Flow regulating device

Abstract

The flow rate adjustment device 200 comprises: an adjusting part 210A comprising piping 220 and a sealing plate 230 provided below the outlet 224 of the piping 220 and having a sealing surface 232; and a mover part 250 for moving the sealing plate 230 between a sealing position in which the sealing surface 232 of the sealing plate 230 is located vertically below the outlet 224 of the piping 220, and a retracted position in which the sealing surface 232 of the sealing plate 230 is retracted from vertically below the outlet 224 of the piping 220.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-008024, filed on January 21, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] A J-valve type loop seal equipped with a pot section where a fluidized bed of solid particles is formed has been developed as a flow control valve for controlling the flow rate of high-temperature solid particles at 500° C. or higher (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 097932 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need to develop a flow control device that adjusts the flow rate of solid particles, different from the above-mentioned J-valve type loop seal.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a flow rate control device capable of adjusting the flow rate of solid particles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a flow control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a pipe and a sealing plate provided below an outlet of the pipe and having a sealing surface. , multiple an adjustment unit; and a movement unit that moves the sealing plate between a sealing position where a sealing surface of the sealing plate is positioned vertically below the outlet of the pipe and a retracted position where the sealing surface of the sealing plate is retracted from vertically below the outlet of the pipe; a control unit that controls the moving unit to move the sealing plate from the sealing position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the sealing position, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the solid particles that are dropped from the outlet; Equipped with The plurality of adjustment units have at least a portion of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the piping different from each other, and the movement unit has an actuator, and when the actuator moves the sealing plate from the retracted position to the sealing position, the outlet is blocked by solid particles accumulated on the sealing surface, thereby stopping the solid particles from falling downward from the outlet, and when the actuator moves the sealing plate from the sealing position to the retracted position, the solid particles accumulated on the sealing surface fall, and the blocking of the outlet by the solid particles is released, thereby starting the fall of the solid particles through the outlet. do.

[0008] Furthermore, the distance between the outlet of the pipe and the sealing surface of the sealing plate at the sealing position may be equal to or greater than the maximum particle size of the solid particles.

[0009] The moving part may also rotate the sealing plate.

[0010] The moving section may move the sealing plate in a substantially horizontal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of solid particles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy storage device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the flow rate control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a first diagram illustrating the state of the solid particles at the sealing position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a second diagram illustrating the state of the solid particles at the sealing position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a third diagram illustrating the state of the solid particles at the sealing position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the state of the solid particles at the retracted position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circulating fluidized bed gasification apparatus according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a circulating fluidized bed boiler according to a second modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a solar thermal power generation system according to a third modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a moving section according to a fourth modified example at the sealing position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a moving section according to a fourth modified example at the retracted position. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a moving section according to a fifth modified example at the sealing position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a moving section according to a fifth modified example at the retracted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, specific numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiments are merely examples for ease of understanding and do not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present disclosure are not shown.

[0014] [Energy storage device 100] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy storage device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the energy storage device 100 includes a gas supply unit 110, a heating chamber 120, a first heat exchanger 130, a solid-gas separator 140, a distributor 142, a high-temperature tank 150, a high-temperature particle supply unit 152, a low-temperature tank 160, a low-temperature particle supply unit 162, a gas delivery unit 170, a first heat utilization device 180, a second heat exchanger 190, a fluid supply unit 192, a second heat utilization device 194, and a control unit 196. In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of solid particles and a solid-gas mixture. In FIG. 1, dashed arrows indicate the flow of a fluid.

[0015] The gas supply unit 110 supplies gas (for example, air) to the heating chamber 120, which will be described later. The gas supply unit 110 includes a blower 112 and an exhaust pipe. 1 The blower 112 includes a gas supply source on the intake side and a discharge pipe on the discharge side. 1 Connected to 14a. 1 14a connects the blower 112 to the heating chamber 120. Valve 116a connects the exhaust pipe 1 14a. 114b is the discharge pipe 1 The valve 116b is connected to the air box 160b of the low-temperature tank 160, which will be described later. 1 14b. Discharge pipe 1 The valve 116c connects the low-temperature storage section 160a of the low-temperature bath 160 (described later) to the heating chamber 120. The valve 116c is a discharge pipe. 1 The blower 116d is provided in the exhaust pipe 14c. 1 14c is provided upstream of the valve 116c.

[0016] The heating chamber 120 includes a box 122 and a heater 124. The box 122 is a hollow container. The top surface of the box 122 is made up of a breathable dispersion plate. The top surface of the box 122 also functions as the bottom surface of the first heat exchanger 130, which will be described later. Gas is supplied to the box 122 from a gas supply unit 110 (blower 112). The heater 124 consumes electricity to heat the gas. The heater 124 is, for example, a resistance heating device or an arc heating device. A resistance heating device is a device that uses heat generated from a conductor to which electricity is supplied. An arc heating device is a device that uses heat generated during arc discharge.

