HEAT STORAGE AND RELEASE UNIT, CHEMICAL HEAT PUMP, AND NON-ELECTRIFIED COOLING UNIT

Abstract

A heat storage and release unit includes a reactant formed body for reacting with a reaction medium to store and release heat; a reaction vessel for accommodating the reactant formed body and exchanging heat with the reactant formed body; a reaction medium flow path structure, connected to the reaction vessel, for supplying the reaction medium to the reaction vessel or discharging the reaction medium from the reaction vessel. The reactant formed body includes a plate-like heat transfer plate that contacts the reaction vessel, heat transfer elements extending from a surface of the heat transfer plate at substantially right angles, and a reactant formed unit that encloses the heat transfer elements in such a way that the heat transfer elements are partially exposed from the reactant formed unit, and the reaction vessel can change form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a heat storage and release unit, a chemical heat pump, and a non-electrified cooling unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, a heat recovery system for recovering and using heat sources such as waste heat, such as a chemical heat pump and an adsorption refrigerator has drawn attention in terms of saving energy. In the heat recovery system, a heat storage and release unit including a reactant that exchanges heat with a reaction medium, an evaporator that evaporates the reaction medium, and a condenser that condenses the reaction medium are connected via an opening and closing mechanism.

In this kind of a heat recovery system, sufficient heat exchange may not be performed between the reaction medium and the reactant if a contact area between the reaction medium and the reactant in the heat storage and release unit is small. Therefore, conventionally, a technique is known for increasing the contact area between the reaction medium and the reactant as well as facilitating the movement of the reaction medium, in which technique a porous material is sandwiched by a set of the reactants and the porous material is used as a flow path of the reaction medium.

Further, in the heat recovery system, sensible heat loss in a reaction vessel increases if capacity of the reaction vessel is big. Therefore, conventionally, a technique is known for reducing the sensible heat loss by reducing the capacity of the reaction vessel by using a reaction vessel formed by a sheet-like member.

However, in a heat storage and release unit that uses a porous material for a flow path of the reaction medium, when a sheet-like member is used as a reaction vessel, the porous material may be compressed by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the reaction vessel, and thus, a function as a flow path of the reaction medium may be deteriorated. As a result, there is a case where sufficient heat exchange efficiency may not be achieved by a heat storage and release unit that includes a reaction vessel with a sheet-like member.

An object of an aspect of the present invention is to increase heat exchange efficiency in a heat storage and release unit which includes a reaction vessel capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2014-044000

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 9-142801

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A heat storage and release unit is provided. The heat storage and release unit includes a reactant formed body configured to react with a reaction medium to store and release heat; a reaction vessel configured to accommodate the reactant formed body and exchange heat with the reactant formed body; a reaction medium flow path structure, connected to the reaction vessel, configured to supply the reaction medium to the reaction vessel or discharge the reaction medium from the reaction vessel. The reactant formed body includes a plate-like heat transfer plate that contacts the reaction vessel, heat transfer elements extending from a surface of the heat transfer plate at substantially a right angle, and a reactant formed unit that encloses the heat transfer elements in such a way that the heat transfer elements are partially exposed from the reactant formed unit, and the reaction vessel is capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel.

One aspect of the present invention increases heat exchange efficiency in a heat storage and release unit which includes a reaction vessel capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a reactant formed body according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views of the reactant formed body according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat transfer plate according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate according to an embodiment (No. 1).

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate according to an embodiment (No. 2).

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate according to an embodiment (No. 3).

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate according to an embodiment (No. 4).

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a reactant formed body according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 9A through 9C are drawings illustrating an example-1 of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit of a comparative example 1.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an example of a chemical heat pump.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an example of a non-electrified cooling unit.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are drawings illustrating an example-2 of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are drawings illustrating an example-3 of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18A through 18C are drawings illustrating a reactant formed body in the example-3 of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are drawings illustrating a modified example of the example-3 of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a reactant formed body in the modified example of the example-3 of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the specification and the drawings, elements which include substantially the same functional structure are given the same signs in order to avoid duplicated descriptions.

(Reaction Material Formed Body)

An example of a reactant formed body used in a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment will be described. FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a reactant formed body 10 according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views of the reactant formed body 10 according to an embodiment. A-A line in FIG. 1A indicates a crosssection.

The reactant formed body 10 generates heat by reacting with a reaction medium, or discharges the reaction medium by heating. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the reactant formed body 10 includes a heat transfer plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a reactant formed unit 13.

The heat transfer plate 11 is a plate-like member.

The heat transfer elements 12 are elements that extend from a surface of the heat transfer plate 11 at substantially right angles. The heat transfer elements 12 may have, for example, a pin-like shape or a plate-like shape. The heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a and exposed areas 12b. The exposed areas 12a are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed. The exposed areas 12b are exposed from another surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed.

FIG. 1A illustrates a reactant formed body 10A whose heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed. FIG. 2A illustrates a reactant formed body 10B whose heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12b that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed. FIG. 2B illustrates a reactant formed body 10C whose heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed, and exposed areas 12b that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed.

It should be noted that the heat transfer plate 11 and the heat transfer elements 12 will be described in detail later.

The reactant formed unit 13 encloses the heat transfer elements 12 in such a way that the heat transfer elements 12 are partially exposed from the reactant formed unit 13. The reactant formed unit 13 is formed by, for example, molding and solidifying a reactant.

The reactant is not limited to a specific material as long as it can reversibly perform adsorption-desorption with the reaction medium and its form is solid or gel in the course of the adsorption-desorption.

As a reaction medium, for example, water, ammonium, or methanol can be used. In the case where water is used as a reaction medium, as a reactant, for example, calcium sulfate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, manganese chloride, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, or calcium bromide can be used. Further, adsorbent represented by silica gel or zeolite can be also used.

In the case where ammonium is used as a reaction medium, as a reactant, for example, manganese chloride, magnesium chloride, nickel chloride, barium chloride, or calcium chloride can be used. In the case where methanol is used as a reaction medium, as a reactant, for example, magnesium chloride can be used. Further, one kind of the reactants alone may be used, or a mixture of two or more kinds of the reactants may be used.

