Fire extinguishing equipment

Abstract

To provide a fire extinguishing facility that can be prevented from increasing in size.SOLUTION: A fire extinguishing facility comprises: a cold generation device constituted so as to generate cold energy by being driven by electric power; a separation device constituted so as to separate gaseous nitrogen from air; a condenser constituted so as to liquefy the gaseous nitrogen from the separation device by transferring the cold energy generated by the cold generation device to it; a storage device constituted so as to store liquefied nitrogen liquefied in the condenser; a supply line for sending the nitrogen extracted from the storage device; an expansion turbine provided on the supply line, and to be driven by nitrogen gas generated by vaporization of the liquefied nitrogen; and a fire extinguishing agent supply device provided on the supply line, and for supplying the nitrogen gas as a fire extinguishing agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fire extinguishing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional nitrogen gas fire extinguishing systems are equipped with multiple gas cylinders that store nitrogen gas, and when a fire occurs, the nitrogen gas supplied from the gas cylinders is released to extinguish the fire due to lack of oxygen. This nitrogen gas fire extinguishing system requires an occupied space to store the multiple gas cylinders.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a fire extinguishing system comprising a liquid air tank for storing liquid air produced by an air liquefaction means driven by the power of a gas turbine engine, a separation device for separating the liquid air extracted from the liquid air tank into liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen, and a flexible hose for spraying the liquid nitrogen separated by the separation device onto a fire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-095934 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The fire extinguishing device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to store liquid air and separate the stored liquid air into liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen, which requires a large liquid air tank to store the liquid air, which may lead to an increase in the size of the fire extinguishing device. In addition, the fire extinguishing device described in Patent Document 1 burns fossil fuels when generating liquid air, which may lead to the fire extinguishing device itself becoming a hazardous material (a combustible material) in the event of a fire.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention has an object to provide a fire extinguishing system that can prevent an increase in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] At least one embodiment of the fire extinguishing system of the present invention includes: A cold energy generating device configured to be driven by electricity to generate cold energy; a separation device configured to separate gaseous nitrogen from air; A condenser configured to transfer the cold energy generated by the cold energy generating device to the gaseous nitrogen from the separation device to liquefy it; a storage device configured to store the liquefied nitrogen liquefied in the condenser; a supply line for conveying the nitrogen withdrawn from the storage device; an expansion turbine provided on the supply line, the expansion turbine being driven by nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen; and a fire extinguishing agent supplying device provided on the supply line for supplying the nitrogen gas as a fire extinguishing agent. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a fire extinguishing system capable of suppressing an increase in size is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as the embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] (Fire extinguishing equipment) Each of Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing system 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, the fire extinguishing system 1 according to some embodiments includes at least a cold generating device 2, a separating device 3, a condenser 4, a storage device 5, a supply line 6, an expansion turbine 7, and an extinguishing agent supplying device 8.

[0012] (Cold heat generating device) The cold energy generating device 2 is configured to generate cold energy by being driven by electric power. In the illustrated embodiment, the cold energy generating device 2 includes a circulation line 21 for sending a heat medium to the condenser 4, at least one electric compressor 22 provided on the circulation line 21, and at least one cold side expansion turbine 23 provided on the circulation line 21. Each of the electric compressors 22 is configured to be driven by electric power to compress the heat medium. Each of the cold side expansion turbines 23 is provided downstream of each of the electric compressors 22 on the circulation line 21. Each of the cold side expansion turbines 23 is configured to drive the heat medium guided to the cold side expansion turbine 23 as a working fluid and expand the heat medium.

[0013] By driving the electric compressor 22, the heat medium is guided to the electric compressor 22 from the upstream side of the circulation line 21 relative to the electric compressor 22, and the heat medium is compressed. The heat medium compressed by the electric compressor 22 is expanded in the cold-side expansion turbine 23, and the temperature is reduced. The heat medium having cold energy generated in the cold energy generating device 2 is guided to the condenser 4 via the circulation line 21.

[0014] (separation device) The separation device 3 is configured to separate gaseous nitrogen from air. In the illustrated embodiment, the separation device 3 has a membrane module 31 in which hollow fiber membranes are bundled. The separation device 3 is configured to extract gaseous nitrogen from air using a membrane separation method, that is, by utilizing the difference in permeation rate of each gas component in air through the membrane module 31.

[0015] Specifically, gaseous oxygen, gaseous carbon dioxide, moisture, etc. have a higher permeation rate through the hollow fiber membrane than gaseous nitrogen. When air is fed into the membrane module 31, gaseous oxygen, etc., which have a higher permeation rate, pass through the hollow fiber membrane and are discharged to the outside of the separation device 3. Then, the gaseous nitrogen remaining in the membrane module 31 is extracted from the membrane module 31.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 to 7, the fire extinguishing system 1 may further include an introduction line 11, an electric air-side compressor 12, a cooler 14, and a first flow control valve 15. In the following description, when simply referring to the upstream side, it refers to the upstream side along the main flow direction of the fluid in the part or area according to the description of the direction. Similarly, in the following description, when simply referring to the downstream side, it refers to the downstream side along the main flow direction of the fluid in the part or area according to the description of the direction.

