Steam generator and steam generation system

Abstract

To provide a steam generating device that can be downsized while securing a wide evaporating liquid surface, and a steam generating system comprising the steam generating device.SOLUTION: A steam generating device according to an embodiment generates steam by boiling feedwater with a heating medium as a heat source. The steam generating device comprises: a container comprising a feedwater inflow part through which the feedwater flows in, and a steam outflow part through which the steam flows out; and a plurality of evaporator units arranged in the container, and for generating the steam by boiling the feedwater. The evaporator units each comprise: an evaporator tab for storing the feedwater, and of which an upper part is opened; and a heater for heating the feedwater in the evaporator tab with a heating medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a steam generator and a steam generation system.

Background Art

[0002] In manufacturing factories and the like, a large amount of steam is used when manufacturing products. In such manufacturing factories, a steam generator that boils feed water using a heating medium as a heat source to generate steam is used.

[0003] Here, a general steam generator 105 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, a general steam generator 105 includes a pressure vessel 110 and an evaporator unit 120.

[0004] The pressure vessel 110 has a feed water inlet 111 into which feed water W flows and a steam outlet 115 from which steam S flows out. The feed water inlet 111 is provided at the lower part of the pressure vessel 110. The steam outlet 115 is provided at the upper part of the pressure vessel 110. The feed water W flowing in from the feed water inlet 111 is stored in the pressure vessel 110.

[0005] The evaporator unit 120 has an evaporator header 122 and a heating section 127. The evaporator header 122 is provided with a heating medium inlet 126 into which a heating medium HM flows and a heating medium outlet 128 from which the heating medium HM flows out. The heating section 127 is disposed within the pressure vessel 110. The heating section 127 includes a tube bundle composed of a plurality of heating tubes through which the heating medium HM flows. The heating medium HM flowing in from the heating medium inlet 126 flows through each heating tube of the heating section 127 to heat the feed water W in the pressure vessel 110, and then flows out from the heating medium outlet 128.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 11, the heating section 127 boils the feed water W in the pressure vessel 110 by heating with the heating medium HM to generate steam S. The generated steam S passes through a moisture separation element 130, and after the moisture contained in the steam S is removed, it flows out from the steam outlet 115 and is supplied to an external steam utilization section.

[0007] However, when such a steam generator 105 is applied to a steam generation system that utilizes a heat pump cycle, for example, the heating medium HM supplied to the evaporator unit 120 becomes relatively cold, resulting in low-pressure steam S being generated by the steam generator 105. Characteristics of low-pressure steam include a larger specific volume and a larger rate of rise of the boiling point of the liquid with respect to depth from the liquid surface, compared to high-pressure steam. As a result, as shown in Figure 12, violent boiling can occur at the liquid surface of the feedwater W, generating a large amount of bubbles. Consequently, problems such as the entrainment of liquid droplets into the steam due to priming (carryover), fluctuation of the feedwater liquid surface, vibration of the equipment, and drying out of the heat transfer surface of the heating section may occur.

[0008] To address this issue, one approach is to reduce the heat load on the evaporating liquid surface, that is, to reduce the evaporation rate per unit area of ​​the liquid surface. More specifically, this could involve increasing the surface area of ​​the liquid or, as shown in Figure 13, thinning the tube bundle of the heating section 127. However, increasing the surface area of ​​the liquid increases the width of the container for storing the feedwater, and thinning the tube bundle of the heating section increases the volume of the part that does not contribute to steam generation, resulting in a larger steam generator relative to the amount of steam generated. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-71419 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention has been made with these points in mind, and aims to provide a steam generator that can be miniaturized while ensuring a wide evaporation surface, and a steam generator system equipped with the steam generator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The steam generator according to this embodiment is a steam generator that generates steam by boiling feedwater using a heating medium as a heat source. The steam generator comprises a container having a feedwater inlet into which feedwater flows and a steam outlet out which steam flows out, and a plurality of evaporator units arranged inside the container to generate steam by boiling the feedwater. Each evaporator unit has an evaporator tab that stores feedwater and has an open top, and a heater that heats the feedwater in the evaporator tab with a heating medium.

[0012] Furthermore, the steam generation system according to the embodiment includes the steam generator described above and is equipped with a heat pump system through which the heating medium supplied to the steam generator circulates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a steam generator that can be miniaturized while ensuring a wide evaporation surface, and a steam generator system equipped with said steam generator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a steam generation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the steam generator included in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of the heating medium in the steam generator shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of the heating medium in a steam generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a steam generator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of the heating medium in the steam generator shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing a steam generator according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view showing a steam generator according to other embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a general steam generator. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view for explaining the state of steam generation in a general steam generator. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view for explaining problems in a general steam generator. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube bundle of the heating section in a general steam generator is thinned.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (First Embodiment) First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a steam generator and a steam generation system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0017] Here, first, the steam generation system according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the steam generation system 1 includes a heat pump system 2 and a steam compressor 7.

[0018] A heating medium HM circulates through the heat pump system 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat pump system 2 includes an evaporator 3, a medium compressor 4, a steam generator 5, and an expansion section 6. These are sequentially connected via pipes. The heating medium HM circulates through these pipes.

[0019] The evaporator 3 heats the heating medium HM using a fluid F introduced from the outside as a heat source, and evaporates the liquid heating medium HM. The evaporator 3 is connected to a fluid inlet pipe 3a and a fluid outlet pipe 3b. The fluid inlet pipe 3a introduces the fluid F that heats the heating medium HM into the evaporator 3. The fluid outlet pipe 3b discharges the fluid F that has heated the heating medium HM from the evaporator 3. The heating medium HM that has passed through the evaporator 3 becomes a gas and is supplied to the medium compressor 4.

