阅读说明：本技术 烘焙系统 (Baking system ) 是由 科恩·博斯曼斯 于 2019-05-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于烘焙诸如咖啡豆或可可豆、谷物、麦芽的颗粒材料的系统,所述系统包括：聚集式太阳能集热器,被配置为加热流体；储热设备,被配置为储存经加热的流体的热量；颗粒材料烘焙设备,包括被配置为接收颗粒材料的处理室、被配置为生成通过所述处理室的具有受控温度的至少一个气体和/或蒸汽流的至少一个生成单元；所述至少一个生成单元被配置为用于在所述至少一个气体和/或蒸汽流与第二个流之间交换热量；循环系统,被配置为通过使用储存在储存设备中的热量生成第二个流,并且可选地被配置为直接使用经加热的流体。(A system for roasting particulate material, such as coffee or cocoa beans, grains, malt, the system comprising: a concentrating solar collector configured to heat a fluid; a heat storage device configured to store heat of the heated fluid; a particulate material torrefaction apparatus comprising a process chamber configured to receive a particulate material, at least one generation unit configured to generate at least one gas and/or steam flow having a controlled temperature through the process chamber; the at least one generating unit is configured for exchanging heat between the at least one flow of gas and/or steam and the second flow; a circulation system configured to generate a second stream by using heat stored in the storage device, and optionally configured to directly use the heated fluid.)

1. A system (1) for roasting particulate material (P), such as coffee or cocoa beans, cereals, malt, comprising:

-a concentrating solar collector (100) configured to heat a fluid (Fl);

a heat storage device (200) configured to store heat of the heated fluid (Fl);

baking apparatus (300) of a particulate material (P), comprising a processing chamber (310) configured to receive said particulate material (P), at least one generating unit (321, 322, etc.) configured to generate at least one gas and/or steam flow having a controlled temperature through said processing chamber; the at least one generating unit is configured for exchanging heat between the at least one flow of gas and/or steam and the second flow;

a circulation system (400) configured to generate the second stream by using heat stored in the heat storage device, and optionally configured to directly use the heated fluid.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the concentrating solar collector (100) and the heat storage device (200) are configured to operate in a temperature range between 150 ℃ and 350 ℃, preferably between 200 ℃ and 300 ℃.

3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrating solar collector (100) comprises at least one parabolic mirror collector (101, 102, 103, etc.).

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the heat storage device (200) comprises at least one phase change material.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one phase change material (201, 202, 203, etc.) comprises an upstream phase change material and a downstream phase change material; and wherein the upstream phase change material has a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the downstream phase change material; and/or wherein the upstream phase change material has a solidification temperature that is higher than the solidification temperature of the downstream phase change material.

6. The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one phase change material comprises any one or more of the following materials: organic materials such as paraffins or fatty acids, potassium acetate or sodium acetate compositions, eutectic mixtures of molten salts such as potassium chloride and lithium bromide, metals and their alloys, hydrated salts, or combinations thereof.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the heat storage device (200) comprises at least one material capable of storing heat by a thermochemical reaction.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one material capable of storing heat by thermochemical reaction includes any one or more of the following materials: lithium chloride, zeolites, silica gel, porous salt hydrates, or combinations thereof.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heated fluid (Fl) consists of steam.

10. System according to any of the previous claims, wherein the heated fluid (Fl) consists of a diathermic oil.

11. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the circulation system (400) comprises a first collector branch (421) and a second collector branch (422), a first valve (401) in the first collector branch and a second valve (402) in the second collector branch, and a pump unit (420), the pump unit (420) configured to pump the second stream through the first collector branch and the second collector branch; and wherein the concentrating solar collector (100) comprises a first collecting unit (101) in the first collector branch and a second collecting unit (102) in the second collector branch.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulation system (400) comprises a first generating branch (431) and a second generating branch (432), a first valve (441) in the first generating branch and a second valve (442) in the second generating branch, and a pump unit (430), the pump unit (430) being configured to pump the second flow through the first generating branch and the second generating branch; and wherein the at least one generating unit comprises a first generating unit (321) coupled with the first generating branch and a second generating unit (322) coupled with the second generating branch, a first heat exchanger (601) in the first generating unit (321) and a second heat exchanger (602) in the second generating unit (322).

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the pump unit (420, 430) comprises a pump and a variable speed drive configured to control a speed of the pump.