[0017] The introduction line 11 comprises a supply system for extracting gaseous nitrogen from air and liquefying the extracted gaseous nitrogen to introduce the liquefied nitrogen to the storage device 5. The separation device 3 and the condenser 4 are each provided on the introduction line 11. The condenser 4 is provided on the introduction line 11 downstream of the separation device 3. The gaseous nitrogen separated from the air in the separation device 3 is introduced to the condenser 4.

[0018] (Air side compressor) The air-side compressor 12 is provided upstream of the separation device 3 on the inlet line 11. The air-side compressor 12 is configured to compress the air to be introduced into the separation device 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the air-side compressor 12 includes an electric motor 13, a first air-side compressor 12A connected to one side of a rotating shaft of the electric motor 13, and a second air-side compressor 12B connected to the other side of the rotating shaft of the electric motor 13. The second air-side compressor 12B is provided upstream of the first air-side compressor 12A on the inlet line 11.

[0019] Each of the first air-side compressor 12A and the second air-side compressor 12B is rotationally driven by rotational power output by the electric motor 13 after converting electric power, and compresses the air introduced into the separation device 3. By compressing the air introduced into the separation device 3, the difference in the permeation speed of the gas components in the separation device 3 can be increased, so that gaseous nitrogen can be extracted from the air with high accuracy in the separation device 3.

[0020] (cooler) The cooler 14 is configured to cool either the compressed air compressed by the air-side compressor 12 or the gaseous nitrogen separated in the separation device 3, using water as a cold source. The cooler 14 can cool the compressed air and gaseous nitrogen that have become hot due to compression in the air-side compressor 12. In addition, by using water, the supply amount of which can be easily adjusted, as the cold source in the cooler 14, the temperature of the compressed air and gaseous nitrogen can be stably lowered to a predetermined temperature or lower.

[0021] 1 to 6, the cooler 14 is provided downstream of the separation device 3 on the inlet line 11 and upstream of the condenser 4. The cooler 14 may be configured to enable heat exchange between the gaseous nitrogen flowing through the inlet line 11 and water (refrigerant) flowing through the refrigerant supply line. The gaseous nitrogen is cooled by the heat exchange in the cooler 14.

[0022] 7, the cooler 14 is provided downstream of the air-side compressor 12 on the inlet line 11 and upstream of the separation device 3. The cooler 14 may be configured to be capable of exchanging heat between the compressed air flowing through the inlet line 11 and water (refrigerant) flowing through the refrigerant supply line. The compressed air is cooled by the heat exchange in the cooler 14.

[0023] (Condenser) The condenser 4 is configured to transfer the cold energy generated by the cold energy generating device 2 to the gaseous nitrogen from the separation device 3 to liquefy the nitrogen. The condenser 4 may be configured to be capable of exchanging heat between the heat medium having cold energy from the circulation line 21 and the gaseous nitrogen flowing through the introduction line 11. Through the heat exchange in the condenser 4, the gaseous nitrogen flowing through the introduction line 11 is cooled by the heat medium and condensed (liquefied). The liquefied nitrogen obtained by liquefying the gaseous nitrogen in the condenser 4 is led to the storage device 5.

[0024] The first flow control valve 15 is provided on the inlet line 11 downstream of the condenser 4 and upstream of the storage device 5. The first flow control valve 15 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the liquefied nitrogen introduced to the inlet line 11 downstream of the first flow control valve 15.

[0025] (storage equipment, supply lines) The storage device 5 is configured to store the liquefied nitrogen liquefied in the condenser 4. The supply line 6 comprises a nitrogen supply system for delivering the nitrogen extracted from the storage device 5. One end (upstream end) of the supply line 6 is connected to the storage device 5.

[0026] (Expansion Turbine) The expansion turbine 7 is provided on the supply line 6, and is configured to be driven by nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing liquefied nitrogen. The expansion turbine 7 is configured to expand the nitrogen gas and recover the rotational power of the turbine from the nitrogen gas. The fire extinguishing system 1 may further include a generator 71 connected to the expansion turbine 7. The generator 71 is configured to be rotationally driven by the rotational power recovered by the expansion turbine 7 to generate electricity.

[0027] (Fire extinguishing agent supply device) The extinguishant supplying device 8 is provided on the supply line 6 and is configured to supply nitrogen gas, which is vaporized liquefied nitrogen, as an extinguishing agent to the target of extinguishing. The extinguishant supplying device 8 may include at least one extinguishant ejection port 81 for ejecting an extinguishant (nitrogen gas) to the target of extinguishing.

