JP2014526028A - Steam generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for generating vapor with an electrolyte. The system includes a steam generation tank, a flow generator, a current meter, and a controller. The steam generation tank has a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the electrolyte solution supplied to the steam generation tank, and a current is passed between the first electrode and the second electrode by the electrolyte solution. This current heats the electrolyte to generate steam, and the controller supplies the electrolyte to the steam generation tank while turning on / off the flow rate generator based on the current measured by the current measuring device.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam generation system, and more particularly, to a system for generating steam by passing an electric current through water, and more particularly to a system for continuously transporting steam in a constant amount or intermittently.

  Equipment that uses steam is required to quickly generate and replace steam to increase working speed. Furthermore, work using steam requires continuous supply of steam, either constant or intermittent. In the case of cooking, a continuous supply of steam is required to quickly cook and reheat large quantities of food required by many people. On the other hand, if only a portion of the food needs to be reheated, such as sandwich meat, a small amount of steam may need to be supplied at regular intervals. Alternatively, a certain amount of steam may need to be supplied only once.

  The electrical energy for generating steam using electrical resistance first generates steam by heating water after heating the resistance element. Most of the electrical resistance elements are covered with a metal envelope and are formed in metals or other materials that are heated when immersed in water to generate steam. The electrical resistance material first undergoes thermal conduction, and this heat is transferred to the water molecules, causing a time delay in heating the water to a sufficient temperature to produce steam.

  In order to generate steam quickly, there is an attempt to heat the water by enlarging the electrical elements and supplying excessive power, but this uses excessive energy. When steam is required for equipment equipped with an electrical resistor, all power is supplied to the resistor, but in this method the surface temperature of the resistor and jacket is much higher than water, Transmission is accelerated. When steam is no longer needed, energy is removed from the resistor, but at this time, the heat of the resistor and the jacket continues to be transferred to the water, resulting in a waste of energy. Thus, even if only the amount of energy necessary for supplying the amount of steam necessary for the work is supplied, more energy than the necessary amount is used.

  Another problem arises from heating the resistor to a temperature much higher than water. Solid particles such as calcium carbonate and magnesium soak into the water and adhere to the resistor surface, forming a deposited layer called “lime marks” on the heat transfer surface. Such limestone deposits form an additional heat transfer layer and reduce the heat transfer rate. Because of the lime marks, more energy may be used than is necessary for the required work. Such lime marks are a major cause of deterioration of the maintenance of the steam generator.

  When using steam continuously, use a steam generator that stores a certain amount of water. The size of the water storage container depends on the maximum amount of steam required for a certain time. If steam is to be generated, the entire water is heated to near the steam generation temperature that provides the required amount of steam as quickly as possible. If the entire water is to be heated, an error of the time required to continuously convert the water into steam using an electrical resistor is generated. Heating the entire water is a waste of energy. After the water in the heated container is heated and converted into steam, if water is newly supplied, the entire water is cooled. Since the temperature of the whole water drops when water is newly added, the water must be reheated to the desired maintenance temperature, resulting in additional energy waste.

  In an attempt to accelerate steam generation in a steam generator equipped with a water storage vessel, the water was heated and maintained at a high temperature using a high-pressure housing, and the steam generated at this time was used to superheat. Generate steam from water. When high-pressure water is used for steam generation, the weight increases, and water must be stored, so that the structure is generally complicated and maintenance problems arise. Much energy is required to reheat and maintain the water at the steam generating atmospheric temperature.

  Another method that requires rapid steam generation involves spraying a small amount of water onto the hot surface with a nozzle. This method produces a small amount of steam almost simultaneously and uses this steam where it is needed. When further supplying steam, water is intermittently sprayed on the hot surface intermittently. The hot surface is heated by the electrical element, but in some cases water is sprayed directly onto the electrical element in the case. Such a method produces steam intermittently rather than continuously. That is, the amount of steam generated at one time is limited by the amount of water sprayed and the surface temperature. Repeated spraying generates more steam, but spraying is delayed until the hot surface is raised to a suitable temperature, limiting the amount of steam generated. In order to convert more water into steam at a certain time, the electrical element for heating the surface must be made larger, which is a waste of energy.

