Liquid flow power generation device and liquid flow power generation method

Abstract

To simplify a structure in a liquid flow generating device and a liquid flow generating method.SOLUTION: A liquid flow generating device 1 is equipped with a compressor 20 that is driven by power, an accumulating portion 30 that stores air compressed by the compressor 20, and at least one power generation unit 100 fluidly connected to the accumulating portion 30. At least one power generation unit 100 includes a first storage portion 110 that has a first pressure feeding port 111 fluidly connected with the accumulating portion 30 and a first air outlet 112 capable of opening to atmosphere at an upper part and has a first gateway 113 where liquid enters and exits at a lower part, a second storage portion 120 that has a second pressure feeding port 121 fluidly connected with the accumulating portion 30 and a second air outlet 122 capable of opening to atmosphere at an upper part and has a second gateway 123 where liquid enters and exits at a lower part, one liquid flow pipe 131 that fluidly connects the first gateway 113 and the second gateway 123 to configure at least a part of a connection channel 130 that is a channel of the liquid, and a liquid flow generator 140 that is interposed in the one liquid flow pipe 131.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid flow power generation device and a liquid flow power generation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydroelectric power generation generally uses the current of water flowing from high ground to low ground to drive a turbine generator, making it difficult to generate hydroelectric power on flat ground, and the structure of most hydroelectric power generation devices is large and complex.

[0003] There are known hydroelectric power generation devices that aim to solve the above problems. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a device that uses compressed air to generate a water flow between two water storage tanks, and the water flow drives a turbine generator to generate hydroelectric power. Since the device uses compressed air to generate a water flow, it is also possible to generate power on flat ground. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-100181 A [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 103470432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, multiple pipes are connected to the turbine generator and the water tank, resulting in a complex piping structure. In particular, in Patent Document 1, water is injected from the top of one water tank into the turbine, and the water injected into the turbine flows to the bottom of the other water tank, resulting in complex piping arrangement.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to simplify the structure of a liquid flow power generation device and a liquid flow power generation method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention is a compressor driven by electricity; a pressure accumulator that stores the air compressed by the compressor; At least one power generation unit fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator; Equipped with The at least one power generating unit comprises: a first reservoir having, at an upper portion thereof, a first pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator and a first air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and at a lower portion thereof, a first inlet / outlet through which liquid flows in and out; a second reservoir having, at an upper portion thereof, a second pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator and a second air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and at a lower portion thereof, a second inlet / outlet through which the liquid flows in and out; a liquid flow pipe that fluidly connects the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet and constitutes at least a part of a connection flow path that serves as a flow path for the liquid; A liquid flow generator installed in the one liquid flow pipe; The present invention provides a liquid current power generation device comprising:

[0008] According to this configuration, the liquid flow generator can be driven by the liquid flowing through the connecting flow path between the first storage unit and the second storage unit using compressed air from the pressure accumulator, so that hydroelectric power generation can be realized on flat ground. In particular, in the connecting flow path, the liquid flow generator is interposed in one liquid flow pipe, so that the piping structure of the liquid flow generator is also simple. In addition, in the first storage unit and the second storage unit, the first inlet and the second inlet through which the liquid flows in and out are provided in the lower part, respectively, so that not only can the liquid be easily discharged, but also the piping can be easily handled. In addition, since the first pressure supply port and the second pressure supply port, and the first air release port and the second air release port are provided in the upper part of the first storage unit and the second storage unit, respectively, pressure supply and air release are possible without impeding the inflow and outflow of the liquid in the lower part of the first storage unit and the second storage unit. Note that in the above configuration, the target liquid is not limited to water, and may be any liquid. Furthermore, for example, the upper part of the first and second reservoirs refers to the upper quarter of the first and second reservoirs, and the lower part refers to the lower quarter of the first and second reservoirs.

[0009] The liquid may be more dense than water and may be anti-corrosive, for example, oil.

[0010] According to this configuration, since a liquid having a higher specific gravity than water is used, the power generation efficiency of the liquid flow generator can be improved compared to when water is used. Also, since the liquid has corrosion resistance to the first storage section, the second storage section, the piping, etc., corrosion of the first storage section, the second storage section, the piping, etc. can be suppressed. Furthermore, among liquids having a higher specific gravity than water and corrosion resistance, oil in particular is low cost.

[0011] The liquid flow power generation device may further include a solar power generator that generates electricity by utilizing sunlight, and the electricity may be supplied to the compressor by the solar power generator.

[0012] This configuration makes it possible to smooth out the power fluctuations of the solar power generator. For example, the power generated by the solar power generator during the daytime is used to drive the compressor and the compressed air is stored in the pressure accumulator. Then, when necessary at night, the compressed air in the pressure accumulator is used to drive the liquid flow generator to generate power. In this way, the power obtained when solar power generation is possible can be used when solar power generation is not possible, i.e., the power can be smoothed out.

