JP2021097460A - Fluid piston device and fluid piston operation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fluid piston technique capable of performing compression or suction of gas and improving maintainability and sealability.SOLUTION: A fluid piston device 1 comprises: a container 2 at least a part of which forms a cylinder shape to house a conductive fluid L; an electromagnetic pump 3 that generates an AC magnetic field for making the conductive fluid L move from one end to the other end inside the container 2; and valves 4, 5 in which a capacity of an inner space 13 of the container 2 other than the part housing the conductive fluid L changes in accordance with movement of the conductive fluid L and makes gas G move in/out to/from the inner space 13 in accordance with such a change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a liquid piston device and a liquid piston operating method.

Conventionally, when compressing gas, a compressor or a centrifugal compressor by reciprocating drive of a piston is generally used. Since these compressors have moving parts such as a rotating mechanism, it is necessary to seal a large number of parts. Further, as a technique for reducing moving parts, for example, a technique of an electromagnetic pump for driving a liquid metal such as sodium used in a fast reactor or the like is known.

JP-A-2018-98125 JP-A-2018-96302 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-189082 Japanese Patent No. 6302377

Compressors with moving parts such as rotating mechanisms are difficult to operate without maintenance. Further, when compressing a flammable gas such as hydrogen, it is necessary to avoid contact with air, so that it is necessary to improve the sealing property of the entire system. However, since a compressor having moving parts requires many sealing members, it takes time and effort to prevent leaks.

An embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid piston technique capable of compressing or sucking a gas and improving maintainability and sealing property. To do.

In the liquid piston device according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the container is formed in a tubular shape to store the conductive liquid, and the conductive liquid is moved from one end to the other inside the container. The volume of the inner space of the container other than the electromagnetic pump that generates the AC magnetic field and the portion containing the conductive liquid changes according to the movement of the conductive liquid, and the gas in the inner space changes according to this change. It is equipped with a valve for entering and exiting.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid piston technique capable of compressing or sucking gas and improving maintainability and sealing performance.

The cross-sectional view which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid piston device in a state where an electromagnetic pump is excited. FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1 showing a liquid piston device. The flowchart which shows the liquid piston operation method of 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the liquid piston device of 4th Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid piston device according to a fifth embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the liquid piston device of 6th Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid piston device in a state where an electromagnetic pump is excited. The flowchart which shows the liquid piston operation method of 6th Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid piston device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid piston device in which a conductive liquid is moved in the opposite direction.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the liquid piston device and the liquid piston operation method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the liquid piston device and the liquid piston operation method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The upper side of the paper surface of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device.

Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 is the liquid piston device of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a mode in which the liquid piston device 1 is used as a compressor (gas compressor) for compressing gas G (gas) is illustrated. The liquid piston device 1 does not have moving parts such as a rotating mechanism, and is a highly sealed gas compressor.

The liquid piston device 1 includes a container 2, an electromagnetic pump 3, an inlet valve 4, an outlet valve 5, a dump tank 6, a power source 7, and a control unit 8.

The container 2 is a member having a cylindrical shape. In this container 2, the shaft of the cylinder extends along the vertical direction. One end of the cylindrical container 2 is the lower end, and the other end is the upper end. That is, the other end of the container 2 is provided at a position higher than one end. Other modes may be used as long as the other end of the container 2 is provided at a position higher than one end. For example, the axis of the cylinder of the container 2 may be inclined at an angle. The container 2 may have a tubular shape extending in the vertical direction. For example, the container 2 may have a square tubular shape.

A conductive liquid L, which is a conductive liquid, is housed inside the container 2. The conductive liquid L exemplifies, for example, metals such as sodium, sodium-potassium alloy, lead biscus, and mercury. Further, the conductive liquid L does not have to be a metal, and even a liquid other than the metal can be used as the conductive liquid L as long as it has conductivity. When a substance having a melting point higher than room temperature is used as the conductive liquid L, a heater for heating this substance and maintaining the liquid state may be provided in the container 2.

The gas G handled by the liquid piston device 1 may be a substance that does not react even if it comes into contact with the conductive liquid L. A flammable gas may be used as long as it is inert to the conductive liquid L. In this embodiment, for example, hydrogen gas is illustrated.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the container 2 is a double cylinder 9 having cylinders on the outside and the inside from the lower end to the center in the vertical direction thereof. The conductive liquid L is housed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. An electromagnetic pump 3 is provided corresponding to the portion of the double cylinder 9. The vicinity of the upper end of the container 2 is a single cylinder 10 having a cylinder on the outside.

