JP7059062B2 - Heat storage material temperature detector and heat storage device - Google Patents

Description

The embodiment of the present invention relates to a heat storage material temperature detection device and a heat storage device.

A heat storage device that utilizes supercooling of a latent heat storage material capable of phase change is known. This heat storage device applies radiant heat to the latent heat storage material in an overcooled state, stores the heat, and when a heat dissipation request is made, releases the overcooled state and changes the phase of the latent heat storage material from liquid to solid. , Utilizing the latent heat released with it.

The process of releasing the supercooled state of the latent heat storage material that has been supercooled and in the liquid phase state and changing the phase of the latent heat storage material from liquid to solid is called "nucleation". When the latent heat storage material is in the liquid phase state and the nucleation operation is performed, the latent heat storage material is supercooled to form crystal nuclei in the latent heat storage material in the liquid phase state, and crystallization starts from that point.

In recent years, from the viewpoint of efficient use of energy, there is a demand for a heat storage device, and a highly reliable heat storage device is required. Examples of applications of the heat storage device include applications in which the solar heat in the daytime is used for heating at night, applications for assisting heating, and applications in which unsteady heat is used.

The supercooled latent heat storage material used in the heat storage device does not become a supercooled liquid unless the latent heat storage material is melted, and there is a problem that heat is generated by crystallization from the residual crystal nuclei and heat cannot be taken out when it is desired to be taken out.

In order to solve these problems, it is necessary to have a means for melting the latent heat storage material and stably confirming that it is in a melted state. Therefore, it is common practice to detect the melting of the latent heat storage material by laser scattering or spectroscopic detection. However, these methods have various problems such as an increase in device volume, an increase in mounting area, and high cost.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-285549 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-333294

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heat storage material temperature detecting device and a heat storage device capable of stably detecting the melting of a latent heat storage material.

It is a heat storage material temperature detector that detects the melting state of the latent heat storage material stored in the container, and is based on the temperature sensor that is located in the lower part of the container and measures the temperature of the latent heat storage material, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. A determination means for determining the melting state of the latent heat storage material is provided. The lower part is the range where the latent heat storage material is most difficult to reach the melting temperature, and the slopes of the temperature change when the temperature change with time is measured by the temperature sensor are the first slope, the second slope, and the third slope. It has an inclination, the second inclination is smaller than the first inclination and the third inclination, and the determination means determines that the latent heat storage material has melted when the second inclination changes to the third inclination. can do.

The schematic diagram of the heat storage apparatus provided with the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which tilted the heat storage apparatus provided with the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which arranged one temperature sensor of the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment in the lower part of a container. The figure which arranged a plurality of temperature sensors of the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment in the lower part of a container. The figure which the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment has a built-in temperature sensor, and is arranged in the lower part of a container. FIG. 3 is a step diagram for determining the melting of the latent heat storage material of the determination means provided in the heat storage material temperature detecting device according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which determines the melting point of the latent heat storage material of the determination means provided in the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the melting point of the latent heat storage material of the determination means provided in the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which arranged the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in a container. The conceptual diagram which shows the high part, the middle part, and the low part in the 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the melting point in the high part, the middle part, and the low part of the latent heat storage material in the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which arranged a plurality of temperature sensors of the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in the high part, the middle part, and the low part of a container. The figure which arranged the temperature sensor of the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment one by one in the high part and the low part of a container, or one by one in the middle part and the low part. The flowchart which determines the melting point of the latent heat storage material of the determination means provided in the heat storage material temperature detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Example 1. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Example 2. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Example 3. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Example 4. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Example 5. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in the comparative example 1. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in the comparative example 2. The graph which showed the point which determined the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in the comparative example 3.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the common configurations throughout the embodiments, and duplicate description will be omitted.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a heat storage device 20 including a heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. The heat storage device 20 includes a heat storage material temperature detection device 10, a heat storage unit 21, and a control unit 22. The heat storage unit 21 is integrally composed of a container 211 for accommodating a latent heat storage material (not shown), a heat collecting plate 212, and a heat insulating material 213, and has a nuclear weapon delivery means 214 inside. The heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the present embodiment is arranged in the lower part of the container 211 for accommodating the latent heat storage material, and is based on the temperature sensor 11 for measuring the temperature of the latent heat storage material and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 11. A determination means 12 for determining the melting state of the latent heat storage material is provided. The container 211 has a heat storage surface provided with the heat collecting plate 212 and the heat insulating material 213, and another surface provided with the heat insulating material 213. The temperature sensor 11 is arranged on the outside of the container 211 and at the lower part of the container 211 between the surface other than the heat storage surface and the heat insulating material 213. The temperature of the latent heat storage material is transmitted to the temperature sensor 11 through the container 211.