[0020] Here, examples of fluid F introduced into the evaporator 3 include seawater, river water, air, and exhaust gas from boilers, etc. However, it is not limited to these; any fluid with a temperature higher than the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the evaporator 3 is acceptable. In the evaporator 3, the fluid F exchanges heat with the heating medium HM, so the temperature of the fluid F discharged from the fluid discharge pipe 3b is lower than the temperature of the fluid F introduced from the fluid inlet pipe 3a. The fluid F may also be introduced into the fluid inlet pipe 3a from an external source, such as by a pump (not shown).

[0021] The media compressor 4 compresses the heating medium HM evaporated in the evaporator 3, raising its temperature and pressure. The media compressor 4 is driven by the drive unit 4a. The heating medium HM that has passed through the media compressor 4 is supplied to the steam generator 5.

[0022] The steam generator 5 generates steam S by boiling feedwater W using a heating medium HM as a heat source. The steam generator 5 is connected to a feedwater inlet pipe 5a and a steam outlet pipe 5b. The feedwater inlet pipe 5a introduces feedwater W into the steam generator 5. The steam outlet pipe 5b discharges the generated steam S from the steam generator 5. Details of the configuration of the steam generator 5 will be described later. The heating medium HM that has passed through the steam generator 5 is supplied to the expansion section 6. The steam S generated by the steam generator 5 is supplied to the steam compressor 7.

[0023] The expansion section 6 expands the heating medium HM that has been heated by the steam generator 5, thereby lowering its temperature and pressure. The heating medium HM that has passed through the expansion section 6 becomes a liquid and is supplied back to the evaporator 3. For example, an expansion valve or orifice can be used as the expansion section 6.

[0024] The steam compressor 7 compresses the steam S generated by the steam generator 5, raising its temperature and pressure. The steam compressor 7 is driven by a drive unit 7a. In the steam compressor 7, the temperature and pressure of the steam S are adjusted, for example, taking into account the temperature and pressure of the steam S required by the steam utilization unit 8. The steam S that has passed through the steam compressor 7 is supplied to the steam utilization unit 8. Examples of the steam utilization unit 8 include the manufacturing process of a manufacturing plant.

[0025] Furthermore, the steam generation system 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a steam compressor 7, and the steam S generated by the steam generator 5 may be supplied to the steam utilization unit 8 without going through the steam compressor 7.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the steam generator 5 described above will be explained using Figures 2 to 4.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the steam generator 5 comprises a container 10, a plurality of evaporator units 20, a moisture separation element 30, and a superheater unit 40.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the container 10 is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape. The container 10 has a water inlet 11, a water storage section 12, a water outlet 13, a water supply section 14, and a steam outlet 15.

[0029] The water supply inlet 11 is connected to the water supply introduction pipe 5a. The water supply inlet 11 allows the water supply W that has flowed through the water supply introduction pipe 5a to flow into the container 10. The water supply inlet 11 may be located at the bottom of the container 10. The water supply W that flows in from the water supply inlet 11 is stored in the water supply storage section 12.

[0030] A water supply pump P1 may be provided in the water supply inlet pipe 5a. By driving this water supply pump P1, the water supply W may flow through the water supply inlet pipe 5a and be supplied to the water supply inlet 11.

[0031] Furthermore, a water supply flow rate control valve V1 may be provided in the water supply inlet pipe 5a. The water supply flow rate control valve V1 may be provided downstream of the water supply pump P1. By changing the opening degree of the water supply flow rate control valve V1, the flow rate of the water supply W supplied to the water supply inlet 11 by the water supply pump P1 may be adjusted.

[0032] The water supply storage section 12 stores the water supply W that flows in from the water supply inlet section 11. The water supply storage section 12 is located at the bottom of the container 10. The water supply storage section 12 is located below the evaporator unit 20, which will be described later. The water supply storage section 12 also stores the water supply W that overflows from the evaporator tab 21 of the evaporator unit 20, which will be described later. The water supply W stored in the water supply storage section 12 flows out from the water supply outlet section 13.

[0033] The water supply outlet 13 is connected to the water supply pipe 5c. The water supply outlet 13 allows the water supply W stored in the water supply storage unit 12 to flow out into the water supply pipe 5c. The water supply outlet 13 may be located at the bottom of the water supply storage unit 12. The water supply W that flows out from the water supply outlet 13 is supplied to the water supply unit 14 through the water supply pipe 5c.

[0034] The water supply unit 14 is connected to the water supply pipe 5c and the evaporator tab 21. The water supply unit 14 may also be connected to the lower region 21a of the evaporator tab 21, which will be described later. The water supply W supplied from the water supply pipe 5c to the water supply unit 14 is supplied to the evaporator tab 21 via this water supply unit 14.

[0035] A supply pump P2 may be provided in the water supply pipe 5c. By driving this supply pump P2, the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12 may flow through the water supply pipe 5c and be supplied to the evaporator tab 21 via the water supply section 14. As described above, the water supply storage section 12 stores the water supply W that overflows from the evaporator tab 21. For this reason, the supply pump P2 circulates the water supply W as circulating water between the water supply storage section 12 and the evaporator tab 21.

[0036] Furthermore, a circulating water flow rate control valve V2 may be provided in the water supply pipe 5c. The circulating water flow rate control valve V2 may be provided downstream of the supply pump P2. By changing the opening degree of the circulating water flow rate control valve V2, the flow rate of the water supply W supplied to the evaporator tab 21 by the supply pump P2, i.e., the flow rate of the circulating water by the supply pump P2, may be adjusted.

[0037] The steam outlet 15 is connected to the steam discharge pipe 5b. The steam outlet 15 allows the steam S generated by the evaporator unit 20 to flow out of the container 10 into the steam discharge pipe 5b. The steam outlet 15 may be located at the top of the container 10. The steam S flowing out from the steam outlet 15 is supplied to the steam compressor 7 described above through the steam discharge pipe 5b.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, multiple evaporator units 20 are arranged inside the container 10. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, eight evaporator units 20 are arranged. More specifically, four evaporator units 20 are arranged at the same height above, and four evaporator units 20 are arranged at the same height below. The evaporator units 20 may be supported inside the container 10 by support parts (not shown).

