Estimation device and estimation method

Abstract

To estimate a process state from measurement results of a variety of kinds of sensors in order to enhance the use efficiency of heat in a chemical heat pump, and to enhance the use efficiency of the heat by allowing a transition to a succeeding motion after a finish of a process.SOLUTION: A control device (C1) of a steam generation device (12) for generating steam by using a chemical heat pump (21) acquires an input parameter (C111) from a sensor arranged at a first point, and a sensor arranged at a second point, and estimates an output parameter (C113) related to a process state by inputting the input parameter into a learnt estimation model (C112). The first point and the second point are not limited in different points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an estimator and a learning device for a process state of a steam generator using a chemical heat pump.

Background Art

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a chemical heat pump is used for reuse of waste heat generated in a factory or the like. In the chemical heat pump, waste heat is stored, and then the heat released is used to generate steam.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the control of a chemical heat pump, it is common to use a pressure gauge, a thermometer, a flow meter, or the like. However, with these sensors, it is not possible to directly manage the chemical heat storage material, which is a reactant in the reactor of the chemical heat pump, and it is not possible to manage the reaction state of the chemical heat pump. Therefore, using these sensors, the amount of exchanged heat is obtained from the specific heat, flow rate, and temperature difference due to heat exchange of the waste heat source, which is a fluid, and the reaction state of the chemical heat pump is managed with the amount of exchanged heat.

[0005] Because the state of the chemical heat pump is indirectly managed based on the amount of heat exchanged, it is not possible to operate the heat storage operation to the very limit of the chemical heat storage material, which is the range where no heat loss occurs. Furthermore, when releasing heat using the stored chemical heat storage material, the heat release must be stopped early to prevent excessive heat release and to prevent the chemical heat storage material from melting. In other words, there is a possibility that the operation in the reactor of the chemical heat pump will move to the next operation before each operation is completed, which reduces the heat utilization efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention aims to appropriately estimate the process state in a chemical heat pump. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, an estimation device according to one aspect of the present invention is an estimation device relating to a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, comprising: a sensor information acquisition unit that acquires pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator and pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator as input parameters; and an estimation unit that inputs the input parameters into a learned estimation model and estimates output parameters relating to the process state of the steam generator.

[0008] In the above configuration, the process state of the steam generator, which cannot be measured by the steam generator itself, can be estimated as an output parameter using input parameters acquired by sensors installed in the steam generator and an estimation model. Note that the first location and the second location may be different locations or the same location.

[0009] The estimation device may further include a control unit that controls the process of the steam generator based on the output parameters.

[0010] In the above configuration, the steam generator process can be controlled based on output parameters, and each operation of the steam generator can be appropriately switched. Therefore, the efficiency of heat utilization can be improved.

[0011] The estimation device may further include a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the steam generator based on the output parameters.

[0012] In the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the process state in the steam generator is abnormal or not based on the output parameters. Therefore, abnormal processing can be performed even for process states that cannot be measured by sensors, improving the safety of the steam generator.

[0013] The output parameter may be at least one of the following: the amount of steam, and the weight of the chemical heat storage material that stores heat by a dehydration reaction and releases heat by a hydration reaction in the chemical heat pump.

[0014] In the above configuration, it is possible to estimate at least one of the following: the amount of steam that cannot be measured by the sensor installed in the steam generator, and the weight of the chemical heat storage material that stores heat through a dehydration reaction and releases heat through a hydration reaction in the chemical heat pump. Therefore, each operation in the steam generator can be stopped at the appropriate timing and moved on to the next operation.

[0015] The estimation model may be one that has learned the relationship between the input parameters and the output parameters.

[0016] In the above configuration, by using input parameters and an estimation model, it becomes possible to estimate output parameters that could not otherwise be measured.

[0017] The steam generator includes a heat source consisting of a fluid that drives the chemical heat pump, and when the chemical heat pump performs a heat dissipation operation by a hydration reaction, the input parameters may include at least one of the following: the pressure of the steam, the temperature of the heat source, or the flow rate of the heat source.

[0018] In the above configuration, the heat dissipation operation can be estimated by including at least one of the following as input parameters: steam pressure, heat source temperature, or heat source flow rate.

[0019] The steam generator includes a heat source consisting of a fluid that drives the chemical heat pump, and when the chemical heat pump performs a heat storage operation by a dehydration reaction, the input parameters may include at least the temperature of the heat source or the flow rate of the heat source.

[0020] In the above configuration, the heat storage operation can be estimated by including at least one of either the temperature of the heat source or the flow rate of the heat source as an input parameter.

[0021] To solve the above problems, another aspect of the present invention relates to a learning device for a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, and comprises: a sensor information acquisition unit that acquires pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator and pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator as input parameters; a training data acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the steam amount and the weight of a chemical heat storage material that stores heat by a dehydration reaction and releases heat by a hydration reaction in the chemical heat pump as output parameters; and a learning unit that learns an estimation model which is the relationship between the input parameters and the output parameters.

[0022] In the above configuration, the relationship between the input parameters and the output parameters can be learned as an estimation model. Therefore, by using the input parameters and the estimation model, the output parameters can be estimated. Note that the first location and the second location may be different locations or the same location.

[0023] The steam generator includes a heat source by a fluid that drives the chemical heat pump. When the chemical heat pump performs a heat dissipation operation by a hydration reaction, the input parameter may at least include any one of the pressure of the steam, the temperature of the heat source, or the flow rate of the heat source.

[0024] In the above configuration, by including at least any one of the pressure of the steam, the temperature of the heat source, or the flow rate of the heat source as the input parameter, the estimation model in the heat dissipation operation can be learned.

[0025] The steam generator includes a heat source by a fluid that drives the chemical heat pump. When the chemical heat pump performs a heat storage operation by a dehydration reaction, the input parameter may at least include any one of the temperature of the heat source, or the flow rate of the heat source.