The control unit 22 includes a power supply unit and a control circuit (not shown). The control unit 22 is, for example, a unit, and is provided on the outside (outer surface) of the heat storage unit 21, for example. The control unit 22 may be provided separately from the heat storage unit 21. Further, it may be connected to or incorporated in a system for controlling a solar power generator, an air conditioner, or the like as shown in an application example described later. The power supply unit is connected to the nuclear means 214. Since the drawings of the control unit 22 and the nuclear weapon delivery means 214 are complicated, only FIG. 1 is shown.

The heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 can be installed indoors or outdoors.

In the present embodiment, the low portion indicates a low portion (low portion) of the container 211 in the direction of gravity in a state where the heat storage device is arranged. Therefore, when the arrangement of the container 211 is changed, the lower part may be changed due to the change in the direction of gravity due to the change in the arrangement.

Here, the lower part of the container 211 will be described in detail. The container 211 can be arranged in various ways depending on the position of the heat source. Further, the container 211 can have various shapes according to the application. Here, the lower portion will be described by taking the case where the container 211 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped as an example.

When the container 211 is installed on the ground with the heat collecting plate 212 facing the heat source, the surface close to the ground is the bottom surface, the surface facing the bottom surface is the top surface, and the other surfaces are the side surfaces.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a heat storage device 20 including a heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first embodiment, and also a view in which the bottom surface of the heat storage unit 21 is parallel to the ground, that is, placed flat. be. As described above, in FIG. 1, the upper surface of the container 211 and the heat source are arranged so as to face each other. Therefore, when the container 211 is placed flat, that is, when it is placed parallel to the ground, the lower portion is the bottom portion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 11 is arranged on the bottom surface.

Next, FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the heat storage device 20 including the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first embodiment tilted. The inclination means that the angle (inclination angle) formed by the heat storage portion 21 and the ground is larger than 0 degrees and 90 degrees or less. Tilt so that the tilt angle is 90 degrees is, for example, when it is arranged so as to be attached to a window. The lower portion when the container 211 is arranged in an inclined manner as shown in FIG. 2 refers to a portion on the bottom surface close to the ground, such as the portion surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. Then, the temperature sensor 11 is arranged in this portion.

Further, when the container 211 has a circular shape, a spherical shape, an elliptical shape, or the like, the lower portion refers to the side opposite to the side close to the heat source and the side close to the ground on the opposite side.

The lower portion of the container 211 may refer to a surface or a portion, but indicates a portion close to the ground on the bottom surface or the bottom surface described above. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 9, FIG. 10C, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 are views when the container 211 is viewed from the bottom surface, and the lower part of the figure is the lower part. Further, in FIGS. 3 and later, the heat collecting plate 212 and the heat insulating material 213 are not shown because the figure becomes complicated. The definition of the lower part has nothing to do with the thickness, area, and volume of the container.

The temperature of the latent heat storage material is detected by the temperature sensor 11 via the container 211, and the detected temperature is transmitted to the determination means 12 for determining the melting of the latent heat storage material. The temperature sensor 11 and the determination means 12 are connected and communicated by at least one of wired and wireless.

In the latent heat storage material, from the viewpoint of convection and gravity, the high part of the container 211 tends to become high when heat is collected and easily melts. On the other hand, the temperature of the latent heat storage material in the lower part of the container 211 is kept low, and the crystallized product accumulates in the lower part as a semi-melted crystallized product due to gravity, which makes it more difficult to melt. Therefore, the lower part of the container 211 is in a range where the latent heat storage material is most difficult to reach the melting temperature.

Furthermore, the latent heat storage material may change significantly from the latent heat behavior (crystallized material is melted) where there is almost no temperature change near the melting point to the sensible heat behavior (crystallized material is melted) where the temperature rises sharply. .. Assuming that this time is the melting point, by capturing this melting point, it can be determined that the latent heat storage material is melted via the container 211. In the latent heat storage material, this temperature behavior occurs most slowly in the lower part of the container 211. Therefore, by installing a temperature sensor 11 in the lower part of the container 211 and providing a determination means 12 for determining when the temperature is melted. , It is possible to determine the melting of the latent heat storage material in the entire inside of the container 211.

Therefore, the temperature sensor 11 arranged at the lower part of the container 211 intermittently measures the temperature of the latent heat storage material, and based on the temperature information, the determination means 12 melts the latent heat storage material with respect to the time of the latent heat storage material. By calculating the temperature change (that is, its inclination), the melting point can be determined with high accuracy. The determination of the melting point will be described in detail later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram in which one temperature sensor 11 of the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first embodiment is arranged in the lower part of the container 211. FIG. 4 is a diagram in which a plurality of temperature sensors 11 of the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first embodiment are arranged in a lower portion of the container 211. When the temperature sensor 11 is arranged in the lower part of the container 211 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the temperature sensor 11 may be one or a plurality of temperature sensors 11. By arranging a plurality of them, it is more preferable because the temperature change in the lower part can be detected more accurately.