Further, the reactants include substance having deliquescence. Even substance having deliquescence can be used as long as it can take a solid form in the course of heat storage and release by applying an impregnation process by mixing it with expanded graphite.

It should be noted that a forming method of the reactant formed body 10 is not limited but, for example, a method is preferable in which the heat transfer plate 11 integrated with the heat transfer elements 12 is set in a desired mold and a slurried reactant (semi-hydrate dissolved in water) is poured and solidified. Further, for example, a method may be used in which the reactant formed body 10 is formed in a desired shape by using a known binder. With the above methods, the reactant formed body 10 can be easily formed, which improves productivity.

In the above-described reactant formed body 10, when the reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction vessel 20 described below, the heat transfer elements 12 exposed from the reactant formed unit 13 serve as a bridging structure and form a flow path of the reaction medium (hereinafter, referred to as “reaction medium flow path 14”).

(Heat Transfer Plate)

Next, a heat transfer plate 11 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat transfer plate 11 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a heat transfer plate 11 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a heat transfer plate 11 after heat transfer elements 12 are folded, and FIG. 4 illustrates a heat transfer plate 11 before the heat transfer elements 12 are folded. It should be noted that it is assumed that X direction in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is a lateral direction, and Y direction is a longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heat transfer plate 11 includes a plurality of the heat transfer elements 12 that are integrally formed with the heat transfer plate 11 and are folded at substantially a right angle with respect to a surface of the heat transfer plate 11. Further, the heat transfer plate 11 includes through holes 111, penetrating the upper surface and the lower surface of the heat transfer plate 11, which are formed by having the heat transfer elements 12 at least partially folded at substantially right angles with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11.

A material of the heat transfer plate 11 is not limited to a specific material as long as it is a plate-like, easily processed material having good thermal conductivity. For example, metal materials including aluminum and copper are preferable from the point of view that they can realize a structure having good heat transfer between the metal materials and the reactant formed body.

It is preferable that the heat transfer elements 12 have a pin-like shape. With the above arrangement, heat can be efficiently transferred among the heat transfer plate 11, the heat transfer elements 12, and the reaction vessel 20.

Further, it is preferable that the heat transfer elements 12 be formed by having cut-out structures 112 formed in the heat transfer plate 11 as shown in FIG. 4 folded at substantially right angles with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11 as shown in FIG. 3. As a method for forming the cut-out structures 112, it is preferable to use a simple method such as a wire-cut method or a cutout-by-cutlery method from the view point of mass production.

An angle of the heat transfer elements 12 with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11 is not limited as long as it is substantially a right angle, but it is preferable that the angle be equal to or more than 70 degrees and equal to or less than 110 degrees from the view point of heat-transfer facilitation to a reactant at a location away from the heat transfer plate 11. Further, it is preferable that the angle be equal to or more than 80 degrees and equal to or less than 100 degrees from the view point of equidistribution of heat-transfer facilitation effect to the reactant in the surface of the heat transfer plate 11.

Further, it is preferable that all of the heat transfer elements 12 face the same direction with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11. In the case where some of the heat transfer elements 12 face a different direction with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11, adjacent heat transfer elements may interfere with each other.

Size of the heat transfer elements 12 is not limited, but, for example, a width W of the heat transfer elements 12 may be 1 mm and a height H may be 5 mm. Further, arrangement of the heat transfer elements 12 is not limited, but, for example, a pitch P1 in the lateral direction may be 3.2 mm and a pitch P2 in the longitudinal direction may be 7.5 mm.

The through holes 111 are holes penetrating the upper surface and the lower surface of the heat transfer plate 11. The through holes 111 are formed when the cut-out structures 112 in the heat transfer plate 11 are folded.

Further, for example, a reactant formed body 10A as shown in FIG. 8 can be obtained by molding and solidifying the slurried calcium sulfate poured onto the heat transfer plate 11 in such a way that the obtained reactant formed body 10A encloses the heat transfer elements 12. It should be noted that it is preferable to prepare a mold material made of resin, etc., beforehand in the above molding.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the heat transfer elements 12 formed in the heat transfer plate 11 is not limited to the above-described arrangement shown in FIG. 4 as long as the heat transfer elements 12 are at substantially right angles with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11. However, it is preferable that the heat transfer elements 12 be evenly distributed in the surface of the heat transfer plate 11 from the view point of equidistribution of heat-transfer facilitation effect in the surface of the heat transfer plate 11.

Referring to FIG. 5 through FIG. 7, another example of the heat transfer plate 11 will be described. FIG. 5 through FIG. 7 are schematic plan views of the heat transfer plate 11 according to an embodiment.

Another example of the heat transfer plate 11 may have a structure in which directions of adjacent cut-out structures 112 (folding direction to form heat transfer elements 12) is the same as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the heat transfer plate 11 may have a structure in which cut-out structures 112 are continuously formed in the lateral direction as shown in FIG. 6.

Further, the heat transfer elements 12 may have a plate-like shape as shown in FIG. 7. The heat transfer plate 11 including plate-like heat transfer elements 12 may have a structure in which heat transfer elements 12 with 20 mm width and 5 mm height are arranged with a 25 mm pitch P1 in the lateral direction and a 7.5 mm pitch in the longitudinal direction.

Embodiments of the heat transfer plate 11 have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the heat transfer elements 12 extending at substantially right angles with respect to the surface of the heat transfer plate 11 may be formed by welding elements with a pin-like shape, a plate-like shape, a pinholder-like shape, etc., to the heat transfer plate 11.

(Example-1 of Heat Storage and Release Unit)

Next, a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment will be described. FIGS. 9A through 9C are drawings illustrating an example-1 of a heat storage and release unit 100 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a schematic side view of a heat storage and release unit 100 before a reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction vessel 20. Further, FIG. 9B is a schematic plan view of the heat storage and release unit 100 after the reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in the reaction vessel 20. Further, FIG. 9C is a schematic side view of the heat storage and release unit 100 after the reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in the reaction vessel 20.

The heat storage and release unit 100 according to an embodiment includes the reactant formed body 10 and the reaction vessels 20 as shown in FIG. 9A. The heat storage and release unit 100 is formed by, for example, accommodating the reactant formed body 10 in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the reaction vessels 20 as shown in FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C.

