JP2008185272A - Vapor generation system and vapor generation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vapor generation system with high energy efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The vapor generation system is provided with a heat pump 10 carrying a first medium, a heat storage part 100 storing heat at least temporarily, and a first path 20 carrying a second medium. The first path 20 has an evaporation part 22 evaporating the second medium by transferred heat from at least one of the heat storage part 100 or the heat pump 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam generation system and a steam generation method.

As a steam generation system, generally known is a configuration in which a heated medium is heated by burning fuel in a boiler (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-249450

  The energy efficiency of the boiler is generally about 0.8 (80%). With increasing awareness of environmental issues, further improvements in energy efficiency are desired for steam generation systems.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy efficient steam generation system and method.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the heat pump in which the first medium flows, the heat storage unit that stores heat at least temporarily, and has a heat storage material that stores and dissipates heat with phase change, the heat pump and the heat The heat storage section connected to the first medium and the first path through which the second medium flows, the first path having an evaporation section in which the second medium evaporates by heat transferred from at least one of the heat storage section and the heat pump. A steam generation system is provided.

  According to this steam generation system, high energy efficiency can be obtained by using a heat pump as compared with a boiler. Further, by using heat storage, it is possible to suppress peak power and average power consumption, flexibly respond to steam / cold heat demand, and / or shorten the rise time of the steam generation process.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the heat pump is operated to store the heat from the heat pump in the heat storage unit, and the heat pump is in a non-operating state, and flows through the first path by the heat transferred from the heat storage unit. There are provided a step of evaporating the second medium and a method of generating steam.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the heat pump is operated to store the heat from the heat pump in the heat storage unit, and the heat pump is in an operating state, by the heat transferred from at least one of the heat storage unit and the heat pump. Evaporating the second medium flowing through the first path.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the cold heat supply apparatus thermally connected to the heat pump is in operation, the heat pump is operated to store heat from the heat pump in the heat storage unit, and the heat pump is inactive Alternatively, there is provided a vapor generation method including a step of evaporating the second medium flowing through the first path by heat transferred from at least one of the heat storage unit and the heat pump in an operating state.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there are a step of operating a heat pump to store heat from the heat pump in a heat storage unit, and a step of evaporating the second medium flowing through the first path, and at least an initial operation of the heat pump. Sometimes, the step of evaporating the second medium by heat transferred from the heat storage unit, and the step of evaporating the second medium by heat transferred from the heat pump when the heat pump is in operation. A steam generation method is provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a steam generation system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the steam generation system S1 includes a heat pump 10 through which a working medium (first medium) flows, a supply path 20 for a medium to be heated (second medium), a compressor 30, and a control device 70. In the present embodiment, the medium to be heated is water. The control device 70 comprehensively controls the entire system. The configuration of the steam generation system S1 can be variously changed according to the design requirements of the steam generation system S1.

  The heat pump 10 is a device that pumps heat from a low-temperature object and applies heat to a high-temperature object by a cycle including evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion processes. A heat pump generally has the advantage of relatively high energy efficiency and, as a result, relatively low emissions of carbon dioxide and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the heat pump 10 includes a heat absorbing part 11, a compressing part 12, a heat radiating part (a first heat radiating part 13A, a second heat radiating part 13B, a third heat radiating part 13C, a fourth heat radiating part 13D, and a fifth heat radiating part 13E). , And an inflating part 14, which are connected via a pipe.

  In the heat absorption part 11, the working medium flowing in the main path 15 absorbs the heat of the heat source outside the cycle. In the present embodiment, the heat absorption unit 11 of the heat pump 10 is thermally connected to the heat radiating pipe 91 of the cold heat supply device 90. In the cold heat supply device 90, the heat of the medium (refrigerant or the like) flowing through the heat radiating pipe 91 is absorbed by the heat absorbing unit 11 of the heat pump 10. The cooled medium is supplied from the cold heat supply device 90 to a predetermined facility. The heat absorption part 11 of the heat pump 10 can also be configured to absorb the heat of other heat sources such as the atmosphere.

  The compression unit 12 compresses the working medium using a compressor or the like. At this time, the temperature of the working medium usually increases. In the present embodiment, the compression unit 12 has a structure for compressing the working medium in multiple stages. The compression unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a four-stage compression structure including a first compression unit 12A, a second compression unit 12B, a third compression unit 12C, and a fourth compression unit 12D. The number of stages of compression is set according to the specification of the steam generation system S1, and is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more. Among the various compressors such as an axial flow compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a reciprocating compressor, and a rotary compressor, a compressor suitable for compressing the working medium is applied. Power is supplied to the compressor. The compression unit 12 can have a multiaxial compression structure in which the rotation speeds corresponding to the compression units 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are individually controlled. Alternatively, the compression unit 12 can have a coaxial compression structure. In the present embodiment, the compression units 12A and 12B are configured coaxially, and the compression units 12C and 12D are configured coaxially. Power is supplied to each of the two shafts. The compression ratio (pressure ratio) of each compression part 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D is set according to the specification of the steam generation system S1.

  The heat radiating units 13A to 13E have a pipe through which the working medium compressed by the compressing unit 12 flows, and gives the heat of the working medium flowing in the main path 15 to a heat source outside the cycle. In the present embodiment, five heat radiating portions 13A to 13E are arranged in series along the flow direction of the working medium. The number of heat radiation units is set according to the specification of the steam generation system S1, and is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 or more. 13A of 1st thermal radiation parts are arrange | positioned between the stages of compression part 12A and 12B, 13B of 2nd thermal radiation parts are arrange | positioned between the stage of compression parts 12B and 12C, and 13C of 3rd thermal radiation parts are the compression parts 12C and 12D. The fourth heat dissipating part 13D is disposed at a downstream position of the compression part 12D, and the fifth heat dissipating part 13E is disposed at a downstream position of the fourth heat dissipating part 13D.

  The expansion unit 14 expands the working medium using a pressure reducing valve, a turbine, or the like. At this time, the temperature of the working medium usually decreases. When a turbine is used, power can be taken out from the expansion unit 14, and the power may be supplied to the compression unit 12, for example. As a working medium used for the heat pump 10, various known heat mediums such as a chlorofluorocarbon medium (HFC 245fa, etc.), ammonia, water, carbon dioxide, air, and the like are used according to the specifications and heat balance of the steam generation system S1. Used.

  In the present embodiment, the heat pump 10 further includes a bypass path 17 and a regenerator 18. The inlet end of the bypass path 17 is fluidly connected to a pipe between the fourth heat radiating part 13D and the fifth heat radiating part 13E in the main path 15 of the heat pump 10. An outlet end of the bypass path 17 is fluidly connected to a pipe between the fifth heat radiating part 13 </ b> E and the expansion part 14 in the main path 15. A flow rate control valve for controlling the bypass flow rate of the working medium can be provided at the inlet of the bypass path 17. In the bypass path 17, a part of the working medium from the fourth heat radiating part 13 </ b> D bypasses the fifth heat radiating part 13 </ b> E and merges with the working medium from the fifth heat radiating part 13 </ b> E before the expansion part 14. The remaining working medium from the fourth heat radiating section 13D flows through the fifth heat radiating section 13E, and the working medium and the water in the supply path 20 exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 41.

  The regenerator 18 has a configuration in which a part of the pipe of the bypass path 17 and a part of the pipe of the main path 15 of the heat pump 10 (a pipe between the heat absorption unit 11 and the compression unit 12) are thermally connected. Have. For example, both pipes are arranged in contact with or adjacent to each other. In the heat pump 10, the working medium from the fourth heat radiating unit 13 </ b> D is hotter than the working medium from the heat absorbing unit 11. In the regenerator 18, the working medium from the fourth heat radiating unit 13 </ b> D flowing through the bypass path 17 and the working medium from the heat absorbing unit 11 flowing through the main path 15 of the heat pump 10 exchange heat. By this heat exchange, the temperature of the working medium in the bypass path 17 is lowered, and the temperature of the working medium in the main path 15 is raised. The regenerator 18 may have a countercurrent heat exchange system in which a low-temperature fluid (a working medium in the main path 15) and a high-temperature fluid (a working medium in the bypass path 17) face each other. Alternatively, the regenerator 18 may have a parallel flow type heat exchange system in which a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid flow in parallel.

  The supply path 20 includes a heating unit 21, an evaporation unit 22, and a duct 23 that fluidly connects the evaporation unit 22 and the compressor 30.

  The heating unit 21 includes a pipe that is thermally connected to the fifth heat radiation unit 13E of the heat pump 10 and through which water from a supply source (not shown) flows. The 1st heat exchanger 41 is comprised including the heating part 21 and the 5th thermal radiation part 13E. The first heat exchanger 41 can have a countercurrent heat exchange system in which a low-temperature fluid (water in the supply path 20) and a high-temperature fluid (working fluid in the heat pump 10) flow in opposition. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger 41 may have a parallel flow type heat exchange system in which a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid flow in parallel. In the present embodiment, various known ones can be adopted as the heat exchange structure of the first heat exchanger 41. The piping of the heating unit 21 and the piping of the fifth heat radiation unit 13E are arranged in contact with or adjacent to each other. For example, the pipe of the fifth heat radiation part 13E can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface or inside of the pipe of the heating part 21. In the heating unit 21, the temperature of water in the supply path 20 rises due to the heat transferred from the fifth heat radiating unit 13 </ b> E of the heat pump 10.

  The evaporation unit 22 includes a deaeration tank 49, a tank 47 for storing at least a liquid medium to be heated (water), and a circulation pipe (first circulation pipe 48A, first fluid) fluidly connected to the tank 47 as necessary. 2 circulation piping 48B, 3rd circulation piping 48C, and 4th circulation piping 48D). A fluid drive unit 49C is disposed between the deaeration tank 49 and the tank 47 as necessary. A pump 49A and a discharge pipe 49B are fluidly connected to the deaeration tank 49. A gas-liquid separator may be disposed inside the deaeration tank 49. In the deaeration tank 49, water from the heating unit 21 is degassed, and the gas is appropriately discharged to the outside (atmosphere) through the pump 49A and the discharge pipe 49B. The tank 47 is provided with a water supply port from the deaeration tank 49 (heating unit 21) and a steam discharge port. The tank 47 includes a level sensor 50 that measures the liquid level and a gas-liquid separator (not shown) as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, each circulation pipe 48 </ b> A, 48 </ b> B, 48 </ b> C, 48 </ b> D is fluidly connected to one tank 47. That is, each inlet end and each outlet end of the circulation pipes 48 </ b> A to 48 </ b> D are fluidly connected to the tank 47. The number of circulation pipes is set according to the specification of the steam generation system S1, and is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more. 48 A of 1st circulation piping has the evaporation pipe | tube 51A thermally connected to the 1st thermal radiation part 13A of the heat pump 10, the pump 52A, and the valve | bulb 53A as needed. Similarly, the 2nd circulation piping 48B has the evaporation pipe | tube 51B thermally connected to the 2nd thermal radiation part 13B of the heat pump 10, the pump 52B, and the valve | bulb 53B as needed. The third circulation pipe 48C has an evaporation pipe 51C thermally connected to the third heat radiating portion 13C of the heat pump 10, a pump 52C, and a valve 53C as necessary, and the fourth circulation pipe 48D is a heat pump. It has an evaporation pipe 51D thermally connected to the tenth fourth heat radiation part 13D, a pump 52D, and a valve 53D as necessary. The valves 53A to 53D are, for example, regulators, flow rate control valves, or open / close valves. In the present embodiment, the evaporation pipes 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D are individually fluidly connected to the tank 47. Further, the evaporation pipes 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D are arranged in parallel to the tank 47 and the supply path 20. At least one of the pumps 52A to 52D may be omitted by using thermal convection of the medium to be heated (water) and / or differential pressure with the outside.