[0026] In the above configuration, by including at least any one of the temperature of the heat source, or the flow rate of the heat source as the input parameter, the estimation model in the heat storage operation can be learned.

[0027] The steam generator includes a steam supply unit that supplies the steam from the chemical heat pump to a supply destination. The chemical heat pump includes a reactor that houses the chemical heat storage material and performs the dehydration reaction and the hydration reaction. The amount of steam may be the amount of steam supplied by the steam supply unit, and the weight may be the change in the weight of the reactor.

[0028] To solve the above problems, another aspect of the present invention provides an estimation method relating to a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, comprising: a sensor information acquisition step of acquiring pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator and pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator as input parameters; and an estimation step of inputting the input parameters into a trained estimation model to estimate output parameters relating to the process state of the steam generator.

[0029] To solve the above problems, another aspect of the present invention relates to a learning method for a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, and includes: a sensor information acquisition step of acquiring pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator and pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator as input parameters; a training data acquisition step of acquiring at least one of the steam amount and the weight of a chemical heat storage material that stores heat by a dehydration reaction and releases heat by a hydration reaction in the chemical heat pump as output parameters; and a learning step of learning an estimation model which is the relationship between the input parameters and the output parameters.

[0030] Each aspect of the present invention may be implemented by a computer, in which case a control program for the estimation device that enables the computer to implement the estimation device by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the estimation device, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] Each aspect of the learning device according to the present invention may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a control program for the learning device that enables the computer to implement the learning device by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the learning device, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the process state of a steam generator can be appropriately estimated as an output parameter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the main parts of the steam generation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the control device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a chemical heat pump in heat storage operation. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a chemical heat pump in the heat dissipation operation. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart for when a chemical heat pump is operating in heat storage mode. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a chemical heat pump when it is dissipating heat. [Figure 7] This is a graph of input parameters in an example of heat storage operation. [Figure 8] This table shows the relationship between input and output parameters in an example of heat storage operation. [Figure 9] This is a graph of input parameters in an example of heat dissipation operation. [Figure 10] This table shows the relationship between input and output parameters in an example of heat dissipation operation. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the configuration of the main parts of the steam generation system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram of the control device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the configuration of the main components of the steam generation system according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] [Embodiment 1] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0035] (Overview of the steam generation system) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the steam generation system 11 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the steam generation system 11 includes a steam generator 12 that generates steam, a steam recovery unit SR that recovers steam via a recovery path L1, and a steam header SH that outputs steam. The steam generator 12 includes a chemical heat pump 21 that generates steam, a steam supply unit 31 that supplies steam to a destination, a steam transfer pipe unit 41 that sends steam from the chemical heat pump 21 to the steam supply unit 31, and a control device (estimation device) C1 that controls each part.

[0036] (Configuration of a chemical heat pump) The chemical heat pump 21 includes a heat recovery unit 22 for recovering waste heat, a reactor 23 containing a chemical heat storage material HM, a heat transport path 24 for transporting heat from the heat recovery unit 22 to the reactor 23, a storage tank 25, and a water supply unit 26.

[0037] The waste heat recovery unit 22 includes a heat exchanger that receives waste heat from the outside and exchanges heat with the first heat pipe unit 24a, which will be described later, and a sensor that measures the state of the waste heat source. The form of the waste heat source, which is the heat source introduced into the waste heat recovery unit 22, can be a fluid, such as a liquid (high-temperature wastewater, etc.) or a gas (steam, etc.). Examples of sensors that measure the state of the waste heat source include a first thermometer T1 that measures the temperature of the waste heat source before heat exchange, a second thermometer T2 that measures the temperature of the waste heat source after heat exchange, and a flow meter F1 that measures the flow rate of the waste heat source.

[0038] The reactor 23 houses the chemical heat storage material HM and the second heat pipe section 24b, which will be described later, and is configured to exchange heat with each other. The reactor 23 is also equipped with a second pressure gauge P2 for measuring the pressure inside the reactor 23. The reactor 23 is configured to discharge steam generated by the dehydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM during the heat storage operation of the chemical heat pump 21. The reactor 23 is also configured to introduce steam used for the hydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM during the heat dissipation operation of the chemical heat pump 21.

[0039] As the chemical heat storage material HM, well-known solid materials can be used. The chemical heat storage material HM may consist solely of a chemical heat storage substance, or it may be a material in which particulate chemical heat storage substances are bound together with a water vapor permeable binder such as a water vapor permeable resin. Examples of chemical heat storage substances include calcium chloride and calcium sulfate. The chemical heat storage material HM may be used alone or in combination of multiple types. It is preferable that the chemical heat storage material HM has a heat resistance of 200°C or higher.

[0040] The heat transport path 24 includes a first heat pipe section 24a located within the waste heat recovery section 22, a second heat pipe section 24b located within the reactor 23, and an intermediate heat pipe section 24c that transports heat between the first heat pipe section 24a and the second heat pipe section 24b.

[0041] The first heat pipe section 24a includes a wick that uses capillary action to send the working fluid (water) to the intermediate heat pipe section 24c, and a third pressure gauge P3 that measures the pressure inside the first heat pipe section 24a. As is well known, the wick is a porous body having a capillary structure and plays a role in sending the working fluid in one direction in the heat transport path 24. In the waste heat recovery section 22, heat is exchanged between the waste heat source and the first heat pipe section 24a. The waste heat recovery section 22 preferably includes a pipe through which the waste heat fluid flows, and it is more preferable that the pipe and the first heat pipe section 24a are connected to a heating plate. This allows for efficient heat exchange between the waste heat source and the first heat pipe section 24a.

