JP7473469B2 - Heat storage device and heat exchange method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a heat storage device and a heat exchange method.

Conventionally, latent heat storage systems that use latent heat storage materials are known.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a latent heat storage system that includes a heat storage tank, a heat source device such as a refrigerator, and a load device. Inside the heat storage tank, a number of heat storage containers containing latent heat storage material are arranged immersed in a heat transfer liquid such as water. In heat storage operation, the heat transfer liquid circulates between the heat storage tank and the heat source device, and cold heat generated in the heat source device is stored in the heat storage tank. In heat dissipation operation, the heat transfer liquid circulates between the heat storage tank and the load device, and the cold heat stored in the heat storage tank is consumed by the load device. By installing a heat storage container containing a latent heat storage material, latent heat storage becomes possible, and the heat storage capacity of the entire heat storage tank is increased.

JP 2004-36996 A

This disclosure provides an advantageous heat storage device from the viewpoint of increasing the amount of heat stored per unit volume of the cold storage material.

The heat storage device in the present disclosure is
A cold storage material that changes phase between liquid and solid to store and release cold energy;
a cold storage unit including a plurality of containers each containing the cold storage material;
A flow distribution unit including a plurality of plates arranged in an array;
a heat storage tank that stores the heat transfer liquid in a state in which the cold storage unit and the flow rate distribution unit are immersed in the heat transfer liquid;
a partition that forms a flow path through which the heat transfer liquid flows into a space in contact with the flow distribution unit along a first direction and passes through the flow distribution unit and the cold storage unit to flow out;
the flow distribution unit is disposed upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid relative to the cold storage unit;
The arrangement direction of the plurality of plates intersects with the first direction and also intersects with the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid flowing out of the flow distribution unit.

In the heat storage device of the present disclosure, the heat transfer liquid that flows into the space along the first direction and is guided to the flow distribution unit flows through the gaps between the plates, flows out of the flow distribution unit, and is guided to the cold storage unit. Since the arrangement direction of the multiple plates intersects with the first direction, the heat transfer liquid is distributed in the flow distribution unit and guided to the cold storage unit. In addition, since the arrangement direction of the multiple plates intersects with the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid flowing out of the flow distribution unit, the dynamic pressure of the flow of the heat transfer liquid is easily maintained when passing through the flow distribution unit. Therefore, the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid guided to the cold storage unit tends to be uniform, and the amount of heat stored per unit volume of the cold storage material tends to be high.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat storage device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a cold storage unit in the heat storage device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a container in the heat storage device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a flow distribution unit in the heat storage device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plate in the heat storage device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a stand in the heat storage device shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state of an area A in the heat storage device shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a heat storage device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat storage device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state of an area B in the heat storage device shown in FIG.

(Findings that form the basis of this disclosure)
At the time when the present inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology that enables latent heat storage by arranging a large number of heat storage containers containing latent heat storage materials inside a heat storage tank while immersed in a heat transfer liquid, as described in Patent Document 1. This makes it possible to provide a latent heat storage system that increases the amount of heat stored in an existing water heat storage tank, for example.

However, in the latent heat storage system described in Patent Document 1, a basket-shaped storage container in which a large number of heat storage containers are already stored is placed in a stacked state on the porous upper surface of a stand, so that the heat storage containers are installed in the heat storage tank. In order to reduce the variation in the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid introduced to the storage container, it is necessary to increase the space under the stand. However, if the space under the stand is increased, the space for installing the heat storage containers becomes smaller, and the amount of heat stored in the heat storage tank becomes smaller. On the other hand, if the space under the stand is small, the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid introduced to the storage container is likely to vary, and the melting and solidification of the latent heat storage material becomes insufficient, making it difficult to increase the amount of heat stored per unit volume of the latent heat storage material. The present inventor discovered this problem, and in order to solve it, he came to constitute the subject of the present disclosure.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a heat storage device that is advantageous in terms of increasing the amount of heat stored per unit volume of the cold storage material.

Below, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation being unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following explanation are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5. FIG.

[1-1. Configuration]
As shown in Fig. 1, the heat storage device 1a includes a cold storage unit 10, a flow rate distribution unit 20, a heat storage tank 30, and a partition 40. As shown in Fig. 2A, the cold storage unit 10 includes a plurality of containers 14. Each container 14 contains a cold storage material that changes phase between liquid and solid to store and release cold heat. As shown in Fig. 2B, the container 14 is, for example, plate-shaped. In the cold storage unit 10, for example, a plurality of plate-shaped containers 14 are arranged. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3
As shown in FIG. 1B, the flow rate distribution unit 20 includes a plurality of arranged plates 24. The heat transfer liquid 2 is stored in the heat storage tank 30 with the cold storage unit 10 and the flow rate distribution unit 20 immersed in the heat transfer liquid 2. The partition 40 forms a flow path 45. In the flow path 45, a flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 is generated, which flows into the space 42 along the first direction D1 and passes through the flow rate distribution unit 20 and the cold storage unit 10. The space 42 is in contact with the flow rate distribution unit 20. The flow rate distribution unit 20 is disposed upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 with respect to the cold storage unit 10.