The electromagnetic pump 3 includes a plurality of coils 11 and a plurality of iron cores 12. The electromagnetic pump 3 is of a double stator type in which coils 11 are provided on the outside and inside of the double cylinder 9 portion of the container 2. These coils 11 are provided along the container 2 which forms an annular shape in a plan view. The outer coil 11 is provided along the outer surface of the outer cylinder of the container 2. The inner coil 11 is provided along the inner surface of the inner cylinder of the container 2.

A plurality of coils 11 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. For example, six-stage coils 11 are lined up along the vertical direction. A unit of the lower three-stage coil 11 and a unit of the upper three-stage coil 11 are provided.

The electromagnetic pump 3 may have at least three stages of coils 11 arranged one above the other. In this embodiment, a three-phase alternating current is passed from the power source 7 to the coil 11. The conductive liquid L can be moved by the magnetic field generated by exciting the coils 11.

For example, when three coils 11 in the lower stage, the middle stage, and the upper stage are arranged side by side, alternating current having a phase shift of 120 ° is passed through the coils 11. Then, when the three-phase alternating current flows, a moving magnetic field is generated around each coil 11, and the moving magnetic field passes through the conductive liquid L inside the container 2, so that an induced current is generated. The conductive liquid L can be moved along the axial direction of the electromagnetic pump 3 (container 2) by using the electromagnetic force generated by the interaction between the induced current and the magnetic field.

A three-phase alternating current is passed through the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3, and an alternating magnetic field generated by exciting the coil 11 raises the conductive liquid L inside the container 2. That is, the electromagnetic pump 3 generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid L from one end (lower end) to the other end (upper end) inside the container 2.

The plurality of iron cores 12 provided in the electromagnetic pump 3 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the container 2 in a plan view. Each iron core 12 is a member extending in the vertical direction, and integrates a plurality of coils 11 arranged in the vertical direction. Further, the magnetic flux generated from each coil 11 is converged along the iron core 12.

In this way, the iron core 12 converges the alternating magnetic field generated from the coil 11. The iron cores 12 facing each other on the outside and the inside of the container 2 form a pair. The pair of iron cores 12 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the coil 11. For example, six pairs of iron cores 12 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction.

The magnetic flux converged on the outer iron core 12 is guided to the inner iron core 12. Further, the magnetic flux converged on the inner iron core 12 is guided to the outer iron core 12. In this way, a high magnetic field can be applied to the conductive liquid L existing between the iron cores 12.

In this embodiment, the six-stage coils 11 are arranged in the vertical direction, but other modes may be used. For example, the force for moving the conductive liquid L may be increased by increasing the number of stages of the coil 11. Also. By increasing the current flowing through the coil 11, the force for moving the conductive liquid L may be increased. Further, the conductive liquid L can be moved gently (slowly) by shifting the phase of the three-phase alternating current flowing through the coil 11 while increasing the number of stages of the coil 11. That is, the moving speed of the conductive liquid L can be adjusted by adjusting the current flowing through the coil 11.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is not excited. In this state, the conductive liquid L is lowered by gravity, and the conductive liquid L is contained in about half of the area inside the container 2. For example, an inner space 13 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is formed in the upper half region inside the container 2. In the following description, the portion of the cavity inside the container 2 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is referred to as an inner space 13.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is excited. In this state, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L rises. Then, inside the container 2, the volume of the inner space 13 other than the portion in which the conductive liquid L is housed is reduced. The mode in which the volume of the inner space 13 is reduced includes a mode in which the volume becomes zero.

In the liquid piston device 1, the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 other than the portion in which the conductive liquid L is housed changes according to the movement of the conductive liquid L. For example, when the conductive liquid L is raised to reduce the volume of the inner space 13, the gas G in the inner space 13 can be compressed.

Further, since the electromagnetic pump 3 is a double stator type provided in the double cylinder 9 portion of the container 2, an alternating magnetic field is directed toward the conductive liquid L from both the outside and the inside of the double cylinder 9 portion. You can call. That is, since the alternating magnetic field can be penetrated into the conductive liquid L, the force for moving the conductive liquid L can be increased.