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a generating unit (321) of said at least one generating unit comprises a heat exchanger (601) having a first branch in which a flow of gas and/or steam (Fl) circulates and a second branch in which said second flow generated by said circulation system (400) circulates, said heat exchanger enabling the temperature of said gas and/or steam (Fl) to be adjusted.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one generation unit comprises a first generation unit (321), a second generation unit (322), and a heat exchanger (601) having a first branch in which the flow of gas and/or steam (Fl) generated by the first generation unit circulates and a second branch in which the flow of gas and/or steam (Fi1) generated by the second generation unit circulates, the heat exchanger enabling the recovery of energy from the flow of gas and/or steam generated by the second generation unit and having passed through the treatment chamber (310).

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a control system (500) configured to control the heat exchanger (601, 610) in order to adjust the temperature of the gas and/or steam flow (Fl) generated by the generating unit (321).

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a fan (361) disposed in the first branch, and a valve (371) connected between the first branch and a fresh air inlet; and wherein the control system (500) is configured to control the fan (361) and/or the valve (371).

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one generating unit comprises a first generating unit (321) and a second generating unit (322); and wherein the first generation unit is configured to directly use at least part of the flow of gas and/or steam (Fi1) generated by the second generation unit and having passed through the process chamber (310) to generate its own flow of gas and/or steam (Fl), preferably directly using at least part of the flow of gas and/or steam (Fi1) generated by a generation unit downstream of the first generation unit and having passed through the process chamber (310).

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first generation unit (321) comprises a valve (381) configured to regulate the flow of gas and/or steam from the second generation unit (322) to the first generation unit (321); and further comprising a control system (500), the control system (500) being configured to control the valve (381) to regulate the temperature and/or composition of the flow (Fl) of gas and/or steam generated by the first generation unit (321).

20. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the torrefaction plant (300) comprises a conveyor system (330), the conveyor system (330) being configured to convey the layer (L) of particulate material (P) through a process chamber (310) comprising a first zone (Z1), one or more intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2 etc.) and a final zone (Zd) such that the particulate material passes successively through the first zone, the one or more intermediate zones and the final zone.

21. System according to claim 20, wherein the conveying system (330) comprises a feeding device (340), the feeding device (340) being configured to feed the particulate material (P) such that the layer has a thickness comprising no more than 5 particles of the particulate material (P), preferably no more than 3 particles of the particulate material (P), more preferably no more than 2 particles of the particulate material (P), such as beans.

22. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one generating unit comprises: a first generation unit (321) configured to generate a first flow (Fl) of gas and/or steam through said first zone (Z1); one or more intermediate generation units (322, 323, etc.) configured to generate one or more intermediate gas and/or vapor streams (Fi1, Fi2, etc.) through the one or more intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2, etc.); a last generation unit (324) configured to generate a last gas and/or steam flow (Fd) through the last zone (Zd); a control system (500) configured to control the first generation unit, the one or more intermediate generation units and the final generation unit such that the layer of particulate material is preheated and dried in the first region, baked in the one or more intermediate regions and cooled in the final region.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the control system (500) is configured to use at least a part of the flow of gas and/or steam that has passed through one of the zones (Z1, Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zd) to generate a flow of gas and/or steam of another zone (Z1, Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zd), preferably of a zone downstream of the zone.

24. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrating solar collector (100), the heat storage device (200), the torrefaction device (300) of the particulate material (P) and the circulation system (400) form a substantially closed system, such that substantially no energy escapes from the substantially closed system.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a roasting system for particulate material, such as coffee or cocoa beans, cereals, malt.

Background

Although roasting of particulate material, such as cocoa or coffee beans, is carried out in large industrial installations, roasting is still an extremely delicate operation requiring special expertise. The chemical composition of the material changes during baking: its appearance and flavor and taste evolve during this operation. In addition, some elements disappear when exposed to heat, while others are bound together.

According to a solution known in the industry, baking is carried out in a circular or cylindrical oven (called baking oven). This is a device equipped with a permanently rotating drum, so that the material that is always moving is baked in a uniform manner and not burnt. The heat source must be adjusted because the reaction evolves during baking. At the end of the operation, the material must be cooled rapidly to interrupt the chemical process.

During the baking process, the particulate material must reach a uniform temperature inside it in order to obtain the best possible quality. Some techniques are distinguished by their duration and the amount of heat used. The conventional process operates at low temperature for a long time, resulting in a small throughput but optimal quality. In contrast, industrial processes that allow for faster production rates are typically run at higher temperatures, with the result that a portion of the material will be burned, releasing less delicate flavors.