[0013] The at least one power generating unit may include a plurality of power generating units.

[0014] According to this configuration, a larger capacity of power generation can be achieved by using multiple power generation units compared to a single power generation unit.

[0015] The liquid flow power generation device may further include a continuous power generation control unit that controls the generation of power continuously as a whole by driving another one of the plurality of power generation units in accordance with the timing at which the flow of the liquid that drives the liquid flow generator is reversed in one of the plurality of power generation units.

[0016] According to this configuration, power generation can be continuously performed as a whole without interruption. If the above control is not performed, power generation in the liquid flow generator may stop when the flow of liquid in the connecting flow path is reversed in one power generation unit.

[0017] The liquid flow power generation device may further include a power generation pressure control unit that controls the supply pressure from the pressure accumulator to the first storage unit or the second storage unit so that power generation is generated only within a range of 0.6 MPaG or more and 1.0 MPaG or less.

[0018] This configuration can improve power generation efficiency. A supply pressure in the range of 0.6 MPaG to 1.0 MPaG is roughly equivalent to pushing up and storing water to a height of 60 m to 100 m, calculated as head pressure when water is used as the liquid. Driving a liquid flow generator using a liquid flow at such a high pressure is preferable from the viewpoint of power generation efficiency.

[0019] The liquid flow power generation device may further include a wind power generator that is disposed at an air outlet of at least one of the first air outlet and the second air outlet and generates electricity by the wind force of the released air.

[0020] According to this configuration, power can be generated not only by the liquid flow generator but also by the wind power generator, so that the amount of power generation can be improved. In particular, when moving liquid from the first storage section to the second storage section, it is necessary to release the air inside the second storage section from the second air release port, and the air released from the second air release port can be effectively utilized. Similarly, when moving liquid from the second storage section to the first storage section, it is necessary to release the air inside the first storage section from the first air release port, and the air released from the first air release port can be effectively utilized.

[0021] The first and second storage sections may have a horizontal dimension that is greater than a height dimension.

[0022] According to this configuration, the pressure required to drive the liquid flow generator can be reduced. In a configuration in which the horizontal dimension of the first storage section and the second storage section is larger than the height, the height at which the liquid is stored is lower than in a configuration in which the horizontal dimension is smaller than the height. Since the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet are provided at the lower part of the first storage section and the second storage section, respectively, when injecting the liquid, it is necessary to push up the liquid stored in the first storage section and the second storage section. The pressure for this pushing up increases according to the height of the liquid stored in the first storage section and the second storage section. Therefore, by using a configuration in which the horizontal dimension is larger than the height, the pressure for this pushing up can be reduced, and power can be generated efficiently.

[0023] The connection flow path may be constituted by the single liquid flow pipe, The liquid flow generator may be a bidirectional generator capable of generating electricity even when the flow of the liquid is reversed.

[0024] According to this configuration, the connecting flow path is composed of a single liquid flow pipe, so the flow path structure can be simplified. Also, since the water current generator is a bidirectional generator, power can be generated without any special ingenuity even if the flow is reversed.

[0025] The connecting flow path may include two branch flow paths, Each of the two branch flow paths may be constituted by the one liquid flow pipe, The liquid flow generator may be a unidirectional generator capable of generating electricity with a flow of the liquid in a defined direction.

[0026] According to this configuration, one of the two branched flow paths can be used as a flow path for liquid from the first storage section to the second storage section, and the other can be used as a flow path for liquid from the second storage section to the first storage section. In this way, the flow in the connecting flow path can be partially regulated, so that an inexpensive one-way generator can be used.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention is a compressor driven by electricity; a pressure accumulator that stores the air compressed by the compressor; At least one power generation unit fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator; A liquid flow power generation device is provided, The at least one power generating unit comprises: a first reservoir having, at an upper portion thereof, a first pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator and a first air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and at a lower portion thereof, a first inlet / outlet through which liquid flows in and out; a second reservoir having, at an upper portion thereof, a second pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator and a second air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and at a lower portion thereof, a second inlet / outlet through which the liquid flows in and out; a liquid flow pipe that fluidly connects the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet and constitutes at least a part of a connection flow path that serves as a flow path for the liquid; A liquid flow generator installed in the one liquid flow pipe; Including, Supplying compressed air from the pressure accumulator to the first storage section or the second storage section, The liquid is caused to flow by a pressure difference between the first storage section and the second storage section, thereby driving the liquid flow generator and generating electricity. The present invention provides a method for generating power from liquid current, comprising:

[0028] According to this method, the structure of the liquid current power generation method can be simplified in the same manner as described above. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, the structure of the liquid flow power generation device and the liquid flow power generation method can be simplified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid flow power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device of FIG. 1 . [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid flow power generation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a liquid flow power generation device according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid flow power generation device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid flow power generation device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the control device of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid flow power generation device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] (First embodiment) 1, a liquid flow power generation device 1 according to a first embodiment uses compressed air to generate a liquid flow and generates power using the liquid flow. In the following, an explanation will be given using water as an example of the liquid.