[0017] The heater 124 can consume electricity generated by either or both of a power generation system using renewable energy and a power generation system using a turbine generator. Examples of power generation systems using renewable energy include solar thermal power generation systems, photovoltaic power generation systems, wind power generation systems, and hydroelectric power generation systems. By using the heater 124 to consume electricity generated by a power generation system using renewable energy, it is possible to efficiently convert surplus electricity, which is often the case, into heat.

[0018] The heater 124 is disposed inside the box body 122. The heater 124 heats the gas supplied into the box body 122. Therefore, when the heater 124 is driven, the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 110 into the box body 122 is heated by the heater 124 and then supplied to the first heat exchanger 130.

[0019] Gas and solid particles are supplied to the bottom or lower portion of the first heat exchanger 130, and heat is exchanged between the gas and the solid particles. The solid particles are made of a material with a melting point higher than the required temperature of the first heat-utilization device 180, which will be described later.

[0020] Examples of solid particles include silica, alumina, barite sand (barite, barium sulfate), partially calcined clay, glass spheres, and recovered petroleum catalysts. The solid particles are preferably either silica or alumina, or both. When silica is used as the solid particles, the cost required for the solid particles can be reduced. Furthermore, by using desert sand or river sand as the solid particles (silica), it becomes possible to obtain the solid particles at low cost and easily. Furthermore, by using alumina, which has a relatively high melting point, as the solid particles, the solid particles can be heated to a high temperature, thereby enabling a higher energy storage density.

[0021] The solid particles have a particle size of 0.01 mm to 10 mm. There is no limitation on the shape of the solid particles, and they may or may not be spherical.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 130 is a hollow container. A heater or a heat exchanger may be installed inside the first heat exchanger 130. Solid particles are supplied to the first heat exchanger 130 from the high-temperature chamber 150 and the low-temperature chamber 160, which will be described later. As described above, gas is supplied to the first heat exchanger 130 from the gas supply unit 110 through the heating chamber 120. The flow velocity of the gas supplied to the first heat exchanger 130 by the gas supply unit 110 is equal to or greater than the terminal velocity of the solid particles in the first heat exchanger 130. The solid particles are supplied from above through a gas supply port 130a formed in a distributor disposed on the bottom surface of the first heat exchanger 130. Therefore, a solid-gas mixture of the solid particles and gas passes through the first heat exchanger 130 from bottom to top (from the bottom to the top). Furthermore, in the first heat exchanger 130, a solid-gas mixture of solid particles and gas is formed, and the solid particles and gas are vigorously stirred, so that the solid particles and gas come into contact with each other efficiently and exchange heat.

[0023] The solid-gas separator 140 separates the solid-gas mixture discharged from the first heat exchanger 130 into solid and gas. The solid-gas separator 140 is, for example, a cyclone or a filter. The distributor 142 distributes the solid particles separated by the solid-gas separator 140 to the high-temperature tank 150 or the low-temperature tank 160. The distributor 142 includes pipes 144a and 144b and valves 146a and 146b. The pipe 144a connects the solid particle outlet of the solid-gas separator 140 to the high-temperature tank 150. The valve 146a is provided on the pipe 144a. The pipe 144b connects the solid particle outlet of the solid-gas separator 140 to the low-temperature tank 160. The valve 146b is provided on the pipe 144b. The valves 146a and 146b are opened and closed exclusively by a control unit 196, which will be described later.

[0024] The high-temperature tank 150 stores the solid particles separated into solid and gas by the solid-gas separator 140. The high-temperature tank 150 is, for example, a hopper. The high-temperature particle supply unit 152 supplies the solid particles stored in the high-temperature tank 150 to the first heat exchanger 130. The high-temperature particle supply unit 152 includes a flow rate control device 200. The specific configuration of the flow rate control device 200 will be described later.

[0025] The low-temperature tank 160 stores the solid particles separated into solid and gas by the solid-gas separator 140. Solid particles are supplied to the low-temperature tank 160 at a different timing from that of the high-temperature tank 150. The low-temperature tank 160 includes a low-temperature storage section 160a, an air box 160b (fluidizing gas supply section), an exhaust pipe 160c, and a check valve 160d. The low-temperature storage section 160a stores the solid particles supplied by the distribution section 142. The low-temperature storage section 160a is a hollow container. The air box 160b is provided below the low-temperature storage section 160a. The upper part of the air box 160b is composed of a breathable dispersion plate. The upper part of the air box 160b also functions as the bottom of the low-temperature storage section 160a. Fluidizing gas (e.g., air) is supplied to the wind box 160b from the gas supply unit 110 (blower 112) or the solid-gas separator 140. The fluidizing gas supplied to the wind box 160b is supplied into the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a from the bottom surface (dispersion plate) of the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a.

