Thermal energy storage power generation system and thermal energy storage device

Abstract

To provide a heat storage power generation system and a heat storage device that can achieve a heating part and a heat storage part having a suitable structure.SOLUTION: A heat storage power generation system according to one embodiment comprises a heat storage part including a heat storage material for storing heat, and for heating a heat transfer fluid by the heat stored in the heat storage material. The system also comprises a first heating part provided in the heat storage part, and for heating the heat storage material. The system also comprises a power generation part for performing power generation by using the heat transfer fluid heated by the heat storage part. The heat storage part comprises an inlet into which the heat transfer fluid is supplied when heat is stored in the heat storage material, and an outlet from which the heat transfer fluid is discharged when heat is stored in the heat storage material. The first heating part comprises one or more heat generation sources arranged closer to the side of the inlet out of the inlet and the outlet, and heats the heat storage material by heat generated from the heat generation sources.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a heat storage power generation system and a heat storage device.

Background Art

[0002] To date, various heat storage power generation systems have been proposed. A heat storage power generation system generally includes a heat storage unit containing a heat storage material, a heating unit that heats the heat storage material, and a power generation unit that generates electricity using the heat stored in the heat storage material.

[0003] For example, when operating the heat storage unit in the heat storage mode, a technique has been proposed to manage the amount of energy for heating the heat storage material to a constant value by measuring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the inlet and outlet of the heating unit. Also, when operating the heat storage unit in the heat dissipation mode, a technique has been proposed in which the power generation unit generates electricity using a steam turbine cycle. Various proposals have also been made regarding heat transfer by a heat transfer fluid, utilization of the heat gradient in the heat storage unit, and arrangement of the heat storage material.

[0004] In the heat storage mode, the heat storage material in the heat storage unit is heated by some means (for example, a high-temperature heat transfer fluid). Then, as the temperature of the heat storage material rises, energy is stored in the heat storage unit. The high-temperature heat transfer fluid is produced, for example, by the electric power generated using natural energy. This electric power is, for example, surplus electric power exceeding the electric power required by the power grid.

[0005] In the heat dissipation mode, the heat storage material in the heat storage unit dissipates heat to some means (for example, a low-temperature heat transfer fluid). The low-temperature heat transfer fluid is heated by receiving heat energy from the heat storage material. As a result, the heat energy in the heat storage material decreases. The heat transfer fluid heated in the heat storage unit is sent to the power generation unit, and heat energy is supplied to the steam turbine cycle in the power generation unit. The power generation unit generates electricity using this heat energy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3322955 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3245388 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 3245466 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 10254050 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-001597 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] In the above heat storage power generation system, the heating unit heats the heat transfer fluid, and the heat transfer fluid heated by the heating unit heats the heat storage material in the heat storage unit. As a result, heat is stored in the heat storage material and used for power generation. In this case, in order to increase the heat storage density of the heat storage unit, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the heat storage material and the temperature of the piping for the heat storage unit, but this causes problems such as increased heat loss and increased costs.

[0008] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a heat storage power generation system and a heat storage device capable of realizing a heating unit and a heat storage unit having a suitable structure. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] According to one embodiment, a thermal energy storage power generation system includes a heat storage material for storing heat, and a heat storage unit that heats a heat transfer fluid with the heat stored in the heat storage material. The system further includes a first heating unit provided in the heat storage unit for heating the heat storage material. The system further includes a power generation unit that generates power using the heat transfer fluid heated by the heat storage unit. The heat storage unit includes an inlet through which the heat transfer fluid is supplied when storing heat in the heat storage material, and an outlet through which the heat transfer fluid is discharged when storing heat in the heat storage material. The first heating unit includes one or more heat sources disposed biased toward the inlet side of the inlet and the outlet, and heats the heat storage material with the heat generated from the heat source.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIGS. 1 to 22, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0012] (First Embodiment) [A] Overall Configuration of Heat Storage Power Generation System FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment.

[0013] The heat storage power generation system of this embodiment includes a heating unit 1, a heat storage unit 2, a power generation unit 3, a first heat transfer unit 4a, a second heat transfer unit 4b, flow path switching units 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and a control unit 6. The heating unit 1 is an example of a first heating unit. The flow path switching units 5a and 5b are examples of a first flow path switching unit. The flow path switching units 5c and 5d are examples of a second flow path switching unit. Also, the heating unit 1 and the heat storage unit 2 in the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment are examples of a heat storage device.

[0014] The heating unit 1 includes one or more heat sources 1a. The heat storage unit 2 includes an inlet 2a and an outlet 2b. The power generation unit 3 includes a heat exchanger 3a, a steam valve 3b, a steam turbine 3c, a steam turbine generator 3d, a condenser 3e, and a feed water pump 3f.

[0015] [A-1] Heating unit 1 FIG. 1 shows the energy input 11 to the heating unit 1. The heating unit 1 of this embodiment receives electric power as the energy input 11 and converts the electric power into heat by the heat source 1a. The heat source 1a is, for example, a radiant tube type heater. The heat source 1a may convert energy other than electric power into heat.

[0016] The heating unit 1 is installed in the heat storage unit 2 and heats the heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2. Specifically, the heating unit 1 of this embodiment heats the heat storage material by the radiant heat generated from the heat source 1a. That is, the heating unit 1 of this embodiment heats the heat storage material by radiant heat transfer. The heating unit 1 of this embodiment may further heat the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing in the heat storage unit 2 by the heat generated from the heat source la and heat the heat storage material by heat transport through the heat transfer fluid 12. That is, the heating unit 1 of this embodiment may heat the heat storage material by radiant heat transfer and at the same time by convective heat transfer.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows one or more heat sources 1a of the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment. These heat sources 1a are disposed in the heat storage unit 2 in a biased manner toward the inlet 2a side of the inlet 2a and the outlet 2b. That is, the average distance between these heat sources 1a and the inlet 2a is shorter than the average distance between these heat sources 1a and the outlet 2b. Therefore, these heat sources 1a are not uniformly disposed in the heat storage unit 2, but are non-uniformly disposed in the heat storage unit 2 so as to be biased toward the inlet 2a side.

[0018] [A-2] Heat storage unit 2 The heat storage unit 2 contains a heat storage material (not shown) inside. The heat storage material is, for example, a plurality of crushed stones obtained by crushing rocks. The heat storage unit 2 stores the heat generated from the heat source 1a in the heat storage material, and heats the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing through the heat storage unit 2 by the heat stored in the heat storage material. The heat storage unit 2 may contain a heat storage material other than crushed stones (for example, sand, molten salt, concrete, bricks, alloy PCM (Phase Change Material), etc.). The heat storage unit 2 of the present embodiment includes a heat source 1a installed between the crushed stones and one or more frames (not shown) for installing the heat source 1a between the crushed stones. The heat storage unit 2 of the present embodiment is operated in a heat storage mode or a heat dissipation mode.

[0019] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow paths between the first heat transfer unit 4a, the flow path switching unit 5a, the heat storage unit 2, and the flow path switching unit 5b. FIG. 1 shows a point Pa between the flow path switching unit 5a and the heat storage unit 2 and a point Pb between the heat storage unit 2 and the flow path switching unit 5b.

[0020] In the heat dissipation mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow paths between the second heat transfer unit 4b, the flow path switching unit 5d, the heat storage unit 2, the flow path switching unit 5c, and the heat exchanger 3a. The point Pb is located between the flow path switching unit 5d and the heat storage unit 2, and the point Pa is located between the heat storage unit 2 and the flow path switching unit 5c.

[0021] FIG. 1 further shows heat transfer fluids 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d as the heat transfer fluid 12. Hereinafter, the flow of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode and the heat dissipation mode will be described by focusing on the heat transfer fluids 12a to 12d.

[0022] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12a flows from the flow path switching section 5a through the point Pa to the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2 and enters the heat storage section 2. Inside the heat storage section 2, the heat storage material is heated by radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a and convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12a, and the temperature of the heat storage material rises. After the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12a changes inside the heat storage section 2, it becomes the heat transfer fluid 12b and is discharged outside the heat storage section 2. The heat transfer fluid 12b flows from the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2 through the point Pb to the flow path switching section 5b and passes through the first heat transfer section 4a. FIG. 1 represents the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing toward the first heat transfer section 4a as "heat transfer fluid 12b" and the heat transfer fluid 12 that has passed through the first heat transfer section 4a as "heat transfer fluid 12a". This heat transfer fluid 12a flows again toward the flow path switching section 5a. In this way, in the heat storage mode, energy is stored in the heat storage section 2 as the temperature of the heat storage material amount in the heat storage section 2 rises.

[0023] In the heat dissipation mode, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d flows from the heat exchanger 3a through the second heat transfer section 4b, the flow path switching section 5d, and the point Pb to the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2 and enters the heat storage section 2. Inside the heat storage section 2, the heat of the heat storage material is taken away (heat dissipation) by the heat transfer fluid 12d, and the temperature of the heat storage material decreases. On the other hand, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12d rises to become the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12c and is discharged outside the heat storage section 2. The heat transfer fluid 12c flows from the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2 through the point Pa to the flow path switching section 5c and passes through the heat exchanger 3a. At this time, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12c decreases due to heat exchange and returns to the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d. This heat transfer fluid 12d flows again toward the second heat transfer section 4b. In this way, in the heat dissipation mode, the temperature of the heat storage material decreases by releasing energy from the heat storage material amount in the heat storage section 2.