  A second heat exchanger 42 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51A and the first heat radiation part 13A. Similarly, the 3rd heat exchanger 43 is comprised including the evaporation pipe | tube 51B and the 2nd thermal radiation part 13B. A fourth heat exchanger 44 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51C and the third heat radiating portion 13C, and a fifth heat exchanger 45 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51D and the fourth heat radiating portion 13D. The second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 are counter-current heat exchanges in which a low-temperature fluid (water in the evaporation pipes 51A to 51D) and a high-temperature fluid (working fluid in the heat pump 10) face each other. You can have a scheme. Alternatively, the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 may have a parallel flow type heat exchange system in which a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid flow in parallel. Various known heat exchange structures for the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 can be employed. The pipes of the heat radiation portions 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D of the heat pump 10 and the evaporation pipes 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D are arranged in contact with or adjacent to each other. For example, the pipes of the heat radiating portions 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D of the heat pump 10 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface and the inside of the evaporation pipes 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D.

  In this embodiment, the heat storage part 100 is provided with respect to the 2nd-5th heat exchangers 42-45. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A to 51D. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S1. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change. That is, the heat storage material 101 stores heat when melting and dissipates heat when solidified. The melting point of the latent heat storage material is desirably equal to or higher than the evaporation temperature of water in the evaporation pipes 51A to 51D (for example, 90 to 150 ° C.). Examples of the latent heat storage material include hydrocarbons such as erythritol and alkanes, wax systems (paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, etc.), and the like. Erythritol has a melting point of about 117 to 120 ° C. and has a relatively high heat storage amount (heat storage efficiency) per unit mass. Alkanes can be appropriately adjusted in molecular size, for example, by constructing a substance in which hydrogen in the side chain is substituted with a hydroxyl group so as to achieve a target melting point. The latent heat storage material has a small volume change accompanying the phase change, and is advantageous for downsizing the apparatus. As the heat storage material 101, other substances such as a sensible heat storage material and a chemical reaction heat storage material may be used.

  2A to 2C are configuration examples of the heat storage unit 100. In FIG. 2A, one heat storage unit 100 is provided for the heat exchangers 42 to 45. In FIG. 2B, the heat storage part 100 independent for each heat exchanger 42-45 is provided. In FIG. 2C, one heat storage unit 100 is provided for the heat exchangers 42 and 43, and another one heat storage unit 100 is provided for the heat exchangers 44 and 45.

  3A to 3D are cross-sectional views showing a structural example of the second heat exchanger 42 in which the heat storage unit 100 is provided. In FIG. 3A, the second heat exchanger 42 has a structure in which the piping of the heat radiating portion 13 </ b> A of the heat pump 10 and the evaporation pipe 51 </ b> A are in direct contact within the housing 102. Further, a heat storage material 101 is arranged in the housing 102 so as to cover the piping of the heat radiating portion 13A and the evaporation pipe 51A. The evaporation pipe 51A is directly thermally connected to the heat radiating portion 13A.

  In FIG. 3B, the second heat exchanger 42 has a structure in which the piping of the heat radiating portion 13 </ b> A of the heat pump 10 and the evaporation pipe 51 </ b> A are arranged in the housing 102. Further, the heat storage material 101 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 102 including the gap between the pipe of the heat radiating unit 13A and the evaporation pipe 51A so as to cover the pipe of the heat radiating part 13A and the evaporation pipe 51A. The evaporation pipe 51 </ b> A is thermally connected to the heat radiating part 13 </ b> A via the heat storage material 101. In order to promote heat transfer from the heat radiation part 13A to the evaporation pipe 51A, the heat storage material 101 may include a heat conductive material.

  In FIG. 3C, the second heat exchanger 42 has a structure in which the piping of the heat radiating portion 13A of the heat pump 10 is arranged inside an evaporation pipe 51A having a flow path having an annular cross section. Further, the heat storage material 101 is disposed in the gap between the evaporation pipe 51A and the piping of the heat radiation part 13A. The evaporation pipe 51 </ b> A is thermally connected to the heat radiating part 13 </ b> A via the heat storage material 101. A housing 102 surrounding the evaporation pipe 51A is provided, and the heat storage material 101 can also be arranged in the gap between the housing 102 and the evaporation pipe 51A. In another embodiment, in the second heat exchanger 42, the evaporation pipe 51A may be disposed inside the pipe of the heat radiating part 13A having an annular cross-section flow path.

  In FIG. 3D, the second heat exchanger 42 has a structure in which a plurality of (two in this example) pipes of the heat radiating portion 13A are arranged inside an evaporation pipe 51A having an annular cross-section flow path. Each pipe of the heat radiating portion 13A is in direct contact with the evaporation pipe 51A. Further, the heat storage material 101 is arranged in the space inside the evaporation pipe 51A. The evaporation pipe 51A is directly thermally connected to the heat radiating part 13A or is thermally connected to the heat radiating part 13A via the heat storage material 101. A housing 102 surrounding the evaporation pipe 51A is provided, and the heat storage material 101 can also be arranged in the gap between the housing 102 and the evaporation pipe 51A.

  In addition, the shape, arrangement | sequence, material, etc. of each piping can be set arbitrarily, and various forms are applicable about the 2nd heat exchanger 42 with which the thermal storage part 100 was provided. In the second heat exchanger 42, a heat insulating material is disposed as necessary. Each pipe is provided with fins as necessary. The other heat exchangers 43, 44, 45 are the same as the second heat exchanger 42.

  In the evaporation unit 22, the water whose temperature has increased in the heating unit 21 is supplied to the tank 47 through the supply port, and the water is stored in the tank 47 and the circulation pipes 48 </ b> A to 48 </ b> D. The amount of water supplied to the tank 47 is controlled so that the liquid level in the tank 47 falls within a predetermined range. For example, the amount of water supplied to the tank 47 is controlled based on the measurement result of the level sensor 50. The water in the evaporation pipes 51A to 51D is heated by the heat transferred from the first to fourth heat radiation portions 13A to 13D and the heat storage material 101 of the heat pump 10, and at least a part of the water evaporates. The tank 47 is fluidly connected to the compressor 30 via the duct 23. The internal space of the tank 47 is sucked by the compressor 30 through the discharge port of the tank 47 and the duct 23. The steam in the tank 47 flows in the duct 23 toward the compressor 30.

  The compressor 30 is disposed on the supply path 20 and is disposed downstream of the tank 47. As the compressor 30, various compressors such as an axial flow compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a reciprocating compressor, and a rotary compressor are applied, and those suitable for vapor compression are used. The compressor 30 compresses the steam from the tank 47 and flows the pressurized steam downstream.

  In the compressor 30 and / or the supply path 20, a nozzle 35 that supplies water to the steam is disposed as necessary. The arrangement position of the nozzle 35 is, for example, an inlet and / or an outlet of the compressor 30. When the compressor 30 is a multistage type, the nozzle 35 can be disposed between the stages of the compressor 30. In the present embodiment, the compressor 30 has a four-stage compression structure including a first compression unit 30A, a second compression unit 30B, a third compression unit 30C, and a fourth compression unit 30D. The multistage compression structure of the compressor 30 is advantageous for increasing the temperature and pressure of steam, which will be described later. The compressor 30 can have a multiaxial compression structure in which the rotation speeds corresponding to the compression units 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are individually controlled. Alternatively, the compressor 30 can have a coaxial compression structure. In the present embodiment, the compression units 30A and 30B are configured coaxially, and the compression units 30C and 30D are configured coaxially. Power is supplied to each of the two shafts. The compression ratios (pressure ratios) of the compression units 30A to 30D are set according to the specifications of the steam generation system S1. In this embodiment, the nozzle 35 is arrange | positioned between each stage. The nozzle 35 and the liquid phase position of the tank 47 can be fluidly connected via the pipe 36. In this piping configuration, the liquid in the tank 47 having a relatively high temperature is effectively used for supply to the nozzle 35. For discharging (spraying) the liquid from the nozzle 35, a power source such as a pump 37 may be used, or a pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the pipe 36 may be used.

  Due to the suction action by the compressor 30, the internal space at the heating portion by the heat pump 10 in the supply path 20, that is, the internal space of the tank 47 is decompressed. Control valves (such as a flow control valve, not shown) and the compressor 30 on the supply path 20 are controlled so that the internal pressure of the tank 47 becomes a negative pressure (negative pressure) lower than the atmospheric pressure. This control is performed based on a measurement result of a sensor (not shown) that measures the internal pressure of the tank 47, for example.

  The tank 47 and the heat pump 10 are designed (capacity design, capacity design, etc.) so that water evaporates when the internal space of the tank 47 is in a negative pressure state. The coefficient of performance of the heat pump 10 changes according to the difference between the input temperature and the output temperature of the medium to be heated (water), and if the temperature difference is excessively large, the coefficient of performance (COP) may decrease. Under the condition that the internal space of the tank 47 is in a negative pressure state, the heating temperature region (input / output temperature difference) is set to be relatively narrow, and the heat pump 10 can be used at a high COP. For example, the input temperature of water is about 20 ° C., and the output temperature of water from the evaporator 22 is about 90 ° C.

  Next, the basic operation of the steam generation system S1 will be described. Various operation methods of the steam generation system S1 using the heat storage unit 100 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, first, in the first heat exchanger 41, the temperature of the water in the supply path 20 rises to near the boiling point due to the heat transferred from the fifth heat radiating part 13 </ b> E of the heat pump 10. Thereafter, in the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45, the water undergoes phase change and evaporates due to the heat transferred from the first to fourth heat radiating units 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> D and / or the heat storage unit 100. That is, the sensible heat of water is performed in the first heat exchanger 41, and the latent heat of water is heated in the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45. The first heat exchanger 41 is in a form suitable for sensible heat exchange, and the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 are in a form suitable for latent heat exchange. Accordingly, steam is generated via a preferred heating process.

  The energy efficiency of the boiler is generally about 0.7 to 0.8 (70 to 80%), whereas the coefficient of performance (COP) as the energy efficiency of the heat pump is generally 2.5 to 5. 0. The coefficient of performance of the heat pump changes according to the input / output temperature difference of the medium to be heated (water), and the coefficient of performance tends to decrease at a relatively high input / output temperature difference. In this embodiment, since the heat pump has individual heating units corresponding to the sensible heat exchange and the latent heat exchange, it is possible to suppress the input / output temperature difference and generate steam with higher energy efficiency than the boiler.