[0026] The flow velocity of the fluidizing gas supplied from the gas supply unit 110 to the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a is equal to or greater than the minimum fluidization velocity and less than the scattering velocity of the solid particles. The flow velocity of the fluidizing gas supplied from the solid-gas separator 140 to the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a is equal to or greater than the minimum fluidization velocity and less than the terminal velocity of the solid particles. Therefore, the solid particles supplied from the solid-gas separator 140 are fluidized by the fluidizing gas, and a fluidized bed (bubble fluidized bed) is formed in the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a. Since the flow velocity of the fluidizing gas supplied from the solid-gas separator 140 to the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a is less than the terminal velocity, the solid particles do not scatter from the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a.

[0027] The exhaust pipe 160c connects the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a and the pressure energy recovery unit 160e. A check valve 160d is provided in the exhaust pipe 160c. The check valve 160d opens when the pressure in the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure. When the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a is pressurized, the pressure of the gas exhausted from the exhaust pipe 160c is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure. In this case, the pressure energy recovery unit 160e is, for example, a turbine.

[0028] The low-temperature particle supply unit 162 supplies the solid particles stored in the low-temperature tank 160 to the first heat exchanger 130. The low-temperature particle supply unit 162 includes a pipe 164 and a flow rate adjustment valve 166. The pipe 164 connects a lower portion of the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a and a lower portion of the first heat exchanger 130. The flow rate adjustment valve 166 is provided in the pipe 164.

[0029] The gas sending unit 170 supplies the gas separated into solid and gas by the solid-gas separator 140 to the first heat utilization device 180 or the wind box 160b. The gas sending unit 170 includes pipes 172a and 172b and valves 174a and 174b. The pipe 172a connects the gas exhaust port of the solid-gas separator 140 to the first heat utilization device 180. The valve 174a is provided on the pipe 172a. The pipe 172b connects the gas exhaust port of the solid-gas separator 140 to the wind box 160b. The valve 174b is provided on the pipe 172b.

[0030] The first heat utilization equipment 180 is equipment that utilizes the thermal energy of the gas separated by the solid-gas separator 140. The first heat utilization equipment 180 is, for example, a gas turbine generator, a steam turbine generator (boiler), a boiler that provides steam, a furnace (furnace, kiln), or air conditioning equipment.

[0031] The second heat exchanger 190 is provided in the pipe 144b between the valve 146b and the low-temperature accommodation unit 160a. The second heat exchanger 190 exchanges heat between the solid particles passing through the pipe 144b and a fluid (e.g., water, steam, air, or combustion exhaust gas). The second heat exchanger 190 may be configured to form a fluidized bed of solid particles or a moving bed of solid particles. The second heat exchanger 190 has heat transfer pipes 190a. The heat transfer pipes 190a pass through the solid particles (in the fluidized bed or moving bed of solid particles). The fluid passes through the heat transfer pipes 190a. The fluid supply unit 192 passes the fluid through the second heat exchanger 190 and supplies the fluid that has been heat exchanged (heated) by the second heat exchanger 190 to the second heat-utilization device 194. The fluid supply unit 192 is, for example, a pump.

[0032] The second heat utilization equipment 194 is equipment that utilizes the thermal energy of the fluid heated by the second heat exchanger 190. The second heat utilization equipment 194 is, for example, a gas turbine generator, a steam turbine generator (boiler), a boiler that provides steam, a furnace (furnace, kiln), or air conditioning equipment.

[0033] The control unit 196 is configured with a semiconductor integrated circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 196 reads out programs, parameters, etc. for operating the CPU from the ROM. The control unit 196 manages and controls the entire energy storage device 100 in cooperation with RAM as a work area and other electronic circuits.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control unit 196 controls the gas supply unit 110 (blower 112, valves 116a, 116b, 116c, blower 116d), the heater 124, the distribution unit 142 (valves 146a, 146b), the high-temperature particle supply unit 152 (flow rate control device 200), the low-temperature particle supply unit 162 (flow rate control valve 166), the gas delivery unit 170 (valves 174a, 174b), and the fluid supply unit 192.

[0035] In this embodiment, during a period when there is a surplus of power (amount of generated power - amount of demanded power > a predetermined value (e.g., 0)), the control unit 196 converts the surplus power into thermal energy and stores it (heat storage mode). On the other hand, when heat or power is needed, the control unit 196 uses the stored thermal energy in the first heat utilization device 180 and the second heat utilization device 194 (heat dissipation mode).

