JP7327366B2 - heat pump system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to heat pump systems.

Conventionally, heat pumps that combine gas compression/expansion and heat exchange have been used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an expansion valve that expands condensed refrigerant, an evaporator that evaporates the expanded refrigerant through heat exchange with air, and an evaporated gaseous state, which are interconnected via a refrigerant line. A vehicle air conditioning system including a compressor for compressing a refrigerant is disclosed.

A heat pump is characterized by being able to efficiently obtain heat energy with a small amount of electric energy, but with the recent heightened awareness of environmental problems, further improvement in energy consumption efficiency is desired. On the other hand, a heat pump system using decomposition/generation of clathrate hydrate has been proposed (see Patent Documents 2 and 3, for example). Since the heat of decomposition/formation of the clathrate hydrate is ten times or more the latent heat of evaporation/condensation of ordinary refrigerants, such as that used in the heat pump described in Patent Document 1, an improvement in energy consumption efficiency is expected. be.

JP 2014-76792 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-101140 T. Ogawa et al. , Applied Energy, 26, 2157 (2006).

In the heat pump system utilizing decomposition/production of the clathrate hydrate disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, further improvement in energy consumption efficiency is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving energy consumption efficiency in a heat pump system.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be implemented as the following modes.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump system in which heat is transported by repeating the decomposition process and formation process of clathrate hydrate by a heat medium. In this heat pump system, a mixed liquid of gas and water is flowed into a production section where a clathrate hydrate is produced, and a decomposition product where the clathrate hydrate is decomposed and is a mixed phase of gas and water. a first main flow path through which the heat medium flows from the generation section to the decomposition section; a second main flow path through which the heat medium flows from the decomposition section to the generation section; a heat radiating section for dissipating heat from the heat medium through heat exchange between the heat medium inside the section and a heat source outside the heat pump system; a decompression section for reducing the pressure of the heat medium inside the decomposition section; and the heat medium inside the decomposition section. a heat absorbing portion for absorbing heat in the heat medium by exchanging heat with a heat source outside the heat pump system; a first gas-liquid separation section that separates; a compression section that is connected to the first gas-liquid separation section via the second main flow path and compresses the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section; Water connected to the first gas-liquid separation section, the compression section, and the generation section through the second main flow path, separated by the first gas-liquid separation section and flowing in without passing through the compression section, and the compression a mixing section that mixes the gas compressed by the section to generate the mixed liquid and supplies the mixed liquid to the generating section through the second main flow, wherein the second main flow path is A second flow path connecting the first gas-liquid separation section and the compression section and through which the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section flows; and the first gas-liquid separation section and the mixing section. a third flow path that is connected without the compression section and through which the water separated by the first gas-liquid separation section flows. According to this configuration, water is separated by the first gas-liquid separation section from the decomposed product, which is a mixed phase of gas and water, and the separated water is supplied to the mixing section through the third flow path without being compressed, The gas from which water has been separated can be compressed by the compression section. Therefore, compared to the case where the decomposed product, which is a mixed phase of gas and water, is compressed as it is, the work of the compressor is reduced by the work of compressing water, and the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be improved.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump system in which a heat medium repeats the decomposition process and the generation process of clathrate hydrate to transport heat. In this heat pump system, a mixed liquid of gas and water is flowed into a production section where a clathrate hydrate is produced, and a decomposition product where the clathrate hydrate is decomposed and is a mixed phase of gas and water. a first main flow path through which the heat medium flows from the generation section to the decomposition section; a second main flow path through which the heat medium flows from the decomposition section to the generation section; a heat radiating section for dissipating heat from the heat medium through heat exchange between the heat medium inside the section and a heat source outside the heat pump system; a decompression section for reducing the pressure of the heat medium inside the decomposition section; and the heat medium inside the decomposition section. a heat absorbing portion for absorbing heat in the heat medium by exchanging heat with a heat source outside the heat pump system; a first gas-liquid separation section that separates; a compression section that is connected to the first gas-liquid separation section via the second main flow path and compresses the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section; The water separated by the first gas-liquid separation section and the gas compressed by the compression section are connected to the first gas-liquid separation section, the compression section, and the generation section via the second main flow path. and a mixing section that mixes and generates the mixed liquid and supplies the mixed liquid to the generating section through the second main flow path .

According to this configuration, water can be separated by the first gas-liquid separation section from the decomposed product, which is a mixed phase of gas and water, and the gas from which water is separated can be compressed by the compression section. Therefore, compared to the case where the decomposed product, which is a mixed phase of gas and water, is compressed as it is, the work of the compressor is reduced by the work of compressing water, and the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be improved.

Moreover, according to this configuration, the water and the compressed gas are mixed in advance by the mixing section, and the mixed liquid is sent to the generating section. Therefore, the contact area between the gas and the water is larger than in the case where the gas and water are not mixed and sent to the generation unit without a mixing unit. Efficiency can be improved. As a result, the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be improved.

(2) The heat pump system of the above aspect may further include a transport pump disposed in the first main flow path and configured to transport the heat medium. By doing so, the flow rate can be adjusted by the transport pump, so that the decomposition speed in the decomposition section can be adjusted.

(3) In the heat pump system of the above aspect, the heat pump system is arranged between the first gas-liquid separation section and the compression section, and adsorbs water in the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section. A dehydrator may be further provided. By doing so, the water mixed in the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section can be removed. As a result, energy consumption by the compression section can be reduced, and the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be further improved.

(4) In the heat pump system of the above aspect, the compression section includes an adsorption section having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing the gas according to temperature change, and a heat transfer medium through which a second heat medium that supplies heat to the adsorption section flows. and a heat channel. In this way, for example, by using waste heat such as factory exhaust gas and waste water as the second heat medium, the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be further improved compared to the case where an electric compressor is used. can be made

(5) In the heat pump system of the above aspect, the compression section has a plurality of the adsorption sections and a plurality of the heat transfer paths corresponding to the plurality of adsorption sections, and the heat pump system further comprising a compression control unit capable of performing compression control to allow some of the plurality of adsorption units to adsorb the gas and simultaneously cause other adsorption units to desorb the gas. good too. In this way, gas can be adsorbed and desorbed simultaneously by a plurality of adsorption units, so that compressed gas can be continuously supplied to the generation unit.

(6) In the heat pump system of the above aspect, a low-temperature storage section capable of storing the heat medium sent from the generating section at a first temperature lower than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium; and cold heat in the heat pump system. a cold heat generation control unit that controls generation, wherein the cold heat generation control unit causes the low temperature storage unit to store at least part of the heat medium sent from the generation unit, and stores the heat medium in the low temperature storage unit. a first storage control for setting the temperature of the heat medium in the first temperature to the first temperature; a first cold heat generation control for causing the decomposition section to decompose the heat medium stored in the low-temperature storage section; a second cold heat generation control for decomposing the heat medium by the decomposing unit, and the first cold heat generation control and the second cold heat generation control may be switched and executed.

According to this configuration, since the cold storage part is provided, the clathrate hydrate produced in the production part can be stored in the low temperature storage part without being decomposed. In addition, since the cold heat generation control unit is provided, for example, according to the required amount of clathrate hydrate that fluctuates depending on the operating status and required load of the heat pump system, the surplus amount of clathrate hydrate is stored and stored Clathrate hydrates can be used to generate cold energy by decomposition. When the stored clathrate hydrate is used, the clathrate hydrate is not generated by the generation section, so at least the energy consumption in the compression section can be reduced, and the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be improved. . In addition, for example, by generating and storing the clathrate hydrate during a period such as nighttime when electricity is relatively inexpensive, the cost required for cold generation can be reduced.

(7) The heat pump system of the above aspect, further comprising a decomposed product storage section capable of storing a portion of the heat medium sent from the decomposition section, wherein the cold heat generation control section, in the second cold heat generation control, storing part of the heat medium sent from the decomposition unit in the decomposition product storage unit, and in the first storage control, supplying the heat medium stored in the decomposition product storage unit to the generation unit It may be possible to

According to this configuration, since the decomposed product storage unit is provided, the decomposed product is stored according to the required amount of the decomposed product that varies depending on the operating conditions and the required load of the heat pump system, and the stored decomposed product is used to Clathrate hydrates can be produced. Thereby, energy consumption efficiency can be improved.

