Generation device

Abstract

Provided is technology capable of generating a highly concentrated product gas. This generation device comprises: a plurality of reactors, including a first reactor and a second reactor, for generating a product gas by a catalytic reaction of a feedstock gas; a gas path through which the feedstock gas flows and passes through the plurality of reactors; a circulation path which passes through the plurality of reactors and in which a heat medium for adjusting the temperature in the plurality of reactors circulates; and a temperature adjustment unit which is provided to the circulation path and adjusts the temperature of the heat medium. The second reactor is disposed after the first reactor in the direction in which the feedstock gas flows in the gas path. The second reactor is disposed after the temperature adjustment unit and the first reactor is disposed after the second reactor in the direction in which the heat medium circulates in the circulation path.

Description

generator

[0001] The present invention relates to a generating device.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a generator and a method for generating a product gas by an exothermic reaction of gaseous reactants. The generator described in Patent Document 1 includes a first-stage reactor to which hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied and an exothermic reaction takes place, and a second-stage reactor in which an exothermic reaction takes place using unreacted hydrogen and carbon dioxide to generate a product gas. In the generator described in Patent Document 1, thermal oil heated by a thermal oil heater is sent to the first-stage reactor, and the thermal oil that has passed through the first-stage reactor is sent to the second-stage reactor.

[0003] Patent No. 6984098

[0004] Since the production of methane gas, the product gas, is an exothermic reaction, if the temperature of the heat transfer oil is lowered, the reaction will proceed so that the concentration of the product gas increases from the standpoint of chemical equilibrium. However, the heat transfer oil sent to the second-stage reactor is already at a high temperature due to being heated by the exothermic reaction in the first-stage reactor. Therefore, from the standpoint of chemical equilibrium, it is difficult for the concentration of the product gas in the second-stage reactor to increase.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of producing a highly concentrated product gas.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a generation device comprising: a plurality of reactors, including a first reactor and a second reactor, which generate a product gas by a catalytic reaction of a raw material gas; a gas path through which the raw material gas flows through the plurality of reactors; a circulation path through which a heat medium circulates through the plurality of reactors to adjust the temperature in the plurality of reactors; and a temperature adjustment unit provided in the circulation path which adjusts the temperature of the heat medium, wherein the second reactor is disposed after the first reactor in the direction in which the raw material gas flows in the gas path, and the second reactor is disposed after the temperature adjustment unit and the first reactor is disposed after the second reactor in the direction in which the heat medium circulates in the circulation path.

[0007] Since the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit passes through the second reactor and then the first reactor, the temperature of the heat medium passing through the second reactor is prevented from becoming excessively high, making it easier to maintain an appropriate temperature in the second reactor. By maintaining the inside of the second reactor at an appropriate temperature (for example, a low temperature), the concentration of the product gas generated in the second reactor is increased from the standpoint of chemical equilibrium, and the generation device can generate a highly concentrated product gas.

[0008] The capacity of the first reactor and the capacity of the second reactor may be different. The capacity of the second reactor may be smaller than the capacity of the first reactor. By reducing the capacity of the second reactor, the surface area of ​​the second reactor is reduced. By reducing the surface area of ​​the second reactor, heat radiation from the second reactor can be suppressed, making it easier to maintain the inside of the second reactor at an appropriate temperature. Furthermore, by suppressing heat radiation from the second reactor, the heat transfer medium is further heated by the exothermic reaction in the second reactor, making it possible to send a high-temperature heat transfer medium to the first reactor. By reducing the surface area of ​​the second reactor, costs for materials and insulation for the second reactor can be reduced.

[0009] The second reactor may have a larger capacity than the first reactor. Since the second reactor has a larger capacity than the first reactor, the amount of product gas produced by the second reactor is increased, and the second reactor can produce a larger amount of high-concentration product gas.

[0010] The circulation path may include a first flow path through which the heat medium, whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit, flows through the second reactor, and a second flow path branching from the first flow path and through which the heat medium, whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit, bypasses the second reactor. The second flow path may merge with the first flow path downstream of the second reactor. When the capacity of the second reactor is smaller than the capacity of the first reactor, an excessively large flow rate of the heat medium passing through the second reactor causes pressure loss. Therefore, it is preferable that the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the second reactor be smaller than the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the first reactor. The circulation path includes a first flow path through which the heat medium flows through the second reactor, and a second flow path through which the heat medium flows bypassing the second reactor. This reduces the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the second reactor, thereby suppressing pressure loss. The production apparatus may also include a flow rate control unit that controls the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path. This makes it possible to control the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through the second reactor.

[0011] The production apparatus may further include a second temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium, the second temperature adjusting unit being provided in the circulation path and located upstream of the first reactor and downstream of a junction of the first flow path and the second flow path. Since the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the second temperature adjusting unit is sent to the first reactor, it becomes easy to maintain an appropriate temperature in the first reactor.

[0012] The temperature adjustment unit may adjust the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the second reactor in the first flow path so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a first temperature range. The second temperature adjustment unit may adjust the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the first reactor and downstream of the joining point so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range. This makes it easier to maintain a temperature in the first reactor higher than that in the second reactor.