The reaction vessel 20 is a container for accommodating the reactant formed body 10 and performing heat exchange with the reactant formed body 10. Further, the reaction vessel 20 is a flexible container capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel 20.

The reaction vessel 20 includes a seal unit 21, a reactant accommodating unit 22, and a reaction medium flow path structure 23.

The seal unit 21 is a part formed along the outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20 (a part outside of a dashed line in FIG. 9B).

The reactant accommodating unit 22 is a part for accommodating the reactant formed body 10.

The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed in a part of the outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20, and used for supplying a reaction medium to be absorbed by the reactant formed body 10 accommodated inside of the reaction vessel 20 or discharging the reaction medium desorbed from the reactant formed body 10.

The outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20 is formed by the seal unit 21 or the reaction medium flow path structure 23. Therefore, the reaction medium in the reactant accommodating unit 22 is supplied or discharged only through the reaction medium flow path structure 23.

As the reaction vessel 20, a sheet-like member having, for example, a rectangle shape or a round shape may be used. As the sheet-like member, for example, a foil material (metal foil) using metal with good heat-transfer performance such as aluminum, copper, etc., may be used. Film thickness of the metal foil is not limited, but, for example, in the case where aluminum is used, it may be from 30 to 200 μm, and in the case where copper is used, it may be from 10 to 100 μm. Further, a plastic sheet may also be used as the sheet-like member.

The joining method for the seal unit 21 of the reaction vessel 20 is not limited, but, in the case where the reaction vessel 20 is made of metal, the method may be a joining method using diffusion bonding, etc., a joining method using brazing, etc., or a joining method using a known adhesive.

(Example-2 of Heat Storage and Release Unit)

Next, another example of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment will be described. FIGS. 16A and 16B are drawings illustrating an example-2 of a heat storage and release unit 110 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 16A is an exploded view of the heat storage and release unit 110, and FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram of the heat storage and release unit 110 after a reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction vessel 20.

The heat storage and release unit 110 according to an embodiment includes the reactant formed body 10, the reaction vessel 20, a reaction medium flow path structure 23, and a lid 24 as shown in FIG. 16A. The heat storage and release unit 110 is formed by, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 16A, accommodating the reactant formed body 10 in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the reaction vessel 20 and the lid 24 at the seal unit 21.

The reaction vessel 20 has a bottom 20b, and is formed in a box shape with an opening in the top surface. The reaction vessel 20 is a container for accommodating the reactant formed body 10 and exchanging heat with the reactant formed body 10. Further, the reaction vessel 20 is a flexible container capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel 20.

The seal unit 21 is a part formed along the top side of the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 20 (an upper side part of a dashed line in FIG. 16A).

The reactant accommodating unit 22 is a part for accommodating the reactant formed body 10.

The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed to penetrate the lid 24, and used for supplying a reaction medium to the reactant formed body 10 accommodated inside of the reaction vessel 20 or discharging the reaction medium desorbed from the reactant formed body 10. The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape with openings at both ends.

The lid 24 is a member for closing the opening in the top surface of the reaction vessel 20, and is formed in, for example, a plate-like shape. The lid 24 is joined to the reaction vessel 20 by having its side surface 24s joined to the seal unit 21 of the reaction vessel 20. As described above, the opening in the top surface of the reaction vessel 20 is closed by the lid 24. Therefore, the reaction medium in the reactant accommodating unit 22 is supplied or discharged only through the reaction medium flow path structure 23.

It should be noted that the reaction medium flow path structure 23 and the lid 24 may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and then joined together.

The reaction vessel 20 may be formed by, for example, a drawing and ironing molding method used for production of cans for beverages. Further, the reaction vessel 20 may be formed by using a sheet-like member, by using various methods including laser welding, seam welding, adhesive bonding, etc. As a material of the reaction vessel 20, aluminum, copper, etc., may be used. In the case where aluminum is used, thickness of the reaction vessel 20 may be from 30 to 200 μm, and in the case where copper is used, it may be from 10 to 100 μm. Further, a plastic sheet may be used as the sheet-like member.

The method for joining the reaction vessel 20 to the lid 24 at the seal unit 21 may be, in the case where the reaction vessel 20 is made of metal, a joining method using diffusion bonding, etc., a joining method using brazing, etc., or a joining method using a known adhesive.

Further, in the above example, the reaction vessel 20 has a square shape, but may have a curved shape. It is important that the reaction vessel 20 has a flexible structure and is capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel 20. The reaction vessel 20 is not limited to the examples described above, but may be any container as long as it has a flexible function described above.

(Example-3 of Heat Storage and Release Unit)

Next, yet another example of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment will be described. FIGS. 17A and 17B are drawings illustrating an example-3 of a heat storage and release unit 120 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 17A is an exploded view of the heat storage and release unit 120, and FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram of the heat storage and release unit 120 after the reactant formed body is accommodated in the reaction vessel. FIGS. 18A through 18C are drawings illustrating a reactant formed body 10E in the example-3 of a heat storage and release unit 120 according to an embodiment.

The heat storage and release unit 120 according to an embodiment includes a reactant formed body 10E, a reaction vessel 20, a reaction medium flow path structure 23, and a lid 24 as shown in FIG. 17A. The heat storage and release unit 120 is formed by, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 17A, accommodating the reactant formed body 10E in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the reaction vessel 20 and the lid 24 at a seal unit 21.

As shown in FIG. 18C, the reactant formed body 10E (10) includes a heat transfer plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a reactant formed unit 13.

The heat transfer plate 11 is a curved-plate-like member.

The heat transfer elements 12 are elements that extend at substantially a right angle from a surface of the heat transfer plate 11. The heat transfer elements 12 may have, for example, a pin-like shape or a plate-like shape. The heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13, the surface being on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed. It should be noted that the heat transfer elements 12 may be entirely enclosed by the reactant formed unit 13 and may not have the exposed areas 12a.

The reactant formed unit 13 has a hollow cylindrical shape such that it covers all of the inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11 and at least partially covers the heat transfer elements 12.