The cold storage material contained in the container 14 is not limited to a specific cold storage material, as long as it stores and releases cold energy by changing phase between liquid and solid. The cold storage material is, for example, a clathrate hydrate. The melting point of the cold storage material is not limited to a specific temperature. For example, the melting point of the cold storage material is higher than the melting point of the heat transfer liquid 2 and lower than the temperature of the object to be cooled when the cold storage material is released. The melting point of the cold storage material is, for example, 7°C.

The heat transfer liquid 2 is not limited to a specific liquid. The heat transfer liquid 2 is, for example, water.

The material of the container 14 is not limited to a specific material. The container 14 is, for example, a container made of a resin material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. As shown in FIG. 2B, the container 14 is, for example, flat.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat storage device 1a includes, for example, a stand 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the stand 50 includes, for example, a top plate 52 and legs 54. The stand 50 is disposed at the bottom of the heat storage tank 30, and a space 42 is formed below the top plate 52 of the stand 50. The flow distribution unit 20 is disposed on the top plate 52 of the stand 50. The top plate 52 of the stand 50 has an opening formed therein for guiding the heat transfer liquid 2 that has flowed into the space 42 to the flow distribution unit 20. In addition, a plurality of cold storage units 10 are stacked on the flow distribution unit 20. In the plurality of cold storage units 10, the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2 is the same, and the flow distribution unit 20 is disposed at the most upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2. The top plate 52 may be a plate having a number of through holes.

1, the inside of the heat storage tank 30 is divided into two spaces by at least a part of the partition 40, for example. The partition 40 includes, for example, a first partition 40a and a second partition 40b. The first partition 40a and the second partition 40b form a flow path 45 for the heat transfer liquid 2, and the heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the cold storage unit 10 in the flow path 45. The heat transfer liquid 2 flows, for example, in a one-way direction through the flow path 45. The cold storage unit 10 and the flow rate distribution unit 20 are arranged in the flow path 45. The two spaces separated by the partition 40 are connected by the flow path 45. For example, the heat transfer liquid 2 is supplied from outside the heat storage tank 30 to one of the two spaces. The other of the two spaces receives the heat transfer liquid 2 that has passed through the flow path 45. The upper end of the first partition 40a is, for example, higher than the liquid level of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the heat storage tank 30. This prevents the heat transfer liquid 2 from flowing short-circuited without passing through the cold storage unit 10. The lower end of the first partition 40a is in contact with the top plate 52 of the stand 50. The lower end of the first partition 40a may be in contact with the top plate 52 of the stand 50. The lower end of the second partition 40b is in contact with, for example, the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30. The lower end of the second partition 40b may be joined to the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30. The lower end of the second partition 40b is in contact with, for example, the space 42, and blocks the heat transfer liquid 2 that has flowed into the space 42 along the first direction D1 from flowing in the first direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the cold storage unit 10 includes, for example, a storage box 12, an inlet side cover 16a, and an outlet side cover 16b. A plurality of containers 14 are arranged in the storage box 12. The plurality of containers 14 are arranged at a predetermined interval, and a gap is formed between the containers 14 for passing the heat transfer liquid 2. The plurality of plate-shaped containers 14 are arranged, for example, parallel to each other. Each of the inlet side cover 16a and the outlet side cover 16b has an opening through which the heat transfer liquid 2 can pass. The inlet side cover 16a covers the plurality of containers 14 at one end of the storage box 12. The outlet side cover 16b covers the plurality of containers 14 at the other end of the storage box 12. The storage box 12 may constitute at least a part of the first partition 40a and the second partition 40b.

3A, the flow rate distribution unit 20 includes, for example, a storage box 22, an inlet side lid 26a, and an outlet side lid 26b. A plurality of plates 24 are arranged in the storage box 22. The plurality of plates 24 are arranged at a predetermined interval, and a gap is formed between the plates 24 to allow the heat transfer liquid 2 to pass therethrough. The plate 24 is, for example, flat. The plurality of plates 24 are, for example, arranged parallel to each other. Each of the inlet side lid 26a and the outlet side lid 26b has an opening through which the heat transfer liquid 2 can pass. The inlet side lid 26a covers the plurality of plates 24 at the upper end of the storage box 22. The outlet side lid 26b covers the plurality of plates 24 at the lower end of the storage box 22. The storage box 22 may constitute at least a part of the first partition 40a and the second partition 40b. The plate 24 may be a plate-shaped container 14 that contains a cold storage material that changes phase between liquid and solid to store and release cold heat.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the state of area A in Figure 1. For ease of explanation, the storage box 22, the inlet side lid 26a, and the outlet side lid 26b are omitted in Figure 5. The arrangement direction D3 (Z-axis direction) of the multiple plates 24 intersects with the first direction D1 (X-axis direction). In addition, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 intersects with the flow direction D2 (Y-axis direction) of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20.

