Heat Storage Unit

Abstract

Provided is a heat storage unit that has a simple structure and can be attached to various types of objects, and with which it is possible to exchange heat with good efficiency.　The present invention comprises at least one inorganic fiber member (100) having a desired shape and being formed by bonding or interlacing of flexible inorganic fibers (102), and a heat storage material (200) that comes in contact with the inorganic fibers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat storage unit having a heat storage material. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a heat storage unit for adjusting the temperature of various objects such as semiconductor substrates to a desired temperature. The heat storage unit is composed of a heat storage material, a thermally conductive member, a sheet member, and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the heat storage material is a phase-change type heat storage material. The thermally conductive member has a wavy shape and is composed of a resin-reinforced graphite sheet using a laminate in which a graphite layer is formed. The sheet member is composed of two types of films that include a thermally conductive material layer and have different rigidities. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-75773 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The heat storage unit described above was designed to increase the overall strength and to increase the freedom of shape, but it involves arranging and joining multiple components with various characteristics and shapes, which makes the structure complex and the assembly cumbersome.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat storage unit that has a simple configuration, can be attached to various objects, and is capable of efficient heat exchange. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The heat storage unit according to the present invention is characterized by the following features: A heat storage unit having a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of a target object installation part on which a target object is installed, the heat storage unit including a high-temperature heat storage unit and a low-temperature heat storage unit that is lower than the high-temperature heat storage unit, the high-temperature heat storage unit being used in a heat exchange device for adjusting the temperature of the target object, The heat exchange device includes: A high-temperature heat medium supply unit that supplies a heat medium at a predetermined high temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a first supply flow path for high temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for high temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a return flow passage adjacent to the high-temperature heat storage unit, the return flow passage returning the heat medium from the temperature adjustment unit to the high-temperature heat medium supply unit and enabling heat exchange between the heat medium and the high-temperature heat storage unit; A second supply flow path for high temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for high temperature to the heat storage unit for high temperature; a high temperature flow path forming portion that forms either the first high temperature supply flow path or the second high temperature supply flow path; a low-temperature heat medium supply unit that supplies a heat medium at a predetermined low temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a first supply flow path for low temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for low temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a return flow passage adjacent to the low-temperature heat storage unit, the return flow passage returning the heat medium from the temperature adjustment unit to the low-temperature heat medium supply unit and enabling heat exchange between the heat medium and the low-temperature heat storage unit; A second supply flow path for low temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for low temperature to the heat storage unit for low temperature; a low-temperature flow path forming portion that forms either the first low-temperature supply flow path or the second low-temperature supply flow path; and Each of the high temperature heat storage unit and the low temperature heat storage unit is At least one inorganic fiber body formed by bonding metal fibers; A heat storage material formed in contact with the metal fibers, When the first supply flow path for high temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for high temperature, the temperature of the heat medium is brought close to the predetermined high temperature by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for high temperature and the heat medium, When the second supply flow path for high temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for high temperature, the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for high temperature is regenerated by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for high temperature and a heat medium, When the first supply flow path for low temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for low temperature, the temperature of the heat medium is brought close to the predetermined low temperature by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for low temperature and the heat medium, When the second supply flow path for low temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for low temperature, the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for low temperature is regenerated by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for low temperature and a heat medium. That is the thing. Effect of the Invention

[0007] It has a simple structure and can be attached to various objects, allowing for efficient heat exchange. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of an inorganic fiber sheet 100. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, illustrating the microscopic state of inorganic fibers 102 that constitute the inorganic fiber sheet 100. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an enlarged view of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 that constitute the heat storage unit 10, illustrating a microscopic state in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 contacts the heat storage material 200. [Figure 4] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a microscopic contact state between an embedded type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a microscopic contact state between an impregnated type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a microscopic contact state between a support-type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a microscopic contact state between a support-type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a microscopic contact state between a laminated type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. FIG. [Figure 9] 1A shows an example in which a single continuous inorganic fiber sheet 100 is folded to form an overlapping inorganic fiber sheet 100, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which a plurality of separate inorganic fiber sheets 100 are overlapped to form the inorganic fiber sheet 100. [Figure 10] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view showing a specific structure of a heat storage unit 10 using the inorganic fiber sheet 100 shown in FIG. 9B. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an inorganic fiber mesh body 150 having a mesh shape. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10A is arranged in a single pipe PI1 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10B is arranged on three pipes PI1 formed in a cylindrical shape. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10C is disposed along a pipe PI2 formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape on the outer side of the pipe PI2. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10D is arranged along a pipe PI3 inside the pipe PI3 formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10C is disposed along a pipe PI2 formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape on the outer side of the pipe PI2. [Figure 17] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a temperature adjustment device 600 for adjusting a workpiece (object) to a predetermined temperature. [Figure 18]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow path for regenerating a high temperature heat storage unit 640. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow path for regenerating a low-temperature heat storage unit 650. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is flattened. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed so that projections and recesses are repeated. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inorganic fiber sheet 100 having a cross section bent in a shape that alternates between a V shape and an inverted V shape. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inorganic fiber sheet 100 having a cross section bent in such a way that a U-shape and an inverted U-shape are alternately formed. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a long inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed into a spiral shape. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed into a spiral shape (like a spiral spring). [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of inorganic fiber sheets 100 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to form a layered structure. [Figure 27] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a heat storage material 200 is arranged around a pipe PI0. FIG. [Figure 28] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200 are arranged around a pipe PI0. [Figure 29] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the housing 300. FIG. [Diagram 30] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a housing 300. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <<<<Outline of this embodiment>>>> <<First embodiment>> According to the first embodiment, At least one inorganic fiber member (e.g., inorganic fiber sheet 100 described later) having a desired shape and formed by bonding or entangling inorganic fibers (e.g., inorganic fiber 102 described later), A heat storage unit is provided that includes a heat storage material (such as the heat storage material 200 described below) in contact with the inorganic fibers.

[0010] The heat storage unit according to the first embodiment includes at least one inorganic fiber member and a heat storage material. The inorganic fiber member includes inorganic fibers, and the inorganic fibers are bonded or entangled. The inorganic fiber member has a desired shape. The inorganic fibers may or may not have flexibility. The flexibility of the inorganic fibers may be large or small, or may not exist.

[0011] With this configuration, the heat storage unit according to the first embodiment includes at least one inorganic fiber member and a heat storage material, and therefore can have a simple configuration. Furthermore, the heat storage unit according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange heat between the heat storage material and the outside via the inorganic fiber member.

[0012] <<Second embodiment>> The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that The heat transfer medium is disposed in contact with the flow path through which the heat transfer medium flows. An inorganic fiber member formed by bonding or entangling inorganic fibers is configured to be disposed within the flow path.

[0013] <<Third embodiment>> The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, The device further includes a container (such as a housing 300 described below) that contains the inorganic fiber member and the heat storage material.

[0014] <<Fourth embodiment>> According to the fourth embodiment, A heat storage unit (e.g., a heat storage unit 10, a high-temperature heat storage unit 640, a low-temperature heat storage unit 650, etc., described later) used in a heat exchange device (e.g., a temperature adjustment device 600, etc., described later) for adjusting the temperature of a target body, The heat exchange device includes: A temperature adjustment unit (e.g., a workpiece temperature adjustment unit 630 described later) that adjusts the temperature of a target object placement unit on which a target object is placed; A heat medium supplying unit (e.g., a high-temperature chiller 610 or a low-temperature chiller 620 described later) that supplies a heat medium of a predetermined temperature (e.g., a predetermined high temperature or a predetermined low temperature described later) to the temperature adjusting unit; A first supply flow path (e.g., pipes 702, 703, 706, 704, 705, etc. described later) that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit to the temperature adjustment unit; a return flow path (e.g., pipes 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, etc., described later) adjacent to the heat storage unit, which returns the heat medium from the temperature adjustment unit to the heat medium supply unit and enables heat exchange between the heat medium and the heat storage unit; A second supply flow path (e.g., 702, 720, 704, 722, etc. described later) that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit to the heat storage unit; a flow path forming portion (e.g., branch portions 752, 754, etc., described later) that forms either the first supply flow path or the second supply flow path, The heat storage unit is At least one inorganic fiber body (e.g., inorganic fiber sheet 100 described later) formed by bonding or entangling inorganic fibers (e.g., inorganic fiber 102 described later), A heat storage material (such as the heat storage material 200 described later) formed in contact with the inorganic fibers, When the first supply flow path is formed by the flow path forming unit, the temperature of the heat medium is brought close to the predetermined temperature by heat exchange between the heat storage material and the heat medium (for example, a state of FIG. 17 described later), When the second supply flow path is formed by the flow path forming portion, a heat storage unit is provided in which the heat storage material is regenerated by heat exchange between the heat storage material and the heat medium (for example, the state of Figure 18 or Figure 19 described below).

[0015] In the heat exchange device, the heat storage material is used as an auxiliary engine for heat exchange, so that the temperature of the heat medium can be easily brought close to a desired predetermined temperature. In other words, instead of relying entirely on a control device such as a temperature controller, the load on the control device such as a temperature controller can be reduced by using the heat storage unit of the present invention.

[0016] <<Fifth embodiment>> The fifth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment, When the heat transfer medium is a hot transfer medium, When the first supply flow path is formed by the flow path forming portion, heat is transferred from the heat storage material to the hot medium, thereby increasing the temperature of the hot medium and bringing it closer to the predetermined temperature (for example, the state of FIG. 17 described later), When the second supply flow path is formed by the flow path forming portion, heat is transferred from the hot medium to the heat storage material, thereby increasing the temperature of the heat storage material and regenerating the heat storage material (for example, the state of Figure 18 or Figure 19 described below).

[0017] <<Sixth embodiment>> The sixth embodiment is the fourth embodiment, When the heat transfer medium is a refrigerant, When the first supply flow path is formed by the flow path forming portion, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the heat storage material, so that the temperature of the refrigerant is lowered and brought closer to the predetermined temperature (for example, a state in FIG. 17 described later), When the second supply flow path is formed by the flow path forming portion, heat is transferred from the heat storage material to the refrigerant, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat storage material and regenerating the heat storage material (for example, the state shown in Figure 18 or Figure 19 described below).

