JP7330088B2 - Liquid piston device and liquid piston operating method - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to liquid piston devices and liquid piston operating methods.

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

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

It is difficult to operate a compressor that has moving parts such as a rotating mechanism without maintenance. Also, when compressing a combustible gas such as hydrogen, it is necessary to avoid contact with air, so it is necessary to improve the sealing performance of the entire system. However, since a compressor having moving parts requires many sealing members, measures against leaks are troublesome.

The embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid piston technology capable of compressing or sucking gas and improving maintainability and sealing performance. do.

A liquid piston device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a container, at least a part of which is cylindrical, containing a conductive liquid, and moving the conductive liquid from one end to the other end inside the container. The volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion in which the conductive liquid is accommodated changes according to the movement of the conductive liquid, and the gas enters the inner space according to this change. At least part of the container is a double cylinder, and the electromagnetic pump is provided corresponding to the double cylinder.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid piston technology capable of compressing or aspirating gas and improving maintainability and sealing.

Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus in the state which excited the electromagnetic pump. III-III sectional view of FIG. 1 showing the liquid piston device. 4 is a flow chart showing a method of operating a liquid piston according to the first embodiment; Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 5th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 6th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus in the state which excited the electromagnetic pump. 11 is a flow chart showing a method of operating a liquid piston according to the sixth embodiment; Sectional drawing which shows the liquid piston apparatus of 7th Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid piston device in which the conductive liquid is moved in the opposite direction;

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

Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes the liquid piston device of the first embodiment. In 1st Embodiment, the form which the liquid piston apparatus 1 is used as a compressor (gas compressor) which compresses the gas G (gas) is illustrated. This liquid piston device 1 does not have moving parts such as a rotating mechanism, and is a highly sealed gas compressor.

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

The container 2 is a cylindrical member. The container 2 has a cylindrical axis extending in the vertical direction. One end of the cylindrical container 2 is the lower end and the other end is the upper end. That is, the other end of the container 2 is provided at a higher position than the one end. Note that other modes may be used as long as the other end of the container 2 is provided at a higher position than the one end. For example, the axis of the cylinder of the container 2 may be tilted obliquely. Note that the container 2 may have a tubular shape extending in the vertical direction. For example, the container 2 may have a rectangular tubular shape.

The container 2 contains a conductive liquid L, which is a conductive liquid. Examples of the conductive liquid L include metals such as sodium, sodium-potassium alloy, lead viscous, and mercury. Moreover, the conductive liquid L does not have to be a metal, and a liquid other than a metal can be used as the conductive liquid L as long as it has conductivity. When a substance having a melting point higher than room temperature is used as the conductive liquid L, the container 2 may be provided with a heater for heating the substance and maintaining the liquid state.

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

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

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

A plurality of coils 11 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. For example, six stages of coils 11 are arranged along the vertical direction. A unit of three stages of coils 11 on the lower side and a unit of three stages of coils 11 on the upper side are provided.

At least three stages of coils 11 may be vertically arranged in the electromagnetic pump 3 . In this embodiment, a three-phase alternating current is passed through the coil 11 from the power supply 7 . The conductive liquid L can be moved by a magnetic field generated by energizing these coils 11 .

For example, when the three coils 11 of the lower, middle and upper stages are arranged side by side, alternating currents with a phase difference of 120° are supplied to the coils 11 . When this three-phase alternating current flows, a moving magnetic field is generated around each coil 11, and this moving magnetic field passes through the conductive liquid L inside the container 2, thereby generating an induced current. The electro-conductive liquid L can be moved along the axial direction of the electromagnetic pump 3 (container 2) using the electromagnetic force generated by the interaction between the induced current and the magnetic field.

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

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

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

The magnetic flux converging in the outer iron core 12 is induced to the inner iron core 12 . Furthermore, the magnetic flux converging in the inner iron core 12 is induced to the outer iron core 12 . In this way, a high magnetic field can be applied to the conductive liquid L existing between the iron cores 12 .

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

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is not energized. In this state, the conductive liquid L descends due to gravity, and the conductive liquid L is accommodated in approximately half the area inside the container 2 . For example, an inner space 13 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is generated in the upper half region inside the container 2 . In the following description, a hollow portion in which the conductive liquid L is not contained inside the container 2 is referred to as an inner space 13 .