[0024] In the heat storage section 2 in the heat storage mode, the area near the inlet 2a becomes the high-temperature side, and the area near the outlet 2b becomes the low-temperature side. As described above, the heat source 1a of the present embodiment is disposed biased toward the inlet 2a side in the heat storage section 2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat storage section 2 in the heat storage mode from being heated evenly. The advantages of unevenly heating the heat storage section 2 in the heat storage mode will be described later.

[0025] Note that the heat transfer fluid 12 may flow without circulating in the heat storage power generation system instead of flowing so as to circulate in the heat storage power generation system. Examples of such a heat storage power generation system will be described later.

[0026] [A-3] Power generation section 3 The power generation section 3 generates power by using the heat of the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12c. The power generation section 3 of the present embodiment generates power using a steam turbine cycle. Specifically, the heat exchanger 3a changes water into steam by heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid 12c and water. This steam is supplied to the steam turbine 3c via the steam valve 3b to drive the steam turbine 3c. As a result, the steam turbine generator 3d connected to the steam turbine 3c is driven, and the steam turbine generator 3d generates power. FIG. 1 shows the power output 13 from the steam turbine generator 3d. The steam discharged from the steam turbine 3c is returned to water by the condenser 3e. This water is supplied again to the heat exchanger 3a by the feed water pump 3f.

[0027] The power generation unit 3 performs thermal power generation such as coal boiler power generation or LNG gas turbine combined cycle power generation. However, the power generation unit 3 may perform power generation by a method different from these methods. Further, the thermal energy storage power generation system of the present embodiment may be a retrofit in which the heating unit 1 is newly installed, the thermal energy storage unit 2 is newly installed, and the power generation unit 3 is an existing facility. Thereby, it becomes possible to convert the mechanism for generating steam for the power generation unit 3 by the heat of the thermal power generation facility that emits CO2 into a mechanism for generating steam for the power generation unit 3 by the heat of a CO2-free power generation facility. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the economic efficiency of power generation while reducing the construction cost of the thermal energy storage power generation system as compared with the case of newly installing the power generation unit 3.

[0028] Generally, when the power generation unit 3 is stopped, a long time is required to restart the power generation unit 3. When the power generation unit 3 uses a steam turbine cycle, if the stop time of the power generation unit 3 is long and the steam turbine 3c is in a cold state, the time required to restart the power generation unit 3 becomes extremely long. Therefore, it is desirable that the heating unit 1 in the thermal energy storage mode generates not only the heat for storing energy in the thermal energy storage unit 2 but also the heat for the power generation unit 3 to operate at the minimum output required for in-plant operation (in-plant independent operation). Thereby, it becomes possible to continuously operate the power generation unit 3 in the thermal energy storage mode, that is, to maintain the power generation unit 3 in a standby state according to the power supply and demand.

[0029] [A-4]First heat transfer section 4a and second heat transfer section 4b The first heat transfer section 4a is used to convey the heat transfer fluid 12 discharged from the outlet 2b of the thermal energy storage unit 2 back to the inlet 2a of the thermal energy storage unit 2 in the thermal energy storage mode. The first heat transfer section 4a is, for example, a blower or a pump. The first heat transfer section 4a circulates the heat transfer fluid 12 (12a, 12b) among the first heat transfer section 4a, the flow path switching section 5a, the point Pa, the thermal energy storage unit 2, the point Pb, and the flow path switching section 5b. The first heat transfer section 4a of the present embodiment may circulate the heat transfer fluid 12 at a constant flow rate or control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 12 so as to match a fluctuating flow rate set value according to the operation purpose.

[0030] The second heat transfer section 4b is used to convey the heat transfer fluid 12 discharged from the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2 back to the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2 again in the heat dissipation mode. The second heat transfer section 4b is, for example, a blower or a pump. The second heat transfer section 4b circulates the heat transfer fluid 12 (12c, 12d) among the second heat transfer section 4b, the flow path switching section 5d, the point Pb, the heat storage section 2, the point Pb, the flow path switching section 5c, and the heat exchanger 3a. The second heat transfer section 4b of the present embodiment may circulate the heat transfer fluid 12 at a constant flow rate or control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 12 so as to match a fluctuating flow rate set value according to the operation purpose.

[0031] [A-5]Flow path switching sections 5a to 5d The open / closed states of the flow path switching sections 5a to 5d change according to the operation mode of the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment. The flow path switching section 5 is, for example, a valve or a damper.

[0032] In the heat storage mode, the flow path switching sections 5a and 5b are in the open state, and the flow path switching sections 5c and 5d are in the closed state. Thereby, it becomes possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid 12 (12a, 12b) among the first heat transfer section 4a, the flow path switching section 5a, the point Pa, the heat storage section 2, the point Pb, and the flow path switching section 5b.

[0033] In the heat dissipation mode, the flow path switching sections 5a and 5b are in the closed state, and the flow path switching sections 5c and 5d are in the open state. Thereby, it becomes possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid 12 (12c, 12d) among the second heat transfer section 4b, the flow path switching section 5d, the point Pb, the heat storage section 2, the point Pb, the flow path switching section 5c, and the heat exchanger 3a.

[0034] [A-6]Control section 6 The control section 6 controls various operations of the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment. The control section 6 switches, for example, the operation mode of the heat storage power generation system between the heat storage mode and the heat dissipation mode. Further, the control section 6 controls the heating operation of the heating section 1, various operations of the heat storage section 2, the power generation operation of the power generation section 3, the on / off of the first heat transfer section 4a and the second heat transfer section 4b, the opening and closing of the flow path switching sections 5a to 5d, and the like.

[0035] As described above, the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment is provided in the heat storage unit 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to heat the heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2 not only by convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12 but also by radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a. By using not only convective heat transfer but also radiative heat transfer, it is possible to supply the necessary heating amount of the heat storage material even when the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 12 is small. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the heat transfer loss in the heat transfer fluid 12 and avoid excessively raising the temperature in the heating unit 1.

[0036] [B] Details of the heat storage power generation system Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9, further details of the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment will be described.

[0037] [B-1] FIG. 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the heat storage unit 2 and the like of the first embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing the heat storage unit 2 and the heating unit 1 in the heat storage unit 2. FIG. 2(a) shows the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction that are perpendicular to each other. In this specification, the +Z direction is treated as the upward direction, and the -Z direction is treated as the downward direction. The -Z direction may coincide with the gravitational direction or may not coincide with the gravitational direction. FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the XY cross-section of the heat storage unit 2 and the heating unit 1 shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0039] In FIG. 2(a), the heating unit 1 includes three sets of heat sources 1a, and each set of heat sources 1a includes ten heat sources 1a. Each heat source 1a is, for example, a tube-type heater that converts electricity into heat. Each heat source 1a extends parallel to the Z direction. In each set of heat sources 1a, ten heat sources 1a are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The three sets of heat sources 1a shown in FIG. 2(a) are adjacent to each other in the X direction. Note that the heating unit 1 may include N sets (N is a positive integer) of heat sources 1a other than three sets, and each set of heat sources 1a may include M heat sources 1a (M is a positive integer) other than ten.

[0040] In Fig. 2(a), the heat storage unit 2 includes an inlet 2a, an outlet 2b, a container 2c, and four rock layers 2d. The container 2c houses the heat source 1a of the heating unit 1, has the inlet 2a in the -X direction of the container 2c, and has the outlet 2b in the +X direction of the container 2c. The heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode is conveyed in the +X direction from the inlet 2a to the outlet 2b within the heat storage unit 2. On the other hand, the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat dissipation mode is conveyed in the -X direction from the outlet 2b to the inlet 2a within the heat storage unit 2. Each rock layer 2d corresponds to the above-described heat storage material and contains a plurality of crushed stones. The heat storage unit 2 alternately includes three sets of heat sources 1a and four rock layers 2d within the container 2c. In other words, the crushed stones are filled in the gaps within the container 2c. Each heat source 1a is connected to the container 2c by, for example, a flange or a frame. Note that the heat storage unit 2 may include K (K is a positive integer) rock layers 2d other than four.

[0041] Fig. 2(a) shows 30 heat sources 1a included in the heating unit 1. These heat sources 1a are arranged biased toward the inlet 2a side of the inlet 2a and the outlet 2b within the heat storage unit 2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat storage unit 2 in the heat storage mode from being evenly heated.

[0042] In the heat storage unit 2 of Fig. 2(a), the conveyance direction (travel direction) of the heat transfer fluid 12 is the ±X direction, and each heat source 1a extends perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12. The conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12 may be a direction other than the ±X direction, for example, the ±Z direction. When the heat transfer fluid 12 is conveyed in the -Z direction, it is possible to enhance the heat diffusion effect by the upward airflow (buoyancy), and it is not necessary to greatly consider the tube rigidity of each heat source 1a. On the other hand, when the heat transfer fluid 12 is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, the maintenance of the heat source 1a becomes easier when the upper surface of the container 2c is a lid. In the heat storage unit 2 of Fig. 2(a), the heat transfer fluid 12 flows, for example, through the gaps between the heat sources 1a and the gaps between the crushed stones.