  In the present embodiment, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam having a relatively low pressure and low temperature due to heat transfer from the heat pump 10 (heat radiating units 13A to 13E) and / or the heat storage unit 100, and is caused by the compressor 30. Compression results in relatively high pressure and high temperature steam. That is, the water heated by the heat pump 10 and / or the heat storage unit 100 is further heated by compression by the compressor 30, thereby generating high-temperature steam at 100 ° C. or higher. The steam from the steam generation system S1 is supplied to a predetermined external facility such as a manufacturing plant, a cooking facility, an air conditioning facility, a power plant, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a Ts diagram illustrating an example of a state change of water by the steam generation system S1. As shown in FIG. 4, after the temperature rises to near the boiling point in the first heat exchanger 41 (see FIG. 1), the water undergoes a phase change in the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 while the temperature remains constant. At this time, saturated steam d0 is generated in a state of negative pressure P0 that is lower than atmospheric pressure (P1 = 1 atm = about 0.1 MPa). The temperature of the saturated vapor d0 is lower than the normal boiling point, for example, about 90 ° C.

  Next, the saturated steam d0 becomes a relatively high-pressure and high-temperature steam (superheated steam e2) by compression by the compressor 30 (see FIG. 1). That is, the temperature of the steam rises with the compression. The pressure P2 of the superheated steam e2 is higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, 0.8 MPa.

  By cooling the superheated steam e2 of 0.8 MPa under a constant pressure, a saturated steam of about 160 ° C. can be obtained (dashed line a in FIG. 4). Similarly, saturated steam d1 at about 100 ° C. can be obtained by cooling superheated steam at atmospheric pressure (about 0.1 MPa) under constant pressure.

  By directly mixing liquid water or hot water into the cooling from superheated steam to saturated steam, the volume of steam is increased. In this case, for example, water or hot water is supplied to the steam at the outlet of the compressor 30.

  By optimizing the supply amount and timing of water or hot water, the change from the relatively low pressure and low temperature saturated steam d0 to the relatively high pressure and high temperature saturated steam d2 can be made more direct. For example, when an appropriate amount of water or hot water is supplied to the steam at the inlet of the compressor 30, the saturated steam d0 at the inlet of the compressor 30 changes to saturated steam d2 at the outlet of the compressor 30 (FIG. 4). Broken lines c1 (spray) and c2 (compression)). Alternatively, when an appropriate amount of water or hot water is supplied to the steam for each stage of the compressor 30 in the middle of the compressor 30, the saturated steam d0 at the inlet of the compressor 30 becomes saturated steam d2 at the outlet of the compressor 30. (Broken line b in FIG. 4). That is, by optimizing the combination of compression by the compressor 30 and cooling by water or warm water, steam close to a saturated state can be efficiently discharged from the compressor 30.

  As described above, in this embodiment, both saturated steam and superheated steam are easily obtained by the three-stage sequential heating including the two-stage heating by the heat pump 10 (including the heat storage unit 100) shown in FIG. 1 and the heating by the compressor 30. Can be generated. That is, after generating saturated steam with a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure by heating with the heat pump 10 (including the heat storage unit 100), the compressor 30 compresses with atmospheric pressure or a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. Steam or saturated steam can be generated. That is, the steam generation system S1 is highly flexible with respect to the steam specifications.

  In the present embodiment, since the compressor 30 supplements a part of the heating process for steam generation, the heat pump 10 is used with a high COP. Therefore, the steam generation system S1 has a reduction in the primary energy as a whole. Be expected. That is, the use of the compressor 30 for heating in a relatively high temperature range with respect to the medium to be heated (water) is advantageous in shortening the temperature rise and suppressing heat loss compared to heating using only heat transfer. It is.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since a part of working medium bypasses the 1st heat exchanger 41 via the bypass path | route 17, optimization of the flow volume of the working medium which enters the 1st heat exchanger 41 is achieved. This is advantageous in effectively using the retained heat of the working medium.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when a part of working medium bypasses the 1st heat exchanger 41 via the bypass path | route 17, the inflow amount of the working medium to the 1st heat exchanger 41 is controlled, As a result The working medium having an amount of heat as required is supplied to each of the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 (third to fifth heat exchangers 43 to 45).

  The working medium flowing through the bypass path 17 exchanges heat with the working medium from the heat absorbing unit 11 flowing through the main path 15 of the heat pump 10 in the regenerator 18. By this heat exchange, the temperature of the working medium in the bypass path 17 is lowered (for example, about 20 ° C.), and the temperature of the working medium in the main path 15 of the heat pump 10 is raised (for example, about 95 ° C.). Due to the increase in the input temperature of the working medium to the compression unit 12, the power of the compression unit 12 is reduced.

  Note that the amount of bypass of the working medium is determined according to each physical property value (such as specific heat) of the medium to be heated and the working medium. When the medium to be heated is water and the working medium is a chlorofluorocarbon medium or ammonia, the bypass amount is set to the flow rate per unit time of the working medium in the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45. The molar ratio is preferably about 50%. In this case, the heat balance between water and the working medium is good in each of sensible heat and latent heat. Furthermore, the heat balance between the working media in the regenerator 18 is good.

  In the present embodiment, the working medium (for example, about 20 ° C.) in the bypass passage 17 whose temperature has dropped in the regenerator 18 is in front of the expansion unit 14 and flows through the main passage 15 of the heat pump 10. It merges with the working medium from the (fifth heat radiation part 13E). As described above, the output temperature of the working medium from the first heat exchanger 41 is set to be relatively low (for example, about 30 ° C.). The liquid gas ratio of the working medium is optimized by the decrease in the input temperature of the working medium to the expansion unit 14, and as a result, the heat source outside the cycle in the heat absorbing unit 11 (medium flowing through the heat radiating pipe 91 of the cold heat supply device 90). Effectively absorbs heat.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the working medium after being used for water evaporation is used for heating the water and regenerating the working medium, thereby effectively using heat.

  In the present embodiment, the energy efficiency is also improved from the point that the compression unit 12 is a multistage type. That is, the heat dissipation of the heat dissipating parts 13A, 13B, and 13C between the stages of the multistage compression unit 12 is deprived, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the working medium in the process of compressing the working medium. The efficiency is improved and the power of the compressor is reduced. The number of repetitions of the temperature rise of the working medium accompanying compression and the temperature drop of the working medium in the heat radiating section (13A, 13B, 13C) between the stages is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more. It is advantageous for improving energy efficiency that the number of stages of reheating is large within the range of restrictions on the apparatus configuration.

  In the present embodiment, the point that the input temperature of the working medium to the multistage compression unit 12 is increased by the regenerator 18 is also advantageous in reducing the power of the compression unit 12. Further, effective use of heat can be achieved from the point of heating water that is a medium to be heated by using cooling of the heat radiation portions 13A, 13B, and 13C between the stages.

  In the present embodiment, since the supply path 20 includes the plurality of evaporation pipes 51A to 51D, the energy efficiency can be improved. In the evaporation pipe, the ratio of the gas (vapor) to the liquid increases along the direction of water flow, and the heat transfer coefficient decreases as the vapor generation proceeds. In the evaporator tube, it is preferable that water is dominant as a mass and a volume. Since the supply path 20 includes the plurality of evaporation pipes 51A to 51D, heating of water having a high gas ratio is avoided, and as a result, a decrease in heat transfer coefficient associated with steam generation is suppressed. In addition, if the length of the evaporation pipe is increased in order to increase the heat exchange area, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporation pipe increases, which may increase the power required to flow water through the evaporation pipe. is there. If the plurality of evaporation pipes 51A to 51D are individually independent, the differential pressure may be small, and an increase in water transport power accompanying the expansion of the heat exchange area is suppressed. The fact that the evaporation tubes 51A to 51D are arranged in parallel facilitates the achievement of a configuration in which the plurality of evaporation tubes 51A to 51D are individually independent, which is advantageous for simplification of the apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the supply path 20 includes a plurality of independent evaporation pipes 51A to 51D, thereby improving the heat balance control. In the heat pump 10, the state (pressure etc.) of a working medium differs between the thermal radiation parts 13A-13D. Reheating in the multistage compression unit 12 having the heat radiation units 13A to 13D is achieved by individually controlling the flow rate per unit time of the water flowing through the plurality of evaporation pipes 51A to 51D corresponding to the heat radiation units 13A to 13D. The control is optimized.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a configuration for controlling the flow rate of water in the evaporation pipe 51A. The heat pump 10 is provided with a sensor 71 that measures the outlet temperature of the first heat radiating portion 13A corresponding to the evaporation pipe 51A. The control device 70 controls the flow rate of water per unit time flowing through the evaporation pipe 51A via the pump 52A for the evaporation pipe 51A based on the measurement result of the sensor 71. Thereby, the exit temperature of the working medium in the first heat radiating portion 13A can be set to the target value. You may use the sensor 72 which measures the inlet_port | entrance temperature of 13 A of 1st thermal radiation parts. In FIG. 1, the other evaporation pipes 51 </ b> B to 51 </ b> D and the corresponding heat radiation portions 13 </ b> B to 13 </ b> D can adopt the same configuration.

  Next, an operation method of the steam generation system S1 will be described. In the present embodiment, the steam generation system S1 has first, second, third, and fourth operation modes.

<First operation mode>
In the first operation mode, the heat pump 10 is operated at night to store heat in the heat storage material 101, and steam is generated using the heat of the heat storage material 101 in the daytime.

  6A to 6D are explanatory diagrams of the first operation mode. First, at night, as shown in FIG. 6A, the heat pump 10 is operated to start heat storage in the heat storage material 101. The heat pump 10 is operated in a time zone in which the demand for steam is low and the power rate is set low. In the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45, heat from the first to fourth heat radiating portions 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> D (see FIG. 1) of the heat pump 10 is stored in the heat storage material 101. That is, the heat storage material 101 is heated by the first to fourth heat radiation units 13A to 13D, and the heat storage material 101 changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase. In the heat storage unit 100, the latent heat of fusion of the heat storage material 101 is stored with the liquefaction of the heat storage material 101. The control device 70 comprehensively controls the system.

  Further, in the heating section 21 (first heat exchanger 41) of the supply path 20, the temperature of water from a supply source (not shown) rises due to heat transferred from the fifth heat radiating section 13E (see FIG. 1) of the heat pump 10. (For example, about 90 ° C.). The tank 47 stores hot water from the heating unit 21. The capacity of the tank 47 is set corresponding to the amount of steam consumed in the daytime, for example. The heat storage capacity of the heat storage material 101 corresponds to the capacity of the tank 47. The temperature of the heat storage material 101 is higher than the hot water in the tank 47, and is, for example, 100 to 150 ° C.

  In this heat storage process, water may or may not exist in the evaporation pipes 51A to 51D. Treatment for preventing boiling of water in the evaporating unit 22 is performed as necessary. For example, at least the compressor 30 and the pump 37 (see FIG. 1) are stopped. Along with the supply of hot water from the heating unit 21, the internal pressure of the evaporation unit 22 rises and water evaporation is suppressed. When the valves 53A to 53D (see FIG. 1) of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D have a pressure adjusting function, the internal pressure of the evaporation unit 22 can be set by the valves 53A to 53D. Alternatively, the valves 53A to 53D are closed. The pumps 52 </ b> A to 52 </ b> D (see FIG. 1) may be driven to apply a predetermined pressure to the circulation pipes 48 </ b> A to 48 </ b> D of the evaporation unit 22.