[0018] <<<<<Details of this embodiment>>>> Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] <<<<Configuration of heat storage unit 10>>>> The heat storage unit 10 is mainly composed of an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. Furthermore, the heat storage unit 10 may have a housing 300. The presence or absence of the housing 300 will be described in detail later.

[0020] <<<Inorganic fiber sheet 100 and heat storage material 200>>> <<Inorganic fiber sheet 100>> The inorganic fiber sheet 100 is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of the present invention, and examples thereof include a sheet obtained by wet-processing inorganic fibers 102, an inorganic fiber sheet produced by a known dry nonwoven fabric manufacturing method, and a sheet (e.g., mesh) in which inorganic long fibers are woven. Among these, a fiber sheet produced by wet-processing is preferable because it is possible to reduce the thickness of the sheet, and the inorganic fibers 102 and the like are uniformly dispersed to form a dense network structure, resulting in a uniform sheet with little variation in thickness and weight. By making the inorganic fiber sheet 100 thin and uniform, it is possible to include a plurality of inorganic fiber sheets 100 in the heat storage unit according to the present invention, and the heat storage and release of heat as a whole of the heat storage unit can be made uniform and rapid heat exchange can be achieved. The fibers used in the inorganic fiber sheet 100 according to the present invention are not particularly limited as long as they are inorganic fibers, but examples thereof include single metal fibers such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, nickel, chromium, and tungsten; alloy fibers such as stainless steel, copper alloys, tungsten alloys, and chromium alloys; glass fibers; alumina fibers; graphite fibers; carbon fibers; silica fibers; and boron fibers. These fibers can be used alone or in combination. Among these, materials with high thermal conductivity are preferred because they can increase the rate of heat storage and heat dissipation of the heat storage unit according to the present invention, and metal fibers and alloy fibers are preferred, with copper, silver, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper alloys being more preferred.

[0021] The inorganic fiber sheet 100 according to the present invention may contain organic fibers as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. The upper limit of the organic fiber content may be, for example, 20% or less.

[0022] In addition, the heat storage unit according to the present invention can use an organic fiber sheet instead of the inorganic fiber sheet 100. In particular, when an organic fiber sheet made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the heat storage material 200 described later is used, the effect of the heat storage unit of the present invention can be exhibited. Here, examples of organic fiber sheets made of a material having a high thermal conductivity include crystalline polymer fibers such as aramid fibers, polyethylene fibers, polyamide fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, and polyethylene terephthalate fibers. However, the fiber sheet used in the present invention is preferably made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and when an organic fiber sheet having a low thermal conductivity is used instead of the inorganic fiber sheet, the performance as a heat storage unit is inferior.

[0023] Other additives may be added as necessary to the inorganic fiber sheet 100. Examples of the additives include binders and thickeners. Examples of the binders include acrylic resins and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0024] The inorganic fiber sheet 100 may be made by binding the inorganic fibers 102 with a binder resin during production, but by sintering the sheet in a vacuum or non-oxidizing atmospheric gas at a temperature at which the inorganic fibers 102 do not completely melt, a sheet made of 100% inorganic fibers can be produced that does not contain organic matter and has strength in which the inorganic fibers 102 are fused together. When there are many bonds between the inorganic fibers 102, heat transfer within the inorganic fibers 102 is rapid, and the heat storage unit according to the present invention can efficiently store and release heat.

[0025] The fiber diameter of the fibers used in the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1 μm to 50 μm, preferably 2 μm to 30 μm, and more preferably 3 μm to 20 μm.

[0026] The fiber length of the fibers used in the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with production, and can be, for example, 0.1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and more preferably 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0027] The porosity of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 30% to 99%, more preferably 40% to 98%, and even more preferably 50% to 97%. When it is in this range, an inorganic fiber sheet 100 having rigidity can be formed. In addition, the heat storage material 200 can be distributed throughout the interior of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and the heat storage material 200 can be in close contact with the fiber surface constituting the inorganic fiber sheet 100 over a wide area. Therefore, the heat storage unit can efficiently store and release heat in the heat storage material 200 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0028] The void ratio is the ratio of space in which no fibers exist to the volume of the fiber sheet, and is calculated from the volume and mass of the fiber sheet and the density of the fiber material. Porosity (%) = (1 - mass of fiber sheet / (volume of fiber sheet x fiber density)) x 100 The porosity can be adjusted by the thickness and amount of the fibers used, the density of the material in which the fibers are entangled, and the pressure applied during compression molding.

[0029] In the above-described example, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is composed only of the metal fibers 102, but it may be composed of fibers other than the inorganic fibers 102.

[0030] <<Heat storage material 200>> The heat storage material 200 according to the present invention transfers heat from a heat medium through the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and stores and releases heat. The heat storage material 200 may be of a sensible heat storage type, a latent heat storage type, or a chemical heat storage type, and is not particularly limited.

[0031] The heat storage material 200 of the sensible heat storage type has a relatively low heat storage density, and therefore a low heat storage efficiency, but is very excellent in terms of high stability, safety, price, ease of handling, and durability. The heat storage material 200 of the latent heat storage type has a high heat storage density, excellent heat storage efficiency, and is very excellent in terms of high stability, safety, price, ease of handling, and durability. The heat storage material 200 of the chemical heat storage type has a very high heat storage density and excellent heat storage efficiency, but is low in stability, safety, price, ease of handling, and durability. Therefore, in the heat storage unit according to the present invention, the heat storage material 200 of the latent heat storage type can be preferably used. In addition, the heat storage temperature and heat storage energy can be controlled by adjusting the components and mixing ratio of the heat storage material.

[0032] A suitable example of the latent heat storage type heat storage material 200 can be one that stores heat applied to the heat storage material 200 as latent heat when a solid-liquid phase transition occurs, or one that stores heat as latent heat when a solid-solid phase transition occurs.

[0033] Examples of the heat storage material 200 that utilizes the latent heat of solid-liquid phase transition include single-component heat storage materials such as water (ice), paraffin, alkali metal hydroxides, magnesium hydroxide, beryllium hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, inorganic salts such as nitrates, and inorganic hydrates such as sodium acetate trihydrate; mixtures of inorganic salts or inorganic hydrates such as a mixture of magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and magnesium chloride hexahydrate, mixtures of organic compounds such as a mixture of lauric acid and capric acid, and mixtures of inorganic salts and organic compounds such as a mixture of ammonium nitrate and urea; and mixtures of multiple components. In addition, the paraffin-based heat storage material may be, for example, n-pentadecane, which is an n-paraffin-based heat storage material, or one made of elastomer and paraffin.

[0034] The heat storage material 200 utilizing the latent heat of solid-liquid phase transition can be used in the heat storage unit of the present invention, for example, by applying heat to the heat storage material 200 utilizing the latent heat of solid-liquid phase transition to turn it into a liquid phase, and then impregnating it into the inorganic fiber sheet 100 of the present invention, or by immersing the inorganic fiber sheet 100 in the liquid-phase heat storage material 200, and then lowering the temperature to turn it into a solid phase, and embedding the inorganic fiber sheet 100 in the heat storage material 200.

[0035] Examples of the heat storage material 200 that utilizes the latent heat of solid-solid phase transition include organic compounds such as polyethylene glycol copolymer cross-linked bonds; LiMnO4, LiVS2, LiVO2, NaNiO2, LiRh2O4, V2O3, V4O7, and V6O 11 , Ti4O7, SmBaFe2O5, EuBaFe2O5, GdBaFe2O5, TbBaFe2O5, DyBaFe2O5, HoBaFe2O5, YBaFe2O5, PrBaCo2O 5.5 , DyBaCo2O 5.5 4. HoBaCo2O 5.48 , YBaCoO 5.49and vanadium dioxide (VO2) in which vanadium is partially substituted with a metal such as niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), ruthenium (Ru), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), etc. In the vanadium dioxide in which vanadium is partially substituted with the above-mentioned metal, the following formula can be used: V 1-x M x O2, where x is a decimal number greater than 0 and less than 1.

[0036] The heat storage material 200 utilizing the latent heat of solid-solid phase transition can be used in the heat storage unit of the present invention, for example, by powdering the heat storage material 200 utilizing the latent heat of solid-solid phase transition and filling or supporting the inorganic fiber sheet 100 of the present invention, or by embedding the inorganic fiber sheet 100 in the powdered heat storage material 200.

[0037] The heat storage material 200 that utilizes the latent heat of solid-solid phase transition can be used as a lump such as a sheet or block by laminating it with or contacting it with the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0038] <<Configuration of inorganic fiber sheet 100>> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of an inorganic fiber sheet 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 has a flexible sheet-like (thin plate-like) form. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be flexed or bent, and can be deformed into a desired shape. In addition, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be processed, such as cut, and can be processed into a desired size. As described later, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be arranged in a shape and size according to the shape and size of a member such as a pipe. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 may not only be flexible, but also have high rigidity and no flexibility. Depending on the state, shape, and size of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 stored in the heat storage unit 10 and the type of the heat storage material 200, an appropriate inorganic fiber sheet 100 may be appropriately selected in terms of the degree of flexibility or the presence or absence of flexibility.

[0039] The inorganic fiber sheet 100 has a sheet-like shape, a predetermined thickness, and two fixed surfaces facing in opposite directions, a first surface 110 and a second surface 120 opposite the first surface. The thickness of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 does not necessarily have to be fixed, as long as it can define the first surface 110 and the second surface 120.

[0040] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, illustrating the microscopic state of the inorganic fibers 102 that constitute the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 is formed by bonding or entangling adjacent inorganic fibers 102 together. Each of the inorganic fibers 102 may be bonded or entangled at only one location, or at multiple locations. By bonding or entangling adjacent inorganic fibers 102, heat can be transferred in succession across the multiple inorganic fibers 102 that are bonded or entangled.

[0041] In this way, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is not limited in shape or size as long as it is configured to maintain the inorganic fibers 102 in a bonded or entangled state and be thermally conductive, and may be an inorganic fiber body made of inorganic fibers 102. For example, as described below, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is used for heat exchange (transfer of heat) with the outside of the heat storage unit 10. The outside of the heat storage unit 10 may be a heat medium (heat transfer medium) such as a heat transfer medium or refrigerant that flows through a member such as a pipe to which the heat storage unit 10 is attached.