[0043] Each heat source 1a includes, for example, a tube and a heating wire inside the tube. It is desirable that the materials of the tube and the heating wire be appropriate materials according to the operating temperature of the heat source 1a. The material of the tube is, for example, a Ni-based alloy. The heating wire is, for example, a nichrome wire, an Fe-Cr alloy wire, a heating wire made of an SiC-based material, or the like. The number of heat sources 1a in the heating section 1 is desirably set, for example, in consideration of the required heat storage capacity and heat storage temperature.

[0044] In each set of heat sources 1a, the plurality of heat sources 1a may be separated from each other, or may form a single U-shaped heater. In this case, it is desirable that this heater be configured such that the heat transfer fluid 12 can pass through the U-shaped portion of this heater. Also, a plurality of heat sources 1a belonging to another set may form a single U-shaped heater.

[0045] In FIG. 2(b), the heat storage section 2 includes an inlet 2a, an outlet 2b, a container 2c, four rock layers 2d, and two heat insulating materials 2e. These heat insulating materials 2e are arranged on the +Y direction side of the heat source 1a and on the -Y direction side of the heat source 1a. The heat storage section 2 may further include a heat insulating material arranged on the +Z direction side of the heat source 1a and a heat insulating material arranged on the -Z direction side of the heat source 1a.

[0046] As described above, in the heat storage section 2 of FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the heat source 1a extends perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12. Thereby, it becomes possible to widen the heat transfer area of the heat source 1a in the heat storage section 2, and it becomes possible to increase the amount of heat transfer from the heating section 1 to the heat transfer fluid 12. Also, if the output of the heat source 1a is made variable for each heat source 1a, it becomes possible to freely control the temperature distribution in the heat storage section 2. Note that the heating section 1 and the heat storage section 2 of the present embodiment may have a configuration different from the configurations shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) as will be described later.

[0047] [B-2] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another configuration example of the heat storage section 2 and the like of the first embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view showing the heat storage part 2 and the heating part 1 in the heat storage part 2. In Fig. 3(a), the heating part 1 includes five bent heat sources 1a, and the heat storage part 2 includes an inlet 2a, an outlet 2b, a container 2c, and six rock layers 2d. Note that the heating part 1 may include M (M is a positive integer) heat sources 1a other than five. Also, the heat storage part 2 may include K (K is a positive integer) rock layers 2d other than six.

[0049] In Fig. 3(a), each heat source 1a is, for example, a heating wire that converts electricity into heat. Each heat source 1a extends substantially parallel to the X direction except for the bent portions. The five heat sources 1a shown in Fig. 3(a) are adjacent to each other in the Z direction. Each heat source 1a has, for example, a corrugated shape formed by connecting a plurality of U-shaped shapes.

[0050] Fig. 3(a) shows the five heat sources 1a included in the heating part 1. These heat sources 1a are arranged biased toward the inlet 2a side of the inlet 2a and the outlet 2b in the heat storage part 2. This makes it possible to suppress the uniform heating of the heat storage part 2 in the heat storage mode.

[0051] Fig. 3(b) shows a state in which one heat source 1a is sandwiched between a first frame 1b and a second frame 1c. As a result, a flat heater S including the heat source 1a, the first frame 1b, and the second frame 1c is formed (Fig. 3(c)). In Fig. 3(a), the heat storage part 2 alternately includes five flat heaters S and six rock layers 2d in the container 2c. These flat heaters S are arranged vertically in the Z direction in the container 2c. It is desirable that the materials of the first frame 1b and the second frame 1c be appropriate materials according to the use temperature of the heat source 1a. The materials of the first frame 1b and the second frame 1c are, for example, Ni-based alloys.

[0052] In FIG. 3(a), the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode is conveyed in the +X direction from the inlet 2a to the outlet 2b within the heat storage section 2, and the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat dissipation mode is conveyed in the -X direction from the outlet 2b to the inlet 2a within the heat storage section 2. Therefore, the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12 is the ±X direction, and each heat generating source 1a extends substantially parallel to the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12 except for the bent portions. In the heat storage section 2 of FIG. 3(a), the heat transfer fluid 12 flows through, for example, the gaps between the flat plate heaters S or the gaps between the crushed stones.

[0053] As described above, in the heat storage section 2 of FIG. 3(a), the heat generating source 1a extends parallel to the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12. Thereby, by continuously performing heat transfer along the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12, it becomes possible to homogenize the temperature distribution within the heat storage section 2. Furthermore, it becomes possible to suppress the temperature distribution within the heat storage section 2 from being homogenized during the stop of the heating section 1 due to natural convection generated within the heat storage section 2 caused by the air density difference. The reason is that since the heat generating source 1a extends parallel to the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12, it becomes difficult for an upward airflow to flow within the heat storage section 2.

[0054] Each flat plate heater S shown in FIG. 3(a) may be replaced with a set of heat generating sources 1a shown in FIG. 2(a). That is, the heat generating source 1a extending parallel to the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12 may be realized using the heat generating source 1a shown in FIG. 2(a). On the other hand, each set of heat generating sources 1a shown in FIG. 2(a) may be replaced with one flat plate heater S shown in FIG. 3(a). That is, the heat generating source 1a extending perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the heat transfer fluid 12 may be realized using the heat generating source 1a shown in FIG. 3(a).

[0055] [B-3] FIG. 4 FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the heat storage section 2 and the like of the first embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view showing the heat storage section 2. In the heat storage section 2 of Fig. 4(a), the container 2c includes a housing and an internal frame structure accommodated in the housing. Fig. 4(a) shows the shape of the internal frame structure. The internal frame structure shown in Fig. 4(a) has a plurality of openings in plan view (viewed from above), and a heat source 1a and a rock layer 2d are accommodated in these openings. The internal frame structure shown in Fig. 4(a) has a honeycomb structure in which the shapes of these openings are hexagonal in plan view.

[0057] Fig. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the XY cross-section of the internal frame structure shown in Fig. 4(a). In the internal frame structure (container 2c) shown in Fig. 4(b), cylindrical containers 21 are accommodated in each opening in plan view. The cylindrical container 21 is a cylindrical container extending in the Z direction. Fig. 4(b) shows the cylindrical container 21 (tube) accommodating the heat source 1a (heating wire) and the cylindrical container 21 (tube) accommodating the rock layer 2d (heat storage material). Each cylindrical container 21 is connected to the internal frame structure by one or more connecting members 22. In this internal frame structure, the heat transfer fluid 12 flows from the inlet 2a to the outlet 2b through, for example, the gaps provided in the internal frame structure and the gaps between the cylindrical containers 21.

[0058] In Fig. 4(b), the frames of the internal frame structure are arranged at the intersections of the honeycomb structure in plan view and the like. On the other hand, the heat source 1a and the rock layer 2d are blocked in the form of the cylindrical containers 21. Each cylindrical container 21 is supported using the above frames and the like. It is desirable that the container 2c shown in Fig. 4(b) has a structure that allows the rock layer 2d to be inserted and removed from the lid on the upper surface of the container 2c. In the internal frame structure shown in Fig. 4(b), by expanding or contracting the cell size of the honeycomb structure or adjusting the diameter of the cylindrical container 21, it is possible to adjust the distance between the rock layers 2d in different cylindrical containers 21. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the pressure loss of the heat transfer fluid 12 while maintaining the heat exchange performance of the heat storage section 2.

[0059] Note that the internal frame structure may have a structure other than the honeycomb structure. For example, the shape of each opening may be quadrilateral in plan view. The internal frame structure may have a cage shape having a lattice shape in plan view. In this case, the container 2c may have a structure in which the rock layer 2d can be inserted and removed together with the cage from the lid on the upper surface of the container 2c.

[0060] [B-4] Figure 5 Figure 5 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the heat storage unit 2 and the like of the first embodiment.

[0061] Figure 5(a) is a plan view showing the heat storage unit 2. In the heat storage unit 2 of Figure 5(a), the container 2c has a plurality of openings in plan view, and the shapes of these openings are circular in plan view. This container 2c houses a plurality of cylindrical containers 21 in these openings, and each cylindrical container 21 houses the heat source 1a. Each cylindrical container 21 is connected to the container 2c by one or more connecting members 22.

[0062] Figure 5(a) shows nine heat sources 1a of the heating unit 1. These heat sources 1a are arranged biased toward the inlet 2a side of the inlet 2a and the outlet 2b in the heat storage unit 2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat storage unit 2 in the heat storage mode from being evenly heated.

[0063] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the XZ cross-section of the container 2c shown in Figure 5(a). In Figure 5(b), the container 2c includes a rock layer 2d so as to surround each cylindrical container 21. In other words, each cylindrical container 21 is embedded in the rock layer 2d. Figure 5(b) shows the diameter r (outer diameter) of the cylindrical container 21 and the diameter R (caliber) of the flange of the container 2c. These diameters r and R are set so that R > r, and the heat transfer fluid 12 passes through the gap "R - r".