In FIG. 5, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually orthogonal, and the ZX plane is horizontal. The arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is, for example, orthogonal to the first direction D1. The arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is, for example, orthogonal to the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2.

In the heat storage device 1a, the space 42 is configured so that the heat transfer liquid 2 flows into the space 42 only along the first direction D1. For example, an opening for allowing the heat transfer liquid 2 to flow into the space 42 is formed only between a pair of legs 54 aligned in the Z-axis direction on the stand 50. On the other hand, a pair of legs 54 aligned in the X-axis direction on the stand 50 are in contact with the inner surface of the heat storage tank 30, for example, and the pair of legs 54 are positioned so that the heat transfer liquid 2 does not flow between them.

The arrangement direction of the multiple containers 14 in the cold storage unit 10 is not limited to a specific direction. As described above, for example, multiple cold storage units 10 are arranged in the heat storage tank 30. As shown in FIG. 5, in the cold storage unit 10 that is closest to the flow distribution unit 20 among the multiple cold storage units 10, the arrangement direction of the multiple containers 14 may intersect with the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24. The arrangement direction of the multiple containers 14 may be perpendicular to the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24.

1, the heat storage device 1a further includes, for example, a cooling device 60, a pump 61, a first inlet 66, and a first outlet 67. The cooling device 60 has an inlet 62 and an outlet 63, and the inlet 62 is connected to the first inlet 66 by a pipe. The outlet 63 is connected to the first outlet 67 by a pipe. The first inlet 66 is located inside the heat storage tank 30 at a position lower than the liquid level of the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30. The first outlet 67 is located inside the heat storage tank 30 at a position lower than the liquid level of the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30. By the operation of the pump 61, the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30 is taken in from the first inlet 66 and guided to the cooling device 60 through the inlet 62. The heat transfer liquid 2 then passes through the outlet 63 of the cooling device 60, is discharged from the first outlet 67, and is returned to the heat storage tank 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat storage device 1a further includes, for example, a cooling target 70, a pump 71, a second inlet 76, and a second outlet 77. For example, the second inlet 76 and the second outlet 77 are located inside the heat storage tank 30 at a position lower than the liquid level of the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30. The second inlet 76 is located, for example, at a position lower than the second outlet 77. By operation of the pump 71, the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30 is taken in from the second inlet 76, passes through the cooling target 70, and is discharged from the second outlet 77 and returned to the heat storage tank 30.

[1-2. motion]
An example of the operation of the heat storage device 1a configured as above will be described below. First, the heat storage device 1a performs a cold storage operation for storing cold energy in the heat storage tank 30 and a cooling operation for the object to be cooled 70 at the same time. The operation of the above will be explained.

By the operation of the pump 61, the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30 is taken in from the first inlet 66 and passes through the cooling device 60. As a result, in the cooling device 60, the heat transfer liquid 2 is cooled to a temperature higher than its melting point and lower than the melting point of the cold storage material contained in the container 14. The heat transfer liquid 2 is then discharged from the first outlet 67 and returned to the heat storage tank 30. The heat transfer liquid 2 returned to the heat storage tank 30 flows along the first direction D1 into the space 42 formed by the stand 50 below the flow distribution unit 20 and in contact with the flow distribution unit 20. The heat transfer liquid 2 then passes through the opening of the inlet side lid 26a, flows through the gaps between the multiple plates 24 inside the storage box 22, and further passes through the opening of the outlet side lid 26b to flow out of the flow distribution unit 20. By the heat transfer liquid 2 passing through the flow distribution unit 20, the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20 tends to have a uniform flow distribution.

The heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20 is guided to the cold storage unit 10 arranged directly above the flow distribution unit 20. The heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the inlet side lid 16a of the cold storage unit 10 and passes around the multiple containers 14 inside the storage box 12. This causes heat exchange between the heat transfer liquid 2 and the containers 14. As a result, starting from the cold storage unit 10 on the upstream side of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the flow path 45, the temperature of the cold storage material inside the containers 14 drops to a temperature below its melting point, and the cold storage material changes phase from liquid to solid. This causes cold energy to be stored as latent heat in the heat storage tank 30.