[0042] <<<Type of Contact Between Inorganic Fiber Sheet 100 and Heat Storage Material 200>>> Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an enlarged view of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 constituting the heat storage unit 10, illustrating a microscopic state in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 contacts the heat storage material 200. In Fig. 3, the black curved lines indicate the inorganic fibers 102 constituting the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and the multiple horizontal lines indicate the region where the heat storage material 200 exists. It should be noted that the heat storage material 200 is formed continuously in the region indicated by the multiple horizontal lines.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the heat storage unit 10 has an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. As described above, the inorganic fibers 102 constituting the inorganic fiber sheet 100 are bonded or entangled with each other. A gap (void) is formed between adjacent inorganic fibers 102. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the heat storage material 200 is filled into the gap between adjacent inorganic fibers 102 to form a continuous structure. In this way, the heat storage material 200 is not only in contact with the inorganic fibers 102 on the surface (first surface 110 or second surface 120) of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, but also in contact with the inorganic fibers 102 present in the inner region of the inorganic fiber sheet 100. In FIG. 3, the first surface 110 or the second surface 120, which is the surface of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, is shown by a dashed line in order to clearly show it. In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the inorganic fibers 102 constituting the inorganic fiber sheet 100 are in contact with the heat storage material 200 as a whole. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the heat storage material 200 is filled over the entire area (surface and internal areas) of the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0044] The heat storage material 200 may not be fully filled into the entire gaps between the inorganic fibers 102, and some gaps (air layers or areas) may be generated (not shown). As long as the heat storage material 200 is in contact with at least a portion of the surface of the inorganic fibers 102, heat can be stored in the heat storage material 200 and heat can be exchanged between the outside of the heat storage unit 10 and the heat storage material 200.

[0045] By bringing the inorganic fibers 102 into contact with the heat storage material 200, heat can be exchanged directly between the inorganic fibers 102 and the heat storage material 200 without the intervention of air. Specifically, heat introduced from outside the heat storage unit 10 is first transferred to the inorganic fibers 102 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, then transferred to the heat storage material 200 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and stored in the heat storage material 200. On the other hand, the heat stored in the heat storage material 200 is first transferred to the inorganic fibers 102 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and then led out to the outside of the heat storage unit 10 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0046] The types of contact between the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 include an embedded type, an impregnated type, a supported type, a laminated type, and the like, as shown below. In Figs. 4 to 8 shown below, black curved lines indicate the inorganic fibers 102 that constitute the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and a plurality of horizontal lines indicate the region where the heat storage material 200 exists. In the region indicated by a plurality of horizontal lines, the heat storage material 200 is formed continuously. The supported type is an embodiment in which, for example, particulate heat storage material is fixed to the surface of the inorganic fibers that constitute the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0047] <<Impregnated type>> Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a microscopic contact state between an impregnated type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. As in Fig. 3, the heat storage unit 10 has an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. Note that in Fig. 4 as well, the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 is virtually shown by a dashed line in order to clearly show it.

[0048] In the impregnation type, the heat storage material 200 is entirely embedded in the inorganic fiber sheet 100, so that the inorganic fiber sheet 100 comes into contact with the heat storage material 200. As in Fig. 3, the gaps between adjacent inorganic fibers 102 are filled with the heat storage material 200 to form a continuous structure. By transferring heat to the inorganic fiber sheet 100 located outside the heat storage material 200, heat can be introduced and stored in the heat storage material 200 present in the inner region of the inorganic fiber sheet 100. Depending on the amount of heat storage material impregnated, the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 can also be considered a form of embedding.

[0049] <<Embedding type>> Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a microscopic contact state between an embedded type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the heat storage unit 10 has an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. Note that in Fig. 5 as well, the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 is virtually shown by a dashed line in order to clearly show it.

[0050] In the embedded type, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 (at least a part of the inorganic fiber sheet 100) is embedded in the heat storage material 200, so that the inorganic fiber sheet 100 maintains a state of contact with the heat storage material 200. In the case of the embedded type, it is preferable to configure the inorganic fiber sheet 100 so that a part of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 extends to the outside of the heat storage material 200, or to connect the inorganic fiber sheet 100 located inside the heat storage material 200 to a metal body or another inorganic fiber sheet located outside the heat storage material 200. By configuring in this way, heat exchange can be performed between the inside and outside of the heat storage material 200.

[0051] <<Laminate type>> Figures 6, 7 and 8 are conceptual diagrams showing a microscopic contact state between a laminated type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. As in Figures 3 to 5, the heat storage unit 10 has an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. Note that in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 is also shown imaginarily by a dashed line in order to clearly show it.

[0052] The laminated type is an embodiment in which only a portion of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is in contact with the heat storage material 200, or the heat storage material 200 partially penetrates into the inorganic fiber sheet 100. In Fig. 6, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is in contact with the heat storage material 200 up to the inside, and in Fig. 7, only the surface of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is in contact with the heat storage material 200. Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 in Fig. 6 is laminated.

[0053] <<Contact with heat storage material 200>> 3 to 8, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is flattened as an example, but as described above, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is flexible and can be deformed into a desired shape. Even when the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed, various heat storage units 10 can be configured by contacting the inorganic fiber sheet 100 with the heat storage material 200 by appropriately selecting the above-mentioned embedding type, impregnation type, support type, laminated type, etc.

[0054] It should be noted that even in the examples shown in Figures 4 to 8, the heat storage material 200 may not be fully filled into all of the gaps between the inorganic fibers 102 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and some gaps (air layers or areas) may be generated (not shown). As long as the heat storage material 200 is in contact with at least a portion of the surface of the inorganic fibers 102, heat can be stored in the heat storage material 200 and heat can be exchanged between the outside of the heat storage unit 10 and the heat storage material 200.

[0055] <<Other Contact Types>> The above-mentioned embedded type, impregnation type, support type, and laminated type are examples of the manner in which the inorganic fiber sheet comes into contact with the heat storage material 200. It is sufficient that the inorganic fiber sheet 100 comes into contact with the heat storage material 200 so as to enable heat exchange. The manner in which the inorganic fiber sheet comes into contact with the heat storage material 200 can be appropriately determined depending on the shape and size of components such as piping to which the heat storage unit 10 is attached, the type and flow rate of the heat medium, etc.

[0056] <<<Specific laminate structure of laminate type>>> As described above, Fig. 8 shows a microscopic contact state between the laminated type inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200. In Fig. 8, the overlapping (adjacent) inorganic fiber sheets 100 are shown spaced apart to clearly show the arrangement relationship between the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200. When actually configuring the heat storage unit 10, it is preferable to arrange the overlapping (adjacent) inorganic fiber sheets 100 so that they are in contact with each other, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B. The overlapping inorganic fiber sheets 100 as a whole can easily transfer heat, and rapid heat exchange can be achieved between the outside of the heat storage unit 10 and the heat storage material 200.

[0057] As mentioned above, in the example shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the overlapping inorganic fiber sheets 100 are in contact with or bonded to each other, but for clarity, the overlapping inorganic fiber sheets 100 are shown spaced apart from each other.

[0058] Fig. 9A shows an example in which a single continuous inorganic fiber sheet 100 is folded to overlap the inorganic fiber sheets 100 and form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Fig. 9B shows an example in which a plurality of separate flat inorganic fiber sheets 100 are overlapped to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In both the example shown in Fig. 9A and the example shown in Fig. 9B, the overlapping inorganic fiber sheets 100 come into contact with or are bonded to each other, and heat can be easily transferred by the entire overlapping inorganic fiber sheets 100.

[0059] <<<Specific structure of the heat storage unit 10>>> Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific structure of the heat storage unit 10 using the inorganic fiber sheet 100 shown in Fig. 9B. The heat storage unit 10 can also be formed using the inorganic fiber sheet 100 shown in Fig. 9A.

[0060] The heat storage unit 10 shown in Fig. 10 has a housing 300. The housing 300 has a storage section 306 and a lid section 308. The storage section 306 has a concave shape, and can accommodate the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 (not shown) in the storage section 306 by overlapping them. The lid section 308 has a plate shape, and can be engaged with the upper end section of the storage section 306. The storage section 306 and the lid section 308 can be made of a material such as copper or stainless steel.

[0061] First, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is stored in the storage section 306. Specifically, the inorganic fiber sheets 100 are stacked and stored in the storage section 306 to the extent that the entire storage section 306 is filled. In this way, the storage section 306 can be roughly filled with the inorganic fiber sheets 100. Next, the lid body part 308 is engaged with the upper end part of the storage section 306, and the opening 309 of the storage section 306 is covered with the lid body part 308. Heat is applied to the storage section 306 to sinter the stacked inorganic fiber sheets 100 together, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the storage section 306, etc. are connected to each other. By connecting, heat can be easily transferred throughout the stacked inorganic fiber sheets 100. Furthermore, the lid body part 308 is brazed to the storage section 306 with Ni or the like to seal it. Note that brazing is not necessary if the lid body part 308 can be connected to the storage section 306 and sealed by sintering. The sintering temperature, the presence or absence of brazing, the brazing material, and the like may be appropriately determined depending on the materials of the lid portion 308 and the container portion 306 .

[0062] After sealing the lid body part 308 in the storage part 306, the heat storage material 200 (not shown) is injected into the storage part 306 through an injection hole (not shown) of the heat storage material 200. After injecting the heat storage material 200, the injection hole is blocked with a metal such as copper or stainless steel. In this way, the inside of the heat storage unit 10 is filled with the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is connected to and in contact with both the storage part 306 and the lid body part 308. By configuring in this way, heat can be transferred from both the storage part 306 and the lid body part 308 to the enclosed inorganic fiber sheet 100. This makes it easier to transfer heat from the refrigerant outside the heat storage unit 10 to the heat storage material 200 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and makes it easier to transfer heat stored in the heat storage material 200 to the heat medium outside the heat storage unit 10 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0063] In the above example, a plurality of inorganic fiber sheets 100 are stacked to fill the storage section 306, but when the thickness of a single inorganic fiber sheet 100 is approximately the depth of the storage section 306, a single inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be used without stacking a plurality of inorganic fiber sheets 100. When inorganic fiber sheets 100 are available in a variety of thicknesses, the storage section 306 can be filled by appropriately combining and stacking the sheets.