[0013] The circulation path may have a first flow path through which the heat medium flows through the first reactor and a second flow path branching from the first flow path and through which the heat medium flows, bypassing the first reactor. The second flow path may merge with the first flow path downstream of the first reactor. When the capacity of the first reactor is smaller than the capacity of the second reactor, an excessively large flow rate of the heat medium through the first reactor causes pressure loss. Therefore, it is preferable that the flow rate of the heat medium through the first reactor is smaller than the flow rate of the heat medium through the second reactor. The circulation path has a first flow path through which the heat medium flows through the first reactor and a second flow path through which the heat medium flows, bypassing the first reactor. This reduces the flow rate of the heat medium through the first reactor, thereby suppressing pressure loss. The production apparatus may also include a flow rate control unit that controls the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path. This allows the flow rate of the heat medium through the first reactor to be controlled.

[0014] The production apparatus may further include a second temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium, the second temperature adjusting unit being provided in the circulation path and disposed in the first flow path upstream of the first reactor and downstream of a branch point between the first flow path and the second flow path. Since the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the second temperature adjusting unit is sent to the first reactor, it becomes easy to maintain an appropriate temperature in the first reactor.

[0015] The temperature adjustment unit may adjust the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the second reactor so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a first temperature range. The second temperature adjustment unit may adjust the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the first reactor in the first flow path and downstream of the branch point so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range. This makes it easier to maintain a temperature inside the first reactor higher than the temperature inside the second reactor.

[0016] At least a part of the heat medium flowing downstream of the first reactor and upstream of the second reactor in the circulation path may be cooled by at least one facility and returned to the downstream of the temperature adjustment unit in the circulation path. Since the heat medium that has passed through the first reactor has a high temperature, the heat of the heat medium that has passed through the first reactor can be utilized in at least one facility.

[0017] The temperature adjustment unit may have a cooler that cools the heat medium. A portion of the heat medium cooled by the cooler may be returned to the circulation path upstream of the first reactor and downstream of the second reactor in a state where it has been heated by at least one piece of equipment. Since the heat medium that has passed through the cooler is cooled, it is possible to use the heat medium that has passed through the cooler in at least one piece of equipment. By returning the heated heat medium to the circulation path upstream of the first reactor and downstream of the second reactor, it is possible to send the heated heat medium to the first reactor.

[0018] The raw material gas may flow through the reactors from a gas inlet located on a first side of the reactors to a gas outlet located on a second side of the reactors. The heat transfer medium may flow through the reactors from a heat transfer medium inlet located on the second side of the reactors to a heat transfer medium outlet located on the first side of the reactors. The raw material gas and the heat transfer medium flow in opposite directions within the reactors.

[0019] It is possible to produce a highly concentrated product gas.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a generating device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of a generating device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of a generating device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of a generating device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a generating device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of a generating device according to a modified example.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following aspects.

[0022] <First embodiment> A first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a generator 100 according to the first embodiment. The generator 100 shown in Fig. 1 generates methane gas, which is a product gas (produced gas), and water, through an exothermic reaction between gaseous hydrogen, which is a raw material gas (reactant gas), and carbon dioxide, for example. The exothermic reaction is also a reversible reaction. The exothermic reaction can be expressed by the following chemical reaction formula: CO ２ +4H ２ →CH ４ +2H ２ O... (1)

[0023] The production apparatus 100 includes a reactor (first reactor) 1, a reactor (second reactor) 2, economizers 3 and 4, gas cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, gas-liquid separators 7 and 8, a raw material gas supply unit 9, and a storage tank 10. The production apparatus 100 includes a gas path 101 through which the raw material gas flows through the reactors 1 and 2. The gas path 101 is provided with the reactors 1 and 2, the economizers 3 and 4, the gas cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, and the gas-liquid separators 7 and 8. The gas path 101 is also provided with piping, valves, and the like.

[0024] A raw material gas is supplied from a raw material gas supply unit 9 into the reactor 1. The reactor 1 generates a product gas by a catalytic reaction of the raw material gas. The raw material gas may be, for example, hydrogen (H ２ ) and carbon dioxide (CO ２ The reactor 1 is connected to an economizer 3, which is in turn connected to a raw material gas supply unit 9. In the economizer 3, heat exchange occurs between the raw material gas delivered from the raw material gas supply unit 9 and the gas delivered from the reactor 1. The gas delivered from the reactor 1 is a product gas, unreacted raw material gas, or a mixed gas of the product gas and unreacted raw material gas.

[0025] The economizer 3 is connected to a gas cooling heat exchanger 5. The reactor 1 generates product water (steam) through a catalytic reaction of the feed gas. The gas cooling heat exchanger 5 condenses the product water (steam) generated in the reactor 1. The gas cooling heat exchanger 5 is connected to a gas-liquid separator 7. The gas-liquid separator 7 separates the product water (liquid) from the product gas and unreacted feed gas.

[0026] The reactor 2 is connected to an economizer 4, which is in turn connected to a gas-liquid separator 7. The product gas generated in the reactor 1 and unreacted feed gas are sent to the reactor 2 via the economizer 3, the gas cooling heat exchanger 5, the gas-liquid separator 7, and the economizer 4. The reactor 2 generates the product gas through a catalytic reaction of the feed gas. By generating the product gas from the unreacted feed gas in the reactor 2, the generation device 100 is able to generate a highly concentrated product gas.

[0027] In the economizer 4, heat exchange takes place between the gas discharged from the gas-liquid separator 7 and the gas discharged from the reactor 2. The gas discharged from the reactor 2 is a product gas, unreacted feed gas, or a mixed gas of the product gas and unreacted feed gas.

[0028] The economizer 4 is connected to a gas cooling heat exchanger 6, which is in turn connected to a gas-liquid separator 8. The reactor 2 generates product water (steam) through a catalytic reaction of the feed gas. The gas cooling heat exchanger 6 condenses the product water (steam) generated in the reactor 2. The gas-liquid separator 8 separates the product water (liquid) from the product gas and unreacted feed gas.