  If the required amount of steam cannot be predicted, it is still a waste of energy because it must maintain a high temperature state that can generate steam when needed. In such a system, a solid dissolved in water adheres to a high-temperature surface when water turns into steam and forms lime marks, thereby reducing heat transfer efficiency. This requires additional energy to increase the steam generation temperature. Under such conditions, the amount and speed of steam produced is reduced. If traces of lime build up on the surface, the device will eventually need to be repaired.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generation system that rapidly generates steam by directly converting electric energy into heat in water molecules, and continuously transports the steam in a constant amount or intermittently.

  The present invention provides a system for generating vapor with an electrolyte. The system includes a steam generation tank, a flow generator, a current meter, and a controller. The steam generation tank has a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the electrolyte solution supplied to the steam generation tank, and a current is passed between the first electrode and the second electrode by the electrolyte solution. This current heats the electrolyte to generate steam, and the controller supplies the electrolyte to the steam generation tank while turning on / off the flow rate generator based on the current measured by the current measuring device.

  The present invention also provides a system that includes a steam generation tank having a first electrode and a second electrode, and generates steam with an electrolyte. The first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the electrolyte solution supplied to the steam generation tank, and current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode by the electrolyte solution in which the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to the AC power source. This current heats the electrolyte to generate steam, and the current flow is automatically interrupted when all the electrolyte in the steam generation tank changes to steam.

It is the block diagram which showed an example of the steam generation system of this invention. It is the circuit diagram which showed the electric circuit which controls the steam generation system of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed an example of the steam generation tank. It is sectional drawing which showed the steam generation tank of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the other example of the steam generation tank. It is sectional drawing of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed an example of the filter. It is the expansion | deployment perspective view which showed the other example and connector of the steam generation tank. It is the perspective view which showed the other example of the steam generation system.

  The present invention provides a system for rapidly generating steam. If the electrolyzed water is heated to the boiling point by the current flowing through the electrolyzed water, a certain amount of steam is generated intermittently and continuously. The electrolyzed water contains enough ions for a high current to flow that causes rapid resistance heating. This electrolyzed water is in a steam generation tank, which is in contact with the electrode. The control system produces a certain amount of steam, both continuously and intermittently. As an example, an electrolytic solution that changes from a steam generation tank to steam is supplied to a water tank. A pump is used to send the electrolyte from the water tank to the steam generation tank.

  The current flowing between the electrodes of the steam generation tank is controlled by the concentration of ions contained in the water, the height of the electrolyte in the steam generation tank, and the operation of the phase angle controller and the current sensor of the electric circuit.

  The ion concentration of water is adjusted in advance before generating steam, or tap water containing conductive impurities is used for generating steam.

  In the present invention, energy is provided to operate the steam generation system only when a device that uses steam is required. Energy to maintain steam or heat water can be avoided. Steam generation is adjusted by resupplying the electrolyte to the steam generation tank. In the present invention, a certain amount of steam, which is determined as the amount of electrolyte supplied to the steam generation tank, is generated, but the electrolyte contacts with the electrode of the steam generation tank until it completely changes to steam. This system also produces a small amount of steam intermittently. The system also continuously generates steam by continuously supplying an electrolyte.

  According to the present invention, energy conversion is performed with high efficiency, the system consumes energy only when there is water in the steam generation tank, and if the entire electrolyte is changed to steam, the system is automatically shut down by circuit interruption. If the current supply to the electrode is interrupted, steam generation is immediately interrupted. Since there is no surface hotter than the electrolyte and generated steam in the steam generation tank, there is no lime water trace and regular maintenance and repair can be avoided. In such a configuration, salt and solids flow together in the vapor condensate flowing toward the collection port in the compartment using steam. Such salts and solids are discharged out of the steam generation tank together with water and cleaning liquid.

  Steam can be generated for cooking, or steam can be connected to a specific device when steam is needed, or standby can be maintained without consuming electricity until steam is needed.

  In the steam generation system 10, the electrolyte solution 11 is put into the steam generation tank 17 so as to produce a certain amount of steam continuously or intermittently as determined by the controller 16 as shown in FIG. 1. Electric energy is directly converted into heat by the electrolyte to generate steam. The steam generation system 10 includes a container 13, a filter 12, a pump 14, and a check valve 15.