[0039] The evaporator unit 20 boils the feedwater W to generate steam S. As shown in Figure 2, the evaporator unit 20 includes an evaporator tab 21 and a heater 25.

[0040] The evaporator tab 21 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular box with an open top. The evaporator tab 21 stores the feedwater W supplied from the feedwater supply unit 14. A perforated plate 22 may be placed inside the evaporator tab 21. The perforated plate 22 is a plate-shaped member with a plurality of through holes 22a formed therein. This perforated plate 22 divides the inside of the evaporator tab 21 into a lower region 21a and an upper region 21b. The feedwater W supplied from the feedwater supply unit 14 first flows through the lower region 21a. Then, the feedwater W in the lower region 21a is supplied to the upper region 21b through the through holes 22a of the perforated plate 22. Such a perforated plate 22 makes it possible to equalize the flow rate of the feedwater W supplied to the upper region 21b.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, adjacent evaporator tabs 21 of evaporator units 20 at the same height may be connected by a connecting pipe 23. The connecting pipe 23 connects the evaporator tabs 21 of adjacent evaporator units 20 to each other. The connecting pipe 23 may be connected at the lower region 21a of the evaporator tabs 21, connecting the lower regions 21a to each other. Alternatively, the connecting pipe 23 may be connected at the upper region 21b of the evaporator tabs 21, connecting the upper regions 21b to each other. This allows the feedwater W supplied from the feedwater supply unit 14 to the evaporator tab 21 of one evaporator unit 20 to be supplied to the evaporator tab 21 of another adjacent evaporator unit 20 through the connecting pipe 23. Furthermore, the liquid level of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 of each evaporator unit 20 can be made the same.

[0042] If the amount of feedwater W supplied exceeds the capacity of the evaporator tab 21, it overflows from the top of the evaporator tab 21. As shown in Figure 2, the feedwater W that overflows from the evaporator tab 21 of the upper evaporator unit 20 may be supplied to the evaporator tab 21 of the lower evaporator unit 20. In the example shown in Figure 2, the evaporator tab 21 of the lower evaporator unit 20 has a water receiving section 24 that receives the feedwater W that overflows from the evaporator tab 21 of the upper evaporator unit 20. The water receiving section 24 is located between adjacent evaporator units 20. The water receiving section 24 communicates with the lower region 21a of the evaporator tab 21, and the feedwater W received by the water receiving section 24 is supplied to the lower region 21a. The feedwater W in the lower region 21a is then supplied to the upper region 21b through the through-holes 22a of the perforated plate 22. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the water supply W that overflows from the evaporator tab 21 of the lower evaporator unit 20 is supplied to and stored in the water supply storage unit 12.

[0043] The heater 25 heats the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 using the heating medium HM. The heater 25 is located inside the evaporator tab 21. In the example shown in Figure 2, the heater 25 is located in the upper region 21b of the evaporator tab 21. Therefore, the heater 25 heats the feedwater W in the upper region 21b of the evaporator tab 21.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the heater 25 may be a so-called tube-type heat exchanger. In the example shown in Figure 2, the heater 25 has an inlet header 26, a heating section 27, and an outlet header 28. The inlet header 26 is provided with a heating medium inlet 26a into which the heating medium HM flows. The heating section 27 is composed of a plurality of heating tubes 27a. The heating medium HM that flows in from the heating medium inlet 26a flows through each heating tube 27a. The heating medium HM flowing through each heating tube 27a heats the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21. The outlet header 28 is provided with a heating medium outlet 28a from which the heating medium HM flows out. The heating medium HM that has flowed through each heating tube 27a flows out from the heating medium outlet 28a.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 2, not only the heating unit 27, but also the inlet header 26 and outlet header 28 are located inside the evaporator tab 21. However, this is not the only option; at least a portion of the heating unit 27 must be located inside the evaporator tab 21, and the inlet header 26 and outlet header 28 may be located outside the evaporator tab 21.

[0046] In this way, the heater 25 boils the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 by heating with the heating medium HM, thereby generating steam S. The generated steam S is released from the top of the evaporator tab 21 and heads towards the top of the container 10.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a moisture separation element 30 is located in the upper part of the container 10. The moisture separation element 30 is located above the evaporator unit 20. The moisture separation element 30 separates and removes moisture contained in the steam S. After passing through the moisture separation element 30, the steam S, with the moisture removed, continues towards the upper part of the container 10.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a superheater unit 40 is provided in the upper part of the container 10. The superheater unit 40 is located above the moisture separation element 30. The superheater unit 40 is also located upstream of the steam outlet 15.

[0049] The superheater unit 40 superheats steam S. As shown in Figure 2, the superheater unit 40 has an inlet header 41, a superheating section 42, and an outlet header 43. The inlet header 41 is provided with a heating medium inlet 41a into which the heating medium HM flows. The superheating section 42 is composed of a plurality of superheating tubes 42a. The heating medium HM that flows in from the heating medium inlet 41a flows through each superheating tube 42a. The heating medium HM flowing through each superheating tube 42a superheats the steam S passing through the superheater unit 40. The outlet header 43 is provided with a heating medium outlet 43a into which the heating medium HM flows out. The heating medium HM that has flowed through each superheating tube 42a flows out from the heating medium outlet 43a.

[0050] The steam S, superheated by the superheater unit 40, becomes superheated steam and flows out from the steam outlet 15. The steam S that flows out from the steam outlet 15 is supplied to the steam compressor 7 through the steam discharge pipe 5b.