(8) In the heat pump system of the above aspect, a high-temperature storage section capable of storing the heat medium sent from the generation section at a second temperature higher than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium; a heat generation control unit for controlling generation, wherein the heat generation control unit causes at least part of the heat medium sent from the generation unit to be stored in the high temperature storage unit, and a second storage control for setting the temperature of the heat medium in the second temperature to the second temperature; Thermal generation control, and second thermal generation control for causing the generation unit to supply the mixed liquid generated from the decomposed product sent from the decomposition unit to the generation unit to generate the clathrate hydrate. and may be executed by switching between the first heat generation control and the second heat generation control.

According to this configuration, since the high-temperature storage section is provided, the heat medium sent from the generation section can be stored in the high-temperature storage section at the second temperature. When the clathrate hydrate produced in the production section is stored in the high-temperature storage section at the second temperature, it is decomposed into gas and water, and the multiphase decomposition product can be stored in the high-temperature storage section. Since the heat medium (including the clathrate hydrate) delivered from the generation section is of high temperature and high pressure, the heat medium (including the decomposed product) stored in the high temperature storage section is the same as the heat medium delivered from the decomposition section. (including decomposition products), higher pressure. Therefore, when the clathrate hydrate is generated by the generation unit using the heat medium (decomposition product) stored in the high-temperature storage unit, the clathrate hydrate can be generated without compression in the compression unit. , energy consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the heat generation control unit is provided, the surplus amount of the clathrate hydrate is stored, stored and decomposed according to the required amount of the clathrate hydrate, which varies depending on the operating conditions and the required load of the heat pump system. Hyperthermia can be generated by generating clathrate hydrates using decomposed decomposition products. In addition, for example, by generating and storing the clathrate hydrate during a period such as nighttime when electricity is relatively inexpensive, the cost required for hyperthermia generation can be reduced.

(9) The heat pump system of the above aspect includes a decomposed product storage section capable of storing a portion of the heat medium sent from the decomposition section, wherein the heat generation control section, in the second heat generation control, storing part of the heat medium sent from the decomposition unit in the decomposition product storage unit, and in the second storage control, supplying the heat medium stored in the decomposition product storage unit to the generation unit It may be possible to

According to this configuration, since the decomposed product storage unit is provided, the decomposed product is stored according to the required amount of the decomposed product that varies depending on the operating conditions and the required load of the heat pump system, and the stored decomposed product is used to Clathrate hydrates can be produced. Thereby, energy consumption efficiency can be improved.

(10) In the heat pump system of the above aspect, a second gas-liquid separation section for gas-liquid separation of the heat medium in the high-temperature storage section, and a gas capable of storing the gas separated by the second gas-liquid separation section and a water storage section capable of storing the water separated by the second gas-liquid separation section, wherein the control section controls the heat medium in the high-temperature storage section to transfer the heat medium to the second gas-liquid separation section. a third gas-liquid separation unit, the gas separated by the second gas-liquid separation unit is stored in the gas storage unit, and the water separated by the second gas-liquid separation unit is stored in the water storage unit; Retention control can further be performed, causing the gas to be supplied from the gas reservoir to the generator, water to be supplied from the water reservoir to the generator, and the clathrate hydrate to be produced by the generator. The generated third thermal control may be executed instead of the first thermal control.

According to this configuration, the heat medium in the high-temperature storage section can be separated into gas and water and stored separately. Since high-pressure decomposition products are stored in the high-temperature reservoir, clathrate hydrates may be generated. generation can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of generating hyperthermia using the stored heat medium.

It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented in various forms, for example, in the form of a heat utilization device having a heat pump system, a heat pump system control method, a cold heat generation method, and a hot heat generation method. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing which showed typically the basic composition of the heat pump system of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing cold heat generation in an air conditioner to which the heat pump system of the first embodiment is applied; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing heat generation in the air conditioner of the first embodiment; It is an explanatory view showing typically the basic composition of the heat pump system of a 2nd embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing typically the basic composition of the heat pump system of a 3rd embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing cold heat generation in an air conditioner to which the heat pump system of the third embodiment is applied; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing heat generation in the air conditioner of the third embodiment; It is an explanatory view showing typically the basic composition of the heat pump system of a 4th embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cool storage mode in an air conditioner to which the heat pump system of the fourth embodiment is applied; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a temperature accumulation mode in the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a first cold heat generation mode in the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a second cold heat generation mode in the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a first heat generation mode in the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a second heat generation mode in the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of cold heat generation control in the control unit of the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of heat control in the control unit of the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a heat storage mode in the air conditioner of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a third heat generation mode in the air conditioner of the fifth embodiment;

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of the heat pump system 100 of the first embodiment. The heat pump system 100 transports heat by repeating the decomposition process and formation process of the clathrate hydrate in the heat medium. Clathrate hydrates are ice-like compounds (clathrates) in which gas molecules are enclosed in cages formed by water molecules through hydrogen bonding. Clathrate hydrates are produced from water and gas. Heat is generated during the formation process, and heat is absorbed during the decomposition process where the clathrate hydrate is separated into water and gas. The heat pump system 100 of the present embodiment utilizes the latent heat (decomposition/formation heat) of the clathrate hydrate to transport heat.

The heat pump system 100 includes a generation section 10 into which a mixture of gas and water is flowed to generate a clathrate hydrate, and a decomposition section in which the clathrate hydrate is decomposed to form a mixed phase of gas and water. a decomposition unit 20 through which objects are delivered, a first main flow passage 30 through which the heat medium flows from the generation unit 10 to the decomposition unit 20, a second main flow passage 40 through which the heat medium flows from the decomposition unit 20 to the generation unit 10; Prepare. In FIG. 1, the phase change of the heat medium flowing through the first main flow path 30 and the second main flow path 40 is shown. The double line indicates the mixed liquid, the two-dot chain line indicates the gas phase, and the solid line indicates the aqueous phase.

Gases for producing the clathrate hydrate include hydrocarbon gases such as methane, ethane, propane, ethylene, and acetylene, HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). Carbon) and other fluorocarbon gases, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), nitrogen, air, ammonia, xenon (Xe), and various other gases can be used. It is preferable to use a gas having properties such as a high maximum equilibrium temperature, a low equilibrium pressure, and a small change in pressure with respect to a temperature change, because a high COP (coefficient of performance) can be obtained. These gases may be used alone, or may be used in combination so as to obtain desired properties. By combining different gases, it is possible to adjust the conditions for the phase change of the clathrate hydrate. Additives may also be added to water in order to adjust the phase change conditions of the clathrate hydrate.

As shown in the figure, the heat pump system 100 includes a heat radiating section 12 that dissipates heat from the heat medium through heat exchange between the heat medium in the generating section 10 and a heat source outside the heat pump system 100, and a heat absorption part 22 that causes the heat medium to absorb heat by exchanging heat with a heat source. A heat exchanger is used as the heat radiation part 12 and the heat absorption part 22 .

The heat pump system 100 includes, in the first main flow path 30, a decompression section 24 for reducing the pressure of the heat medium in the decomposition section 20, and in the second main flow path 40, a mixed phase of gas and water sent from the decomposition section 20. A first gas-liquid separation unit 14 for separating the decomposed product into gas and liquid, a compression unit 16 for compressing the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation unit 14, and water and compression separated by the first gas-liquid separation unit 14 and a mixing unit 18 that mixes the gas compressed by the unit 16 to generate a mixed liquid.

An expansion valve, a capillary tube, or the like can be used as the decompression unit 24 . As the first gas-liquid separator 14, various types of gas-liquid separators such as surface tension type, cyclone type, filter type, centrifugal force type, and cooling type can be used. As the compression unit 16, an electric compressor is used in this embodiment.

The mixing section 18 actively mixes the water and the high pressure gas. For example, they can be mixed using a method of stirring gas and water, a method of supplying gas into water through a filter, or the like. By mixing the water and the gas in the mixing unit 18, the bubbles of the gas in the water become finer. The size of the bubbles is not particularly limited, but micro-size to nano-size is preferred. By reducing the bubble size, the contact area between the gas and water is increased, and the clathrate hydrate production efficiency can be improved. When the bubble size is nano-sized, the efficiency of clathrate hydrate production is higher, but a large amount of energy is required. Therefore, it is preferable to set the bubble size in consideration of the balance with energy consumption.

The heat medium delivered from the decomposition section 20 is a mixed phase containing gas and water resulting from decomposition of the clathrate hydrate. The heat medium flowing through the first flow path 41 is a mixed phase containing gas and water, but is not actively mixed. do not have. In this specification, the solution in which the high-pressure gas and water are positively mixed is referred to as a "mixed solution", and contains the gas and water generated by decomposition of the clathrate hydrate in the decomposition unit 20. and those that are not actively mixed are called "degradants".