[0042] The second heat pipe section 24b is equipped with a third thermometer T3 for measuring the temperature of the steam flowing inside. It is preferable that the second heat pipe section 24b is connected to a plurality of electric heating plates inside the reactor 23. This allows for efficient heat exchange between the second heat pipe section 24b and the chemical heat storage material HM. In addition, it is preferable that the chemical heat storage material HM, the second heat pipe section 24b, and the electric heating plates are covered with a support having a mesh structure inside the reactor 23 in order to maintain the shape of the chemical heat storage material HM.

[0043] The storage tank 25 stores the working fluid (water) as condensed water and is configured to allow for external replenishment of water. The water supply unit 26 includes a liquid supply pump 26a that sends water from the storage tank 25 to the second heat pipe unit 24b, and a circulation path 26b that enables the circulation of water between the second heat pipe unit 24b and the storage tank 25.

[0044] During the heat storage operation of the chemical heat pump 21, the storage tank 25 supplies water to the first heat pipe section 24a, which serves as a heat transfer medium for the dehydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM. Also, during the heat dissipation operation of the chemical heat pump 21, the storage tank 25 supplies water to the second heat pipe section 24b via the liquid transfer pump 26a, which will become steam output to the steam supply section 31 at the second heat pipe section 24b.

[0045] The chemical heat pump 21 is equipped with a number of valves for switching the fluid flow path. These valves include a first valve V1, a first three-way valve TV1, a second three-way valve TV2, a third three-way valve TV3, a fourth three-way valve TV4, and a fifth three-way valve TV5.

[0046] The first valve V1 is a valve that opens and closes the connection between the storage tank 25 and the first heat pipe section 24a. The first valve V1 is basically in the open position.

[0047] The first three-way valve TV1 is a valve that switches the path of the working fluid. The first three-way valve TV1 connects two of the following: the first heat pipe section 24a, the intermediate heat pipe section 24c, and the fifth three-way valve TV5.

[0048] The second three-way valve TV2 is a valve that switches the path of the working fluid. The second three-way valve TV2 connects two of the following: the intermediate heat pipe section 24c, the third three-way valve TV3, and the steam transfer pipe section 41.

[0049] The third three-way valve TV3 is a valve that switches the path of the working fluid. The third three-way valve TV3 connects two of the following: the second heat pipe section 24b, the second three-way valve TV2, and the circulation path 26b.

[0050] The fourth three-way valve TV4 is a valve that switches the path of the working fluid. The fourth three-way valve TV4 connects two of the following: the second heat pipe section 24b, the storage tank 25, and the liquid transfer pump 26a.

[0051] The fifth three-way valve TV5 is a valve that switches the path of the working fluid. The fifth three-way valve TV5 connects two of the following: the reactor 23, the steam recovery unit SR, and the first three-way valve TV1.

[0052] (Configuration of the steam supply section and steam transfer pipe section) The steam supply unit 31 is the part connected to the steam header SH, which is the supply destination. The steam supply unit 31 includes a first pressure gauge P1 that detects the pressure of the steam sent from the steam transfer pipe unit 41, and a control valve 32 that controls the supply of steam to the supply destination.

[0053] The steam transfer pipe section 41 sends the steam generated inside the second heat pipe section 24b during the heat dissipation operation of the chemical heat pump 21 to the steam supply section 31. In other words, the steam transfer pipe section 41 is connected to the intermediate heat pipe section 24c of the chemical heat pump 21.

[0054] (Configuration of control device C1) Figure 2 is a block diagram of the control device C1 according to Embodiment 1. The control device C1 has the function of measuring the state of the steam generator 12 and estimating state quantities that cannot be measured. The control device C1 is not limited to a control device that controls the steam generator 12, but may be an estimation device that only has the function of estimating state quantities. The control device C1 comprises a storage unit C11, a sensor information acquisition unit C12, an estimation unit C13, a determination unit C14, and a control unit C15.

[0055] The memory unit C11 stores data from each part of the control device C1. The data stored in the memory unit C11 includes input parameters C111, estimated models C112, and output parameters C113. The data stored in the memory unit C11 may include not only the data at the present time but also past data. That is, for example, the input parameters C111 may be data only at the present time, or they may include past data in addition to the data at the present time.

[0056] The sensor information acquisition unit C12 acquires the measured values ​​from sensors located in various parts of the steam generator 12. The sensor information acquisition unit C12 stores the acquired measured values ​​as input parameters C111.

[0057] Specifically, the sensor information acquisition unit C12 acquires measurement values ​​from the first to third pressure gauges P1 to 3, the first to third thermometers T1 to 3, and the flow meter F1, respectively. The sensor data acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit C12 is not limited to these sensors. Furthermore, the sensor information acquisition unit C12 does not need to acquire data from all of these sensors; it is sufficient to acquire data from at least two sensors.

[0058] In other words, the sensor information acquisition unit C12 only needs to acquire pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a first location on the steam generator 12, and pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a second location on the steam generator 12, as input parameters C111. Note that the first and second locations may be different or the same.

[0059] For example, the input parameter C111 may use the first thermometer T1 and the flow meter F1, which are measured values ​​from the same location. Alternatively, the input parameter C111 may use the first thermometer T1 and the second pressure gauge P2, which are measured values ​​from different locations. Furthermore, depending on the operating conditions, the input parameter C111 may use the third pressure gauge P3 and the third thermometer T3, which are measured values ​​from different but connected locations. The input parameter C111 is not limited to these combinations and any combination may be used. Also, the input parameter C111 only needs to use at least two or more measured values.

[0060] The estimation unit C13 inputs the input parameters C111 into a pre-trained estimation model C112 and estimates the output parameters C113 related to the process state (state quantity) of each part of the steam generator 12. The estimation unit C13 stores the estimated output parameters C113 in the storage unit C11.

[0061] The determination unit C14 compares the output parameter C113 with a predetermined threshold value to determine the operation of the steam generator 12. The determined operation is output to the control unit C15.

[0062] The control unit C15 receives the input operation information and operates each part of the steam generator 12. Specifically, the control unit C15 controls the first valve V1, the three-way valves TV1 to TV5, and the liquid transfer pump 26a.