Currently, there is no optimal use of energy in the torrefaction plant, and many losses may be highlighted, for example in terms of an open system with regard to the discharge of gas and/or torrefaction vapours to the outside of the system. In addition, energy consumption may prove to be enormous when it concerns industrial processes operating at high temperatures. Emissions treatment facilities are not optimally tuned and operate at high power, which may have environmental impact.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a particulate material torrefaction system that reduces the energy required by the particulate material torrefaction system. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention aim to propose a particulate material torrefaction system which can be industrially implemented and which can be operated at low temperatures in order to obtain better quality torrefied material with low energy consumption and high productivity. For this reason, it is considered to utilize renewable energy to the maximum extent, avoiding the use of fossil fuels to reduce carbon emissions.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for roasting particulate material, such as coffee or cocoa beans, cereals, malt, is presented, the system comprising:

a concentrating solar collector configured to heat a fluid;

a heat storage device configured to store heat of the heated fluid;

a particulate material torrefaction apparatus comprising a process chamber configured to receive a particulate material, at least one generation unit configured to generate at least one gas and/or steam flow having a controlled temperature through the process chamber; the at least one generating unit is configured for exchanging heat between the at least one flow of gas and/or steam and the second flow;

a circulation system configured to generate a second stream by using heat stored in the storage device, and optionally configured to directly use the heated fluid.

The system is therefore based on renewable energy sources, heat storage devices derived from the sources and torrefaction devices supplied by the generated and/or stored heat. The circulation system ensures the transfer of the hot stream to the torrefaction devices and the heat exchange between the stream and the torrefaction devices.

The development of sustainable energy is becoming more and more important in view of future energy challenges. However, since these energy sources are delivered irregularly, their development is closely related to an abundant energy storage system.

Therefore, in view of heat recovery and the emergence of renewable energy sources (such as solar energy), it seems crucial to develop efficient and low cost solutions for thermal energy storage. Solar-based installations may not only allow for the generation of energy on demand when the sun is shining. Concentrated solar thermal plants convert solar energy into thermal energy and can therefore store the thermal energy, which can then be converted into electrical energy by means of turbines if required.

According to a preferred embodiment, the concentrating solar collector and the heat storage device are configured to operate in a temperature range between 150 ℃ and 350 ℃, preferably between 200 ℃ and 300 ℃.

In this way, a mass of particulate material is obtained which is comparable to that obtained by conventional roasting methods. This temperature range allows reducing the heat energy consumption while ensuring the quality.

According to a preferred embodiment, the concentrating solar collector comprises at least one parabolic mirror collector.

In fact, the inventors have found that with this solution the ground surface area of the thermal energy production device is reduced compared to other solutions. Alternatively, the photovoltaic panel may be used to generate electrical power to power mechanical equipment.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heat storage device comprises at least one phase change material.

Indeed, in the prior art for storing thermal energy, latent heat storage by using phase change materials has proved to be an attractive solution, since it can lead to reduced storage sizes. A phase change material is a material that is capable of undergoing a phase change at a constant temperature. Storage and recovery of energy occurs during these phase changes, and the amount of energy corresponds to their latent heat, which is relatively high compared to sensible heat storage systems.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one phase change material comprises an upstream phase change material and a downstream phase change material. Preferably, the melting temperature of the upstream phase change material is higher than the melting temperature of the downstream phase change material. Preferably, the solidification temperature of the upstream phase change material is higher than the solidification temperature of the downstream phase change material.

In this way, if the incident light intensity is low, at least a part of the heat storage device is in a liquid state and allows releasing the available energy to the torrefaction device. Such a configuration involving different phase change materials arranged in layers has a higher energy efficiency than a configuration involving only one phase change material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one phase change material comprises any one or a combination of the following materials: organic materials such as paraffins or combinations of fatty acids, potassium acetate or sodium acetate, eutectic mixtures of molten salts such as potassium chloride and lithium bromide, metals and their alloys, hydrated salts.

The above cited examples are widely used in the scientific and technical literature as reference phase change materials for industrial devices.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heat storage device comprises at least one material capable of storing heat by thermochemical reaction.

In fact, thermochemical storage is the most common alternative to using phase change materials. In fact, both technologies have similar storage capacities and costs. Reversible thermochemical reactions (such as adsorption or adhesion of substances on solid or liquid surfaces) can be used to accumulate and store heat again on demand using different chemical reagents.

According to exemplary embodiments, the at least one material capable of storing heat by thermochemical reaction includes any one or combination of the following materials: lithium chloride, zeolites, silica gel, porous salt hydrates.