[0033] In this embodiment, the liquid flow power generation device 1 includes a solar power generator 10, a compressor 20, a pressure accumulator 30, a power generation unit 100, and a control device 40.

[0034] The solar power generator 10 is a known device that generates solar power, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The solar power generator 10 is configured to supply the generated electric power to the compressor 20.

[0035] Alternatively, the solar power generator 10 may be replaced by a power generation device using other renewable energy sources. For example, the solar power generator 10 may be replaced by a power generator using renewable energy sources such as solar heat, wind, wave, tidal, running water, or tides.

[0036] The compressor 20 is driven by electric power to suck in air and discharge compressed air. In this embodiment, the compressor 20 is driven by electric power from the solar power generator 10 and pressure-feeds the compressed air to the pressure accumulator 30.

[0037] The pressure accumulator 30 stores the air compressed by the compressor 20. The pressure accumulator 30 is a large-capacity tank that can adequately withstand high pressures of, for example, about 100 MPaG. The pressure accumulator 30 is fluidly connected to the power generation unit 100. The pressure accumulator 30 is equipped with a pressure sensor 31 for measuring the pressure of the air therein.

[0038] The power generation unit 100 has a first storage section 110, a second storage section 120, a connecting flow path 130 fluidly connecting the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120, and a liquid flow generator 140 provided in the connecting flow path 130.

[0039] The first storage section 110 has a first pressure supply port 111 fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator section 30 via the pressure supply pipe 32 and a first air release port 112 that can be opened to the atmosphere at its upper portion, and a first inlet / outlet 113 through which water enters and exits at its lower portion. Here, the upper portion of the first storage section 110 refers to the upper quarter of the first storage section 110, and the lower portion of the first storage section 110 refers to the lower quarter of the first storage section 110. In this embodiment, the first pressure supply port 111 and the first air release port 112 are provided at the upper end of the first storage section 110. The first inlet / outlet 113 is provided at the lower end of the first storage section 110. A first liquid level sensor 114 for measuring the amount of water inside is attached to the first storage section 110. The first liquid level sensor 114 can be a weight sensor, a liquid level sensor, or the like.

[0040] The first reservoir 110 is fluidly connected to an external liquid source 50 in which water is stored. The water in the external liquid source 50 can be pumped up to the first reservoir 110 by a pump 51. Since it is only necessary to store water in the first reservoir 110, the configuration related to the external liquid source 50 may be omitted as necessary. The external liquid source 50 may also be fluidly connected to the second reservoir 120. In the figures of the second embodiment and onwards, the configuration related to the external liquid source 50 is omitted.

[0041] The second storage section 120 has, at its upper part, a second pressure supply port 121 fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator section 30 via the pressure supply pipe 32 and a second air release port 122 that can be opened to the atmosphere, and has, at its lower part, a second inlet / outlet 123 through which water enters and exits. Here, the upper part of the second storage section 120 refers to the upper quarter of the second storage section 120, and the lower part of the second storage section 120 refers to the lower quarter of the second storage section 120. In this embodiment, the second pressure supply port 121 and the second air release port 122 are provided at the upper end of the second storage section 120. The second inlet / outlet 123 is provided at the lower end of the second storage section 120. The second storage section 120 is provided with a second liquid level sensor 124 for measuring the amount of water inside. The second liquid level sensor 124 can be a weight sensor, a liquid level sensor, or the like.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 have a dimension larger in the height direction than in the horizontal direction. For example, the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 are upright tanks having a dimension larger in the height direction than in the horizontal direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connection flow path 130 is configured by one liquid flow pipe 131 that fluidly connects the first inlet / outlet 113 and the second inlet / outlet 123.

[0044] In this embodiment, the liquid flow generator 140 is a bidirectional generator disposed in one liquid flow pipe 131. Here, a bidirectional generator is a generator that can generate power even if the flow of liquid is reversed. For example, the liquid flow generator 140 can be a turbine generator that can generate power by rotating a turbine forward and backward. In addition, the liquid flow generator 140 is not connected to any other pipes except for the one liquid flow pipe 131, and the piping structure is simple.

[0045] The liquid flow power generation device 1 is also provided with valves 33 to 36 for allowing or blocking the flow of air, and a valve 132 for allowing or blocking the flow of water.