[0028] The fire extinguishing system 1 may further include at least one second flow rate control valve 64 provided on the supply line 6. The second flow rate control valve 64 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the liquefied nitrogen introduced onto the supply line 6 downstream of the second flow rate control valve 64.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, a fire extinguishing system 1 according to some embodiments includes at least the above-mentioned cold heat generating device 2, the above-mentioned separation device 3, the above-mentioned condenser 4, the above-mentioned storage device 5, the above-mentioned supply line 6, the above-mentioned expansion turbine 7, and the above-mentioned fire extinguishing agent supply device 8.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the gaseous nitrogen separated from the air in the separation device 3 is liquefied in the condenser 4 by the cold energy generated by the cold energy generating device 2, and the liquefied nitrogen obtained by liquefying the gaseous nitrogen can be stored in the storage device 5. Since the fire extinguishing equipment 1 is configured to store the liquefied nitrogen obtained by liquefying the gaseous nitrogen in the storage device 5, the size of the condenser 4 and the storage device 5 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which liquefied oxygen obtained by liquefying gaseous oxygen is stored, and thus the size of the fire extinguishing equipment 1 can be suppressed. The fire extinguishing equipment 1 can drive the expansion turbine 7 by the nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device 5, and can recover the output of the expansion turbine 7. In addition, when a fire breaks out in a structure equipped with the fire extinguishing equipment 1, the extinguishing agent supply device 8 can supply the nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device 5 to the target of fire extinguishing as an extinguishing agent.

[0031] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the storage device 5 (5A) described above is configured to be capable of storing nitrogen gas produced by vaporizing liquefied nitrogen due to external heat input. The supply line 6 described above includes a supply pipe 6A for sending nitrogen gas vaporized inside the storage device 5. By leaving the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device 5A for a long period of time, the liquefied nitrogen vaporizes inside the storage device 5A due to heat input from outside the storage device 5A, and becomes nitrogen gas. One end (upstream end) of the supply pipe 6A is connected to the storage device 5A, and nitrogen gas is taken out from the storage device 5A to the supply pipe 6A.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device 5A is vaporized by external heat input to produce high-pressure nitrogen gas, eliminating the need to provide boosting equipment (booster pump 67 (see FIG. 3) or compressor, etc.) or vaporizer 68 (see FIG. 3) on the supply piping 6A (supply line 6). Also, according to the above configuration, since there is no boosting equipment or vaporizer 68 on the supply piping 6A, it is possible to quickly supply nitrogen gas to the expansion turbine 7 and the extinguishing agent supply device 8 in an emergency, etc.

[0033] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the storage device 5 (5B, 5C) is configured to store the liquefied nitrogen in a liquid state. The fire extinguishing system 1 further includes at least one vaporizer 68 provided on the supply line 6 and configured to vaporize the liquefied nitrogen.

[0034] Each of the vaporizers 68 may be configured to be capable of exchanging heat between the liquefied nitrogen flowing through the supply line 6 and a heat medium such as air. By heat exchange in the vaporizers 68, the liquefied nitrogen flowing through the supply line 6 is heated by the heat medium and evaporated (vaporized). The nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen in the vaporizers 68 is guided to the expansion turbine 7 and the extinguishing agent supplying device 8.

[0035] 3 to 6, the above-described fire extinguishing system 1 may further include a boost pump 67 for boosting the pressure of the liquefied nitrogen provided on the supply line 6. The boost pump 67 is configured to boost the pressure of the liquefied nitrogen flowing on the supply line 6.

[0036] According to the above configuration, the storage devices 5B and 5C can be prevented from becoming larger than when nitrogen gas is stored in the storage device 5A. In addition, when storing nitrogen gas in the storage device 5A, it is difficult to supply liquefied nitrogen to the storage device 5A until the nitrogen gas runs out from within the storage device 5A. In contrast, when storing liquefied nitrogen in a liquid state in the storage devices 5B and 5C, there is no limit to the time when liquefied nitrogen is supplied to the storage devices 5B and 5C, so it is possible to supply liquefied nitrogen generated by electricity stored in the fire extinguishing system 1 to the storage devices 5B and 5C.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the storage device 5 (5C) described above is configured to be able to store liquefied nitrogen compressed to a predetermined pressure or higher in a liquid state. For example, by making the air-side compressor 12 larger and increasing the discharge pressure of the air-side compressor 12, the pressure of the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device 5 (5C) can be made to be equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure.

[0038] According to the above configuration, when liquefied nitrogen compressed to a predetermined pressure or higher is stored in the storage device 5, nitrogen gas can be supplied to the expansion turbine 7 and the extinguishing agent supplying device 8 without providing a boosting device (booster pump 67 or compressor) on the supply line 6. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since there is no boosting device on the supply line 6, nitrogen gas can be quickly supplied to the expansion turbine 7 and the extinguishing agent supplying device 8 in an emergency, etc.

[0039] 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned supply line 6 includes a first supply line 61 connecting the storage device 5 and the expansion turbine 7, and a second supply line 62A connecting the expansion turbine 7 and the extinguishing agent supply device 8. That is, the extinguishing agent supply device 8 is provided downstream of the expansion turbine 7 of the supply line 6.