[0036] The processing of the control unit 196 in the heat storage mode and the heat release mode is a known technology such as the technology disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 097932, so detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0037] [Flow rate adjustment device 200] Next, the flow rate control device 200 according to this embodiment will be described. The flow rate control device 200 controls the flow rate of solid particles flowing from the high-temperature tank 150 toward the first heat exchanger 130.

[0038] 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow control device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the flow control device 200 includes an upstream storage section 202, a communication section 204, a downstream storage section 206, a plurality of adjustment sections 210A to 210C, and a movement section 250.

[0039] The solid particles are stored in the upstream reservoir 202. In this embodiment, the upstream reservoir 202 functions as the high-temperature bath 150.

[0040] The communication part 204 is a cylindrical member extending in the vertical direction, and is continuous with the lower part of the upstream reservoir 202 (high-temperature tank 150).

[0041] The downstream storage section 206 is a cylindrical member extending in the vertical direction. The downstream storage section 206 includes a reduced diameter section 206a and a constant diameter section 206b. The reduced diameter section 206a is continuous with the lower part of the communication section 204. The inner diameter of the reduced diameter section 206a gradually decreases from the top to the bottom. The constant diameter section 206b is continuous with the lower part of the reduced diameter section 206a. The inner diameter of the constant diameter section 206b is constant from the top to the bottom. The constant diameter section 206b is connected to the lower part of the first heat exchanger 130.

[0042] The communication section 204 and the downstream reservoir section 206 have a heat insulating structure.

[0043] The adjustment units 210A to 210C are provided inside the communication unit 204. The adjustment units 210A to 210C have a pipe 220 and a sealing plate 230. The adjustment units 210A to 210C have substantially the same configuration except that the inner diameter of the pipe 220 is different from one another.

[0044] The pipe 220 is a pipe that extends in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the pipe 220 is approximately constant. An inlet 222 of the pipe 220 is connected to the upstream reservoir 202 (high-temperature tank 150). An outlet 224 of the pipe 220 is provided below the inlet 222.

[0045] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210A. That is, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210A. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210C is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B. That is, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210C is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B.

[0046] For example, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B is 1 / 2 of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210A. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210C is 1 / 4 (1 / 2) of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B. 2) In other words, the flow rates of solid particles passing through the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210A, the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B, and the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210C are different. For example, if the flow rate of the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210A is 1, the flow rate of the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210B is 1 / 2, and the flow rate of the pipe 220 of the adjustment unit 210C is 1 / 4.

[0047] The sealing plate 230 is provided below the outlet 224 of the pipe 220. The sealing plate 230 has a sealing surface 232 that extends in a substantially horizontal direction when in a sealing position, which will be described later.

[0048] The moving unit 250 moves the sealing plate 230 between a sealing position and a retracted position. The sealing position is a position where the sealing surface 232 of the sealing plate 230 is located vertically below the outlet 224 of the pipe 220. As shown in Fig. 2, the sealing plates 230 of the adjustment units 210A and 210B are disposed in the sealing position.

[0049] On the other hand, the retracted position is a position where the sealing surface 232 of the sealing plate 230 is retracted from vertically below the outlet 224 of the pipe 220. As shown in Fig. 2, the sealing plate 230 of the adjustment section 210C is disposed in the retracted position.

[0050] The moving section 250 moves the sealing plate 230 of the adjusting section 210A, the sealing plate 230 of the adjusting section 210B, and the sealing plate 230 of the adjusting section 210C independently of each other.

[0051] In this embodiment, the moving unit 250 moves the sealing plate 230 between the sealing position and the retracted position by rotating the sealing plate 230 in the vertical direction. The moving unit 250 includes, for example, a rotation shaft 252 and an actuator (not shown). The rotation shaft 252 is provided at one end of the sealing plate 230. The rotation shaft 252 extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0052] The actuator rotates the rotary shaft 252. The actuator includes, for example, a motor. The actuator may be provided in the communication part 204 or outside the communication part 204. The actuator may be cooled (for example, water-cooled).

[0053] 3 to 5 are diagrams illustrating the state of solid particles in the sealing position. As shown in FIG. 3, when the sealing plate 230 is moved from the retracted position to the sealing position (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3), the solid particles that have flowed down from the outlet 224 of the pipe 220 are deposited on the sealing plate 230. The deposited solid particles maintain an angle of repose θ and assume a conical shape. The angle of repose θ is the angle formed by the inclined surface of the cone shape and the sealing surface 232.

[0054] Because the solid particles continue to flow from the outlet 224, the solid particles accumulate (pile up) on the sealing plate 230 while maintaining the angle of repose θ, as shown in Fig. 4. The size of the conical deposit T formed by the solid particles increases as the time elapses since switching from the retracted position to the sealing position. In other words, the contact area between the deposit T and the sealing surface 232 (the size of the bottom surface of the deposit T) increases as the elapsed time increases.