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

In the liquid piston device 1, the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 other than the portion containing the conductive liquid L changes as the conductive liquid L moves. For example, if the volume of the inner space 13 is reduced by raising the conductive liquid L, the gas G in the inner space 13 can be compressed.

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

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

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

That is, the container 2 is used as a substitute for the cylinder, and the conductive liquid L is used as a substitute for the piston. Then, the electro-magnetic force of the electro-magnetic pump 3 is used to cause the conductive liquid L to perform a piston movement. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a movable part such as a rotating mechanism, and the maintainability of the liquid piston device 1 can be improved. Furthermore, since the conventional cylinder and piston can be eliminated, the number of parts for the seal member can be reduced. Therefore, the sealing performance of the entire liquid piston device 1 can be improved.

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

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

The inlet valve 4 and the outlet valve 5 are provided to allow the gas G to flow in and out of the inner space 13 of the container 2 according to changes in the volume of the inner space 13 . Note that the entry and exit of the gas G is at least one of intake and exhaust.

A dump tank 6 is provided close to the container 2 . A lower end of the dump tank 6 communicates with a lower end (one end) of the container 2 via a communication pipe 14 . The dump tank 6 communicates with one end of the container 2 and accommodates the conductive liquid L in a state in which it can enter and exit the container 2 . This makes it easier for the conductive liquid L to move inside the container 2 .

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

An inner space 15 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is generated in the upper half region inside the dump tank 6 . A vent 16 is provided at the upper end of the dump tank 6 to allow the inert gas to flow into and out of the inner space 15 of the dump tank 6 . Since the inert gas can freely flow into and out of the dump tank 6 through the ventilation part 16, the inside of the dump tank 6 does not become negative pressure or positive pressure according to the movement of the conductive liquid L. can be done. If the conductive liquid L is a substance that is inactive in contact with air, the air may enter and exit through the ventilation section 16 .

A power supply 7 supplies power to each coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 via a power line 17 . Although power lines are not particularly shown, power may be supplied from the power source 7 to the inlet valve 4, the outlet valve 5, and the controller 8.

The control unit 8 controls the liquid piston device 1 in an integrated manner. For example, the controller 8 controls the electromagnetic pump 3 , the inlet valve 4 and the outlet valve 5 . Also, the control unit 8 may control the power output from the power supply 7 .

The control unit 8 of the present embodiment comprises a computer that has hardware resources such as a processor and memory, and whose CPU executes various programs to implement information processing by software using hardware resources. . Furthermore, the liquid piston operating method of the present embodiment is implemented by causing a computer to execute various programs.

Next, the liquid piston operating method executed by the liquid piston device 1 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. The operation of the liquid piston device 1 will be described including the effects that are passively generated.

First, in step S<b>11 , the controller 8 opens the inlet valve 4 and closes the outlet valve 5 .

In the next step S<b>12 , the controller 8 stops exciting the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 . Here, the conductive liquid L moves from the upper end (the other end) of the container 2 toward the lower end (one end) due to gravity. This movement of the conductive liquid L expands the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 (see FIG. 1). That is, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L drops inside the container 2, and the pressure in the inner space 13 drops. A part of the conductive liquid L flows into the dump tank 6 from the container 2 .

In the next step S<b>13 , the gas G is sucked into the inner space 13 of the container 2 from the outside through the inlet valve 4 . For example, by expanding the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2, the pressure of the inner space 13 becomes negative and the gas G is sucked. Alternatively, the gas G may be fed into the container 2 at a predetermined pressure from the outside.

In the next step S14, the controller 8 closes the inlet valve 4 and opens the outlet valve 5. As shown in FIG.

In the next step S<b>15 , the controller 8 excites the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 . Here, an alternating magnetic field is generated by supplying a three-phase alternating current from the power supply 7 to the electromagnetic pump 3 . This alternating magnetic field causes the conductive liquid L to move from the lower end (one end) of the container 2 toward the upper end (the other end). This movement of the conductive liquid L reduces the volume of the inner space 13 of the container 2 (see FIG. 2). That is, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L rises, and the pressure of the gas G in the inner space 13 increases. Then, the gas G in the inner space 13 of the container 2 can be compressed. A part of the conductive liquid L flows from the dump tank 6 into the container 2 .