Here, the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 will be described in detail. As described above, the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 includes a temperature sensor 11 and a determination means 12 for determining the melting of the latent heat storage material. Therefore, the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 may be an independent device, or a device in which the user's equipment such as a user's personal computer, smartphone, or mobile terminal is equipped with the temperature sensor 11 and the determination means 12 is provided with latent heat storage. The material temperature detecting device 10 may be used.

When the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 exists independently, the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 may also include a power supply. This power supply may be operated directly by the user, or may be remotely controlled by a remote controller or the like. Further, the operation may be started in conjunction with the start of heat collection.

The heat storage material temperature detection device 10 and the temperature sensor 11 may be provided on a one-to-one basis as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, or a plurality of heat storage material temperature detection devices 10 may be provided for one heat storage material temperature detection device 10 as shown in FIG. 4B. A temperature sensor 11 can also be provided. When the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 and the temperature sensor 11 are one-to-one, when the temperature sensor 11 is attached to the plurality of containers 211, the risk at the time of failure can be reduced. Further, when a plurality of temperature sensors 11 are attached to one heat storage material temperature detection device 10, the information of the plurality of temperature sensors 11 can be managed by one heat storage material temperature detection device 10.

The determination means 12 provided in the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 will be described later.

Here, each member of the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 will be described in detail.

(Temperature sensor)
A thermocouple or the like can be used for the temperature sensor 11, but the shape, length, thickness, etc. are not particularly limited because they match the shape of each container. For example, a temperature sensor equivalent to a temperature sensor built in a thermocouple, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a temperature sensor built in a battery pack, or the like can be used.

Further, FIG. 5 is a diagram in which the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first embodiment has a built-in temperature sensor 11 and is arranged in the lower part of the container 211. As described above, the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 may incorporate the temperature sensor 11. Even in this case, the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 can be provided with a plurality of temperature sensors 11.

Next, the determination means 12 will be described.

(Judgment means)
The determination means 12 is programmed and built into the device. The device in which the determination means 12 is built may have the determination means 12 built-in from the beginning, or may be downloaded via the Internet or the like. Further, the user's device such as a computer, a smartphone, or a mobile terminal may be provided with the determination means 12. In this case as well, the programmed determination means 12 can be downloaded and used via the Internet or the like. The determination means 12 and the temperature sensor 11 are connected wirelessly or by wire.

FIG. 6 is a step diagram for determining the melting of the latent heat storage material of the determination means 12 provided in the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the determination means 12 can determine the melting of the latent heat storage material by the step as shown in FIG. 6 based on the temperature information obtained from the temperature sensor 11 arranged in the lower part of the container 211.

The temperature sensor 11 obtains the temperature information of the latent heat storage material measured at regular intervals (step 1), then calculates the temperature change gradient using the temperature obtained in step 1 (step 2), and then steps. The melting of the latent heat storage material is determined based on the point where the inclination due to the temperature change obtained in 2 changes for the second time (step 3).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for determining the melting point 30 of the latent heat storage material of the determination means 12 provided in the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a heat storage material temperature detection according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the melting point of the latent heat storage material of the determination means 12 provided in the apparatus 10. Explaining the steps in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the latent heat storage material is exposed to heat, the temperature of the latent heat storage material itself rises until it warms to a constant temperature (first inclination). Next, when the latent heat storage material reaches a certain temperature, it takes a latent heat behavior that hardly changes the temperature, so the slope of the temperature change of the latent heat storage material becomes a gentler slope than the first slope (second slope). .. Finally, when the latent heat storage material changes from the latent heat behavior to the sensible heat behavior, the temperature of the latent heat storage material rises, so that the inclination becomes larger than the second inclination (third inclination). The points indicating the melting of the latent heat storage material in step 3 (melting point 30) are shown in FIG.

That is, the change in the inclination due to the temperature change in step 3 is the first change (first change) in which the first inclination changes to the second inclination and the change from the second inclination to the third inclination. This is the second change (second change). By determining this second change by the determination means 12, the melting of the latent heat storage material is determined. The measurement of the change over time in the temperature of the latent heat storage material is continuous measurement or measurement at regular time intervals. The measurement interval in the case of measuring every fixed time elapse is appropriately set, for example, by measuring every minute, depending on the latent heat storage material, the heat source, or the like. It should be noted that the magnitude of the first and third inclinations does not matter.

Further, by connecting the determination means 12 to the nucleation means 214, the determination means 12 can be automatically provided with a program such as enucleation and state maintenance after the melting determination.

The heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 may be directly connected to a device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a mobile terminal by wireless or wired. By connecting in this way, the data obtained by the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 (for example, the temperature change of the latent heat storage material and the melting point) are stored in the computer, smartphone, mobile terminal, etc. of the connected user. It can also be used by adding analysis, feedback, and learning functions, and by raising a melting judgment system.