The reaction vessel 20 is a container that has a bottom 20b as shown in FIG. 17A, has a cylindrical shape with an opening in the top surface, accommodates the reactant formed body 10, and exchanges heat with the reactant formed body 10. Further, the reaction vessel 20 has a flexible structure and is capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel 20.

The seal unit 21 is a part formed along the top side of the inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 20 (an upper side part of a dashed line in FIG. 17A).

The reactant accommodating unit 22 is a part for accommodating the reactant formed body 10.

The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed to penetrate the lid 24, and used for supplying a reaction medium to the reactant formed body 10 accommodated inside of the reaction vessel 20 or discharging the reaction medium desorbed from the reactant formed body 10. The reaction medium flow path structure 23 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape with openings at both ends.

The lid 24 is a member for closing the opening in the top surface of the reaction vessel 20, and is formed in, for example, a plate-like shape. The lid 24 is joined to the reaction vessel 20 by having its side surface 24s joined to the seal unit 21 of the reaction vessel 20. As described above, the opening in the top surface of the reaction vessel 20 is closed by the lid 24. Therefore, the reaction medium in the reactant accommodating unit 22 is supplied or discharged only through the reaction medium flow path structure 23.

It should be noted that the reaction medium flow path structure 23 and the lid 24 may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and then joined together.

The reaction vessel 20 may be formed by, for example, a drawing and ironing molding method used for production of cans for beverages. Further, the reaction vessel 20 may be formed by using a sheet-like member, by using various methods including laser welding, seam welding, adhesive bonding, etc. The reaction vessel 20 may be easily formed by, for example, bending a rectangular sheet-like member into a cylindrical shape and welding afterward, or, by using a thin-walled aluminum tube and attaching a bottom plate to close one of the openings of the aluminum tube.

As a material of the reaction vessel 20, aluminum, copper, etc., may be used. In the case where aluminum is used, thickness of the reaction vessel 20 may be from 30 to 200 μm, and in the case where copper is used, it may be from 10 to 100 μm. Further, a plastic sheet may be used as a material of the reaction vessel 20. The reaction vessel 20 is not limited to a specific container as long as it has a flexible structure and is capable of changing form according to a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel 20.

The method for joining the reaction vessel 20 to the lid 24 at the seal unit 21 may be, in the case where the reaction vessel 20 is made of metal, a joining method using diffusion bonding, etc., a joining method using brazing, etc., or a joining method using a known adhesive.

Modified Example of the Example-3 of the Heat Storage and Release Unit

Next, as a yet another example of a heat storage and release unit according to an embodiment, a modified example of example-3 of the heat storage and release unit will be described.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are drawings illustrating a modified example of example-3 of a heat storage and release unit 130 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 19A is an exploded view of the heat storage and release unit 130, and FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram of the heat storage and release unit 130 after a reactant formed body 10 is accommodated in a reaction vessel 20. FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating the reactant formed body 10 in the modified example of example-3 of a heat storage and release unit 130 according to an embodiment, which shows a cross-section of the reactant formed body 130.

The heat storage and release unit 130 is different from the heat storage and release unit 120 of example-3 in terms of the form of the reactant formed body 10. It should be noted that, because the heat storage and release unit 130 is the same as the heat storage and release unit 120 in terms of other than the form of the reactant formed body 10, the aspect of the heat storage and release unit 130 different from the heat storage and release unit 120 will be mainly described below.

The heat storage and release unit 130 according to an embodiment includes the reactant formed body 10, a reaction vessel 20, a reaction medium flow path structure 23, and a lid 24 as shown in FIG. 19A. The heat storage and release unit 130 is formed by, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 19A, accommodating the reactant formed body 10 in the reaction vessel 20 and joining the reaction vessel 20 and the lid 24 at the seal unit 21.

As shown in FIG. 20, the reactant formed body 10 (10F) includes a heat transfer plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a reactant formed unit 13.

The heat transfer plate 11 is a curved-plate-like member.

The heat transfer elements 12 are members which are joined to the inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11, a part of which members are extending at substantially a right angle with respect to a surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and all of which members are aligned to face substantially the same direction.

The reactant formed unit 13 is a member which has a hollow cylindrical shape and formed in such a way that it covers the entire inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11 and the entirety of the heat transfer elements 12.

The reactant formed body 10 (10G) includes a heat transfer plate 11, heat transfer elements 12, and a reactant formed unit 13.

The heat transfer plate 11 is a curved-plate-like member.

The heat transfer elements 12 are members which are joined to the inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11, a part of which members are extending at substantially a right angle with respect to a surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and all of which members are aligned to face substantially the same direction. The heat transfer elements 12 include exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed.

The reactant formed unit 13 a member which has a hollow cylindrical shape and formed in such a way that it covers a part of inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate 11 and a part of the heat transfer elements 12.

The reactant formed body 10F and the reactant formed body 10G are combined to form a cylindrical shape, and accommodated in the reactant accommodating unit 22.

It should be noted that in the above example, the reactant formed body 10G includes the heat transfer elements 12 including the exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed, but the embodiment is not limited to this example as long as at least one of the reactant formed bodies 10 (reactant formed bodies 10F and 10G) has heat transfer elements 12 which include the exposed areas 12a that are exposed from a surface of the reactant formed unit 13 on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate 11 is disposed.

In the following, example-1 of the heat storage and release unit will be described in detail.

First Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit 100A according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section corresponding to B-B line in FIG. 9B.

In the heat storage and release unit 100A, as shown in FIG. 10, a reaction vessel 20 accommodates the reactant formed body 10A with a structure shown in FIG. 1B and a reactant formed body 10D that has a structure in which exposed areas 12a of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed body 10A are removed. Specifically, the reactant formed body 10A and the reactant formed body 10D are facing each other having respective heat transfer plates 11 facing outside, and accommodated in the reaction vessel 20.

In the first embodiment, a space S1 is formed, between the reactant formed body 10A and the reactant formed body 10D, by the exposed areas 12a of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed body 10A, and the space S1 serves as a reaction medium flow path 14, which is a feature of the first embodiment.