As described above, the upper end of the first partition 40a is higher than the liquid level of the heat transfer liquid 2, and the lower end of the second partition 40b is in contact with the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30. This prevents the heat transfer liquid 2 discharged from the first discharge port 67 and returned to the heat storage tank 30 from short-circuiting and flowing without passing through the cold storage unit 10. The heat transfer liquid 2 that flows out of the cold storage unit 10 and passes through the flow path 45 is then sent to another location inside the heat storage tank 30 formed downstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the flow path 45.

Meanwhile, by operating the pump 71, the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30 is taken in from the second inlet 76 and supplied to the cooling target 70, cooling the cooling target 70. The target temperature of the cooling target 70 is not limited to a specific value. The target temperature of the cooling target 70 is, for example, a temperature that needs to be adjusted in the manufacturing process of a specific item. The target temperature of the cooling target 70 is, for example, 12°C. The temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 increases as the cooling target 70 is cooled. The heat transfer liquid 2, whose temperature has increased by passing through the cooling target 70, is discharged from the second outlet 77 and returned to the inside of the heat storage tank 30.

The heat transfer liquid 2 after passing through the cold storage unit 10 and used for cold storage and the heat transfer liquid 2 whose temperature has increased by cooling the cooling target 70 are mixed inside the heat storage tank 30. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 sent to the cooling device 60 becomes higher than the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 after passing through the cold storage unit 10 and used for cold storage. Also, the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 sent to the cooling target 70 becomes lower than the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 whose temperature has increased by cooling the cooling target 70. Therefore, the density of the mixed heat transfer liquid 2 becomes higher than the density of the heat transfer liquid 2 immediately after being discharged from the second discharge port 77, and the heat transfer liquid 2 descends inside the heat storage tank 30. The descending heat transfer liquid 2 is then sucked from the second intake port 76, which is located lower than the second discharge port 77, and sent to the cooling target 70.

Next, we will explain the operation of the heat storage device 1a when performing a cold release operation to release the cold stored in the heat storage tank 30 and a cooling operation for the cooling target 70 simultaneously.

By the operation of the pump 61, the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30 is taken in from the first inlet 66 and passes through the cooling device 60. As a result, in the cooling device 60, the heat transfer liquid 2 is adjusted to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the cold storage material contained in the container 14. The heat transfer liquid 2 is then discharged from the first outlet 67 and returned to the heat storage tank 30. Note that, as long as the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 discharged from the first outlet 67 can be adjusted to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the cold storage material contained in the container 14, the cooling device 60 may be stopped. The heat transfer liquid 2 returned to the heat storage tank 30 flows along the first direction D1 into the space 42 formed by the frame 50 below the flow distribution unit 20 and in contact with the flow distribution unit 20. Then, the heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the inlet side lid 26a, flows through the gaps between the multiple plates 24 inside the storage box 22, and further passes through the opening of the outlet side lid 26b to flow out of the flow distribution unit 20. By passing the heat transfer liquid 2 through the flow distribution unit 20, the flow distribution of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20 tends to become uniform.

The heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20 is guided to the cold storage unit 10 arranged directly above the flow distribution unit 20. The heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the inlet side cover 16a of the cold storage unit 10 and passes around the multiple containers 14 inside the storage box 12. This causes heat exchange between the heat transfer liquid 2 and the containers 14. As a result, the temperature of the cold storage material inside the containers 14 rises to a temperature above its melting point, and the cold storage material changes phase from solid to liquid, starting from the cold storage unit 10 on the upstream side of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the flow path 45. This causes the cold stored as latent heat in the heat storage tank 30 to be released. The heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the cold storage unit 10 and passing through the flow path 45 is then sent to another location inside the heat storage tank 30 formed downstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the flow path 45.

On the other hand, by the operation of the pump 71, the heat transfer liquid 2 stored in the heat storage tank 30 is taken in from the second inlet 76 and supplied to the cooling target 70, cooling the cooling target 70. The heat transfer liquid 2 whose temperature has increased by cooling the cooling target 70 is returned to the inside of the heat storage tank 30 from the second discharge port 77. The heat transfer liquid 2 after passing through the cold storage unit 10 and used for cold dissipation and the heat transfer liquid 2 whose temperature has increased by cooling the cooling target 70 are mixed inside the heat storage tank 30. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 sent to the cooling device 60 is higher than the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 after passing through the cold storage unit 10 and used for cold storage. In addition, the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 sent to the cooling target 70 is lower than the temperature of the heat transfer liquid 2 whose temperature has increased by cooling the cooling target 70. For this reason, the density of the mixed heat transfer liquid 2 becomes higher than the density of the heat transfer liquid 2 immediately after being discharged from the second discharge port 77, and it descends inside the heat storage tank 30. The descending heat transfer liquid 2 is then sucked in through the second intake port 76, which is located lower than the second discharge port 77, and sent to the object to be cooled 70.