  In the heat storage process, it is possible to meet the cold demand through the heat absorption part 11 of the heat pump 10. In other words, when the heat pump 10 is in operation, the medium cooled by the heat absorption unit 11 is supplied from the cold heat supply device 90 to a predetermined facility by operating the cold heat supply device 90. When the cold heat supply device 90 is not in operation or when the cold heat supply device 90 is not provided, the heat pump 10 can absorb heat from the atmosphere via the heat absorption unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when a predetermined time elapses, hot water is stored in the tank 47 and heat is stored in the heat storage material 101. For example, the end of the heat storage process is determined based on the time, the processing time, and / or the amount of water stored in the tank 47. You may repeat at least one part of a thermal storage process as needed.

  Next, in the daytime, as shown in FIG. 6C, the steam generation unit (evaporation unit 22, compressor 30, etc.) is operated to generate steam using the heat of the heat storage material 101. That is, the pumps 52A to 52D (see FIG. 1), the compressor 30, the pump 37, and the like of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D are driven. Valves 53A to 53D (see FIG. 1) of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D are open. Hot water in the tank 47 circulates through the circulation pipes 48A to 48D. Due to the suction action of the compressor 30, the internal space of the evaporation unit 22 is depressurized, and the hot water in the evaporation pipes 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D is heated by the heat transferred from the heat storage material 101. As a result, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam at a relatively low pressure and low temperature, and then becomes steam at a relatively high pressure and high temperature by compression by the compressor 30.

  As shown in FIG. 6D, when a predetermined time elapses, the hot water in the tank 47 decreases, and the heat storage amount of the heat storage material 101 decreases. Again at night, the heat storage process shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B takes place.

  As described above, in the first operation mode, the heat pump 10 is operated at night when the electricity rate is low, and the steam generation unit (evaporation unit 22, compressor 30 and the like) is operated during the day when there is a demand for steam. That is, by using heat storage, power consumption in the steam generation system S1 is distributed between nighttime and daytime. As a result, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S1 can be kept low. This is advantageous for simplification and cost reduction of the power receiving equipment, and suppression of contract power (electric power basic charge).

  Further, the use of heat storage makes it possible to easily adjust the timing and amount of steam generation according to the steam demand. That is, the steam generation system S1 has high flexibility and controllability for the steam supply. In the heat storage process, heat is stored at two locations, the heat storage material 101 and the tank 47. The hot water is stored in the tank 47, which is advantageous for shortening the rise time of the steam generation process.

  In the present embodiment, a heat storage material can be disposed in the first heat exchanger 41. In this case, in the heat storage process, heat is stored in the heat storage material of the first heat exchanger 41 instead of the hot water storage in the tank 47. By avoiding the supply of water to the evaporation unit 22, it is not necessary to take measures to prevent the water in the evaporation unit 22 from boiling in the heat storage process. Moreover, it is also possible to arrange | position a thermal storage material in other locations, such as the heat absorption part 11 and / or the regenerator 18.

  The heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and hot water is advantageous for suppressing the initial cost as compared with the heat storage using a battery, and the heat storage efficiency equal to or higher than that can be expected. It is also possible to use a battery as a power complement. For example, the water in the tank 47 can be complementarily heated by the energy stored in the battery.

  In the first operation mode, if there is no problem in terms of equipment, when the hot water in the tank 47 and the heat of the heat storage material 101 are used up, the heat pump 10 and the evaporation unit 22 are operated to meet further steam demand. It is possible.

<Second operation mode>
Next, the second operation mode of the steam generation system S1 will be described. Explanation of operations similar to those in the first operation mode is simplified or omitted. In the second operation mode, the heat pump 10 is operated substantially continuously. When there is no steam demand, heat is stored in the heat storage material 101, and when there is steam demand, steam is generated using heat from the heat pump 10 and / or the heat storage material 101.

  7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of the second operation mode. First, when there is no demand for steam, as shown in FIG. 7A, the heat pump 10 is operated, heat is stored in the heat storage material 101, and hot water is stored in the tank 47. That is, in the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45, the heat storage material 101 is heated by the first to fourth heat radiating portions 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> D (see FIG. 1) of the heat pump 10. With the phase change of the heat storage material 101, the latent heat of fusion of the heat storage material 101 is stored. Further, water from a supply source (not shown) is heated by the heating unit 21 (first heat exchanger 41) of the supply path 20. The warm water is stored in the tank 47. In this heat storage process, at least the compressor 30 and the pump 37 are stopped. Further, by operating the cold heat supply device 90, the medium cooled by the heat absorption unit 11 is supplied from the cold heat supply device 90 to a predetermined facility. The control device 70 comprehensively controls the system.

  Next, when there is a demand for steam, as shown in FIG. 7B, the heat pump 10 and the steam generation unit (evaporation unit 22, compressor 30, etc.) are operated, and steam is generated using the heat of the heat pump 10 and / or the heat storage material 101. Is generated. That is, in addition to the heat pump 10, the pumps 52A to 52D (see FIG. 1) of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D, the compressor 30, and the pump 37 are driven. Valves 53A to 53D (see FIG. 1) of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D are open. Hot water in the tank 47 circulates through the circulation pipes 48A to 48D. Due to the suction action of the compressor 30, the internal space of the evaporation unit 22 is reduced in pressure, and is evaporated by heat transmitted from the first to fourth heat radiation units 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> D (see FIG. 1) and / or the heat storage material 101 of the heat pump 10. Hot water in the tubes 51A to 51D is heated. As a result, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam at a relatively low pressure and low temperature, and then becomes steam at a relatively high pressure and high temperature by compression by the compressor 30. The hot water stored in the tank 47 is advantageous for shortening the rise time of the steam generation process. Further, by operating the cold heat supply device 90, the medium cooled by the heat absorption unit 11 is supplied from the cold heat supply device 90 to a predetermined facility. When the cold heat supply device 90 is not in operation or when the cold heat supply device 90 is not provided, the heat pump 10 can absorb heat from the atmosphere via the heat absorption unit 11.

  Thus, in the second operation mode, the heat pump 10 is operated substantially continuously, and heat is stored in the heat storage material 101 when there is no or little steam demand. When there is a demand for steam, steam is generated using heat stored in the heat storage material 101 in addition to direct heat transfer from the heat pump 10. That is, when the heat of the heat pump 10 is used for steam generation, the heat storage material 101 and the tank 47 play the role of heat assistance and buffer. By optimizing the heat storage capacity according to the steam demand, in particular, the peak power and average power consumption of the heat pump 10 can be kept low. This is advantageous in reducing the size and cost of the heat pump 10.

<Third operation mode>
Next, the third operation mode of the steam generation system S1 will be described. Explanation of operations similar to those in the first or second operation mode is simplified or omitted. In the third operation mode, heat storage is performed at least when there is a cold demand.

  8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams of the third operation mode. First, when there is a cold demand, the heat pump 10 and the cold supply device 90 are operated as shown in FIG. 8A. That is, the heat from the first to fourth heat radiation portions 13A to 13D (see FIG. 1) of the heat pump 10 is stored in the heat storage material 101, and the hot water heated by the fifth heat radiation portion 13E (see FIG. 1) is stored in the tank 47. Stored in In this heat storage process, at least the compressor 30 and the pump 37 are stopped. Further, by operating the cold heat supply device 90, the medium cooled by the heat absorption unit 11 is supplied from the cold heat supply device 90 to a predetermined facility. The control device 70 comprehensively controls the system.

  Next, when there is a demand for steam, as shown in FIG. 8B, the steam generation unit (evaporation unit 22, compressor 30, etc.) is operated, and steam is generated using the heat of the heat storage material 101. That is, the pumps 52A to 52D (see FIG. 1), the compressor 30, the pump 37, and the like of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D are driven. Valves 53A to 53D (see FIG. 1) of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D are open. Hot water in the tank 47 circulates through the circulation pipes 48A to 48D. Due to the suction action of the compressor 30, the internal space of the evaporation unit 22 is depressurized, and the hot water in the evaporation pipes 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D is heated by the heat transferred from the heat storage material 101. As a result, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam at a relatively low pressure and low temperature, and then becomes steam at a relatively high pressure and high temperature by compression by the compressor 30.

  Alternatively, when there is a demand for steam, as shown in FIG. 8C, the heat pump 10 and the steam generation unit (evaporation unit 22, compressor 30, etc.) are operated, and steam is generated using the heat of the heat pump 10 and the heat storage material 101. The That is, in addition to the heat pump 10, the pumps 52A to 52D (see FIG. 1) of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D, the compressor 30, and the pump 37 are driven. Valves 53A to 53D (see FIG. 1) of the circulation pipes 48A to 48D are open. Hot water in the tank 47 circulates through the circulation pipes 48A to 48D. The internal space of the evaporation unit 22 is decompressed by the suction action of the compressor 30, and the evaporation pipe 51 </ b> A is transmitted by heat transmitted from the first to fourth heat radiation units 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> D (see FIG. 1) of the heat pump 10 and the heat storage material 101. The warm water in ~ 51D is heated. As a result, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam at a relatively low pressure and low temperature, and then becomes steam at a relatively high pressure and high temperature by compression by the compressor 30. In this steam generation process, surplus heat is stored in the heat storage material 101.

  Thus, in the third operation mode, heat storage is performed at least when there is a cold demand. That is, heat is stored in the heat storage material 101 and the tank 47 in accordance with the operation of the cold heat supply device 90. As a result, the cold supply device 90 can supply cold using the heat absorption action of the heat absorption unit 11 of the heat pump 10 to the maximum extent. The heat storage capacity of the steam generation system S1 is determined according to the timing of the steam demand and the cold demand, the time length of the day, and the like.

<Fourth operation mode>
Next, the fourth operation mode of the steam generation system S1 will be described. Explanation of operations similar to those in the first to third operation modes is simplified or omitted. In the fourth operation mode, steam is generated using heat storage, particularly during the initial operation of the steam generation system S1.

  9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams of the fourth operation mode. First, as shown in FIG. 9A, during normal operation of the steam generation system S <b> 1, the heat pump 10 and the steam generation unit (evaporation unit 22, compressor 30, etc.) are operated, and steam is generated by the heat transferred from the heat pump 10. Is done. That is, due to the suction action of the compressor 30, the internal space of the evaporation unit 22 is reduced in pressure, and the evaporation tubes 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D are transmitted by heat transferred from the first to fourth heat radiation units 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> D (see FIG. 1) of the heat pump 10. The warm water inside is heated. As a result, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam at a relatively low pressure and low temperature, and then becomes steam at a relatively high pressure and high temperature by compression by the compressor 30. Further, by operating the cold heat supply device 90, the medium cooled by the heat absorption unit 11 is supplied from the cold heat supply device 90 to a predetermined facility. When the cold heat supply device 90 is not in operation or when the cold heat supply device 90 is not provided, the heat pump 10 can absorb heat from the atmosphere via the heat absorption unit 11. The control device 70 comprehensively controls the system.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, at the end of the steam generation process, the heat pump 10 is in an operating state, and the steam generation unit (evaporation unit 22, compressor 30, etc.) is stopped. Heat is stored in the heat storage material 101 and hot water is stored in the tank 47. Thereafter, the steam generation unit is also stopped.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9C, when there is a demand for steam, steam is generated using the heat of the heat storage material 101 during the initial operation of the steam generation system S1. That is, the internal space of the evaporation unit 22 is reduced in pressure by the suction action of the compressor 30, and the hot water in the evaporation pipes 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D is heated by the heat transferred from the heat storage material 101, and as a result, steam is generated. . Thereafter, when the warm-up of the steam generation system S1 (such as the heat dissipating units 13A to 13E of the heat pump 10) is completed, the normal operation of the steam generation system S1 illustrated in FIG. 9A is performed.