[0029] The storage tank 10 stores the product gas. The product gas is sent from the gas-liquid separator 8 to the storage tank 10. A removal unit may be disposed between the gas-liquid separator 8 and the storage tank 10. After the unreacted raw material gas is removed by the removal unit, the product gas may be sent to the storage tank 10. The gas-liquid separators 7 and 8 are provided with a drain valve 11 for discharging the generated water. The drain valve 11 may be a valve that opens and closes using the buoyancy of a floating device such as a drain trap, or it may be a valve that opens and closes a solenoid valve by electrically detecting the water level.

[0030] The generation device 100 includes a chiller 12. The chiller 12 cools cooling water (refrigerant) for condensing the generated water in the gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6. The gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6 and the chiller 12 are interconnected by piping through which the cooling water flows. The cooling water cooled by the chiller 12 returns to the chiller 12 via the gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6.

[0031] Reactors 1 and 2 are pre-filled with a catalyst. Any catalyst that promotes reaction formula (1) may be used. The catalyst includes, for example, a stabilized zirconia support and Ni supported on the stabilized zirconia support. The stabilized zirconia support contains a stabilizing element in solid solution and has a tetragonal and / or cubic crystal structure. The stabilizing element may be, for example, at least one transition element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, and Co.

[0032] The generation apparatus 100 includes a pump 13, a temperature adjustment unit 14, and a control unit 15. The generation apparatus 100 includes a circulation path 102 through which a heat medium circulates to adjust the temperature inside the reactors 1 and 2 through the reactors 1 and 2. The heat medium is, for example, thermal oil, but is not limited to this, and may also be water (steam). The circulation path 102 is provided with the reactors 1 and 2, the pump 13, and the temperature adjustment unit 14. The circulation path 102 is also provided with piping, valves, etc.

[0033] The control unit 15 is a controller that controls the overall operation of the generation apparatus 100. The control unit 15 may be configured with a dedicated device or a general-purpose computer. The control unit 15 includes hardware resources such as a processor (CPU), memory, storage, and a communication I / F. The memory may be RAM. The storage may be a non-volatile storage device (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.). The functions of the control unit 15 are realized by expanding a program stored in the storage into the memory and executing it with the processor. Note that the configuration of the control unit 15 is not limited thereto. For example, all or part of the functions may be configured with circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs, or all or part of the functions may be executed by a cloud server or other device. The control unit 15 controls the raw material gas supply unit 9. By controlling the operation of the raw material gas supply unit 9, the raw material gas supply unit 9 starts supplying raw material gas to the reactor 1. The raw material gas supply unit 9 may also operate independently of the control unit 15.

[0034] Reactors 1 and 2 are, for example, shell-and-tube heat exchangers. A heat medium for exchanging heat with a heat-generating portion in reactor 1 can flow in and out of the shell of reactor 1. Furthermore, a heat medium for exchanging heat with a heat-generating portion in reactor 2 can flow in and out of the shell of reactor 2. By flowing the heat medium into the shells of reactors 1 and 2, the heat medium circulates within reactors 1 and 2, and the temperatures within reactors 1 and 2 are adjusted. The shells of reactor 1 and reactor 2 are connected by piping through which the heat medium flows. Reactors 1 and 2 are not limited to shell-and-tube heat exchangers, and may be plate-type heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers.

[0035] The raw material gas flows in the reactors 1 and 2 from a gas inlet located on the first side of the reactors 1 and 2 toward a gas outlet located on the second side of the reactors 1 and 2. The heat transfer medium flows in the reactors 1 and 2 from a heat transfer medium inlet located on the second side of the reactors 1 and 2 toward a heat transfer medium outlet located on the first side of the reactors 1 and 2. Therefore, in the reactors 1 and 2, the raw material gas and the heat transfer medium flow in opposite directions.

[0036] The pump 13 is driven, causing the heat medium to flow through the circulation path 102. The temperature adjustment unit 14 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102. The temperature adjustment unit 14 is arranged downstream of the reactor 1 and upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102. The temperature adjustment unit 14 has a heater 21, a cooler 22, and adjustment valves (control valves) 23 and 24. The shell of the reactor 1 is connected to the heater 21 and the cooler 22 by piping through which the heat medium flows. The shell of the reactor 2 is connected to the heater 21 by piping through which the heat medium flows. The cooler 22 cools the heat medium that has passed through the reactors 1 and 2. A pump 13 for circulating the heat medium through the circulation path 102 is arranged in the piping connecting the shell of the reactor 1 to the heater 21 and the cooler 22. In addition, adjustment valves 23 and 24 are provided in the piping through which the heat medium flows. By opening and closing the control valves 23 and 24, the heat transfer medium that has passed through the reactor 1 can be sent to the reactor 2 via the cooler 22, or can be sent to the reactor 2 without passing through the cooler 22.

[0037] When the control valve 23 is opened and the control valve 24 is closed, the heat medium is sent to the reactor 2 via the heater 21. When the heater 21 is driven, the heat medium is heated by the heater 21, and the heated heat medium is sent to the reactor 2. The control unit 15 may control driving and stopping of the heater 21. When the control valve 23 is closed and the control valve 24 is opened, the heat medium is sent to the reactor 2 via the heater 21 and the cooler 22. When the heater 21 is stopped, the heat medium is cooled by the cooler 22, and the cooled heat medium is sent to the reactor 2. When the heat medium whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 14 passes through the reactor 2, the temperature inside the reactor 2 is adjusted by the heat medium. The temperature adjustment unit 14 is an example of a first temperature adjustment unit. After the driving of the pump 13 and the heater 21 is started, the supply of the raw material gas to the reactor 1 may be started. Alternatively, after the supply of the raw material gas to the reactor 1 is started, the pump 13 and the heater 21 may be started to be driven.