The second main flow path 40 includes a first flow path 41 connecting the decomposition section 20 and the first gas-liquid separation section 14, and a second flow path 42 connecting the first gas-liquid separation section 14 and the compression section 16. , the third flow path 43 connecting the first gas-liquid separation section 14 and the mixing section 18, the fourth flow path 44 connecting the compression section 16 and the mixing section 18, the mixing section 18 and the generating section 10. and a connecting fifth channel 45 . The third flow path 43 is provided with a liquid feed pump 15 that feeds the water separated by the first gas-liquid separation section 14 to the mixing section 18 .

Heat transport in the heat pump system 100 of this embodiment will be described below.
The heat medium on the outlet side of the decomposition section 20 in FIG. 1 is in a decomposition state (mixed phase of gas and water), and has a low temperature and a low pressure. The decomposition product as a heat medium flows into the first gas-liquid separation section 14 through the first flow path 41 . The decomposition products are decomposed into gas and water in the first gas-liquid separation section 14 . The gas flows through the second flow path 42 into the compression section 16 , is pressurized by the compression section 16 , flows through the fourth flow path 44 , and into the mixing section 18 . The gas is pressurized and heated by compression by the compression unit 16 . On the other hand, water is caused to flow through the third channel 43 by the liquid-sending pump 15 and flow into the mixing section 18 . In the mixing section 18 , the high-pressure gas and water are mixed to generate a high-pressure liquid mixture, which flows into the generation section 10 through the fifth channel 45 . That is, the heat medium (liquid mixture) on the inlet side of the generator 10 has a high temperature and a high pressure.

The high-pressure liquid mixture (heat medium) that has flowed into the generating section 10 is radiated by the heat radiating section 12 and cooled. Specifically, the heat exchanger as the heat radiating section 12 exchanges heat between the heat medium in the generating section 10 and a heat source outside the heat pump system to cool the heat medium. When heat corresponding to the heat of formation is released from the heat medium, the state of the heat medium crosses the phase equilibrium line of the heat medium and becomes a clathrate hydrate state (high pressure) on the outlet side of the generator 10 . The clathrate hydrate delivered from the generation unit 10 is in the form of slurry containing water. The heat medium flows from the generating section 10 to the decomposing section 20 due to the pressure difference between the generating section 10 and the decomposing section 20 .

The clathrate hydrate as a heat medium flows through the first main flow path 30 , is decompressed by the decompression section 24 , and flows into the decomposition section 20 . The clathrate hydrate is decompressed by the decompression unit 24 and the temperature is lowered. That is, on the inlet side of the decomposition section 20, the heat medium is a low-pressure clathrate hydrate. The low-pressure clathrate hydrate (heat medium) that has flowed into the decomposition section 20 is heated by the heat absorption section 22 . Specifically, a heat exchanger as the heat absorbing section 22 exchanges heat between the heat medium in the decomposition section 20 and a heat source outside the heat pump system, and the heat medium absorbs external heat and is heated. When the heat medium absorbs heat corresponding to the heat of decomposition, the state of the heat medium crosses the phase equilibrium line of the heat medium, and the decomposition state of low temperature and low pressure (mixed phase of gas and water) on the outlet side of the decomposition unit 20 becomes.

Thus, in the heat pump system 100 of the present embodiment, heat corresponding to the heat of decomposition and formation of the clathrate hydrate can be pumped up from an object outside the heat pump system 100 and given to another object outside the heat pump system 100. can. The heat exchanger as the heat radiating section 12 and the heat exchanger as the heat absorbing section 22 may exchange heat inside the generation section 10 and the decomposition section 20, respectively, or may exchange heat outside.

The heat pump system 100 of this embodiment can be applied, for example, to an air conditioner having at least one function of cooling, heating, dehumidification, and humidification. In addition to this, cooling equipment (heat sink, etc.), heating equipment (floor heating equipment, etc.), hot water supply equipment, refrigeration equipment, dehydration equipment, heat storage equipment, snow melting equipment, drying equipment, etc. It can be applied to various heat utilization equipment (including plants and systems). High energy efficiency can be obtained in these heat utilization apparatuses by using the heat pump of the present embodiment. An example in which the heat pump system 100 of the present embodiment is applied to an air conditioner will be described below.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing cold heat generation in the air conditioner 110 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing heat generation in the air conditioner 110. As shown in FIG. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the same components as in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the preceding description is referred to.

This air conditioner 110 has a function of cooling and heating indoor air, and includes the heat pump system 100 described above. As illustrated, the air conditioner 110 includes a first generation/decomposition section 11a, a first heat exchanger 11b, a first main flow path 30, a pressure reducing section 24, a second generation/decomposition section 13a, a second 2 heat exchanger 13 b , second main flow path 40 , first gas-liquid separation section 14 , compression section 16 , mixing section 18 , and control section 90 . The first generation/decomposition unit 11a and the first heat exchanger 11b are arranged in the indoor unit, and the second generation/decomposition unit 13a and the second heat exchanger 13b are arranged in the outdoor unit.

The control unit 90 is a computer including a ROM, a RAM, and a CPU. The control unit 90 controls the entire air conditioner 110 including cold heat generation processing and hot heat generation processing (described later).

In the air conditioner 110, the first main flow path 30 connects the second generation/decomposition section 13a and the decompression section 24 with the 31st flow path 31, and the decompression section 24 and the first generation/decomposition section 11a. A 32nd flow path 32 , a 33rd flow path 33 connecting the 31st flow path 31 and the 32nd flow path 32 , and a 34th flow path 34 are provided. The 31st flow path 31 is provided with an on-off valve V1, the 32nd flow path 32 is provided with an on-off valve V2, the 33rd flow path 33 is provided with an on-off valve V3, and the 34th flow path 34 is provided with an on-off valve V4. there is

In the air conditioner 110, the second main flow path 40 includes a first flow path 41 connecting the first generation/decomposition section 11a and the first gas-liquid separation section 14, the first gas-liquid separation section 14 and the compression section 16. , a third flow path 43 connecting the first gas-liquid separation section 14 and the mixing section 18, a 44 connecting the compression section 16 and the mixing section 18, and the mixing section 18 and a fifth channel 45 that connects the generator 10 and the generator 10 . Further, a sixth flow path 46 and a seventh flow path 47 connecting the first flow path 41 and the fifth flow path 45 are provided. An on-off valve V5 is provided in the first flow path 41, an on-off valve V6 in the fifth flow path 45, an on-off valve V7 in the sixth flow path 46, and an on-off valve V8 in the seventh flow path 47, respectively. there is

As shown in FIG. 2, when the air conditioner 110 is used for cooling, the first generation/decomposition section 11a arranged in the indoor unit functions as the decomposition section 20, and the first heat exchanger 11b functions as the heat absorption section 22. function as The first heat exchanger 11b takes in room air, heat-exchanges the heat medium in the first generation/decomposition section 11a with the room air, and causes the heat medium to absorb the heat corresponding to the heat of decomposition. As a result, the temperature of the indoor air taken in by the first heat exchanger 11b is lowered (cold heat generation), and the air with the lowered temperature is released indoors.

When the air conditioner 110 is used for cooling, the second generation/decomposition section 13 a arranged in the outdoor unit functions as the generation section 10 and the second heat exchanger 13 b functions as the heat dissipation section 12 . The second heat exchanger 13b takes in outdoor air (for example, atmospheric air) and causes heat exchange between the heat medium in the second generation/decomposition section 13a and the outdoor air, and converts heat corresponding to the generated heat to the heat medium. to dissipate heat. As a result, the temperature of the outdoor air taken in by the second heat exchanger 13b rises, and the air whose temperature has risen is released outdoors.

As shown in FIG. 2, when cold heat generation control is executed in the control unit 90 of the air conditioner 110, the on-off valves V1, V2, V5, and V6 are opened, and the on-off valves V3, V4, V7, and V8 are opened. valve is closed. Therefore, the heat medium sent from the second generation/decomposition section 13a passes through the 31st flow path 31 and the 32nd flow path 32 and flows into the first generation/decomposition section 11a. It passes through the channel 42, the third channel 43, the fourth channel 44, and the fifth channel 45 and returns to the second generation/decomposition section 13a. During cooling, the heat medium circulates through this flow path. In FIG. 2, the flow paths through which the heat medium does not flow are indicated by dotted lines.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the air conditioner 110 is used for heating, the first generation/decomposition unit 11a arranged in the indoor unit functions as the generation unit 10, and the first heat exchanger 11b heats the heat. Functions as part 12 . The first heat exchanger 11b takes in room air, exchanges heat between the heat medium in the first generation/decomposition section 11a and the room air, and releases heat corresponding to the generated heat to the heat medium. As a result, the temperature of the room air taken in by the first heat exchanger 11b rises (heat generation), and the air whose temperature has risen is released into the room.