[0064] Note that the internal frame structure of this container 2c may have a cage shape with a lattice shape in plan view. In this case, this container 2c may have a structure that allows the rock layer 2d to be inserted and removed together with the cage from the lid L on the upper surface of the container 2c.

[0065] [B-5] Figure 6 Figure 6 is a graph for explaining the operation of the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 6 shows the time change of the temperature of the heat storage material near the inlet 2a of the heat storage unit 2 in the heat dissipation mode. In Figure 6, the temperature in the heat storage power generation system of the comparative example is shown by a solid line, and the temperature in the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment is shown by a broken line. The heat storage power generation system of the comparative example has the heating unit 1 outside the heat storage unit 2 instead of inside the heat storage unit 2.

[0067] Since the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment has the heating unit 1 inside the heat storage unit 2, the heat storage material can be heated by the heating unit 1 even in the heat dissipation mode (re-heat storage). As a result, it becomes possible to gently reduce the temperature drop of the heat storage material during the heat dissipation mode (Figure 6), and it becomes possible to continue the heat dissipation mode for a long time.

[0068] [B-6] Figure 7 Figure 7 is another graph for explaining the operation of the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment.

[0069] Figure 7 shows the time change of various energies (electric power) in the heat dissipation mode. Curve A1 represents the electric power generated by the power generation unit 3. Curve A2 represents the electric power used in the heat storage power generation system. Curve A3 represents the electric power transmitted from the heat storage power generation system to the outside (for example, a power transmission and distribution company or a consumer). When no electric power is supplied to the heating unit 1 during the heat dissipation mode, the electric power A3 is represented by the difference between the electric power A1 and the electric power A2 (A3 = A1 - A2).

[0070] Curve A4 represents an example of the power supplied to the heating unit 1 during the heat dissipation mode. In the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment, a part of the power A1 generated by the power generation unit 3 may be used as the power A4 supplied to the heating unit 1 during the heat dissipation mode. In this case, the power transmitted from the heat storage power generation system to the outside is replaced by power A5. Power A5 is represented by the difference between power A1 - A4 and power A2 (A3 = A1 - A2 - A4). Thereby, reheating in the heat dissipation mode becomes possible.

[0071] According to this example, when there is an excess in power A1, it is possible to increase power A4 to increase the amount of reheating, and when power A1 is insufficient, it is possible to decrease power A4 to decrease the amount of reheating. Also, according to this example, it is possible to easily adjust the power transmission amount (power A5) according to changes in power demand. In FIG. 7, while the change in power A3 is small, the change in power A5 is large.

[0072] [B-7] FIG. 8 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the electric circuit of the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment.

[0073] The electric circuit shown in FIG. 8 includes a circuit breaker 31, an in-house transformer 32, a power distribution unit 33, a power distribution unit 34, a circuit breaker 35, and a main transformer 36. The power distribution unit 33 includes a plurality of electric circuit switches 33a. The power distribution unit 34 includes a plurality of transformers 34a. FIG. 8 further shows buses (transmission lines) L1, L2.

[0074] In FIG. 8, the circuit breaker 31, the in-house transformer 32, the power distribution unit 33, and the power distribution unit 34 form an in-house power circuit, and the circuit breaker 35 and the main transformer 36 form a power generation circuit. These in-house power circuits and power generation circuits are connected to the buses L1, L2 in separate systems.

[0075] In the heat storage mode, the circuit breaker 31 is in the open state, and the energy input 11 from the busbars L1 and L2 is transformed by the in-plant transformer 32 and enters the power distribution section 33. On the other hand, the circuit breaker 35 is in the closed state. The energy input 11 is further supplied to each heat source 1a of the heating section 1 via the power distribution section 34. Here, when the voltage of the heating section 1 is lower than the voltage of the power distribution section 33, it is necessary to install the power distribution sections 33 and 34, but when the voltage of the heating section 1 can be made equal to the voltage of the power distribution section 33, only the power distribution section 33 of the power distribution sections 33 and 34 may be installed. The transformer 34a in the power distribution section 34 is, for example, a tap-changing transformer or a voltage regulator using a thyristor control method. The heat output of the heating section 1 can be adjusted, for example, by opening and closing the electric circuit switch 33a in the power distribution section 33 or by transformation by the transformer 34a in the power distribution section 34.

[0076] In the heat dissipation mode, the circuit breaker 35 is in the open state, and the energy output is sent to the busbars L1 and L2 or the in-plant power circuit as described with reference to FIG. 7. At this time, transformation is performed by the main transformer 36. In the heat dissipation mode, by opening the circuit breaker 31 for power demand and supply adjustment and adjusting the heat output of the heating section 1, it is possible to reduce the minimum load of the power transmission output, speed up the electrical response of the power transmission output, and extend the heat dissipation operation time by additional energy input.

[0077] The adjustment of power demand and supply is performed by the control unit 6 based on the demand amount and the available supply amount. The control unit 6 of the present embodiment includes a power control unit that adjusts power demand and supply.

[0078] [B-8] FIG. 9 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the electric circuit of the heat storage power generation system according to the first embodiment.

[0079] The electric circuit shown in FIG. 9 includes an in-plant transformer 32, a power distribution section 33, a power distribution section 34, a circuit breaker 35, a main transformer 36, and a circuit breaker 37. The power distribution section 33 includes a plurality of electric circuit switches 33a. The power distribution section 34 includes a plurality of transformers 34a. FIG. 9 further shows the busbars L1 and L2.

[0080] In Fig. 9, the in-station transformer 32, the power distribution unit 33, and the power distribution unit 34 form an in-station power circuit, and the circuit breaker 35, the main transformer 36, and the circuit breaker 37 form a power generation circuit. These in-station power circuits and power generation circuits are connected to the same system on the busbars L1 and L2. The operation of the electrical circuit shown in Fig. 9 is generally the same as that of the electrical circuit shown in Fig. 8.

[0081] [C] Figure 1 Next, referring to Fig. 1 again, further details of the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment will be described.

[0082] The heating unit 1 of the present embodiment is provided inside the heat storage unit 2. If the heating unit 1 is provided outside the heat storage unit 2, the heating unit 1 heats the heat storage material by convective heat transfer. In this case, it is necessary to consider the heat transfer loss in the heat transfer fluid 12 and to set the temperature of the heat source 1a (heating wire) higher than the temperature required at the inlet 2a of the heat storage unit 2. For example, when the temperature required at the inlet 2a of the heat storage unit 2 is 700 °C, the temperature of the heat source 1a needs to be set to 900 °C or higher. To reduce the size of the heating unit 1, it is desirable to set the temperature of the heat source 1a to 1100 - 1200 °C. However, the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment is provided inside the heat storage unit 2 and can heat the heat storage material by radiative heat transfer and convective heat transfer. Generally, radiative heat transfer can locally increase the temperature of the heat storage material, and convective heat transfer can uniformly increase the temperature of the heat storage material. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the heat storage efficiency to the heat storage material, and it becomes possible to achieve sufficient heat storage even when the temperature of the heat source 1a is low. For example, when the temperature required at the inlet 2a of the heat storage unit 2 is 700 °C, it is possible to achieve sufficient heat storage even if the temperature of the heat source 1a is set to 600 °C, which is lower than 700 °C.

[0083] Moreover, according to the present embodiment, by providing the heating unit 1 inside the heat storage unit 2, it becomes possible to realize space saving of the entire heat storage power generation system. Furthermore, by improving the heat storage efficiency to the heat storage material, it becomes possible to downsize the heating unit 1 and the heat storage unit 2 itself, which can also bring about space saving of the entire heat storage power generation system.

[0084] Also, according to the present embodiment, by providing the heating unit 1 inside the heat storage unit 2, it is possible to heat the heat storage material by the heating unit 1 even during the heat dissipation mode to perform re-heat storage. As a result, it is possible to use surplus generated power for re-heat storage or to cope with a shortage of generated power by reducing the amount of re-heat storage. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 7, by performing re-heat storage during the heat dissipation mode, it is possible to easily adjust the power transmission amount according to changes in power demand.

[0085] Also, according to the present embodiment, by continuously operating the power generation unit 3 in the standby state even during the heat storage mode, it is possible to avoid the problem that it takes a long time to restart the power generation unit 3.

[0086] As described above, the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment is provided inside the heat storage unit 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to heat the heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2 not only by convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12 but also by radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a. As a result, it is possible to reduce the heat transfer loss in the heat transfer fluid 12 and to avoid excessively high temperatures in the heating unit 1, and it is possible to realize a heating unit 1 and a heat storage unit 2 having a suitable structure.

[0087] Also, the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment includes one or more heat sources 1a, and these heat sources 1a are arranged biased toward the inlet 2a side of the inlet 2a and the outlet 2b in the heat storage unit 2. As a result, it is possible to unevenly heat the heat storage unit 2 in the heat storage mode.