In the next step S<b>16 , the gas G is exhausted from the inner space 13 of the container 2 to the outside through the outlet valve 5 . Then, the process returns to step S11.

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

In step S16, the outlet valve 5 is closed while the liquid level of the conductive liquid L rises, and when the pressure of the gas G in the inner space 13 reaches or exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the outlet valve 5 may be released. By doing so, it is possible to exhaust the high-pressure gas G having a predetermined value or more to the outside. Then, the outlet valve 5 may be closed when the pressure of the gas G in the inner space 13 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1A and the liquid piston operating method of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Note that the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 5 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1A.

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

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

(Third embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1B and the liquid piston operating method of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Note that the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 6 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1B.

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

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

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1C and the liquid piston operating method of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Note that the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 7 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1C.

In the fourth embodiment, a heat exchanger 18 is provided inside the dump tank 6 . The heat exchanger 18 is provided at a position where the conductive liquid L can be contacted. A heat radiator 19 connected to a heat exchanger 18 is provided outside the dump tank 6 . Furthermore, a refrigerant pipe 20 is provided for circulating the refrigerant between the heat exchanger 18 and the heat radiating portion 19 .

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

In the fourth embodiment, since the dump tank 6 is provided with the heat exchanger 18 , the conductive liquid L stored in the dump tank 6 can be dissipated. Specifically, the heat exchanger 18 absorbs heat from the conductive liquid L, and the heat radiating section 19 radiates the heat to the outside. That is, even if heat is generated by the compression of the gas G and heat is accumulated in the conductive liquid L, the heat can be removed by the heat exchanger 18 .

Note that the heat exchanger 18 may be provided in another portion as long as it is in contact with the conductive liquid L. FIG. For example, the heat exchanger 18 may be provided in the communication pipe 14 that connects the container 2 and the dump tank 6 .

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1D and the liquid piston operating method of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Note that the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 8 will be described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1D.

In the fifth embodiment, a heat conducting plate 21 is provided inside the container 2 . The heat exchanger 18 is provided at a position where the conductive liquid L can be contacted. A heat radiating portion 22 connected to a heat conductive plate 21 is provided outside the container 2 . Furthermore, a heat pipe 23 is provided for transferring heat from the heat conducting plate 21 to the heat radiating portion 22 .

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

In the fifth embodiment, the heat conducting plate 21 radiates the heat of the gas G contained in the inner space 13 of the container 2 . Gas G will accumulate heat as it is compressed. This heat can be removed by the heat conducting plate 21 . Since heat can be removed directly from the gas G, heat can be released in a short time. Note that the thermal conductivity of the heat conductive plate 21 is higher than that of the conductive liquid L, with which heat is transferred from the gas G. As shown in FIG.

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

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1E and the liquid piston operation method of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. 9 and 10 are described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1E.

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

The liquid piston device 1</b>E includes a first container 24 , a second container 25 , an electromagnetic pump 3 , an inlet valve 4 , an outlet valve 5 , a power supply 7 and a controller 8 . In addition, in 6th Embodiment, two containers, the 1st container 24 and the 2nd container 25, are provided. Also, unlike the first embodiment described above, the dump tank 6 (see FIG. 1) is not provided.

The first container 24 is a cylindrical member. The first container 24 has a cylindrical axis extending in the vertical direction. One end of the cylindrical first container 24 is the lower end, and the other end is the upper end. That is, the other end of the first container 24 is provided at a higher position than the one end.

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

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

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is not energized. In this state, the conductive liquid L descends due to gravity, and the conductive liquid L is contained in about half the area inside the first container 24 . For example, a first internal space 26 in which the conductive liquid L is not contained is generated in the upper half region inside the first container 24 . In the following description, a hollow portion in which the conductive liquid L is not contained inside the first container 24 is referred to as a first internal space 26 .

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

The second container 25 is a cylindrical member. The second container 25 has a cylindrical axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, the second container 25 is formed as a single tube over the entire vertical direction. This second container 25 is provided close to the first container 24 . The lower end of the second container 25 communicates with the lower end (one end) of the first container 24 via a communicating pipe 28 . The second container 25 is communicated with one end of the first container 24 and accommodates the conductive liquid L in such a manner that it can enter and exit the first container 24 . That is, the first container 24 and the second container 25 are integrated by the communicating pipe 28 .