  The pump 14 can be replaced with other types of flow regulators. The electrolyte 11 entering the steam generation tank 17 enters by gravity, and the flow regulator can be an electric control valve. On the other hand, the controller 21 for turning on / off the pump 14 can open and close the valve instead of the pump and inject the electrolyte from the water tank 13 to the steam generation tank 17. Although the pump 14 is described here as a flow regulator, it should be understood that gravity feeds and other types of valves can be used.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the container 13 is the electrolyte solution 11 supply source. However, instead of the container 13, the electrolyte solution 11 supply source can be connected and continuously supplied. This container 13 is made of blown / injection molded plastic or other material into which electrolyzed water can be placed.

  Water is passed through the filter 12 to adjust the ion concentration of the electrolytic solution 11. The filter 12 is made of a porous ionic material and has a structure for adding an ionic concentration to water passing therethrough. The filter 12 is produced by placing a fabric bag containing table salt in a filter housing. To remove chlorine and other impurities from the water, another bag of charcoal is placed together in the filter housing. The water flowing toward the container 13 through the filter 12 is adjusted by the size of the hole in the filter housing. The size of the pores is determined so that the desired ion concentration is dissolved in the electrolyte solution 11 and then exits the filter.

  In addition, salt and water may be added to the container to dissolve the salt over a sufficient period of time, but it is usually desirable to add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt per gallon to 112 gallons of electrolyte. The concentration can be obtained.

  Regardless of the formula, 3/4 grams of sodium chloride per gallon of water can be added to adjust the ion concentration of the electrolyte solution 11. The addition of an ionic substance to water is introduced in “Rapid Liquid Heating” of US Patent Publication 2010/0040352.

  The ionic material can include ionic elements such as sodium chloride. Charcoal can also be used to remove chlorine and other impurities from the water charged to the steam generation system 10. The amount of sodium chloride and solid dissolved in the electrolyte 11 determines the conductivity of the electrolyte, the amount of current in the electrolyte, and the rate of heat and vapor generated by the electrolyte.

  The container 13 is connected to a pump 14, and the pump is connected to a check valve 15 connected to a steam generation tank 17 (see FIG. 1). The on / off of the pump is controlled by a signal received from the controller 16. The longer the pump 14 operates, the more water enters the steam generation tank 17 and the height of the water in contact with the electrodes of the steam generation tank increases. The check valve 15 allows the flow to the steam generation tank 17 but prevents the steam from flowing back to the pump 14. The output of the steam generation tank 17 is sent to the steam chamber 19 of cooking equipment or other equipment that uses steam. Examples of connecting elements that allow water and steam to flow include pipes and tubes. A connection box of a neutral AC power line and a positive AC power line connected to the electrode in the steam generation tank 17 is connected to the steam generation tank.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the electrical circuit 20 of the embodiment of FIG. 1, which controls the operation of the pump 14, monitors / controls the current between the electrodes in the steam generation tank 17, and Do not exceed the threshold. If the current exceeds the threshold, the circuit breaker interrupts the current. The current is kept relatively high so that it is close to the threshold but not exceeded, because steam is generated as quickly as desired without interruption. The amount of solid and sodium chloride dissolved in the water easily reaches a level that the current threshold can be reached, but this level can be exceeded if not controlled.

  The electrical circuit 20 is connected to a 120V-20A plug, but can also be connected to other power sources such as 208V, 220V, 240V, and 440V. If the current sensor 22 sold in Digi-key of Minnesota, USA is installed in the controller 21, the current sensor reads the current level supplied to the steam generation tank 17, and the current level programmed in the controller 21 is read. Based on that, it is programmed to supply current to the pump 14. Using the controller 21, the operator can input the operating time and start and stop. For example, in the case of a 120V system, the cutoff current is 20A, and the maximum operating current is set at 15A at the factory. Similarly, if the voltage is higher, a suitable circuit breaker and maximum operating current are presented.

  When the current sensor 22 senses that the current flowing through the electrode has decreased to a normal operating point, for example, 14 A or less, the controller 21 operates the pump 14. When the pump 14 supplies the electrolytic solution 11 to the steam generation tank 17, the area of the electrode applied to the electrolytic solution increases, the resistance decreases, and more current flows between the electrodes. When the current flowing through the electrode interval 37 rises to a certain level determined by the current sensor 22, the controller stops the pump 14 and interrupts the supply of the electrolyte solution 11 to stop the increase in current.