Further, when the excitation of the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is stopped, the conductive liquid L inside the container 2 drops. That is, when the generation of the alternating magnetic field is stopped, the conductive liquid L moves from the other end (upper end) to one end (lower end) of the container 2 due to gravity, and the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 expands.

In the first embodiment, when the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is excited, the conductive liquid L rises due to the electromagnetic force. Then, when the excitation of the coil 11 is stopped, the conductive liquid L falls due to gravity. In this way, the conductive liquid L can be moved by the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic pump 3, and the moved conductive liquid L can be returned to the original position by gravity. Then, the conductive liquid L can move up and down by the movement by the alternating magnetic field and the return by gravity, so that the piston operation can be performed.

That is, the container 2 is used as a substitute for the cylinder, and the conductive liquid L is used as a substitute for the piston. Then, the conductive liquid L is made to operate the piston by utilizing the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic pump 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a movable part such as a rotation mechanism, and the maintainability of the liquid piston device 1 can be improved. Further, since the cylinder and the piston of the conventional technique can be eliminated, the number of parts of the seal member can be reduced. Therefore, the overall sealing property of the liquid piston device 1 can be improved.

The inlet valve 4 is provided at the other end (upper end) of the container 2. The inlet valve 4 can adjust the amount of gas G flowing into the container 2. If the inlet valve 4 is opened when the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the container 2 is lowered and the volume of the inner space 13 is expanded, gas G can be introduced from the outside toward the inner space 13. it can.

The outlet valve 5 is provided at the other end (upper end) of the container 2. The outlet valve 5 can adjust the outflow amount of the gas G from the container 2 to the outside. When the outlet valve 5 is opened when the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the container 2 rises and the volume of the inner space 13 is reduced, the gas G is exhausted while being compressed from the inner space 13 to the outside. To. In this way, the liquid piston device 1 can be used as a compressor (gas compressor) for compressing the gas G.

The inlet valve 4 and the outlet valve 5 are provided to allow gas G to enter and exit the inner space 13 in response to a change in the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2. It should be noted that the inflow and outflow of the gas G is at least one of intake and exhaust.

The dump tank 6 is provided close to the container 2. The lower end of the dump tank 6 is communicated with the lower end (one end) of the container 2 via a communication pipe 14. The dump tank 6 communicates with one end of the container 2 and stores the conductive liquid L in a state where the conductive liquid L can enter and exit the container 2. In this way, the conductive liquid L can easily move inside the container 2.

For example, when the conductive liquid L moves away from one end of the container 2, the conductive liquid L flows from the dump tank 6 into the container 2. Further, when the conductive liquid L moves away from the other end of the container 2, the conductive liquid L flows from the container 2 into the dump tank 6.

In the upper half region inside the dump tank 6, an inner space 15 in which the conductive liquid L is not accommodated is generated. At the upper end of the dump tank 6, a ventilation portion 16 for allowing the inert gas to enter and exit the inner space 15 of the dump tank 6 is provided. Since the inert gas freely enters and exits the inside of the dump tank 6 from the ventilation portion 16, the inside of the dump tank 6 does not become negative pressure or positive pressure according to the movement of the conductive liquid L. Can be done. If the conductive liquid L is a substance that is inactive even when it comes into contact with air, air may be allowed to enter and exit through the ventilation portion 16.

The power source 7 supplies electric power to each coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 via the power line 17. Although the power line is not particularly shown, power may be supplied from the power source 7 to the inlet valve 4, the outlet valve 5, and the control unit 8.

The control unit 8 comprehensively controls the liquid piston device 1. For example, the control unit 8 controls the electromagnetic pump 3, the inlet valve 4, and the outlet valve 5. Further, the control unit 8 may control the electric power output from the power source 7.

The control unit 8 of the present embodiment has hardware resources such as a processor and a memory, and is composed of a computer in which information processing by software is realized by using hardware resources by executing various programs by a CPU. .. Further, the liquid piston operation method of the present embodiment is realized by causing a computer to execute various programs.

Next, the liquid piston operation method executed by the liquid piston device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation passively generated by the operation of the liquid piston device 1 will be described.

First, in step S11, the control unit 8 opens the inlet valve 4 and closes the outlet valve 5.