When the air conditioner 110 is used for heating, the second generation/decomposition section 13 a arranged in the outdoor unit functions as the decomposition section 20 and the second heat exchanger 13 b functions as the heat absorption section 22 . The second heat exchanger 13b takes in outdoor air (for example, atmospheric air) and causes heat exchange between the heat medium in the second generation/decomposition section 13a and the outdoor air, and converts the heat corresponding to the heat of decomposition into the heat medium. be absorbed into As a result, the temperature of the outdoor air taken in by the second heat exchanger 13b is lowered, and the air whose temperature has been lowered is released outdoors.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the control unit 90 of the air conditioner 110 is executing heat generation control, the on-off valves V1, V2, V5, and V6 are closed, and the on-off valves V3, V4, V7, and V8 are closed. valve is open. Therefore, the heat medium sent from the second generation/decomposition unit 13a is divided into the fifth flow path 45, the seventh flow path 47, the first flow path 41, the second flow path 42, the third flow path 43, the fourth flow path It flows into the first generation/decomposition section 11a through the passage 44, the fifth passage 45, and the sixth passage 46, and the 32nd passage 32, the 34th passage 34, the 31st passage 31, and the 32nd passage. It returns to the second generation/decomposition section 13a through the passage 32, the 33rd passage 33, and the 31st passage 31. During heating, the heat medium circulates through this channel. In FIG. 3, the flow paths through which the heat medium does not flow are indicated by dotted lines.

As described above, according to the heat pump system 100 of the present embodiment, heat is transported using the latent heat (decomposition/formation heat) of the clathrate hydrate. The heat of decomposition/formation of the clathrate hydrate is greater than the heat associated with the condensation/evaporation of the refrigerant. Therefore, the energy consumption efficiency can be improved as compared with a conventional heat pump that utilizes the transfer of heat accompanying the condensation process and evaporation process of the refrigerant.

Further, according to the heat pump system 100 of the present embodiment, the first gas-liquid separation unit 14 separates water from the decomposed product, which is a mixed phase of gas and water, and the gas from which the water is separated is compressed by the compression unit 16. can do. Therefore, compared to the case where the decomposed product, which is a mixed phase of gas and water, is compressed as it is, the work of the compression section 16 is reduced by the amount of the work of compressing water, and the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be improved. .

Further, according to this configuration, water and compressed gas are mixed in advance by the mixing unit 18 and sent to the generation unit 10 as a mixed liquid. Therefore, compared to the case where the gas and water are not mixed and sent to the generation unit 10 as they are without the mixing unit 18, the contact area between the gas and the water is increased. It is possible to improve the production efficiency of products. As a result, the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump system can be improved.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of the heat pump system 100A of the second embodiment. The heat pump system 100A of the second embodiment differs from the heat pump system 100 of the first embodiment in that the slurry pump 26 is provided in the first main channel 30 and the dewatering section 17 is provided in the second channel 42. . The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and the preceding description is referred to.

The slurry pump 26 transports the clathrate hydrate slurry delivered from the generator 10 . Since the heat pump system 100</b>A can adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first main flow path 30 by including the slurry pump 26 , the decomposition speed in the decomposition section 20 can be adjusted.

The dehydrator 17 adsorbs water in the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separator 14 . The dehydration unit 17 can dehydrate using, for example, an adsorbent such as silica gel. In this way, the water mixed in the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section 14 can be removed, so the energy consumption by the compression section 16 can be further reduced, and the energy consumption of the heat pump system 100A can be reduced. Efficiency can be further improved. The adsorbent is not limited to silica gel, and known adsorbents can be applied.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of the heat pump system 100B of the third embodiment. The heat pump system 100B of the third embodiment differs from the heat pump system 100 of the first embodiment in that the heat pump system 100B includes a compression section 16B instead of the compression section 16. As shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and the preceding description is referred to.

The compression section 16B includes an adsorption section having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing gas according to temperature changes, and a heat exchanger having a heat transfer channel through which a second heat medium that supplies heat to the adsorption section flows. Specifically, the mixing section 18 includes two adsorption sections (first adsorption section 51 and second adsorption section 52) and two heat exchangers (heat exchanger 61 and heat exchanger 62).

The second flow path 42 branches and includes a first branch flow path 421 connected to the first adsorption section 51 and a second branch flow path 422 connected to the second adsorption section 52 . An on-off valve V11 is provided in the first branch channel 421, and an on-off valve V13 is provided in the second branch channel 422, respectively. The fourth flow path 44 includes a first confluence flow path 441 that connects the first adsorption section 51 and the mixing section 18, and a second confluence flow path 442 that connects the second adsorption section 52 and the mixing section 18. Prepare. An on-off valve V12 is provided in the first confluence channel 441, and an on-off valve V14 is provided in the second confluence channel 442, respectively.

The control unit 90 has a function of a compression control unit capable of executing compression control of causing one of the two adsorption units to adsorb gas and simultaneously causing the other adsorption unit to desorb gas. Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the on-off valves V11 to V14 and the supply of the second heat medium to the heat exchanger 21 of the compression unit 16B, and controls the two adsorption units (the first adsorption unit 51 and the second adsorption unit 51). The adsorption unit 52) is caused to alternately adsorb and desorb gas.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which gas is adsorbed in the second adsorption section 52 and gas is desorbed in the first adsorption section 51 . The control unit 90 closes the on-off valve V11 and the on-off valve V14, and opens the on-off valve V12 and the on-off valve V13. Then, the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section 14 is supplied to the second adsorption section 52 via the second branch flow path 422 . At this time, the control unit 90 causes a coolant such as cooling water, for example, to flow as the second heat medium through the heat transfer flow path of the heat exchanger 62 . As a result, the heat of the second adsorption portion 52 is released, the inside of the second adsorption portion 52 is cooled, and the gas is adsorbed by the second adsorption portion 52 . On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 5, gas is adsorbed on the first adsorption portion 51 . The control unit 90 causes the heat transfer channel of the heat exchanger 61 to flow a heat medium such as factory exhaust gas or factory waste water as the second heat medium. As a result, the first adsorption portion 51 is heated and the gas adsorbed by the adsorbent of the first adsorption portion 51 is desorbed. As the gas adsorbed by the adsorbent in the first adsorption section 51 is released, the pressure is increased, and the pressurized gas can be supplied to the mixing section 18 .

After a predetermined period of time, the control unit 90 causes the second adsorption unit 52 to desorb the gas and causes the first adsorption unit 51 to adsorb the gas. Specifically, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valve V11 and the on-off valve V14, and closes the on-off valve V12 and the on-off valve V13. Then, a heat medium such as factory exhaust gas or factory wastewater is passed through the heat transfer channel of the heat exchanger 62 as the second heat medium, and the heat transfer channel of the heat exchanger 61 is supplied with the second heat medium such as, for example, Coolant such as cooling water is supplied. As a result, the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section 14 is adsorbed by the first adsorption section 51 , and the gas adsorbed by the second adsorption section 52 is pressurized and supplied to the mixing section 18 .

According to the heat pump system 100B of the present embodiment, high-temperature waste heat such as factory exhaust gas and factory wastewater is used as the second heat medium to flow through the heat transfer channel of the heat exchanger functioning as a heat absorption unit. Energy consumption efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where an electric compressor is used as the compression unit 16 .

An example in which the heat pump system 100B of the present embodiment is applied to an air conditioner will be described below.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing cold heat generation in the air conditioner 110B of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing heat generation in the air conditioner 110B. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the same components as in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the preceding description is referred to.

Also in the air conditioner 110B of this embodiment, cold heat and heat can be generated similarly to the air conditioner 110 of the first embodiment. In the air conditioner 110B, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the gas is repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed in the first adsorption section 51 and the second adsorption section 52, so that the compressed gas can be supplied to the mixing section 18. can. Therefore, according to the air conditioner 110B, for example, high-temperature exhaust heat such as factory exhaust gas and factory wastewater is used as the second heat medium to flow through the heat transfer flow path of the heat exchanger functioning as a heat absorption unit. Compared to using an electric compressor as the unit 16, energy consumption efficiency can be improved.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of the heat pump system 100C of the fourth embodiment. A heat pump system 100</b>C of the fourth embodiment differs from the heat pump system 100 of the first embodiment in that the heat pump system 100</b>C further includes a first reservoir 70 and a second reservoir 80 . The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and the preceding description is referred to.