[0046] Valves 33 and 34 are provided on pressure supply pipe 32 extending to first pressure supply port 111 and second pressure supply port 121, respectively. Valves 33 and 34 allow selection of whether compressed air is to be supplied from pressure accumulator 30 to first storage section 110 or second storage section 120, or whether compressed air is not to be supplied at all. In detail, by opening valve 33 and closing valve 34, compressed air is supplied to first storage section 110 without being supplied to second storage section 120. Also, by opening valve 34 and closing valve 33, compressed air is supplied to second storage section 120 without being supplied to first storage section 110. It should be noted that the supply of compressed air can be stopped by closing both valves 33 and 34.

[0047] The valve 35 is attached to the first air release port 112. Opening the valve 35 allows air to be released from the first air release port 112, and closing the valve 35 stops air release from the first air release port 112. The valve 36 is attached to the second air release port 122. Opening the valve 36 allows air to be released from the second air release port 122, and closing the valve 36 stops air release from the second air release port 122.

[0048] The valve 132 is provided in one liquid flow pipe 131 constituting the connection flow path 130. By opening the valve 132, the liquid in one liquid flow pipe 131 is permitted to flow, and the liquid flow generator 140 can be driven. In addition, by closing the valve 132, the liquid flow in one liquid flow pipe 131 is blocked, and the liquid flow generator 140 can be stopped. In FIG. 1, the valve 132 is provided between the first inlet / outlet 113 and the liquid flow generator 140, but it may be provided between the second inlet / outlet 123 and the liquid flow generator 140. That is, it is preferable that one valve 132 is provided between the first inlet / outlet 113 and the liquid flow generator 140, or between the second inlet / outlet 123 and the liquid flow generator 140.

[0049] In the liquid current power generation device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration, the design dimensions required to generate electricity of, for example, 75 kW for 30 minutes will be described.

[0050] The power generation amount L (kW) of the liquid flow generator 140 is expressed as a function of the gravitational acceleration g (m 2 / s) and flow rate Q(m 3 / S), head H (m), and efficiency η (L=gQHη). Head H (m) is not an actual height difference, but a numerical value according to the pressure difference. For example, if the pressure of the accumulator 30 is 0.6 MPaG, then head H is 60 m. Efficiency η indicates the power generation efficiency of the liquid flow generator 140, and differs depending on the device, but is set to 0.7 here, for example.

[0051] From the above definition, the required flow rate Q is 75 / (9.8×60×0.7)=0.18(m 3 / s) Therefore, the amount of water required to generate electricity for 30 minutes is 0.18×60×30=324(m 3Therefore, the volumes of the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 that can store the required amount of water are 324 (m 3 For example, the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 may be two cylindrical containers with a diameter of 3 m and a length of 25 m. The volume of the cylindrical containers is calculated to be about 353 m. 2 Therefore, the required amount of water is designed to occupy about 92% of the volume. In particular, it is preferable to design the required amount of water so that it does not occupy 100% of the volume.

[0052] The control device 40 performs arithmetic processing and controls the entire device. The control device 40 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) that cooperates with software to realize a predetermined function. The control device 40 may be configured with hardware circuits such as dedicated electronic circuits or reconfigurable electronic circuits designed to realize a predetermined function, or may be configured with various semiconductor integrated circuits. Examples of various semiconductor integrated circuits include, in addition to a CPU and an MPU, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control device 40 may also include a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Specifically, the control device 40 may be configured with, for example, an information processing device such as a desktop personal computer, a notebook computer, a workstation, or a tablet terminal, or a printed circuit board having an equivalent function.

[0053] 2, the control device 40 includes, as functional components, a receiver 41, a power generation pressure control unit 42, and a valve control unit 43. These are realized by cooperation between the above hardware and software. These may also be interpreted as corresponding circuits.

[0054] The receiving unit 41 is a part that receives the pressure from the pressure sensor 31 and receives the liquid amount from the first liquid amount sensor 114 and the second liquid amount sensor .

[0055] The power generation pressure control unit 42 controls the liquid flow power generation device 1 so that power is generated only when the supply pressure from the accumulator 30 to the first storage unit 110 or the second storage unit 120 is in the range of 0.6 MPaG or more and 1.0 MPaG or less. Since the first storage unit 110 and the second storage unit 120 are opened to the atmosphere when releasing air from the first air release port 112 and the second air release port 122, respectively, the measurement value of the pressure sensor 31 received by the receiver 41 becomes the supply pressure (MPaG) from the accumulator 30 to the first storage unit 110 or the second storage unit 120. Specifically, the power generation pressure control unit 42 issues a command to the valve control unit 43 so that power is generated only when the supply pressure is in the range of 0.6 MPaG or more and 1.0 MPaG or less, and not outside this range.