In the next step S12, the control unit 8 stops the excitation of the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3. Here, the conductive liquid L moves from the upper end (the other end) to the lower end (one end) of the container 2 due to gravity. The movement of the conductive liquid L expands the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 (see FIG. 1). That is, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L drops inside the container 2, and the pressure in the inner space 13 drops. A part of the conductive liquid L flows from the container 2 into the dump tank 6.

In the next step S13, the gas G is taken into the inner space 13 of the container 2 from the outside through the inlet valve 4. For example, when the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 is expanded, the inner space 13 becomes a negative pressure and the gas G is sucked. The gas G may be sent from the outside toward the inside of the container 2 at a predetermined pressure.

In the next step S14, the control unit 8 closes the inlet valve 4 and opens the outlet valve 5.

In the next step S15, the control unit 8 excites the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3. Here, an alternating magnetic field is generated by passing a three-phase alternating current from the power source 7 to the electromagnetic pump 3. Due to this alternating magnetic field, the conductive liquid L moves from the lower end (one end) to the upper end (the other end) of the container 2. The movement of the conductive liquid L reduces the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 (see FIG. 2). That is, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L rises, and the pressure of the gas G in the inner space 13 increases. Then, the gas G in the inner space 13 of the container 2 can be compressed. A part of the conductive liquid L flows from the dump tank 6 into the container 2.

In the next step S16, the gas G is exhausted from the inner space 13 of the container 2 to the outside via the outlet valve 5. Then, the process returns to step S11.

By repeating steps S11 to S16, the piston operation of the conductive liquid L is repeated in the liquid piston device 1. By repeating this piston operation, the pressure of the gas G can be increased intermittently.

In step S16, the outlet valve 5 is closed during the period when the liquid level of the conductive liquid L rises, and when the pressure of the gas G in the inner space 13 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit value, the outlet valve is closed. 5 may be opened. In this way, the gas G having a high pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value can be exhausted to the outside. Then, when the pressure of the gas G in the inner space 13 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit value, the outlet valve 5 may be closed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1A and the liquid piston operation method of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 5 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1A.

The electromagnetic pump 3A of the second embodiment is a single stator type in which the coil 11 is provided only on the outside (outer peripheral surface) of the double cylinder 9 portion of the container 2. The iron core 12 is provided on both the outside and the inside of the container 2, but only the outer core 12 integrates a plurality of coils 11 arranged in the vertical direction.

In the second embodiment, the configuration of the electromagnetic pump 3A can be simplified. For example, wiring to the coil 11 can be easily performed. Moreover, the number of coils 11 can be reduced.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1B and the liquid piston operation method of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 6 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1B.

In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment described above, the double cylinder portion is not provided, and the container 2B forms a single cylindrical shape from the lower end (one end) to the upper end (the other end) thereof. .. Further, the electromagnetic pump 3B is a single stator type in which a coil 11 is provided on the outside (outer peripheral surface) of the container 2B. The diameter of the container 2B is formed smaller than that of the first embodiment. That is, it is an elongated container 2B. Therefore, the alternating magnetic field generated from the coil 11 can enter the inside of the conductive liquid L.

In the third embodiment, the configuration of the electromagnetic pump 3B can be simplified. For example, the coil 11 and the iron core 12 provided inside the container 2B can be omitted.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1C and the liquid piston operation method of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 7 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1C.

In the fourth embodiment, the heat exchanger 18 is provided inside the dump tank 6. The heat exchanger 18 is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the conductive liquid L. Further, a heat radiating unit 19 connected to the heat exchanger 18 is provided outside the dump tank 6. Further, a refrigerant pipe 20 for circulating the refrigerant is provided between the heat exchanger 18 and the heat radiating unit 19.

When the gas G is compressed inside the container 2, heat is generated during the compression. Further, when a current flows through the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3, heat is generated, and the heat is transferred to the inside of the container 2. These heats are accumulated in the conductive liquid L inside the container 2.

In the fourth embodiment, the heat exchanger 18 is provided in the dump tank 6, so that the conductive liquid L contained in the dump tank 6 can dissipate heat. Specifically, the heat exchanger 18 absorbs heat from the conductive liquid L, and the heat radiating unit 19 dissipates heat to the outside. That is, even if heat is generated by the compression of the gas G and the conductive liquid L accumulates heat, this heat can be removed by the heat exchanger 18.