[0038] In the flow direction of the raw material gas in the gas path 101, the reactor 2 is arranged after the reactor 1. Therefore, in the flow direction of the raw material gas in the gas path 101, the reactor 1 is arranged first, and the reactor 2 is arranged last. Furthermore, in the circulating direction of the heat transfer medium in the circulation path 102, the reactor 2 is arranged after the temperature adjustment unit 14, and the reactor 1 is arranged after the reactor 2. The heat transfer medium whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 14 passes through the reactor 2 and then the reactor 1. The heat transfer medium warmed by the exothermic reaction in the reactor 2 passes through the reactor 1, and the temperature in the reactor 1 is adjusted by the heat transfer medium.

[0039] For example, if a temperature-adjusted heat medium passes through reactor 1 and then reactor 2, the exothermic reaction in reactor 1 increases the temperature of the heat medium passing through reactor 2, causing the temperature in reactor 2 to become excessively high. If the temperature in reactor 2 becomes excessively high, the concentration of the product gas will decrease from the perspective of chemical equilibrium. According to the generation device 100 of the first embodiment, the temperature-adjusted heat medium passes through reactor 1 after passing through reactor 2, preventing the temperature of the heat medium passing through reactor 2 from becoming excessively high, making it easier to maintain an appropriate temperature in reactor 2. By maintaining the inside of reactor 2 at an appropriate temperature (e.g., a low temperature), the concentration of the product gas generated in reactor 2 will increase from the perspective of chemical equilibrium, and the generation device 100 will be able to generate a highly concentrated product gas.

[0040] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The generation devices 100 according to the first and second embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of a generation apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment. The generation apparatus 100 includes reactors 1 and 2, economizers 3 and 4, gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, gas-liquid separators 7 and 8, a raw material gas supply unit 9, and a storage tank 10. The generation apparatus 100 also includes a water drain valve 11, a chiller 12, a pump 13, a temperature adjustment unit 14, a control unit 15, a gas path 101, and a circulation path 102. In Fig. 2, the economizers 3 and 4, the gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, the gas-liquid separators 7 and 8, the water drain valve 11, and the chiller 12 are not shown.

[0042] In the second embodiment, the capacity of reactor 1 is different from the capacity of reactor 2, and the capacity of reactor 2 is smaller than the capacity of reactor 1. The ratio between the capacity of reactor 1 and the capacity of reactor 2 is not particularly limited. The ratio between the capacity of reactor 1 and the capacity of reactor 2 may be determined by experiment or simulation. The circulation path 102 has a flow path (first flow path) 103 through which the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 14 flows through the reactor 2, and a flow path (second flow path) 104 branching from the flow path 103 and through which the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 14 flows, bypassing the reactor 2. The flow path 104 merges with the flow path 103 downstream of the reactor 2 in the flow path 103.

[0043] In the second embodiment, the capacities of reactor 1 and reactor 2 are set based on the difference between the reaction volume in reactor 1 and the reaction volume in reactor 2. The balance between the reaction volume in reactor 1 and the reaction volume in reactor 2 can be changed by design, so it is possible to make the volume of reactor 2 smaller than the volume of reactor 1. For example, in a design in which a relatively high concentration product gas is produced by reactor 1 and the product gas is purified from a small amount of unreacted raw material gas by reactor 2, the reaction volume in reactor 2 is smaller than the reaction volume in reactor 1, so it is possible to make the volume of reactor 2 smaller than the volume of reactor 1.

[0044] Reducing the capacity of reactor 2 reduces the surface area of ​​reactor 2. The smaller the surface area of ​​reactor 2, the smaller the amount of heat dissipated by reactor 2. Reducing the surface area of ​​reactor 2 can suppress heat dissipation from reactor 2, making it easier to maintain the inside of reactor 2 at an appropriate temperature. Furthermore, suppressing heat dissipation from reactor 2 allows the heat transfer medium to be further heated by the exothermic reaction in reactor 2, making it possible to send a high-temperature heat transfer medium to reactor 1. Reducing the surface area of ​​reactor 2 can reduce the costs (equipment costs) of materials, insulation, etc. for reactor 2.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 1 and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 2 are set based on the difference between the capacity of reactor 1 and the capacity of reactor 2. When the capacity of reactor 2 is smaller than the capacity of reactor 1, the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 2 is preferably smaller than the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 1. For example, when the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing into the shell of reactor 2 is excessively large, pressure loss occurs, increasing the load on pump 13. In the second embodiment, circulation path 102 has a flow path 103 through which the heat transfer medium flows through reactor 2 and a flow path 104 through which the heat transfer medium flows bypassing reactor 2. This reduces the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 2, suppressing pressure loss and reducing the load on pump 13. As a result, it is possible to suppress the power supplied to pump 13.

[0046] The production apparatus 100 includes a thermometer 25 provided in the flow path 103. The thermometer 25 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103. The thermometer 25 may be disposed upstream of the reactor 2 in the flow path 103. The thermometer 25 may measure the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 2 in the flow path 103. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2 , the thermometer 25 is disposed upstream of the reactor 2 in the flow path 103 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 14. In this case, the thermometer 25 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 2 in the flow path 103 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 14. Data measured by the thermometer 25 (measured value of the temperature of the heat medium) is sent to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 acquires the data measured by the thermometer 25.