(Heat storage section)
The heat storage unit 21 includes a container 211 for storing the latent heat storage material, a heat collecting plate 212, and a heat insulating material 213. The container 211 can take various shapes such as a rectangular shape (horizontal, vertical), a cube (dice type, thin type, thick type), a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a spherical shape, a heart shape, and specifically, a poly container and a chuck. Examples include bags, laminated packs, metal containers, and hot water bottles.

When the weight of the latent heat storage material is large, the calorific value is large, but the heat of fusion is large, so that the melting time tends to be long. Generally, depending on whether the heat source is placed on one surface of the container 211 or arranged on multiple surfaces, the latent heat storage material is more likely to melt when the wall portion of the container 211 is thinner and the area is smaller.

On the other hand, if the wall portion of the container 211 is thick, it is difficult to melt. This is because the thermal conductivity of the latent heat storage material itself is low, so that the thicker the wall portion of the container 211, the lower the efficiency of heat conduction through the container 211, and the more difficult it is for the latent heat storage material to melt. Further, as the area becomes larger, heat is less likely to be transferred to the center of the container 211, so that the latent heat storage material is less likely to melt.

The container 211 contains a latent heat storage material and a nuclear means 214 inside. As the container 211, a resin container, a metal container, a metal / resin composite container, and a bag made of a film of these materials (for example, an aluminum laminate material) can be used. It is preferable to use a member for the container 211 that can follow the volume change accompanying the solidification / melting of the latent heat storage material.

The nuclear weapon delivery means 214 functions to solidify (crystallize) the latent heat storage material that is in contact with the latent heat storage material and is in a supercooled state. By providing the nucleating means 214, for example, after sunset, the switch can be arbitrarily turned on to promote nucleation, and the radiant heat from this device can be used for warming. Specific nucleation methods include a method of inserting two electrodes and applying a voltage between the electrodes, a method of applying ultrasonic waves, a method of changing the wettability (contact angle), and a leaf spring and an actuator having irregularities. It is configured, and a method of moving a leaf spring with an actuator, a method of applying a voltage to a thermoelectric element to quench the electrode extremely, a method of charging crystal nuclei from a crystal nucleus storage container 211 to generate nuclei, and the like can be used.

In order to efficiently collect heat, it is preferable to arrange the heat storage unit 21 so that the surface on which the heat collecting plate 212 is arranged has the best heat absorption. The heat storage unit 21 may be provided with support legs so that the arrangement can be appropriately changed. For example, when sunlight is used as a heat source, the heat storage unit 21 is placed upright (at right angles) or tilted (perpendicular to the maximum solar altitude) with respect to the solar altitude from the viewpoint of solar heat collection efficiency. Is preferable. That is, the inclination angle is preferably larger than 0 degrees and 90 degrees or less. For the heat collecting plate 212, for example, a metal such as aluminum or copper can be used.

As the heat insulating material 213, a material having low thermal conductivity and high heat resistance can be used. Examples thereof include glass wool, beaded polystyrene, and extruded polystyrene foam (styrofoam).

The heat source used for heat collection is not limited as long as it emits radiant heat. For example, the above-mentioned sunlight and a ceramic heater can be mentioned. The use of sunlight is preferred because it does not incur the costs required to generate heat.

As the latent heat storage material, it is preferable to use a latent heat storage material having a melting point in the range of room temperature (20 ° C.) or higher and 100 ° C. or lower and having supercooling. A latent heat storage material having supercooling is a substance that does not solidify even at a temperature below the melting point and exists semi-stable as a liquid. For example, sodium acetate such as sodium acetate trihydrate or sulfate such as sodium sulfate hydrate. Sodium can be used. When the heat storage temperature is high, it is desirable to use sodium acetate trihydrate as the latent heat storage material. The general physical characteristics of sodium acetate trihydrate are a melting point of 58 ° C. and a latent heat of 264 kJ / kg.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 may be provided with a display unit 23 capable of displaying the temperature status of the latent heat storage material and the melting of the latent heat storage material to the user. ..

(Display part)
The display unit 23 is electrically connected to the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10. Therefore, the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 may be connected and communicated wirelessly or by wire to be independent, or may be directly provided in the heat storage material temperature detection device 10. A display, an LED lamp, or the like can be used for the display unit 23, but the display method is not particularly limited. It is more preferable if the temperature can be displayed (color, numerical display). When the display unit 23 exists independently, the above-mentioned display or LED lamp may be used, or a signal such as a temperature change of the latent heat storage material is transmitted by the heat storage material temperature detection device 10, and another device, for example, is used. The display unit 23 may be used by receiving the heat from a person's personal computer, smartphone, or mobile terminal. By providing the display unit 23, continuous or discontinuous temperature measurement confirmation of maintenance of the supercooled state. That is, it is possible to confirm whether or not the latent heat storage material can be nucleated. Further, it is more preferable if a display and a signal capable of nucleation can be output.

Here, the operation of the latent heat material temperature detection device according to the present embodiment will be described.