[0063] Furthermore, the control device C1 does not necessarily have to include a determination unit C14 and a control unit C15. If the control device C1 does not include these, a dedicated control device may be provided in the steam generator 12, and this control device may receive the output parameter C113 estimated by the estimation unit C13 and perform appropriate processing.

[0064] (Flow of the heat storage operation of the chemical heat pump 21) Next, the operation of the steam generation system 11 will be described.

[0065] Figure 3 shows the chemical heat pump 21 in the heat storage operation. Waste heat is used for the heat storage operation of the chemical heat pump 21. The waste heat recovered in the waste heat recovery unit 22 is transported to the reactor 23 by the heat transport path 24, which consists of the first heat pipe section 24a, the intermediate heat pipe section 24c, and the second heat pipe section 24b.

[0066] Specifically, when working fluid is supplied from the storage tank 25 to the first heat pipe section 24a in the waste heat recovery section 22, the working fluid evaporates inside the first heat pipe section 24a due to heat exchange in the waste heat recovery section 22. The evaporated working fluid flows into the second heat pipe section 24b in the reactor 23 through the intermediate heat pipe section 24c. The evaporated working fluid condenses in the second heat pipe section 24b by exchanging heat with the chemical heat storage material HM in the reactor 23. The condensed working fluid is stored in the storage tank 25. In this way, the heat transport path 24 operates as a loop-type heat pipe in which the working fluid recirculates in one direction.

[0067] Inside reactor 23, the chemical heat storage material HM is heated by the heat transported to reactor 23 (second heat pipe section 24b). This causes a dehydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM. The steam generated by the dehydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM is recovered by the steam recovery section SR.

[0068] (Flow of heat dissipation operation of chemical heat pump 21) Figure 4 shows the chemical heat pump 21 in the heat dissipation operation. Exhaust heat is used for the heat dissipation operation of the chemical heat pump 21. The heat generated during the heat dissipation operation of the chemical heat pump 21 generates steam inside the second heat pipe section 24b in the reactor 23, and this steam can be sent to the steam supply section 31 through the steam transfer pipe section 41.

[0069] Specifically, when working fluid is supplied from the storage tank 25 to the first heat pipe section 24a in the heat recovery section 22, the working fluid evaporates inside the first heat pipe section 24a due to heat exchange in the heat recovery section 22. The evaporated working fluid is then introduced into the reactor 23 through the first three-way valve TV1 and the fifth three-way valve TV5.

[0070] Inside the reactor 23, the water supplied from the storage tank 25 to the second heat pipe section 24b is heated by the heat generated by the hydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM, and turns into steam inside the second heat pipe section 24b. The steam generated inside the second heat pipe section 24b is sent to the steam supply section 31 through the steam transfer pipe section 41. When the steam sent to the steam supply section 31 reaches a predetermined pressure, the control valve 32 is opened to supply steam to the destination (steam header SH).

[0071] The supply of water into the second heat pipe section 24b can be achieved using the storage tank 25 and the water supply section 26. Specifically, when supplying water into the second heat pipe section 24b, the flow path from the second heat pipe section 24b to the steam transfer pipe section 41 is closed, and the circulation path 26b of the water supply section 26 is opened. This allows the water in the storage tank 25 to be supplied by the liquid supply pump 26a.

[0072] On the other hand, when transferring steam from the second heat pipe section 24b to the steam supply section 31, the circulation path 26b of the water supply section 26 is closed, and the flow path from the second heat pipe section 24b to the steam transfer pipe section 41 is opened. In this embodiment, a three-way valve is used for switching such flow paths, but it is not limited to a three-way valve.

[0073] (Control of the heat storage operation of the chemical heat pump 21) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the case when the chemical heat pump 21 is in heat storage operation.

[0074] The control unit C15 controls the valves in each part of the chemical heat pump 21 to perform heat storage operation (S11). Specifically, it controls each valve as follows: The first valve is opened. The fifth three-way valve TV5 connects the reactor 23 and the steam recovery unit SR. Through this operation, some of the steam generated by the dehydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM in the reactor 23 is recovered by the steam recovery unit SR.

[0075] Following the heat storage operation flow described above, the chemical heat pump 21 performs the heat storage operation. Specifically, the heat transported from the waste heat source to the second heat pipe section 24b heats the chemical heat storage material HM in the reactor 23, and the first stage of the dehydration reaction takes place in the chemical heat storage material HM (S12).

[0076] The second pressure gauge P2 measures the pressure inside the reactor 23. The control unit C15 compares the temperature inside the second heat pipe section 24b (measured by the third thermometer T3) with the temperature of the exhaust heat source (measured by the first thermometer T1) and determines whether the temperature inside the second heat pipe section 24b is less than or equal to the temperature of the exhaust heat source (S13).

[0077] If the temperature inside the second heat pipe section 24b is higher than the temperature of the heat exhaust source (No in S13), the process proceeds to S14. The determination unit C14 determines whether the heat storage operation processing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined first set time (S14). If it is equal to or greater than the first set time (Yes in S14), the heat storage operation is terminated abnormally for safety reasons because the heat storage operation has not been completed for an excessive amount of time. If it is less than the first set time (No in S14), the process returns to S12 and the reaction continues.

[0078] If the temperature inside the second heat pipe section 24b is below the temperature of the waste heat source (Yes in S13), the process proceeds to S15. The control unit C15 controls each valve as follows: The first three-way valve TV1 connects the first heat pipe section 24a and the intermediate heat pipe section 24c. The second three-way valve TV2 connects the third three-way valve TV3 and the intermediate heat pipe section 24c. The third three-way valve TV3 connects the second heat pipe section 24b and the second three-way valve TV2. The fourth three-way valve TV4 connects the second heat pipe section 24b and the storage tank 25 (S15). Through this operation, the heat transported from the waste heat source to the second heat pipe section 24b completely dehydrates the chemical heat storage material HM in the reactor 23 (second stage dehydration reaction), and the generated steam is recovered by the steam recovery unit SR (S16).