  The controller 21 is set so that the steam generation tank operates at a level at which the current value between the electrodes maximizes the steam generation amount. Therefore, the current sensor 22 and the pump 14 cooperate to set the current value to a maximum value, for example, 20A. Adjusted and maintained at about 14A for this system. In this way, by adjusting the water level in contact with the electrode in the steam generation tank 17 and maintaining the current and the amount of steam generated at a constant value, the ion concentration of the electrolytic solution is changed. If the level of the electrolyte 11 in the steam generation tank 17 is adjusted, the resistance of the electrolyte can be kept constant. For example, if the current drops below the set value of 14A, the controller 21 operates the pump 14 and stops the pump when the current returns to 14A. Therefore, even if the concentration of the electrolytic solution changes, a constant current can be obtained by adjusting the water level of the electrolytic solution. The pump 14 can be turned on / off several times per minute. The controller 21 causes the current sensor 22 to check the current every 3 seconds, and if the current is measured to be 14 A or less, it continues to operate the pump 14 until the current reaches 14 A. If the pump 14 is activated, the current sensor 22 continues to monitor the current so that the controller can pull the pump at any time. Here, it has been described that the current sensor checks the current every 3 seconds, but the current check time and the current set value can be set differently.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the current sensor 22 is coupled to a phase angle controller 24. An example of such a controller is SSRMAN-1P sold by NuWave Technologies, Pennsylvania. The supplied power is one of the latent variables that determine the current. The phase angle controller 24 prevents the RMS current from exceeding the set value. Controlling the conductivity and height of the electrolyte 11 can keep the operating current high. However, even if the maximum current changes slightly, the circuit breaker can easily open beyond the set value, disconnecting the electrical connection and interrupting steam generation. On the other hand, if the operator adds an excessive amount of electrolyte, the conductivity may be higher than the set value of the circuit breaker. The phase angle controller 24 cooperates with the current sensor 22 to monitor whether the RMS current is approaching a set value and cuts off the current flow during a portion of the AC cycle to limit the current. Therefore, the current is kept high without exceeding the set limit. The current sensor 22 and the phase angle controller 24 adjust the ion current of the electrolyte solution 11 as well as the RMS current, and keep the current close to the maximum value without exceeding the maximum value.

  Steam can be continuously generated by adjusting the supply amount and cycle of the electrolyte solution 11 to the steam generation tank 17. The controller 21 pumps the electrolyte solution 11 at a period sufficient to keep the quantity in the steam generation tank 17 constant while generating steam. On the other hand, the vapor can be generated intermittently by adding an electrolytic solution once every 90 seconds, for example, as a fixed period. Alternatively, the electrolyte solution 11 can be supplied to the steam generation tank 17, for example, 1 / 100,000 to generate a certain amount of steam, and the steam can be generated until the electrolyte is completely consumed without being supplied again.

  If the electrolytic solution is supplied to the steam generation tank 17, the water level is maintained between the electrodes, the electrodes are connected by the electrolytic solution, and a current flows between the positive electrode and the neutral electrode. In this case, if all the electrolytic solution evaporates as steam and water is not additionally supplied or power supply to the electrode is interrupted, the generation of steam is also interrupted.

  To save energy, no power is supplied to keep the electrolyte at a high temperature. In this case, even if only a small amount of electrolyte is converted into steam, a desired amount of steam can be supplied, and such conversion has an advantage that it is extremely quick. For example, about several milliliters of electrolyte can be added to the steam generation tank. Thus, a small amount of room temperature water is converted to steam within 3 seconds. In the steam generation system of the present invention, since a very large amount of electric power passes through a relatively small amount of electrolyte, the conversion speed is improved. For example, if a RMS current of 14 A is supplied at a voltage of 120 V, 1680 W of power is supplied, but at this time, 5040 Joules of energy is supplied within 3 seconds. Such energy is sufficient to heat 8 ml of water from 20 ° C. to boiling point in 3 seconds. If the electrolytic solution is continuously replenished to the steam generation tank 17, the steam can be continuously supplied in real time.

  If steam is generated between the electrodes, the steam bubble rises and enters the steam chamber in the steam generation tank 17 or a device using steam. Since the amount of steam is determined by the amount of electrolyte supplied to the steam generation tank and the controller 16, a valve is not necessary.