[0064] <<<Other structures of the heat storage unit 10>>> In the example of FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the inorganic fiber sheets 100 are stacked to form an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The overall shape of the stacked inorganic fiber sheets 100 may be determined appropriately according to the shape of the heat storage unit 10 (the shape of the storage section) as well as the approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the overall shape may be an approximately cubic shape, an approximately cylindrical shape, or an approximately polygonal prism shape. It may also be a shape formed by curved surfaces such as a sphere or an ellipsoid. Furthermore, it may be formed by winding the inorganic fiber sheet 100 around a predetermined central axis (such as a pipe). In any shape, it is sufficient that the overlapping inorganic fiber sheets 100 come into contact with each other and the overlapping inorganic fiber sheets 100 as a whole can easily transfer heat.

[0065] <<<Inorganic fiber mesh body 150>>> In the above-mentioned example, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 has the form of a fiber sheet, but other forms are also acceptable as long as they can transmit heat. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing an inorganic fiber mesh body 150 having a mesh-like shape. The black lines shown in Fig. 11 are long cables (threads, wires) made of inorganic fibers. The inorganic fiber mesh body 150 is formed by connecting multiple vertical cables and multiple horizontal cables at their overlapping portions while keeping them apart from each other.

[0066] By overlapping a plurality of inorganic fiber mesh bodies 150 and connecting the contacting portions by sintering, heat can be transferred throughout the entire plurality of inorganic fiber mesh bodies 150, similar to the inorganic fiber sheet 100. By forming it in a mesh shape, large gap regions 152 can be ensured, making it easier for the heat storage material 200 to move in the gap regions 152 and easier for the heat storage material 200 to be inserted into the gaps between the inorganic fibers and to come into contact with the inorganic fiber mesh body 150. The space factor is approximately 4% to 6% for both the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the inorganic fiber mesh body 150.

[0067] <<<Arrangement of heat storage unit 10 relative to components>>> As described above, the heat storage unit 10 includes the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200. Here, the heat storage unit 10 includes a housing 300 (housings 300A to 300D).

[0068] <<When the heat storage unit 10A is arranged in a single cylindrical pipe PI1>> 12 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10A is arranged in a single pipe PI1 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The heat storage unit 10A has a housing 300A.

[0069] <Piping PI1> The pipe PI1 is formed in a long cylindrical shape, and a through hole 430A is formed along the longitudinal direction. The pipe PI1 has an outer peripheral surface 410A and an inner peripheral surface 420A. The outer shape of the pipe PI1 is defined by the outer peripheral surface 410A. The through hole 430A is defined by the inner peripheral surface 420A. A heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or a hot transfer medium can flow through the through hole 430A. The pipe PI1 is formed of metal, resin, or the like.

[0070] <Heat storage unit 10A> The heat storage unit 10A has a housing 300A formed in a long cylindrical shape, and a through hole 330A is formed along the longitudinal direction. The housing 300A of the heat storage unit 10A has an outer peripheral surface 310A and an inner peripheral surface 320A. The outer shape of the housing 300A of the heat storage unit 10A is defined by the outer peripheral surface 310A. The through hole 330A is defined by the inner peripheral surface 320A. The heat storage unit 10A has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe PI1. The pipe PI1 is positioned in the through hole 330A of the heat storage unit 10A. The inner peripheral surface 320A of the housing 300A of the heat storage unit 10A can be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 410A of the pipe PI1.

[0071] <Type of Contact and Shape of Inorganic Fiber Sheet 100> In the heat storage unit 10A shown in FIG. 12, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 may have a spiral or spiral (power spring) shape (see FIG. 25) as described below. The type of contact between the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 may be any of an embedded type, an impregnated type, a support type, and a laminated type. The heat storage material 200 may be provided between the outer peripheral surface 410A of the pipe PI1 and the inorganic fiber sheet 100 wound in a spiral shape. The heat storage material 200 may also be provided on the outer peripheral side of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 wound in a spiral shape. Furthermore, the heat storage material 200 may be disposed in the region between the inorganic fiber sheets 100 wound in a spiral shape (power spring shape) and adjacent to each other. By configuring in this way, the total amount of the heat storage material 200 can be increased. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 may be in a shape other than helical or spiral (power spring) shape, and may be flat, uneven, layered, or the like, depending on the size of the housing 300A.

[0072] Heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the pipe PI1 and the heat storage material 200 is performed via the pipe PI1, the housing 300A, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat of the heat medium is stored in the heat storage material 200 via the pipe PI1, the housing 300A, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and the heat stored in the heat storage material 200 is transferred to the heat medium via the pipe PI1, the housing 300A, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. Note that heat exchange with the heat storage material 200 can also be performed via the pipe PI1 and the housing 300A without via the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0073] Furthermore, it is preferable to cover the periphery of the housing 300A with a heat insulating material. Specifically, the entire housing 300A is covered with a heat insulating material that is tightly attached around the housing 300A. By using the heat insulating material, heat is not transferred to the outside, and heat can be efficiently exchanged between the heat medium, such as a refrigerant or hot medium, flowing through the pipe PI1 and the heat storage material 200.

[0074] In addition, it is preferable to dispose the inorganic fiber sheet 100 in the pipe PI1 so as to be in contact with the pipe PI1, which allows more efficient heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 and a heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or hot transfer medium flowing through the pipe PI1.

[0075] <<When the heat storage units 10B are arranged in a plurality of cylindrical pipes PI1>> 13 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10B is arranged on three pipes PI1 formed in a cylindrical shape. The heat storage unit 10B has a housing 300B. Note that the number of pipes is not limited to three, and may be any number.

[0076] <Piping PI1> Each of the pipes PI1 is similar to the pipe shown in Fig. 12. A heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or a hot medium can flow through a through hole 430A formed in each of the pipes PI1. The three pipes PI1 have the same diameter and are arranged substantially parallel to each other at equal intervals while being spaced apart from each other.

[0077] <Heat storage unit 10B> The heat storage unit 10B has a housing 300B formed in a substantially rectangular tubular shape along the longitudinal direction of the three pipes PI1, and a through hole 330B is formed along the longitudinal direction of the pipes PI1. The heat storage unit 10B can cover the three pipes PI1 collectively. The heat storage unit 10B has an outer peripheral surface 310B and an inner peripheral surface 320B. The outer peripheral surface 310B defines the outer shape of the housing 300B of the heat storage unit 10B. The inner peripheral surface 320B defines the through hole 330B. The cross section of the through hole 330B of the heat storage unit 10B is larger than the cross section of the three pipes PI1. The three pipes PI1 are arranged in parallel in the through hole 330B of the heat storage unit 10B. In the through hole 330B of the heat storage unit 10B, the three pipes PI1 are arranged spaced apart from each other and also from the inner circumferential surface 320B of the heat storage unit 10B.

[0078] <Type of Contact and Shape of Inorganic Fiber Sheet 100> In the heat storage unit 10B shown in Fig. 13, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 may be in the form of a spiral or a spiral (power spring) (see Fig. 25) described later. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 may be wound around each of the three pipes PI1 in a spiral or a spiral (power spring) shape. The type of contact between the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 may be any of an embedded type, an impregnated type, a supporting type, and a laminated type.

[0079] As in FIG. 12, the heat storage material 200 can be provided between the outer peripheral surface 410A of each pipe PI1 and the inorganic fiber sheet 100 wound in a spiral shape. The heat storage material 200 can also be provided on the outer peripheral side of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 wound in a spiral shape. Furthermore, the heat storage material 200 can be arranged in the area between the inorganic fiber sheets 100 wound in a spiral shape (power spring shape) and adjacent to each other. By configuring in this way, the total amount of the heat storage material 200 can be increased. The shape of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is not limited to a spiral shape or a spiral shape (power spring shape), but can be a flat shape, a concave-convex shape, a laminated shape, or the like, as appropriate, depending on the size of the housing 300B.

[0080] The inorganic fiber sheet 100 can also be arranged in the area between the three pipes PI1 arranged at a distance from one another. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 is preferably arranged continuously over the entire through hole 330B. By arranging the inorganic fiber sheet 100 continuously, heat can be conducted efficiently.

[0081] In addition, the heat storage unit 10B shown in FIG. 13 has three pipes PI1 arranged in parallel along one stage, but multiple pipes PI1 may be arranged in parallel along each of multiple stages.

[0082] Heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the three pipes PI1 and the heat storage material 200 is performed via each of the pipes PI1, the housing 300B, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat of the heat medium is stored in the heat storage material 200 via the pipes PI1, the housing 300B, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and the heat stored in the heat storage material 200 is transferred to the heat medium via the pipes PI1, the housing 300B, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. Note that heat exchange with the heat storage material 200 can also be performed via the pipes PI1 and the housing 300B without via the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0083] Furthermore, it is preferable to cover the periphery of the housing 300B with a heat insulating material. Specifically, the entire housing 300B is covered with a heat insulating material that is tightly attached around the housing 300B. By using the heat insulating material, heat is not transferred to the outside, and heat can be efficiently exchanged between the heat medium, such as a refrigerant or hot medium, flowing through the pipe PI1 and the heat storage material 200.

[0084] It is also preferable to dispose the inorganic fiber sheet 100 inside the pipe PI1 so as to be in contact with the pipe PI1, which allows more efficient heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 and a heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or hot transfer medium flowing through the pipe PI1.

[0085] <<When the heat storage unit 10C is arranged along the outside of the rectangular pipe PI2>> 14 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10C is disposed along a pipe PI2 formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape on the outer side of the pipe PI2. The heat storage unit 10C has a housing 300C.

[0086] <Piping PI2> The pipe PI2 is formed in a long rectangular tube shape, and a through hole 430C is formed along the longitudinal direction. The pipe PI2 has a first surface 410C and a second surface 420C. The first surface 410C defines the outer shape of the pipe PI1. The second surface 420C defines the through hole 430C. A heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or a hot transfer medium can flow through the through hole 430C. The pipe PI2 is formed of metal, resin, or the like.

[0087] <Heat storage unit 10C> The heat storage unit 10C has a housing 300C formed in a long rectangular tube shape, and a through hole 330C is formed along the longitudinal direction. The housing 300C of the heat storage unit 10C has a first surface 310C and a second surface 320C. The first surface 310C defines the outer shape of the housing 300C of the heat storage unit 10C. The second surface 320C defines the through hole 330C. The width (length of the short side of the pipe PI2) of the housing 300C of the heat storage unit 10C is the same as the width (length of the short side) of the pipe PI1. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the upper surface of the housing 300C of the heat storage unit 10C is arranged so as to be in close contact with the lower surface of the pipe PI2. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the first surface of the pipe PI2 and the first surface of the housing 300C of the heat storage unit 10C come into contact with each other, and heat exchange is performed.