[0079] The sensor information acquisition unit C12 acquires the measured values ​​(data) from the sensors of each part of the steam generator 12. Subsequently, the estimation unit C13 inputs the input parameters C111 to the estimation model C112, which has a pre-modeled chemical heat pump, and estimates the output parameters C113 (S17). The output parameters C113 in the heat storage operation include chemical heat storage material parameters, for example, the amount of heat storage material reaction steam, which is the weight change of the chemical heat storage material HM.

[0080] The determination unit C14 determines whether the chemical heat storage material parameters are equal to or greater than a predetermined first setting threshold (S18). If the chemical heat storage material parameters are equal to or greater than the predetermined first setting threshold (Yes in S18), the control unit C15 terminates the heat storage operation normally and proceeds to the heat dissipation operation.

[0081] If the chemical heat storage material parameters are below a predetermined first setting threshold (No in S18), the process proceeds to S19. The determination unit C14 determines whether the heat storage operation processing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined second setting time (S19). If it is equal to or greater than the second setting time (Yes in S19), the heat storage operation is terminated abnormally for safety reasons because the heat storage operation has not been completed for an excessive amount of time. If it is less than the second setting time (No in S19), the process returns to S16 and the reaction continues. Generally, the second setting time is set to be longer than the first setting time.

[0082] (Control of the heat dissipation operation of the chemical heat pump 21) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the case when the chemical heat pump 21 is performing heat dissipation operations.

[0083] The control unit C15 controls each device as follows (S21): The liquid transfer pump 26a is turned on. The third three-way valve TV3 connects the second heat pipe section 24b to the circulation path 26b. The fourth three-way valve TV4 connects the liquid transfer pump 26a to the second heat pipe section 24b. This process allows the second heat pipe section 24b to be filled with the working fluid used for heat dissipation.

[0084] Next, the control unit C15 controls the valves as follows (S22): The first valve V1 is opened. The first three-way valve TV1 connects the first heat pipe section 24a to the fifth three-way valve TV5. The second three-way valve TV2 connects the intermediate heat pipe section 24c to the steam transfer pipe section 41. The fifth three-way valve TV5 connects the first three-way valve TV1 to the reactor 23. Through this process, the working fluid filling the second heat pipe section 24b is heated by the chemical heat storage material HM and turned into steam.

[0085] Next, the control unit C15 controls each device as follows (S23): The liquid transfer pump 26a is turned off. The third three-way valve TV3 connects the second heat pipe section 24b to the second three-way valve TV2. The fourth three-way valve TV4 connects the liquid transfer pump 26a to the storage tank 25.

[0086] Following the heat dissipation process described above, the chemical heat pump 21 performs a heat dissipation operation. Specifically, by introducing the steam generated by the waste heat into the reactor 23, the chemical heat storage material HM in the reactor 23 undergoes a hydration reaction, and heat exchange occurs between the chemical heat storage material HM and the second heat pipe section 24b (S24).

[0087] The first pressure gauge P1 measures the pressure inside the steam supply unit 31. The control unit C15 determines whether the measured value of the first pressure gauge P1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second set pressure (S25).

[0088] If the measurement value of the first pressure gauge is less than the second set pressure (No in S25), the process proceeds to S26. The determination unit C14 determines whether the heat dissipation operation processing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined third set time (S26). If it is equal to or greater than the third set time (Yes in S26), the heat dissipation operation is terminated abnormally for safety reasons because the heat dissipation operation has not been completed for an excessive amount of time. If it is less than the third set time (No in S26), the process returns to S24 and continues.

[0089] If the measurement value of the first pressure gauge is equal to or greater than the second set pressure (Yes in S25), the process proceeds to S27. The control unit C15 operates the control valve 32 to the open position (S27). This process causes the steam supplied from the steam header SH to be output.

[0090] The sensor information acquisition unit C12 acquires the measured values ​​(data) from the sensors of each part of the steam generator 12. Subsequently, the estimation unit C13 inputs the input parameters C111 to the estimation model C112, which has been pre-modeled the chemical heat pump 21, and estimates the output parameters C113 (S28). The output parameters C113 in the heat dissipation operation include the chemical heat storage material parameters and the output steam parameters, for example, the amount of heat storage material reaction steam, which is the weight change of the chemical heat storage material HM, and the amount of steam of the output steam.

[0091] The determination unit C14 determines whether the chemical heat storage material parameter or the output steam parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined second setting threshold (S29). If the chemical heat storage material parameter or the output steam parameter is equal to or greater than the predetermined second setting threshold (Yes in S29), the control unit C15 closes the control valve 32, completes the heat dissipation operation normally, and transitions to the heat storage operation (S30).

[0092] If the chemical heat storage material parameter or output steam parameter is below a predetermined fourth setting threshold (No in S29), the process proceeds to S31. The determination unit C14 determines whether the heat storage operation processing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined second setting time (S31). If it is equal to or greater than the fourth setting time (Yes in S31), the heat storage operation is terminated abnormally for safety reasons because the heat storage operation has not been completed for an excessive amount of time. If it is less than the fourth setting time (No in S31), the process returns to S28 and the reaction continues. Generally, the fourth setting time is set to be longer than the third setting time.

[0093] (Example of the heat storage operation of the chemical heat pump 21) This example shows the operation of a heat storage operation with a processing time of 15 minutes, using a fluid at 80°C as waste heat. Water was used as the working fluid. Figure 7 is a graph of the input parameter C111 in the example of the heat storage operation.