[1-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the heat storage device 1a includes the cold storage unit 10, the flow rate distribution unit 20, the heat storage tank 30, and the partition 40. The cold storage unit 10 includes a plurality of containers 14, and each container 14 contains a cold storage material that changes phase between liquid and solid to store and release cold heat. The flow rate distribution unit 20 includes a plurality of arranged plates 24. The heat storage tank 30 stores the heat transfer liquid 2 in a state in which the cold storage unit 10 and the flow rate distribution unit 20 are immersed in the heat transfer liquid 2. The partition 40 forms a flow path 45. In the flow path 45, a flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 is generated that flows into the space 42 along the first direction D1 and passes through the flow rate distribution unit 20 and the cold storage unit 10. The space 42 is in contact with the flow rate distribution unit 20. The flow rate distribution unit 20 is arranged upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 with respect to the cold storage unit 10. The arrangement direction D3 of the plurality of plates 24 intersects with the first direction D1. In addition, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 intersects with the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20.

As a result, the heat transfer liquid 2 that flows into the space 42 along the first direction D1 is distributed by passing between the multiple plates 24 arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction D1, and is then guided to the cold storage unit 10. In addition, since the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 intersects with the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out from the flow distribution unit 20, the dynamic pressure of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 is easily maintained when passing through the flow distribution unit 20. As a result, the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid 2 can be increased in the area of the cold storage unit 10 where the heat transfer liquid 2 has difficulty flowing when the flow distribution unit 20 does not exist. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid 2 is guided to the cold storage unit 10 with a uniform flow rate distribution, and the cold storage material contained in the container 14 can be sufficiently melted or solidified. In addition, even if the space 42 is small, the heat transfer liquid 2 with a uniform flow rate distribution is easily guided to the cold storage unit 10. As a result, the heat storage amount per unit volume of the cold storage material contained in the container 14 is likely to be high.

As in this embodiment, in the heat storage device 1a, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 may be perpendicular to the first direction D1. This allows the heat transfer liquid 2 to be distributed in a desired state in the flow distribution unit 20. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid 2 can be more reliably introduced to the cold storage unit 10 with a uniform flow distribution, and the cold storage material contained in the container 14 can be sufficiently melted or solidified.

As in this embodiment, in the heat storage device 1a, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 may be perpendicular to the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2. This makes it easier to maintain the dynamic pressure of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 more reliably when passing through the flow distribution unit 20. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid 2 can be more reliably introduced to the cold storage unit 10 with a uniform flow distribution, and the cold storage material contained in the container 14 can be sufficiently melted or solidified.

As in this embodiment, in the heat storage device 1a, the heat transfer liquid 2 may flow into the space 42 only along the first direction D1. This allows the heat transfer liquid 2 to be distributed in the desired state in the flow rate distribution unit 20. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid 2 can be more reliably introduced to the cold storage unit 10 with a uniform flow rate distribution, and the cold storage material contained in the container 14 can be sufficiently melted or solidified.

As in this embodiment, the interior of the heat storage tank 30 may be divided into two spaces by a partition 40, and the two spaces may be connected by a flow path 45. In addition, the cold storage unit and the flow distribution unit may be disposed in the flow path 45. This allows the heat transfer liquid 2 in one of the two spaces to be guided through the flow path 45 to the other of the two spaces.

As in this embodiment, multiple plate-shaped containers 14 may be arranged in the cold storage unit 10 of the heat storage device 1a. This makes it easier to adjust the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the cold storage unit 10, and makes it easier for the heat transfer liquid 2 to pass through the cold storage unit 10 with a uniform flow rate distribution.

As in the present embodiment, in the heat storage device 1a, a plurality of cold storage units 10 may be arranged in the heat storage tank 30. In addition, in the cold storage unit 10 closest to the flow rate distribution unit 20 among the plurality of cold storage units 10, the arrangement direction of the plurality of containers 14 is such that the plurality of plates 2
4. In this way, the heat transfer liquid can easily pass through the plurality of cold storage units 10 with a uniform flow rate distribution, and the cold storage materials contained in the containers 14 in the plurality of cold storage units 10 can be sufficiently melted or solidified.