[0088] Incidentally, the required temperature of the heat storage material near the inlet 2a of the heat storage unit 2 (inlet required temperature) is set higher than the required temperature of the heat storage material near the outlet 2b of the heat storage unit 2 (outlet required temperature). This is because the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing through the heat storage unit 2 is close to the temperature of the heat storage material, and if the heat transfer fluid 12 is at a high temperature when it exits the heat storage unit 2, it is necessary to design the piping and equipment from the outlet 2b to withstand high temperatures.

[0089] When the heat source 1a for heating the heat storage material is evenly arranged in the heat storage section 2, as a result of the heat storage section 2 being evenly heated, the heat storage material near the inlet 2a is heated to the required inlet temperature earlier, and the heat storage material near the outlet 2b is heated to a temperature higher than the required outlet temperature. As a result, when the heat storage operation is stopped when the heat storage material near the outlet 2b reaches the required outlet temperature, the average temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage section 2 decreases, and sufficient heat storage cannot be performed.

[0090] Also, in order to perform sufficient heat storage, when trying to raise the average temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage section 2 and making it the high-temperature side, the heat storage operation is continued until the heat storage material near the inlet 2a, which is desired to be the high-temperature side, reaches the required inlet temperature. When performing As a result, the heat storage material near the outlet 2b is heated to a high temperature in the same manner as the heat storage material near the inlet 2a. Therefore, the heat storage material near the outlet 2b is heated to a temperature higher than the required outlet temperature, and the heat transfer fluid 12 at the outlet 2b is also heated to a high temperature. As a result, it becomes necessary to design the piping and equipment from the outlet 2b to the heating section 1 to be resistant to high temperatures.

[0091] According to the present embodiment, by arranging the heat source 1a biased toward the inlet 2a side, even if the heat storage operation is stopped when the heat storage material near the outlet 2b reaches the required outlet temperature, the heat storage material near the inlet 2a is heated to the required inlet temperature. Therefore, the average temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage section 2 can be increased.

[0092] Also, even when the heat storage material near the inlet 2a, which is desired to be the high-temperature side, reaches the required inlet temperature and sufficient heat is stored in the heat storage material, the heat storage material near the outlet 2b can be suppressed to a temperature lower than the required outlet temperature. Therefore, it is not necessary to design the piping and equipment from the outlet 2b to the heating section 1 to be resistant to high temperatures, and it is possible to suppress the problems in the case where the heat storage section 2 is heated evenly.

[0093] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the heat storage power generation system according to the second embodiment.

[0094] The heat storage power generation system of this embodiment includes the same components as the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment. However, the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment includes a heat transfer unit 4 instead of the first heat transfer unit 4a and the second heat transfer unit 4b, and includes a flow path switching unit 5e in addition to the flow path switching units 5a to 5d. The operations of the heat transfer unit 4 and the flow path switching unit 5e are also controlled by the control unit 6. FIG. 10 shows locations Pc and Pd in addition to locations Pa and Pb.

[0095] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow paths among the heat transfer unit 4, location Pd, flow path switching unit 5a, location Pa, flow path switching unit 5e, heat storage unit 2, location Pb, flow path switching unit 5b, and location Pc. At this time, the flow path switching units 5a, 5b, and 5e are in the open state, and the flow path switching units 5c and 5d are in the closed state.

[0096] In the heat dissipation mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow paths among the heat transfer unit 4, location Pd, flow path switching unit 5d, location Pb, heat storage unit 2, flow path switching unit 5e, location Pa, flow path switching unit 5c, heat exchanger 3a, and location Pc. At this time, the flow path switching units 5c, 5d, and 5e are in the open state, and the flow path switching units 5a and 5b are in the closed state.

[0097] FIG. 10 further shows heat transfer fluids 12a to 12d as the heat transfer fluid 12. Hereinafter, the flow of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode and the heat dissipation mode will be described by focusing on the heat transfer fluids 12a to 12d.

[0098] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12a flows from the flow path switching section 5a to the point Pa and through the flow path switching section 5e to the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2, and enters the heat storage section 2. Inside the heat storage section 2, the heat storage material is heated by radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a and convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12a, and the temperature of the heat storage material rises. After the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12a changes inside the heat storage section 2, it becomes the heat transfer fluid 12b and is discharged outside the heat storage section 2. The heat transfer fluid 12b flows from the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2 to the point Pb and through the flow path switching section 5b to the point Pc, and passes through the heat transfer section 4. FIG. 10 shows the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing toward the heat transfer section 4 as the "heat transfer fluid 12b", and the heat transfer fluid 12 that has passed through the heat transfer section 4 as the "heat transfer fluid 12a". This heat transfer fluid 12a flows again toward the flow path switching section 5a via the point Pd. In this way, in the heat storage mode, energy is stored in the heat storage section 2 as the temperature of the heat storage material amount in the heat storage section 2 rises.

[0099] In the heat dissipation mode, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d flows from the heat exchanger 3a to the point Pc, through the heat transfer section 4, the point Pd, the flow path switching section 5d, and the point Pb to the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2, and enters the heat storage section 2. Inside the heat storage section 2, the heat of the heat storage material is taken away (dissipated) by the heat transfer fluid 12d, and the temperature of the heat storage material decreases. On the other hand, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12d rises and becomes the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12c, which is discharged outside the heat storage section 2. The heat transfer fluid 12c flows from the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2 through the flow path switching section 5e and the point Pa to the flow path switching section 5c, and passes through the heat exchanger 3a. At this time, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12c decreases due to heat exchange and returns to the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d. This heat transfer fluid 12d flows again toward the heat transfer section 4 via the point Pc. In this way, in the heat dissipation mode, the temperature of the heat storage material decreases by releasing energy from the heat storage material amount in the heat storage section 2.

[0100] The heat transfer section 4 is used to convey the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode and the heat dissipation mode. The heat transfer section 4 is, for example, a blower or a pump. The heat transfer section 4 of the present embodiment may circulate the heat transfer fluid 12 at a constant flow rate or control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid 12 so as to match a fluctuating flow rate set value according to the operation purpose.

[0101] As described above, the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment includes a heat transfer unit 4 instead of the first heat transfer unit 4a and the second heat transfer unit 4b. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of heat transfer units provided in the heat storage power generation system.

[0102] Note that the content described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9 is also applicable to the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment. However, the electric circuit switch 33a in the power distribution unit 33 shown in FIG. 8 is connected to the heat transfer unit 4 instead of the first heat transfer unit 4a and the second heat transfer unit 4b. The same applies to the electric circuit switch 33a in the power distribution unit 33 shown in FIG. 9.

[0103] (Third Embodiment) [A] Overall Configuration of Heat Storage Power Generation System FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the heat storage power generation system of the third embodiment.

[0104] The heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment includes the same components as the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment. However, the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment includes a heating unit 7 in addition to the heating unit 1. The operation of the heating unit 7 is also controlled by the control unit 6. The heating unit 7 is an example of a second heating unit.

[0105] FIG. 11 shows the energy input 11a and the energy input 11b separated from the energy input 11. The heating unit 1 of the present embodiment receives electric power as the energy input 11a and converts this electric power into heat. Similarly, the heating unit 7 of the present embodiment receives electric power as the energy input 11b and converts this electric power into heat. The heat source in the heating unit 7 is, for example, a fluid heat exchange type electric resistance heater. This heat source may convert energy other than electric power into heat.

[0106] The heating unit 7 is installed outside the heat storage unit 2 and heats the heat transfer fluid 12 and supplies it to the heat storage unit 2. Thereby, the heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2 is heated by the heat transfer fluid 12 heated by the heating unit 7. Thus, the heating unit 7 of the present embodiment heats the heat storage material by convective heat transfer. The heating unit 7 of the present embodiment may further heat the heat storage material by radiative heat transfer.

[0107] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow paths among the first heat transfer unit 4a, the heating unit 7, the flow path switching unit 5a, the point Pa, the heat storage unit 2, the point Pb, and the flow path switching unit 5b. At this time, the flow path switching units 5a and 5b are in the open state, and the flow path switching units 5c and 5d are in the closed state.

[0108] In the heat dissipation mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow paths among the second heat transfer unit 4b, the flow path switching unit 5d, the point Pb, the heat storage unit 2, the point Pa, the flow path switching unit 5c, and the heat exchanger 3a. At this time, the flow path switching units 5c and 5d are in the open state, and the flow path switching units 5a and 5b are in the closed state.

[0109] FIG. 11 further shows heat transfer fluids 12e and 12f in addition to the heat transfer fluids 12a to 12d as the heat transfer fluid 12. Hereinafter, the flow of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode and the heat dissipation mode will be described focusing on the heat transfer fluids 12a to 12f.