[0055] 5, when the top of the deposit T reaches the outlet 224 and the outlet 224 is filled with the deposit T, the outlet 224 is sealed by the deposit T. This stops the solid particles from falling downward from the outlet 224.

[0056] That is, by disposing the sealing plate 230 at the sealing position, the flow of solid particles from the pipe 220 can be stopped.

[0057] The distance L (shortest distance) between the outlet 224 and the sealing surface 232 at the sealing position is equal to or greater than the maximum particle size of the solid particles. The distance L is, for example, equal to or greater than about 10 times the particle size (for example, the maximum particle size) of the solid particles. If the distance L is too small, the outlet 224 and the sealing surface 232 will slide against each other, causing wear. Therefore, by setting the distance L to be equal to or greater than the maximum particle size of the solid particles, wear of the outlet 224 and the sealing surface 232 can be prevented.

[0058] Furthermore, the maximum value of the distance L is determined based on the size of the sealing surface 232. Specifically, the distance L is a value at which the area of ​​the bottom surface of the deposit T is less than the area of ​​the sealing surface 232 when the outlet 224 is filled with the deposit T.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the state of the solid particles at the retracted position. As shown in Fig. 6, when the sealing plate 230 is moved from the sealing position to the retracted position (indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6), the deposit T formed on the sealing surface 232 of the sealing plate 230 falls into the downstream reservoir 206, and the seal on the outlet 224 by the deposit T is released. In this way, the fall of the solid particles through the piping 220 (outlet 224) is resumed.

[0060] The moving unit 250 is driven by the control unit 196. The control unit 196 can adjust the flow rate of solid particles supplied from the high-temperature tank 150 (upstream reservoir 202) to the first heat exchanger 130 simply by moving one or more of the sealing plates 230 of the adjustment units 210A to 210C from the sealing position to the retracted position. The control unit 196 can stop the supply of solid particles from the high-temperature tank 150 (upstream reservoir 202) to the first heat exchanger 130 by positioning all of the sealing plates 230 of the adjustment units 210A to 210C at the sealing position.

[0061] As described above, the flow control device 200 according to this embodiment includes the adjustment units 210A to 210C and the movement unit 250. As a result, the flow control device 200 can adjust the flow rate of solid particles with a simple configuration in which the sealing plate 230 is simply moved to the sealing position or the retracted position.

[0062] Moreover, the flow rate control device 200 can adjust the flow rate of high-temperature solid particles of 500° C. or higher simply by moving the sealing plate 230 to the sealing position or the retracted position. Furthermore, the flow rate control device 200 can also adjust the flow rate of a large amount of solid particles, such as 1 t / sec.

[0063] Moreover, the moving unit 250 can move the sealing plate 230 between the sealing position and the retracted position simply by rotating the sealing plate 230.

[0064] [First Modification: Circulating Fluidized Bed Gasifier 300] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circulating fluidized bed gasifier 300 according to a first modified example. In Fig. 7, solid arrows indicate the flow of solid particles (bed material, raw material, and residue) and liquid (water). In Fig. 7, dashed arrows indicate the flow of gas (steam, gasification gas, air, and combustion exhaust gas).

[0065] 7, the circulating fluidized bed gasification system 300 includes a combustion furnace 310, a cyclone 320, a gasification furnace 350, and a flow rate control device 200. Note that components that are substantially the same as those in the energy storage device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0066] The circulating fluidized bed gasifier 300 uses a fluidized bed of a fluidized medium (solid particles) to gasify the raw material and produce gasification gas (synthesis gas). The raw material is, for example, a solid material such as coal (brown coal, etc.) or biomass (wood pellets, etc.). The circulating fluidized bed gasifier 300 is a circulating fluidized bed gasification system. That is, the circulating fluidized bed gasifier 300 circulates the fluidized medium as a heat medium through the combustion furnace 310, cyclone 320, and gasifier 350. The fluidized medium is, for example, a mineral such as silica sand or olivine with a particle size of about 300 μm.

[0067] The combustion furnace 310 has a cylindrical shape. Fuel and a bed material are introduced into the combustion furnace 310 from a gasification furnace 350 (described later) through an inlet pipe 312. The inlet pipe 312 connects the lower part of the combustion furnace 310 to the gasification furnace 350. The combustion furnace 310 burns the fuel and heats the bed material to a temperature of 600°C or higher and 1000°C or lower. The combustion exhaust gas and the bed material heated in the combustion furnace 310 are sent to the cyclone 320 through a discharge pipe 314. The discharge pipe 314 connects the upper part of the combustion furnace 310 to the cyclone 320.