[0094] Based on the changes in the flow meter F1's readings, it is assumed that the waste heat is inputting heat to the steam generator 12 at a nearly constant flow rate, albeit with some oscillation. This waste heat causes heat exchange in the first heat pipe section 24a. The reading measured by the first thermometer T1 is the temperature of the waste heat before heat exchange, and it remains constant at the input waste heat temperature of 80°C. Since heat exchange occurs between the waste heat and the working fluid inside the first heat pipe section 24a, the temperature of the waste heat source after heat exchange, as measured by the second thermometer T2, decreases until the pressure inside the first heat pipe section 24a (measured by the third pressure gauge P3) reaches the saturation vapor pressure of the waste heat source temperature.

[0095] In the first stage of the hydration reaction during the heat storage operation, the first heat pipe section 24a is a closed section, so the reading of the third pressure gauge P3 remains constant at approximately 48 kPa, which is the saturated water vapor pressure at 80°C. Subsequently, the temperature of the second heat pipe section 24b decreases (the third thermometer T3 measures approximately 78°C), and as the temperature of the exhaust heat source rises above the temperature of the second heat pipe section 24b, the operation transitions to the second stage of the hydration reaction during the heat storage operation.

[0096] In the second stage of the hydration reaction during the heat storage operation, the first heat pipe section 24a communicates with the second heat pipe section 24b, causing their pressures to equilibrium, resulting in the third pressure gauge P3 reading approximately 46 kPa. Subsequently, as the hydration reaction progresses, the water vapor generated causes the reading on the third pressure gauge to rise to approximately 48 kPa, which is the saturated water vapor pressure at 80°C.

[0097] As the system switches from heat dissipation to heat storage, the high temperature state of the third thermometer T3, the high pressure state of the first pressure gauge P1, and the saturated water vapor pressure at 80°C of the second pressure gauge P2 change accordingly.

[0098] The measurement value of the first pressure gauge P1, which is the pressure in the steam supply unit 31, decreases from the pressure during the heat dissipation operation.

[0099] The second pressure gauge P2 in reactor 23 measures the amount of steam collected in the steam recovery unit SR from the hydration reaction during the heat dissipation process and the dehydration reaction. As a result, the pressure inside reactor 23 decreases, reaching a vacuum state of approximately 0.1 kPa.

[0100] Furthermore, the reading from the third thermometer T3 inside the second heat pipe section 24b reaches 80°C, which is the equilibrium temperature with the exhaust heat source, through heat exchange with the exhaust heat source.

[0101] Next, we show the relationship between the input parameter C111, which is the measured value of each sensor, and the estimated output parameter C113 at a specific timing. Figure 8 is a table showing the relationship between the input parameter C111 and the output parameter C113 in an example of the heat storage operation. As shown in Figure 8, it can be seen that the amount of reaction vapor in the heat storage material gradually increases.

[0102] Here, the amount of reaction vapor in the heat storage material is the absolute value of the weight change of the chemical heat storage material HM relative to the reference weight, which has changed due to the heat storage operation. This amount of reaction vapor in the heat storage material indicates how much of the chemical heat storage material HM has completed the dehydration reaction. Therefore, it becomes possible to estimate the completion timing of the heat storage operation, when the chemical heat storage material HM has completely reacted, and to transition to the heat dissipation operation without wasting heat.

[0103] In particular, during heat storage operation, among the input parameters C111, the first thermometer T1, which represents the temperature of the waste heat source, and the waste heat source flow meter F1, which represents the flow meter F1, are inputs to the chemical heat pump 21, and therefore contribute significantly to the output parameter C113, which is the amount of reaction vapor of the heat storage material. For this reason, these input parameters C111 are considered to be important parameters.

[0104] (Example of the heat dissipation operation of the chemical heat pump 21) This example shows the operation of heat dissipation during a 15-minute processing time when using a fluid at 80°C as the heat dissipation fluid. Water was used as the working fluid. Figure 9 is a graph of the input parameter C111 in the example of heat dissipation operation.

[0105] Based on the changes in the flow meter F1's readings, it is assumed that the waste heat is being input at a nearly constant flow rate, albeit with some oscillation. This waste heat causes heat exchange in the first heat pipe section 24a. The reading measured by the first thermometer T1 is the temperature of the waste heat source before heat exchange, and it becomes constant at the input waste heat source temperature of 80°C. Since heat exchange occurs between the waste heat source and the working fluid inside the first heat pipe section 24a, the temperature of the waste heat source after heat exchange, as measured by the second thermometer T2, decreases until the pressure inside the first heat pipe section 24a reaches the saturated vapor pressure of the waste heat source temperature. Therefore, the third pressure gauge P3 measures approximately 48 kPa, which is the saturated water vapor pressure at 80°C.

[0106] During this time, the steam generated in the first heat pipe section 24a is supplied to the reactor 23 and consumed in the hydration reaction. Since the first heat pipe section 24a and the reactor 23 are in communication, the third pressure gauge P3 and the second pressure gauge P2 reach equilibrium. As the hydration reaction progresses, these pressures approach 48 kPa, which is the saturated vapor pressure at the temperature of the waste heat source. This is because the amount of chemical heat storage material HM that can undergo the hydration reaction is determined by the material and amount of the chemical heat storage material, and as the hydration reaction is completed, the reactor 23 and the first heat pipe section 24a are filled with saturated steam at the temperature of the waste heat source.

[0107] The chemical heat storage material HM undergoes a hydration reaction with the steam supplied from the first heat pipe section 24a, generating heat. This heat exchanges heat between the chemical heat storage material HM and the water in the second heat pipe section 24b. The chemical heat storage material's temperature rises to approximately 140°C due to the hydration reaction. As a result, the temperature of the third thermometer T3 in the second heat pipe section 24b gradually rises to 140°C. In addition, the first pressure gauge P1 in the steam supply section 31, which is connected to the second heat pipe section 24b, becomes high pressure in accordance with the temperature of the third thermometer T3, reaching approximately 360 kPa, which is the saturated water vapor pressure at 140°C.