  Thus, in the fourth operation mode, steam is generated using heat storage, particularly during the initial operation of the steam generation system S1. As a result, the time required to warm up the steam generation system S1 can be reduced. That is, it is advantageous for shortening the rise time of the steam generation process. In the fourth operation mode, the heat storage capacity may be an amount consumed during initial operation. Compared with the other operation modes described above, the apparatus cost can be reduced.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a steam generation system according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the steam generation system S2, unlike the first embodiment, the tank for storing water in the supply path 20 has a plurality of individual tanks 47A to 47D corresponding to the plurality of evaporation pipes 51A to 51D. . The configuration of the heat pump 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The supply path 20 includes a heating unit 21, an evaporation unit 22, and a duct 23 that fluidly connects the evaporation unit 22 and the compressor 30. The evaporation unit 22 includes a deaeration tank 49 and tanks (first tank 47A, second tank 47B, third tank 47C, fourth tank 47D) for storing at least a liquid medium to be heated (water) as necessary. And circulation pipes (first circulation pipe 48A, second circulation pipe 48B, third circulation pipe 48C, and fourth circulation pipe 48D) fluidly connected to the tanks 47A to 47D. A fluid drive unit 49C is disposed between the deaeration tank 49 and the tanks (47A to 47D) as necessary. Each of the tanks 47A to 47D is provided with a water supply port from the heating unit 21 (deaeration tank 49) and a steam discharge port. The tanks 47A to 47D include level sensors 50A to 50D that measure the liquid level and a gas-liquid separator (not shown) as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, a first circulation pipe 48A having an evaporation pipe 51A is fluidly connected to the first tank 47A. That is, each inlet end and each outlet end of the first circulation pipe 48A are fluidly connected to the first tank 47A. Similarly, a second circulation pipe 48B having an evaporation pipe 51B is fluidly connected to the second tank 47B. A third circulation pipe 48C having an evaporation pipe 51C is fluidly connected to the third tank 47C, and a fourth circulation pipe 48D having an evaporation pipe 51D is fluidly connected to the fourth tank 47D. The evaporation pipe 51 </ b> A is thermally connected to the first heat radiating part 13 </ b> A of the heat pump 10. Similarly, the evaporation tubes 51B, 51C, and 51D are thermally connected to the second heat radiating portion 13B, the third heat radiating portion 13C, and the fourth heat radiating portion 13D of the heat pump 10, respectively. The number of tanks and circulation pipes (evaporation pipes) is set according to the specification of the steam generation system S2, and is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more. In the present embodiment, each pair of the tanks 47 </ b> A to 47 </ b> D and the evaporation pipes 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> D is arranged in parallel with the supply path 20.

  A second heat exchanger 42 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51A and the first heat radiation part 13A. Similarly, the 3rd heat exchanger 43 is comprised including the evaporation pipe | tube 51B and the 2nd thermal radiation part 13B. A fourth heat exchanger 44 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51C and the third heat radiating portion 13C, and a fifth heat exchanger 45 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51D and the fourth heat radiating portion 13D. The second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 are counter-current heat exchanges in which a low-temperature fluid (water in the evaporation pipes 51A to 51D) and a high-temperature fluid (working fluid in the heat pump 10) face each other. You can have a scheme. Alternatively, the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 may have a parallel flow type heat exchange system in which a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid flow in parallel. Various known heat exchange structures for the second to fifth heat exchangers 42 to 45 can be employed. The pipes of the heat radiation portions 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D of the heat pump 10 and the evaporation pipes 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D are arranged in contact with or adjacent to each other. For example, the pipes of the heat radiating portions 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D of the heat pump 10 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface and the inside of the evaporation pipes 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D.

  In this embodiment, the heat storage part 100 is provided with respect to the 2nd-5th heat exchangers 42-45. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A to 51D. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S1. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  In the evaporation unit 22, the water whose temperature has been increased in the heating unit 21 is branched and supplied to the tanks 47A to 47D, and water is stored in the tanks 47A to 47D and the circulation pipes 48A to 48D. The supply path 20 includes valves 80A to 80D that control the amount of water supplied to the tanks 47A to 47D. The amount of water supplied to each of the tanks 47A to 47D is controlled via the valves 80A to 80D so that the liquid levels in the tanks 47A to 47D are within a predetermined range. For example, the amount of water supplied to each of the tanks 47A to 47D is controlled based on the measurement results of the level sensors 50A to 50D. The water in the evaporation pipes 51A to 51D is heated by heat transfer from the first to fourth heat radiation portions 13A to 13D of the heat pump 10, and at least a part of the water is evaporated. Each tank 47 </ b> A to 47 </ b> D is fluidly connected to the compressor 30 via the duct 23. The internal spaces of the tanks 47 </ b> A to 47 </ b> D are sucked by the compressor 30 through the discharge ports and the ducts 23 of the tanks 47 </ b> A to 47 </ b> D.

  In the compressor 30 (or the supply path 20), a nozzle 35 that supplies water to the steam is disposed as necessary. The arrangement position of the nozzle 35 is, for example, an inlet and / or an outlet of the compressor 30. In the case where the compressor 30 is a multistage type, the nozzle 35 may be disposed between the stages of the compressor 30. A pipe in which the nozzle 35 and the liquid phase position of at least one of the tanks 47 </ b> A to 47 </ b> D are fluidly connected via the pipe 36 can be configured. In this piping configuration, the liquid in the at least one tank 47 </ b> A to 47 </ b> D having a relatively high temperature is effectively used for supply to the nozzle 35. For discharging (spraying) the liquid from the nozzle 35, a power source such as a pump 37 may be used, or a pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the pipe 36 may be used.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam at a relatively low pressure and low temperature due to heat transfer from the heat pump 10 (heat radiation units 13A to 13E), and the compressor 30 It becomes a steam of relatively high pressure and high temperature by compression by. Moreover, by using the heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A to 47D, the peak power and the average power consumption of the steam generation system S2, the flexible response to the steam / cold heat demand, and / or the steam generation process It is possible to shorten the rise time. The steam from the steam generation system S2 is supplied to a predetermined external facility such as a manufacturing plant, a cooking facility, an air conditioning facility, or a power plant. In this embodiment, by having a plurality of individual tanks 47A to 47D, flexibility with respect to fluctuations in steam demand is high.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a steam generation system according to the third embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the steam generation system S3, unlike the above embodiment, the tank for storing water in the supply path 20 has a plurality of individual tanks 47A and 47B in which the internal pressure is individually set. The steam generation system S3 includes a heat pump 10 through which a working medium (first medium) flows, a heating medium (second medium) supply path 20, and compressors 30 and 31.

  In this embodiment, the heat pump 10 has the heat absorption part 11, the compression part 12, heat dissipation part 13A-13D, and the expansion part 14, and these are connected through piping.

  In the present embodiment, the compression unit 12 has a structure that compresses the working medium in a single stage. In other embodiments described below, the compression unit 12 may have a structure that compresses the working medium in a plurality of stages. The compression unit 12 includes a compressor suitable for compressing a working medium among various compressors such as an axial flow compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a reciprocating compressor, and a rotary compressor. Power is supplied to the compressor. The compression ratio (pressure ratio) of the compression unit 12 is set according to the specification of the steam generation system S3.

  The heat radiating units 13A to 13D have pipes through which the working medium compressed by the compressing unit 12 flows, and give the heat of the working medium flowing in the main path 15 to a heat source outside the cycle. In the present embodiment, four heat radiating portions 13A to 13D are arranged in series along the flow direction of the working medium. A heat radiating portion 13A, a heat radiating portion 13B, a heat radiating portion 13C, and a heat radiating portion 13D are arranged in that order along the flow direction of the working medium. The number of heat radiation units is set according to the specification of the steam generation system S3, and is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 or more.

  In the present embodiment, the supply path 20 fluidly connects the first and second heating units 21A and 21B, the first and second evaporation units 22A and 22B, the evaporation units 22A and 22B, and the compressors 30 and 31. Ducts 23A and 23B connected to the. In the present embodiment, the supply path 20 includes a branch section 24A, a branch path 25A that guides water from the branch section 24A to the first evaporator 22A, and a branch path that guides water from the branch section 24A to the second evaporator 22B. 25B.

  21 A of 1st heating parts are arrange | positioned adjacent to the thermal radiation part 13D of the heat pump 10, and contain the piping through which the water from a supply source (not shown) flows. The 1st heat exchanger 41 is comprised including 21 A of 1st heating parts, and the thermal radiation part 13D. In the first heating unit 21A, the temperature of the water in the supply path 20 rises due to heat transfer from the heat radiating unit 13D of the heat pump 10.

  The second heating unit 21B is disposed on the branch path 25B. The second heating unit 21B includes a pipe disposed adjacent to the heat dissipation unit 13B of the heat pump 10 and through which water from the first heating unit 21A flows. The 2nd heat exchanger 42 is comprised including the 2nd heating part 21B and the thermal radiation part 13B. In the second heating unit 21B, the temperature of the water in the branch path 25B rises due to heat transfer from the heat radiating unit 13B of the heat pump 10.

  The first and second heat exchangers 41 and 42 employ a counter-current heat exchange method in which a low-temperature fluid (water in the supply path 20) and a high-temperature fluid (working fluid in the heat pump 10) face each other. Can have. The first and second heat exchangers 41 and 42 may have a parallel flow type heat exchange system in which a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid flow in parallel. As the heat exchange structure of the first and second heat exchangers 41 and 42, various known ones can be adopted. For example, the piping of the heat radiating part 13D or the heat radiating part 13B of the heat pump 10 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface and / or the inside of the pipe of the first heating part 21A or the second heating part 21B.

  In this embodiment, the pump 26 is arrange | positioned between the branch part 24A and the 2nd heating part 21B in the branch path 25B. The amount of water per unit time flowing through the branch path 25A and the branch path 25B (the amount of water distributed to the evaporators 22A and 22B) is controlled by the pump 26 and / or a flow rate control device (not shown) (not shown). . The arrangement position of the pump 26 is not limited between the branch part 24A and the second heating part 21B.

  The first evaporation section 22A includes a first tank 47A that stores at least a liquid medium to be heated (water), and a first circulation pipe 48A that is fluidly connected to the first tank 47A. That is, the inlet end and the outlet end of the first circulation pipe 48A are fluidly connected to the first tank 47A. The first tank 47A is provided with a water supply port from the first heating unit 21A and a steam discharge port. The first tank 47A includes a level sensor 50A for measuring the liquid level and a gas-liquid separator (not shown) as necessary. 48 A of 1st circulation piping has the evaporation pipe | tube 51A arrange | positioned adjacent to the thermal radiation part 13C of the heat pump 10, and the pump 52A as needed.