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

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

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

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

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

The ventilation part 16 is provided at the upper end of the first container 24 . The ventilation part 16 can allow the inert gas to enter and exit the first inner space 26 of the first container 24 . Since the inert gas can freely flow into and out of the first container 24 through the ventilation part 16, the pressure inside the first container 24 becomes negative or positive according to the movement of the conductive liquid L. can be prevented. If the conductive liquid L is a substance that is inactive in contact with air, the air may enter and exit through the ventilation section 16 .

Next, the liquid piston operating method executed by the liquid piston device 1E will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. A description will be given including the effects passively caused by the operation of the liquid piston device 1E.

First, in step S<b>21 , the control unit 8 opens the inlet valve 4 and closes the outlet valve 5 .

In the next step S22, the controller 8 excites the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3. As shown in FIG. Here, an alternating magnetic field is generated by supplying a three-phase alternating current from the power supply 7 to the electromagnetic pump 3 . This alternating magnetic field causes the conductive liquid L to move from the lower end (one end) of the first container 24 toward the upper end (the other end). At this time, the conductive liquid L flows into the first container 24 from the second container 25 . Then, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 25 is lowered, and the volume of the second internal space 27 is expanded (see FIG. 10).

In the next step S23, the gas G is sucked into the second internal space 27 of the second container 25 from the outside through the inlet valve 4. As shown in FIG. For example, by increasing the volume of the second internal space 27 of the second container 25, the pressure of the second internal space 27 becomes low and the gas G is sucked.

In the next step S24, the controller 8 closes the inlet valve 4 and opens the outlet valve 5. As shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, the liquid piston device 1F and the liquid piston operation method of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 13. FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. 12 and 13 are described as the upper side of the liquid piston device 1F.

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

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

The first container 29 is a cylindrical member. The first container 29 has a cylindrical axis extending in the horizontal direction. One end and the other end of the cylindrical first container 29 are provided at the same height position. 12 and 13, the right side of the paper surface is the one end side of the first container 29, and the left side of the paper surface is the other end side of the first container 29. As shown in FIG.

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

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

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

The second container 30 is a cylindrical member. The second container 30 has a cylindrical axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, the second container 30 is formed as a single tube over the entire vertical direction. The second container 30 is provided close to one end of the first container 29 . A lower end of the second container 30 communicates with one end of the first container 29 via a communicating pipe 34 . The second container 30 is communicated with one end of the first container 29 and accommodates the conductive liquid L in such a manner that it can enter and exit the first container 29 .

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

The third container 31 is a cylindrical member. The third container 31 has a cylindrical axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, the third container 31 is formed as a single tube over the entire vertical direction. The third container 31 is provided close to the other end side of the first container 29 . A lower end of the third container 31 communicates with the other end of the first container 29 via a communicating pipe 35 . The third container 31 is communicated with the other end of the first container 29 and accommodates the conductive liquid L in such a manner that it can enter and exit the first container 29 .

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

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

As shown in FIG. 13 , when the conductive liquid L flows forward inside the first container 29 , the conductive liquid L flows into the first container 29 from the second container 30 . At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the second container 30 is lowered, and the volume of the second internal space 32 is expanded. Also, the conductive liquid L flows into the third container 31 from the first container 29 . At this time, the liquid level of the conductive liquid L inside the third container 31 rises, and the volume of the third internal space 33 shrinks.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, in the first to sixth embodiments, the conductive liquid L is dropped by gravity when the excitation of the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3 is stopped. For example, by appropriately adjusting the three-phase alternating current that excites the coil 11 of the electromagnetic pump 3, an alternating magnetic field is applied in the direction in which the conductive liquid L falls, and in addition to gravity, electromagnetic force is used to move the conductive liquid L. You can drop it.