[0047] The generating device 100 includes flow meters 31 and 32 and adjustment valves (control valves) 33 and 34. The flow meter 31 and the adjustment valve 33 are provided in the flow path 103. The flow meter 32 and the adjustment valve 34 are provided in the flow path 104. The flow meter 31 measures the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103. Data measured by the flow meter 31 (measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103) is sent to the control unit 15. The flow meter 32 measures the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 104. Data measured by the flow meter 32 (measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 104) is sent to the control unit 15. The adjustment valve 33 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103. The adjustment valve 34 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 104.

[0048] The control unit 15 may determine a set value V1 of the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the reactor 1 based on the capacity of the reactor 1. The control unit 15 may determine a set value V2 of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103 and a set value V3 of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 104 based on the set value V1 and the capacity of the reactor 2. The capacity of the reactor 1, the capacity of the reactor 2, and the set values ​​V1, V2, and V3 may be stored in a storage unit such as a memory included in the control unit 15. The control unit 15 may control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103 based on the set value V2. The control unit 15 may control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 104 based on the set value V3. The control unit 15 is an example of a flow rate control unit. The control unit 15 may monitor a measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103 and adjust the opening degree of the control valve 33 to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 103. The control unit 15 may monitor the measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 104 and adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 104 by controlling the opening degree of the adjustment valve 34 .

[0049] The production apparatus 100 includes a temperature adjustment unit 35 and a thermometer 36 provided in the circulation path 102. The temperature adjustment unit 35 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102. The temperature adjustment unit 35 may be disposed upstream of the reactor 1 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the junction of the flow path 103 and the flow path 104. In this case, the temperature adjustment unit 35 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 1 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the junction of the flow path 103 and the flow path 104. The temperature adjustment unit 35 is an example of a second temperature adjustment unit. The temperature adjustment unit 35 may have at least one of a heater that heats the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 and a cooler that cools the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102. Since the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 35 is sent to the reactor 1, it becomes easy to maintain the temperature inside the reactor 1 appropriately.

[0050] The thermometer 36 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102. The thermometer 36 may be arranged upstream of the reactor 1 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the junction of the flow path 103 and the flow path 104. The thermometer 36 may measure the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 1 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the junction of the flow path 103 and the flow path 104. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2 , the thermometer 36 is arranged upstream of the reactor 1 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 35. In this case, the thermometer 36 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 1 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 35. The data measured by the thermometer 36 (measured value of the temperature of the heat medium) is sent to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 acquires the data measured by the thermometer 36.

[0051] The control unit 15 controls the temperature adjustment unit 14 based on data measured by the thermometer 25. The temperature adjustment unit 14 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing on the upstream side of the reactor 2 in the flow path 103 so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a first temperature range. The control unit 15 controls the temperature adjustment unit 35 based on data measured by the thermometer 36. The temperature adjustment unit 35 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing on the upstream side of the reactor 1 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the junction of the flow path 103 and the flow path 104 so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a second temperature range that is higher than the first temperature range. This makes it easy to maintain the temperature inside the reactor 1 higher than the temperature inside the reactor 2.

[0052] The first temperature range and the second temperature range are temperature ranges that can be set arbitrarily. The first temperature range and the second temperature range may be determined by experiment or simulation. The first temperature range and the second temperature range may be stored in a memory unit of the control unit 15. The first temperature range and the second temperature range may be determined taking into consideration the reaction amount and reaction rate in reactor 1 and the reaction amount and reaction rate in reactor 2, etc. The first temperature range may be, for example, a temperature range that allows the inside of reactor 2 to be maintained at a low temperature. The second temperature range may be, for example, a temperature range that allows the inside of reactor 1 to be maintained at a high temperature.

[0053] According to the generation device 100 of the second embodiment, the temperature-adjusted heat medium passes through the reactor 2 and then the reactor 1, which prevents the temperature of the heat medium passing through the reactor 2 from becoming excessively high, making it easier to appropriately maintain the temperature inside the reactor 2. By maintaining the inside of the reactor 2 at an appropriate temperature (for example, a low temperature), the concentration of the product gas generated in the reactor 2 increases from the standpoint of chemical equilibrium, and the generation device 100 can generate a highly concentrated product gas.

[0054] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The generation devices 100 according to the first to third embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0055] 3 is a configuration diagram of a generation apparatus 100 according to a third embodiment. Compared to the generation apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the generation apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment further includes control valves 41 and 42 and a flow path 105. The flow path 105 branches off from the circulation path 102 downstream of the reactor 1 and merges with the circulation path 102 upstream of the temperature adjustment unit 14. Equipment 201 is arranged in the flow path 105. A plurality of pieces of equipment 201 may be arranged in the flow path 105. At least a portion of the heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the reactor 1 and upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102 flows through the flow path 105. The heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 105 passes through the equipment 201 and flows into the circulation path 102.

[0056] The control valve 41 is provided in the circulation path 102 and is arranged between a branching point of the circulation path 102 and a joining point of the circulation path 102. The control valve 41 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing on the downstream side of the reactor 1 and the upstream side of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102. The control valve 42 is provided in the flow path 105. The control valve 42 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 105.

[0057] The control unit 15 controls the adjustment valves 41 and 42. When the adjustment valve 41 is closed and the adjustment valve 42 is opened, the heat medium is sent to the temperature adjustment unit 14 through the equipment 201. When the adjustment valve 41 is opened and the adjustment valve 42 is closed, the heat medium is sent to the temperature adjustment unit 14 without passing through the equipment 201. By opening and closing the adjustment valves 41 and 42, the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 can be sent to the temperature adjustment unit 14 via the equipment 201, or can be sent to the temperature adjustment unit 14 without passing through the equipment 201.