The first reservoir 70 is connected to the generator 10 via the first reservoir channel 35 and is connected to the decomposer 20 via the second reservoir channel 36, and the heat medium sent from the generator 10 is can be stored at a predetermined temperature. A proportional valve V<b>21 is arranged in the first storage channel 35 and controlled by the control unit 90 to adjust the amount of heat medium stored in the first storage unit 70 . A proportional valve V<b>22 is also arranged in the second storage passage 36 and controlled by the control unit 90 to adjust the amount of heat medium delivered from the first storage unit 70 . The air conditioner 110</b>C also has a third storage channel 48 that connects the first channel 41 and the 31st channel 31 . An on-off valve V<b>23 is arranged in the third storage channel 48 .

The control unit 90 causes the first storage unit 70 to store at least part of the heat medium sent from the generation unit 10, and makes the temperature of the heat medium in the first storage unit 70 lower than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium. first storage control for setting the heat medium stored in the first storage section 70 to a first temperature, first cold heat generation control for causing the decomposition section 20 to decompose the heat medium stored in the first storage section 70, and heat medium sent from the generation section 10 to the decomposition section 20 can be executed (described later in detail). The control unit 90 functions as a cold heat generation control unit.

By setting the temperature of the heat medium in the first reservoir 70 to the first temperature lower than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium, the clathrate hydrate generated in the generator 10 is not decomposed, and the first reservoir is It can be stored in the unit 70 . Therefore, for example, the surplus amount of clathrate hydrate can be stored (cold storage) according to the required amount of clathrate hydrate, which fluctuates depending on the operating conditions and required load of the heat pump system. Further, in the first cold heat generation control, cold heat can be generated by decomposing the clathrate hydrate that has been stored. At this time, the heat medium (decomposed product) delivered from the decomposition unit 20 is not sent to the generation unit 10 but stored in the first storage unit 70 via the third storage channel 48 . When the clathrate hydrate stored in the first storage unit 70 is used for decomposition, the clathrate hydrate is not generated by the generation unit 10, so at least the energy consumption in the compression unit 16 can be reduced, and the heat pump The energy consumption efficiency of the system 100C can be improved. In addition, for example, by generating and storing the clathrate hydrate during a period such as nighttime when electricity is relatively inexpensive, the cost required for cold generation can be reduced.

Further, the control unit 90 stores at least part of the heat medium sent from the generation unit 10 in the first storage unit 70, and changes the temperature of the heat medium in the first storage unit 70 to the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium. second storage control for increasing the second temperature to a higher temperature; first thermal generation control for causing the heat medium stored in the first storage section 70 to flow into the generation section 10 to generate clathrate hydrate; a second thermal generation control for causing the generation unit 10 to supply the mixed liquid generated from the decomposed product sent from 20 to generate the clathrate hydrate by the generation unit 10 (described later in detail). described). The controller 90 also functions as a heat generation controller.

By setting the temperature of the heat medium in the first reservoir 70 to a second temperature higher than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium, the heat medium is decomposed into gas and water, and the multiphase decomposed product is stored in the first reservoir 70 . can be done. For example, depending on the required amount of clathrate hydrate, which varies depending on the operating conditions and required load of the heat pump system, the surplus amount of clathrate hydrate is stored at a second temperature, and the stored clathrate hydrate is Decomposed decomposition products can be stored. Since the heat medium (slurry containing the clathrate hydrate) delivered from the generation unit 10 has a high temperature and high pressure, the heat medium stored in the first storage unit 70 and containing the decomposed decomposed product is discharged from the decomposition unit. It has a higher pressure than the heat transfer medium (including decomposed products) sent out. Therefore, when the heat medium (decomposition product) stored in the first storage unit 70 is used to generate the clathrate hydrate by the generation unit 10 to generate heat, the compression unit 16 does not compress the clathrate water. Energy consumption can be reduced because a hydrate can be produced. In addition, for example, by generating and storing the clathrate hydrate during a period such as nighttime when electricity is relatively inexpensive, the cost required for hyperthermia generation can be reduced.

The second reservoir 80 is provided in the fourth reservoir channel 49 having both ends connected to the first channel 41 , and is configured to be able to store part of the heat medium delivered from the decomposer 20 . Also, the heat medium stored in the second storage section 80 can be returned to the first channel 41 via the fourth storage channel 49 . A proportional valve V24 is provided in the fourth storage channel 49 . The proportional valve V24 is controlled by the control unit 90, and the surplus decomposed product is stored in the second storage unit 80 via the fourth storage passage 49, thereby reducing the amount of gas and water supplied to the generation unit 10. can be adjusted.

The control unit 90 stores part of the heat medium sent from the decomposition unit 20 in the second storage unit 80 in the second cold heat generation control, and stores the heat stored in the second storage unit 80 in the first storage control. The media can be supplied to the generator 10 .

In the second heat generation control, the control unit 90 stores part of the heat medium sent from the decomposition unit 20 in the second storage unit 80, and in the second storage control, the heat medium is stored in the second storage unit 80. It is possible to supply the generated heat medium to the generation unit 10 .

Since the heat pump system 100C includes the second storage section 80, the decomposed product is stored or the stored decomposed product is used according to the required amount of the decomposed product that varies depending on the operating conditions and the required load of the heat pump system 100C. , can produce clathrate hydrates. Thereby, energy consumption efficiency can be improved.

An example in which the heat pump system 100C of the present embodiment is applied to an air conditioner will be described below.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the cold storage mode in the air conditioner 110C of this embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the temperature storage mode in the air conditioner 110C. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the first cold heat generation mode in the air conditioner 110C. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the second cold heat generation mode in the air conditioner 110C. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the first heat generation mode in the air conditioner 110C. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the second heat generation mode in the air conditioner 110C. 15 is a flow chart showing the flow of cold heat generation control in the control unit 90, and FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the flow of heat control in the control unit 90. As shown in FIG. 9 to 14, the same components as in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the preceding description is referred to.

As shown in FIG. 9, the air conditioner 110C of the present embodiment has the configuration of the air conditioner 110 of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), in addition to the above-described first reservoir 70, the first reservoir channel 35, It has a second reservoir channel 36 , a third reservoir channel 48 , a second reservoir 80 , a fourth reservoir channel 49 and a second reservoir 80 .

First, cold heat generation control in the air conditioner 110C will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 11, 12, and 15. FIG.

After starting cold heat generation control, the control unit 90 operates in the second cold heat generation mode in step S102 (FIG. 15). In other words, the second cold heat generation control described above is executed. The second cold heat generation mode is a so-called steady mode. In the second cold heat generation control, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V1, V2, V5, V6, and V27, and closes the proportional valves V21, V22 and the on-off valves V3, V4, V7, V8, and V23. (Fig. 12). The control unit 90 adjusts the opening degrees of the proportional valves V24 and V25 according to the operating conditions and required load of the air conditioner 110C, thereby adjusting the amount of heat medium. In the second cold heat generation mode, the heat medium sent from the first generation/decomposition unit 11a is the first flow path 41, the second flow path 42, the third flow path 43, the fourth flow path 44, and the fifth flow path. It flows into the second generation/decomposition section 13a through the path 45, and flows into the first generation/decomposition section 11a through the 31st flow path 31 and the 32nd flow path 32.

In step S104, control unit 90 compares the cooling load and the cooling threshold, and operates in the second cold heat generation mode until the cooling load becomes smaller than the cooling threshold (NO in step S104). When the cooling load becomes smaller than the cooling threshold (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S106. Here, the cooling load is calculated using, for example, the input set temperature, room temperature (detected value of the room temperature sensor), and cold heat generation efficiency. The cooling threshold value is set in advance to a value corresponding to the cooling load at night or in rainy weather, for example.