[0088] <Type of Contact and Shape of Inorganic Fiber Sheet 100> In the heat storage unit 10C shown in FIG. 14, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 may have a flat shape (see FIG. 20) or a laminated shape (see FIG. 26), which will be described later. The type of contact between the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 may be any of an embedded type, an impregnated type, a support type, and a laminated type. The heat storage material 200 may be provided between the first surface 310C or the second surface 320C of the housing 300C and the flat inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat storage material 200 may also be provided in the region between the inorganic fiber sheets 100 formed in a laminated shape. By configuring in this way, the total amount of the heat storage material 200 can be increased. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 may have not only a flat shape or a laminated shape, but also a spiral shape, a spiral (winding spring shape), a convexoconcave shape, or the like, as appropriate, depending on the size of the housing 300C.

[0089] Heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the pipe PI2 and the heat storage material 200 is performed via the pipe PI2, the housing 300C, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat of the heat medium is stored in the heat storage material 200 via the pipe PI2, the housing 300C, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and the heat stored in the heat storage material 200 is transferred to the heat medium via the pipe PI2, the housing 300C, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. Note that heat exchange with the heat storage material 200 can also be performed via the pipe PI2 and the housing 300C without via the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0090] Furthermore, it is preferable to cover the housing 300C and the piping PI2 with a heat insulating material. Specifically, the housing 300C and the piping PI2 are entirely covered with a heat insulating material that is tightly attached to the housing 300C and the piping PI2. By using the heat insulating material, heat is not transferred to the outside, and heat can be efficiently exchanged between the heat medium, such as a refrigerant or hot medium, flowing through the piping PI1 and the heat storage material 200.

[0091] In addition, it is preferable to dispose the inorganic fiber sheet 100 inside the pipe PI2 so as to be in contact with the pipe PI2. This allows for more efficient heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 and a heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or hot transfer medium flowing through the pipe PI2.

[0092] <<When the heat storage unit 10 is placed inside a rectangular tubular pipe>> 15 is a perspective view showing an example in which a heat storage unit 10D is disposed along a pipe PI3 formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape inside the pipe PI3. The heat storage unit 10D has a housing 300D.

[0093] <Piping PI3> The pipe PI3 is formed in a long rectangular tube shape, and a through hole 430D is formed along the longitudinal direction. The pipe PI3 has an outer peripheral surface 410D and an inner peripheral surface 420D. The outer shape of the pipe PI3 is defined by the outer peripheral surface 410D. The through hole 430D is defined by the inner peripheral surface 420D. A heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or a hot transfer medium can flow through the through hole 430D. As described later, the heat storage unit 10D is also arranged in the through hole 430D. The pipe PI3 is formed of metal, resin, or the like.

[0094] <Heat storage unit 10D> The heat storage unit 10D has a housing 300D formed in a long rectangular tube shape, and a through hole 330D is formed along the longitudinal direction. The housing 300D of the heat storage unit 10D has an outer peripheral surface 310D and an inner peripheral surface 320D. The outer peripheral surface 310D defines the outer shape of the housing 300D of the heat storage unit 10D. The inner peripheral surface 320D defines the through hole 330D. The width (length in the short-side direction of the pipe PI3) and height of the outer peripheral surface 410D of the housing 300D of the heat storage unit 10D are smaller than the width (length in the short-side direction) and height of the pipe PI3. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the entire heat storage unit 10D is accommodated inside the pipe PI3. In this way, the entire outer peripheral surface 310D of the housing 300D of the heat storage unit 10D can be in contact with the heat medium flowing through the pipe PI3, and the efficiency of heat exchange can be improved.

[0095] <Type of Contact and Shape of Inorganic Fiber Sheet 100> In the heat storage unit 10D shown in FIG. 15, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 may have a flat shape (see FIG. 20) or a laminated shape (see FIG. 26), which will be described later. The type of contact between the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 may be any of an embedded type, an impregnated type, a support type, and a laminated type. The heat storage material 200 may be provided between the inner circumferential surface 320D of the housing 300D and the flat inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat storage material 200 may also be provided in an area between the inorganic fiber sheets 100 formed in a laminated shape. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 may have not only a flat shape or a laminated shape, but also a spiral shape, a spiral (winding spring shape), a convexoconcave shape, or the like, as appropriate, depending on the size of the housing 300D.

[0096] Heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the pipe PI3 and the heat storage material 200 is performed via the housing 300D and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heat storage material 200 via the housing 300D and the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and the heat stored in the heat storage material 200 is transferred to the heat medium via the housing 300D and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. In this way, by configuring the heat storage unit 10D to be accommodated inside the pipe PI3, heat exchange can be performed without passing through the pipe PI3, and the efficiency of heat exchange can be improved. Note that, in this case, heat exchange with the heat storage material 200 can also be performed via the housing 300D without passing through the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0097] Furthermore, it is preferable to cover the periphery of the pipe PI3 with a heat insulating material. Specifically, the entire pipe PI3 is covered with a heat insulating material that is tightly attached around the pipe PI3. By using the heat insulating material, heat is not transferred to the outside, and heat can be efficiently exchanged between the heat medium, such as a refrigerant or a hot medium, flowing through the pipe PI3 and the heat storage material 200.

[0098] In addition, it is preferable to dispose the inorganic fiber sheet 100 inside the pipe PI3 so as to be in contact with the pipe PI3. This allows for more efficient heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 and a heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or hot transfer medium flowing through the pipe PI3.

[0099] <<When the heat storage unit 10 is arranged by sandwiching it along the outside of a rectangular tubular pipe>> Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing an example in which the heat storage unit 10C is arranged along the pipe PI2 on the outside of the pipe PI2 formed in a square tube shape, similar to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 shows an example in which the pipe PI2 is arranged on only one surface constituting the outer periphery of the heat storage unit 10C, but Fig. 16 shows the pipe PI2 arranged on two surfaces on the outer periphery of the heat storage unit 10C. Since heat is exchanged using the two surfaces on the outer periphery, it is possible to increase efficiency and quickly exchange heat.

[0100] Heat is exchanged between the heat medium flowing through the pipe PI2 and the heat storage material 200 via the pipe PI2, the housing 300C, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. Heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heat storage material 200 via the pipe PI1, the housing 300C, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100, and heat stored in the heat storage material 200 is transferred to the heat medium via the pipe PI1, the housing 300C, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. Heat can also be exchanged with the heat storage material 200 via the pipe PI1 and the housing 300C without via the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0101] Furthermore, it is preferable to cover the housing 300C and the two pipes PI2 with a heat insulating material. Specifically, the housing 300C and the two pipes PI2 are entirely covered with a heat insulating material that is tightly attached to the housing 300C. By using the heat insulating material, heat is not transferred to the outside, and heat can be efficiently exchanged between the heat medium, such as a refrigerant or a hot medium, flowing through the two pipes PI2 and the heat storage material 200.

[0102] In addition, it is preferable to dispose the inorganic fiber sheet 100 inside each of the two pipes PI2 so as to be in contact with the pipes PI2. This allows for more efficient heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 and a heat transfer medium such as a refrigerant or hot transfer medium flowing through the pipes PI2.

[0103] <<<<Applications of the heat storage unit 10>>>> As described above, the heat storage unit 10 is attached to a member such as a pipe, and is capable of exchanging heat between the heat storage material 200 and a heat medium.

[0104] <<Configuration of Temperature Adjustment Device 600>> FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a temperature adjustment device 600 for adjusting a workpiece (object) to a predetermined temperature. For simplicity, FIG. 17 omits valves, check valves, pumps, etc. Opening and closing of the valves and the flow rate of the heat medium can be adjusted as appropriate. The temperature adjustment device 600 has a high-temperature chiller 610, a low-temperature chiller 620, and a workpiece temperature adjustment section 630, and supplies a mixed heat medium obtained by mixing the hot medium sent out from the high-temperature chiller 610 and the refrigerant sent out from the low-temperature chiller 620 to the workpiece temperature adjustment section 630, where the workpiece temperature is adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0105] The high-temperature chiller 610 is connected to a pipe 702 and can send out a hot medium at a predetermined high temperature from the pipe 702. The pipe 702 is connected to a branching section 752. The branching section 752 is also connected to a pipe 703 and a pipe 720. The branching section 752 has a valve (not shown). By opening or closing the valve of the branching section 752, the pipe 702 can be communicated with only one of the pipes 703 and 720, or by appropriately adjusting the opening degree of the valve of the branching section 752, the pipe 702 can be communicated with both the pipes 703 and 720, and flow rate control of the flow rate to the pipe 703 and the flow rate to the pipe 720 can be performed. The hot medium sent out from the high-temperature chiller 610 is sent out to either the pipe 703 or the pipe 720 by the operation of the valve of the branching section 752.

[0106] The low-temperature chiller 620 is connected to a pipe 704, and can send out a predetermined low-temperature hot medium from the pipe 704, the temperature of which is lower than a predetermined high temperature. The pipe 704 is connected to a branching portion 754. The branching portion 754 is also connected to a pipe 705 and a pipe 722. The branching portion 754 has a valve (not shown). By opening or closing the valve of the branching portion 754, the pipe 704 can be communicated with only one of the pipes 705 and 722, or by appropriately adjusting the opening degree of the valve of the branching portion 754, the pipe 704 can be communicated with both the pipes 705 and 722, and the flow rate control of the flow rate to the pipe 705 and the flow rate to the pipe 722 can be performed. The refrigerant sent out from the low-temperature chiller 620 is sent out to either the pipe 705 or the pipe 722 by the operation of the valve of the branching portion 754.

[0107] The pipes 703 and 705 are connected to a mixing section 760. The mixing section 760 is connected to a pipe 706. The pipe 706 is connected to a workpiece temperature adjustment section 630. The hot medium sent out from the high-temperature chiller 610 and the refrigerant sent out from the low-temperature chiller 620 are mixed in the mixing section 760 to become a mixed medium, which is supplied to the workpiece temperature adjustment section 630 via the pipe 706.