The heat exchanger 18 may be provided in other parts as long as it is in contact with the conductive liquid L. For example, the heat exchanger 18 may be provided in the communication pipe 14 connecting the container 2 and the dump tank 6.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1D and the liquid piston operation method of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 8 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1D.

In the fifth embodiment, the heat conductive plate 21 is provided inside the container 2. The heat exchanger 18 is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the conductive liquid L. Further, a heat radiating portion 22 connected to the heat conductive plate 21 is provided on the outside of the container 2. Further, a heat pipe 23 for transferring heat from the heat conductive plate 21 to the heat radiating portion 22 is provided.

The heat conductive plate 21 forms an annular shape in a plan view, and is provided between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder of the container 2. The upper half of the heat conductive plate 21 is in contact with the gas G existing in the inner space 13 of the container 2. The lower half of the heat conductive plate 21 is in contact with the conductive liquid L contained in the container 2.

In the fifth embodiment, the heat conductive plate 21 dissipates heat from the gas G contained in the inner space 13 of the container 2. Gus G will accumulate heat when compressed. This heat can be removed by the heat conductive plate 21. Since heat can be removed directly from the gas G, heat can be dissipated in a short time. The thermal conductivity of heat transferred from the gas G is higher in the heat conductive plate 21 than in the conductive liquid L.

The heat conductive plate 21 may have a heat pipe 23 built therein. Further, instead of the heat conductive plate 21, a plurality of heat pipes 23 may be provided inside the container 2.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1E and the liquid piston operation method of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. The same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The upper side of the paper surface of FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1E.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the sixth embodiment, a mode in which the liquid piston device 1E is used as the suction machine for sucking the gas G (gas) is illustrated. This liquid piston device 1E does not have a moving part such as a rotating mechanism, and is a highly sealed gas suction machine.

The liquid piston device 1E includes a first container 24, a second container 25, an electromagnetic pump 3, an inlet valve 4, an outlet valve 5, a power source 7, and a control unit 8. In the sixth embodiment, two containers, a first container 24 and a second container 25, are provided. Further, unlike the first embodiment described above, the dump tank 6 (see FIG. 1) is not provided.

The first container 24 is a member having a cylindrical shape. In the first container 24, the shaft of the cylinder extends along the vertical direction. One end of the first container 24 forming a cylinder is the lower end, and the other end is the upper end. That is, the other end of the first container 24 is provided at a position higher than one end.

The first container 24 is a double cylinder 9 having cylinders on the outside and inside from the lower end to the center in the vertical direction thereof. The conductive liquid L is housed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. An electromagnetic pump 3 is provided corresponding to the portion of the double cylinder 9. The vicinity of the upper end of the first container 24 is a single cylinder 10 having a cylinder on the outside.

A three-phase alternating current is passed through the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3, and an alternating magnetic field generated by exciting the coil 11 raises the conductive liquid L inside the first container 24. That is, the electromagnetic pump 3 generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid L from one end (lower end) to the other end (upper end) inside the first container 24.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is not excited. In this state, the conductive liquid L is lowered by gravity, and the conductive liquid L is contained in about half of the area inside the first container 24. For example, in the upper half region inside the first container 24, a first inner space 26 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is formed. In the following description, the portion of the cavity inside the first container 24 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is referred to as the first inner space 26.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is excited. In this state, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L rises. Then, inside the first container 24, the volume of the first inner space 26 other than the portion in which the conductive liquid L is housed is reduced. The mode in which the volume of the first inner space 26 is reduced includes a mode in which the volume becomes zero.

The second container 25 is a member having a cylindrical shape. In the second container 25, the shaft of the cylinder extends along the vertical direction. The second container 25 is formed as a single cylinder over the entire vertical direction. The second container 25 is provided close to the first container 24. The lower end of the second container 25 communicates with the lower end (one end) of the first container 24 via a communication pipe 28. The second container 25 communicates with one end of the first container 24 and stores the conductive liquid L in a state where the conductive liquid L can enter and exit the first container 24. That is, the first container 24 and the second container 25 are integrated containers by the communication pipe 28.

