Compressed air storage power generation equipment

Abstract

To utilize a space on water or in water in a compressed air storage power generation device.SOLUTION: A compressed air storage power generation device includes: a floating body 10 floating on water; a power generation facility 20 generating electric power by utilizing renewable energy; a motor 30 driven by the electric power generated by the power generation facility 20; a compressor 40 compressing the air by being driven by the motor 30; a pressure accumulation portion 50 storing the compressed air discharged from the compressor 40; an expander 60 expanding the compressed air stored in the pressure accumulation portion 50; and a power generator 70 driven by the expander 60. The pressure accumulation portion 50 is mounted on the floating body 10 and at least partially arranged in water. The power generation facility 20 is disposed on a structure floated by buoyancy of the floating body 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a compressed air storage power generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] A wind turbine device in which a wind turbine is installed on a floating body on the ocean is known (for example, Patent Document 1). This wind turbine device does not have a configuration for storing electricity, and uses the electricity generated by the wind turbine on the ocean as it is. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-264865 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above wind turbine device, the amount of power generated depends on weather conditions, so the output is unstable, making it difficult to supply power in a timely manner according to power demand.

[0005] Also, compressed air energy storage (CAES) power generation equipment is known for stabilizing the output of power generation using renewable energy. In a CAES power generation equipment, a compressor is driven by electricity generated using renewable energy, and the compressed air produced by the compressor is stored in an accumulator such as a tank. Then, the compressed air in the accumulator is used when necessary to drive a turbine generator, enabling timely power generation.

[0006] In CAES power generation equipment, the pressure accumulator may become large, and a large space must be secured to install the pressure accumulator. Securing the installation space for the pressure accumulator on land also incurs large costs.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to utilize space above or underwater in a compressed air storage power generation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a compressed air storage power generation device comprising a float that floats on water, a power generation facility that generates power using renewable energy, an electric motor driven by electricity generated by the power generation facility, a compressor that compresses air by being driven by the electric motor, a pressure accumulator that stores compressed air discharged from the compressor, an expander that expands the compressed air stored in the pressure accumulator, and a generator driven by the expander, wherein the pressure accumulator is attached to the float and is at least partially disposed underwater, and the power generation facility is disposed on a structure that floats by the buoyancy of the float.

[0009] According to this configuration, since the pressure accumulator is at least partially disposed underwater, space on or under the water can be utilized. Similarly, since the power generation equipment that generates electricity using renewable energy is disposed in a structure that floats due to the buoyancy of the float, space on or under the water can be utilized. Here, the form of the structure that floats due to the buoyancy of the float is not particularly limited, and it may be integrated with the float (i.e., it may be the float itself) or may be separate from the float.

[0010] The pressure accumulator may be a bottomless container.

[0011] According to this configuration, water can flow in and out of the pressure accumulator from below, and the volume required for the pressure accumulator is automatically adjusted, eliminating the need for a large tank as the pressure accumulator.

[0012] The pressure accumulator may be a tank that is entirely disposed underwater and fluidly connected to a pipe that is open to the water.

[0013] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the depth to which the tank is submerged, the accumulated pressure can be adjusted, and good compression and expansion efficiencies can be achieved in the compressor and expander. In addition, since the tank can be submerged in water, construction is easy.

[0014] The piping may be provided with a water current generator that generates electricity by being driven by a water current that occurs as water flows in and out.

[0015] According to this configuration, power is generated not only by the generator but also by the water current generator, so that a large amount of power can be generated.

[0016] The compressor and the expander may be located within or on top of the structure.

[0017] According to this configuration, the compressor, the pressure accumulator, and the expander, which need to be connected by piping for flowing compressed air, are arranged in the structure, so that the piping can be completed near the floating body (structure). In other words, there is no need to extend piping from the floating body (structure) to the ground. The above configuration is effective because the piping for flowing compressed air is thicker than electric wires and is not easy to handle.

[0018] The compressor and the expander may be integrally configured as a dual-purpose compressor / expander.