  Similar to the first evaporator 22A, the second evaporator 22B has a second tank 47B for storing at least a liquid medium to be heated (water), and a second circulation pipe 48B fluidly connected to the second tank 47B. And have. That is, the inlet end and the outlet end of the second circulation pipe 48B are fluidly connected to the second tank 47B. The second tank 47B is provided with a water supply port from the second heating unit 21B and a steam discharge port. The second tank 47B includes a level sensor 50B that measures the liquid level and a gas-liquid separator (not shown) as necessary. The 2nd circulation piping 48B has the evaporation pipe 51B arrange | positioned adjacent to the thermal radiation part 13A of the heat pump 10, and the pump 52B as needed.

  In the present embodiment, the first evaporator 22A (first tank 47A, evaporation pipe 51A) and the second evaporator 22B (second tank 47B, evaporation pipe 51B) are substantially parallel to the supply path 20. Be placed. As described above, the second evaporator 22B is the upstream position and the first evaporator 22A is the downstream position with respect to the flow direction of the working medium in the heat pump 10. At least one of the pumps 52A and 52B may be omitted by using heat convection of the medium to be heated (water) and / or differential pressure.

  A third heat exchanger 43 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51A and the heat radiating portion 13C. Similarly, the 4th heat exchanger 44 is comprised including the evaporation pipe | tube 51B and the thermal radiation part 13A. The third and fourth heat exchangers 43 and 44 are countercurrent heat exchanges in which a low-temperature fluid (water in the evaporation pipes 51A and 51B) and a high-temperature fluid (working fluid in the heat pump 10) flow opposite to each other. You can have a scheme. The third and fourth heat exchangers 43 and 44 may have a parallel flow type heat exchange method in which a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid flow in parallel. Various known heat exchange structures can be employed for the third and fourth heat exchangers 43 and 44. For example, the pipes of the heat radiating portions 13C and 13A of the heat pump 10 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface and / or the inside of the evaporation pipes 51A and 51B.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage unit 100 is provided for the third heat exchanger 43 and the fourth heat exchanger 44. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A and 51B. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S3. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  In the first evaporation unit 22A, the water whose temperature has increased in the first heating unit 21A is supplied to the first tank 47A through the supply port, and the water is stored in the first tank 47A and the first circulation pipe 48A. The amount of water supplied to the first tank 47A is controlled so that the liquid level in the first tank 47A is within a predetermined range. For example, the amount of water supplied to the first tank 47A is controlled based on the measurement result of the level sensor 50A. The water in the evaporation pipe 51A is heated by heat transfer from the heat radiating portion 13C of the heat pump 10, and at least a part of the water evaporates. The first tank 47A is fluidly connected to the compressor 30 via the duct 23A. The internal space of the first tank 47A is sucked by the compressor 30 through the discharge port of the first tank 47A and the duct 23A. The steam in the first tank 47A flows toward the compressor 30 in the duct 23A.

  In the second evaporation section 22B, the water whose temperature has increased in the first and second heating sections 21A, 21B is supplied to the second tank 47B via the supply port, and water is supplied into the second tank 47B and the second circulation pipe 48B. Is stored. The amount of water supplied to the second tank 47B is controlled so that the liquid level in the second tank 47B is within a predetermined range. For example, the amount of water supplied to the second tank 47B is controlled based on the measurement result of the level sensor 50B.

  In this embodiment, the state (pressure etc.) of a working medium differs between the thermal radiation parts 13A and 13C. The heat balance control can be improved by individually controlling the flow rate per unit time of the water flowing through the evaporation pipes 51A and 51B corresponding to the heat radiation portions 13A and 13C.

  The water in the evaporation pipe 51B is heated by heat transfer from the heat radiating part 13A of the heat pump 10, and at least a part of the water evaporates. The second tank 47B is fluidly connected to the compressor 31 via the duct 23B. The internal space of the second tank 47B is sucked by the compressor 31 via the discharge port of the second tank 47B and the duct 23B. The steam in the second tank 47B flows toward the compressor 31 in the duct 23B.

  The compressor 30 is disposed on the branch path 25A of the supply path 20, and the position of the compressor 30 is downstream of the first tank 47A. The compressor 31 is disposed on the branch path 25B of the supply path 20, and the position of the compressor 31 is downstream of the second tank 47B. As the compressors 30 and 31, various compressors such as an axial compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a reciprocating compressor, and a rotary compressor are applied, and those suitable for vapor compression are used. The compressor 30 compresses the steam from the first tank 47A and flows the boosted steam downstream. The compressor 31 compresses the steam from the second tank 47 </ b> B and flows the boosted steam downstream.

  In the compressor 30 (or the branch path 25A), a nozzle 35A that supplies water to the steam is disposed as necessary. Similarly, a nozzle 35B is disposed in the compressor 31 (or the branch path 25B) as necessary. The arrangement positions of the nozzles 35A and 35B are, for example, the inlets and / or outlets of the compressors 30 and 31. When the compressors 30 and 31 are multistage, the nozzles 35A and 35B can be disposed between the stages of the compressors 30 and 31. A pipe configuration in which the nozzle 35A and the liquid phase position of the first tank 47A are fluidly connected via the pipe 36A can be employed. In this piping configuration, the liquid in the first tank 47A having a relatively high temperature is effectively used for supplying the nozzle 35A. Similarly, a pipe configuration in which the nozzle 35B and the liquid phase position of the second tank 47B are fluidly connected via the pipe 36B can be employed. For discharging (spraying) the liquid from the nozzles 35A and 36B, a power source such as pumps 37A and 37B may be used, or the pressure difference between the inlets and outlets of the pipes 36A and 36B may be used.

  Due to the suction action by the compressor 30, the internal space at the heating portion of the supply path 20 by the heat pump 10, that is, the internal space of the first tank 47 </ b> A is decompressed. A control valve (such as a flow control valve) on the supply path 20 (branch path 25A) so that the internal pressure of the first tank 47A is a negative pressure (negative pressure) that is lower than the atmospheric pressure (1 atm = about 0.1 MPa). (Not shown), the compressor 30 and the like are controlled. This control is performed based on a measurement result of a sensor (not shown) that measures the internal pressure of the first tank 47A, for example.

  The first tank 47A and the heat pump 10 are designed (capacity design, capacity design, etc.) so that water evaporates when the internal space of the first tank 47A is in a negative pressure state. The temperature of the water in the first tank 47A is lower than the standard boiling point. The coefficient of performance of the heat pump 10 changes according to the difference between the input temperature and the output temperature of the medium to be heated (water), and if the temperature difference is excessively large, the coefficient of performance (COP) may decrease. Under the condition that the internal space of the first tank 47A is in a negative pressure state, the heating temperature region (input / output temperature difference) is set to be relatively narrow, and the heat pump 10 can be used at a high COP. For example, the water inlet temperature to the first heating unit 21A is about 20 ° C., and the water outlet temperature from the first heating unit 21A (water inlet temperature to the first evaporation unit 22A) is about 90 ° C. It is. Further, for example, the outlet temperature of water (steam) from the first evaporator 22A is about 90 ° C.

  The internal pressure of the second tank 47B is set according to the input temperature of water to the second evaporator 22B. In the present embodiment, the inlet temperature of water to the second tank 47B is higher than that of the first tank 47A. The temperature of the water heated by the first and second heating units 21A and 21B (the water outlet temperature from the second heating unit 21B, the water inlet temperature to the second evaporation unit 22B) is about 120 ° C., for example. is there. The internal pressure of the second tank 47B is set higher than that of the first tank 47A. The internal pressure of the second tank 47B is set by control of a control valve (a flow rate control valve, etc., not shown), a pump 26, a compressor 31 and the like on the supply path 20 (branch path 25B). This control is performed based on the measurement result of a sensor (not shown) that measures the internal pressure of the second tank 47B, for example. The inlet and outlet temperatures at each of the above sites are examples. The inlet and outlet temperatures of the water at each site vary depending on conditions such as the temperature of the source water, air temperature, and required steam specifications.

  In the present embodiment, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam by heat transfer from the heat pump 10. First, in the first heat exchanger 41 (first heating unit 21A), the temperature of the water in the supply path 20 rises due to heat transfer from the heat radiating unit 13D of the heat pump 10. The flow of water from the first heating unit 21A is divided into a branch path 25A and a branch path 25B through the branch part 24A. The water flowing through the branch path 25A is directed to the first evaporator 22A (first tank 47A). In the first tank 47A, water has a temperature close to the boiling point (first boiling point). In the third heat exchanger 43, water in the evaporation pipe 51A undergoes phase change and evaporates due to heat transfer from the heat radiating portion 13C.

  The water flowing through the branch path 25B goes to the second heat exchanger 42 (second heating unit 21B). In the second heat exchanger 42 (second heating unit 21 </ b> B), the temperature of the water in the branch path 25 </ b> B further rises due to heat transfer from the heat radiating unit 13 </ b> B of the heat pump 10. The internal pressure of the second tank 47B is higher than that of the first tank 47A. In the second tank 47B, the water has a temperature close to the boiling point (second boiling point). The temperature of the water in the second tank 47B is higher than that of the water in the first tank 47A. In the fourth heat exchanger 44, the water in the evaporation pipe 51A undergoes a phase change and evaporates due to heat transfer from the heat radiating portion 13A.

  In the present embodiment, water is sensible heat heated in the first and second heat exchangers 41 and 42 (first and second heating units 21A and 21B), and the third and fourth heat exchangers 43 and 44 (first Water is latently heated in the first and second evaporation pipes 51A and 51B). The first and second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are suitable for sensible heat exchange, and the third and fourth heat exchangers 43 and 44 are suitable for latent heat exchange. As illustrated, steam is generated through a preferred heating process.

  Also in the present embodiment, by using heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A and 47B, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S3 can be suppressed, flexible response to steam / cooling demand, and / or Alternatively, the rise time of the steam generation process can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, the water in the supply path 20 becomes steam having a relatively low pressure and low temperature by heat transfer from the heat pump 10 (heat dissipating units 13A to 13D), and relatively high pressure by compression by the compressors 30 and 31. And it becomes high temperature steam. That is, the water heated by the heat pump 10 is further heated by the compression by the compressors 30 and 31, thereby generating high-temperature steam of 100 ° C. or higher.

  FIG. 12 is a Ts diagram showing an example of a state change of the working medium of the heat pump 10 in the steam generation system S3. FIG. 13 schematically shows an example of a temperature change between water and the working medium of the heat pump in the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the first heating unit 21A (see FIG. 11), the temperature of water from the supply source rises near the first boiling point by the heat exchange with the working medium (arrow m1 in FIG. 13). . In the first evaporation section 22A, the phase of water changes from liquid to vapor at a temperature near the first boiling point due to heat exchange with the working medium (arrow m2). In the second heating unit 21B, the temperature of water rises near the second boiling point due to heat exchange with the working medium (arrow m3). In the second evaporation part 22B, the phase of water changes from liquid to vapor at a temperature close to the second boiling point due to heat exchange with the working medium (arrow m4).

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, the temperature of the working medium (steam) from the compression part 12 (refer FIG. 11) falls by the heat exchange with water (arrow n1). The working medium (steam) changes phase to a liquid by heat exchange with water (arrow n2). Furthermore, the temperature of the working medium (liquid) decreases due to heat exchange with water (arrow n3).