1. 1. The temperature sensor 11 is arranged in the lower part of the container 211 containing the latent heat storage material. At this time, the heat collecting plate 212 is arranged so as to efficiently absorb heat with respect to the heat source.

2. 2. Turn on the heat storage material temperature detection processing device.

3. 3. The latent heat storage material in the container 211 is preheated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point (heat (temperature) input) prior to use. As a result, the latent heat storage material is melted and becomes a liquid phase state. Further, since the latent heat storage material is a latent heat storage material that can be supercooled, even if the latent heat storage material falls below the melting point after the completion of heat input, it does not solidify and maintains the liquid phase state (supercooled state). ). In this state, the latent heat storage material continues to store latent heat.

4. The temperature sensor 11 is operated from the time of heat collection, that is, when the radiant heat is applied to the latent heat storage material container 211, and records the temperature change (with respect to time) of the lower part of the container 211.

5. The determination means 12 receives this change over time, and from the latent heat behavior near the melting point of the latent heat storage material (the crystallized material is melting: there is almost no temperature change), the latent heat behavior (melting from the crystallized material: the temperature is sudden). The melting of the latent heat storage material is determined by catching the change (second change).

6. When the determination means 12 determines the melting, the display unit 23 informs the user that the latent heat storage material has melted. Further, the determination means 12 may be provided with a program for maintaining the melting, and the melting may be maintained.

In addition, 2. Turning on the power to the heat storage material temperature detection processing device is omitted as appropriate when it is not necessary to turn on the power, such as when the user's equipment is equipped with the temperature sensor 11 and the determination means 12.

The latent heat storage material temperature detection device according to the present embodiment can measure the temperature change of the latent heat storage material over time by arranging the temperature sensor 11 in the lower part of the container 211 containing the latent heat storage material. Further, by providing the determination means 12 for determining the melting of the latent heat storage material based on the temperature of the latent heat storage material measured by the temperature sensor 11, the latent heat storage material of the latent heat storage material inside the container 211 from the outside of the container 211 is provided. The melting of the heat can be determined. Therefore, since crystallization heat generation can be prevented from the residual crystal nuclei existing because the latent heat storage material is incompletely melted, heat can be taken out from the latent heat storage material when necessary.

(Second embodiment)
The description common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view in which the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the second embodiment is arranged in the container 211. In the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 11 can be arranged in a high part, a middle part, and a low part outside the container 211. The lower part is as described in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a high portion, a middle portion, and a low portion in the second embodiment. Here, the high portion and the central portion will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the high portion when the container 211 is laid flat is the upper surface or the upper surface side on the side surface, that is, the portion far from the ground. The middle part in this case is between the high part and the low part.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the high portion when the container 211 is arranged in an inclined manner is a side far from the ground on the bottom surface. That is, the high portion is the opposite side of the low portion on the bottom surface. In this case as well, the middle part is between the high part and the low part. In the case of tilting in this way, the same applies to the high portion and the central portion when the container 211 is viewed from the bottom surface as shown in FIG. 10C.

Further, when the container 211 has a circular shape, a spherical shape, an elliptical shape, or the like, the high portion refers to the side opposite to the side close to the heat source and the side far from the ground on the opposite side. Further, regardless of the shape of the container 211, the middle portion is between the high portion and the low portion.

In order to determine the melting of the latent heat storage material, the melting state can be confirmed step by step by arranging the high part, the middle part, and the temperature sensor 11 in addition to the lower part of the container 211 containing the latent heat storage material. .. As described above, the temperature of the latent heat storage material decreases as it goes to the lower part of the container 211 due to convection and gravity. Therefore, when the temperature change of the latent heat storage material is shown when the temperature sensor 11 is arranged in the high part, the middle part, and the low part of the container 211 as shown in FIG. 9, the temperature sensor 11 detects the temperature sensor 11 of the container 211 at a certain time. The temperature of each part is high part> middle part> low part. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, in the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the second embodiment, the melting points 30 at the high part, the middle part, and the low part of the latent heat storage material are shown, the behavior of the temperature change also melts from the crystallized product. That is, the change in sensible heat behavior from latent heat also occurs in the order of high part, middle part, and low part.

By arranging in this way, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the melting of the latent heat storage material and the accuracy of stepwise confirmation of the melting state.

FIG. 12 is a diagram in which a plurality of temperature sensors 11 of the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the second embodiment are arranged in the high part, the middle part, and the low part of the container. In this way, a plurality of temperature sensors 11 may be arranged, or one may be arranged in each of the high portion, the middle portion, and the low portion as shown in FIG. It is preferable to arrange a plurality of temperature sensors 11 as shown in FIG. 12 because the accuracy can be improved and the risk of failure of the temperature sensors 11 can be reduced. In FIG. 12, since the figure becomes complicated, the line connecting the determination means 12 and the temperature sensor 11 is partially omitted.