[0051] Here, the flow of the heating medium HM in the steam generator 5 will be explained using Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the steam generator 5 is equipped with a heating medium supply line L. The heating medium HM supplied to the superheater unit 40 and each evaporator unit 20 flows through the heating medium supply line L. In the example shown in Figure 4, the heating medium supply line L includes a first supply line L1, a second supply line L2, and a discharge line Le.

[0052] The first supply line L1 is connected to the heating medium inlet 41a of the superheater unit 40. The heating medium HM from the medium compressor 4 flows through the first supply line L1. The heating medium HM that has flowed through the first supply line L1 flows into the superheater unit 40 from the heating medium inlet 41a.

[0053] The second supply line L2 is connected to the heating medium outlet 43a of the superheater unit 40. The heating medium HM that has flowed out of the superheater unit 40 flows through the second supply line L2. The second supply line L2 also branches off and is connected to the heating medium inlet 26a of each evaporator unit 20. The heating medium HM that has flowed through the second supply line L2 flows into the corresponding evaporator unit 20 from each heating medium inlet 26a. Here, the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the second supply line L2 is lower than the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the first supply line L1.

[0054] The discharge line Le is connected to the heating medium outlet 28a of each evaporator unit 20. The heating medium HM discharged from each evaporator unit 20 flows through the discharge line Le. The heating medium HM that has flowed through the discharge line Le is supplied to the expansion unit 6. Here, the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the discharge line Le is lower than the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the second supply line L2.

[0055] In this manner, the heating medium HM flows through the heating medium supply line L and is supplied to the superheater unit 40 to superheat the steam S, and is also supplied to each evaporator unit 20 to heat the feedwater W.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the steam generator 5 may also be equipped with a storage water level gauge G1. The storage water level gauge G1 is installed in the feedwater storage section 12. The storage water level gauge G1 can measure the water level of the feedwater W in the feedwater storage section 12. For example, a differential pressure type level gauge is used as the storage water level gauge G1. However, it is not limited to this, and any water level gauge such as a float type level gauge or an ultrasonic type level gauge may be used.

[0057] In this case, the water supply flow rate control valve V1 may adjust the flow rate of the water supply W supplied to the water supply inlet 11 by the water supply pump P1 based on the water level of the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12 measured by the water level gauge G1. For example, if the water level of the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12 is less than the first threshold, the opening of the water supply flow rate control valve V1 may be increased to increase the flow rate of the water supply W supplied to the water supply inlet 11 by the water supply pump P1. Also, if the water level of the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12 is greater than the second threshold, the opening of the water supply flow rate control valve V1 may be decreased to reduce the flow rate of the water supply W supplied to the water supply inlet 11 by the water supply pump P1. Here, the second threshold is a value greater than the first threshold.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the steam generator 5 may also be equipped with a steam flow meter F1 and a circulating water flow meter F2. The steam flow meter F1 is installed in the steam discharge pipe 5b. The steam flow meter F1 can measure the flow rate of steam S flowing out from the steam outlet 15. The circulating water flow meter F2 is installed in the feedwater supply pipe 5c. In the example shown in Figure 2, the circulating water flow meter F2 is installed downstream of the circulating water flow control valve V2. The circulating water flow meter F2 can measure the flow rate of feedwater W supplied to the evaporator tab 21 by the supply pump P2, that is, the flow rate of circulating water by the supply pump P2.

[0059] In this case, the circulating water flow control valve V2 may adjust the flow rate of circulating water by the supply pump P2 based on the flow rate of steam S measured by the steam flow meter F1 and the flow rate of circulating water measured by the circulating water flow meter F2. For example, the flow rate of circulating water by the supply pump P2 may be adjusted by changing the opening degree of the circulating water flow control valve V2 so that the flow rate of circulating water to the flow rate of steam S is in a predetermined ratio. Here, the predetermined ratio is a value greater than 1. For example, the flow rate of circulating water may be adjusted so that the flow rate of circulating water is twice, three times, etc., the flow rate of steam S.

[0060] Next, the operation of this embodiment, which has the above configuration, will be described.

[0061] When the steam generation system 1 is in operation, the heating medium HM circulates through the heat pump system 2 (see Figure 1). More specifically, the liquid heating medium HM supplied to the evaporator 3 is heated and evaporated by heat exchange with the fluid F introduced into the evaporator 3 from the outside. The heating medium HM evaporated in the evaporator 3 is heated and pressurized in the medium compressor 4. The heating medium HM supplied from the medium compressor 4 to the steam generator 5 dissipates heat in the steam generator 5 through heat exchange with the feedwater W. The heating medium HM that has dissipated heat in the steam generator 5 expands in the expansion section 6, becoming colder and lowering its pressure until it turns into a liquid. The heating medium HM that has turned into a liquid in the expansion section 6 is supplied back to the evaporator 3.

[0062] Here, the heating medium HM from the media compressor 4 flows through the heating medium supply line L and is supplied to the superheater unit 40 and each evaporator unit 20 of the steam generator 5 (see Figure 4). More specifically, the heating medium HM from the media compressor 4 flows through the first supply line L1 and enters the superheater unit 40 from the heating medium inlet 41a. The heating medium HM that enters the superheater unit 40 flows through each superheater tube 42a of the superheater unit 40. The heating medium HM that has flowed through each superheater tube 42a flows out from the heating medium outlet 43a and flows through the second supply line L2. The heating medium HM that has flowed through the second supply line L2 enters the corresponding evaporator unit 20 from each heating medium inlet 26a. The heating medium HM that has entered the evaporator unit 20 flows through each heat tube 27a of the evaporator unit 20. The heating medium HM that has flowed through each heating tube 27a flows out from the heating medium outlet 28a and through the discharge line Le. The heating medium HM that has flowed through the discharge line Le is supplied to the expansion section 6.