  3 to 4 are diagrams showing an example of the steam generation tank 30 that receives the electrolytic solution 48 and generates the steam 49. The housing 31 of the tank 30 is formed of a metal such as titanium or a conductive non-corrosive material such as graphite. The housing 31 has a cylindrical shape and is connected to the neutral line 43 of the electric circuit 20. The first end cap 32 and the second end cap 33 are sandwiched between the housing 31. Such an end cap is formed of a non-conductive material such as polypropylene and forms an airtight portion with respect to the internal space. The housing 31 may be the outer surface of the steam generation tank 30.

  The first end cap 32 is sandwiched between an inlet pipe 38 into which the electrolytic solution 48 enters and an outlet pipe 39 through which the vapor 48 exits. The inlet pipe 38 and the outlet pipe 39 are tube-shaped bill structures, and are suitable for connecting hoses and pipes that carry fluid.

  The second end cap 33 is sandwiched between electric appliances 41 that sandwich the positive power line 42 of the electric circuit 20, and the positive power line 42 extends into the channel 34 along the bottom surface of the second end cap 33, and the bottom surface of the second end cap is liquid. It does not touch the interior space filled with. On the other hand, the positive power line 42 may extend into a hole inside the two end cap 33. The electric appliance 41 may include a screw that is electrically connected to the positive electrode 40 in the internal space of the steam generation tank 30. The end cap 33 has a cover 45 formed of a non-conductive material such as polycarbonate, and this cover covers the electrical connection portion of the electric appliance 41 and the positive power line 42. The positive electrode 40 is electrically connected to the electric appliance 41, installed in the internal space of the steam generation tank 30, and the lower end portion is sealed by an O-type silicon sealing ring 46. The positive electrode 40 may be formed from other conductors such as graphite, stainless steel, and titanium. The positive electrodes 31 and 40 may be made of graphite. The gap portion 37 between the outer peripheral surface of the positive electrode 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31 is filled with the electrolytic solution 48 so that a current flows.

  The positive electrode 40, the gap 37, and a part of the housing 31 are located in the lower space of the steam generation tank 30, and the upper space of the steam generation tank serves as an expansion chamber 36 (see FIG. 4). When the steam generation tank is operated, the electrolytic solution 48 is supplied to the internal space through the gap 37 between the positive electrode 40 and the housing 31. The height of the electrolytic solution 48 in the gap can be adjusted during operation as described above. Since the electrolytic solution 48 is in electrical contact with the positive electrode 40 and the housing 31 in the gap portion 37, the electrolytic solution is heated to generate a vapor 49 while a current flows between the positive electrode and the housing.

  The space above the positive electrode 40 inside the steam generation tank 30 is an expansion chamber 36 for evaporating the electrolyte solution 48 by the steam 49, and the steam 49 is required to be steamed via the outlet pipe 39 or other containers. Causes pressure to push into. The expansion chamber 36 has a volume sufficient to continue to supply steam 49 as desired. On the other hand, steam can be supplied intermittently or only in a certain amount.

  The steam generation variables are the size of the gap 37 between the housing 31 and the positive electrode 40, the height of the electrolyte 48 in the gap, the conductivity and resistance of the electrolyte in the gap, and the applied voltage. As an example, by adjusting the height of the electrolyte in contact with the positive electrode 40 and the housing 31, the steam generation rate and the current can be adjusted. On the other hand, when the current sensor senses a current and the current drops below a certain value, for example, 14 A, the controller 21 can operate the pump 14 to supply the electrolyte to the gap 37 additionally. The current sensor 22 continues to supply electrolyte until it is measured that the current has reached 14A and stops the pump 14 when it reaches 14A. On the other hand, if the current sensor cannot sense the current after a certain time, for example, 3 seconds, the pump 14 can be stopped. In this case, the pump operates every 3 seconds at the maximum. As an example, the width of the gap portion 37 between the positive electrode 40 and the housing 31 is 1/4 inch, the height of the positive electrode is 1/3 of the height of the internal space of the steam generation tank, The height can be 5 inches. However, the shape and size may be different.