[0110] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12a flows from the flow path switching section 5a through the point Pa to the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2 and enters the heat storage section 2. Inside the heat storage section 2, the heat storage material is heated by radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a and convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12a, and the temperature of the heat storage material rises. After the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12a changes inside the heat storage section 2, it becomes the heat transfer fluid 12b and is discharged outside the heat storage section 2. The heat transfer fluid 12b flows from the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2 through the point Pb to the flow path switching section 5b, and passes through the first heat transfer section 4a and the heating section 7 in sequence. FIG. 11 represents the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the heat storage section 2 to the flow path switching section 5b as "heat transfer fluid 12b", the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the flow path switching section 5b to the heating section 7 as "heat transfer fluid 12e", the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the heating section 7 to the flow path switching section 5a as "heat transfer fluid 12f", and the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the flow path switching section 5a to the heat storage section 2 as "heat transfer fluid 12b". This heat transfer fluid 12 is heated when passing through the heating section 7, that is, when changing from the heat transfer fluid 12e to the heat transfer fluid 12f. The heat transfer fluid 12a flows toward the heat storage section 2 again. Therefore, the heat storage material of the present embodiment is heated by radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a and convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12a heated by the heating sections 1 and 7. Thus, in the heat storage mode, energy is stored in the heat storage section 2 as the temperature of the heat storage material amount in the heat storage section 2 rises.

[0111] In the heat dissipation mode, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d flows from the heat exchanger 3a through the second heat transfer section 4b, the flow path switching section 5d, and the point Pb to the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2 and enters the heat storage section 2. Inside the heat storage section 2, the heat of the heat storage material is taken away (dissipated heat) by the heat transfer fluid 12d, and the temperature of the heat storage material decreases. On the other hand, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12d rises to become the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12c and is discharged outside the heat storage section 2. The heat transfer fluid 12c flows from the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2 through the point Pa to the flow path switching section 5c and passes through the heat exchanger 3a. At this time, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12c decreases due to heat exchange and returns to the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d. This heat transfer fluid 12d flows toward the second heat transfer section 4b again. Thus, in the heat dissipation mode, the temperature of the heat storage material decreases by releasing energy from the heat storage material amount in the heat storage section 2.

[0112] As described above, the heat storage material of the present embodiment is heated by the heating unit 1 inside the heat storage unit 2 and the heating unit 7 outside the heat storage unit 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the heat transfer efficiency to the heat storage material by combining radiative heat transfer and convective heat transfer using the heating units 1 and 7.

[0113] [B] Details of the heat storage power generation system Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15, further details of the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment will be described.

[0114] [B-1] FIG. 12 FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining the operation of the heat storage unit 2 of the third embodiment.

[0115] FIG. 12 shows the temperature distribution in the heat storage material of the heat storage unit 2 at the completion of heat storage. On the vertical axis of FIG. 12, T0 represents the initial temperature of the heat storage material, T1 represents the set temperature of the heat storage material, and T2 represents the temperature at each individual location in the heat storage material. On the horizontal axis of FIG. 12, L represents the coordinate in the direction (X direction) in which the heat transfer fluid 12 flows inside the heat storage unit 2, and D represents the representative length of the flow path cross section of the heat storage unit 2. Let T * =(T2 - T0) / (T1 - T0), and L * =L / D. In this case, T * represents the dimensionless temperature at each individual location in the heat storage material, and L * represents the dimensionless coordinate at each individual location in the heat storage material. FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between T * and L * in the heat storage material. The symbol Ra indicates the region where the heat source 1a is arranged in the heat storage material.

[0116] FIG. 12 shows the above temperature distribution in the heat storage power generation system of the comparative example by a solid line, and shows the above temperature distribution in the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment by a dashed line. The heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment includes a heating unit 1 inside the heat storage unit 2 and a heating unit 7 outside the heat storage unit 2. The heat storage power generation system of the comparative example does not include the heating unit 1 inside the heat storage unit 2, but includes the heating unit 7 outside the heat storage unit 2. In FIG. 12, the heat transfer fluid 12 of the present embodiment and the comparative example is air.

[0117] In the comparative example, air (heat transfer fluid 12) is heated with 17 MW of heat, and the heat storage material is heated by convective heat transfer from this air. The inlet 2a (L / D = 0) is the portion where the heat of the heat transfer fluid 12 first reaches the heat storage material, so the temperature of the heat storage material rises until it becomes almost equal to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12. Since the heat transfer fluid 12 is deprived of heat by heat exchange with the heat storage material, the amount of heat exchange with the heat storage material decreases as the distance from the inlet 2a increases. As a result, the amount of temperature rise of the heat storage material decreases as the distance from the inlet 2a increases. Therefore, the heat storage material exhibits a temperature distribution in which the vicinity of the inlet 2a becomes high temperature and the vicinity of the outlet 2b remains low temperature. When the heat transfer fluid 12 is continuously supplied to the heat storage unit 2, the high temperature region expands from the inlet 2a toward the outlet 2b side, and the average temperature inside the heat storage unit 2 rises. However, it is desirable to keep the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing out of the heat storage unit 2 as low as possible. This is firstly to prevent an increase in cost, a decrease in durability, and a deterioration in maintainability due to the equipment such as pipes, blowers, and dampers connected to the outlet 2b of the heat storage unit 2 being made of special materials with high temperature specifications. Secondly, this is because air has a lower density and a larger volume as the temperature rises, so it is necessary to increase the size of the pipes and equipment when the air becomes high temperature. Therefore, it is desirable that the heat storage material near the outlet 2b be at a low temperature. Therefore, an operation is performed to stop the heat storage operation when the temperature of the heat storage material or the heat transfer fluid 12 near the outlet 2b reaches the upper limit temperature. In this case, at the end of heat storage, the temperature distribution is as shown by the solid line in FIG. 12, and the outlet 2b is maintained at a low temperature.

[0118] On the one hand, in this embodiment, air (heat transfer fluid 12) is heated with 12 MW of heat, and the heat storage material is heated by convective heat transfer from this air. Furthermore, the heat storage material is heated by radiative heat transfer from the heating unit 1 with 5 MW of heat. At this time, the surrounding heat storage material is heated by the radiative heat of the heating unit 1 without passing through the heat transfer fluid 12. However, since the radiative heat heats the heat storage material around the heat source 1a but does not heat the heat storage material in the region where the electromagnetic wave does not reach, the temperature rise of the heat storage material due to the radiative heat becomes local. Therefore, by flowing high-temperature air into the heat storage unit 2, the radiative heat is also transported downstream, and the local high-temperature is alleviated, and the temperature distribution of the heat storage material is homogenized. As a result, by promoting the high-temperature around the heat source 1a and making the temperature rise at a location far from the heat source 1a gentle, it is possible to leave a low-temperature region near the outlet 2b while heating the entire heat storage material to a high temperature as shown by the broken line in FIG. 12. Thereby, while satisfying the constraint conditions of the temperature of the outlet 2b, the heat storage density of the heat storage unit 2 can be increased.

[0119] The heat source 1a of this embodiment is disposed biased toward the inlet 2a side of the inlet 2a and the outlet 2b in the heat storage unit 2 as indicated by the reference numeral Ra in FIG. 12. If the heat source 1a is uniformly arranged in the heat storage unit 2, the heat storage material at the outlet 2b will also be heated to a high temperature before sufficient heat is stored in the heat storage material at the inlet 2a that is desired to be the high-temperature side. As a result, when the heat storage operation is stopped because the temperature of the heat storage material on the outlet 2b side exceeds a predetermined value by the above-described operation method, the operation is stopped before sufficient heat is stored in the heat storage unit 2, and the heat storage amount of the heat storage unit 2 decreases. As a result, the average temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2 decreases, and sufficient heat storage cannot be performed.

[0120] Also, in order to perform sufficient heat storage, even if the heat storage operation is performed until the heat storage material near the inlet 2a, which is desired to be the high-temperature side, reaches the required inlet temperature in an attempt to raise the average temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2, the heat storage material near the outlet 2b is heated to a high temperature in the same manner as the heat storage material near the inlet 2a. Therefore, the heat storage material near the outlet 2b is heated to a temperature higher than the required outlet temperature, and the heat transfer fluid 12 at the outlet 2b is also heated to a high temperature. As a result, it becomes necessary to design the piping and equipment from the outlet 2b to the heating unit 1 to withstand high temperatures.

[0121] According to the present embodiment, by disposing the heat source 1a biased toward the inlet 2a side, even if the heat storage operation is stopped when the heat storage material near the outlet 2b reaches the required outlet temperature, the heat storage material near the inlet 2a is heated to the required inlet temperature. Therefore, the average temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2 can be increased.

[0122] Also, even when the heat storage material near the inlet 2a, which is desired to be the high-temperature side, reaches the required inlet temperature and sufficient heat is stored in the heat storage material, the heat storage material near the outlet 2b can be suppressed to a temperature lower than the required outlet temperature. Therefore, it is not necessary to design the piping and equipment from the outlet 2b to the heating unit 1 to withstand high temperatures, and it is possible to suppress the problems in the case where the heat storage unit 1 is heated evenly.

[0123] [B-2] FIG. 13 FIG. 13 is another graph for explaining the operation of the heat storage unit 2 of the third embodiment.

[0124] FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are graphs similar to FIG. 12. FIG. 13(a) shows the temperature distribution one hour after the start of heat dissipation. FIG. 13(b) shows the temperature distribution four hours after the start of heat dissipation.