[0056] The valve control section 43 is a section that controls the opening and closing of the valves 33 to 36, and 132. The opening and closing of the valves 33 to 36, and 132 is performed based on a power request from a power supply destination (not shown). However, in this embodiment, if a command not to generate power is received from the above-mentioned power generation pressure control section 42, the command takes priority and power generation is not performed.

[0057] When generating electricity, valve control unit 43 specifically controls valves 33 to 36, and 132 as follows. When moving water from first storage unit 110 to second storage unit 120, valves 33, 36, and 132 are opened, and valves 34 and 35 are closed. When moving water from second storage unit 120 to first storage unit 110, valves 34, 35, and 132 are opened, and valves 33 and 36 are closed.

[0058] When water is moved from the first storage section 110 to the second storage section 120, the valve control section 43 controls the valves 33 to 36, 132 so that the water does not occupy 100% of the volume of the second storage section 120. Similarly, when water is moved from the second storage section 120 to the first storage section 110, the valve control section 43 controls the valves 33 to 36, 132 so that the water does not occupy 100% of the volume of the first storage section 110. If the water occupies 100% of the volume of the first storage section 110 or the second storage section 120, there is a risk that the first storage section 110 or the second storage section 120 may be damaged due to thermal expansion of water, and this is to avoid such damage. Preferably, when the water occupies about 90 to 95% of the volume of the first storage section 110 or the second storage section 120, the flow of water is switched to generate power.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects are obtained.

[0060] Since the liquid flow generator 140 can be driven by water flowing through the connecting flow passage 130 between the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 using compressed air from the pressure accumulator 30, hydroelectric power generation can be realized on flat ground. In particular, since the liquid flow generator 140 is interposed in one liquid flow pipe 131 in the connecting flow passage 130, the piping structure of the liquid flow generator 140 is also simple. Furthermore, since the first inlet / outlet 113 and the second inlet / outlet 123 through which water flows in and out are provided at the bottom of the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120, respectively, not only can water be easily discharged, but the piping arrangement is also simple. In addition, since the first pressure supply port 111 and the second pressure supply port 121, and the first air release port 112 and the second air release port 122 are provided in the upper parts of the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120, respectively, pressure supply and air release are possible without impeding the flow of water in and out of the lower parts of the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120.

[0061] The same effects are also achieved in a liquid flow power generation method in which the above-mentioned liquid flow power generation device 1 is used to supply compressed air from the pressure accumulation section 30 to the first storage section 110 or the second storage section 120, and the pressure difference between the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 is used to cause water to flow, thereby driving the liquid flow generator 140 to generate electricity.

[0062] In addition, the power fluctuation of the solar power generator 10 can be smoothed. For example, the power generated by the solar power generator during the daytime is used to drive the compressor 20, and compressed air is stored in the pressure accumulator 30. Then, when necessary at night, the compressed air in the pressure accumulator 30 is used to drive the liquid flow generator 140 to generate power. In this way, the power obtained when solar power generation is possible can be used when solar power generation is not possible, i.e., the power can be smoothed.

[0063] Furthermore, a supply pressure in the range of 0.6 MPaG or more and 1.0 MPaG or less is roughly equivalent to pushing up and storing water to a height of 60 m or more and 100 m or less, when converted into a head pressure when water is used as the liquid. Driving a liquid flow generator using a flow of liquid at such a high pressure is preferable from the viewpoint of power generation efficiency. Note that if power generation efficiency is not taken into consideration, power generation pressure control unit 42 may be omitted.

[0064] In the above embodiment, water is exemplified as the liquid, but a liquid having a higher specific gravity than water and corrosion resistance may be used. For example, oil (specifically, a lubricating oil such as a perfluoropolyether fluid) may be used as such a liquid. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0065] When a liquid having a higher specific gravity than water is used, the power generation efficiency of the liquid flow generator 140 can be improved compared to when water is used. In addition, since the liquid has corrosion resistance to the first storage section 110, the second storage section 120, the liquid flow pipe 131, etc., corrosion of the first storage section 110, the second storage section 120, the single liquid flow pipe 131, etc. can be suppressed. Among liquids having a higher specific gravity than water and corrosion resistance, oil in particular is low cost.

[0066] Second embodiment The liquid flow power generation device 1 of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3 differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120. Other than this, the liquid flow power generation device 1 is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, a description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 each have a dimension in the horizontal direction that is greater than the height direction. For example, the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 are horizontal tanks having a dimension in the horizontal direction that is greater than the height direction.