In the process of forming the heat storage and release unit 100A, inside of the reaction vessel 20 is drawn to vacuum (evacuated) after the reactant formed body 10A and the reactant formed body 10D are accommodated in the reaction vessel 20. At this time, the volume of the reaction vessel 20 is decreased and the reaction vessel 20 closely contacts the heat transfer plate 11 of the reactant formed body 10A and the heat transfer plate 11 of the reactant formed body 10D. Further, a space of the outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20 is also compressed and a so-called “vacuum pack” state is created.

Even in this state, in the heat storage and release unit 100A according to the first embodiment, the reaction medium flow path 14, which communicates from the reaction medium flow path structure 23 to the surface of the reactant formed unit 13, is maintained by the bridging structure of the heat transfer elements 12. Therefore, a sufficient contact area between the reaction medium and the reactant can be secured as well as facilitating the movement of the reaction medium in the reaction vessel 20. As a result, heat exchange efficiency of the heat storage and release unit 100A is improved.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 10, the heat storage and release unit 100A includes the reactant formed body 10A having the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed areas 12a and the reactant formed body 10D having the heat transfer elements 12 without the exposed areas 12a, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, both of the reactant formed bodies 10 may have the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed areas 12a exposed from the reactant formed unit 13, and the reactant formed bodies 10 may face each other in such a way that the heat transfer elements 12 do not interfere with each other.

In this embodiment, the heat transfer plate 11 may be curved and accommodated in the cylindrical reaction vessel 20 as shown in example-3 of the heat storage and release unit 120. Further, directions of the heat transfer elements 12 may be arranged to fit the cylindrical reaction vessel 20 as shown in the modified example of example-3 of the heat storage and release unit 130.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit 100B according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross section corresponding to B-B line in FIG. 9B.

In the heat storage and release unit 100B, a reactant formed body 10B with a structure shown in FIG. 2A is accommodated in the reaction vessel 20 as shown in FIG. 11.

In the second embodiment, a space S2 is formed, between the heat transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit 13, by the exposed areas 12b of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed body 10B, and the space S2 serves as a reaction medium flow path 14, which is a feature of the second embodiment.

In the process of forming the heat storage and release unit 100B, inside of the reaction vessel 20 is drawn to vacuum (evacuated) after the reactant formed body 10B is accommodated in the reaction vessel 20. At this time, the volume of the reaction vessel 20 is decreased and the reaction vessel 20 closely contacts the heat transfer plate 11 of the reactant formed body 10B and a surface of the reactant formed unit 13. Further, a space of the outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20 is also compressed and a so-called “vacuum pack” state is created.

Even in this state, in the heat storage and release unit 100B according to the second embodiment, the reaction medium flow path 14, which communicates from the reaction medium flow path structure 23 to the surface of the reactant formed unit 13, is maintained by the bridging structure of the heat transfer elements 12. Therefore, a sufficient contact area between the reaction medium and the reactant can be secured as well as facilitating the movement of the reaction medium in the reaction vessel 20. As a result, heat exchange efficiency of the heat storage and release unit 100B can be improved.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit 100C according to a third embodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross section corresponding to B-B line in FIG. 9B.

In the heat storage and release unit 100C, a reactant formed body 10B with a structure shown in FIG. 2A and a reactant formed body 10C with a structure shown in FIG. 2B are accommodated in the reaction vessel 20 as shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, the reactant formed body 10B and the reactant formed body 10C are facing each other having respective heat transfer plates 11 facing outside, and accommodated in the reaction vessel 20.

In the third embodiment, a space S1 is formed, between the reactant formed body 10B and the reactant formed body 10C, by the exposed areas 12a of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed body 10C. Further, spaces S2 are formed, between the heat transfer plates 11 and the reactant formed units 13, by the exposed areas 12b of the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed body 10B and the reactant formed body 10C, and the spaces S1 and S2 serve as reaction medium flow paths 14, which is a feature of the third embodiment.

In the process of forming the heat storage and release unit 100C, inside of the reaction vessel 20 is drawn to vacuum (evacuated) after the reactant formed body 10B and the reactant formed body 10C are accommodated in the reaction vessel 20. At this time, the volume of the reaction vessel 20 is decreased and the reaction vessel 20 closely contacts the heat transfer plate 11 of the reactant formed body 10B and the heat transfer plate 11 of the reactant formed body 10C. Further, a space of the outer edge portion of the reaction vessel 20 is also compressed and a so-called “vacuum pack” state is created.

Even in this state, in the heat storage and release unit 100B according to the third embodiment, the three reaction medium flow paths 14, which communicate from the reaction medium flow path structure 23 to the surface of the reactant formed unit 13, are maintained by the bridging structure of the heat transfer elements 12. Therefore, a sufficient contact area between the reaction medium and the reactant can be secured as well as facilitating the movement of the reaction medium in the reaction vessel 20. As a result, heat exchange efficiency of the heat storage and release unit 100C can be improved.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 12, the heat storage and release unit 100A includes the reactant formed body 10C having the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed areas 12a and the reactant formed body 10B having the heat transfer elements 12 without the exposed areas 12a, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, both of the reactant formed bodies 10 may have the heat transfer elements 12 with the exposed areas 12a exposed from the reactant formed unit 13, and the reactant formed bodies 10 may face each other in such a way that the heat transfer elements 12 do not interfere with each other.

EXAMPLES

In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described by using examples and comparative examples, which should not be taken as limitations to the present invention.

Example 1

In Example 1, a heat storage and release unit with two reactant formed bodies 10A shown in FIG. 1 was created.

Specifically, two reactant formed bodies 10A were created by using the heat transfer plate 11 shown in FIG. 4, by folding the cut-out structures 112 at substantially a right angle with respect to an upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and forming the reactant formed unit 13 in such a way that the heat transfer elements 12 were enclosed in the reactant formed unit 13.

A 500 mm×800 mm×0.5 mm aluminum plate was used as the heat transfer plate 11. The size of the cut-out structures 112 was adjusted in such a way that the height of the heat transfer elements 12 was 10 mm, the width was 2 mm, and the density of the heat transfer elements 12 in the surface was 78 elements (13×6 elements) per 100 cm².