[0019] This configuration can reduce the installation space for the compressor and the expander (combined compression and expansion machine). This configuration is particularly effective when the compressor and the expander (combined compression and expansion machine) are installed inside or on top of a floating body (structure), since the installation space is limited. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the compressed air storage power generation system can utilize above-water or underwater space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a compressed air storage power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a compressed air storage power generation device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a compressed air storage power generation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a compressed air storage power generation device according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a compressed air storage power generation device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a CAES power generation system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The compressed air energy storage (CAES) power generation system 1 utilizes space on or underwater, such as the sea or a lake. In Fig. 1, the water surface is indicated by reference number 2, the underwater space is indicated by reference number 3, and the surface space is indicated by reference number 4. This is the same in the following figures.

[0025] The CAES power generation system 1 includes a floating body (structure) 10, a power generation facility 20, a motor (electric motor) 30, a compressor 40, a pressure accumulator 50, an expander 60, and a generator 70. In Fig. 1, for clarity of illustration, the floating body 10 and the pressure accumulator 50 are shown in cross section with hatching.

[0026] The float 10 floats on water. The float 10 is designed to have a buoyancy that prevents it from sinking even when the components of the CAES power generation system 1 are installed, as described below. The float 10 is integrally configured as a structure that floats due to buoyancy, and here, there is no distinction between the float and the structure, both of which are indicated by the reference numeral 10, and hereinafter, they will also be referred to simply as the structure 10. However, the float and the structure may be provided as separate bodies.

[0027] The power generation facility 20 generates power by utilizing renewable energy. In this embodiment, the power generation facility 20 has a wind power generation function. Alternatively, the power generation facility 20 may have a function of water temperature difference power generation, tidal power generation, solar power generation, or the like.

[0028] In this embodiment, the power generation equipment 20 is disposed on the upper part of the structure 10. Although not shown in detail, the power generation equipment 20 may be disposed on a separate structure that floats due to the buoyancy of the structure 10. The power generation equipment 20 is electrically connected to the motor 30 via a wiring 5a. Electricity generated by the power generation equipment 20 is supplied to the motor 30 via the wiring 5a.

[0029] The motor 30 is driven by electric power generated by the power generation facility 20. The motor 30 is mechanically connected to the compressor 40.

[0030] The compressor 40 is driven by the motor 30. The compressor 40 takes in external air through an intake port 41, compresses the air internally, and discharges the compressed air from a discharge port 42. The discharge port 42 of the compressor 40 is fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator 50 via a pipe 6a. The type of the compressor 40 is not particularly limited, and may be a screw type.

[0031] The accumulator 50 stores the compressed air discharged from the compressor 40. The accumulator 50 is attached to the structure 10. In this embodiment, the accumulator 50 is partially disposed underwater 3. In other words, the accumulator 50 is partially exposed above the water 4. In this embodiment, the accumulator 50 is a bottomless container. Therefore, the inside of the accumulator 50 is divided into an air layer S1 and a water layer S2. The accumulator 50 is fluidly connected to an air supply port 61 of the expander 60 via a pipe 6b.

[0032] The expander 60 receives compressed air from an air inlet 61, expands the air inside, and exhausts the air to the outside from an exhaust port 62. The type of the expander 60 is not particularly limited, but may be a screw type. The expander 60 is mechanically connected to a generator 70.

[0033] The generator 70 generates electricity by being driven by the expander 60. The generator 70 is electrically connected to a power system (not shown) via a wiring 5b. The electric power generated by the generator 70 is supplied to a destination via the wiring 5b and the power system.

[0034] In this embodiment, the motor 30, the compressor 40, the expander 60, and the generator 70 are disposed on the upper part of the structure 10. Therefore, the motor 30, the compressor 40, the expander 60, and the generator 70 are disposed on the water 4.