[0040] According to the above configuration, the nitrogen gas introduced into the extinguishant supplying device 8 has its enthalpy recovered in the expansion turbine 7 and is at a low temperature. Therefore, the nitrogen gas supplied from the extinguishant supplying device 8 to the extinguishing target can perform not only oxygen deficiency extinguishing by cutting off the supply of air to the burning material (fire heat source) or diluting the oxygen concentration, but also cooling extinguishing by removing heat from the burning material (fire heat source) and lowering the temperature below the ignition temperature.

[0041] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5 to 7, the above-mentioned supply line 6 includes a first supply line 61 connecting the storage device 5 and the expansion turbine 7, and a second supply line 62 branching off from the first supply line 61 and connected to the extinguishing agent supply device 8.

[0042] The at least one second flow control valve 64 described above may include a third flow control valve 65 provided on the first supply line 61 between the connection position 63 of the upstream end of the second supply line 62 and the expansion turbine 7, and a fourth flow control valve 66 provided in the second supply line 62.

[0043] According to the above configuration, it is possible to selectively switch the supply destination of the nitrogen gas between the expansion turbine 7 and the extinguishing agent supplying device 8. This allows for flexible response to emergency situations such as emergency firefighting and emergency power generation, and allows a desired amount of nitrogen gas to be supplied to the expansion turbine 7 and the extinguishing agent supplying device 8 in an emergency.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the at least one carburetor 68 described above includes a first carburetor 68A provided between the connection position 63 of the upstream end of the second supply line 62 on the first supply line 61 and the expansion turbine 7, and a second carburetor 68B provided in the second supply line 62.

[0045] According to the above configuration, nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing liquefied nitrogen in the first vaporizer 68A can be supplied to the expansion turbine 7, and nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing liquefied nitrogen in the second vaporizer 68B can be supplied to the extinguishant supplying device 8. By providing a vaporizer for each supply destination of nitrogen gas, it is possible to vaporize the necessary amount of liquefied nitrogen for each supply destination of nitrogen gas in each vaporizer, thereby suppressing the generation of excess nitrogen gas.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 6, the above-mentioned fire extinguishing system 1 further includes a cold heat recovery cycle 9 configured to circulate a cold heat medium. The above-mentioned cold heat recovery cycle 9 includes a cold heat pump 91, a cold heat evaporator 92, and a cold heat expansion turbine 93.

[0047] The cold heat expansion turbine 93 is provided on the cold heat recovery cycle 9 and configured to expand the cold heat medium in a gaseous state. The cold heat expansion turbine 93 is configured to expand the cold heat medium to recover rotational power of the turbine from the cold heat medium. The fire extinguishing system 1 may further include a generator 94 connected to the cold heat expansion turbine 93. The generator 94 is configured to be rotationally driven by the rotational power recovered by the cold heat expansion turbine 93 to generate electricity.

[0048] The cold heat pump 91 is provided downstream of the first vaporizer 68A in the cold heat recovery cycle 9 and is configured to boost the cold heat medium. The cold heat evaporator 92 is provided downstream of the cold heat pump 91 and upstream of the cold heat expansion turbine 93 in the cold heat recovery cycle 9 and is configured to evaporate the cold heat medium. The cold heat evaporator 92 may be configured to be able to exchange heat between the cold heat medium flowing through the cold heat recovery cycle 9 and the heat medium. Through the heat exchange in the cold heat evaporator 92, the cold heat medium flowing through the cold heat recovery cycle 9 is heated by the heat medium and evaporated (vaporized).

[0049] The above-mentioned first vaporizer 68A is configured to transfer thermal energy from the cold heat medium flowing downstream of the cold heat expansion turbine 93 and upstream of the cold heat pump 91 in the cold heat recovery cycle 9 to the liquefied nitrogen flowing on the first supply line 61. The first vaporizer 68A may be configured to be able to exchange heat between the liquefied nitrogen flowing in the first supply line 61 and the cold heat medium flowing in the cold heat recovery cycle 9. By the heat exchange in the first vaporizer 68A, the liquefied nitrogen flowing in the first supply line 61 is heated by the cold heat medium flowing in the cold heat recovery cycle 9 and evaporates (vaporizes). Also, by the heat exchange in the first vaporizer 68A, the cold heat medium flowing in the cold heat recovery cycle 9 is cooled by the liquefied nitrogen flowing in the first supply line 61 and condenses (liquefies).

[0050] According to the above configuration, there are cases where the expansion turbine 7 is not required to start up quickly compared to the extinguishing agent supplying device 8. By providing the cold heat recovery cycle 9 in the fire extinguishing equipment 1, the start-up speed of the expansion turbine 7 becomes slower, but since the power of the cold heat expansion turbine 93 of the cold heat recovery cycle 9 can be recovered, the power that can be recovered in the fire extinguishing equipment 1 can be increased.

[0051] (Air-cooled heat exchanger) In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the at least one vaporizer 68 includes an air-cooled heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the liquefied nitrogen flowing through the supply line 6 and the air in the atmosphere. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, each of the first vaporizer 68A and the second vaporizer 68B is made of the air-cooled heat exchanger. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the second vaporizer 68B is made of the air-cooled heat exchanger.