Further, FIG. 13 is a diagram in which the temperature sensors 11 of the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the second embodiment are arranged one by one in the high part and the low part of the container, or one in the middle part and one in the low part. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the temperature sensor 11 may be arranged only in the high portion and the low portion, or only in the middle portion and the low portion. In these cases as well, the behavior of the temperature change of the latent heat storage material is as described above, so it is possible to appropriately change where to place it in addition to the low part according to the installation location of the latent heat storage material temperature detection device and the container 211. ..

The determination means 12 determines the melting of the latent heat storage material in the high portion, the middle portion, and the low portion, as described in the first embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for determining the melting point 30 of the latent heat storage material of the determination means 12 provided in the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the second embodiment.

Here, the operation of the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

Since the operations 1 to 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, they will be described from 4.

4. The heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 is operated from the time of collecting heat, that is, when the radiant heat is applied to the container 211, and records the temperature change (with respect to time) of the high part, the middle part, and the low part of the container 211.

5. The determination means 12 receives the temperature change of the high part, the middle part, and the low part with time, and captures the change from the latent heat behavior near the melting point of the latent heat storage material to the sensible heat behavior (second change) in each part. Determines the melting of the latent heat storage material at that part.

6. When the determination means 12 determines the melting of the lower portion, the display unit 23 informs the user of the melting of the latent heat storage material. Further, the determination means 12 may be provided with a program for maintaining the melting, and the melting may be maintained.

Here, the case where the temperature detectors are arranged in all of the high part, the middle part, and the low part is shown, but the same operation is performed in the case of only the other high part and the low part, the middle part and the low part, and the like.

The heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the present embodiment adds a temperature sensor 11 to the lower part of the container 211 and arranges the temperature sensor 11 at at least one of the high part and the middle part to change the temperature of the latent heat storage material over time. Can be measured. Further, by providing the determination means 12 capable of determining the melting of the latent heat storage material from the temperature change, it is possible to determine the melting of the latent heat storage material inside the container 211 from the outside of the container 211. Therefore, since crystallization heat generation can be prevented from the residual crystal nuclei existing due to incomplete melting, heat can be taken out from the latent heat storage material when necessary, and the accuracy of melting determination and the melting state can be obtained. The accuracy of stepwise confirmation can be improved.

(Application example)
In the application example, the device provided with the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the first or second embodiment will be described.

<Solar cell>
In order to lower the temperature of a solar cell during the daytime, a solar cell having a heat storage device including a container of a heat storage material arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the back surface side of the solar cell has been proposed. In a solar cell equipped with this heat storage device, the heat storage material may be completely melted during the daytime to reach a temperature above the melting point. Therefore, by equipping the lower part of the container with the temperature sensor 11 provided in the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first or second embodiment, it is possible to determine the melting of the heat storage material, and long-term heat storage and supercooling can be performed. It is possible to sufficiently maintain the liquid retention time. As a result, the temperature of the solar cell during the day can be lowered, so that the temperature of the solar cell is maintained at a high temperature and it is possible to prevent the amount of power generation from being lowered.

<Air conditioner>
An air conditioner equipped with a heat storage device is used in combination with a heat exchange object. This heat storage device absorbs and stores the heat generated by the heat exchange object, and releases heat to the heat exchange object when the temperature of the heat exchange object drops, so that heat can be absorbed and released stably. There wasn't. Therefore, in the air conditioner provided with the heat storage device, the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the first or second embodiment is provided in the lower part of the heat storage material container provided with the heat storage device to generate heat when necessary. It can be taken out from the latent heat storage material. Therefore, it is always stable, absorbs and stores the heat generated by the heat exchange object, and releases heat to the heat exchange object when the temperature of the heat exchange object drops, so that the air conditioner can be used. Efficiency can be improved.

<Image forming device>
In the conventional image forming apparatus, it is necessary to quickly heat the object to be printed by the fixing operation, which may cause temperature unevenness in the heating roller. Further, in order to equalize the temperature of the object to be printed, the heat of the object to be printed is absorbed by a roller filled with a heat storage material. The fixing part cannot be cooled unless the discharged paper enters the fixing part again by double-sided printing. When the image forming apparatus having such a structure includes the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the first or second embodiment, heat can be taken out from the latent heat material when necessary, so that temperature unevenness can be prevented and the temperature unevenness can be prevented. Since it can be cooled in a timely manner, it is possible to obtain a power-saving image forming apparatus.

<Cooling system for transmission system for TV broadcasting>
The cooling system of a conventional transmission system for television broadcasting uses circulating cooling water for cooling, but environmental factors may cause the temperature of the cooling water to drop, which may affect the transmission system for television broadcasting. rice field. Measures such as providing a temperature control valve to prevent this decrease in water temperature have been taken, but this measure has increased the size of the equipment and the cost. Therefore, in order to prevent the temperature of the cooling water from dropping, it is proposed to provide a heat storage device, and further, it is required that heat can be taken out from the latent heat storage material provided in the heat storage device when necessary. Therefore, by providing the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the first or second embodiment with respect to the transmission system for television broadcasting provided with the heat storage device, heat can be taken out from the latent heat storage material when necessary. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to provide a transmission system that is space-saving and inexpensive, and can prevent the water temperature from dropping when the transmitter is started.