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

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F)... liquid piston device, 2 (2B)... container, 3 (3A, 3B)... electromagnetic pump, 4... inlet valve, 5... outlet valve, 6... dump tank , 7... Power source, 8... Control unit, 9... Double tube, 10... Single tube, 11... Coil, 12... Iron core, 13... Inner space, 14... Communicating pipe, 15... Inner space, 16... Ventilation part, 17 Power line 18 Heat exchanger 19 Heat radiation part 20 Refrigerant pipe 21 Heat conduction plate 22 Heat radiation part 23 Heat pipe 24 First container 25 Second container 26 Second 1 inner space, 27... second inner space, 28... communicating pipe, 29... first container, 30... second container, 31... third container, 32... second inner space, 33... third inner space, 34, 35... Communication tube, G... Gas, L... Conductive liquid.

Claims (12)

a container, at least a part of which has a cylindrical shape and contains a conductive liquid;
an electromagnetic pump that generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid from one end to the other inside the container;
a valve that changes the volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion containing the conductive liquid according to the movement of the conductive liquid, and allows gas to flow in and out of the inner space according to this change;
with
At least part of the container is a double cylinder, and the electromagnetic pump is provided corresponding to the double cylinder part.
Liquid piston device. a container, at least a part of which has a cylindrical shape and contains a conductive liquid;
an electromagnetic pump that generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid from one end to the other inside the container;
a valve that changes the volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion containing the conductive liquid according to the movement of the conductive liquid, and allows gas to flow in and out of the inner space according to this change;
a dump tank that communicates with the one end of the container and stores the conductive liquid in a state in which the conductive liquid can enter and exit the container;
a heat exchanger provided inside the dump tank for dissipating heat from the conductive liquid contained in the dump tank;
comprising
Liquid piston device. a container, at least a part of which has a cylindrical shape and contains a conductive liquid;
an electromagnetic pump that generates an alternating magnetic field that moves the conductive liquid from one end to the other inside the container;
a valve that changes the volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion containing the conductive liquid according to the movement of the conductive liquid, and allows gas to flow in and out of the inner space according to this change;
a heat conduction plate provided inside the container for dissipating heat from the gas contained in the inner space;
comprising a
Liquid piston device. The other end of the container is provided at a position higher than the one end,
When the generation of the alternating magnetic field is stopped, the conductive liquid moves from the other end toward the one end due to gravity, and the volume of the inner space changes. moving the gas in and out of the inner space;
A liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The electromagnetic pump comprises an iron core that converges the alternating magnetic field,
A liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The electromagnetic pump is a double stator type in which coils are provided outside and inside the double cylinder portion,
A liquid piston device according to claim 1 . The electromagnetic pump is a single stator type in which a coil is provided only outside the container,
A liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . When the conductive liquid is moved from the one end toward the other end by the alternating magnetic field, the volume of the inner space is reduced and the gas is exhausted from the inner space.
A liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . When the conductive liquid is moved from the one end toward the other end by the alternating magnetic field, the volume of the inner space expands and the gas is attracted into the inner space.
A liquid piston device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . generating an alternating magnetic field within a container that is at least partially cylindrical and contains a conductive liquid, and that causes the conductive liquid to move from one end to the other;
a step of changing the volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion containing the conductive liquid in accordance with the movement of the conductive liquid, and allowing gas to flow into and out of the inner space according to this change;
including
At least part of the container is a double cylinder, and the alternating magnetic field is generated by an electromagnetic pump provided corresponding to the double cylinder part.
Liquid piston operation method. generating an alternating magnetic field within a container that is at least partially cylindrical and contains a conductive liquid, and that causes the conductive liquid to move from one end to the other;
a step of changing the volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion containing the conductive liquid in accordance with the movement of the conductive liquid, and allowing gas to flow into and out of the inner space according to this change;
causing the conductive liquid to flow into and out of the container by means of a dump tank communicating with the one end of the container and containing the conductive liquid;
a step of radiating heat from the conductive liquid contained in the dump tank by a heat exchanger provided inside the dump tank;
including,
Liquid piston operation method. generating an alternating magnetic field within a container that is at least partially cylindrical and contains a conductive liquid, and that causes the conductive liquid to move from one end to the other;
a step of changing the volume of the inner space of the container other than the portion containing the conductive liquid in accordance with the movement of the conductive liquid, and allowing gas to flow into and out of the inner space according to this change;
a step of dissipating heat from the gas contained in the inner space by means of a heat conduction plate provided inside the container;
including,
Liquid piston operation method.

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