In step S106, it drives in cold storage mode. In other words, the first storage control described above is executed. In the first storage control, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V1, V2, V5, V6, and V27, and closes the proportional valves V22, V24, the on-off valves V3, V4, V7, V8, and V23 ( Figure 9). The control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V21 according to the operating conditions and required load of the air conditioner 110C, and causes the first storage unit 70 to store excess clathrate hydrate. In addition, the control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V25 to replenish the shortage of decomposed matter from the second storage unit 80 . In the cold storage mode, at least part of the clathrate hydrate produced in the second production/decomposition section 13 a is stored in the first storage section 70 via the first storage flow path 35 . The clathrate hydrate that is not stored in the first reservoir 70 flows into the first generation/decomposition section 11a via the 31st channel 31 and the 32nd channel 32 and is decomposed. The decomposed product passes through the second main flow path 40 to become a mixed liquid and flows into the second generation/decomposition section 13a. In the cold storage mode, the decomposed material stored in the second storage section 80 is returned to the first flow path 41 via the fourth storage flow path 49, passes through the second main flow path 40, becomes a mixed liquid, and becomes a liquid mixture. 2 Flows into the generation/decomposition section 13a to generate a clathrate hydrate. The control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V21 according to the required load. is stored in the first storage unit 70, and when the proportional valve V21 is partially open, a portion (surplus portion ) is stored in the first storage unit 70 . For example, when no cooling instruction is input, such as at night, the operation is performed in the cool storage mode, and all of the heat medium (clathrate hydrate) delivered from the second generation/decomposition unit 13a is stored in the first storage unit 70. may be stored in When operating in the cool storage mode, the controller 90 adjusts the temperature of the first reservoir 70 to the first temperature. The first temperature is a temperature lower than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium (a temperature at which the clathrate hydrate is not decomposed) and is predetermined. The first reservoir 70 can be cooled using, for example, refrigerant or wind. Therefore, it is preferable to set the first temperature in consideration of energy consumption. The first storage part 70 stores the heat medium at high pressure.

In step S108, the control unit 90 compares the cooling load and the cooling threshold, and operates in the cool storage mode until the cooling load reaches or exceeds the cooling threshold (NO in step S108). When the cooling load reaches or exceeds the cooling threshold (YES in step S108), the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the operation is performed in the first cooling heat generation mode (Fig. 15). In other words, the first cold heat generation control described above is executed. In the first cold heat generation mode, cold heat is generated using the stored heat medium. In the first cold heat generation control, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V2, V5, and V23, fully opens the proportional valves V21 and V22, and opens the on-off valves V1, V3, V4, V6, V7, V8, V27, Proportional valves V24 and V25 are closed (Fig. 11). In the first cold heat generation mode, the heat medium (clathrate hydrate) stored in the first storage section 70 flows into the first generation/decomposition section 11a through the second storage flow path 36 and the 32nd flow path 32. Then, it is decomposed in the first generation/decomposition section 11 a , and the decomposition products are stored in the first storage section 70 via the first channel 41 , the third storage channel 48 and the first storage channel 35 . In the first cold energy generation mode, the stored clathrate hydrate is used to generate cold energy by decomposing the clathrate hydrate. In the first cold energy generation mode, as shown in the figure, the heat medium circulates between the first generation/decomposition section 11a and the first storage section 70 and is decomposed. The ratio gradually decreases, the amount of heat absorbed in the first heat exchanger 11b decreases, and it becomes difficult to cool.

In step S112, control unit 90 compares the cooling load and the cooling threshold, and operates in the first cold heat generation mode until the cooling load reaches or exceeds the cooling threshold (NO in step S112). When the cooling load becomes equal to or greater than the cooling threshold (YES in step S112), the process proceeds to step S114. As described above, in the first cold heat generation mode, when the ratio of the clathrate hydrate in the heat medium decreases, the cold heat generation efficiency decreases and the cooling load increases.

In step S114, the operation is performed in the second cold heat generation mode (Fig. 15). In other words, the second cold heat generation control described above is executed. At step 114, the controller 90 performs the same control as at step S102, and the heat medium flows as shown in FIG.

Cold heat generation control is performed until an instruction to turn off the cooling power supply is input (NO in step S116), and when control unit 90 detects that the cooling power supply is turned off, the cold heat generation control ends. If the instruction to turn off the cooling power supply has not been input, the process returns to step S102.

Next, heat generation control in the air conditioner 110C will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 13, 14, and 16. FIG.

After starting the heat generation control, the controller 90 operates in the second heat generation mode in step T102 (FIG. 16). In other words, the second heat generation control described above is executed. The second mode of heat generation is the so-called stationary mode. In the second heat generation control, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V3, V4, V7, V8, and V27, and opens the proportional valves V21, V22, and V25 and the on-off valves V1, V2, V5, V6, V23, and V26. Close the valve (Fig. 14). The control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V24 according to the operating conditions and required load of the air conditioner 110C, stores the heat medium (decomposition product) delivered from the second generation/decomposition unit 13a, Adjust the amount of heat carrier. In the second heat generation mode, the heat medium sent from the first generation/decomposition section 11a passes through the 32nd flow path 32, the 34th flow path 34, the 31st flow path 31, and the 33rd flow path 33 to the second heat medium. It flows into the generation/decomposition part 13a, and the fifth flow path 45, the seventh flow path 47, the first flow path 41, the second flow path 42, the third flow path 43, the fourth flow path 44, and the sixth flow path 46. and flows into the first generation/decomposition unit 11a.

In step T104, control unit 90 compares the heating load and the heating threshold, and operates in the second heat generation mode until the heating load becomes smaller than the heating threshold (NO in step T104). When the heating load becomes smaller than the heating threshold (YET in step T104), the process proceeds to step T106. Here, the heating load is calculated using, for example, the input set temperature, room temperature (detected value of the room temperature sensor), and heat generation efficiency. The heating threshold value is set in advance to a value corresponding to the heating load at night or in fine weather, for example.

At step T106, the operation is performed in the temperature accumulation mode. In other words, the second storage control described above is executed. In the second storage control, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V3, V4, V7, V8, and V27, and closes the proportional valves V22, V24, the on-off valves V1, V2, V5, V6, and V23. (Fig. 10). The control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V21 according to the operating conditions and required load of the air conditioner 110C, and causes the first storage unit 70 to store excess clathrate hydrate. In addition, the control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V25 to replenish the shortage of decomposed matter from the second storage unit 80 . In the temperature accumulation mode, at least a portion of the clathrate hydrate produced in the first production/decomposition section 11 a is stored in the first storage section 70 via the first storage channel 35 . The clathrate hydrate that is not stored in the first storage section 70 flows into the second generation/decomposition section 13a via the 32nd flow path 32, the 34th flow path 34, the 31st flow path 31, and the 33rd flow path 33. is decomposed by The decomposition product passes through the fifth flow path 45, the seventh flow path 47, the first flow path 41, the second flow path 42, the third flow path 43, the fourth flow path 44, and the fifth flow path 45 to form the mixture. , and flows through the sixth flow path 46 into the first generation/decomposition section 11a. In addition, in the temperature storage mode, the decomposition product stored in the second storage section 80 is returned to the first flow path 41 via the fourth storage flow path 49, passes through the flow path described above, and becomes the mixed liquid. It flows into the 1 generation/decomposition section 11a to generate a clathrate hydrate. The control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V21 according to the required load. is stored in the first storage unit 70, and when the proportional valve V21 is partially open, a portion (surplus portion ) is stored in the first storage unit 70 . For example, when no heating instruction is input, such as at night, the operation is performed in the temperature accumulation mode, and all of the heat medium (clathrate hydrate) delivered from the first generation/decomposition section 11a is transferred to the first storage section. 70 may be stored. When operating in the temperature accumulation mode, the controller 90 adjusts the temperature of the first reservoir 70 to the second temperature. The second temperature is a temperature higher than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium (the temperature at which the clathrate hydrate is decomposed) and is predetermined. The first storage part 70 can be heated using, for example, a heat medium, a heating wire, or the like. The second temperature is preferably set in consideration of energy consumption. The first storage part 70 stores the heat medium at high pressure.

In step T108, control unit 90 compares the heating load and the heating threshold, and operates in the temperature accumulation mode until the heating load reaches or exceeds the heating threshold (NO in step T108). When the heating load reaches or exceeds the heating threshold (YES in step T108), the process proceeds to step T110.