[0068] The cyclone 320 separates the mixture of the bed material and combustion exhaust gas introduced from the combustion furnace 310 through the discharge pipe 314 into solid and gas. The high-temperature bed material separated by the cyclone 320 is introduced into the gasifier 350 through the supply pipe 322. The supply pipe 322 connects the bottom of the cyclone 320 to the gasifier 350.

[0069] The high-temperature fluidized medium is fluidized by a fluidizing gas (e.g., steam) in the gasifier 350. Specifically, the gasifier 350 includes a storage vessel 352 and a steam inlet 354. The storage vessel 352 stores the fluidized medium and the raw material.

[0070] The water vapor introduction unit 354 introduces water vapor into the storage tank 352. The water vapor introduction unit 354 includes a wind box 354a and a boiler 354b. The wind box 354a is provided below the storage tank 352. The top of the wind box 354a also functions as the bottom of the storage tank 352. The top of the wind box 354a is formed with a breathable dispersion plate. The boiler 354b generates water vapor. The boiler 354b is connected to the wind box 354a. The water vapor generated by the boiler 354b is introduced into the wind box 354a. The water vapor introduced into the wind box 354a is introduced into the storage tank 352 from the bottom (dispersion plate) of the storage tank 352. The boiler 354b introduces the water vapor into the wind box 354a at a flow rate that allows a fluidized bed of the bed material to be formed inside the storage tank 352. Therefore, the high-temperature fluidized medium introduced from the cyclone 320 is fluidized by the steam, thereby forming a fluidized bed of the fluidized medium (for example, a bubbling fluidized bed) in the storage tank 352.

[0071] Furthermore, raw materials are introduced into the gasification furnace 350 (storage tank 352) through a supply pipe 322. The introduced raw materials are gasified by the heat of the bed material at 600°C or more and 900°C or less, thereby producing gasification gas (synthesis gas). The gasification gas produced in the gasification furnace 350 is delivered through a delivery pipe 356 to a gasification gas utilization facility at a downstream stage.

[0072] As described above, the bed material fluidized in the gasification furnace 350 is returned to the combustion furnace 310 through the introduction pipe 312 connecting the gasification furnace 350 and the combustion furnace 310. In this manner, in the circulating fluidized bed gasification apparatus 300 according to this embodiment, the bed material circulates through the combustion furnace 310, the cyclone 320, and the gasification furnace 350, in that order, and is introduced back into the combustion furnace 310.

[0073] Furthermore, the raw material residue is introduced into the combustion furnace 310 from the gasification furnace 350 through an introduction pipe 312. The raw material residue is used as fuel in the combustion furnace 310. The raw material residue is the raw material that remains in the gasification furnace 350 without being gasified.

[0074] In the first modified example, the flow rate control device 200 is provided on the inlet pipe 312 and the supply pipe 322. The flow rate control device 200 is controlled based on, for example, the residence time of the raw material in the gasifier 350, the temperature of the gasifier 350, and the pressure of the gasifier 350.

[0075] As described above, in the first modified example, the flow rate control device 200 can adjust the flow rate of a fluidized medium (solid particles) at a high temperature of 500° C. or higher.

[0076] In the first modified example, the flow rate control device 200 is provided in the supply pipe 322 and the inlet pipe 312. However, the flow rate control device 200 may be provided in the inlet pipe 312 or the supply pipe 322.

[0077] [Second Modification: Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler 400] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a circulating fluidized bed boiler 400 according to a second modification. In Fig. 8, solid arrows indicate the flow of solid particles (bed material) and liquid (water). Also, dashed arrows indicate the flow of gas (steam, air, and combustion exhaust gas).

[0078] 8, the circulating fluidized bed boiler 400 includes a combustion furnace 310, a cyclone 320, a fluidized bed furnace 450, a heat transfer tube 460, and a flow rate control device 200. Note that components that are substantially the same as those in the energy storage device 100 and the circulating fluidized bed gasification device 300 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0079] In the second modification, the hot fluidized medium separated by the cyclone 320 is introduced into the fluidized bed furnace 450 through the supply pipe 322. The supply pipe 322 connects the bottom of the cyclone 320 and the fluidized bed furnace 450.

[0080] The high-temperature fluidized medium is fluidized by a fluidizing gas (e.g., air, steam, or carbon dioxide (CO2)) in the fluidized-bed furnace 450. Specifically, the fluidized-bed furnace 450 includes a storage vessel 352 and a fluidizing gas inlet 454.

[0081] The fluidizing gas introduction unit 454 introduces the fluidizing gas into the storage tank 352. The fluidizing gas introduction unit 454 includes a wind box 354a and a pump 454b.