[0035] The effects of the CAES power generation system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0036] When the power generation facility 20 generates power using wind power, if there is a demand for power, the power is supplied to a supply destination (a grid, not shown). On the other hand, if there is no demand for power and power is to be stored, the generated power is supplied to the motor 30. When the compressor 40 is driven by the motor 30, compressed air is supplied from the compressor 40 to the pressure accumulator 50. This causes water to flow out from below the pressure accumulator 50, and the water level inside the pressure accumulator 50 drops. In addition, when compressed air is supplied from the pressure accumulator 50 to the expander 60, the expander 60 drives the generator 70. The power generated by the generator 70 is supplied to a supply destination, not shown. At this time, as the amount of compressed air in the pressure accumulator 50 decreases, water flows into the pressure accumulator 50 from below, and the water level inside the pressure accumulator 50 rises.

[0037] In this manner, in this embodiment, the water level inside the pressure accumulator 50 rises and falls in accordance with an increase or decrease in the amount of compressed air inside the pressure accumulator 50. As a result, the volume required for the pressure accumulator 50 is automatically adjusted, so there is no need to prepare a large tank as the pressure accumulator 50.

[0038] Furthermore, since the pressure accumulator 50 is at least partially disposed underwater 3, the space underwater 3 can be utilized. Similarly, since the power generation equipment 20 that generates power using renewable energy is disposed on top of the structure 10 floating on the water, the space above the water 4 can be utilized. Note that in this embodiment, the power generation equipment 20 generates power using wind power and is disposed on top of the structure 10, but depending on the power generation mode of the power generation equipment 20, it may not need to be exposed to the outside. In the case of the power generation equipment 20 that generates power in such a manner (for example, a mode in which power is generated using the temperature difference between day and night), it may be disposed inside the structure 10.

[0039] In addition, since the compressor 40, the pressure accumulator 50, and the expander 60, which need to be connected by the pipes 6a, 6b for flowing compressed air, are attached to the structure 10, the layout of the pipes 6a, 6b can be completed near the structure 10. In other words, there is no need to extend the pipes 6a, 6b from the structure 10 floating on water to the ground. The pipes 6a, 6b for flowing compressed air are thicker than the electric wires (wiring) 5a, 5b, and are not easy to handle, so the configuration of this embodiment is effective.

[0040] Second embodiment The CAES power generation device 1 of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 2 has a compressor / expander 80. Other than this configuration, the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted. In Fig. 2, the structure 10 and the pressure accumulator 50 are shown in a cross-sectional view with hatching to clarify the illustration.

[0041] In this embodiment, the compressor 40 (see FIG. 1) and the expander 60 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment are integrally configured as a compressor / expander 80. The compressor / expander 80 may be of a screw type. In addition, the motor 30 (see FIG. 1) and the generator 70 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment are integrally configured as a motor / generator 81.

[0042] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the installation space of the compressor 40 (see FIG. 1) and the expander 60 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment. In particular, since the installation space is limited in the upper part of the structure 10, the configuration of this embodiment is effective.

[0043] Third embodiment In the CAES power generation apparatus 1 of the third embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the pressure accumulator 50 and the structure 10 are connected by a support member 11. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted. In Fig. 3, the pressure accumulator 50 is shown as a cross-sectional view with hatching for clarity.

[0044] In this embodiment, the pressure accumulator 50 is attached to the structure 10 via a support member 11. The pressure accumulator 50 is submerged in water 3 to a depth D. Here, the depth D indicates the distance from the water surface 2 to the upper surface inside the pressure accumulator 50. Since a larger depth D results in a higher water pressure, the pressure of the compressed air stored in the pressure accumulator 50 can be increased as the depth D is increased.

[0045] The depth D can be changed depending on the compressor 40 and the expander 60. In general, an operating pressure that improves compression efficiency and expansion efficiency is set in the compressor 40 and the expander 60. Therefore, by setting the depth D according to the operating pressure, the compressor 40 and the expander 60 can exhibit good compression efficiency and expansion efficiency. For example, when the pressure of the compressed air stored in the accumulator 50 is set to 4 to 7 [Bar], the depth D can be set to 40 [m] or less.