At step T110, the air conditioner 110C operates in the first heat generation mode (FIG. 16). In other words, the controller 90 executes the first heat generation control described above. In the first heat generation mode, heat is generated using the stored heat medium. In the first heat generation control, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V2, V5, V23, and V26, fully opens the proportional valves V21 and V22, and opens the on-off valves V1, V3, V4, V6, V7, V8, and V27. , the proportional valves V24 and V25 and the pressure reducing section 24 are closed (FIG. 13). In the first heat generation mode, the heat medium (decomposition product) stored in the first storage section 70 passes through the second storage flow path 36, the 32nd flow path 32, and the 38th flow path 38 to the first generation/decomposition section. 11a. The decomposed product is stored at high pressure in the first storage section 70 and is not decompressed by the decompression section 24, and flows through the 38th flow path 38 into the first generation/decomposition section 11a. A clathrate hydrate is produced in the first generation/decomposition section 11a, and the clathrate hydrate passes through the first flow path 41, the third storage flow path 48, and the first storage flow path 35 to the first storage section 70. flow into, decompose and store. In the first heat generation mode, the stored decomposition products are used to generate heat by generating clathrate hydrates. In the first thermal generation mode, as shown in the figure, the heat medium circulates between the first generation/decomposition section 11a and the first storage section 70, and the clathrate hydrate is generated in the first generation/decomposition section 11a. Since it is generated and decomposed in the first reservoir 70, the proportion of the decomposed product in the heat medium gradually decreases, the amount of heat released in the first heat exchanger 11b decreases, and the heat cannot be heated.

In step T112, control unit 90 compares the heating load with the heating threshold, and operates in the first heat generation mode until the heating load reaches or exceeds the heating threshold (NO in step T112). When the heating load becomes equal to or greater than the heating threshold (YES in step T112), the process proceeds to step T114. As described above, in the first heat generation mode, when the ratio of decomposition products in the heat medium decreases, the heat generation efficiency decreases and the heating load increases.

In step T114, the operation is performed in the second heat generation mode (Fig. 16). In other words, the second heat generation control described above is executed. At step 114, the controller 90 performs the same control as at step T102, and the heat medium flows as shown in FIG.

Heat generation control is performed until an instruction to turn off the heating power supply is input (NO in step T116), and when control unit 90 detects that the heating power supply is turned off, the heat generation control ends. If the instruction to turn off the heating power supply has not been input, the process returns to step T102.

As described above, the air conditioner 110C of the present embodiment can also generate cold heat and heat similarly to the air conditioner 110 of the first embodiment. In the air conditioner 110C, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16, when the load (cooling load, heating load) is small or at night, the heat medium is stored in the first storage unit 70, and the stored heat is Since cold heat and heat can be generated using the medium, energy consumption efficiency can be improved compared to the case where the first storage section 70 is not provided. Moreover, since the second storage part 80 is provided and the decomposed product can be stored, the amount of the decomposed product can be adjusted according to the operating conditions and the required load.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the temperature storage mode in the air conditioner 110D of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the third heat generation mode in the air conditioner 110C. In addition to the configuration of the air conditioner 110C of the fourth embodiment, the air conditioner 110D of the fifth embodiment includes a second gas-liquid separator 91 that separates the heat medium in the first reservoir 70 from gas and liquid; and a third storage section 99 capable of storing water separated by the gas-liquid separation section 91 . The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as in the fourth embodiment, and the preceding description is referred to.

The control unit 90 causes the heat medium stored in the first storage unit 70 to flow into the second gas-liquid separation unit 91 by the second storage control, and separates the gas separated by the second gas-liquid separation unit 91 into the first gas-liquid separation unit 91 . A third storage control for storing the water returned to the storage section 70 and separated by the second gas-liquid separation section 91 in the third storage section 99 can be further executed. Further, the control unit 90 causes the gas to be supplied from the first storage unit 70 to the first generation/decomposition unit 11a (generation unit 10), and from the third storage unit 99 to the first generation/decomposition unit 11a (generation unit 10). Third thermal control for supplying water and generating clathrate hydrate by the first generation/decomposition unit 11a (generating unit 10) can be executed instead of the first thermal generation control described in the fourth embodiment. is.

In the air conditioner 110D, the control unit 90 performs the above-described second storage control and third storage control in step T106 of the heat generation control shown in FIG. Then, the third heat generation control is performed.

At step T106, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V3, V4, V7, V8, V27, V91 and V92, and closes the proportional valves V22 and V24 and the on-off valves V1, V2, V5, V6, V23 and V93. valve (Fig. 17). The control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V21 according to the operating conditions and required load of the air conditioner 110C, and causes the first storage unit 70 to store excess clathrate hydrate. In addition, the control unit 90 adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve V25 to replenish the shortage of decomposed matter from the second storage unit 80 . In the temperature accumulation mode, at least part of the heat medium containing the clathrate hydrate generated in the first generation/decomposition section 11a is stored in the first storage section 70 via the first storage passage 35. . The heat medium stored in the first storage section 70 flows into the second gas-liquid separation section 91 through the 92nd flow path 92, and the separated gas flows through the 93rd flow path 93 into the first storage unit. The water that has been returned to the unit 70 and separated into gas and liquid is stored in the third storage unit 99 via the 94th flow path 94 . The clathrate hydrate that is not stored in the first storage section 70 flows into the second generation/decomposition section 13a and is decomposed as described in step T106 of the fourth embodiment. Further, the decomposed product flowing out from the second generation/decomposition unit 13a flows into the first generation/decomposition unit 11a to generate a clathrate hydrate, as described in step T106 of the fourth embodiment. The third reservoir 99 of the present embodiment is also called "water reservoir", and the first reservoir 70 is also called "gas reservoir".

In the temperature storage mode, as in the fourth embodiment, the temperature of the first reservoir 70 is controlled to the second temperature higher than the phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium (the temperature at which the clathrate hydrate is decomposed). be done. Therefore, the clathrate hydrate stored in the first reservoir 70 is decomposed. However, depending on the relationship between temperature and pressure, a clathrate hydrate may be generated from the decomposition product in the first reservoir 70 . According to the air conditioner 110D of the present embodiment, the heat medium in the first storage section 70 is separated into gas and liquid, and gas and water are separately stored. can be suppressed.

At step T110, the air conditioner 110D operates in the third heat generation mode. In other words, the controller 90 executes the third heat generation control. In the third heat generation control, the control unit 90 opens the on-off valves V2, V5, V23 and V26, fully opens the proportional valves V21 and V22, and opens the on-off valves V1, V3, V4, V6, V7, V8 and V27. , the proportional valves V24 and V25 and the pressure reducing section 24 are closed (FIG. 18). In the third heat generation mode, the gas stored in the first storage section 70 flows through the second storage passage 36, the 32nd passage 32, and the 38th passage 38 into the first generation/decomposition section 11a. The gas is stored at a high pressure in the first storage section 70, is not decompressed by the decompression section 24, and flows through the 38th flow path 38 into the first generation/decomposition section 11a. The clathrate hydrate produced in the first production/decomposition unit 11a flows into the first storage unit 70, is decomposed and stored, as described in step T106 of the fourth embodiment. In the third heat generation mode, the heat medium stored in the first reservoir 70 and the water stored in the third reservoir 99 are used to generate clathrate hydrate to generate heat. In the third thermal generation mode, as shown in the figure, the heat medium circulates between the first generation/decomposition section 11a and the first storage section 70, and the clathrate hydrate is generated in the first generation/decomposition section 11a. It is generated and stored in the first storage section 70 . Since the heat medium stored in the first storage section 70 is not gas-liquid separated by the second gas-liquid separation section 91, when the clathrate hydrate is generated in the first storage section 70, the first generation/decomposition section 11a As a result, the amount of heat released from the first heat exchanger 11b decreases, and the heat cannot be warmed.

According to the air conditioner 110D of the present embodiment, the clathrate hydrate can be generated using separately stored gas and water, so compared to the air conditioner 110C of the fourth embodiment, , can generate hyperthermia using a heat transfer medium that has been stored for a long period of time. Therefore, energy consumption efficiency can be further improved.

<Modification of this embodiment>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the following modifications are possible.

The decompression section 24 may be provided in the first main flow path 30 through which the heat medium flows from the generation section 10 to the decomposition section 20, or may be provided in the second main flow path 40 through which the heat medium flows from the decomposition section 20 to the generation section 10. It may be provided between the section 20 and the first gas-liquid separation section 14 . Further, the decomposition section 20 may include the decompression section 24 , and the compression section 16 may include the decompression section 24 . Also in this way, the pressure in the decomposition section 20 can be reduced, and the decomposition of the clathrate hydrate in the decomposition section 20 can be promoted.

- In the above-described second embodiment, an example in which the heat pump system includes the slurry pump 26 was shown, but the slurry pump 26 may be included in the heat pump systems of the third to fifth embodiments.

- In the second embodiment, the heat pump system includes the dewatering unit 17, but the heat pump system of the third to fifth embodiments may include the dehydrating unit 17.

- In the heat pump system 100B of the third embodiment, an example in which the compression unit 16B includes two adsorption units (the first adsorption unit 51 and the second adsorption unit 52) is shown, but the number of adsorption units is reduced to two. It is not limited, and may be three or more, or may be one.