[0108] The workpiece temperature adjustment unit 630 has a mounting table (not shown) on which the workpiece can be mounted. The mounting table is configured to enable heat exchange between the mixed medium supplied via the piping 706 and the workpiece, and can adjust the temperature of the workpiece according to the mixed medium.

[0109] The workpiece temperature adjustment section 630 is connected to a pipe 708. In the workpiece temperature adjustment section 630, the mixed medium that has finished exchanging heat with the workpiece is sent to the pipe 708. The pipe 708 is connected to a branching section 762. The branching section 762 is connected to a pipe 710 and a pipe 714. The mixed medium that has reached the branching section 762 via the pipe 708 is branched at the branching section 762 into the pipe 710 and the pipe 714.

[0110] As described above, the branching section 752 branches into the pipe 703 and the pipe 720. The pipes 710 and 720 are connected to the junction section 772. Furthermore, the pipe 724 is connected to the junction section 772. The junction section 772 has a valve (not shown). By opening or closing the valve of the junction section 772, only one of the pipes 710 and 720 may be selected and communicated with the pipe 724, or by appropriately adjusting the opening degree of the valve of the junction section 772, both the pipes 710 and 720 may be communicated with the pipe 724, thereby controlling the flow rate from the pipe 710 and the flow rate from the pipe 720. When the piping 710 communicates with the piping 724 by the operation of the valve of the junction 772, the piping 710 is connected to the high temperature heat storage unit 640 via the junction 772 and the piping 724, and the high temperature heat storage unit 640 is connected to the high temperature chiller 610 via the piping 712. In addition, when the piping 720 communicates with the piping 724 by the operation of the valve of the junction 772, the high temperature heat storage unit 640 can be regenerated.

[0111] As described above, the branching section 754 branches into the pipe 705 and the pipe 722. The pipe 714 and the pipe 722 are connected to the junction section 774. Furthermore, the pipe 726 is connected to the junction section 774. The junction section 774 has a valve (not shown). By opening or closing the valve of the junction section 774, only one of the pipes 714 and 722 may be selected and communicated with the pipe 726, or by appropriately adjusting the opening degree of the valve of the junction section 774, both the pipe 714 and the pipe 722 may be communicated with the pipe 726, thereby controlling the flow rate from the pipe 714 and the flow rate from the pipe 722. When the valve at the junction 774 operates to connect the pipe 714 to the pipe 726, the pipe 714 is connected to the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 via the junction 774 and the pipe 726, and the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 is connected to the low-temperature chiller 620 via the pipe 716. In addition, when the valve at the junction 774 operates to connect the pipe 722 to the pipe 726, the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 can be regenerated.

[0112] <High temperature heat storage unit 640> As described above, when the pipe 710 communicates with the pipe 724 by the operation of the valve of the junction 772, the pipe 710 is connected to the high temperature heat storage unit 640. The mixed medium sent from the branching section 762 to the pipe 710 is supplied to the high temperature heat storage unit 640 as a return medium. The high temperature heat storage unit 640 has the above-mentioned heat storage unit 10, and has an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. Heat exchange can be performed between the heat storage material 200 of the high temperature heat storage unit 640 and the return medium flowing through the pipe 710.

[0113] As described above, the hot medium sent out from the high-temperature chiller 610 is mixed with the refrigerant sent out from the low-temperature chiller 620 in the mixing section 760 to become a mixed medium. The temperature of this mixed medium becomes lower than the temperature of the hot medium sent out from the high-temperature chiller 610 due to mixing with the refrigerant. Therefore, the temperature of the return medium flowing through the piping 710 also becomes lower. If the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 were not present, the low-temperature return medium would return to the high-temperature chiller 610, and the burden on the high-temperature chiller 610 to raise the temperature to a specified high level would inevitably become greater.

[0114] For this reason, by providing the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 in the flow path before the return of the return medium to the high-temperature chiller 610, the heat stored in the heat storage material 200 of the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 can be transferred to the return medium, and the temperature of the return medium can be increased in advance. By increasing the temperature of the return medium before the return of the return medium to the high-temperature chiller 610, the burden on the high-temperature chiller 610 can be reduced. By providing the high-temperature heat storage unit 640, it is no longer necessary to use the capacity of the high-temperature chiller 610 to its maximum, and it is possible to provide a margin for the operation of the high-temperature chiller 610 or to provide a high-temperature chiller 610 with a lower capacity, thereby making it possible to save power in the temperature adjustment device 600.

[0115] <Low temperature heat storage unit 650> As described above, when the pipe 714 communicates with the pipe 726 by the operation of the valve of the junction 774, the pipe 714 is connected to the low-temperature heat storage unit 650. The mixed medium sent from the branching part 762 to the pipe 714 is supplied to the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 as a return medium. The low-temperature heat storage unit 650 has the above-mentioned heat storage unit 10, and has an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. Heat exchange can be performed between the heat storage material 200 of the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 and the return medium flowing through the pipe 714.

[0116] As described above, the refrigerant sent out from low-temperature chiller 620 is mixed with the hot medium sent out from high-temperature chiller 610 in mixer 760 to become a mixed medium. The temperature of this mixed medium becomes higher than the temperature of the refrigerant sent out from low-temperature chiller 620 due to mixing with the hot medium. Therefore, the temperature of the return medium flowing through pipe 714 also becomes higher. Without low-temperature heat storage unit 650, the return medium with a high temperature would return to low-temperature chiller 620, and the burden on low-temperature chiller 620 to lower the temperature to a specified low temperature would inevitably become large.

[0117] For this reason, by providing the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 in the flow path before the return of the return medium to the low-temperature chiller 620, the heat of the return medium can be transferred to the heat storage material 200 of the low-temperature heat storage unit 650, and the temperature of the return medium can be lowered in advance. By lowering the temperature of the return medium before the return of the return medium to the low-temperature chiller 620, the burden on the low-temperature chiller 620 can be reduced. By providing the low-temperature heat storage unit 650, it is no longer necessary to use the capacity of the low-temperature chiller 620 to the maximum, and it is possible to provide a margin for the operation of the low-temperature chiller 620 or to use a low-capacity low-temperature chiller 620, thereby making it possible to save power in the temperature adjustment device 600.

[0118] <<Normal operating condition>> Fig. 17 shows the flow path of the heat medium when the high-temperature chiller 610 and the low-temperature chiller 620 are in steady operation and the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 and the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 are in normal operation. In Fig. 17, the flow of the heat medium is indicated by black arrows. In the normal operation state, the valve of the branching section 752 operates to connect the pipes 702 and 703, and the valve of the branching section 754 operates to connect the pipes 704 and 705. The valve of the junction section 772 operates to connect the pipes 710 and 724, and the valve of the junction section 774 operates to connect the pipes 714 and 726.

[0119] The high-temperature chiller 610 can send out a hot refrigerant at a predetermined high temperature, for example, 80° C., through the pipe 702. On the other hand, the low-temperature chiller 620 can send out a refrigerant at a predetermined low temperature, for example, −20° C., which is lower than the predetermined high temperature, through the pipe 704.

[0120] The valve of branching section 752 operates to connect pipes 702 and 703, and the hot medium sent out from high-temperature chiller 610 flows through pipes 702 and 703. In addition, the valve of branching section 754 operates to connect pipes 704 and 705, and the refrigerant sent out from low-temperature chiller 620 flows through pipes 704 and 705.

[0121] The hot medium sent from the high-temperature chiller 610 and flowing through the pipes 702 and 703 and the refrigerant sent from the low-temperature chiller 620 and flowing through the pipes 704 and 705 are mixed in the mixing section 760 to become a mixed medium of a desired temperature. The flow rate of the hot medium sent from the high-temperature chiller 610 and the flow rate of the refrigerant sent from the low-temperature chiller 620 can be appropriately adjusted by a valve (not shown) or the like to make a mixed medium of a desired temperature and flow rate. The mixed medium flows through the pipe 706 and is supplied to the workpiece temperature adjustment section 630. In the workpiece temperature adjustment section 630, heat exchange can be performed between the mixed medium and the workpiece, and the mixed medium can be used to adjust the temperature of the workpiece to a desired temperature.

[0122] The mixed medium supplied to the workpiece temperature adjustment section 630 passes through the pipe 708, branches at the branching section 762, and becomes the return medium flowing through the pipe 710 and the pipe 714. The return medium flowing through the pipe 710 is supplied to the high-temperature heat storage unit 640, and the temperature of the return medium is increased by heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 of the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 and the return medium. The return medium whose temperature has been increased is returned to the high-temperature chiller 610 through the pipe 712. The return medium flowing through the pipe 714 is supplied to the low-temperature heat storage unit 650, and the temperature of the return medium is reduced by heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 of the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 and the return medium. The return medium whose temperature has been reduced is returned to the low-temperature chiller 620 through the pipe 716.

[0123] <<Regeneration operation state of high temperature heat storage unit 640>> As described above, in the normal operating state, the heat storage material 200 of the heat storage unit 10 constituting the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 is used to exchange heat with the return medium whose temperature has been reduced, and to increase the temperature of the return medium. Through this heat exchange with the return medium, the heat storage material 200 gradually loses heat and the temperature decreases. When the temperature of the heat storage material 200 decreases, the heat exchange with the return medium cannot be sufficiently performed, and it becomes difficult to increase the temperature of the return medium. For this reason, when the temperature of the heat storage material 200 decreases, a regeneration operation is required to store heat in the heat storage material 200. Here, the hot medium sent from the high-temperature chiller 610 is supplied to the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 by switching the hot medium flow path, and heat is stored in the heat storage material 200 of the high-temperature heat storage unit 640, thereby regenerating the high-temperature heat storage unit 640.

[0124] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flow path for regenerating the high-temperature heat storage unit 640. For simplicity, FIG. 18 is also shown without showing valves, check valves, pumps, etc. The opening and closing of the valves and the flow rate of the heat medium can be adjusted as appropriate. The flow of the heat medium is shown by black arrows. In the regenerating operation state of the high-temperature heat storage unit 640, the valve of the branching section 752 operates to connect the pipe 702 and the pipe 720. The valve of the junction section 772 operates to connect the pipe 720 and the pipe 724. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the delivery of the refrigerant from the low-temperature chiller 620 is stopped.