[0052] According to the above configuration, if vaporizer 68 uses water or the like as a heat medium, there is a risk that the heat medium such as water will freeze in vaporizer 68 and block vaporizer 68 when vaporizer 68 is started up quickly. In contrast, if an air-cooled heat exchanger is used as vaporizer 68, the risk of freezing that accompanies the rapid start-up of vaporizer 68 is reduced, making it possible to start vaporizer 68 up quickly.

[0053] In some embodiments, the heat medium in the cold generating device 2 is air, nitrogen, or neon. According to the above configuration, by using inert nitrogen or neon, or air with a high nitrogen content as the heat medium in the cold generating device 2, the safety of the cold generating device 2 against fire can be improved.

[0054] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1, the above-mentioned fire extinguishing equipment 1 further includes a solar power generation device 100 configured to perform solar power generation. The solar power generation device 100 may include a solar panel for generating electricity from sunlight. The above-mentioned cold energy generating device 2 is configured to be driven by the electricity generated by the solar power generation device 100.

[0055] 1 to 7, the cold energy generating device 2 includes at least one electric motor 24A, 24B configured to transmit rotational power generated in at least one electric compressor 22 or at least one cold-side expansion turbine 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one electric motor 24A, 24B includes a first electric motor 24A and a second electric motor 24B different from the first electric motor 24A. The cold energy generating device 2 is driven by supplying electric power generated by a solar power generation device 100 to the at least one electric motor 24A, 24B.

[0056] According to the above configuration, in the fire extinguishing equipment 1, the cold energy generating device 2 is driven by the power generated by the solar power generation device 100 to generate cold energy, thereby allowing liquefied nitrogen to be stored in the storage device 5. In other words, liquefied nitrogen can be stored in the storage device 5 using the power generated by the solar power generation device 100, and liquefied nitrogen can be supplied from the storage device 5 in response to a request for use of nitrogen gas.

[0057] (Cold heat generating device) In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, the circulation line 21 of the cold heat generating device 2 is configured to circulate a heat medium. The at least one electric compressor 22 described above includes a first electric compressor 22A connected to a first electric motor 24A, and a second electric compressor 22B connected to a second electric motor 24B, the first electric compressor 22A being provided upstream of the first electric compressor 22A on the circulation line 21. The cold heat side expansion turbine 23 is connected to the first electric motor 24A.

[0058] 1 to 7, the cold heat generating device 2 includes a first cooler 25 provided downstream of the first electric compressor 22A in the circulation line 21 and upstream of the cold heat side expansion turbine 23, and a second cooler 27 provided downstream of the second electric compressor 22B in the circulation line 21 and upstream of the first electric compressor 22A. Each of the first cooler 25 and the second cooler 27 may be configured to perform heat exchange between a heat medium flowing through the circulation line 21 and a refrigerant such as water.

[0059] 1 to 7, the cold heat generating device 2 may further include a heat exchanger 26 provided on the circulation line 21. The heat exchanger 26 is configured to perform heat exchange between a heat medium flowing downstream of the first cooler 25 and upstream of the cold heat side expansion turbine 23 in the circulation line 21 and a heat medium flowing downstream of the condenser 4 and upstream of the second electric compressor 22B in the circulation line 21.

[0060] Each of the above-mentioned first flow control valve 15 and second flow control valve 64 may be an opening / closing valve whose opening can be adjusted to fully closed or fully open, or may be an opening adjustment valve whose opening can be adjusted to fully closed, fully open, and at least one intermediate opening between them.

[0061] In this specification, expressions expressing relative or absolute configuration, such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial," do not only strictly represent such a configuration, but also represent a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions indicating that things are in an equal state, such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous," not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions describing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape do not only refer to shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape in the strict geometric sense, but also refer to shapes that include uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. In addition, in this specification, the expressions "comprise," "include," or "have" a certain element are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other elements.

[0062] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications to the above-described embodiments and appropriate combinations of these modifications.

[0063] The contents described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0064] 1) At least one embodiment of the fire extinguishing system (1) according to the present disclosure includes: A cold energy generating device (2) configured to be driven by electricity to generate cold energy; a separation device (3) configured to separate gaseous nitrogen from air; a condenser (4) configured to transfer the cold energy generated by the cold energy generating device (2) to the gaseous nitrogen from the separation device (3) to liquefy it; a storage device (5) configured to store the liquefied nitrogen liquefied in the condenser (4); a supply line (6) for conveying the nitrogen withdrawn from the storage device (5); an expansion turbine (7) provided on the supply line (6), the expansion turbine (7) being driven by nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen; and an extinguishing agent supplying device (8) provided on the supply line (6) for supplying the nitrogen gas as an extinguishing agent.

[0065] According to the above configuration 1), the fire extinguishing system (1) is configured to store liquefied nitrogen obtained by liquefying gaseous nitrogen in the storage device (5), and therefore, compared to a configuration in which liquefied oxygen obtained by liquefying gaseous oxygen is stored, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the condenser (4) and the storage device (5), and therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the fire extinguishing system (1). The fire extinguishing system (1) can recover the output of the expansion turbine (7) by driving the expansion turbine (7) with nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device (5). In addition, when a fire breaks out in a structure equipped with the fire extinguishing system (1), the extinguishing agent supply device (8) can supply the nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device (5) to the target of fire extinguishing as a fire extinguishing agent.