[0046] According to this embodiment, by appropriately setting the depth D at which the pressure accumulator 50 is disposed, the compressor 40 and the expander 60 can exhibit good compression efficiency and expansion efficiency.

[0047] (Fourth embodiment) The CAES power generation apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is different from the first embodiment in terms of the pressure accumulator 50 and the water current generator 70. Other than these configurations, the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0048] In this embodiment, the pressure accumulator 50 is made up of tanks 51 to 54. The tanks 51 to 54 are disposed underwater 3 and are not exposed above water 4.

[0049] A pipe 6c that is open to the water 3 is fluidly connected to the tanks 51-54. As the compressed air inside the tanks 51-54 increases or decreases, water flows in and out of the tanks 51-54 via the pipe 6c.

[0050] A water current generator 90 is provided in the pipe 6c. The water current generator 90 is driven by a water current generated by the flow of water into and out of the tanks 51-54, and generates electricity. The water current generator 90 is electrically connected to a power system (not shown) via a wiring 6c. The power generated by the water current generator 90 is supplied to a destination via the wiring 5c ​​and the power system. The structure of the water current generator 90 is not particularly limited, and a known structure can be used.

[0051] According to this embodiment, since power is generated not only by the generator 70 but also by the water current generator 90, a large amount of power can be generated. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the depth D to which the tanks 51-54 are submerged as in the third embodiment, good compression efficiency and expansion efficiency can be achieved in the compressor 40 and the expander 60. Furthermore, since the pressure accumulator 50 consisting of the tanks 51-54 can be submerged in the water 3, construction is easy.

[0052] Fifth embodiment In the CAES power generation device 1 of the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a motor 30, a compressor 40, an expander 60, and a generator 70 are arranged in a structure 10. The configuration other than this is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted. In Fig. 5, the structure 10 and the pressure accumulator 50 are shown in a cross-sectional view with hatching for clarity.

[0053] In this embodiment, an accommodation space 7 is defined inside the structure 10. Water is prevented from flowing into the accommodation space 7. The accommodation space 7 accommodates a motor 30, a compressor 40, an expander 60, and a generator 70.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the motor 30, the compressor 40, the expander 60, and the generator 70 can be protected from water. Also, the power generation equipment 20 can be largely disposed in the space above the structure 10.

[0055] Although the specific embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, an appropriate combination of the contents of each embodiment may be one embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Compressed Air Storage Power Generation Equipment (CAES Power Generation Equipment) 2 water surface 3 underwater 4 Water 5a,5b,5c wiring 6a, 6a, 6c Piping 7. Containment Space 10 Floating body (structure) 11 Support member 20 Power generation facilities 30 Motor (electric motor) 40 Compressor 41 Air Intake 42 Discharge port 50 Accumulator 51~54 Tank 60 Expander 61 Air supply port 62 Exhaust port 70 Generator 80 Compression and expansion machine 81 Motor / generator 90 Water current generator

Claims

1. A floating body on the water, A power generation facility that uses renewable energy to generate electricity; an electric motor driven by the electric power generated by the power generation facility; a compressor that compresses air by being driven by the electric motor; a pressure accumulator that stores compressed air discharged from the compressor; an expander that expands the compressed air stored in the pressure accumulator; A generator driven by the expander; Equipped with The power generation facility is disposed on a structure that floats due to the buoyancy of the floating body, the pressure accumulator unit is a plurality of tanks that are entirely disposed underwater, arranged in parallel with the compressor, and fluidly connected to the compressor through piping that is open underwater; The piping is provided with a water flow generator that is driven by the water flow generated by the flow of water in and out of the piping, and generates electricity.

2. The compressed air storage power generation system according to claim 1 , wherein the compressor and the expander are disposed on the structure.

3. The compressed air storage power generation system according to claim 2 , wherein the compressor and the expander are integrally configured as a dual-purpose compressor / expander.

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