[0125] The high-temperature chiller 610 is in operation, and the hot medium sent out from the high-temperature chiller 610 is supplied to the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 via the piping 720 at the branching section 752. The heat of the heat medium supplied to the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 is transferred to the heat storage unit 10 constituting the high-temperature heat storage unit 640, and the heat is stored in the heat storage material 200 of the heat storage unit 10, thereby regenerating the high-temperature heat storage unit 640.

[0126] As described above, the flow rate can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the valve of the branching section 752 and the valve of the junction section 772. Specifically, the valve of the branching section 752 connects the pipe 702 to both the pipe 703 and the pipe 720 to adjust the flow rate to the pipe 703 and the flow rate to the pipe 720, and the valve of the junction section 772 connects both the pipe 710 and the pipe 720 to the pipe 724 to adjust the flow rate from the pipe 710 and the flow rate from the pipe 720. In this way, by appropriately controlling the flow rate of the pipes, the high temperature heat storage unit 640 may be regenerated while heat is exchanged between the mixed medium and the workpiece.

[0127] <<Regeneration operation state of the low-temperature heat storage unit 650>> As described above, in the normal operating state, the heat storage material 200 of the heat storage unit 10 constituting the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 is used to exchange heat with the return medium whose temperature has risen, and to lower the temperature of the return medium. By this heat exchange with the return medium, the heat storage material 200 gradually stores heat and the temperature rises. When the temperature of the heat storage material 200 rises, the heat exchange with the return medium cannot be sufficiently performed, and it becomes difficult to lower the temperature of the return medium. For this reason, when the temperature of the heat storage material 200 rises, a regeneration operation is required to take heat from the heat storage material 200. Here, the refrigerant sent from the low-temperature chiller 620 is supplied to the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 by switching the flow path of the refrigerant, and the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 is regenerated by taking heat from the heat storage material 200 of the low-temperature heat storage unit 650.

[0128] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow path for regenerating the low-temperature heat storage unit 650. For simplicity, FIG. 19 also omits valves, check valves, pumps, and the like. It is assumed that the opening and closing of the valves and the flow rate of the heat medium can be adjusted as appropriate. The flow of the heat medium is shown by black arrows. In the regenerating operation state of the low-temperature heat storage unit 650, the valve of the branching section 754 operates to connect the pipe 704 and the pipe 722. The valve of the junction section 774 operates to connect the pipe 722 and the pipe 726. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the outflow of the hot medium from the high-temperature chiller 610 is stopped.

[0129] The low-temperature chiller 620 is in operation, and the refrigerant discharged from the low-temperature chiller 620 is supplied to the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 via the pipe 722 at the branching point 754. The heat stored in the heat storage material 200 of the heat storage unit 10 constituting the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 is transferred to the refrigerant supplied to the low-temperature heat storage unit 650, and the heat is removed from the heat storage material 200, thereby regenerating the low-temperature heat storage unit 650.

[0130] As described above, the flow rate can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the valve at the branching section 754 and the valve at the junction section 774. Specifically, the valve at the branching section 754 connects the pipe 704 to both the pipe 705 and the pipe 722 to adjust the flow rate to the pipe 705 and the flow rate to the pipe 722, and the valve at the junction section 774 connects both the pipe 714 and the pipe 722 to the pipe 726 to adjust the flow rate from the pipe 714 and the flow rate from the pipe 722. In this way, by appropriately controlling the flow rate of the pipes, the low-temperature heat storage unit 650 may be regenerated while heat is exchanged between the mixed medium and the workpiece.

[0131] <<Function of the heat storage material 200 in the temperature adjustment device 600>> In the temperature adjustment device 600, by using the heat storage material 200 as an auxiliary engine, the temperature of the return medium can be adjusted without active control, and the temperature of the heat medium can be brought close to the desired temperature with a simple passive configuration.

[0132] <<<Configuration of inorganic fiber sheet 100>>> As described above, the heat storage unit 10 includes an inorganic fiber sheet 100 and a heat storage material 200. The heat storage unit 10 is disposed so as to be in contact with a member through which a heat medium or refrigerant flows, such as a pipe, and heat is exchanged between the heat storage material 200 and a hot medium such as a heat medium or refrigerant via the inorganic fiber sheet 100. As described above, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 as a whole has a flexible sheet-like (thin plate-like) form (see FIG. 1). By utilizing the flexibility of the inorganic fiber sheet 100, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be deformed appropriately to form the heat storage unit 10 according to the shape and size of a member such as a pipe.

[0133] In the following, a description will be given of the form of only the inorganic fiber sheet 100. When configuring the heat storage unit 10, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 may be configured to be in contact with each other by combining the above-mentioned embedding type, impregnation type, support type, laminated type, or the like.

[0134] <<Flat shape>> 20 is a perspective view showing the inorganic fiber sheet 100 in a flat shape. For example, it can be used when the outer surface of a top plate, bottom plate, or the like of a component such as a pipe has a flat surface. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be deformed into a flat shape by spreading (extending) it along the flat surface, and placed on a component such as a top plate or bottom plate. Note that the shape of the component such as a pipe need not only be completely flat, but also gently curved.

[0135] Even when the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is used in a flat state, the heat storage material 200 may be placed in an internal region of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it, or may be placed on the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it. For example, the heat storage material 200 may be placed between a member such as a pipe and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat storage material 200 may also be placed at a position separated from a member such as a pipe.

[0136] <<Uneven shape>> 21 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 has been deformed so that it has repeated projections and recesses. For example, it can be used when attaching the heat storage unit 10 to a member that has been processed into a corrugated shape with repeated curved recesses and projections. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 is gradually deformed along the curved uneven surface while being spread (extended) and then attached, so that the inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be deformed into an uneven shape and placed on the member.

[0137] The uneven shape may be not only a shape formed by a gentle curved surface such as the corrugated shape shown in FIG. 21, but also a shape bent so that the cross section repeats a V-shape and an inverted V-shape as shown in FIG. 22. Furthermore, the uneven shape may be a shape including not only a curved surface but also a flat surface as shown in FIG. 23. In FIG. 23, the thickness of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is omitted. The shape shown in FIG. 23 is a curved shape in which the cross section repeats a U-shape and an inverted U-shape, and is formed so that adjacent flat portions are parallel to each other. The adjacent flat portions have a laminated structure. In this way, when a laminated structure as shown in FIG. 23 is formed, it can be formed by processing a single inorganic fiber sheet 100, which simplifies the structure and the manufacturing process.

[0138] Even when the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed into an uneven shape, the heat storage material 200 may be placed in an internal region of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it, or may be placed on the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it. In this case, too, the heat storage material 200 may be placed between a member such as a pipe and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat storage material 200 may also be placed at a position separated from a member such as a pipe.

[0139] <<Spiral>> FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which a long inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed into a spiral shape. In FIG. 24, the thickness of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is omitted. For example, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be used when wrapping the inorganic fiber sheet 100 around a long member such as a pipe. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be deformed into a spiral shape and placed on the pipe by wrapping the inorganic fiber sheet 100 around the periphery of the pipe while gradually displacing the sheet along the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The long member may have a shape that extends linearly, a curved shape, or a bent shape along the longitudinal direction.

[0140] Even when the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed into a spiral shape, the heat storage material 200 may be placed in an internal region of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it, or may be placed on the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it. In this case, too, the heat storage material 200 may be placed between a member such as a pipe and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat storage material 200 may also be placed at a position separated from a member such as a pipe.

[0141] <<Spiral shape (spring shape)>> Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed into a spiral shape (a spiral spring shape). In Fig. 25, the thickness of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is omitted. For example, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be wound around a long member such as a pipe, deformed around the pipe, and disposed around the pipe so that the radius gradually increases. The above-mentioned spiral shape is formed by winding the inorganic fiber sheet 100 around the pipe and gradually displacing it along the longitudinal direction of the pipe, but the spiral shape can be formed by winding the inorganic fiber sheet 100 without displacing it in the longitudinal direction.

[0142] Even when the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is deformed into a spiral shape, the heat storage material 200 may be disposed in an internal region of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it, or may be disposed on the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it. In this case, for example, the heat storage material 200 may be disposed between a member such as a pipe and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat storage material 200 may also be disposed at a position separated from a member such as a pipe. In particular, the heat storage material 200 may be disposed in a region between adjacent inorganic fiber sheets 100 wound around a pipe. By configuring in this way, the total amount of the heat storage material 200 can be increased.

[0143] <<Layered>> FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of inorganic fiber sheets 100 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to form a laminate. For example, it can be used when attaching a heat storage unit 10 to a member having a flat surface such as a top plate or a bottom plate. A plurality of inorganic fiber sheets 100 can be laminated on a flat surface such as a top plate or a bottom plate to form a laminate. When configured in a laminated form, the heat storage material 200 can be arranged between adjacent inorganic fiber sheets 100, and the amount of the heat storage material 200 can be increased overall. In addition, since a plurality of inorganic fiber sheets 100 are arranged substantially parallel, the temperature distribution of the heat storage material 200 arranged between adjacent inorganic fiber sheets 100 (the temperature distribution in the plane of the inorganic fiber sheet 100) can be easily made uniform, and every corner of the heat storage material 200 can be effectively utilized.

[0144] Even when the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is formed in a laminated state, the heat storage material 200 may be disposed in an internal region of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it, or may be disposed on the first surface 110 or the second surface 120 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and in contact with it. In this case, too, the heat storage material 200 may be disposed, for example, between a member such as a pipe and the inorganic fiber sheet 100. The heat storage material 200 may also be disposed at a position separated from a member such as a pipe.

[0145] In addition, it is sufficient that the multiple inorganic fiber sheets 100 are arranged approximately parallel to each other while being spaced apart from each other. In addition to arranging the multiple inorganic fiber sheets 100 in a flat state, the multiple inorganic fiber sheets 100 can also be curved and stacked while maintaining their parallelism.

[0146] <<<<Shape of inorganic fiber sheet 100 and type of contact of heat storage material 200 and heat transfer>>> Although the inorganic fiber sheet 100 has been described in the form of a flat, uneven, helical, spiral (winding spring), or laminated shape, these are merely examples, and the shape, arrangement, and other shapes of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 can be appropriately determined depending on the shape and size of the member through which the heat transfer medium or refrigerant flows, such as a pipe. As described above, the shape of only the inorganic fiber sheet 100 has been described, but the heat storage unit 10 may be configured so that the heat storage material 200 comes into contact with the inorganic fiber sheet 100 by appropriately selecting the type of contact, such as the embedded type, impregnation type, support type, or laminated type, according to the shape of the inorganic fiber sheet 100.