[0082] The pump 454b is connected to the wind box 354a. The pump 454b introduces a fluidizing gas into the wind box 354a. The fluidizing gas introduced into the wind box 354a is introduced into the storage tank 352 from the bottom (dispersion plate) of the storage tank 352. The pump 454b introduces the fluidizing gas into the wind box 354a at a flow rate that allows a fluidized bed of the fluidized medium to be formed in the storage tank 352. Therefore, the high-temperature fluidized medium introduced from the cyclone 320 is fluidized by the fluidizing gas. As a result, a fluidized bed of the fluidized medium (for example, a bubbling fluidized bed) is formed in the storage tank 352.

[0083] As described above, the fluidized material fluidized in the fluidized bed furnace 450 is returned to the combustion furnace 310 through the inlet pipe 312 connecting the fluidized bed furnace 450 and the combustion furnace 310. In this way, in the circulating fluidized bed boiler 400 according to this embodiment, the fluidized material circulates through the combustion furnace 310, the cyclone 320, and the fluidized bed furnace 450, in that order, and is introduced back into the combustion furnace 310.

[0084] In the second modification, the fluidized bed furnace 450 (housing tank 352) is provided with a heat transfer tube 460. Water is supplied to the heat transfer tube 460. In the heat transfer tube 460, heat is exchanged between the high-temperature fluidized medium and the water, and the water evaporates to generate steam. The generated steam is sent to a downstream steam utilization facility.

[0085] In the second modification, the flow rate control device 200 is provided on the inlet pipe 312 and the supply pipe 322. The flow rate control device 200 provided on the inlet pipe 312 is controlled based on the pressure and temperature of the combustion furnace 310. The flow rate control device 200 provided on the supply pipe 322 is controlled based on the heat quantity required by the steam utilization facility.

[0086] As described above, in the second modified example, the flow rate control device 200 can adjust the flow rate of a high-temperature fluidized medium (solid particles) of 500° C. or higher.

[0087] [Third Modification: Solar Thermal Power Generation System 500] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a solar thermal power generation system 500 according to a third modification. In Fig. 9, solid arrows indicate the flow of solid particles and water. In Fig. 9, dashed arrows indicate the flow of water vapor. In Fig. 9, dotted arrows indicate sunlight.

[0088] 9, the solar thermal power generation system 500 includes a collector 510, a heat exchanger 520, a heat transfer tube 460, a transport mechanism 530, and a flow rate control device 200. Note that components that are substantially the same as those in the energy storage device 100 and the circulating fluidized bed boiler 400 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0089] The collector 510 concentrates sunlight to heat the solid particles. The solid particles heated by the collector 510 are supplied to the heat exchanger 520 through a supply pipe 512. The supply pipe 512 connects the bottom of the collector 510 to the top of the heat exchanger 520.

[0090] The heat exchanger 520 temporarily stores the high-temperature solid particles supplied from the collector 510 through the supply pipe 512. A discharge pipe 522 is connected to the bottom of the heat exchanger 520. The solid particles are discharged from the discharge pipe 522 to the transport mechanism 530. Therefore, the high-temperature solid particles move from top to bottom within the heat exchanger 520. In other words, a moving layer of solid particles is formed in the heat exchanger 520.

[0091] The transport mechanism 530 transports the solid particles discharged from the discharge pipe 522 to the collector 510. The transport mechanism 530 is, for example, a screw lift or an elevator.

[0092] In this way, in the solar thermal power generation system 500, the solid particles move through the collector 510, the heat exchanger 520, and the transport mechanism 530 in this order, and are then introduced back into the collector 510, thereby circulating through these.

[0093] In the third modification, the heat transfer tube 460 is provided inside the heat exchanger 520. Water is supplied to the heat transfer tube 460. In the heat transfer tube 460, heat is exchanged between the high-temperature fluid medium and the water, and the water evaporates to generate steam. The generated steam is sent to a generator at a downstream stage.

[0094] In the third modification, the flow rate control device 200 , supply Supply pipe 512 and Discharge pipe 522 The flow rate adjusting device 200 is controlled based on the power required by the generator.

[0095] As described above, in the third modified example, the flow rate control device 200 can adjust the flow rate of high-temperature solid particles of 500° C. or higher.

[0096] [Fourth Modification] In the above embodiment, the case where the rotation shaft 252 constituting the moving part 250 is provided at one end of the sealing plate 230 has been exemplified. However, the position of the rotation shaft 252 of the moving part 250 is not limited as long as it can rotate the sealing plate 230.

[0097] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the moving part 250 according to the fourth modified example at the sealing position. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the moving part 250 according to the fourth modified example at the retracted position.