According to this embodiment, a heat exchange method can be provided that includes the following steps or items (I), (II), (III), and (IV).
(I) A cold storage unit 10 including a plurality of containers 14 containing cold storage material that changes phase between liquid and solid to store and release cold heat, and a flow distribution unit 20 including a plurality of arranged plates 24 are immersed in a heat transfer liquid 2.
(II) The heat transfer liquid 2 is caused to flow along the first direction D1 into the space 42 in contact with the flow distribution unit 20, and the heat transfer liquid 2 is guided to and passes through the flow distribution unit 20. (III) The heat transfer liquid 2 that has passed through the flow distribution unit 20 is guided to and passes through the cold storage unit 10.
(IV) The arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 intersects with the first direction D1 and also intersects with the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The heat storage device 1b according to the second embodiment is configured similarly to the heat storage device 1a according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. The components of the heat storage device 1b that are the same as or correspond to the components of the heat storage device 1a are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. The description of the heat storage device 1a also applies to the heat storage device 1b as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[2-1. Configuration]
6, in the heat storage device 1b, the partition 40 forms a plurality of flow paths 45 in which the heat transfer liquid 2 flows in different directions. In each flow path 45, the flow distribution unit 20 is disposed upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 with respect to the cold storage unit 10.

The flow path 45 includes, for example, a first flow path 45a and a second flow path 45b. The partition 40 includes, for example, a first partition 40a, a second partition 40b, and a third partition 40c. The first partition 40a and the second partition 40b form the first flow path 45a. The second partition 40b and the third partition 40c form the second flow path 45b. The flow direction of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the second flow path 45b is, for example, opposite to the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the first flow path 45a. In the first flow path 45a, the heat transfer liquid 2 flows upward, and in the second flow path 45b, the heat transfer liquid 2 flows downward.

In the second flow path 45b, for example, a plurality of cold storage units 10 and flow distribution units 20 are arranged in a stacked state on a stand 50. In the stacked state of the plurality of cold storage units 10 and flow distribution units 20 in the second flow path 45b, the flow distribution unit 20 is arranged in the uppermost stage. A space 42 is formed above the flow distribution unit 20.

The upper end of the third partition 40c is, for example, higher than the liquid level of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the heat storage tank 30. This prevents the heat transfer liquid 2 from short-circuiting and flowing without passing through the cold storage unit 10 arranged in the second flow path 45b. The lower end of the third partition 40c is in contact with the top plate 52 of the stand 50. The lower end of the third partition 40c may be in contact with the top plate 52 of the stand 50.

[2-2. motion]
During the cold storage operation and cold discharging operation in the heat storage tank 30, the heat transfer liquid 2 flows out from the cold storage unit 10 disposed in the first flow path 45a. The flowing out heat transfer liquid 2 flows over the second partition 45b and enters the second flow path. The heat transfer liquid 2 then flows into the space 42 above the flow distribution unit 20 arranged in the passage 45b. As a result, the heat transfer liquid 2 flows into this space 42 along the first direction D1. Next, the heat transfer liquid 2 The heat exchanger 24 passes through the opening of the inlet side cover 26a of the flow distribution unit 20 arranged in the second flow path 45b and flows through the gaps between the multiple plates 24 arranged inside the storage box 22. The heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the outlet side cover 26b and flows out of the flow distribution unit 20. As the heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the flow distribution unit 20, the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20 The flow rate distribution tends to be uniform in the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2. Next, the heat transfer liquid 2 is guided to the cold storage unit 10 arranged immediately below the flow rate distribution unit 20. The heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the inlet side cover 16a of the cold storage unit 10 and flows around the multiple containers 14 arranged inside the storage box 12. As a result, the heat transfer liquid 2 and the containers 14 Then, the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out from the cold storage unit 10 arranged directly above the frame 50 is formed on the downstream side of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the second flow path 45b. The heat generated by the heat exchanger 32 is then sent to another location within the heat storage tank 30.

[2-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in this embodiment, the partition 40 of the heat storage device 1a may form a plurality of flow paths 45 through which the heat transfer liquid 2 flows in different directions. In each flow path 45, the flow distribution unit 20 is disposed upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 with respect to the cold storage unit 10. This allows the heat transfer liquid 2 to flow in different directions in the plurality of flow paths 45, and the heat transfer liquid 2 is easily guided to the cold storage unit 10 of each flow path 45 with a uniform flow rate distribution. Therefore, the space in the heat storage tank 30 in which the cold storage unit 10 is disposed is prevented from becoming large in a specific direction, and the flow rate distribution of the heat transfer liquid 2 passing through the cold storage unit 10 of each flow path 45 is easily made uniform. As a result, the cold storage material contained in the container 14 can be sufficiently melted or solidified.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. The heat storage device 1c according to the third embodiment is configured similarly to the heat storage device 1a according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. The components of the heat storage device 1c that are the same as or correspond to the components of the heat storage device 1a are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. The description of the heat storage device 1a also applies to the heat storage device 1c as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[3-1. Configuration]
As shown in Fig. 7, in the heat storage device 1c, the cold storage unit 10 closest to the flow distribution unit 20 and the flow distribution unit 20 are arranged in contact with each other in the horizontal direction. The cold storage unit 10 and the flow distribution unit 20 are arranged in contact with, for example, the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30. The partition 40 extends, for example, parallel to the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30. The partition 40 forms a flow path 45 between the partition 40 and the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30. The cold storage units 10 and the flow distribution units 20 are arranged, for example, to form two stages between the partition 40 and the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30. The space 42 is formed in contact with the flow distribution unit 20 in the horizontal direction.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the state of region B in Figure 7. For ease of explanation, the storage box 22, the inlet lid 26a, and the outlet lid 26b are omitted in Figure 8. In the heat storage device 1c, the heat transfer liquid 2 flows into the space 42 along a first direction D1 (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The arrangement direction D3 (Z-axis direction) of the multiple plates 24 intersects with the first direction D1 (Y-axis direction). In addition, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 intersects with the flow direction D2 (X-axis direction) of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20.

8, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are mutually orthogonal, and the ZX plane is horizontal. The arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is, for example, orthogonal to the first direction D1. The arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is, for example, orthogonal to the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2.

[3-2. motion]
An example of the operation of the heat storage device 1c configured as above will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the cold storage operation and cold release operation in the heat storage tank 30, the heat transfer liquid 2 discharged from the first discharge port 67 flows downward into the space 42 along the first direction D1 and is guided to the flow path 45 formed between the bottom surface of the heat storage tank 30 and the partition 40. The heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the inlet side lid 26a of the flow distribution unit 20 and flows through the gaps between the multiple plates 24 arranged inside the storage box 22. Next, the heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the outlet side lid 26b and flows out of the flow distribution unit 20. The heat transfer liquid 2 flows out of the flow distribution unit 20 in a horizontal direction, for example. By the heat transfer liquid 2 passing through the flow distribution unit 20, the flow distribution of the heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20 tends to be uniform. The heat transfer liquid 2 flowing out of the flow distribution unit 20 is guided to the cold storage unit 10 that is in contact with the flow distribution unit 20 in the horizontal direction. The heat transfer liquid 2 passes through the opening of the inlet lid 16a of the cold storage unit 10 and flows around the multiple containers 14 arranged inside the storage box 12. This allows heat exchange between the heat transfer liquid 2 and the containers 14. After that, the heat transfer liquid 2 that passes through the multiple cold storage units 10 and flows out of the flow path 45 is sent to another location inside the heat storage tank 30 formed downstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 in the flow path 45.

[3-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in this embodiment, the cold storage unit 10 closest to the flow distribution unit 20 and the flow distribution unit 20 are arranged in contact with each other in the horizontal direction, and the heat transfer liquid 2 flows out from the flow distribution unit 20 in the horizontal direction. Even in such a case, in the heat storage device 1c, the heat transfer liquid 2 is guided to the cold storage unit 10 by the flow distribution unit 20 with a uniform flow rate distribution, and the cold storage material contained in the container 14 can be sufficiently melted or solidified. In addition, even if the space 42 is small, the heat transfer liquid 2 with a uniform flow rate distribution is easily guided to the cold storage unit 10. As a result, the amount of heat stored per unit volume of the cold storage material contained in the container 14 is likely to be high.

Other Embodiments
As described above, the first, second, and third embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first, second, and third embodiments to form new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, an example has been described in which the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 only needs to intersect with the first direction D1. Therefore, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is not limited to an aspect in which it is perpendicular to the first direction D1. For example, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 may intersect with the first direction D1 at an acute angle of 45° or more. However, when the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is perpendicular to the first direction D1, the heat transfer liquid 2 is more likely to be distributed in the desired state in the flow distribution unit 20.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, an example has been described in which the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is perpendicular to the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2. The arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 may intersect with the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2. Therefore, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is not limited to an aspect in which it is perpendicular to the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2. For example, the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 may intersect with the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2 at an acute angle of 45° or more. However, when the arrangement direction D3 of the multiple plates 24 is perpendicular to the flow direction D2 of the heat transfer liquid 2, the dynamic pressure of the flow of the heat transfer liquid 2 is more reliably maintained when passing through the flow distribution unit 20.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, water has been described as an example of the heat transfer liquid 2. The heat transfer liquid 2 may be any liquid that can flow in the temperature range to be used. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid 2 is not limited to water. However, using water as the heat transfer liquid 2 has the advantage that the heat transfer liquid 2 can be obtained in large quantities at low cost.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which multiple cold storage units 10 are stacked on the stand 50 has been described as an example. The cold storage units 10 may be any units capable of accommodating the containers 14. Therefore, the configuration is not limited to a configuration in which multiple cold storage units 10 are stacked on the stand 50. However, using a configuration in which multiple cold storage units 10 are stacked on the stand 50 has the advantage that multiple cold storage units 10 can be individually brought into the heat storage tank 30, making it easier to handle the cold storage units 10.