[0063] Furthermore, in the steam generator 5, the feedwater W is boiled using the heating medium HM as a heat source to generate steam S (see Figures 2 and 3). More specifically, first, the feedwater pump P1 drives the feedwater W through the feedwater introduction pipe 5a and supplies it to the feedwater inlet 11. Here, the flow rate of the feedwater W supplied to the feedwater inlet 11 by the feedwater pump P1 is adjusted by the feedwater flow rate control valve V1 based on the water level of the feedwater W in the feedwater storage section 12 measured by the storage section water level gauge G1. The feedwater W supplied to the feedwater inlet 11 flows from the feedwater inlet 11 into the container 10 and is stored in the feedwater storage section 12.

[0064] Next, driven by the supply pump P2, the feedwater W in the feedwater storage section 12 flows out from the feedwater outlet section 13, through the feedwater supply pipe 5c, and is supplied to the evaporator tab 21 of the evaporator unit 20 via the feedwater supply section 14. Here, the flow rate of the feedwater W (circulating water) supplied to the evaporator tab 21 by the supply pump P2 is adjusted by the circulating water flow rate control valve V2 based on the flow rate of steam S measured by the steam flow meter F1 and the flow rate of feedwater W (circulating water) measured by the circulating water flow meter F2. The feedwater W supplied to the evaporator tab 21 flows through the lower region 21a and is supplied to the upper region 21b through the through-holes 22a of the perforated plate 22. It is also supplied to the evaporator tab 21 of other adjacent evaporator units 20 through the connecting pipe 23.

[0065] Next, the heater 25 of the evaporator unit 20 heats the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21. More specifically, the heating medium HM flowing through each heating tube 27a of the evaporator unit 20 heats the feedwater W in the upper region 21b of the evaporator tab 21. This heating by the heating medium HM causes the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 to boil and generate steam S. The generated steam S is released from the top of the evaporator tab 21.

[0066] On the other hand, any feedwater W supplied in excess of the evaporator tab 21's capacity overflows from the top of the evaporator tab 21. The feedwater W overflowing from the evaporator tab 21 of the upper evaporator unit 20 is supplied to the evaporator tab 21 of the lower evaporator unit 20. In addition, the feedwater W overflowing from the evaporator tab 21 of the lower evaporator unit 20 is supplied to and stored in the feedwater storage section 12. The feedwater W stored in the feedwater storage section 12 is then supplied again to the evaporator tab 21 of the evaporator unit 20 by the drive of the supply pump P2. In this way, the feedwater W circulates between the feedwater storage section 12 and the evaporator tab 21 as circulating water.

[0067] The steam S released from the top of the evaporator tab 21 passes through the moisture separation element 30, where moisture is removed. The dehumidified steam S is then superheated by the superheater unit 40. More specifically, the steam S passing through the superheater unit 40 is superheated by the heating medium HM flowing through each superheater tube 42a of the superheater unit 40. The superheated steam S (superheated steam) flows out from the steam outlet 15. The steam S that flows out from the steam outlet 15 is supplied to the steam compressor 7 through the steam discharge pipe 5b.

[0068] Subsequently, the steam S generated by the steam generator 5 is compressed by the steam compressor 7, increasing its temperature and pressure. The steam S that has passed through the steam compressor 7 is supplied to the steam utilization section 8.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, the evaporator unit 20 includes an evaporator tab 21 that stores feedwater W and has an open top, and a heater 25 that heats the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 with a heating medium HM. By arranging multiple such evaporator units 20 in the container 10, a wide surface area for the evaporated liquid can be secured. Furthermore, by effectively utilizing the space in the container 10, the steam generator 5 can be miniaturized relative to the amount of steam generated. Therefore, it is possible to provide a steam generator 5 that can be miniaturized while securing a wide surface area for the evaporated liquid, and a steam generation system 1 equipped with the steam generator 5.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the container 10 is located below the evaporator unit 20 and has a feedwater storage section 12 that stores the feedwater W that flows in from the feedwater inlet 11. By configuring the system so that the feedwater W from the feedwater inlet 11 is first stored in the feedwater storage section 12 in the container 10, the configuration of the steam generator 5 can be simplified compared to the case where the feedwater W is supplied directly to each evaporator unit 20. In addition, by giving the container 10 the function of a tank for storing feedwater W, it is possible to eliminate the need to provide a separate tank, thereby improving the stability of system operation.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a water flow rate adjustment valve V1 is provided that adjusts the flow rate of the water supply W supplied to the water supply inlet 11 by the water supply pump P1 based on the water level of the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12 measured by the water level gauge G1. This makes it possible to adjust the water level of the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12, thereby preventing the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12 from becoming insufficient or the water supply W in the water supply storage section 12 from reaching the liquid level of the water supply W in the evaporator tab 21. As a result, by stably supplying water supply W to the heating section 27, it is possible to prevent the heat transfer surface of the heating section 27 from drying out and to prevent a decrease in the evaporation liquid level.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the feedwater storage unit 12 stores the feedwater W that overflows from the evaporator tab 21, and the supply pump P2 circulates the feedwater W as circulating water between the feedwater storage unit 12 and the evaporator tab 21. With this feedwater W circulation configuration, the evaporator tab 21 can be filled with feedwater W with simple control. This prevents the heat transfer surface of the heating unit 27 from drying out. In addition, it is possible to suppress violent boiling at the liquid surface of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 and suppress the entrainment (carryover) of liquid droplets into the steam S. Furthermore, it is possible to stabilize the liquid surface of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 and suppress vibration of the device.