Calcium sulfate was used as the reactant. The slurried calcium sulfate was poured onto the heat transfer plate 11, and the reactant formed unit 13 was formed enclosing the heat transfer elements 12. At this time, by adjusting the amount of the reactant, the heat transfer elements 12 were exposed from the molded and solidified reactant formed unit 13 by 1 mm. At this time, the volume of the reactant formed unit 13 was about 3600 cm³ per formed body.

The reactant formed bodies 10A were combined by having the surfaces of the reactant formed bodies 10A on the side where the heat transfer elements 12 were exposed, facing each other, and by adjusting their positions in the surface direction so that the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed bodies 10A do not interfere each other; the reaction vessel 20 was formed by a 100 μm aluminum sheet-like member; and the reaction medium flow path structure 23 was attached. With the above process, the heat storage and release unit 100A was created.

With the above process, the surface area of the reactant formed unit 13, capable of reacting with a reaction medium, was 8500 cm² per heat storage and release unit 100A. The more the value of the surface area is, the faster is the reaction rate, and thus, the heat input/output rate in the heat storage and release process can be improved.

Further, in Example 1, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer elements 12 in the longitudinal direction can be made about 2 W/(m*K), which is about 10 times 0.2 W/(m*K) as compared with the case where only calcium sulfate is solidified as a reactant. It should be noted that the heat conductivity can be adjusted by the number of the heat transfer elements 12. It is needless to say that in the case where it is needed, the higher heat conductivity can be obtained by increasing the number of the heat transfer elements 12.

Example 2

In Example 2, a heat storage and release unit with one reactant formed body 10B shown in FIG. 2A was created.

Specifically, the reactant formed body 10B was created by using the heat transfer plate 11 shown in FIG. 4, by folding the cut-out structures 112 at substantially a right angle with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and forming the reactant formed unit 13 in such a way that the heat transfer elements 12 were enclosed in the reactant formed unit 13.

A 500 mm×800 mm×0.5 mm aluminum plate was used as the heat transfer plate 11. The size of the cut-out structures 112 was adjusted in such a way that the height of the heat transfer elements 12 was 20 mm, the width was 2 mm, and the density of the heat transfer elements 12 in the surface was 52 elements (13×4 elements) per 100 cm².

Calcium sulfate was used as the reactant. The slurried calcium sulfate was poured onto the heat transfer plate 11, and the reactant formed unit 13 was formed enclosing the heat transfer elements 12. At this time, by adjusting the amount of the reactant, the length of the exposed areas 12b of the heat transfer elements 12 between the heat transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit 13 was 2 mm. At this time, the volume of the reactant formed unit 13 was about 7200 cm³ per formed body.

The created reactant formed body 10B was accommodated in the reaction vessel 20 formed by a 100 μm aluminum metal-sheet-like member, the reaction medium flow path structure 23 was attached, and the heat storage and release unit was created.

With the above process, the surface area of the reactant formed unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was about 4500 cm² per heat storage and release unit. The more the value of the surface area is, the faster is the reaction rate, and thus, the heat input/output rate in the heat storage and release process can be improved.

Further, in Example 2, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer elements 12 in the longitudinal direction can be made about 1.4 W/(m*K), which is about 7 times 0.2 W/(m*K) as compared with the case where only calcium sulfate is solidified as a reactant. It should be noted that the heat conductivity can be adjusted by the number of the heat transfer elements 12. It is needless to say that in the case where it is needed, the higher heat conductivity can be obtained by increasing the number of the heat transfer elements 12.

Example 3

In Example 3, a heat storage and release unit with two reactant formed bodies 10C shown in FIG. 2B was created.

Specifically, the reactant formed bodies 10C were created by using the heat transfer plate 11 shown in FIG. 4, by folding the cut-out structures 112 at substantially a right angle with respect to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 11, and forming the reactant formed unit 13 in such a way that the heat transfer elements 12 were enclosed in the reactant formed unit 13.

A 500 mm×800 mm×0.5 mm aluminum plate was used as the heat transfer plate 11. The size of the cut-out structures 112 was adjusted in such a way that the height of the heat transfer elements 12 was 10 mm, the width was 2 mm, and the density of the heat transfer elements 12 in the surface was 78 elements (13×6 elements) per 100 cm².

Calcium sulfate was used as the reactant. The slurried calcium sulfate was poured onto the heat transfer plate 11, and the reactant formed unit 13 was formed enclosing the heat transfer elements 12. At this time, by adjusting the amount of the reactant, the heat transfer elements 12 were exposed from the molded and solidified reactant formed unit 13 by 1 mm, and the length of the exposed areas 12b of the heat transfer elements 12 between the heat transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit 13 was 1 mm.

The above structure can be realized, for example, by setting the heat transfer elements 12 in the prepared 50 cm×80 cm×1 cm silicon mold with the heat transfer elements 12 dipped into the silicon mold by 1 mm; and adjusting the amount of poured reactant, in such a way that a gap is formed between the heat transfer plate 11 and the reactant formed unit 13.

At this time, the volume of the reactant formed unit 13 was about 3200 cm³ per formed body.

The reactant formed bodies 10C were combined by having the surfaces of the reactant formed bodies 10C on the side where the heat transfer elements 12 were exposed, facing each other, and by adjusting their positions in the surface direction so that the heat transfer elements 12 of the reactant formed bodies 10C do not interfere each other; the reaction vessel 20 was formed by a 100 μm aluminum sheet-like member; and the reaction medium flow path structure 23 was attached. With the above process, the heat storage and release unit 100C was created.

With the above process, the surface area of the reactant formed unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was about 16500 cm² per heat storage and release unit. The more the value of the surface area is, the faster is the reaction rate, and thus, the heat input/output rate in the heat storage and release process can be improved.

Further, in Example 3, similar to Example 1, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer elements 12 in the longitudinal direction can be made about 2 W/(m*K), which is about 10 times 0.2 W/(m*K) as compared with the case where only calcium sulfate is solidified as a reactant. It should be noted that the heat conductivity can be adjusted by the number of the heat transfer elements 12. It is needless to say that in the case where it is needed, the higher heat conductivity can be obtained by increasing the number of the heat transfer elements 12.

Comparative Example 1

A comparative example 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat storage and release unit of a comparative example 1.

In the comparative example 1, a heat storage and release unit 100Z having a reactant formed body 10Z without heat transfer elements 12 was created as shown in FIG. 13.