[0068] In this embodiment, first storage section 110 and second storage section 120 are each disposed at a slight incline from the horizontal direction (for example, about 10° from the horizontal direction), and first inlet / outlet 113 is provided at the lower end of first storage section 110, and second inlet / outlet 123 is provided at the lower end of second storage section 120. This makes it easier to drain water from first storage section 110 and second storage section 120.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the pressure required to drive the liquid flow generator 140 can be reduced. In a configuration in which the horizontal dimension in the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120 is larger than the height direction, the height at which water is stored is lower than a configuration in which the horizontal dimension is smaller than the height direction. Since the first inlet / outlet 113 and the second inlet / outlet 123 are provided at the lower part of the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120, respectively, when water is injected from the first inlet / outlet 113 and the second inlet / outlet 123, it is necessary to push up the water stored in the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120. The pressure for this pushing up increases according to the height of the water stored in the first storage section 110 and the second storage section 120. Therefore, by using a configuration in which the horizontal dimension is larger than the height direction, the pressure for this pushing up can be reduced, and power can be generated efficiently.

[0070] Third embodiment The liquid current power generation device 1 of the third embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is different from the first embodiment in that a wind power generator 60 is added. The other parts are substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0071] The liquid flow power generation device 1 of this embodiment has a wind power generator 60 at the air outlet of the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 122. The wind power generator 60 is a known device that generates wind power, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The wind power generator 60 is configured to receive air released from the first air outlet 112 or the second air outlet 122 to generate power.

[0072] According to this embodiment, power can be generated not only by the liquid flow generator 140 but also by the wind power generator 60, so that the amount of power generation can be improved. In particular, when moving water from the first storage section 110 to the second storage section 120, it is necessary to release the air inside the second storage section 120 from the second air release port 122, and the wind power generator 60 can effectively utilize the air released from the second air release port 122. Similarly, when moving water from the second storage section 120 to the first storage section 110, it is necessary to release the air inside the first storage section 110 from the first air release port 112, and the wind power generator 60 can effectively utilize the air released from the first air release port 112.

[0073] Alternatively, the wind power generator may be disposed at the air outlet of the first air outlet 112 or the second air outlet 122. That is, the wind power generator may be disposed at the air outlet of at least one of the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 122.

[0074] (Fourth embodiment) The liquid flow power generation device 1 of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 5 differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the connection flow path 130. Other than this, the liquid flow power generation device 1 of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0075] In this embodiment, the connection flow path 130 includes two branch flow paths 133 and 134. Each of the branch flow paths 133 and 134 is formed by one liquid flow pipe 131. A valve 135 is provided in the branch flow path 133, and a valve 136 is provided in the branch flow path 134. The branch flow paths 133 and 134 have respective regulated directions of water flow. Specifically, in one of the branch flow paths 133 and 134, water flows in one direction from the first storage section 110 to the second storage section 120, and in the other of the branch flow paths 133 and 134, water flows in one direction from the second storage section 120 to the first storage section 110. For example, in the branch flow path 133, when water flows from the first storage section 110 to the second storage section 120, the valve control section 43 (see FIG. 2) controls the valve 135 to open and the valve 136 to close when the water flows from the first storage section 110 to the second storage section 120. When water flows from second reservoir 120 to first reservoir 110, branch flow path 134 is controlled by valve control section 43 (see FIG. 2) so that valve 135 is closed and valve 136 is opened.

[0076] In this embodiment, the liquid flow generator 140 is a one-way generator. Here, a one-way generator is a generator capable of generating electricity with a flow of liquid in a fixed direction. For example, the liquid flow generator 140 may be a turbine generator capable of generating electricity by rotating a turbine in one direction. Specifically, the liquid flow generator 140 arranged in the branch flow path 133 generates electricity in the direction in which water flows from the first storage section 110 to the second storage section 120, and the liquid flow generator 140 arranged in the branch flow path 134 generates electricity in the direction in which water flows from the second storage section 120 to the first storage section 110.

[0077] According to this embodiment, one of branch flow paths 133, 134 can be a water flow path from first storage portion 110 to second storage portion 120, and the other can be a water flow path from second storage portion 120 to first storage portion 110. Since the direction in which water flows in connection flow path 130 can be partially controlled in this manner, an inexpensive one-way type generator can be used as liquid flow generator 140.

[0078] Fifth embodiment The liquid flow power generation device 1 of the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 6 has two power generation units 100a, 100b. Other than this, the liquid flow power generation device 1 is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0079] In this embodiment, each of the power generating units 100a and 100b is the same as the power generating unit 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The configuration related to one power generating unit 100a is given the symbol a, and the configuration related to the other power generating unit 100b is given the symbol b. It should be noted that three or more power generating units may be provided.

[0080] 7, the control device 40 includes, as functional components, a receiver 41, a continuous power generation control unit 44, and a valve control unit 43. These are realized by cooperation of hardware and software, as in the first embodiment. These may also be interpreted as corresponding circuits.