[0098] 10 and 11, the rotation shaft 252 according to the fourth modification is provided between one end and the other end of the sealing plate 230. As shown in Fig. 10, in the sealing position, the width W1 between one end of the sealing plate 230 and one end side of the pipe 220 is expressed by the following formula (1). In addition, in the sealing position, the width W2 between one end of the sealing plate 230 and one end side of the pipe 220 is expressed by the following formula (2). W1 ≧ 1.5×L / tanθ…Formula (1) W2 ≧ 1.5×L / tanθ …Formula (2) In the above formulas (1) and (2), L is the distance between the outlet 224 and the sealing surface 232 at the sealing position, and θ is the angle of repose of the pile T.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 11, in the retracted position, the distance B (shortest distance) between the sealing surface 232 of the sealing plate 230 and one end of the pipe 220 is, for example, equal to or greater than the maximum particle size of the solid particles.

[0100] As described above, the rotation shaft 252 constituting the moving part 250 according to the fourth modified example is provided between one end and the other end of the sealing plate 230. Therefore, in the fourth modified example, it is possible to reduce the size of the sealing plate 230.

[0101] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0102] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the flow rate control device 200 is provided with a plurality of adjustment units 210A to 210C. However, the flow rate control device 200 may be provided with only one adjustment unit. In this case, the flow rate control device 200 functions as an on / off valve that turns the flow of solid particles on and off.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been given in which the inner diameters of the pipes 220 of the adjustment units 210A to 210C are different from each other. However, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the pipes 220 of the adjustment units 210A to 210C is different. It is sufficient that the diameter of the narrowest part of the inner diameter of the pipes 220 of the adjustment units 210A to 210C is different. For example, the inner diameters of the pipes 220 of the adjustment units 210A, 210B, and 210C may be made substantially equal, and orifices with different hole diameters may be provided inside the pipes 220 of the adjustment units 210A to 210C, respectively.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the moving unit 250 rotates the sealing plate 230. However, the moving unit 250 is not limited to a specific direction of movement as long as it can move the sealing plate 230 between the sealing position and the retracted position.

[0105] FIG. 12 illustrates a moving unit according to the fifth modified example at the sealing position. FIG. 13 illustrates a moving unit 650 according to the fifth modified example at the retracted position. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 3, for example, the moving unit 650 may move the sealing plate 230 in a substantially horizontal direction. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the fifth modified example, the moving unit 650 includes an extension rod 652 and an actuator (not shown). The extension rod 652 is provided at one end of the sealing plate 230. The extension rod 652 is extended and retracted in the horizontal direction by an actuator (not shown). Therefore, the moving unit 650 moves the sealing plate 230 linearly in the horizontal direction. This allows the moving unit 650 to have a simple configuration. The actuator may be provided in the communication portion 204 or outside the communication portion 204, similar to the actuator constituting the moving unit 250 in the above embodiment. The actuator may be cooled (for example, water-cooled).

[0106] In the above embodiment, the moving unit 250 rotates the sealing plate 230 in the vertical direction. However, the moving unit 250 may rotate the sealing plate 230 in a substantially horizontal direction. In this case, the rotation axis extends in a substantially vertical direction. In either case, it is sufficient for the moving unit 250 to be able to move the sealing plate 230 between the sealing position and the retracted position.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the piping 220 is a pipe extending in the vertical direction, but the piping 220 may be inclined as long as the outlet is provided below the inlet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 200: Flow rate adjustment device 210A: Adjustment section 210B: Adjustment section 210C: Adjustment section 220: Piping 222: Inlet 224: Outlet 230: Sealing plate 232: Sealing surface 250: Moving section 650: Moving section

Claims

1. A plurality of adjustment units each including a pipe and a sealing plate provided below an outlet of the pipe and having a sealing surface; a moving unit that moves the sealing plate between a sealing position where a sealing surface of the sealing plate is positioned vertically below the outlet of the pipe and a retracted position where the sealing surface of the sealing plate is retracted from vertically below the outlet of the pipe; a control unit that controls the moving unit to move the sealing plate from the sealing position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the sealing position, thereby adjusting the flow rate of solid particles that are allowed to fall from the outlet; Equipped with The plurality of adjustment units each have a different flow path cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the pipe, the moving unit has an actuator, when the actuator moves the sealing plate from the retracted position to the sealing position, the outlet is blocked by the solid particles accumulated on the sealing surface, thereby stopping the solid particles from falling downward from the outlet; When the actuator moves the sealing plate from the sealing position to the retracted position, the solid particles accumulated on the sealing surface fall, and the outlet is unblocked, thereby starting to fall through the outlet.

2. The flow rate control device according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the outlet of the pipe and the sealing surface of the sealing plate at the sealing position is equal to or greater than a maximum particle size of solid particles.

3. The flow rate control device according to claim 1 , wherein the moving part rotates the sealing plate.

4. The flow rate control device according to claim 1 , wherein the moving portion moves the sealing plate in a substantially horizontal direction.

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