[0125] In the heat dissipation mode, low-temperature air (heat transfer fluid 12) is supplied into the heat storage unit 2 through the outlet 2b, is heated by heat exchange with the high-temperature heat storage material, and is discharged from the heat storage unit 2 through the inlet 2a. In the comparative examples shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), if the heat dissipation operation is continued, the heat of the heat storage material is gradually taken away from the outlet side 2b (the right side in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b)) of the heat storage unit 2, and the temperature of the heat storage material decreases as a whole. Since the efficiency of the heat exchanger 3a becomes lower as the temperature of the discharged air is lower, it is desirable that the heat storage material be maintained in a high-temperature state for as long as possible. According to the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), since the heat storage amount at the end of heat storage is large (FIG. 12), it is possible to maintain a higher discharged air temperature.

[0126] Note that the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment may be installed near the outlet 2b in the heat storage unit 2. This makes it possible to increase the amount of heat storage energy of the heat storage material near the outlet 2b, and to maintain a higher exhaust air temperature during the heat dissipation mode.

[0127] Since the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment can heat the heat storage material by radiative heat transfer, the required heating wire temperature is low, and the heat transfer loss is also less than that of convective heat transfer. This makes it possible to reduce the required capacity (kWh) and output (kW) of the heating unit 1. In addition, since the heating unit 1 of the present embodiment is arranged in the heat storage unit 2, a smaller capacity can be realized with a smaller structure compared to the case where it is arranged outside the heat storage unit 2. This makes it possible to reduce the cost and size of the heat storage power generation system.

[0128] [B-3] Figure 14 Figure 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the electrical circuit of the heat storage power generation system according to the third embodiment.

[0129] The electrical circuit shown in Figure 14 includes a power distribution unit 38 for the heating unit 7 in addition to the components shown in Figure 8. The power distribution unit 38 includes a plurality of transformers 38a, similar to the power distribution unit 34. Each heat source 7a in the heating unit 7 is connected to the electrical circuit switch 33a in the power distribution unit 33 via the transformer 38a in the power distribution unit 38.

[0130] [B-4] Figure 15 Figure 15 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the electrical circuit of the heat storage power generation system according to the third embodiment.

[0131] The electrical circuit shown in Figure 15 includes a power distribution unit 38 for the heating unit 7 in addition to the components shown in Figure 9. The power distribution unit 38 includes a plurality of transformers 38a, similar to the power distribution unit 34. Each heat source 7a in the heating unit 7 is connected to the electrical circuit switch 33a in the power distribution unit 33 via the transformer 38a in the power distribution unit 38.

[0132] As described above, the heat storage material of the present embodiment is heated by the heating unit 1 inside the heat storage unit 2 and the heating unit 7 outside the heat storage unit 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by combining radiative heat transfer and convective heat transfer using the heating units 1 and 7, it is possible to improve the heat transfer efficiency to the heat storage material, and it is possible to realize the heating units 1 and 7 and the heat storage unit 2 having a suitable structure.

[0133] Note that the content described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 is also applicable to the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment.

[0134] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the heat storage power generation system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0135] The heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment has a configuration that combines the heat storage power generation system of the second embodiment and the heat storage power generation system of the third embodiment. Therefore, the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment includes a heat transfer unit 4 instead of the first heat transfer unit 4a and the second heat transfer unit 4b, includes a flow path switching unit 5e in addition to the flow path switching units 5a to 5d, and includes a heating unit 7 in addition to the heating unit 1. Further, FIG. 16 shows points Pc and Pd in addition to points Pa and Pb.

[0136] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow path between the heat transfer unit 4, point Pd, flow path switching unit 5a, heating unit 7, point Pa, flow path switching unit 5e, heat storage unit 2, point Pb, flow path switching unit 5b, and point Pc. At this time, the flow path switching units 5a, 5b, and 5e are in an open state, and the flow path switching units 5c and 5d are in a closed state.

[0137] In the heat dissipation mode, the heat transfer fluid 12 circulates through the flow path between the heat transfer unit 4, point Pd, flow path switching unit 5d, point Pb, heat storage unit 2, flow path switching unit 5e, point Pa, flow path switching unit 5c, heat exchanger 3a, and point Pc. At this time, the flow path switching units 5c, 5d, and 5e are in an open state, and the flow path switching units 5a and 5b are in a closed state.

[0138] FIG. 16 further shows heat transfer fluids 12e and 12f in addition to heat transfer fluids 12a to 12d as the heat transfer fluid 12. Hereinafter, the flow of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode and the heat dissipation mode will be described by focusing on the heat transfer fluids 12a to 12f.

[0139] In the heat storage mode, the heat transfer fluid 12a flows from the flow path switching section 5e to the inlet 2a of the heat storage section 2 and enters the heat storage section 2. In the heat storage section 2, the heat storage material is heated by the radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a and the convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12a, and the temperature of the heat storage material rises. After the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12a changes in the heat storage section 2, it becomes the heat transfer fluid 12b and is discharged outside the heat storage section 2. The heat transfer fluid 12b flows from the outlet 2b of the heat storage section 2 to the point Pc via the point Pb and the flow path switching section 5b, and passes through the first heat transfer section 4a, the point Pd, the flow path switching section 5a, and the heating section 7 in this order. FIG. 16 represents the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the heat storage section 2 to the flow path switching section 5a as the "heat transfer fluid 12b", the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the flow path switching section 5a to the heating section 7 as the "heat transfer fluid 12e", the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the heating section 7 to the flow path switching section 5e as the "heat transfer fluid 12f", and the heat transfer fluid 12 flowing from the flow path switching section 5e to the heat storage section 2 as the "heat transfer fluid 12b". This heat transfer fluid 12 is heated when passing through the heating section 7, that is, when changing from the heat transfer fluid 12e to the heat transfer fluid 12f. The heat transfer fluid 12a flows toward the heat storage section 2 again. Therefore, the heat storage material of the present embodiment is heated by the radiative heat transfer from the heat source 1a and the convective heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid 12a heated by the heating sections 1 and 7. Thus, in the heat storage mode, energy is stored in the heat storage section 2 by the temperature of the heat storage material amount in the heat storage section 2 rising.

[0140] In the heat dissipation mode, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d flows from the heat exchanger 3a to the outlet 2b of the heat storage unit 2 via the point Pc, the heat transfer section 4, the point Pd, the flow path switching section 5d, and the point Pb, and enters the heat storage unit 2. Inside the heat storage unit 2, the heat of the heat storage material is taken away (dissipated heat) by the heat transfer fluid 12d, and the temperature of the heat storage material decreases. On the other hand, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12d rises to become the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12c and is discharged outside the heat storage unit 2. The heat transfer fluid 12c flows from the inlet 2a of the heat storage unit 2 to the flow path switching section 5c via the flow path switching section 5e and the point Pa and passes through the heat exchanger 3a. At this time, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 12c decreases due to heat exchange and returns to the low-temperature heat transfer fluid 12d. This heat transfer fluid 12d flows again toward the heat transfer section 4 via the point Pc. Thus, in the heat dissipation mode, the temperature of the heat storage material decreases by releasing energy from the amount of heat storage material in the heat storage unit 2.

[0141] As described above, the heat storage material of the present embodiment is heated by the heating section 1 inside the heat storage unit 2 and the heating section 7 outside the heat storage unit 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the heat transfer efficiency to the heat storage material by combining the radiative heat transfer and the convective heat transfer using the heating sections 1 and 7, and it is possible to realize the heating sections 1 and 7 and the heat storage unit 2 having a suitable structure.

[0142] Further, the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment includes the heat transfer section 4 instead of the first heat transfer section 4a and the second heat transfer section 4b. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of heat transfer sections provided in the heat storage power generation system.

[0143] Note that the content described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 and FIGS. 12 to 15 is also applicable to the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment. However, the electric circuit switch 33a in the power distribution section 33 shown in FIG. 14 is connected to the heat transfer section 4 instead of the first heat transfer section 4a and the second heat transfer section 4b. The same applies to the electric circuit switch 33a in the power distribution section 33 shown in FIG. 15.

[0144] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the heat storage power generation system of the fifth embodiment.

[0145] The heat storage power generation system of this embodiment includes the same components as the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment. However, the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment does not include the flow path switching unit 5b and includes a chimney 8. The operation of the chimney 8 is also controlled by the control unit 6. FIG. 17 shows locations Pe and Pf in addition to locations Pa and Pb, and shows the bypass flow path B.

[0146] Location Pe is located between the flow path switching unit 5c and the heat exchanger 3a. Location Pf is located between the flow path switching unit 5d and location Pb. The bypass flow path B is provided between location Pe and location Pf.

[0147] The first heat transfer unit 4a of this embodiment supplies the heat transfer fluid 12 taken in from the atmosphere to the flow path switching unit 5a, and the second heat transfer unit 4b of this embodiment supplies the heat transfer fluid 12 taken in from the atmosphere to the flow path switching unit 5d. On the other hand, the heat transfer fluid 12 discharged from the heat exchanger 3a of this embodiment flows into the chimney 8 and is released from the chimney 8 to the atmosphere. Thus, the heat transfer fluid 12 of this embodiment flows so as not to circulate within the heat storage power generation system. The heat transfer fluid 12 of this embodiment is air.

[0148] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the heat storage mode of the fifth embodiment.

[0149] FIG. 18 shows the flow path of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode with arrows. In the heat storage mode of this embodiment, the flow path switching unit 5a is in an open state, and the flow path switching units 5c and 5d are in a closed state.