In addition, in the first, second, and third embodiments, an embodiment in which the flow path 45 is formed using a plurality of partitions such as the first partition 40a, the second partition 40b, and the third partition 40c or a single partition 40 has been described as an example of the flow path 45. The flow path 45 may be any that can prevent the heat transfer liquid 2 from short-circuiting and flowing without passing through the cold storage unit 10 and the flow distribution unit 20. Therefore, the flow path 45 is not limited to an embodiment in which the flow path 45 is formed using a plurality of partitions such as the first partition 40a, the second partition 40b, and the third partition 40c or a single partition 40. However, if the flow path 45 is formed using such an embodiment, there is an advantage in that the partitions can be used to prevent the heat transfer liquid 2 from short-circuiting and flowing without passing through the cold storage unit 10 and the flow distribution unit 20.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, clathrate hydrate has been described as an example of a cold storage material contained in the container 14. The cold storage material contained in the container 14 may be any material that stores cold by changing the phase from liquid to solid at a predetermined temperature and releases cold by changing the phase from solid to liquid. Therefore, the cold storage material is not limited to clathrate hydrate. However, the use of clathrate hydrate as the cold storage material has the advantage that, depending on the selection of the guest substance, it can store cold by changing the phase from liquid to solid at a temperature close to the temperature range of use and release cold by changing the phase from solid to liquid.

The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology disclosed herein, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

The present disclosure is applicable to a heat storage device that includes a heat storage tank in which a cold storage unit containing a cold storage material is immersed in a heat transfer liquid in order to shift the time period during which cold energy is used, and supplies the heat transfer liquid to be used for air conditioning or cooling in a manufacturing process.

Reference Signs List 1a, 1b, 1c Heat storage device 2 Heat transfer fluid 10 Cold storage unit 14 Container 20 Flow rate distribution unit 24 Plate 30 Heat storage tank 40 Partition 42 Space 45 Flow path D1 First direction D2 Flow direction of heat transfer fluid D3 Arrangement direction of multiple plates

Claims (9)

A cold storage material that changes phase between liquid and solid to store and release cold energy;
a cold storage unit including a plurality of containers each containing the cold storage material;
A flow distribution unit including a plurality of plates arranged in an array;
a heat storage tank that stores the heat transfer liquid in a state in which the cold storage unit and the flow rate distribution unit are immersed in the heat transfer liquid;
a partition that forms a flow path through which the heat transfer liquid flows into a space in contact with the flow distribution unit along a first direction and passes through the flow distribution unit and the cold storage unit to flow out;
the flow distribution unit is disposed upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid relative to the cold storage unit;
The arrangement direction of the plurality of plates intersects with the first direction and also intersects with the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid flowing out of the flow distribution unit, and the first direction intersects with the flow direction.
Heat storage device. The heat storage device according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement direction of the plurality of plates is perpendicular to the first direction. The heat storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arrangement direction of the plates is perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid. The heat storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat transfer liquid flows into the space only along the first direction. The inside of the heat storage tank is divided into two spaces by at least a part of the partition,
The two spaces are in communication with each other through the flow path,
The heat storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the cold storage unit and the flow rate distribution unit are disposed in the flow path. The partition forms a plurality of flow paths through which the heat transfer liquid flows in different directions,
In each of the plurality of flow paths, the flow distribution unit is disposed upstream of the flow of the heat transfer liquid with respect to the cold storage unit.
The heat storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The heat storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of plate-shaped containers are arranged in the cold storage unit. A plurality of the cold storage units are disposed in the heat storage tank;
In the cold storage unit closest to the flow rate distribution unit among the plurality of cold storage units, an arrangement direction of the plurality of containers intersects with an arrangement direction of the plurality of plates.
The heat storage device according to claim 7. A cold storage unit including a plurality of containers containing a cold storage material that changes phase between liquid and solid to store and release cold heat, and a flow rate distribution unit including a plurality of arranged plates are immersed in a heat transfer liquid;
The heat transfer liquid is introduced into a space adjacent to the flow distribution unit along a first direction, and the heat transfer liquid is introduced into the flow distribution unit and passed through the flow distribution unit;
The heat transfer liquid that has passed through the flow rate distribution unit is guided to the cold storage unit and passed through the cold storage unit,
The arrangement direction of the plurality of plates intersects with the first direction and also intersects with the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid flowing out of the flow distribution unit, and the first direction intersects with the flow direction.
Heat exchange method.

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