[0108] Next, we show the relationship between the input parameter C111, which is the measured value of each sensor, and the estimated output parameter C113 at a specific timing. Figure 10 is a table showing the relationship between the input parameter C111 and the output parameter C113 in an example of heat dissipation operation. As shown in Figure 10, the amount of reaction vapor in the heat storage material gradually increases, and the vapor volume also rises to 0.3 g / sec, producing a constant output.

[0109] Here, the amount of reaction vapor in the heat storage material is the absolute value of the weight change of the chemical heat storage material HM relative to the reference weight, which has changed due to the heat dissipation operation. This amount of reaction vapor in the heat storage material indicates how much of the chemical heat storage material HM has completed the hydration reaction. Therefore, it becomes possible to estimate the timing of completion of the heat storage operation, when the chemical heat storage material HM has finished reacting, and to transition to the heat dissipation operation without wasting heat. In addition, the amount of vapor allows for the estimation of how much water vapor has been generated by the heat exchange due to the hydration reaction. Therefore, it is possible to detect abnormal conditions, such as when the chemical heat storage material HM is reacting but no water vapor is being emitted.

[0110] In particular, during heat dissipation, among the input parameters C111, the first thermometer T1 (temperature of the exhaust heat source), the exhaust heat source flow meter F1, and the first pressure gauge P1 (pressure of the steam supply unit 31) are inputs to the chemical heat pump 21, and therefore contribute significantly to the output parameter C113, which is the amount of reaction steam for the heat storage material. For this reason, these input parameters C111 are considered important parameters.

[0111] (Summary of Chemical Heat Pump 21) In the control device (estimation device) C1 of the steam generator 12 that generates steam using a chemical heat pump 21, pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained as input parameters C111 from a sensor installed at a first location on the steam generator 12, and pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained as input parameters C111 from a sensor installed at a second location on the steam generator. The obtained input parameters C111 are input to a trained estimation model C112 to estimate output parameters C113 related to the process state of the steam generator. Based on the estimated output parameters C113, the state of the heat storage operation and heat release operation in the chemical heat pump 21 is estimated, the timing of the end of each operation is determined, and the operation can be switched to the next operation. Specifically, the control is performed so that the increase in mass obtained by the hydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM is equal to the decrease in mass lost by the dehydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM.

[0112] Therefore, the hydration and dehydration reactions of the chemical heat storage material HM can be carried out thoroughly, improving the efficiency of heat utilization. In addition, by determining whether the process state is different from normal, it becomes possible to estimate abnormalities that cannot be measured by the sensors installed in the steam generator 12, thereby improving safety.

[0113] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0114] (Differences in steam generator 12a) Figure 11 shows the configuration of the main parts of the steam generation system 11a according to Embodiment 2. The steam generation system 11a according to Embodiment 2 differs from the steam generation system 11 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes a steam generation device 12a instead of a steam generation device 12, and a learning device C2 instead of a control device C1.

[0115] The steam generator 12a according to Embodiment 2 differs from the steam generator 12 according to Embodiment 1 in that it is equipped with a load cell W1 in the reactor 23 and a steam flow meter F2 in the steam supply unit 31.

[0116] The load cell W1 is a sensor that measures the mass (in kg) of the chemical heat storage material HM in the reactor 23. In other words, by using the load cell W1, the amount of reaction vapor from the heat storage material that was estimated in Embodiment 1 can be measured.

[0117] The steam flow meter F2 is a sensor that measures the steam flow rate (in g / sec) of the steam passing through the steam supply unit 31. Therefore, by integrating the measured value of the steam flow meter F2 over time, the total amount of steam that has passed through since the start of the heat dissipation operation, which is the steam amount (in g), can be calculated. In other words, by using the steam flow meter F2, the amount of output steam estimated in Embodiment 1 can be measured.

[0118] (Differences in learning device C2) Figure 12 is a block diagram of the learning device C2 according to Embodiment 2. The learning device C2 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the control device C1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes a teacher data acquisition unit C16 and a learning unit C17.

[0119] The training data acquisition unit C16 acquires measurement values ​​from sensors located in various parts of the steam generator 12a that are not acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit C12 (sensors added to the steam generator 12a). In other words, the training data acquisition unit C16 acquires measurement values ​​from the load cell W1 and the steam flow meter F2, but the measurement values ​​acquired are not limited to these. The measurement values ​​acquired by the training data acquisition unit C16 are stored in the storage unit C11 as output parameters C113.

[0120] The learning unit C17 learns the relationship between the input parameter C111 and the output parameter C113 and generates an estimated model C112. In generating the estimated model C112, the learning unit C17 uses machine learning regression, such as multiple regression or RNN (Recurrent Neural Network). The input parameter C111 and the output parameter C113 may be discrete-time measurements or continuous-time measurements.

[0121] By using continuous-time measurements, regression can be performed considering past values. Therefore, an estimation model capable of accurately estimating the output parameter C113 can be generated using the input parameter C111 and the trained estimation model C112.

[0122] The learning device C2 does not necessarily have a function to control the steam generator 12a (determination unit C14 and control unit C15). In this case, the input parameter C111 and output parameter C113 measured by the steam generator 12a may be stored and learned by an externally provided learning device C2. In this case, the learning device C2 may take the form of a computer provided outside the steam generator 12a.

[0123] (Summary of steam generator 12a and learning device C2) In the learning device of the steam generator 12a that generates steam using a chemical heat pump 21, pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained as input parameter C111 from a sensor installed at a first location on the steam generator 12a, and pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained as input parameter C111 from a sensor installed at a second location on the steam generator 12a. Furthermore, at least one of the following is obtained as output parameter C113: the amount of steam produced by the steam generator, and the weight of the chemical heat storage material that stores heat through a dehydration reaction and releases heat through a hydration reaction in the chemical heat pump 21. An estimation model C112 is learned from the relationship between the input parameter C111 and the output parameter C113.