In the upper half region inside the second container 25, a second inner space 27 in which the conductive liquid L is not accommodated is generated. In the following description, the portion of the cavity inside the second container 25 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is referred to as a second inner space 27.

For example, when the conductive liquid L moves away from one end of the first container 24, the conductive liquid L flows from the second container 25 into the inside of the first container 24. At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 25 is lowered, and the volume of the second inner space 27 is expanded.

Further, when the conductive liquid L moves away from the other end of the first container 24, the conductive liquid L flows into the inside of the second container 25 from the first container 24. At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 25 rises, and the volume of the second inner space 27 decreases.

The inlet valve 4 is provided at the other end (upper end) of the second container 25. The inlet valve 4 can adjust the inflow amount of the gas G into the inside of the second container 25. When the inlet valve 4 is opened when the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 25 is lowered and the volume of the second inner space 27 is expanded, the gas G is released from the outside toward the second inner space 27. Can be aspirated. In this way, the liquid piston device 1E can be used as a suction machine for sucking the gas G.

The outlet valve 5 is provided at the other end (upper end) of the second container 25. The outlet valve 5 can adjust the outflow amount of the gas G from the second container 25 to the outside. When the outlet valve 5 is opened when the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 25 rises and the volume of the second inner space 27 is reduced, the gas G is directed from the second inner space 27 to the outside. Is exhausted.

The ventilation portion 16 is provided at the upper end of the first container 24. The vent 16 allows the inert gas to enter and exit the first inner space 26 of the first container 24. Since the inert gas freely enters and exits the inside of the first container 24 from the ventilation portion 16, the inside of the first container 24 becomes a negative pressure or a positive pressure according to the movement of the conductive liquid L. You can prevent it from happening. If the conductive liquid L is a substance that is inactive even when it comes into contact with air, air may be allowed to enter and exit through the ventilation portion 16.

Next, the liquid piston operation method executed by the liquid piston device 1E will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation passively generated by the operation of the liquid piston device 1E will be described.

First, in step S21, the control unit 8 opens the inlet valve 4 and closes the outlet valve 5.

In the next step S22, the control unit 8 excites the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3. Here, an alternating magnetic field is generated by passing a three-phase alternating current from the power source 7 to the electromagnetic pump 3. Due to this alternating magnetic field, the conductive liquid L moves from the lower end (one end) to the upper end (the other end) of the first container 24. At this time, the conductive liquid L flows into the inside of the first container 24 from the second container 25. Then, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 25 is lowered, and the volume of the second inner space 27 is expanded (see FIG. 10).

In the next step S23, the gas G is taken in from the outside into the second inner space 27 of the second container 25 via the inlet valve 4. For example, by expanding the volume of the second inner space 27 of the second container 25, the pressure of the second inner space 27 becomes low and the gas G is sucked.

In the next step S24, the control unit 8 closes the inlet valve 4 and opens the outlet valve 5.

In the next step S25, the control unit 8 stops the excitation of the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3. Here, the conductive liquid L moves from the upper end (the other end) to the lower end (one end) of the container 2 due to gravity. At this time, the conductive liquid L flows into the inside of the second container 25 from the first container 24. Then, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 25 rises, and the volume of the second inner space 27 decreases (see FIG. 9).

In the next step S26, the gas G is exhausted to the outside from the second inner space 27 of the second container 25 via the outlet valve 5. For example, by reducing the volume of the second inner space 27 of the second container 25, the second inner space 27 becomes a positive pressure and the gas G is exhausted. Then, the process returns to step S21.

By repeating steps S21 to S26, the piston operation of the conductive liquid L is repeated in the liquid piston device 1E. By repeating this piston operation, the gas G can be sucked intermittently.

In the sixth embodiment, the liquid piston device 1E can be used as a suction machine for sucking the gas G.

(7th Embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1F and the liquid piston operation method of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 13. The same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The upper side of the paper surface of FIGS. 12 and 13 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1F.

As shown in FIG. 12, the seventh embodiment illustrates a mode in which the liquid piston device 1F is used as the compressor and the suction machine.

The liquid piston device 1F includes a first container 29, a second container 30, a third container 31, an electromagnetic pump 3, an inlet valve 4, an outlet valve 5, a power source 7, and a control unit 8. In the seventh embodiment, three containers, a first container 29, a second container 30, and a third container 31 are provided. Further, unlike the first embodiment described above, the dump tank 6 (see FIG. 1) is not provided.