Specifically, the reactant formed body 10Z was created by, preparing a 50 cm×80 cm×1 cm silicon mold, using calcium sulfate as a reactant, and pouring the slurried reactant into the silicon mold. The created reactant formed body 10Z was accommodated in a reaction vessel 20 formed by a 100 μm aluminum metal-sheet-like member, a reaction medium flow path structure 23 was attached, and the heat storage and release unit 100Z was created.

With the above process, the surface area of the reactant formed unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was about 500 cm² per heat storage and release unit.

As described above, in Examples 1 through 3, compared with the comparative example 1, the surface area of a reactant formed unit 13, capable of reacting with the reaction medium, was greatly increased, and a heat storage and release unit 100 capable of highly facilitating the reaction rate was realized. More specifically, in Examples 1 through 3, compared with the comparative example 1, from 9 to 32 times surface areas were obtained.

Further, the thermal conductivity in the reactant formed unit 13 was greatly increased by enclosing the heat transfer elements 12 in the reactant formed body 10. More specifically, in Examples 1 through 3, compared with the comparative example 1, from 7 to 10 times thermal conductivity was obtained.

In Examples 1 through 3, it is especially advantageous that the reactant movement in the reaction vessel 20 can be facilitated, and the reaction surface area can be increased by using a reaction vessel 20 with a flexible structure, and it is possible to design a heat storage and release unit 100 in which sensitive heat loss of the reaction vessel 20 is especially decreased.

It should be noted that, in Examples 1 through 3, calcium sulfate was used as a reactant, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. As a reactant, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium bromide, calcium chloride, a reactant that uses another chemical reaction can be used, and various materials, capable of storing and releasing heat, including adsorbent represented by silica gel and zeolite can be used.

Example 4

In Example 4, referring to FIG. 14, an example, in which the heat storage and release unit 100 according to an embodiment is applied to a chemical heat pump, will be described.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an example of a chemical heat pump 200. It should be noted that in the case where the heat storage and release unit 100 is used as a chemical heat pump, one more heat storage and release units 100 should be prepared. A first heat storage and release unit 100 is connected to a condenser, and proceeds with a heat storage process. Further, a second heat storage and release unit 100 is connected to an evaporator, and proceeds with a heat release process. It should be noted that the chemical heat pump 200 has a feature in which the heat storage process and the heat release process can be switched by an opening and closing mechanism such as a valve, but the mechanism is indicated in a simplified way in FIG. 14.

The chemical heat pump 200 includes the heat storage and release unit 100, a reaction medium flow path piping 210, a heat transfer medium flow path 220, a condenser 230, and an evaporator 240.

The reaction medium flow path piping 210 is a piping an end of which is connected to the reaction medium flow path structure 23 of the heat storage and release unit 100. Further, another end of the reaction medium flow path piping 210 is connected to the condenser 230 via a valve 250, and connected to the evaporator 240 via a valve 260.

The heat transfer medium flow path 220 is a flow path, inside of which a heat transfer medium flows through. Multiple heat storage and release units 100 are arranged in the heat transfer medium flow path 220. In this case, the reaction medium flow path structures 23 of the heat storage and release units 100 are thermally connected to each other via the reaction medium flow path piping 210.

The condenser 230 is connected to the heat transfer medium flow path 220, and has a function of condensing a gaseous reaction medium desorbed from the reactant formed unit 13 in the heat storage process.

The evaporator 240 has a function of evaporating the condensed reaction medium in order to supply it to the reactant formed unit 13 in the heat release process.

Next, an example of heat recovery by using the chemical heat pump 200 will be described. It should be noted that in this example, for the sake of description convenience, a case will be described in which calcium sulfate is used for the reactant formed unit 13 and water vapor is used as a reaction medium, but the present invention is not limited to this case.

In the heat storage process, the valve 260 is closed and the valve 250 is opened. In this state, for example, exhaust generated at the factory is introduced as a heat transfer medium H into the heat transfer medium flow path 220; water vapor is desorbed from the hydrated calcium sulfate; and the heat release process progresses. The water vapor desorbed from the calcium sulfate goes through the reaction medium flow path piping 210, and is condensed in the condenser 230.

On the other hand, in the heat release process, the valve 250 is closed and the valve 260 is opened. Water vapor evaporated in the evaporator 240 is introduced into the heat storage and release units 100 through the reaction medium flow path piping 210. By having the introduced water vapor react with the calcium sulfate, the heat release process progresses.

It is assumed that in the heat storing process and the heat release process, pressure in an area which is inside of the heat transfer medium flow path 220 and outside of the heat storage and release units 100 (i.e., an area in which the heat transfer medium H exists) is, for example, an atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, because inside of the heat storage and release units 100 is in a state in which water vapor and the calcium sulfate exist in a vacuumed space, its pressure is water vapor pressure in the heat storage and release units 100.

The above water vapor pressure will approximate water vapor pressure at temperature of the condenser 230 in the heat storage process, and approximate water vapor pressure depending on the temperature of the calcium sulfate, and both of the water vapor pressures are less than a normal atmospheric pressure. In other words, a pressure difference is created between the inside and the outside of the heat storage and release units 100, in which the pressure of the outside is higher than the pressure of the inside.

In this example, because a heat transfer surface, which is a part of the outer wall of the reaction vessel 20, is formed by a sheet-like member, the heat transfer surface is pressed against the calcium sulfate due to the pressure difference. In other words, the heat transfer surface can be connected to the reactant formed unit 13 with low thermal resistance between the heat transfer surface and the reactant formed unit 13. With the above arrangement, in the heat release process, the reaction heat, generated by reaction between the reactant formed unit 13 and the reaction medium, can be efficiently transferred to the heat transfer surface, and exchanged with the heat transfer medium H. On the other hand, in the heat storage process, the heat transferred from the heat transfer medium H to the heat transfer surface can be efficiently stored in the reactant formed unit 13. In other words, a chemical heat pump 200 with good thermal input output characteristics of the heat storage and release units 100 can be obtained.