[0066] 2) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) described in 1) above, The storage device (5) is configured to be capable of storing the nitrogen gas vaporized from the liquefied nitrogen by external heat input, The supply line (6) includes a supply pipe (6A) for delivering the nitrogen gas vaporized inside the storage device (5).

[0067] According to the above configuration 2), the liquefied nitrogen stored in the storage device (5) is vaporized by external heat input to produce high-pressure nitrogen gas, eliminating the need to provide a boosting device (booster pump 67, compressor, etc.) or a vaporizer (68) on the supply pipe (6A). Furthermore, according to the above configuration 2), since there is no boosting device or vaporizer (68) on the supply pipe (6A), it is possible to quickly supply nitrogen gas to the expansion turbine (7) and the extinguishing agent supply device (8) in an emergency, etc.

[0068] 3) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to 2) above, The supply line (6) a first supply line (61) connecting the storage device (5) and the expansion turbine (7); and a second supply line (62) branching off from the first supply line (61) and connected to the extinguishant supply device (8).

[0069] According to the above configuration 3), it is possible to selectively switch the supply destination of the nitrogen gas between the expansion turbine (7) and the extinguishing agent supplying device (8). This allows for flexible response to emergency situations such as emergency fire extinguishing and emergency power generation, and allows a desired amount of nitrogen gas to be supplied to the expansion turbine (7) and the extinguishing agent supplying device (8) in an emergency.

[0070] 4) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to 2) above, The extinguishant supply device (8) was provided on the supply line (6) downstream of the expansion turbine (7).

[0071] According to the above configuration 4), the nitrogen gas introduced into the extinguishing agent supplying device (8) has its enthalpy recovered in the expansion turbine (7) and is at a low temperature. Therefore, the nitrogen gas supplied from the extinguishing agent supplying device (8) to the target of extinguishing can perform not only oxygen-starved extinguishing by cutting off the supply of air to the combustion material (fire heat source) or diluting the oxygen concentration, but also cooling extinguishing by removing heat from the combustion material (fire heat source) and lowering the temperature below the ignition temperature.

[0072] 5) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) described in 1) above, The storage device (5) is configured to store the liquefied nitrogen in a liquid state, The fire extinguishing system (1) further comprises at least one vaporizer (68) provided on the supply line (6) and configured to vaporize the liquefied nitrogen.

[0073] According to the above configuration 5), the size of the storage device (5) can be reduced compared to when nitrogen gas is stored in the storage device (5). When nitrogen gas is stored in the storage device (5), it is difficult to supply liquefied nitrogen to the storage device (5) until the nitrogen gas runs out from within the storage device (5). In contrast, when liquefied nitrogen is stored in the storage device (5) in a liquid state, there is no limit to the time when liquefied nitrogen is supplied to the storage device (5). Therefore, it is possible to supply liquefied nitrogen generated by electricity stored in the fire extinguishing system (1) to the storage device (5), for example.

[0074] 6) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to 5) above, The supply line (6) a first supply line (61) connecting the storage device (5) and the expansion turbine (7); and a second supply line (62) branching off from the first supply line (61) and connected to the extinguishant supply device (8).

[0075] According to the above configuration 6), it is possible to selectively switch the supply destination of the nitrogen gas between the expansion turbine (7) and the extinguishing agent supplying device (8). This allows for flexible response to emergency situations such as emergency firefighting and emergency power generation, and allows a desired amount of nitrogen gas to be supplied to the expansion turbine (7) and the extinguishing agent supplying device (8) in an emergency.

[0076] 7) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to 5) above, The extinguishant supply device (8) was provided on the supply line (6) downstream of the expansion turbine (7).

[0077] According to the above configuration 7), the nitrogen gas introduced into the extinguishing agent supplying device (8) has its enthalpy recovered in the expansion turbine (7) and is at a low temperature. Therefore, the nitrogen gas supplied from the extinguishing agent supplying device (8) to the target of extinguishing can perform not only oxygen-starved extinguishing by cutting off the supply of air to the combustion material (fire heat source) or diluting the oxygen concentration, but also cooling extinguishing by removing heat from the combustion material (fire heat source) and lowering the temperature below the ignition temperature.

[0078] 8) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to 6) above, The at least one vaporizer (68) a first carburetor (68A) provided on the first supply line (61) between a connection position of an upstream end of the second supply line (62) and the expansion turbine (7); and a second vaporizer (68B) provided in the second supply line (62).

[0079] According to the above configuration 8), the nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing liquefied nitrogen in the first vaporizer (68A) can be supplied to the expansion turbine (7), and the nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing liquefied nitrogen in the second vaporizer (68B) can be supplied to the extinguishant supplying device (8). By providing a vaporizer for each supply destination of nitrogen gas, it is possible to vaporize a required amount of liquefied nitrogen for each supply destination of nitrogen gas in each vaporizer, thereby suppressing the generation of excess nitrogen gas.