[0073] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a circulating water flow control valve V2 is provided that adjusts the flow rate of circulating water by the supply pump P2 based on the flow rate of steam S measured by the steam flow meter F1 and the flow rate of circulating water measured by the circulating water flow meter F2. This allows a supply of feedwater W at a flow rate greater than the flow rate of generated steam S to the evaporator tab 21, ensuring that the evaporator tab 21 is reliably filled with feedwater W. This effectively prevents the heat transfer surface of the heating section 27 from drying out. In addition, the flow rate of circulating water relative to the flow rate of steam S can be adjusted to a predetermined ratio according to the operating conditions, thereby optimizing the power of the supply pump P2 and the stability of steam generation.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a superheater unit 40 is provided, which is located upstream of the steam outlet 15 and superheats the steam S. This allows the generated steam S to be supplied to the steam compressor 7 as superheated steam.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) Next, with reference to Figure 5, a steam generator and steam generator system according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0076] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the main difference is that the steam generator includes a bypass line, a heating medium flow control valve, and another bypass flow control valve. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. In Figure 5, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5, the steam generator 5 according to this embodiment further comprises a bypass line Lb, a heating medium flow rate control valve V3, and a bypass flow rate control valve V4.

[0078] The bypass line Lb branches off from the heating medium supply line L at branching point Pb upstream of the superheater unit 40. Furthermore, the bypass line Lb merges with the heating medium supply line L at confluence point Pc downstream of the superheater unit 40 and upstream of the evaporator unit 20. That is, one end of the bypass line Lb is connected to the first supply line L1 at branching point Pb, and the other end of the bypass line Lb is connected to the second supply line L2 at confluence point Pc. The bypass line Lb is designed so that the heating medium HM bypasses the superheater unit 40. Specifically, a portion of the heating medium HM from the media compressor 4 flows through the first supply line L1 and is supplied to the superheater unit 40, while the remainder of the heating medium HM flows through the bypass line Lb and bypasses the superheater unit 40. The heating medium HM that has bypassed the superheater unit 40 flows through the second supply line L2 and is supplied to each evaporator unit 20.

[0079] A heating medium flow rate control valve V3 is provided in the heating medium supply line L. The heating medium flow rate control valve V3 is located between the superheater unit 40 and the branching point Pb in the heating medium supply line L. That is, the heating medium flow rate control valve V3 is located downstream of the branching point Pb in the first supply line L1. By changing the opening degree of the heating medium flow rate control valve V3, the flow rate of the heating medium HM that flows through the first supply line L1 and is supplied to the superheater unit 40 can be adjusted.

[0080] A bypass flow control valve V4 is provided in the bypass line Lb. By changing the opening degree of the bypass flow control valve V4, the flow rate of the heating medium HM that flows through the bypass line Lb and bypasses the superheater unit 40 can be adjusted.

[0081] Specifically, a portion of the heating medium HM from the media compressor 4 flows through the first supply line L1 and enters the superheater unit 40 from the heating medium inlet 41a. Here, the flow rate of the heating medium HM supplied to the superheater unit 40 can be adjusted by the heating medium flow rate control valve V3. The remaining heating medium HM flows through the bypass line Lb and bypasses the superheater unit 40. The heating medium HM that has bypassed the superheater unit 40 flows through the second supply line L2 and is supplied to each evaporator unit 20. Here, the flow rate of the heating medium HM flowing through the bypass line Lb can be adjusted by the bypass flow rate control valve V4.

[0082] As described above, this embodiment includes a heating medium flow rate control valve V3 for adjusting the flow rate of the heating medium HM supplied to the superheater unit 40, and a bypass flow rate control valve V4 for adjusting the flow rate of the heating medium HM flowing through the bypass line Lb. This allows for adjustment of the flow rate of the heating medium HM supplied to the superheater unit 40 and the flow rate of the heating medium HM flowing through the bypass line Lb and supplied to each evaporator unit 20. Therefore, it is possible to control the superheating temperature of the superheater unit 40 to adjust the temperature of the superheated steam, or to control the heating temperature of the evaporator unit 20 to adjust the amount of steam produced.

[0083] (Third embodiment) Next, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, a steam generator and steam generator system according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0084] In the third embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the main difference is that the steam generator is equipped with multiple preheater units arranged inside the container to preheat the feedwater supplied to the evaporator unit. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. In Figures 6 and 7, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6, the steam generator 5 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of preheater units 50.

[0086] As shown in Figure 6, the preheater units 50 are arranged inside the container 10. In the example shown in Figure 6, four preheater units 50 are arranged. Here, although not shown in the illustration, it is assumed that, as in Figure 3, evaporator units 20 and preheater units 50 are also arranged in the depth direction of Figure 6. That is, four evaporator units 20 are arranged at the same height above, and four preheater units 50 are arranged at the same height below. The preheater units 50 may be supported inside the container 10 by support parts not shown.

[0087] The preheater unit 50 preheats the feedwater W supplied to the evaporator unit 20. As shown in Figure 6, the preheater unit 50 includes a preheater tab 51 and a preheater 55.

[0088] The preheater tab 51, like the evaporator tab 21, is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape with an open top. In this embodiment, the preheater tab 51 is connected to the feedwater inlet 11. Therefore, the feedwater inlet 11 allows the feedwater W that has flowed through the feedwater introduction pipe 5a to flow into the preheater tab 51. The preheater tab 51 stores the feedwater W that has flowed in from the feedwater inlet 11. As shown in Figure 6, a plurality of guide plates 52 may be arranged inside the preheater tab 51 in a nested manner along the direction of feedwater W inflow. With such guide plates 52, the feedwater W that has flowed in from the feedwater inlet 11 can flow in a zigzag pattern inside the preheater tab 51. Therefore, the preheating efficiency of the feedwater W inside the preheater tab 51 can be improved.

[0089] The portion of the preheater tab 51 opposite the water supply section 14 at the top may be cut off to allow the water supply W to flow out, and the water supply W in the preheater tab 51 may overflow from this portion. The water supply storage section 12 is located below the preheater unit 50. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the water supply W that overflows from the preheater tab 51 of the preheater unit 50 is supplied to and stored in the water supply storage section 12. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the water supply W that overflows from the evaporator tab 21 of the upper evaporator unit 20 is also supplied to and stored in the water supply storage section 12.