[0081] The continuous power generation control unit 44 controls the power generation so that power is generated continuously as a whole by driving the other one of the power generation units 100a, 100b (for example, the other power generation unit 100b) in accordance with the timing at which the flow of water driving the liquid flow generator 140 in one of the power generation units 100a, 100b (for example, one of the power generation units 100a) is reversed.

[0082] In this embodiment, the continuous power generation control unit 44 determines the timing when the water flow will reverse from the measurement values ​​of the first liquid quantity sensors 114a, 114b and the second liquid quantity sensors 124a, 124b, and controls the valve control unit 43 so that power is generated continuously overall.

[0083] Specifically, in one power generating unit 100a, when water flows from the first storage section 110a to the second storage section 120a, the valves 33a-36a, 132a, 33b-36b, 132b are opened and closed so that the liquid flow generator 140b of the other power generating unit 100b generates electricity when the remaining amount of water in the first storage section 110a becomes a predetermined value (e.g., 10%) or less. Alternatively, the valves 33a-36a, 132a, 33b-36b, 132b may be opened and closed so that the liquid flow generator 140b of the other power generating unit 100b generates electricity when the remaining amount of water in the second storage section 120a becomes a predetermined value (e.g., 90%) or more. The control of the opening and closing is similar to the case where water flows from the second storage section 120a to the first storage section 110a.

[0084] Also, the liquid flow generator 140a of one power generating unit 100a may be driven so that power is generated continuously as a whole at the timing when the water flow is reversed in the other power generating unit 100b. That is, when water flows from the first storage section 110b to the second storage section 120b in the other power generating unit 100b, the valves 33a-36a, 132a, 33b-36b, 132b may be opened and closed so that power is generated by the liquid flow generator 140a of one power generating unit 100a when the remaining amount of water in the first storage section 110b becomes a predetermined value (e.g., 10%) or less. Alternatively, the valves 33a-36a, 132a, 33b-36b, 132b may be opened and closed so that power is generated by the one power generating unit 100a when the remaining amount of water in the second storage section 120b becomes a predetermined value (e.g., 90%) or more. The control regarding the opening and closing is the same when water flows from second reservoir 120b to first reservoir 110b.

[0085] In another variant, the continuous power generation control unit 44 controls the power generation units 100a, 100b so that when the liquid flow generator 140 is not driven in one of the power generation units 100a, 100b (for example, one of the power generation units 100a), the other of the power generation units 100a, 100b (for example, the other power generation unit 100b) is kept driven, thereby controlling the power generation to be continuous as a whole.

[0086] In this modification, the continuous power generation control unit 44 determines from the open / closed state of the valve 132 that one of the power generation units 100a, 100b (for example, the power generation unit 100a) is not driving the liquid flow power generator 140.

[0087] Specifically, when valve 132a in one power generating unit 100a is continuously open for a certain period of time, valves 33a-36a, 132a, 33b-36b, 132b are opened and closed so that liquid flow generator 140b in the other power generating unit 100b generates electricity. The control of opening and closing is the same when water flows from second storage section 120a to first storage section 110a.

[0088] According to this embodiment, a large amount of power can be generated by the multiple power generation units 100a, 100b compared to the single power generation unit 100 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. Moreover, power generation can be continuously performed as a whole without interruption. If the control by the continuous power generation control unit 44 is not performed, when the water flow in one liquid flow pipe 131a or 131b is reversed, power generation by the liquid flow generator 140a or 140b may stop, and power generation may be interrupted as a whole.

[0089] Sixth embodiment 8, the liquid flow power generation device 1 of the sixth embodiment is obtained by adding bypass pipes 70, 71 to the fifth embodiment, and therefore the description of the parts shown in the fifth embodiment may be omitted.

[0090] In this embodiment, a bypass pipe 70 that fluidly connects the upper portions of the first storage portion 110a and the first storage portion 110b, and a bypass pipe 71 that fluidly connects the upper portions of the first storage portion 110b and the second storage portion 120a are provided. The bypass pipes 70 and 71 are air flow paths. The bypass pipe 70 is provided with a valve 72, and the bypass pipe 71 is provided with a valve 73.

[0091] According to this embodiment, by providing bypass pipes 70, 71, pressure can be shared between first storage section 110a and first storage section 110b, and pressure can be shared between first storage section 110b and second storage section 120a. For example, when the pressure in pressure accumulator 30 is low and sufficient pressure cannot be supplied to one power generating unit 100a, pressure can be supplied from the other power generating unit 100b, so the configuration of this embodiment is effective.

[0092] Specifically, if the pressure in first reservoir 110b is sufficiently high, valve 72 or valve 73 can be opened to supply pressure from first reservoir 110b to first reservoir 110a or second reservoir 120a.