<Battery module>
A secondary battery having a heat storage device including a container containing a latent heat storage material can keep the secondary battery warm in winter or in a cold region. However, if measures are taken to insulate the latent heat storage material from the surrounding environment as a measure against winter and cold regions, the possibility that the battery temperature will rise excessively in a high temperature environment such as summer is increased. Therefore, by equipping the secondary battery having the heat storage device including the container containing the latent heat storage material with the heat storage material temperature detecting device 10 according to the first or second embodiment, heat can be taken out from the latent heat storage material when necessary. It is possible to improve the startability in a low temperature environment, and it is possible to obtain a battery module capable of suppressing a decrease in reliability due to an excessive rise in the battery temperature in a high temperature environment.

The device described above is not sufficient to be provided with the conventional latent heat storage material, but is operated more efficiently by providing the heat storage material temperature detection device 10 according to the first or second embodiment. You can see that.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following Examples.

(Example)
(Example 1)
The heat storage device was placed upright with an inclination angle of 90 degrees. One temperature sensor was placed in the lower part of the container of the heat storage unit, and the power of the heat storage material temperature detection processing device was turned on. The latent heat storage material in the container was preheated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point. The temperature sensor was operated from the time of heat collection, and the temperature change (vs. time) of the lower part of the container was recorded. The determination means received the change over time in the temperature of the latent heat storage material, and determined the melting of the latent heat storage material. When the determination means determines melting, the display unit notifies the user of the melting of the latent heat storage material.

The temperature of the latent heat storage material was measured every second. The determination of melting of the latent heat storage material was made by the determination means determining the second change in which the latent heat storage material changes from the latent heat behavior to the sensible heat behavior. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change of the heat storage material and the melting point in Example 1 were determined. In addition, the measurement conditions and results of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are summarized in Table 1.

Whether or not the latent heat storage material was naturally crystallized was determined as follows.

<Natural crystallization judgment>
After the determination means determined melting, it was confirmed whether the supercooled state (liquid phase state) was maintained at room temperature (15, 20, 25 ° C.) (1 day), that is, whether or not natural crystallization occurred. (N = 2: Two containers containing heat storage material judged to melt under the same conditions).

If the liquid in the container containing the latent heat storage material is not spontaneously crystallized and there is no residual crystal nuclei with a size larger than the critical diameter, it can be determined to be melted. The case where the supercooled state (liquid phase state) was maintained was marked with ◯, and the case where it was not maintained was marked with x.

Similarly, it was determined whether or not the examples 2 to 6 and the comparative examples 1 to 3 described later were naturally crystallized.

(Example 2)
The measurement was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the heat storage device was tilted so that the heat collecting plate was 90 degrees with respect to the highest solar altitude (azimuth angle of about 180 degrees). FIG. 16 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change of the latent heat storage material and the melting point in Example 2 were determined.

(Example 3)
The measurement was performed under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the temperature sensors were arranged at three places in the lower part. FIG. 17 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change of the latent heat storage material and the melting point in Example 3 were determined.

(Example 4)
The measurement was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the temperature sensors were arranged one in the middle and one in the lower part of the container. FIG. 18 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Example 4 were determined.

(Example 5)
The measurement was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the temperature sensors were arranged in the high part, the middle part, and the low part. FIG. 19 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Example 5 were determined.

(Comparative Example 1)
The measurement was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the temperature sensor was placed at the high part of the container containing the latent heat storage material. FIG. 20 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Comparative Example 1 were determined.

(Comparative Example 2)
The measurement was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the temperature sensor was placed in the middle of the container containing the latent heat storage material. FIG. 21 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Comparative Example 2 were determined.

(Comparative Example 3)
The measurement was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the temperature sensors were arranged in the high part and the middle part of the container containing the latent heat storage material. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the points at which the temperature change and the melting point of the latent heat storage material in Comparative Example 3 were determined.

From Table 1, melting could be confirmed in Examples 1 to 6. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, residual crystals were present and were in a semi-solid phase (semi-liquid phase) state. That is, since the latent heat storage material was not in the supercooled state (liquid phase state), the latent heat storage material was not melted. In Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the supercooled state (liquid phase state) was not maintained after being left at room temperature for one day, and crystallization heat was generated. This is because the latent heat storage material had residual crystal nuclei, so it can be seen that the latent heat storage material was not melted.

Based on the above, the first is provided with a temperature sensor arranged in the lower part of the container for accommodating the latent heat storage material and measuring the temperature of the latent heat storage material, and a determination means for determining the melting state of the latent heat storage material using the temperature. It has been shown that the temperature detector according to the first or second embodiment is an excellent device for determining the melting of the latent heat storage material.