[0124] Therefore, an estimation model C112 can be learned from the relationship between the input parameter C111 and the output parameter C113 in the dehydration and hydration reactions, and the output parameter C113 can be estimated by using the input parameter C111 and the estimation model C112.

[0125] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0126] (Configuration using Boiler B) Figure 13 shows the configuration of the main parts of the steam generation system 11b according to Embodiment 3. The steam generation system 11b according to Embodiment 3 differs in that it includes a boiler B, an ejector EJ, and a second valve V2.

[0127] Boiler B is a device that generates high-pressure steam. A portion of the steam generated by Boiler B is output to Ejector EJ.

[0128] The ejector EJ is a device that compresses steam. Specifically, in the heat dissipation operation, steam generated by boiler B is taken in as driving steam via the introduction path L2, and the steam generated by the first heat pipe section 24a is drawn in by the ejector to become high-pressure steam, which is then used for the hydration reaction of the chemical heat storage material HM in reactor 23.

[0129] The second valve V2 is a valve that opens and closes the connection between boiler B and ejector EJ. The second valve V2 opens and closes in accordance with the pressure of the output steam from ejector EJ.

[0130] By using boiler B and ejector EJ, steam can be compressed without the need for a compressor that uses external power. Therefore, not only thermal efficiency but also overall energy efficiency can be improved.

[0131] (Configuration using a compressor) Furthermore, the steam generation system may include a compressor (not shown) powered by external electricity instead of the ejector EJ and boiler B. In this case, by compressing the steam used in reactor 23 to high pressure using the compressor, high-temperature, high-pressure steam can be supplied to the reactor, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0132] [Variation 1] In this embodiment, the output parameter C113 used was the chemical heat storage material parameter, which is the amount of reaction vapor in the heat storage material, and the output vapor parameter, which is the amount of output vapor. The output parameter C113 is not limited to these.

[0133] For example, the water resistance value of the chemical heat storage material HM may be used as a parameter for the chemical heat storage material. This is measured by the change in the amount of vapor absorbed by the chemical heat storage material HM as it undergoes dehydration and hydration reactions, which in turn changes the electrical resistance of the chemical heat storage material HM. Alternatively, the volume expansion coefficient of the chemical heat storage material HM may be used. This involves measuring the volume change of the chemical heat storage material HM due to its dehydration and hydration reactions.

[0134] [Variation 2] The estimation model can be trained for all output parameters C113 together, or for each output parameter C113 individually. Training each output parameter C113 individually improves the accuracy of the estimation model and thus improves the accuracy of estimating the output parameters C113.

[0135] Furthermore, different estimation models C112 may be used for the heat storage operation and the heat dissipation operation, or the same estimation model C112 may be used. By using different estimation models C112, the accuracy of the estimation model C112 is improved, and the accuracy of the output parameters is improved.

[0136] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the control device (estimation device) C1 or the learning device C2 (hereinafter both referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and by a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device.

[0137] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0138] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the above device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0139] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0140] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0141] 12, 12a Steam generator 21 Chemical heat pump 23 Reactor 31 Steam supply unit C1 Control device (estimation device) C2 Learning Device C12 Sensor Information Acquisition Unit C13 Estimation part C14 Judgment part C15 Control Unit C16 Training Data Acquisition Unit C17 Learning Department C111 Input Parameters C112 Estimated Model C113 Output Parameters

Claims

1. Estimation device relating to a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, A sensor information acquisition unit that acquires pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator, and pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator, as input parameters. The system includes an estimation unit that inputs the aforementioned input parameters into a pre-trained estimation model and estimates output parameters relating to the process state of the steam generator, The output parameter is the weight change relative to the standard weight of the chemical heat storage material, Furthermore, the estimation device includes a control unit that controls the process of the steam generator based on the weight change.

2. An estimation device relating to a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, A sensor information acquisition unit that acquires pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator, and pressure, temperature, or flow rate from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator, as input parameters. The system includes an estimation unit that inputs the aforementioned input parameters into a pre-trained estimation model and estimates output parameters relating to the process state of the steam generator, The output parameter is the weight change relative to the standard weight of the chemical heat storage material, Furthermore, the estimation device includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the steam generator based on the weight change.

3. The estimation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the estimation model has learned the relationship between the input parameters and the output parameters.

4. The steam generator includes a heat source consisting of a fluid that drives the chemical heat pump. The estimation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the chemical heat pump performs a heat dissipation operation by a hydration reaction, the input parameter includes at least one of the pressure of the steam, the temperature of the heat source, or the flow rate of the heat source.

5. The steam generator includes a heat source consisting of a fluid that drives the chemical heat pump. The estimation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the chemical heat pump performs a heat storage operation by a dehydration reaction, the input parameter includes at least the temperature of the heat source or the flow rate of the heat source.

6. An estimation method relating to a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, A sensor information acquisition step in which pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained as input parameters from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator, and pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator. The estimation step includes inputting the aforementioned input parameters into a trained estimation model to estimate output parameters relating to the process state of the steam generator, The output parameter is the weight change relative to the standard weight of the chemical heat storage material, Furthermore, the estimation method includes a control step of controlling the process of the steam generator based on the weight change.

7. An estimation method relating to a steam generator that generates steam using a chemical heat pump, A sensor information acquisition step in which pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained as input parameters from a sensor installed at a first location of the steam generator, and pressure, temperature, or flow rate is obtained from a sensor installed at a second location of the steam generator. The estimation step includes inputting the aforementioned input parameters into a trained estimation model to estimate output parameters relating to the process state of the steam generator, The output parameter is the weight change relative to the standard weight of the chemical heat storage material, Furthermore, the estimation method includes a determination step of determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the steam generator based on the weight change.

8. An estimation program for causing a computer to function as an estimation device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the sensor information acquisition unit and the estimation program for causing the computer to function as the estimation unit.

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