[0147] As described above, in the heat storage unit 10, heat introduced from outside the heat storage unit 10 is transferred to the heat storage material 200 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100. In addition, the heat stored in the heat storage material 200 is discharged to the outside of the heat storage unit 10 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100. In this way, heat is introduced and discharged via the inorganic fiber sheet 100. As described above, by appropriately determining the size and shape of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and appropriately determining the position at which the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is disposed, it is possible to achieve an optimal contact state between the inorganic fiber sheet and the heat storage material 200.

[0148] In the heat storage unit 10, by appropriately distributing the inorganic fiber sheets 100, heat transferred from the outside to the heat storage unit 10 can be dispersed by the inorganic fiber sheets 100 and transferred evenly to the heat storage material 200. In addition, heat stored in the heat storage material 200 can be evenly collected from all parts of the heat storage material 200 by the inorganic fiber sheets and transferred to the outside of the heat storage unit 10. For example, the inorganic fiber sheets 100 can be arranged so as to be distributed isotropically. In this way, heat can be efficiently absorbed and stored in the heat storage material 200, and heat can also be extracted from the heat storage material 200 and supplied to the outside.

[0149] In addition, there are cases where it is necessary to increase the amount of heat storage material 200 in order to increase the amount of heat that can be exchanged. As shown in FIG. 27, when the amount of heat storage material 200 is increased, it becomes necessary to arrange the heat storage material 200 from the pipe PI0 to the position LD far away. When configured in this way, it is assumed that it takes time to transfer heat to the heat storage material 200 at the position LD far away from the pipe PI0, or it takes time to extract heat from the heat storage material 200 at the position LD far away from the pipe PI0. In this case, it becomes difficult to transfer heat to the entire heat storage material 200 or to extract heat from the entire heat storage material 200, or the response of the heat exchange becomes poor, so that even if the amount of heat storage material 200 is increased, there is a possibility that the entire heat storage material 200 cannot be fully utilized.

[0150] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, by arranging the inorganic fiber sheet 100 up to every corner of the heat storage material 200, heat can be quickly transferred to the heat storage material 200 located at the position LD far from the pipe PI0, and heat can be quickly removed from the heat storage material 200 located at the position LD far from the pipe PI0. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 having the uneven laminated structure shown in FIG. 23 described above is used. By using the inorganic fiber sheet 100 having the uneven laminated structure, heat exchange can be performed evenly throughout the heat storage material 200. In addition to the inorganic fiber sheet 100 having the uneven structure shown in FIG. 23, inorganic fiber sheets 100 of other shapes can be used. The shape of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 may be appropriately determined depending on the shape and size of the members such as the pipe to which the heat storage unit 10 is attached, the type and flow rate of the heat medium and the refrigerant, the amount of the heat storage material 200, and the like.

[0151] 28, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 has a guide end 130. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 is formed integrally including the guide end 130, and is capable of transferring heat. The guide end 130 of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is disposed inside the pipe PI0. This makes it possible to easily transfer heat of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe PI0 to the heat storage material 200, and to easily transfer heat stored in the heat storage material 200 to the heat medium flowing through the pipe PI0.

[0152] <<<Housing 300>>> As described above, the heat storage unit 10 may have a housing 300. When the heat storage unit 10 has the housing 300, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 are housed in the housing 300. It is preferable that a portion of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 extends or is exposed from the housing 300. The extending portion or exposed portion of the inorganic fiber sheet 100 is used for the conduction of heat between the heat storage unit 10 and the outside. For example, the outside may include a heat medium (heat transfer medium) such as a heat transfer medium or a refrigerant flowing through a pipe.

[0153] When the heat storage material 200 is a substance that undergoes a solid-solid phase transition, it always has a constant shape and therefore does not require the housing 300. On the other hand, when the heat storage material 200 is a substance that undergoes a solid-liquid phase transition, it cannot maintain a constant shape when in a liquid state and therefore requires the housing 300. Even if the heat storage material 200 is a substance that undergoes a solid-solid phase transition, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 may be configured to be stored in the housing 300. By storing them in the housing 300, it is possible to prevent breakage and soiling, thereby maintaining the contact state between the inorganic fibers and the heat storage material 200 and stabilizing the thermal conductivity.

[0154] <<Configuration of the housing 300>> FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the housing 300. As shown in FIG. 29, the housing 300 has a copper foil 302 and a copper plate 304. The copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304 function as the case of the housing 300. The copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304 are made of copper and have a substantially flat shape (substantially plate-like). The copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304 are arranged parallel to each other while being spaced apart from each other, and the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 are arranged between the copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304. The inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 are sandwiched between the copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the copper foil 302 forms the upper surface, and the copper plate 304 forms the lower surface.

[0155] When heat is transferred from the outside of the heat storage unit 10 to the copper foil 302 or the copper plate 304, the heat can be transferred and stored in the heat storage material 200 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100. In addition, when heat is stored in the heat storage material 200, the heat can be transferred to the copper foil 302 or the copper plate 304 via the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and output to the outside of the heat storage unit 10.

[0156] Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the housing 300. As shown in Fig. 30, the mutually facing ends of the copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304 can be joined. By joining, the copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304 can be sealed, and leakage of the heat storage material 200 can be prevented even if the heat storage material 200 liquefies. For joining, a method such as crimping or welding can be used. By joining the copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304, the inorganic fiber sheet 100 and the heat storage material 200 can be enclosed.

[0157] In the above example, the copper foil 302 is used as the upper surface and the copper plate 304 is used as the lower surface, but the materials are not limited to copper, and other metals such as stainless steel, carbon, graphite, etc. may be used. The copper foil 302 and the copper plate 304 are also made of copper and have different thicknesses. The housing 300 may be formed using only the copper foil 302 or only the copper plate 304.

[0158] <<<<Variation 1>>>> As described above, the heat storage unit 10 (such as the high-temperature heat storage unit 640 and the low-temperature heat storage unit 650) exchanges heat with a heat medium. In order to improve the efficiency of the heat exchange, a heat insulating material can be used. For example, by covering the heat storage unit 10 with a heat insulator including a heat insulating material having a shape and size that covers the entire heat storage unit 10, it is possible to prevent heat from being transferred to anything other than the heat storage material 200 and the hot medium, and it is possible to improve the efficiency of the heat exchange between the heat storage material 200 and the hot medium. By using a heat insulating material, it is possible to quickly bring the heat medium close to a desired temperature, and also to quickly regenerate the heat storage material 200.

[0159] <<<<<Details of this embodiment>>>> As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the present embodiment, but the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Thus, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described here. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 10. Heat storage unit 100 Inorganic fiber sheet 102 Inorganic fibers 200 Heat storage material 300 Housing 600 Temperature control device 610 High Temperature Chiller 620 Low Temperature Chiller 630 Work temperature control unit 640 High Temperature Unit 650 Low Temperature Unit

Claims

1. A heat storage unit having a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of a target object installation part on which a target object is installed, the heat storage unit including a high-temperature heat storage unit and a low-temperature heat storage unit that is lower than the high-temperature heat storage unit, the high-temperature heat storage unit being used in a heat exchange device for adjusting the temperature of the target object, The heat exchange device includes: A high-temperature heat medium supply unit that supplies a heat medium at a predetermined high temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a first supply flow path for high temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for high temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a return flow passage adjacent to the high-temperature heat storage unit, the return flow passage returning the heat medium from the temperature adjustment unit to the high-temperature heat medium supply unit and enabling heat exchange between the heat medium and the high-temperature heat storage unit; a second supply flow path for high temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for high temperature to the heat storage unit for high temperature; a high temperature flow path forming portion that forms either the first high temperature supply flow path or the second high temperature supply flow path; a low-temperature heat medium supply unit that supplies a heat medium at a predetermined low temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a first supply flow path for low temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for low temperature to the temperature adjustment unit; a return flow passage adjacent to the low-temperature heat storage unit, the return flow passage returning the heat medium from the temperature adjustment unit to the low-temperature heat medium supply unit and enabling heat exchange between the heat medium and the low-temperature heat storage unit; a second supply flow path for low temperature that supplies a heat medium from the heat medium supply unit for low temperature to the heat storage unit for low temperature; a low-temperature flow path forming portion that forms either the first low-temperature supply flow path or the second low-temperature supply flow path; and Each of the high temperature heat storage unit and the low temperature heat storage unit is At least one inorganic fiber body formed by bonding metal fibers; A heat storage material formed in contact with the metal fibers, When the first supply flow path for high temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for high temperature, the temperature of the heat medium is brought close to the predetermined high temperature by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for high temperature and the heat medium, When the second supply flow path for high temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for high temperature, the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for high temperature is regenerated by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for high temperature and a heat medium, When the first supply flow path for low temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for low temperature, a temperature of the heat medium is brought close to the predetermined low temperature by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the heat storage unit for low temperature and the heat medium; A heat storage unit in which the heat storage material of the low-temperature heat storage unit is regenerated by heat exchange between the heat storage material of the low-temperature heat storage unit and a heat medium when the second supply flow path for low temperatures is formed by the low-temperature flow path forming portion.

2. When the heat transfer medium is a hot transfer medium, When the first supply flow path for high temperature is formed by the flow path forming portion for high temperature, heat is transferred from the heat storage material to the hot medium, thereby increasing the temperature of the hot medium and bringing it closer to the predetermined high temperature, The heat storage unit of claim 1, wherein when the second supply flow path for high temperatures is formed by the flow path forming portion for high temperatures, heat is transferred from the hot medium to the heat storage material, thereby increasing the temperature of the heat storage material and regenerating the heat storage material.

3. When the heat transfer medium is a refrigerant, When the first supply flow path for low temperatures is formed by the flow path forming portion for low temperatures, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the heat storage material, thereby lowering the temperature of the refrigerant and bringing it closer to the predetermined low temperature, The heat storage unit according to claim 1, wherein when the second supply flow path for low temperatures is formed by the flow path forming portion for low temperatures, heat is transferred from the heat storage material to the refrigerant, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat storage material and regenerating the heat storage material.

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