The first container 29 is a member having a cylindrical shape. In the first container 29, the axis of the cylinder extends along the horizontal direction. One end and the other end of the first container 29 forming a cylinder are provided at the same height position. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the right side of the paper surface will be described as one end side of the first container 29, and the left side of the paper surface will be described as the other end side of the first container 29.

The center of the first container 29 in the horizontal direction is a double cylinder 9 having cylinders on the outside and the inside. The conductive liquid L fills the entire inside of the first container 29. Further, an electromagnetic pump 3 is provided corresponding to the portion of the double cylinder 9. The vicinity of one end and the other end of the first container 29 is a single cylinder 10 having a cylinder on the outside.

A three-phase alternating current is passed through the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3, and the alternating magnetic field generated by exciting the coil 11 causes the conductive liquid L to move in the horizontal direction inside the first container 29. That is, the electromagnetic pump 3 generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid L from one end to the other inside the first container 29. Further, by adjusting the three-phase alternating current, the electromagnetic pump 3 can also generate an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid L from the other end toward one end inside the first container 29.

In the seventh embodiment, the conductive liquid L can be moved in any of the horizontal directions by appropriately adjusting the three-phase alternating current that excites the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3. The flow of moving the conductive liquid L from one end to the other end will be described as a forward flow, and the flow of moving the conductive liquid L from the other end to one end will be described as a reverse flow.

The second container 30 is a member having a cylindrical shape. In the second container 30, the axis of the cylinder extends along the vertical direction. The second container 30 is formed as a single cylinder over the entire vertical direction. The second container 30 is provided close to one end side of the first container 29. The lower end of the second container 30 communicates with one end of the first container 29 via a communication pipe 34. The second container 30 communicates with one end of the first container 29 and stores the conductive liquid L in a state where the conductive liquid L can enter and exit the first container 29.

In the upper half region inside the second container 30, a second inner space 32 in which the conductive liquid L is not accommodated is generated. In the following description, the portion of the cavity inside the second container 30 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is referred to as a second inner space 32.

The third container 31 is a member having a cylindrical shape. In the third container 31, the axis of the cylinder extends along the vertical direction. The third container 31 is formed as a single cylinder over the entire vertical direction. The third container 31 is provided close to the other end side of the first container 29. The lower end of the third container 31 communicates with the other end of the first container 29 via a communication pipe 35. The third container 31 communicates with the other end of the first container 29 and stores the conductive liquid L in a state where the conductive liquid L can enter and exit the first container 29.

In the upper half region inside the third container 31, a third inner space 33 in which the conductive liquid L is not accommodated is generated. In the following description, the portion of the cavity in the third container 31 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is referred to as the third inner space 33.

The first container 29, the second container 30, and the third container 31 of the seventh embodiment are containers integrated by communication pipes 34 and 35.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the conductive liquid L flows in the positive direction inside the first container 29, the conductive liquid L flows from the second container 30 into the inside of the first container 29. At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 30 is lowered, and the volume of the second inner space 32 is expanded. Further, the conductive liquid L flows into the inside of the first container 29 to the third container 31. At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the third container 31 rises, and the volume of the third inner space 33 decreases.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the conductive liquid L flows in the opposite direction inside the first container 29, the conductive liquid L flows into the inside of the second container 30 from the first container 29. At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 30 rises, and the volume of the second inner space 32 decreases. Further, the conductive liquid L flows into the inside of the first container 29 from the third container 31. At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the third container 31 is lowered, and the volume of the third inner space 33 is expanded.

An inlet valve 4 and an outlet valve 5 are provided at the upper end of the second container 30. When the inlet valve 4 is opened and the outlet valve 5 is closed when the volume of the second inner space 32 is expanded, gas G can be sucked from the outside toward the second inner space 32 via the inlet valve 4. it can. On the other hand, when the volume of the second inner space 32 is reduced, when the inlet valve 4 is closed and the outlet valve 5 is opened, the gas G is compressed from the second inner space 32 to the outside via the outlet valve 5. It is exhausted while being exhausted.