The examples cited above are widely used in the scientific and technical literature as reference materials capable of storing heat by means of one or more thermochemical reactions for industrial installations.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heated fluid consists of steam. According to another preferred embodiment, the heated fluid consists of a heat conducting oil.

Indeed, steam and thermal oil have attractive thermal capacities for the development of industrial facilities.

According to a preferred embodiment, the circulation system includes a first and second concentrator branch, a first valve in the first concentrator branch and a second valve in the second concentrator branch, and a pump unit configured to pump a second flow through the first and second concentrator branches. The concentrating solar collector comprises a first collecting unit in a first collector branch and a second collecting unit in a second collector branch.

Thus, the valve system ensures that a pre-configured fluid temperature is reached at the output of the concentrating solar collector, regardless of the amount of solar radiation available. Thus, if the solar radiation intensity decreases, the valve closes and the fluid circulates more slowly in the concentrating solar collector. The system allows the use of a single pump.

According to a preferred embodiment, the circulation system comprises a first and a second generation branch, a first valve in the first generation branch and a second valve in the second generation branch, and a pump unit configured to pump a second flow through the first and second generation branches. The at least one generation unit includes a first generation unit coupled to the first generation branch and a second generation unit coupled to the second generation branch, a first heat exchanger in the first generation unit and a second heat exchanger in the second generation unit.

Thus, the device of the valve allowing to regulate the temperature of the gas and/or steam flow in the generating unit allows to use a single pump. To regulate these temperatures, the valve may be opened more and more until a certain percentage of the maximum opening capacity is reached. Beyond this value, the pump may further start pumping for regulating the temperature.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pump unit comprises a pump, and a variable speed drive configured to control a speed of the pump.

Thus, the pump unit is configured to pump the second stream through each branch of the circulation system using a minimum amount of electricity, such that the valve is opened in a manner that minimizes pressure drop.

According to a preferred embodiment, the generating unit of said at least one generating unit comprises a heat exchanger having a first branch in which the gas and/or steam flow circulates and a second branch in which the second flow generated by the circulation system circulates. The heat exchanger enables the temperature of the gas and/or steam flow to be regulated.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one generating unit comprises a first generating unit in which the gas and/or vapour flow generated by the first generating unit circulates, a second generating unit in which the gas and/or vapour flow generated by the second generating unit circulates, and a heat exchanger having a first branch and a second branch. Said heat exchanger enables energy to be recovered from the flow of gas and/or steam generated by the second generation unit and having passed through the treatment chamber.

In this way, each generation unit may communicate with the circulation system or with another generation unit via a heat exchanger in order to regulate the temperature of the gas and/or steam flow.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a control system configured to control said heat exchanger between the generation unit and the circulation system and/or said heat exchanger between the first generation unit and the second generation unit in order to adjust the temperature of the flow of gas and/or steam generated by said generation unit.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a fan arranged in said first branch, and a valve connected between said first branch and the fresh air inlet. The control system is configured to control the fan and/or the valve.

As mentioned above, the temperature of the gas and/or steam flow of each generation unit is regulated via a heat exchanger. The speed and composition of these streams are adjusted by the use of fans and adjustable valves, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one generating unit comprises a first generating unit and a second generating unit. The first generation unit is configured to use directly (that is to say without the aid of a heat exchanger) at least part of the flow of gas and/or vapour generated by the second generation unit (preferably a generation unit downstream of said first generation unit) and having passed through the process chamber, to generate its own flow of gas and/or vapour.

Thus, not only energy but also material can be transferred from one generating unit to another.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first generation unit comprises a valve configured to regulate the flow of gas and/or steam from the second generation unit to the first generation unit. The system further comprises a control system configured to control said valve in order to regulate the temperature and/or composition of the flow of gas and/or steam generated by the first generation unit.

This valve allows to regulate a portion of the flow from the second generation unit diverted to the first generation unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the torrefaction apparatus comprises a conveyor system configured to convey the layer of particulate material through a process chamber comprising a first zone, one or more intermediate zones and a final zone, such that the particulate material passes successively through the first zone, the intermediate zones and the final zone.