  FIGS. 5-6 is a figure which shows the further another steam generation tank 50. FIG. The housing 51 of the steam generation tank 50 is formed of a non-conductive material such as polypropylene, but a metal such as steel may be coated on PTFE so that electricity does not flow. The side wall 52 and the bottom 53 of the housing 51 form a regular hexahedral internal space. Of course, other shapes may be adopted. The upper end opening of the housing is covered with a cover 55 and sealed with a gasket 56. The cover 55 is fastened by a fastener 57 so that water does not leak into the housing 51. The housing 51 has an inlet pipe 65 and a steam supply outlet pipe 66.

  The housing 51 generally has a first electrode 60 and a second electrode 61, and may additionally have a third electrode 62 and a fourth electrode 63. Such electrodes 60 to 63 are made of a corrosion-resistant conductor such as stainless steel, titanium, and graphite, are arranged at equal intervals, and can have a square plate shape. The third and fourth electrodes 62 and 63 are connected to the other electrodes 60 and 61. As an example, the first electrode 60 and the third electrode 62 are connected to a foot (positive electrode) on one side of, for example, a 120V power source, and the second electrode 61 and the fourth electrode 63 are connected to a foot (negative electrode or neutral electrode) on the other side of the power source. ).

  It is preferable that the shape and size of such an electrode be formed so as to match the size and shape of the housing 51 as long as it can contact the electrolyte. A notch 64 is formed to allow liquid to flow between the electrodes 60-63, but such a notch is generally located along the bottom of the electrode. The distance between the electrodes is adjusted so that the current flows efficiently by the electrolytic solution 11. Current is supplied by power lines and plugs 69, but other connectors can be used. In response to a command from the controller 16, a distribution box 68 for sandwiching an electric wire 67 for connecting the power line and the plug 69 to the electrodes 60 to 63 is disposed beside the housing 51.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a filter 70 is formed by closing and sealing a cap 74 with filter medium containers 72 and 73 sandwiched between bases 71. The exchangeable individual containers 72 and 73 such as woven bags containing table salt and charcoal are filled with filter material. For example, one side container 72 is filled with ionic material such as table salt, The container 73 can be filled with other filter media such as charcoal or carbon. A number of holes 75 formed in the cap 74 adjust the flow rates of water and electrolyte that enter and exit the filter 70.

  FIG. 8 shows another steam generation tank 80 and connectors used to supply steam to equipment such as a steam iron. The steam generating tank housing 81 is made of a heat-resistant plastic such as polypropylene, and can be transparent or translucent, and can have a different shape from that of FIG. The sealed end caps 82 and 85 are sandwiched between both ends of the housing 81, and the first electrode 90 and the second electrode 91 are installed inside the housing. However, all of the end caps and the electrodes can be exchanged. The electrodes 90 and 91 are made of a conductor such as graphite, and come into contact with the electrolyte when the housing is set up straight as shown in FIG.

  The first end cap 82 has a connection port 83 that discharges steam and connects to the steam supply line 92, and the connection port 83 may have a barb fitting. The first end cap 82 is prevented from leaking steam or water by an O-type gasket. An electrode support plate 86 is installed in the second end cap 85 so as to be insulated from the second end cap. The ends of the pencil-type electrodes 90 and 91 are sandwiched between two support caps 87 on the electrode support plate 86. When the second end cap is tightened to the housing 81, the gasket prevents the steam and water from leaking. The electrode support plate 86 and the support cap 87 do not move to completely tighten the second end cap 85 with the screw.

  The electric supply line 95 in FIG. 8 is composed of two parts. The first connector 97 is a male element and the second connector 98 is a female element that separates the steam generation tank 80 from the electrical plug 99. If the second connector 98 is connected to the first connector 97, an electric current flows through the electrodes 90 and 91 due to the electrical connection inside the support cap 87, and the water inside the housing 81 boils into steam, which steam is supplied to the supply line. 92. The supply line 92 is connected to the instrument by a quick coupling coupling 93. There may be other electrodes in the housing 81. The first and second connectors 97 and 98 also have a safety lock structure and a non-conductor shielding structure for preventing accidental loosening.

  The embodiment of FIG. 8 does not have a control device. After the operator puts salt in the housing 81 and fills the tap water, the operation is performed until the water is used up by connecting electricity. Because most salt water dissolves in salt, tap water is used, and steam is generated without adding salt.

  FIG. 9 is another example of the steam generation system 10, illustrating the case where the steam is sold for cooking or other activities where steam must be supplied in a fixed amount, both continuously and intermittently. Yes.