[0080] 9) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to 8) above, The system further includes a cold heat recovery cycle (9) configured to circulate a cold heat transfer medium, The cold heat recovery cycle (9) a cold heat expansion turbine (93) for expanding the cold heat medium in a gaseous state, the cold heat expansion turbine (93) being provided on the cold heat recovery cycle (9); a cold heat pump (91) provided downstream of the first vaporizer (68A) in the cold heat recovery cycle (9) for pressurizing the cold heat medium; a cold energy evaporator (92) for evaporating the cold energy heat medium, the cold energy evaporator (92) being provided downstream of the cold energy pump (91) and upstream of the cold energy expansion turbine (93) in the cold energy recovery cycle (9); The first vaporizer (68A) is configured to transfer thermal energy from the cold heat medium flowing downstream of a cold heat expansion turbine (93) and upstream of a cold heat pump (91) in the cold heat recovery cycle (9) to the liquefied nitrogen flowing on the first supply line (61).

[0081] According to the above configuration 9), there are cases where the expansion turbine (7) is not required to start up quickly compared to the extinguishing agent supply device (8). By providing the cold energy recovery cycle (9) in the fire extinguishing system (1), the start-up speed of the expansion turbine (7) becomes slower, but the power of the cold energy expansion turbine (93) of the cold energy recovery cycle (9) can be recovered, so that the power that can be recovered in the fire extinguishing system (1) can be increased.

[0082] 10) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to any one of 5) to 9) above, The at least one vaporizer (68) includes a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the liquefied nitrogen flowing through the supply line (6) and atmospheric air.

[0083] According to the above configuration 10), if the evaporator (68) uses water or the like as a heat medium, there is a risk that the heat medium such as water will freeze in the evaporator (68) and cause blockage of the evaporator (68) when the evaporator (68) is started up quickly. In contrast, if an air-cooled heat exchanger is used as the evaporator (68), the risk of freezing due to the rapid start-up of the evaporator (68) is reduced, making it possible to start up the evaporator (68) quickly.

[0084] 11) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to any one of 5) to 10) above, The storage device (5) is configured to be able to store the liquefied nitrogen compressed to a predetermined pressure or higher in a liquid state.

[0085] According to the configuration of 11) above, when liquefied nitrogen compressed to a predetermined pressure or higher is stored in the storage device (5), nitrogen gas can be supplied to the expansion turbine (7) and the extinguishing agent supply device (8) without providing a boosting device (boosting pump 67, compressor, etc.) on the supply line (6). Furthermore, according to the configuration of 11) above, since there is no boosting device on the supply line (6), nitrogen gas can be quickly supplied to the expansion turbine (7) and the extinguishing agent supply device (8) in an emergency, etc.

[0086] 12) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to any one of 1) to 11) above, The cold heat generating device (2) is a circulation line (21) for supplying a heat transfer medium to the condenser; at least one electric compressor (22) provided on the circulation line (21) and configured to compress the heat medium; and at least one electric turbine (23) provided on the circulation line (21) and configured to expand the heat medium.

[0087] According to the above configuration 12), by driving the electric compressor (22), the heat medium is guided to the electric compressor (22) from the upstream side of the circulation line (21) of the electric compressor (22) and the heat medium is compressed. The heat medium compressed by the electric compressor (22) is expanded in the cold-side expansion turbine (23) and the temperature is reduced. Thus, according to the above configuration 12), the heat medium having cold energy generated in the cold-heat generating device (2) can be guided to the condenser (4) via the circulation line (21).

[0088] 13) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to 12) above, The heat medium in the cold generating device (2) is any one of air, nitrogen, and neon.

[0089] According to the above configuration 13), by using inert nitrogen, neon, or air with a high nitrogen content as the heat medium in the cold energy generating device (2), the safety of the cold energy generating device (2) against fire can be improved.

[0090] 14) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to any one of 1) to 13) above, The solar power generation device (100) is further configured to be capable of generating solar power; The cold heat generating device (2) is configured to be driven by the electric power generated by the solar power generating device (100).

[0091] According to the configuration of 14) above, in the fire extinguishing system (1), the cold energy generating device (2) is driven by the electricity generated by the solar power generation device (100) to generate cold energy, thereby allowing liquefied nitrogen to be stored in the storage device (5). That is, liquefied nitrogen can be stored in the storage device (5) by the electricity generated by the solar power generation device (100), and liquefied nitrogen can be supplied from the storage device (5) in response to a request for use of nitrogen gas.

[0092] 15) In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system (1) according to any one of 1) to 14) above, an electrically powered air-side compressor (12) configured to compress the air introduced into the separation device (3); The system further includes a cooler (14) configured to cool either the compressed air compressed by the air-side compressor (12) or the gaseous nitrogen separated in the separation device (3) using water as a cold source.