[0090] The preheater 55 preheats the water supply W in the preheater tab 51 using the heating medium HM. The preheater 55 is located inside the preheater tab 51.

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, the preheater 55 may be a so-called tube-type heat exchanger. In the example shown in Figure 6, the preheater 55 has an inlet header 56, a preheating section 57, and an outlet header 58. The inlet header 56 is provided with a heating medium inlet 56a into which the heating medium HM flows. The preheating section 57 is composed of a plurality of preheating tubes 57a. The heating medium HM that flows in from the heating medium inlet 56a flows through each preheating tube 57a. The heating medium HM flowing through each preheating tube 57a preheats the feedwater W in the preheater tab 51. The outlet header 58 is provided with a heating medium outlet 58a from which the heating medium HM flows out. The heating medium HM that has flowed through each preheating tube 57a flows out from the heating medium outlet 58a.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 6, not only the preheating section 57, but also the inlet header 56 and outlet header 58 are located within the preheater tab 51. However, this is not the only option; at least a portion of the preheating section 57 must be located within the preheater tab 51, and the inlet header 56 and outlet header 58 may be located outside the preheater tab 51.

[0093] In this way, the preheating unit 57 preheats the water supply W in the preheater tab 51 with the heating medium HM. The preheated water supply W overflows from the preheater tab 51 and is supplied to the water supply storage unit 12.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the evaporator tabs 21 of adjacent evaporator units 20 are not connected by a connecting pipe 23. Multiple water supply units 14 are provided to correspond to each evaporator unit 20. Each water supply unit 14 is connected to the corresponding evaporator tab 21. As a result, the water supply W in the water storage unit 12 flows through the water supply pipe 5c and is supplied to each evaporator tab 21 via the corresponding water supply unit 14.

[0095] Next, the flow of the heating medium HM in the steam generator 5 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the heating medium supply line L according to this embodiment includes a first supply line L1, a second supply line L2, a third supply line L3, and a discharge line Le.

[0096] In this embodiment, the third supply line L3 is connected to the heating medium outlet 28a of the evaporator unit 20 and the heating medium inlet 56a of the preheater unit 50. The heating medium HM that has flowed out of the evaporator unit 20 flows through the third supply line L3. The heating medium HM that has flowed through the third supply line L3 flows into the preheater unit 50 from the heating medium inlet 56a. Here, the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the third supply line L3 is lower than the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the second supply line L2.

[0097] Furthermore, the discharge line Le in this embodiment is connected to the heating medium outlet 58a of each preheater unit 50. The heating medium HM that has flowed out of each preheater unit 50 flows through the discharge line Le. The heating medium HM that has flowed through the discharge line Le is supplied to the expansion unit 6. Here, the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the discharge line Le is lower than the temperature of the heating medium HM flowing through the third supply line L3.

[0098] In this manner, the heating medium HM flows through the heating medium supply line L, is supplied to the superheater unit 40 to superheat the steam S, is supplied to each evaporator unit 20 to heat the feedwater W, and is also supplied to each preheater unit 50 to preheat the feedwater W.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the steam generator 5 may be equipped with a tab water level gauge G2. The tab water level gauge G2 may be provided in each evaporator tab 21. The tab water level gauge G2 can measure the water level of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21. For example, a differential pressure type level gauge can be used as the tab water level gauge G2. However, it is not limited to this, and any water level gauge such as a float type level gauge or an ultrasonic type level gauge may be used. The water level of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 can be monitored using such a tab water level gauge G2.

[0100] As described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of preheater units 50 for preheating the feedwater W supplied to the evaporator unit 20 are arranged inside the container 10. This allows the feedwater W flowing in from the feedwater inlet 11 to be preheated before being supplied to the evaporator unit 20. Therefore, the evaporation efficiency of the feedwater W in the evaporator unit 20 can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the container 10 is located below the evaporator unit 20 and the preheater unit 50 and has a feedwater storage section 12 that stores the feedwater W that overflows from the preheater tab 51. By configuring the feedwater W, which has been preheated by the preheater unit 50, to be stored first in the feedwater storage section 12 in the container 10, the configuration of the steam generator 5 can be simplified compared to the case where the feedwater W is supplied directly to each evaporator unit 20. In addition, by giving the container 10 the function of a tank for storing feedwater W, it is possible to eliminate the need to provide a separate tank, thereby improving the stability of system operation.

[0102] (Fourth embodiment) Next, with reference to Figure 8, a steam generator and steam generation system according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0103] The fourth embodiment shown in Figure 8 differs mainly in that it is equipped with a supply flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of feedwater supplied to the evaporator tab by the supply pump based on the water level of the feedwater in the evaporator tab measured by a tab water level gauge. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7. In Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in the third embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8, the steam generator 5 according to this embodiment is equipped with a supply flow rate control valve V5 instead of a circulating water flow rate control valve V2.

[0105] The supply flow rate control valve V5 is installed in the water supply pipe 5c. The supply flow rate control valve V5 may also be installed downstream of the supply pump P2. By changing the opening degree of the supply flow rate control valve V5, the flow rate of the water supply W supplied to the evaporator tab 21 by the supply pump P2 may be adjusted.

[0106] In this embodiment, the perforated plate 22 is not placed inside the evaporator tab 21. Furthermore, the evaporator tabs 21 of adjacent evaporator units 20 are connected by a connecting pipe 23. This makes it possible to align the liquid level of the feedwater W inside the evaporator tabs 21 of adjacent evaporator units 20 to the same height.

[0107] In this embodiment, multiple water supply units 14 are provided to correspond to each evaporator unit 20, and each water supply unit 14 is connected to the corresponding evaporator tab 21. As a result, the water supply W in the water supply storage unit 12 flows through the water supply pipe 5c and is supplied to each evaporator tab 21 via the corresponding water supply unit 14. The water supply W in each evaporator tab 21 is heated by the heater 25, causing convection and natural circulation.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a tab water level gauge G2 is provided on the evaporator tab 21 of one evaporator unit 20.