In the heat pump system 100B of the third embodiment, the two adsorption units (the first adsorption unit 51 and the second adsorption unit 52) alternately repeat adsorption and desorption of gas, and the continuously compressed gas is supplied to the mixing unit. 18 has been shown, the compressed gas may be supplied intermittently.

The heat pump system 100B of the third embodiment may include a gas transport device (blower) that transports gas at high pressure and forcibly sends it to the adsorption units (the first adsorption unit 51 and the second adsorption unit 52). . By doing so, even when water vapor remains in the gas separated in the first gas-liquid separation section 14, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the adsorption speed.

- The compression unit 16B of the third embodiment may be applied to the heat pump systems of the fourth and fifth embodiments.

- In the above fourth and fifth embodiments, the heat pump system stores the heat medium and uses the stored heat medium to generate cold heat and heat. Therefore, it may be configured to generate either cold heat or hot heat. For example, when applied to a cooling device (heat sink, etc.), a refrigerating device, etc., heat generation using the stored heat medium may be performed only as cold heat. , a dewatering device, a snow melting device, a drying device, etc., the heat generation using the stored heat medium may be only heating.

- In the above-described fourth and fifth embodiments, an example in which the temperature inside the second storage section 80 is not controlled was shown, but the second storage section 80 may be configured to be temperature controllable. In this way, the generation of clathrate hydrate from the decomposition products stored in the second storage part 80 can be suppressed appropriately.

In the fifth embodiment, an example was shown in which the heat medium (clathrate hydrate) is stored at the first temperature and the heat medium (decomposition product) is stored at the second temperature in the first storage unit 70. Alternatively, a low-temperature storage section for storing the heat medium (clathrate hydrate) at the first temperature and a high-temperature storage section for storing the heat medium (decomposition product) at the second temperature may be separately provided.

- In the above-described fourth and fifth embodiments, the second storage section 80 may be omitted.

- In the fifth embodiment, the example of returning the gas separated by the second gas-liquid separation unit 91 to the first storage unit 70 was shown, but the gas separated by the second gas-liquid separation unit 91 is stored. A reservoir may be provided separately. In the case where the air conditioner 110D is provided with a gas reservoir, in the third thermal generation mode, the gas in the gas reservoir and the water in the third reservoir 99 are used to generate the clathrate hydrate. preferably.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. This invention may be modified and modified without departing from its spirit and scope of the claims, and this invention includes equivalents thereof. Also, if the technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Generation part 11a... 1st generation/decomposition part 11b... 1st heat exchanger 12... Radiation part 13a... 2nd generation/decomposition part 13b... 2nd heat exchanger 14... 1st gas-liquid separation part 15... Liquid sending Pumps 16, 16B Compression section 17 Dehydration section 18 Mixing section 20 Decomposition section 21 Heat exchanger 22 Heat absorption section 24 Decompression section 26 Slurry pump 30-38, 40-49, 92-94, 421- 442... Flow path 51... First adsorption part 52... Second adsorption part 61, 62... Heat exchanger 70... First storage part 80... Second storage part 90... Control part 91... Second gas-liquid separation part 99... Second 3 Storage Units 100, 100A, 100B, 100C... Heat pump system 110, 110B, 110C, 110D... Air conditioner

Claims (10)

A heat pump system in which a heat medium transports heat by repeating a decomposition process and a generation process of a clathrate hydrate,
a generation unit into which a mixture of gas and water is flowed to generate a clathrate hydrate;
a decomposition unit in which the clathrate hydrate is decomposed and a decomposition product that is a mixed phase of gas and water is delivered;
a first main flow path through which the heat medium flows from the generation section to the decomposition section;
a second main flow path through which the heat medium flows from the decomposition section to the generation section;
a heat radiating section that dissipates heat from the heat medium by exchanging heat between the heat medium in the generating section and a heat source outside the heat pump system;
a decompression unit that decompresses the heat medium in the decomposition unit;
a heat-absorbing section that causes the heat medium to absorb heat by exchanging heat between the heat medium in the decomposition section and a heat source outside the heat pump system;
a first gas-liquid separation unit connected to the decomposition unit via the second main flow path, and performing gas-liquid separation of the decomposed product delivered from the decomposition unit;
a compression unit connected to the first gas-liquid separation unit via the second main flow path and configured to compress the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation unit;
water connected to the first gas-liquid separation section, the compression section, and the generation section through the second main flow path, separated by the first gas-liquid separation section and flowing in without passing through the compression section ; a mixing section that mixes the gas compressed by the compression section to generate the liquid mixture and supplies the liquid mixture to the generation section through the second main flow path ;
with
The second main flow path is
a second flow path connecting the first gas-liquid separation section and the compression section, through which the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation section flows;
a third flow path connecting the first gas-liquid separation section and the mixing section without passing through the compression section, through which water separated by the first gas-liquid separation section flows;
including,
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to claim 1,
further comprising a transport pump disposed in the first main flow path and transporting the heat medium;
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to claim 1 or claim 2,
Further comprising a dehydration unit disposed between the first gas-liquid separation unit and the compression unit and adsorbing water in the gas separated by the first gas-liquid separation unit,
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The compressing section is
an adsorption unit having an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing the gas according to a change in temperature;
a heat transfer channel through which a second heat medium that supplies heat to the adsorption unit flows,
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to claim 4,
The compressing section is
a plurality of the suction units;
and a plurality of heat transfer channels respectively corresponding to the plurality of adsorption units,
The heat pump system is
Further comprising a compression control unit capable of executing compression control for causing some of the plurality of adsorption units to adsorb the gas and simultaneously desorbing the gas to the other part of the adsorption units,
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
a low-temperature storage section capable of storing the heat medium delivered from the generation section at a first temperature lower than a phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium;
a cold heat generation control unit that controls cold heat generation in the heat pump system;
furthermore,
The cold heat generation control unit
a first storage control for causing at least part of the heat medium sent from the generation unit to be stored in the low-temperature storage unit and setting the temperature of the heat medium in the low-temperature storage unit to the first temperature;
a first cold heat generation control for causing the decomposition section to decompose the heat medium stored in the low temperature storage section;
a second cold heat generation control for causing the decomposition unit to decompose the heat medium sent from the generation unit;
is executable and
switching between the first cold heat generation control and the second cold heat generation control;
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to claim 6,
comprising a decomposed product storage unit capable of storing a portion of the heat medium delivered from the decomposition unit;
The cold heat generation control unit
in the second cold heat generation control, part of the heat medium sent from the decomposition unit is stored in the decomposition product storage unit;
In the first storage control, the heat medium stored in the decomposed product storage unit can be supplied to the generation unit.
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
a high-temperature storage section capable of storing the heat medium delivered from the generation section at a second temperature higher than a phase equilibrium temperature of the heat medium;
a heat generation control unit that controls heat generation in the heat pump system;
furthermore,
The heat generation control unit
a second storage control for storing at least part of the heat medium sent from the generation unit in the high-temperature storage and setting the temperature of the heat medium in the high-temperature storage to the second temperature;
first thermal generation control for causing the heat medium stored in the high-temperature storage section to flow into the generation section to generate the clathrate hydrate;
a second thermal generation control for supplying the mixed liquid generated from the decomposed product delivered from the decomposition unit to the generation unit to generate the clathrate hydrate by the generation unit;
is executable and
switching between the first heat generation control and the second heat generation control;
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to claim 8,
comprising a decomposed product storage unit capable of storing a portion of the heat medium delivered from the decomposition unit;
The heat generation control unit
in the second heat generation control, part of the heat medium sent from the decomposition unit is stored in the decomposed product storage unit;
In the second storage control, the heat medium stored in the decomposed product storage unit can be supplied to the generation unit.
heat pump system. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 8 and 9,
a second gas-liquid separator that separates the heat medium in the high-temperature reservoir from liquid to gas;
a gas storage section capable of storing the gas separated by the second gas-liquid separation section;
a water storage section capable of storing water separated by the second gas-liquid separation section;
furthermore,
The control unit
The heat medium in the high-temperature storage section is caused to flow into the second gas-liquid separation section, the gas separated by the second gas-liquid separation section is stored in the gas storage section, and the second gas-liquid separation section is It is possible to further execute a third storage control for storing the water separated by the water storage unit,
third thermal control for supplying the gas from the gas storage unit to the generation unit, supplying water from the water storage unit to the generation unit, and generating the clathrate hydrate by the generation unit; 1 can be executed instead of thermal control,
heat pump system.

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