 controls the motorized valves 148K and 148D located upstream of the second filling tank 141B, and the motorized valve 148J located downstream of the second filling tank 141B, to open. Furthermore, the control device 1400 controls the other motorized valves (motorized valves 148B, 148C, 148E, 148G, and 148H) to close.

[0125] Then, when the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed in the first filling tank 141A increases and the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed in the second filling tank 141B decreases due to the recovery of carbon dioxide in the first filling tank 141A and the application of carbon dioxide in the second filling tank 141B, the control device 1400 switches the flow path so that carbon dioxide is recovered in the second filling tank 141B and carbon dioxide is applied in the first filling tank 141A. For example, the control device 1400 controls the opening and closing of the electric valves 148A to 148L to form the flow path shown in Figure 10.

[0126] Specifically, the control device 1400 controls the electric valve 148B located upstream of the second filling tank 141B, and the electric valves 148G and 148L located downstream of the second filling tank 141B, to open. Furthermore, the control device 1400 controls the electric valves 148K and 148C located upstream of the first filling tank 141A, and the electric valve 148H located downstream of the first filling tank 141A, to open. Furthermore, the control device 1400 controls the other electric valves (electric valves 148A, 148D, 148E, 148F, and 148J) to close.

[0127] Through the control described above by the control device 1400, the second filling tank 141B recovers carbon dioxide from the incoming exhaust gas and discharges the recovered exhaust gas outside, while the first filling tank 141A incorporates carbon dioxide into the incoming outside air and discharges the carbon dioxide-infused outside air into the greenhouse 50.

[0128] Furthermore, when the boiler 10 is not operating, the control device 1400 of the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 may control the opening and closing of the electric valves 148A to 148L so that the flow path shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10 is formed. By forming the flow path shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 can allow outside air to pass through the first packed tank 141A or the second packed tank 141B and apply carbon dioxide.

[0129] In the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment, when exhaust gas from the boiler 10 flows into the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 and a flow path shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8 is formed, the amount of exhaust gas released can be suppressed by simultaneously recovering and applying carbon dioxide in the two packed tanks 141A and 141B. Furthermore, when the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 simultaneously recovers and applies carbon dioxide, the gas used for application can be a gas that has been subjected to one or more of the following: high temperature and humidification, compared to the gas before carbon dioxide recovery. Therefore, since the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 can apply carbon dioxide using a gas that has been subjected to one or more of the following: high temperature and humidification, it is possible to release carbon dioxide more efficiently and energy-savingly, thereby reducing costs.

[0130] The flow path pattern in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment is not limited to the patterns shown in Figures 7 to 10.

[0131] For example, in the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment, heated outside air may flow in due to the heat dissipation operation of the heat storage system 30. In this case, the control device 1400 may control the opening and closing of the electric valves 148A to 148L so that the heated outside air flowing in from the heat storage system 30 is treated with carbon dioxide adsorbed in the first filling tank 141A or the second filling tank 141B and discharged into the greenhouse 50.

[0132] In this embodiment, the case in which the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 described above is applied as part of the configuration of the gas treatment system 1 has been explained. The carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 according to this embodiment is not limited to being used in combination with the heat storage system 30 etc. shown in the first embodiment.

[0133] For example, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 may be configured to take in exhaust gas directly from the boiler 10. In this case, the carbon dioxide adsorption / desorption system 140 may apply carbon dioxide to the exhaust gas taken in directly from the boiler 10 by forming the flow path shown in Figures 7 to 10.

[0134] <effect> The gas treatment system 1 of the above-described embodiment enables efficient application of carbon dioxide through the above-described treatment, thereby enabling efficient growth of crops and the like in the greenhouse 50. By efficiently generating the gas to be emitted into the greenhouse 50, cost reductions can be achieved.

[0135] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the inventions of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications, substitutions, etc., can be applied to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the inventions of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other technically. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1. Gas Processing System 10 Boilers 21, 22 Electric valve 30 Thermal Storage Systems 31 Lower piping 32 Upper piping 33 Boiler-side vertical piping 34 Central vertical piping 35 Greenhouse-side vertical piping 36A~36D Electric Valve 37 Fans 38 Heat storage tank 39A First temperature sensor 39B Second temperature sensor 300 Control device 40, 140 Carbon Dioxide Adsorption / Desorption Systems 41A, 41B, 41C, 141A, 141B Filling tank 42, 142A, 142B Fan 43, 44, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 Piping 45A~45C, 148A~148L electric valves 46A First carbon dioxide concentration sensor 46B Second Carbon Dioxide Concentration Sensor 400, 1400 control unit 50 Greenhouse 60 Higher-level control unit

Claims

1. A heat storage container in which a heat storage medium is accumulated, A first flow path switching mechanism that can switch between forming a flow path so that when heat from the gas is absorbed into the heat storage medium, the gas flows in from the top of the heat storage container and flows out from the bottom of the heat storage container, and forming a flow path so that when heat is released from the heat storage medium into the gas, the gas flows in from the bottom of the heat storage container and flows out from the top of the heat storage container, A gas processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The first flow path switching mechanism is, A pipe is provided through the heat storage container so that the gas can move upward or downward, A first valve is provided in the flow path that guides the gas to the upper opening of the aforementioned pipe, The piping includes a second valve provided in a flow path that guides the gas to the lower opening, The system is configured to open the first valve and close the second valve when the heat from the gas is absorbed into the heat storage medium, and to close the first valve and open the second valve when heat is released from the heat storage medium back into the gas. The gas treatment system according to claim 1.

3. Multiple medium storage containers, in which adsorption media capable of adsorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide are stored, From the flow path formed by the first flow path switching mechanism, a parallel flow path is provided for connecting in parallel to each of the plurality of medium storage containers, A second flow path switching mechanism is provided that allows switching of the flow path among the parallel flow paths to allow the gas to flow into each of the plurality of medium storage containers, when adding carbon dioxide from the adsorption medium to the gas that has been released heat from the heat storage medium, or when recovering carbon dioxide from the gas that has been absorbed heat from the heat storage medium into the adsorption medium, The gas treatment system according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The second flow path switching mechanism, when carbon dioxide recovery or carbon dioxide incorporation is completed in any one of the plurality of medium storage containers, repeats the process of switching the flow path to allow the gas to flow into the medium storage container that has not undergone carbon dioxide recovery or incorporation, until carbon dioxide recovery or incorporation is completed in all of the plurality of medium storage containers. The gas processing system according to claim 3.

5. Multiple medium storage containers, in which adsorption media capable of adsorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide are stored, A series channel for connecting the plurality of media storage containers in series, When the degree of carbon dioxide adsorption of one of the adsorbent media is lower than that of the other adsorbent media, the flow path is switched so that the gas discharged from the flow path formed by the first flow path switching mechanism passes through the medium storage container where one of the adsorbent media is stored, and then passes through the medium storage container where the other adsorbent media is stored via the series flow path. A third flow path switching mechanism, which, when the degree of carbon dioxide adsorption of the other adsorption medium is lower than that of the other adsorption medium, switches the flow path so that the gas discharged from the flow path formed by the first flow path switching mechanism passes through the medium storage container where the other adsorption medium is stored, and then passes through the medium storage container where the one adsorption medium is stored via the series flow path, The gas treatment system according to claim 1, further comprising:

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