[0093] Although not shown in detail, similarly, a bypass pipe fluidly connecting the second storage portion 120b and the first storage portion 110a, and a bypass pipe fluidly connecting the second storage portion 120b and the second storage portion 120a may be provided.

[0094] Although specific embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be modified and implemented within the scope of the present invention. For example, an appropriate combination of the contents of the individual embodiments and modifications can be used as one embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Liquid flow power generation device 10. Solar Power Generator 20 Compressor 30 Accumulator 31 Pressure Sensor 32 Pressure supply piping 33~36, 33a~36a, 33b~36b Valves 40 Control device 41 Receiving section 42 Power generation pressure control section 43 Valve control section 44 Continuous power generation control unit 50 External liquid source 51 Pump 60 Wind Turbine 70,71 Bypass piping 72,73 Valve 100, 100a, 100b Power generating units 110, 110a, 110b First storage section 111 1st pressure supply port 112 First Vent 113 1st entrance / exit 114, 114a, 114b First liquid level sensor 120, 120a, 120b Second storage section 121 2nd pressure supply port 122 Second Vent 123 2nd entrance / exit 124, 124a, 124b Second liquid level sensor 130 Connection channel 131, 131a, 131b Liquid flow piping 132, 132a, 132b Valves 133,134 Branch channel 135,136 Valve 140, 140a, 140b Liquid flow generator

Claims

1. a compressor driven by electricity; a pressure accumulator that stores the air compressed by the compressor; At least one power generation unit fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator; Equipped with The at least one power generating unit comprises: a first storage section having, at an upper portion thereof, a first pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator section and a first air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and having, at a lower portion thereof, a first inlet / outlet through which liquid flows in and out; a second reservoir having, at an upper portion thereof, a second pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator and a second air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and a second inlet / outlet at a lower portion thereof through which the liquid flows in and out; a liquid flow pipe that fluidly connects the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet and constitutes at least a part of a connection flow path that serves as a flow path for the liquid; a liquid flow generator that is disposed in the one liquid flow pipe and generates electricity by the liquid flowing between the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet; A liquid flow power generation device comprising:

2. The liquid current power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid has a specific gravity greater than that of water and is corrosion-resistant.

3. The liquid current power generation device according to claim 2 , wherein the liquid is oil.

4. The liquid flow power generation device according to claim 1 , further comprising a solar power generator that generates electricity by utilizing sunlight, the solar power generator supplying the electricity to the compressor.

5. The liquid current power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one power generation unit comprises a plurality of power generation units.

6. The liquid flow power generation device described in claim 5, further comprising a continuous power generation control unit that controls one of the plurality of power generation units to generate power continuously as a whole by driving another of the plurality of power generation units in accordance with the timing at which the flow of the liquid that drives the liquid flow generator is reversed in one of the plurality of power generation units.

7. The liquid flow power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a power generation pressure control unit that controls the supply pressure from the accumulator to the first storage unit or the second storage unit so that power generation is only performed within a range of 0.6 MPaG or more and 1.0 MPaG or less.

8. The liquid flow power generation device according to claim 1 , further comprising a wind power generator arranged at the air outlet of at least one of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and generating electricity using the wind power of the released air.

9. The liquid current power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the first storage section and the second storage section have a dimension in a horizontal direction that is greater than a dimension in a height direction.

10. The connection flow path is constituted by the single liquid flow pipe, 10. The liquid flow power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow power generator is a bidirectional power generator capable of generating power even when the flow of the liquid is reversed.

11. The connecting flow path includes two branch flow paths, Each of the two branch flow paths is constituted by the one liquid flow pipe, 10. The liquid flow power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow power generator is a unidirectional power generator capable of generating power with a flow of the liquid in a specified direction.

12. a compressor driven by electricity; a pressure accumulator that stores the air compressed by the compressor; At least one power generation unit fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator; A liquid flow power generation device is provided, The at least one power generating unit comprises: a first storage section having, at an upper portion thereof, a first pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator section and a first air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and having, at a lower portion thereof, a first inlet / outlet through which liquid flows in and out; a second reservoir having, at an upper portion thereof, a second pressure supply port fluidly connected to the pressure accumulator and a second air release port capable of being opened to the atmosphere, and a second inlet / outlet at a lower portion thereof through which the liquid flows in and out; a liquid flow pipe that fluidly connects the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet and constitutes at least a part of a connection flow path that serves as a flow path for the liquid; a liquid flow generator that is disposed in the one liquid flow pipe and generates electricity by the liquid flowing between the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet; Including, Supplying compressed air from the pressure accumulator to the first storage section or the second storage section; The liquid is caused to flow by a pressure difference between the first storage section and the second storage section, thereby driving the liquid flow generator and generating electricity. A method for generating electricity from liquid flow, comprising:

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