In the above operation, compressive force due to the atmospheric pressure affects the inside of the reaction vessel 20, but the reaction medium flow path 14 is maintained without being narrowed because of the bridging structure as described in Examples 1 through 3. Therefore, a large contact area of the reactant formed unit 13 can be maintained as well as the movement of the reaction medium in the heat storage and release process being facilitated.

An embodiment as a more specific example will be described in which pressure of an area that is inside of the heat transfer medium flow path 220 and outside of the heat storage and release unit is approximately an atmospheric pressure (e.g., 101 kPa), calcium sulfate is used as the reactant formed unit 13, and water vapor is used as the reaction medium.

A chemical heat pump 200 with good thermal input output characteristics is obtained under a condition in which temperature of the calcium sulfate is less than 190° C., and water vapor pressure is less than 90 kPa in the heat release process of the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but the higher temperature of the reactant formed unit 13 and the higher pressure of the reaction medium can be designed by using a method in which the heat storage and release unit is arranged in a heat transfer medium bath and external pressure is applied, or the like. In other words, a chemical heat pump 200 with good thermal input output characteristics can be obtained under all conditions in which the pressure in the heat storage and release unit is lower than the pressure of an area which is inside of the heat transfer medium flow path 220 and outside of the heat storage and release unit.

Example 5

In Example 5, referring to FIG. 15, an aspect in which the heat storage and release unit 100 according to an embodiment is applied to a non-electrified cooling unit will be described.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an example of a non-electrified cooling unit 300. It should be noted that only a basic structure for realizing a cooling function is shown in a simplified way in FIG. 15. In the cooling operation, it is assumed that the heat storage of the reactant in the heat storage and release unit has already been completed, and thus, the detailed description of heat storage will be omitted. For example, in the case where calcium sulfate is used as a reactant, when firing is performed for 5 hours at 150° C., crystal water is taken away; an anhydrous hydrate is obtained; and the heat is stored. This kind of operation should be performed beforehand.

The non-electrified cooling unit 300 includes the above-described heat storage and release unit 100, a reaction medium flow path piping 310 connected to the reaction medium flow path structure 23 of the heat storage and release unit 100, and a cooling panel 320 (corresponding to the evaporator 240 of the chemical heat pump 200). The reaction medium flow path piping 310 is connected to the cooling panel 320 via a valve 330. The cooling panel 320 is arranged, for example, in a cooling room 340 and cools the inside of the cooling room 340.

Next, the cooling operation in which the non-electrified cooling unit 300 is used will be described. In this example, for the sake of description convenience, a case will be described in which calcium sulfate is used for the reactant formed unit 13 and water vapor is used as a reaction medium, but the present invention is not limited to this case.

The heat storage and release unit 100 is in a state where the heat storage is completed, and the cooling panel 320 is filled with water. Inside of the heat storage and release unit 100, the reaction medium flow path piping 310, and the cooling panel 320 is vacuumed and the valve 330 is closed.

In the above state, when the valve 330 is opened, the water in the cooling panel 320 is evaporated and introduced into the heat storage and release unit 100 through the reaction medium flow path piping 310. By having the introduced water vapor react with the calcium sulfate, evaporation of the water in the cooling panel 320 is facilitated, and, as a result, the cooling panel 320 is cooled by the heat of vaporization.

The calcium sulfate generates heat by reacting with the water vapor, but the generated heat is efficiently released into the atmosphere from surfaces of the reaction vessel 20, and the reaction between the calcium sulfate and the water vapor is continuously performed because of the facilitation effect of heat transfer and reaction of the heat storage and release unit 100 of this example. The above cooling effect continues until either the calcium sulfate in the heat storage and release unit 100 becomes a hemihydrate and the reaction stops, or the water in the cooling panel 320 is evaporated.

In other words, a non-electrified cooling unit 300 with good cooling capacity can be provided. As described above, because power supply is not needed in the cooling operation, the function in this example is referred to as a non-electrified cooling unit 300.

As described above, a chemical heat pump and a non-electrified cooling unit have been described by using examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples and various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Priority Application No. 2015-068476 filed on Mar. 30, 2015, and Japanese Priority Application No. 2015-199692 filed on Oct. 7, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A heat storage and release unit comprising:

a reactant formed body configured to react with a reaction medium to store and release heat;

a reaction vessel configured to accommodate the reactant formed body and exchange heat with the reactant formed body;

a reaction medium flow path structure, connected to the reaction vessel, configured to supply the reaction medium to the reaction vessel or discharge the reaction medium from the reaction vessel,

wherein the reactant formed body includes a plate-like heat transfer plate that contacts the reaction vessel, heat transfer elements extending from a surface of the heat transfer plate at substantially right angles, and a reactant formed unit that encloses the heat transfer elements in such a way that the heat transfer elements are partially exposed, and

wherein the reaction vessel is capable of changing form by a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the reaction vessel.

2. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein

the reaction vessel is formed by a sheet-like member.

3. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 2, wherein

the sheet-like member is a metal foil or a plastic sheet.

4. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat transfer elements have a pin-like shape or a plate-like shape.

5. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein

the reactant formed unit is formed by molding and solidifying a reactant.

6. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat transfer elements include exposed areas that are exposed from a first surface of the reactant formed unit, the first surface being on the side opposite from where the heat transfer plate is disposed.

7. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat transfer elements include exposed areas that are exposed from a second surface of the reactant formed unit, the second surface being on the side where the heat transfer plate is disposed.

8. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat transfer elements are integrally formed with the heat transfer plate and formed by having parts of the heat transfer plate folded at substantially right angles with respect to the surface of the heat transfer plate.

9. The heat storage and release unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat transfer plate and the heat transfer elements include aluminum or copper.

10. A chemical heat pump comprising:

the heat storage and release unit according to claim 1;

a heat transfer medium configured to be thermally connected to the reaction vessel;

a reaction medium flow path piping configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow path structure in the reaction vessel;

a condenser configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow path piping via an opening and closing mechanism; and

an evaporator configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow path piping via the opening and closing mechanism.

11. A non-electrified cooling unit comprising:

the heat storage and release unit according to claim 1;

a reaction medium flow path piping configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow path structure of the heat storage and release unit; and

a cooling panel configured to be connected to the reaction medium flow path piping via an opening and closing mechanism.