[0058] The flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 may be adjusted by the adjustment valve 41, and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 105 may be adjusted by the adjustment valve 42. As a result, a portion of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 is sent to the temperature adjustment unit 14 via the equipment 201, and a portion of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 is sent to the temperature adjustment unit 14 without passing through the equipment 201.

[0059] The equipment 201 may be a factory equipment, a heating equipment, or the like that utilizes the heat of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 105. Since the heat medium that has passed through the reactor 1 is at a high temperature, the heat of the heat medium that has passed through the reactor 1 can be utilized in the equipment 201. The heat medium flowing through the flow path 105 is returned to the downstream side of the temperature adjustment unit 14 in the circulation path 102 in a cooled state by the equipment 201.

[0060] <Fourth Embodiment> A fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The generation devices 100 according to the first to fourth embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a production apparatus 100 according to a fourth embodiment. Compared to the production apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the production apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment further includes control valves 43, 44, and 45 and a flow path 106. The flow path 106 branches off from the circulation path 102 upstream of the reactor 2 and joins the circulation path 102 upstream of the reactor 1 and downstream of the reactor 2. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the flow path 106 joins the circulation path 102 downstream of the joining point of the flow paths 103 and 104. A facility 202 is arranged in the flow path 106. Multiple facilities 202 may be arranged in the flow path 106. A portion of the heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the reactor 1 and upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102 flows through the flow path 106. The heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 106 passes through the facility 202 and flows into the circulation path 102.

[0062] The control valve 43 is provided in the circulation path 102. The control valves 44 and 45 are provided in the flow path 106. The control valve 43 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the reactor 1 and upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102. The control valves 44 and 45 are valves for adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing in the flow path 106.

[0063] The control unit 15 controls the adjustment valves 23, 24, 43, 44, and 45. When the adjustment valves 23, 24, 44, and 45 are opened and the adjustment valve 43 is closed, part of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 passes through the cooler 22 and flows into the flow path 106. When the adjustment valve 23 is closed and the adjustment valves 24, 43, 44, and 45 are opened, part of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 is sent to the heater 21 through the cooler 22, and part of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102 passes through the cooler 22 and flows into the flow path 106.

[0064] The facility 202 may be a factory facility, a cooling facility, or the like that utilizes the heat medium flowing through the flow path 106. Since the heat medium that has passed through the cooler 22 has been cooled, it is possible to utilize the heat medium that has passed through the cooler 22 in the facility 202. The heat medium flowing through the flow path 106 is returned in a heated state by the facility 202 to the upstream side of the reactor 1 and downstream side of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102. This makes it possible to send the heat medium heated by the facility 202 to the reactor 1.

[0065] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The generation devices 100 according to the first, third to fifth embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0066] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a generation apparatus 100 according to a fifth embodiment. The generation apparatus 100 includes reactors 1 and 2, economizers 3 and 4, gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, gas-liquid separators 7 and 8, a raw material gas supply unit 9, and a storage tank 10. The generation apparatus 100 also includes a water drain valve 11, a chiller 12, a pump 13, a temperature adjustment unit 14, a control unit 15, a gas path 101, and a circulation path 102. In Fig. 5, the economizers 3 and 4, the gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, the gas-liquid separators 7 and 8, the water drain valve 11, and the chiller 12 are not shown.

[0067] In the fifth embodiment, the capacity of reactor 1 is different from the capacity of reactor 2, and reactor 2 is larger than the capacity of reactor 1. The ratio between the capacity of reactor 1 and the capacity of reactor 2 is not particularly limited. The ratio between the capacity of reactor 1 and the capacity of reactor 2 may be determined by experiment or simulation. The circulation path 102 has a flow path (first flow path) 107 through which the heat transfer medium flows through reactor 1, and a flow path (second flow path) 108 branching from flow path 107 and through which the heat transfer medium flows, bypassing reactor 1. The flow path 108 merges with the flow path 107 downstream of the reactor 2 in the flow path 107.

[0068] In the fifth embodiment, the capacity of reactor 2 is larger than the capacity of reactor 1, and therefore the amount of product gas produced by reactor 2 is greater than in the first to fourth embodiments, and reactor 2 is able to produce a larger amount of highly concentrated product gas.

[0069] In the fifth embodiment, the capacity of reactor 1 is smaller than the capacity of reactor 2. The smaller the capacity of reactor 1, the smaller the surface area of ​​reactor 1. The smaller the surface area of ​​reactor 1, the smaller the amount of heat radiation from reactor 1. By reducing the surface area of ​​reactor 1, it is possible to suppress heat radiation from reactor 1, and it becomes easier to maintain the inside of reactor 1 at an appropriate temperature. By reducing the surface area of ​​reactor 1, it is possible to reduce the equipment costs of reactor 1 (such as the costs of materials and insulation materials).

[0070] In the fifth embodiment, the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 1 and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 2 are set based on the difference between the capacity of reactor 1 and the capacity of reactor 2. When the capacity of reactor 1 is smaller than the capacity of reactor 2, the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 1 is preferably smaller than the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 2. For example, when the flow rate of the heat transfer medium flowing into the shell of reactor 1 is excessively large, pressure loss occurs, increasing the load on pump 13. In the fifth embodiment, the circulation path 102 has a flow path 107 through which the heat transfer medium flows through reactor 1 and a flow path 108 through which the heat transfer medium flows bypassing reactor 1. This reduces the flow rate of the heat transfer medium passing through reactor 1, suppressing pressure loss and reducing the load on pump 13. As a result, it is possible to suppress the power supplied to pump 13.