  In this way, by generating steam using the two evaporators set in different environments, the temperature difference between the working medium and water during heat exchange can be suppressed, and the heat exchange efficiency can be increased. In FIG. 13, it can be considered that the smaller the area of the region surrounded by the line indicating the temperature of water and the line indicating the temperature of the working medium, the higher the heat exchange efficiency.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a fourth embodiment which is a modification of the steam generation system S3 of FIG. In the following description, for the steam generation system S4, elements similar to those in the steam generation system S3 shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the steam generation system S4 includes three evaporators 22A, 22B, and 22C and three compressors 30, 31, and 32. The supply path 20 includes first, second, and third heating units 21A, 21B, and 21C, first, second, and third evaporation units 22A, 22B, and 22C, and evaporation units 22A, 22B, and 22C. It has ducts 23A, 23B, and 23C that fluidly connect the compressors 30, 31, and 32. In the present embodiment, the supply path 20 includes branch portions 24A and 24B and branch paths 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D. In the supply path 20, the branching part 24B is located between the second heating part 21B and the second tank 47B. The branch path 25C guides water from the branch part 24B to the second evaporation part 22B. The branch path 25D guides water from the branch part 24B to the third evaporation part 22C.

  In the present embodiment, six heat radiating portions 13A to 13F are arranged in series along the flow direction of the working medium. A heat radiating portion 13E, a heat radiating portion 13F, a heat radiating portion 13A, a heat radiating portion 13B, a heat radiating portion 13C, and a heat radiating portion 13D are arranged in that order along the flow direction of the working medium.

  The third heating unit 21C is disposed in the branch path 25D. The third heating unit 21C includes a pipe that is disposed adjacent to the heat radiation unit 13F of the heat pump 10 and through which water from the second heating unit 21B flows. A fifth heat exchanger 45 is configured including the third heating unit 21C and the heat dissipation unit 13F. In the third heating unit 21C, the temperature of the water in the branch path 25D rises due to heat transfer from the heat radiating unit 13F of the heat pump 10.

  In the present embodiment, the pump 27 is disposed between the branching part 24B and the third heating part 21C in the branching path 25D. The amount of water per unit time flowing through the branch path 25C and the branch path 25D (the amount of water distributed to the evaporators 22B and 22C) is controlled by the pump 27 and / or a flow control device (not shown) such as not shown. . The arrangement position of the pump 27 is not limited between the branch part 24B and the third heating part 21C.

  Similar to the first and second evaporators 22A and 22B, the third evaporator 22C is fluidly connected to the third tank 47C for storing at least a liquid heated medium (water) and the third tank 47C. And a third circulation pipe 48C. That is, the inlet end and the outlet end of the third circulation pipe 48C are fluidly connected to the third tank 47C. The third tank 47C is provided with a water supply port from the third heating unit 21C and a steam discharge port. The third tank 47C includes a level sensor 50C that measures the liquid level and a gas-liquid separator (not shown) as necessary. 48 C of 3rd circulation piping has the evaporation pipe 51C arrange | positioned adjacent to the thermal radiation part 13E of the heat pump 10, and the pump 52C as needed.

  In the present embodiment, the first evaporator 22A (first tank 47A, evaporation pipe 51A), the second evaporator 22B (second tank 47B, evaporation pipe 51B), and the third evaporator 22C (third tank 47C, evaporation pipe). 51C) is arranged substantially in parallel with the supply path 20. The first, second, and third heating units 21A, 21B, and 21C are arranged substantially in series with respect to the supply path 20. Note that the third evaporator 22C is an upstream position, the second evaporator 22B is an intermediate position, and the first evaporator 22A is a downstream position with respect to the flow direction of the working medium in the heat pump 10. At least one of the pumps 52A, 52B, and 52C may be omitted using heat convection of the medium to be heated (water) and / or differential pressure. A sixth heat exchanger 46 is configured including the evaporation pipe 51C and the heat radiating portion 13E.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage unit 100 is provided for the third heat exchanger 43, the fourth heat exchanger 44, and the sixth heat exchanger 46. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A to 51C. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S4. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  In the third evaporator 22C, the water whose temperature has increased in the first, second, and third heating units 21A, 21B, and 21C is supplied to the third tank 47C through the supply port, and the third tank 47C and the third tank Water is stored in the circulation pipe 48C. The amount of water supplied to the third tank 47C is controlled so that the liquid level in the third tank 47C is within a predetermined range. For example, the amount of water supplied to the third tank 47C is controlled based on the measurement result of the level sensor 50C. The water in the evaporation pipe 51C is heated by heat transfer from the heat radiating portion 13E of the heat pump 10, and at least a part of the water evaporates. The third tank 47C is fluidly connected to the compressor 32 via the duct 23C. The internal space of the third tank 47C is sucked by the compressor 32 through the discharge port of the third tank 47C and the duct 23C. The steam in the third tank 47C flows toward the compressor 32 in the duct 23C.

  The compressor 32 is disposed on the branch path 25D of the supply path 20, and the position of the compressor 32 is downstream of the third tank 47C. The compressor 32 compresses the steam from the third tank 47C, and flows the boosted steam downstream.

  The internal pressure of the third tank 47C is set according to the input temperature of water to the third evaporator 22C. In the present embodiment, the inlet temperature of water to the third tank 47C is higher than that of the first and second tanks 47A and 47B. Temperature of water heated by the first, second, and third heating units 21A, 21B, and 21C (water outlet temperature from the third heating unit 21C, water inlet temperature to the third evaporation unit 22C) Is about 150 ° C., for example. The internal pressure of the third tank 47C is set higher than that of the first and second tanks 47A and 47B. The internal pressure of the third tank 47C is set by control of a control valve (a flow rate control valve, etc., not shown), a pump 27, a compressor 32, and the like on the supply path 20 (branch path 25D). This control is performed based on a measurement result of a sensor (not shown) that measures the internal pressure of the third tank 47C, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the water flowing through the branch path 25D goes to the fifth heat exchanger 45 (third heating unit 21C). In the fifth heat exchanger 45 (third heating unit 21 </ b> C), the temperature of the water in the branch path 25 </ b> D further increases due to heat transfer from the heat radiating unit 13 </ b> F of the heat pump 10. The internal pressure of the third tank 47C is higher than that of the first and second tanks 47A and 47B. In the third tank 47C, the water has a temperature close to the boiling point (third boiling point). The temperature of the water in the third tank 47C is higher than the water in the first and second tanks 47A and 47B. In the sixth heat exchanger 46, the water in the evaporation pipe 51C undergoes phase change and evaporates due to heat transfer from the heat radiating portion 13E.

  Also in the present embodiment, by using heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A to 47C, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S4 can be suppressed, flexible response to steam / cooling demand, and / or Alternatively, the rise time of the steam generation process can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, saturated steam is generated under a relatively low pressure in the first tank 47A of the first evaporator 22A, and saturated steam is generated under a relatively high pressure in the third tank 47C of the third evaporator 22C. In the second tank 47B of the second evaporator 22B, saturated steam is generated under an intermediate pressure. By controlling each steam discharge amount (mixing ratio) of the first, second, and third evaporators 22A, 22B, and 22C, it is possible to change the specifications of the output steam.

  FIG. 15 schematically shows an example of a temperature change between water and the working medium of the heat pump in the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the temperature of the water that has risen through the first and second heating units 21A and 21B (see FIG. 14) is changed by the heat exchange with the working medium in the third heating unit 21C. It further rises to near 3 boiling points (arrow m5 in FIG. 15). In the third evaporation section 22C, the phase of water changes from liquid to vapor at a temperature near the third boiling point due to heat exchange with the working medium (arrow m6).

  Thus, by generating steam using the three evaporation parts set in different environments, the temperature difference between the working medium and water during heat exchange can be suppressed, and the heat exchange efficiency can be increased. In FIG. 15, it can be considered that the smaller the area of the region surrounded by the line indicating the temperature of water and the line indicating the temperature of the working medium, the higher the heat exchange efficiency.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the number of evaporators (the number of tanks and circulation pipes (evaporation pipes)) is set according to the specifications of the steam generation system, and is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a fifth embodiment which is another modified example of the steam generation system S3 of FIG. In the following description, with respect to the steam generation system S5, the same elements as those in the steam generation system S3 shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In the steam generation system S5, as shown in FIG. 16, the compression unit 12 has a structure for compressing the working medium in a plurality of stages (in this example, two stages). In the present embodiment, the compression unit 12 includes a first compression unit 12A disposed in front of the heat dissipation unit 13A and a second compression unit 12B disposed in the middle stage of the heat dissipation unit 13A. Instead of or in addition to the second compression part 12B, a compression part can be provided in the middle stage of the heat radiation part 13C. The number of compression stages is set according to the specifications of the steam generation system, and is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more. The compression unit 12 can have a multiaxial compression structure in which the rotation speeds corresponding to the compression units 12A and 12B are individually controlled. Alternatively, the compression unit 12 can have a coaxial compression structure. The compression ratio (pressure ratio) of each compression part 12A, 12B is set according to the specification of a steam generation system.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage unit 100 is provided for the third heat exchanger 43 and the fourth heat exchanger 44. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A and 51B. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S5. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  In the present embodiment, energy efficiency is improved because the compression unit 12 is a multistage type. That is, the heat between the stages of the multistage compression unit 12 is deprived, thereby suppressing the temperature increase of the working medium during the compression process of the working medium. As a result, the compression efficiency of the compression unit 12 is improved and the compressor power is increased. Can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the point that the input temperature of the working medium to the multistage compression unit 12 is increased by the regenerator 18 is also advantageous in reducing the power of the compression unit 12.