[0109] In this embodiment, the supply flow rate control valve V5 adjusts the flow rate of the feedwater W supplied to the evaporator tab 21 by the supply pump P2 based on the water level of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 measured by the tab water level gauge G2. For example, if the water level of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 is lower than the third threshold, the opening of the supply flow rate control valve V5 may be increased to increase the flow rate of the feedwater W supplied to the feedwater supply unit 14 by the supply pump P2. Also, if the water level of the feedwater W in the evaporator tab 21 is higher than the fourth threshold, the opening of the supply flow rate control valve V5 may be decreased to reduce the flow rate of the feedwater W supplied to the feedwater supply unit 14 by the supply pump P2. Here, the fourth threshold is a value greater than the third threshold.

[0110] As described above, according to this embodiment, a supply flow rate adjustment valve V5 is provided that adjusts the flow rate of the supply water W supplied to the evaporator tab 21 by the supply pump P2 based on the water level of the supply water W in the evaporator tab 21 measured by the tab water level gauge G2. This makes it possible to control the water level of the supply water W in the evaporator tab 21 and to reliably fill the evaporator tab 21 with the supply water W. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the heat transfer surface of the heating section 27 from drying out.

[0111] The embodiments described above may be combined in any way as appropriate.

[0112] According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a steam generator that can be miniaturized while ensuring a wide evaporation surface, and a steam generator system equipped with said steam generator.

[0113] (Other embodiments) Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0114] For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the container 10 was described in an example where it is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape. However, it is not limited to this, and the shape of the container 10 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the container 10 may be formed in a hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0115] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, examples were given in which the heater 25 is a tube-type heat exchanger. However, the configuration of the heater 25 is not limited to this, and is arbitrary. For example, the heater 25 may be a plate-type heat exchanger. In this case, the heating section 27 of the heater 25 may be composed of multiple metal plates, with a heating medium HM flowing between each metal plate. Alternatively, the heater 25 may be an electric heater or the like. The same applies to the preheater 55 and the superheater unit 40. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Steam generation system, 5: Steam generator, 10: Container, 11: Feedwater inlet, 12: Feedwater storage, 15: Steam outlet, 20: Evaporator unit, 21: Evaporator tab, 25: Heater, 40: Superheater unit, 50: Preheater unit, 51: Preheater tab, 55: Preheater, F1: Steam flow meter, F2: Circulating water flow meter, G1: Storage water level meter, G2: Tab water level meter, HM: Heating medium, L: Heating medium supply line, Lb: Bypass line, P1: Feedwater pump, P2: Supply pump, S: Steam, V1: Feedwater flow control valve, V2: Circulating water flow control valve, V3: Heating medium flow control valve, V4: Bypass flow control valve, V5: Supply flow control valve, W: Feedwater

Claims

1. A steam generator that uses a heating medium as a heat source to boil feedwater and generate steam, A container having a water inlet into which the water supply flows, and a steam outlet into which the steam flows out, The container comprises a plurality of evaporator units arranged within it, which boil the feedwater to generate the steam, The evaporator unit comprises an evaporator tab that stores the feedwater and has an open top, and a heater that heats the feedwater in the evaporator tab with the heating medium, The container further comprises a plurality of preheater units arranged within the container and preheating the feedwater supplied to the evaporator unit, The preheater unit is a steam generator comprising a preheater tab that stores the feedwater and has an open top, and a preheater that preheats the feedwater in the preheater tab with the heating medium.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the container is located below the evaporator unit and the preheater unit and has a feedwater storage section for storing the feedwater that overflows from the preheater tab.

3. A water supply pump that supplies the water to the water inlet, A water level gauge for measuring the water level of the water supply in the water supply storage section, The steam generator according to claim 2, further comprising a water supply flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the water supplied to the water supply inlet by the water supply pump based on the water level of the water supply in the water supply storage section measured by the water supply section water level gauge.

4. The system includes a supply pump that supplies the water in the water storage section to the evaporator tab, The water supply storage unit stores the water supply that overflows from the evaporator tab. The steam generator according to claim 2, wherein the supply pump circulates the supply water as circulating water between the water supply storage section and the evaporator tab.

5. A steam flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the steam flowing out from the steam outlet, A circulating water flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the circulating water by the supply pump, The steam generator according to claim 4, further comprising a circulating water flow control valve that adjusts the flow rate of the circulating water by the supply pump based on the flow rate of the steam measured by the steam flow meter and the flow rate of the circulating water measured by the circulating water flow meter.

6. A supply pump that supplies the water supply from the water supply storage section to the evaporator tab, A tab water level meter for measuring the water level of the feedwater in the evaporator tab, The steam generator according to claim 2, further comprising a supply flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the feedwater supplied to the evaporator tub by the supply pump based on the water level of the feedwater in the evaporator tub measured by the tub water level gauge.

7. The steam generator according to claim 1, further comprising a superheater unit disposed upstream of the steam outlet for superheating the steam.

8. A heating medium supply line through which the heating medium supplied to the superheater unit flows, A bypass line branches off from the heating medium supply line at the branching point upstream of the superheater unit, and the heating medium flows in a bypass line that bypasses the superheater unit, A heating medium flow rate adjustment valve is positioned between the superheater unit and the branching point in the heating medium supply line and adjusts the flow rate of the heating medium supplied to the superheater unit. The steam generator according to claim 7, further comprising a bypass flow control valve disposed in the bypass line for adjusting the flow rate of the heating medium flowing through the bypass line.

9. A steam generation system comprising a steam generator according to claim 1, and a heat pump system through which the heating medium supplied to the steam generator circulates.

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