[0071] The production apparatus 100 includes a thermometer 26 provided in the circulation path 102. The thermometer 26 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the circulation path 102. The thermometer 26 may be disposed upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102. The thermometer 26 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 5 , the thermometer 26 is disposed upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 14. In this case, the thermometer 26 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 14. Data measured by the thermometer 26 (measured value of the temperature of the heat medium) is sent to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 acquires the data measured by the thermometer 26.

[0072] The generating device 100 includes flow meters 51 and 52 and adjustment valves (control valves) 53 and 54. The flow meter 51 and the adjustment valve 53 are provided in the flow path 107. The flow meter 52 and the adjustment valve 54 are provided in the flow path 108. The flow meter 51 measures the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107. Data measured by the flow meter 51 (measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107) is sent to the control unit 15. The flow meter 52 measures the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 108. Data measured by the flow meter 52 (measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 108) is sent to the control unit 15. The adjustment valve 53 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107. The adjustment valve 54 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 108.

[0073] The control unit 15 may determine a set value V4 of the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the reactor 2 based on the capacity of the reactor 2. The control unit 15 may determine a set value V5 of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107 and a set value V6 of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 108 based on the set value V4 and the capacity of the reactor 1. The capacity of the reactor 1, the capacity of the reactor 2, and the set values ​​V4, V5, and V6 may be stored in a memory unit of the control unit 15. The control unit 15 may control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107 based on the set value V5. The control unit 15 may control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 108 based on the set value V6. The control unit 15 may monitor a measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107 and adjust the opening degree of the control valve 53 to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107. The control unit 15 may monitor the measured value of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 108 and adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 108 by controlling the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 .

[0074] The generating apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment includes a temperature adjustment unit 55 and a thermometer 56 provided in the flow path 107. The temperature adjustment unit 55 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107. The temperature adjustment unit 55 may be disposed upstream of the reactor 1 in the flow path 107 and downstream of the branch point between the flow path 107 and the flow path 108. In this case, the temperature adjustment unit 55 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the reactor 1 in the flow path 107 and downstream of the branch point between the flow path 107 and the flow path 108. The temperature adjustment unit 55 is an example of a second temperature adjustment unit. The temperature adjustment unit 55 may include at least one of a heater that heats the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107 and a cooler that cools the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107. Since the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 55 is sent to the reactor 1, it becomes easier to maintain the temperature inside the reactor 1 appropriately.

[0075] The thermometer 56 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 107. The thermometer 56 may be arranged on the upstream side of the reactor 1 in the flow path 107 and downstream of the branch point of the flow path 107 and the flow path 108. The thermometer 56 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing on the upstream side of the reactor 1 in the flow path 107 and downstream of the branch point of the flow path 107 and the flow path 108. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 5 , the thermometer 56 is arranged on the upstream side of the reactor 1 in the flow path 107 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 55. In this case, the thermometer 56 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing on the upstream side of the reactor 1 in the flow path 107 and downstream of the temperature adjustment unit 55. The data measured by the thermometer 56 (measured value of the temperature of the heat medium) is sent to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 acquires the data measured by the thermometer 56.

[0076] The control unit 15 controls the temperature adjustment unit 14 based on data measured by the thermometer 26. The temperature adjustment unit 14 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing on the upstream side of the reactor 2 in the circulation path 102 so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a first temperature range. The control unit 15 controls the temperature adjustment unit 55 based on data measured by the thermometer 56. The temperature adjustment unit 55 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing on the upstream side of the reactor 1 in the flow path 107 and downstream of the branch point of the flow path 107 and the flow path 108 so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a second temperature range that is higher than the first temperature range. This makes it easy to maintain the temperature inside the reactor 1 higher than the temperature inside the reactor 2.

[0077] The first temperature range and the second temperature range are temperature ranges that can be set arbitrarily. The first temperature range and the second temperature range may be determined by experiment or simulation. The first temperature range and the second temperature range may be stored in a memory unit of the control unit 15. The first temperature range and the second temperature range may be determined taking into consideration the reaction amount and reaction rate in reactor 1 and the reaction amount and reaction rate in reactor 2, etc. The first temperature range may be, for example, a temperature range that allows the inside of reactor 2 to be maintained at a low temperature. The second temperature range may be, for example, a temperature range that allows the inside of reactor 1 to be maintained at a high temperature.

[0078] According to the generation device 100 of the fifth embodiment, the temperature-adjusted heat medium passes through the reactor 2 and then the reactor 1, which prevents the temperature of the heat medium passing through the reactor 2 from becoming excessively high, making it easier to appropriately maintain the temperature inside the reactor 2. By maintaining the inside of the reactor 2 at an appropriate temperature (for example, a low temperature), the concentration of the product gas generated in the reactor 2 increases from the standpoint of chemical equilibrium, and the generation device 100 can generate a highly concentrated product gas.

[0079] <Modifications> Next, modifications of the above-described first to fifth embodiments will be described. In the modifications, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The generation device 100 according to the modifications can be applied to the generation devices 100 according to the first to fifth embodiments. The generation device 100 according to the modifications includes multiple (three or more) reactors including reactors 1 and 2.