[0093] According to the configuration of 15) above, the air to be introduced into the separation device (3) is compressed in the air-side compressor (12), thereby making it possible to increase the difference in the permeation speed of the gas components in the separation device (3), and therefore it becomes possible to extract gaseous nitrogen from the air with high accuracy in the separation device (3). The cooler (14) can cool the compressed air and gaseous nitrogen that have become hot due to compression in the air-side compressor (12). By using water, the supply amount of which can be easily adjusted, as the cold source in the cooler (14), it is possible to stably lower the temperature of the compressed air and gaseous nitrogen to a predetermined temperature or lower. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Fire extinguishing equipment 2 Cold generation device 3 Separation device 4. Condenser 5,5A~5C Storage device 6 Supply Line 7 Expansion Turbine 8 Extinguishing agent supply device 9. Cold and heat recovery cycle 11 Introduction Line 12 Air side compressor 13,24A,24B Electric motor 14 Cooler 15 First flow control valve 21 Circulation Line 22 Electric Compressor 23 Cold side expansion turbine 25 1st cooler 26 Heat exchanger 27 Second cooler 31 Membrane Module 61 First Supply Line 62,62A Second supply line 63 Connection position 64 Second flow control valve 65 Third flow control valve 66 Fourth flow control valve 67 Booster Pump 68 Carburetor 71,94 Generator 81 Extinguishing agent nozzle 91 Heat and cold pumps 92 Evaporator for cold heat 93 Cold expansion turbine 100 Solar power generation equipment

Claims

1. A cold energy generating device configured to be driven by electricity to generate cold energy; a separation device configured to separate gaseous nitrogen from air; A condenser configured to transfer the cold energy generated by the cold energy generating device to the gaseous nitrogen from the separation device to liquefy it; a storage device configured to store the liquefied nitrogen liquefied in the condenser; a supply line for conveying the nitrogen withdrawn from the storage device; an expansion turbine provided on the supply line, the expansion turbine being driven by nitrogen gas obtained by vaporizing the liquefied nitrogen; and a fire extinguishing agent supplying device provided on the supply line for supplying the nitrogen gas as a fire extinguishing agent. Fire extinguishing equipment.

2. The storage device is configured to be able to store the nitrogen gas vaporized from the liquefied nitrogen by external heat input, The supply line includes a supply pipe for delivering the nitrogen gas vaporized inside the storage device. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1.

3. The supply line is a first supply line connecting the storage device and the expansion turbine; A second supply line branched from the first supply line and connected to the extinguishing agent supply device. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 2.

4. The extinguishing agent supplying device is provided downstream of the expansion turbine in the supply line, The fire extinguishing system according to claim 2.

5. The storage device is configured to store the liquefied nitrogen in a liquid state, The fire extinguishing system further comprises at least one vaporizer provided on the supply line and configured to vaporize the liquefied nitrogen. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1.

6. The supply line is a first supply line connecting the storage device and the expansion turbine; A second supply line branched from the first supply line and connected to the extinguishing agent supply device. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 5.

7. The extinguishing agent supplying device is provided downstream of the expansion turbine in the supply line, The fire extinguishing system according to claim 5.

8. The at least one vaporizer comprises: a first carburetor provided on the first supply line between a connection position of an upstream end of the second supply line and the expansion turbine; A second vaporizer provided in the second supply line. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 6.

9. The cooling system further includes a cold heat recovery cycle configured to circulate a cold heat transfer medium; The cold heat recovery cycle is a cold heat expansion turbine for expanding the cold heat medium in a gaseous state, the cold heat expansion turbine being provided on the cold heat recovery cycle; a cold heat pump for increasing the pressure of the cold heat medium, the cold heat pump being provided downstream of the first vaporizer in the cold heat recovery cycle; a cold heat evaporator for evaporating the cold heat medium, the cold heat evaporator being provided downstream of the cold heat pump and upstream of the cold heat expansion turbine in the cold heat recovery cycle; The first vaporizer is configured to transfer thermal energy from the cold heat medium flowing downstream of a cold heat expansion turbine and upstream of a cold heat pump in the cold heat recovery cycle to the liquefied nitrogen flowing on the first supply line. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 8.

10. the at least one vaporizer includes a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the liquefied nitrogen flowing through the supply line and atmospheric air; A fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. The storage device is configured to store the liquefied nitrogen compressed to a predetermined pressure or higher in a liquid state. A fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. The cold heat generating device includes: A circulation line for supplying a heat medium to the condenser; at least one electric compressor provided on the circulation line and configured to compress the heat medium; At least one electric turbine provided on the circulation line and configured to expand the heat medium. A fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The heat medium in the cold heat generating device is any one of air, nitrogen, and neon. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 12.

14. The solar power generation system further includes a solar power generation device configured to be capable of generating solar power. The cold energy generating device is configured to be driven by the power generated by the solar power generating device. A fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. an electrically powered air-side compressor configured to compress the air introduced into the separation device; The system further includes a cooler configured to cool either the compressed air compressed by the air-side compressor or the gaseous nitrogen separated in the separation device using water as a cold source. A fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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