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 novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes 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, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the original claims of the present application are described below.
[1] A heat storage material temperature detection device that detects the melting state of the latent heat storage material stored in the container.
A temperature sensor located in the lower part of the container and measuring the temperature of the latent heat storage material,
A determination means for determining the melting state of the latent heat storage material based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and
A heat storage material temperature detector equipped with.
[2] The determination means determines that the latent heat storage material has melted when the slope of the temperature change when the temperature change with time is measured by the temperature sensor changes from substantially zero to a positive slope. [1] The heat storage material temperature detection device.
[3] The heat storage material temperature detection device according to [1] or [2], wherein another temperature sensor is arranged at least one of the high portion and the central portion of the container.
[4] The heat storage material temperature detecting device according to any one of [1] to [3], which includes a display unit for displaying the state of the latent heat storage material.
[5] The heat storage material temperature detector according to any one of [1] to [4] and the heat storage material temperature detector.
A heat storage unit including a container for accommodating the latent heat storage material and a nucleating means for releasing the supercooled state of the latent heat storage material.
A heat storage device equipped with.
[6] The heat storage device according to [5], comprising a control unit for controlling the nuclear weapon delivery means.

10 ... Heat storage material temperature detection device, 11 ... Temperature sensor, 12 ... Judgment means, 20 ... Heat storage device, 21 ... Heat storage unit, 22 ... Control unit, 211 ... Container , 212 ... Heat collecting plate, 213 ... Insulation material, 214 ... Nuclear means, 23 ... Display unit, 30 ... Melting point.

Claims (10)

It is a heat storage material temperature detector that detects the melting state of the latent heat storage material stored in the container.
A temperature sensor located in the lower part of the container and measuring the temperature of the latent heat storage material,
A determination means for determining the melting state of the latent heat storage material based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and
Equipped with
The lower part is a range in which the latent heat storage material is most difficult to reach the melting temperature.
The slope of the temperature change when the temperature change with time is measured by the temperature sensor has a first slope, a second slope, and a third slope, and the second slope is the first slope and the slope. A heat storage material temperature detecting device that is smaller than the third inclination and can determine that the latent heat storage material has melted when the determination means changes from the second inclination to the third inclination. It is a heat storage material temperature detector that detects the melting state of the latent heat storage material stored in the container.
The latent heat storage material collects temperature from the high part of the container and collects heat.
A temperature sensor located in the lower part of the container and measuring the temperature of the latent heat storage material,
A determination means for determining the melting state of the latent heat storage material based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and
Equipped with
The slope of the temperature change when the temperature change with time is measured by the temperature sensor has a first slope, a second slope, and a third slope, and the second slope is the first slope and the slope. A heat storage material temperature detecting device that is smaller than the third inclination and can determine that the latent heat storage material has melted when the determination means changes from the second inclination to the third inclination. The heat storage material temperature detecting device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the slope of the temperature change changes in the order of the first slope, the second slope, and the third slope. The heat storage material temperature detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the first inclination, the second inclination, and the third inclination are 0 or more. The heat storage material temperature detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein another temperature sensor is arranged at least one of the high portion and the middle portion of the container. When the other temperature sensor is arranged in the middle of the container, the slope of the temperature change when the temperature change in the middle of the container is measured by the other temperature sensor with time is the fourth slope and the fifth slope. The fifth inclination is smaller than the fourth inclination and the sixth inclination, and the determination means changes from the fifth inclination to the sixth inclination. It can be determined that the latent heat storage material in the middle of the container has melted.
When the other temperature sensor is placed in the high part of the container, the slope of the temperature change when the temperature change in the high part of the container is measured by the other temperature sensor with time is the seventh slope. It has an eighth inclination and a ninth inclination, the eighth inclination is smaller than the seventh inclination and the ninth inclination, and the determination means has the ninth inclination from the eighth inclination. The heat storage material temperature detecting device according to claim 5 , wherein it can be determined that the latent heat storage material at the high portion of the container has melted when the temperature changes to. When the other temperature sensor is placed in the middle of the container, the inclination of the temperature change changes in the order of the fourth inclination, the fifth inclination, and the sixth inclination.
The heat storage material temperature according to claim 6 , wherein the inclination of the temperature change when the other temperature sensor is arranged at the high part of the container changes in the order of the seventh inclination, the eighth inclination, and the ninth inclination. Detection device. The heat storage material temperature detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising a display unit for displaying the state of the latent heat storage material. The heat storage material temperature detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .
A heat storage unit including a container for accommodating the latent heat storage material and a nucleating means for releasing the supercooled state of the latent heat storage material.
A heat storage device equipped with. The heat storage device according to claim 9 , further comprising a control unit that controls the nuclear weapon delivery means.

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