  The container 100 of the steam generation system 10 of FIG. 9 is formed of a transparent plastic that can be washed with water and can be separated from the control box 101. The steam generation tank 30 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4 is arranged in the control box 101. The steam generation tank 30 inside the control box is upright and receives water supply from the container 100. The control box 101 includes an operation time setting handle connected to the controller 16, the on / off indicator 102, various other indicators, an on / off switch, and the controller 21 of FIG. 2. The condensate collector 103 is detachably connected to the lower vapor storage chamber 104. The steam inside the control box 101 enters the steam storage chamber 104 and the steam chamber 107, and various foods and articles are placed in the steam chamber. The steam storage chamber 104 and the steam chamber 107 are opened and closed by a hinge type cover 105 provided with a handle 106. The steam in the steam storage chamber 104 enters the steam chamber 107 through a large number of holes 108 opened in the steam chamber 107. The vapor condensate falls to the condensate collector 103.

Claims (21)

A system comprising a steam generation tank, a flow rate generator, a current measuring device, and a controller, and generating steam with an electrolyte,
The steam generation tank has a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with an electrolyte solution supplied to the steam generation tank, and the electrolyte solution provides a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode. This current heats the electrolyte to generate steam, and the controller supplies the electrolyte to the steam generation tank while turning on / off the flow rate generator based on the current measured by the current measuring device. A system characterized by   The system of claim 1, wherein the flow generator includes a pump.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a container for storing an electrolyte, wherein the flow generator is coupled to carry the electrolyte from the container to a steam generation tank.   The system of claim 1, further comprising an ion supplier for supplying ions to water to produce an electrolyte.   5. The system of claim 4, wherein the ion supply includes a filter housing having an ion source, and ions are supplied to the filter housing.   The system according to claim 1, wherein a power source supplying current is connected between the first electrode and the second electrode.   The system according to claim 1, wherein a check valve is connected between the flow generator and the steam generation tank.   The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a device receiving steam from the steam generation tank is connected, and the device uses steam produced in the steam generation tank.   The steam generation tank has a first end cap and a second end cap, the first electrode includes a tubular housing having a first end and a second end, the tubular housing includes a conductor, The one end cap is connected to the first end of the tubular housing, the second end cap is connected to the second end of the tubular housing, and the first end cap and the second end cap are all formed of a non-conductor. The system according to claim 1, wherein:   The second electrode is located in the housing and has an inner diameter, the outer diameter of the second electrode is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing, and a gap portion is formed between the first electrode and the housing for the electrolytic solution to enter. The system according to claim 9, wherein the current flowing between the electrode and the second electrode heats the electrolyte while passing through the electrolyte in the gap.   The steam generation tank has an expansion chamber, the expansion chamber extends over at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and steam generated by heating the electrolyte enters the expansion chamber. The system according to claim 10.   The system of claim 10, wherein the second electrode has a circular cross section.   The steam generation tank has a housing and a cover. The housing has a side wall and a bottom and is formed of a nonconductive material. The cover is detachably connected to the housing, and water leaks between the cover and the housing. The system of claim 1, wherein a gasket is provided to prevent it.   The system of claim 13, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are square.   The system of claim 14, wherein a notch is formed through which electrolyte passes along a bottom of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. A system that includes a steam generation tank having a first electrode and a second electrode, and that generates steam with an electrolyte,
The first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the electrolytic solution supplied to the steam generation tank, and an electric current is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by the electrolytic solution in which the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to an AC power source. The system is characterized in that the current flows automatically when the current heats the electrolyte to generate steam and all the electrolyte in the steam generation tank changes to steam.   The system of claim 16, wherein there is no electronic controller that controls the current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode.   17. The operation is controlled by disconnecting or connecting an AC power source that supplies current between the first electrode and the second electrode while the electrolyte is in the steam generation tank. The system described in.   The apparatus further includes a supply line, a quick coupling coupling, and equipment, wherein the equipment is coupled to receive steam from the steam generation tank by the supply line and the quick coupling coupling, and uses steam produced in the steam generation tank. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that:   The system of claim 16, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are pencil-shaped.   The system according to claim 16, wherein the electrolytic solution includes at least one of tap water containing conductive impurities and tap water added with salt.

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