[0080] Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of a generator 100 according to a modified example. The generator 100 according to the modified example includes reactors 1 and 2, a reactor 61 disposed between reactor 1 and reactor 2, economizers 3 and 4, gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, gas-liquid separators 7 and 8, a raw material gas supply unit 9, and a storage tank 10. The generator 100 according to the modified example also includes a water drain valve 11, a chiller 12, a pump 13, a temperature adjustment unit 14, a control unit 15, a gas path 101, and a circulation path 102. In Fig. 6, the economizers 3 and 4, the gas-cooling heat exchangers 5 and 6, the gas-liquid separators 7 and 8, the water drain valve 11, and the chiller 12 are not shown.

[0081] In the flow direction of the raw material gas in the gas path 101, the reactor 61 is disposed after the reactor 1, and the reactor 2 is disposed after the reactor 61. Therefore, in the flow direction of the raw material gas in the gas path 101, the reactor 1 is disposed first, and the reactor 2 is disposed last. In addition, in the circulation direction of the heat medium in the circulation path 102, the reactor 2 is disposed after the temperature adjustment unit 14, the reactor 61 is disposed after the reactor 2, and the reactor 1 is disposed after the reactor 61. In addition, the generation device 100 may include another reactor disposed between the reactor 1 and the reactor 61, or may include another reactor disposed between the reactor 2 and the reactor 61.

[0082] The heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by temperature adjustment unit 14 passes through reactor 2 and then reactor 61. In this modified example, the temperature-adjusted heat medium passes through reactor 2 and then reactor 61, which prevents the temperature of the heat medium passing through reactor 2 from becoming excessively high, making it easier to appropriately maintain the temperature inside reactor 2. By maintaining the inside of reactor 2 at an appropriate temperature (for example, a low temperature), the concentration of the product gas generated in reactor 2 increases from the perspective of chemical equilibrium, and generation device 100 becomes able to generate a highly concentrated product gas.

[0083] 1, 2, 61... reactor; 3, 4... economizer; 5, 6... gas cooling heat exchanger; 7, 8... gas-liquid separator; 9... raw material gas supply section; 10... storage tank; 11... water drain valve; 12... chiller; 13... pump; 14, 35, 55... temperature adjustment section; 15... control section; 21... heater; 22... cooler; 23, 2 4. Control valve; 25, 26, 36, 56. Thermometer; 31, 32, 51, 52. Flow meter; 33, 34, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 53, 54. Control valve; 100. Generation device; 101. Gas path; 102. Circulation path; 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108. Flow path; 201, 202. Equipment

Claims

1. A generation device comprising: a plurality of reactors including a first reactor and a second reactor which generate a product gas by a catalytic reaction of a raw material gas; a gas path through which the raw material gas flows through the plurality of reactors; a circulation path through which a heat medium for circulating through the plurality of reactors to adjust the temperature within the plurality of reactors; and a temperature adjustment unit provided in the circulation path which adjusts the temperature of the heat medium, wherein the second reactor is disposed after the first reactor in the direction in which the raw material gas flows in the gas path; and the second reactor is disposed after the temperature adjustment unit and the first reactor is disposed after the second reactor in the direction in which the heat medium circulates in the circulation path.

2. The production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first reactor and the second reactor have different volumes.

3. The production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the volume of the second reactor is smaller than the volume of the first reactor.

4. The production apparatus of claim 1, wherein the volume of the second reactor is greater than the volume of the first reactor.

5. The production apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the circulation path has a first flow path through which the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit flows through the second reactor, and a second flow path branching off from the first flow path and through which the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit flows, bypassing the second reactor, and the second flow path merges with the first flow path downstream of the second reactor.

6. The generating device according to claim 5, further comprising: a flow rate control unit that controls a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path and a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path.

7. The generating apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a second temperature adjusting unit that adjusts a temperature of the heat medium, the second temperature adjusting unit being provided in the circulation path and disposed upstream of the first reactor and downstream of a joining point of the first flow path and the second flow path.

8. The generation device described in claim 7, wherein the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the second reactor in the first flow path so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a first temperature range, and the second temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the first reactor and downstream of the joining point so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

9. The production apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the circulation path has a first flow path through which the heat medium flows through the first reactor, and a second flow path branching off from the first flow path and through which the heat medium flows, bypassing the first reactor, and the second flow path merges with the first flow path downstream of the first reactor.

10. The generating device according to claim 9, further comprising: a flow rate control unit that controls a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path and a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path.

11. The generation device according to claim 9, further comprising: a second temperature adjustment unit that adjusts a temperature of the heat medium, the second temperature adjustment unit being provided in the circulation path and arranged upstream of the first reactor in the first flow path and downstream of a branch point between the first flow path and the second flow path.

12. The generation device described in claim 11, wherein the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the second reactor so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a first temperature range, and the second temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing upstream of the first reactor in the first flow path and downstream of the branching point so that the temperature of the heat medium falls within a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

13. The generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the heat medium flowing downstream of the first reactor and upstream of the second reactor in the circulation path is returned to the downstream of the temperature adjustment unit in the circulation path in a cooled state by at least one facility.

14. The generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature adjustment unit has a cooler that cools the heat medium, and a portion of the heat medium cooled by the cooler is returned to the upstream side of the first reactor and downstream side of the second reactor in the circulation path in a state where the portion is heated by at least one piece of equipment.

15. The generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the feed gas flows through the multiple reactors from a gas inlet located on a first side of the multiple reactors toward a gas outlet located on a second side of the multiple reactors, and the heat transfer medium flows through the multiple reactors from a heat transfer medium inlet located on the second side of the multiple reactors toward a heat transfer medium outlet located on the first side of the multiple reactors.

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