An inlet valve 4 and an outlet valve 5 are provided at the upper end of the third container 31. When the volume of the third inner space 33 is expanded, if the inlet valve 4 is opened and the outlet valve 5 is closed, gas G can be sucked from the outside toward the third inner space 33 via the inlet valve 4. it can. On the other hand, when the volume of the third inner space 33 is reduced, when the inlet valve 4 is closed and the outlet valve 5 is opened, the gas G is compressed from the third inner space 33 to the outside via the outlet valve 5. It is exhausted while being exhausted.

In the seventh embodiment, the liquid piston device 1F can be used as a compressor for compressing the gas G and a suction machine for sucking the gas G.

The liquid piston device and the liquid piston operation method according to the present embodiment have been described based on the first to seventh embodiments, but the configuration applied in any one embodiment is applied to another embodiment. Alternatively, the configurations applied in each embodiment may be combined.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the conductive liquid L is dropped by gravity when the excitation of the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is stopped, but other embodiments may be used. For example, the three-phase alternating current that excites the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is appropriately adjusted so that an alternating magnetic field is applied in the direction in which the conductive liquid L falls, and the conductive liquid L is generated by using an electromagnetic force in addition to gravity. You may lower it.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the gas can be compressed or sucked by providing an electromagnetic pump that generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid from one end to the other inside the container. It can be done, and maintainability and sealing performance can be improved.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) ... Liquid piston device, 2 (2B) ... Container, 3 (3A, 3B) ... Electromagnetic pump, 4 ... Inlet valve, 5 ... Outlet valve, 6 ... Dump tank , 7 ... power supply, 8 ... control unit, 9 ... double cylinder, 10 ... single cylinder, 11 ... coil, 12 ... iron core, 13 ... inner space, 14 ... communication pipe, 15 ... inner space, 16 ... ventilation part, 17 ... power line, 18 ... heat exchanger, 19 ... heat dissipation part, 20 ... refrigerant pipe, 21 ... heat conduction plate, 22 ... heat dissipation part, 23 ... heat pipe, 24 ... first container, 25 ... second container, 26 ... second 1 inner space, 27 ... second inner space, 28 ... communication pipe, 29 ... first container, 30 ... second container, 31 ... third container, 32 ... second inner space, 33 ... third inner space, 34, 35 ... Communication pipe, G ... Gas, L ... Conductive liquid.

Claims (12)

A container that is at least partly tubular and contains a conductive liquid,
An electromagnetic pump that generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid from one end to the other inside the container.
A valve that changes the volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion in which the conductive liquid is housed according to the movement of the conductive liquid, and allows gas to flow in and out of the inner space in response to this change.
To prepare
Liquid piston device. The other end of the container is provided at a position higher than the one end.
When the generation of the alternating magnetic field is stopped, the conductive liquid moves from the other end toward the one end due to gravity, and the volume of the inner space changes, and in response to this change, the conductive liquid moves through the valve. Letting the gas in and out of the inner space,
The liquid piston device according to claim 1. The electromagnetic pump includes an iron core that converges the alternating magnetic field.
The liquid piston device according to claim 1 or 2. At least a part of the container is a double cylinder, and the electromagnetic pump is provided corresponding to the portion of the double cylinder.
The liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The electromagnetic pump is a double stator type in which coils are provided on the outside and the inside of the double cylinder portion.
The liquid piston device according to claim 4. The electromagnetic pump is a single stator type in which a coil is provided only on the outside of the container.
The liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A dump tank is provided which communicates with the one end of the container and stores the conductive liquid in a state where the conductive liquid can enter and exit the container.
The liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A heat exchanger provided inside the dump tank and dissipating heat from the conductive liquid contained in the dump tank is provided.
The liquid piston device according to claim 7. A heat conductive plate provided inside the container and dissipating heat of the gas contained in the inner space is provided.
The liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. When the conductive liquid is moved from one end to the other end by the alternating magnetic field, the volume of the inner space is reduced and the gas is exhausted from the inner space.
The liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. When the conductive liquid is moved from one end to the other end by the alternating magnetic field, the volume of the inner space is expanded and the gas is attracted to the inner space.
The liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A step of generating an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid from one end to the other inside a container that is at least partially tubular and contains the conductive liquid.
The volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion containing the conductive liquid changes according to the movement of the conductive liquid, and the step of moving gas in and out of the inner space according to this change.
including,
Liquid piston operation method.

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