[0150] In the heat storage mode of this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid 12 is taken in from the atmosphere by the first heat transfer unit 4a. This heat transfer fluid 12 sequentially passes through the flow path switching unit 5a, location Pa, the heat storage unit 2, location Pb, location Pf, the bypass flow path B, location Pe, and the heat exchanger 3a, and is released from the chimney 8 to the atmosphere.

[0151] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining the heat dissipation mode of the fifth embodiment.

[0152] Figure 19 shows the flow path of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat dissipation mode with arrows. In the heat storage mode of this embodiment, the flow path switching parts 5c and 5d are in the open state, and the flow path switching part 5a is in the closed state.

[0153] In the heat dissipation mode of this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid 12 is taken in from the atmosphere by the second heat transfer part 4b. This heat transfer fluid 12 passes through the flow path switching part 5d, point Pf, point Pb, the heat storage part 2, point Pa, the flow path switching part 5c, point Pe, and the heat exchanger 3a in sequence, and is discharged from the chimney 8 to the atmosphere. Note that a part of this heat transfer fluid 12 passes through the bypass flow path B instead of passing through point Pb, the heat storage part 2, point Pa, and the flow path switching part 5c.

[0154] As described above, the heat transfer fluid 12 of this embodiment flows so as not to circulate inside the heat storage power generation system. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12 does not circulate inside the heat storage power generation system, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the equipment and piping inside the heat storage power generation system due to the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12. Note that the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment may further include the heating part 7 of the third or fourth embodiment.

[0155] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the heat storage power generation system of the sixth embodiment.

[0156] The heat storage power generation system of this embodiment includes the same components as the heat storage power generation system of the first embodiment. However, the heat storage power generation system of this embodiment includes a heat transfer part 4 instead of the first heat transfer part 4a and the second heat transfer part 4b, includes flow path switching parts 5f and 5g instead of the flow path switching parts 5b and 5d, and further includes a chimney 8. The operations of the heat transfer part 4, the flow path switching parts 5f and 5g, and the chimney 8 are also controlled by the control part 6. Figure 20 shows points Pe, Pf, and Pg in addition to points Pa and Pb, and also shows the bypass flow path B.

[0157] Location Pe is located between the flow path switching section 5c and the heat exchanger 3a. Location Pf is located between location Pb and location Pe. The flow path switching section 5f, location Pg, and the flow path switching section 5g are sequentially located between location Pb and the flow path switching section 5a. The bypass flow path B is provided between location Pe and location Pf.

[0158] The heat transfer section 4 of the present embodiment supplies the heat transfer fluid 12 taken in from the atmosphere to location Pg. On the other hand, the heat transfer fluid 12 discharged from the heat exchanger 3a of the present embodiment flows into the chimney 8 and is released from the chimney 8 to the atmosphere. Thus, the heat transfer fluid 12 of the present embodiment flows so as not to circulate within the heat storage power generation system. The heat transfer fluid 12 of the present embodiment is air.

[0159] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the heat storage mode of the sixth embodiment.

[0160] Figure 21 shows the flow path of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat storage mode with arrows. In the heat storage mode of the present embodiment, the flow path switching sections 5a and 5f are in the open state, and the flow path switching sections 5c and 5g are in the closed state.

[0161] In the heat storage mode of the present embodiment, the heat transfer fluid 12 is taken in from the atmosphere by the heat transfer section 4. This heat transfer fluid 12 passes through location Pg, the flow path switching section 5f, the flow path switching section 5a, location Pa, the heat storage section 2, location Pb, location Pf, the bypass flow path B, location Pe, and the heat exchanger 3a in sequence, and is released from the chimney 8 to the atmosphere.

[0162] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the heat dissipation mode of the sixth embodiment.

[0163] Figure 22 shows the flow path of the heat transfer fluid 12 in the heat dissipation mode with arrows. In the heat storage mode of the present embodiment, the flow path switching sections 5c and 5g are in the open state, and the flow path switching sections 5a and 5f are in the closed state.

[0164] In the heat dissipation mode of the present embodiment, the heat transfer fluid 12 is taken in from the atmosphere by the heat transfer section 4. This heat transfer fluid 12 passes through the point Pg, the flow path switching section 5g, the point Pb, the heat storage section 2, the point Pa, the flow path switching section 5c, the point Pe, and the heat exchanger 3a in this order, and is discharged from the chimney 8 to the atmosphere. Note that a part of this heat transfer fluid 12 passes through the point Pf and the bypass flow path B instead of passing through the heat storage section 2, the point Pa, and the flow path switching section 5c.

[0165] As described above, the heat transfer fluid 12 of the present embodiment flows without circulating inside the heat storage power generation system. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12 does not circulate inside the heat storage power generation system, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the equipment and piping inside the heat storage power generation system due to the high-temperature heat transfer fluid 12. Note that the heat storage power generation system of the present embodiment may further include the heating section 7 of the third or fourth embodiment.

[0166] As described above, several embodiments have been described, but these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel systems and apparatuses described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. Also, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the systems and apparatuses described in this specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof are intended to include such forms and modifications included in the scope and gist of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0167] 1: Heating section, 1a: Heat source, 1b: First frame, 1c: Second frame, 2: Heat storage section, 2a: Inlet, 2b: Outlet, 2c: Container, 2d: Rock layer, 2e: Heat insulator, 3: Power generation section, 3a: Heat exchanger, 3b: Steam valve, 3c: Steam turbine, 3d: Steam turbine generator, 3e: Condenser, 3f: Feed water pump, 4: Heat transfer section, 4a: First heat transfer section, 4b: Second heat transfer section, 5a: Flow path switching section, 5b: Flow path switching section, 5c: Flow path switching section, 5d: Flow path switching section, 5e: Flow path switching section, 5f: Flow path switching section, 5g: Flow path switching section, 6: Control section, 7: Heating section, 7a: Heat source, 8: Chimney, 11, 11a, 11b: Energy input, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f: Heat transfer fluid, 13: Power generation output, 21: Cylindrical container, 22: Connection member, 31: Circuit breaker, 32: Substation transformer, 33: Power distribution section, 33a: Electrical circuit switch, 34: Power distribution section, 34a: Transformer, 35: Circuit breaker, 36: Main transformer, 37: Circuit breaker, 38: Power distribution section, 38a: Transformer

Claims

1. A heat storage unit including a heat storage material for storing heat, and heating a heat transfer fluid with the heat stored in the heat storage material; A first heating unit provided in the heat storage unit for heating the heat storage material; A power generation unit for generating power using the heat transfer fluid heated by the heat storage unit, and The heat storage unit includes an inlet through which the heat transfer fluid is supplied when storing heat in the heat storage material, and an outlet through which the heat transfer fluid is discharged when storing heat in the heat storage material. The first heating unit includes one or more heat sources disposed biased toward the inlet side of the inlet and the outlet, and heating the heat storage material with the heat generated from the heat source. A heat storage power generation system.

2. The heat storage power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the first heating unit heats the heat storage material by at least radiative heat transfer.

3. The heat storage power generation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second heating unit provided outside the heat storage unit for heating the heat transfer fluid and supplying the heat transfer fluid to the heat storage unit.

4. The heat storage power generation system according to claim 3, wherein the second heating unit heats the heat storage material by at least convective heat transfer.

5. A first heat transfer unit for transporting the heat transfer fluid when heating the heat storage material by the first heating unit; A second heat transfer unit for transporting the heat transfer fluid when generating power by the power generation unit, and The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising.

6. The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a heat transfer unit for transporting the heat transfer fluid when heating the heat storage material by the first heating unit and when generating power by the power generation unit.

7. A first flow path switching unit that is in an open state when heating the heat storage material by the first heating unit and allows the heat transfer fluid to pass through; A second flow path switching unit that is in an open state when generating power by the power generation unit and allows the heat transfer fluid to pass through, and The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising.

8. The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the one or more heat sources has a shape extending perpendicular or parallel to the transport direction of the heat transfer fluid.

9. The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the one or more heat sources is sandwiched between a first frame and a second frame.

10. The heat storage unit includes a container having a plurality of openings in a plan view. The plurality of openings accommodate the first heating unit. The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The plurality of openings further accommodate the heat storage material. The heat storage power generation system according to claim 10.

12. The container has a honeycomb structure in which the shapes of the plurality of openings are hexagonal in a plan view. The heat storage power generation system according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The heat storage unit is newly installed, the first heating unit is newly installed, and the power generation unit is an existing one. The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The heat transfer fluid flows so as not to circulate within the heat storage power generation system. The heat storage power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A heat storage unit including a heat storage material for storing heat, and heating the heat transfer fluid with the heat stored in the heat storage material. A first heating unit provided in the heat storage unit and heating the heat storage material. The heat storage unit includes an inlet through which the heat transfer fluid is supplied when storing heat in the heat storage material, and an outlet through which the heat transfer fluid is discharged when storing heat in the heat storage material. The first heating unit includes one or more heat sources disposed biased toward the inlet side of the inlet and the outlet, and heats the heat storage material with the heat generated from the heat source. Heat storage device.

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