  Moreover, also in this embodiment, by utilizing the heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A and 47B, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S5 can be suppressed, and flexible response to steam / cooling demand can be achieved And / or the rise time of the steam generation process can be shortened.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a sixth embodiment which is a modification of the steam generation system S4 of FIG. In the following description, for the steam generation system S6, the same elements as those in the steam generation system S4 shown in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In the steam generation system S6, as shown in FIG. 17, the compression unit 12 has a structure for compressing the working medium in a plurality of stages (in this example, two stages). In this embodiment, the compression part 12 has 12 A of 1st compression parts arrange | positioned before the thermal radiation part 13E, and 2nd compression part 12B arrange | positioned in the middle stage of the thermal radiation part 13E. Instead of or in addition to the second compression part 12B, a compression part can be provided in the middle stage of the heat radiation part 13A and / or the middle stage of the heat radiation part C.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage unit 100 is provided for the third heat exchanger 43, the fourth heat exchanger 44, and the sixth heat exchanger 46. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A to 51C. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S6. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  Also in the present embodiment, by using heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A to 47C, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S6 are suppressed, flexible response to steam / cooling demand, and / or Alternatively, the rise time of the steam generation process can be shortened.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a seventh embodiment which is another modified example of the steam generation system S3 of FIG. In the following description, for the steam generation system S7, the same elements as those in the steam generation system S3 shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In the steam generation system S7, as shown in FIG. 18, the compression unit 12 has a structure for compressing the working medium in a plurality of stages (in this example, two stages). In this embodiment, the compression part 12 has 12 A of 1st compression parts arrange | positioned before 13 A of thermal radiation parts, and the 2nd compression part 12C arrange | positioned between the thermal radiation part 13B and the thermal radiation part 13C. In addition to the second compression unit 12C, a compression unit may be provided in the middle stage of the heat dissipation unit 13A and / or the heat dissipation unit 13C. The number of compression stages is set according to the specifications of the steam generation system, and is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more. The compression unit 12 can have a multiaxial compression structure in which the rotation speeds corresponding to the compression units 12A and 12C are individually controlled. Alternatively, the compression unit 12 can have a coaxial compression structure. The compression ratio (pressure ratio) of each compression part 12A, 12C is set according to the specification of the steam generation system.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage unit 100 is provided for the third heat exchanger 43 and the fourth heat exchanger 44. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A and 51B. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S7. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  Also in the present embodiment, by using heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A and 47B, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S7 can be suppressed, flexible response to steam and cold demand, and / or Alternatively, the rise time of the steam generation process can be shortened.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an eighth embodiment which is another modified example of the steam generation system S4 of FIG. In the following description, in the steam generation system S8, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the steam generation system S4 shown in FIG. 14, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In the steam generation system S8, as shown in FIG. 19, the compression unit 12 has a structure for compressing the working medium in a plurality of stages (in this example, two stages). In the present embodiment, the compression unit 12 includes a first compression unit 12A disposed in front of the heat dissipation unit 13E, and a second compression unit 12C disposed between the heat dissipation unit 13F and the heat dissipation unit 13A. Instead of or in addition to the second compression part 12C, a compression part can be provided between the heat radiation part 13B and the heat radiation part 13C. In addition to the second compression unit 12C, a compression unit may be provided in the middle stage of the heat dissipation unit 13E, the heat dissipation unit 13A, and / or the heat dissipation unit 13C.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage unit 100 is provided for the third heat exchanger 43, the fourth heat exchanger 44, and the sixth heat exchanger 46. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A to 51C. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S8. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  Also in the present embodiment, by using heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A to 47C, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S8 can be suppressed, flexible response to steam / cooling demand, and / or Alternatively, the rise time of the steam generation process can be shortened.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a ninth embodiment which is another modified example of the steam generation system S8 of FIG. In the following description, in the steam generation system S9, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the steam generation system S8 shown in FIG. 19, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In the steam generation system S9, as shown in FIG. 20, the second heating unit 21B and the third heating unit 21C are arranged substantially in parallel with the supply path 20. Note that the third heating unit 21C is an upstream position and the second heating unit 21B is a downstream position with respect to the flow direction of the working medium in the heat pump 10.

  In the present embodiment, the supply path 20 includes branch portions 24A and 24C and branch paths 25A, 25F, 25G, and 25H. In the supply path 20, a branch path 25A and a branch path 25F are separated from the branch section 24A. As described above, the branch path 25A guides the water from the branch part 24A to the first evaporation part 22A. The branch part 24C is located on the branch path 25F from the branch part 24A. A branch path 25G and a branch path 25H are separated from the branch section 24C. The branch path 25G guides water from the branch part 24C to the second warming part 21B. The branch path 25H guides water from the branch part 24B to the third heating part 21C.

  In the present embodiment, the pump 28 is disposed in the branch path 25F. The amount of water per unit time flowing through the branch paths 25A, 25F, 25G, and 25H (the amount of water distributed to the evaporators 22A, 22B, and 23C) by the pump 28 and / or a flow rate controller (not shown) (not shown). Is controlled. The arrangement position of the pump 28 is not limited to the branch path 25F. In other embodiments, a pump can be placed on the branch path 25G and / or 25H.

  In the second evaporation part 22B, the water whose temperature has increased in the first and second heating parts 21A, 21B is supplied to the second tank 47B via the supply port. Similarly, in the third evaporation section 22C, the water whose temperature has increased in the first and third heating sections 21A, 21C is supplied to the third tank 47C via the supply port.

  In this embodiment, since the compression part 12 of the heat pump 10 is a multistage type, the heat transferred from the heat radiating part 13B to the second heating part 21B is the heat transferred from the heat radiating part 13E to the third heating part 21C. Can be as high as Since the second and third heating units 21B and 21C are arranged substantially in parallel, the water inlet temperature to the second evaporation unit 22B (the water outlet temperature from the second heating unit 21B) is The temperature of the water heated by the first and third heating units 21A and 21C (the outlet temperature of the water from the third heating unit 21C, the inlet temperature of the water to the third evaporation unit 22C) should be approximately the same. it can.

  The internal pressures of the second and third tanks 47B and 47C are set according to the input temperature of water to the second and third evaporators 22B and 22C. In this embodiment, the inlet temperature of water to the second and third tanks 47B and 47C is higher than that of the first tank 47A. Compared to the first tank 47A, the internal pressures of the second and third tanks 47B and 47C are set higher. The internal pressures of the second and third tanks 47B and 47C are controlled by the control of the control valve (flow rate control valve and the like), the pump 28, the compressors 31 and 32, etc. on the supply path 20 (the branch paths 25H and 25G). Is set. This control is performed based on, for example, a measurement result of a sensor (not shown) that measures the internal pressure of the second and third tanks 47B and 47C.

  In the present embodiment, saturated steam is generated at a relatively low pressure in the first tank 47A of the first evaporator 22A, and comparison is made in the second and third tanks 47B and 47C of the second and third evaporators 22B and 22C. Saturated steam is generated under moderately high pressure. By controlling each steam discharge amount (mixing ratio) of the first, second, and third evaporators 22A, 22B, and 22C, it is possible to change the specifications of the output steam. In this embodiment, since a plurality of evaporation tanks (second and third tanks 47B and 47C) that can be set to the same internal pressure are provided, a relatively large amount of steam corresponding to the conditions corresponding to the pressure is provided. Can be generated.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage unit 100 is provided for the third heat exchanger 43, the fourth heat exchanger 44, and the sixth heat exchanger 46. The heat storage unit 100 includes a heat storage material 101 that stores heat transmitted from the heat pump 10. The heat of the heat storage material 101 is transmitted to the evaporation tubes 51A to 51C. The material characteristics of the heat storage material 101 are determined according to the specifications of the steam generation system S9. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 101 includes a latent heat storage material that stores and radiates heat with a liquid-solid phase change, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D, various configurations can be applied to the configuration of the heat storage unit 100.

  Also in the present embodiment, by using heat storage using the heat storage material 101 and the tanks 47A to 47C, the peak power and average power consumption of the steam generation system S9 can be suppressed, flexible response to steam / cooling demand, and / or Alternatively, the rise time of the steam generation process can be shortened.

  The numerical value used in the above description is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The numerical value used in the above description is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims.

It is the schematic which shows 1st Embodiment. It is a structural example of a thermal storage part. It is another structural example of a thermal storage part. It is another structural example of a thermal storage part. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the heat exchanger provided with the thermal storage part. It is sectional drawing which shows another structural example of the heat exchanger provided with the thermal storage part. It is sectional drawing which shows another structural example of the heat exchanger provided with the thermal storage part. It is sectional drawing which shows another structural example of the heat exchanger provided with the thermal storage part. It is a Ts diagram which shows an example of the state change of the water by a steam production | generation system. An example of the structure which controls the flow volume of the water in an evaporation pipe is shown. It is explanatory drawing of a 1st operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 1st operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 1st operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 1st operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 2nd operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 2nd operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of the 3rd operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of the 3rd operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of the 3rd operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 4th operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 4th operation mode. It is explanatory drawing of a 4th operation mode. It is the schematic which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows 3rd Embodiment. It is a Ts diagram which shows an example of the state change of the working medium of a heat pump. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the temperature change of the water and working medium of a heat pump in 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the temperature change of the water in 4th Embodiment, and the working medium of a heat pump. It is the schematic which shows 5th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows 6th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows 7th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows 8th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows 9th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  S1 to S9 ... Steam generation system, 10 ... Heat pump, 11 ... Heat absorption part, 12 ... Compression part, 13A-13F ... Heat radiation part, 14 ... Expansion part, 15 ... Main path, 17 ... Bypass path, 18 ... Regenerator, 20 ... Supply path, 21A-21C ... Warming part, 22A-22C ... Evaporation part, 23A-23C ... Duct, 24A, 24B, 24C ... Branch part, 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25F, 25G, 25H ... Branch path , 26-28 ... pump, 30, 31, 32 ... compressor, 35A-35C ... nozzle, 41-46 ... heat exchanger, 47A-47C ... tank, 48A-48C ... circulation piping, 50A-50C ... level sensor, 51A-51C ... Evaporating pipe, 70 ... Control device, 71, 72 ... Sensor, 90 ... Cold heat supply device, 91 ... Radiation pipe, 100 ... Thermal storage part, 101 ... Thermal storage material, 102 ... Housing.

Claims (12)

A heat pump through which the first medium flows;
A heat storage unit that at least temporarily stores heat, has a heat storage material that stores and dissipates heat with phase change, and the heat storage unit that is thermally connected to the heat pump;
A first path through which the second medium flows, the first path having an evaporation section in which the second medium evaporates due to heat transferred from at least one of the heat storage section and the heat pump;
A steam generation system comprising:   The steam generation system according to claim 1, wherein the heat storage unit includes a tank that is fluidly connected to the evaporation unit and stores the second medium.   The steam generation system according to claim 2, wherein the first path further includes a heating unit that is disposed upstream of the tank and that heats the second medium by heat from the heat pump.   The heat pump includes a compression section, a bypass path in which a part of the first medium from the compression section bypasses the heating section, and heat from the first medium in the bypass path is upstream of the compression section. The steam generation system according to claim 3, further comprising: a regenerator that is transmitted to the first medium.   The steam generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a control device that controls an operating state of the heat pump according to a time zone.   The steam generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a compressor that compresses the second medium from the evaporation unit.   The cooling power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a cold supply device having a second path through which a third medium thermally connected to the heat pump and deprived of heat by the first medium of the heat pump flows. The steam generation system as described in. A process of operating a heat pump to store heat from the heat pump in a heat storage unit;
Evaporating the second medium flowing through the first path by heat transferred from the heat storage unit when the heat pump is not in operation; and
A steam generation method comprising: A process of operating a heat pump to store heat from the heat pump in a heat storage unit;
Evaporating the second medium flowing in the first path by heat transferred from at least one of the heat storage unit and the heat pump in the operating state of the heat pump;
A steam generation method comprising: When operating the cold energy supply device thermally connected to the heat pump, the step of operating the heat pump and storing heat from the heat pump in a heat storage unit;
Evaporating the second medium flowing through the first path by heat transferred from at least one of the heat storage unit and the heat pump when the heat pump is not in operation or in an operating state;
A steam generation method comprising: A process of operating a heat pump to store heat from the heat pump in a heat storage unit;
Evaporating the second medium flowing through the first path, evaporating the second medium by heat transferred from the heat storage unit at least during the initial operation of the heat pump; and the heat pump in an operating state Evaporating the second medium by heat transferred from the process, and
A steam generation method comprising:   The method for generating steam according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the step of evaporating the second medium includes a step of decompressing a space in which the second medium is disposed.

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