The existing solution for baking particulate material is to use a batch or discontinuous process, wherein the particulate material is shaken in a rotating drum, while hot air is blown in. The method produces a batch of baked material at regular intervals. The conveying of the layer of particulate material, allowing continuous operation, through the treatment chamber comprising a plurality of zones, has the advantage of reducing the amount of mechanical energy to be provided during baking and can be adjusted at lower temperatures for optimal baking results, resulting in a higher quality of the baked material. Although the method of torrefaction using a process chamber comprising a plurality of zones is a preferred method for the purposes of embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated to use one or more drums in combination with a concentrating solar collector and a heat storage device. Since both methods cannot operate in the same temperature range, it is contemplated that different configurations and modes of operation may be used for producing and storing heat.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the conveying system comprises a feeding device configured to feed the particulate material such that the layer has a thickness of the particulate material (such as beans) comprising no more than 10 particles, preferably no more than 3 particles, more preferably no more than 2 particles.

In this way, the determination of the maximum height of the layer of particulate material (that is to say of the number of particles that can be superimposed without these particles adhering to one another) ensures a uniform temperature within all the particles. By providing a thin layer, it is easier to make the temperature within the particles more uniform.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one generating unit comprises: a first generation unit configured to generate a first flow of gas and/or vapor through a first zone; and one or more intermediate generation units configured to generate one or more intermediate gases and/or steam streams through the one or more intermediate zones; a final generation unit configured to generate a final gas and/or steam flow through the final zone; a control system configured to control the first, one or more intermediate and the last generation units such that the layer of particulate material is preheated and dried in a first region, baked in one or more intermediate regions and cooled in a last region.

Thus, the torrefaction device is divided into different zones, wherein each zone has a different temperature, in order to reach a certain predetermined temperature within the particulate material in each zone, wherein the heating is provided by gas and/or steam.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control system is configured to use at least a part of the flow of gas and/or steam that has passed through one of the zones for generating a flow of gas and/or steam of another zone, preferably a zone upstream of said zone.

This heat recovery and recycling system allows both to reduce the consumption of thermal energy and to reduce the level of emission of gases and/or vapours to the outside. At least part of the advantage of using a flow of gas and/or steam through a zone downstream of the zone in which the flow is recovered is that the latter is at a higher temperature. Therefore, the amount of heat recovered is greater.

According to a preferred embodiment, the concentrating solar collector, the heat storage device, the particulate material torrefaction device and the circulation system form a substantially closed system such that substantially no energy escapes from the substantially closed system.

Thus, designing a closed system may reduce both the consumption of thermal energy and the level of emission of gas and/or torrefaction vapours to the outside of the system. In this way, the emission treatment device can be optimally adjusted and operated at a lower power level, thus allowing to provide excellent performance while respecting the environment.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals correspond to the same or similar features.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a torrefaction system according to the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a concentrating solar collector according to the present invention;

fig. 3 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an interface between a concentrating solar collector and a heat storage device according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a heat storage device according to the present invention;

figure 5 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a continuous torrefaction apparatus for particulate material according to the present invention;

figure 6 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an interface between a heat storage device and a roasting device according to the present invention;

figure 7 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an interface between a circulation system and a generation unit of a roasting apparatus according to the present invention;

figure 8 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an interface between two generating units of a baking apparatus according to the present invention; and

fig. 9 shows a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of an interface between two generation units of a baking apparatus according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a torrefaction system according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the system 1 for roasting particulate material, such as coffee beans or cocoa beans, cereals, malt, comprises a concentrating solar collector 100 comprising three collecting units 101, 102, 103, configured to heat a fluid Fl, a heat storage device 200 configured to store heat of the heated fluid Fl, and a roasting device 300 of the particulate material P. The latter comprises a process chamber 310 configured to receive the particulate material, and four generation units 321, 322, 323, 324 configured to generate four streams of gas and/or steam having controlled temperatures through the process chamber 310. One or more of the generating units, and preferably each generating unit, is configured to exchange heat between the flow of gas and/or steam it generates and the second flow.

The system 1 further comprises a circulation system 400, the circulation system 400 being configured to produce this second stream by using the heat stored in the storage device 200, and optionally being configured to directly use the heated fluid Fl. The heated fluid Fl may consist of steam or diathermic oil, but the skilled person will understand that another fluid with similar heat capacity may be used. Preferably, the concentrating solar collector 100 and the heat storage device 200 are configured to operate in a temperature range between 150 ℃ and 350 ℃, preferably between 200 ℃ and 300 ℃. This temperature range corresponds to obtaining a mass of particulate material comparable to that obtained by conventional roasting methods, while allowing to reduce the consumption of thermal energy.

The concentrating solar collector 100 comprises three collecting units 101, 102, 103 arranged in parallel, but the skilled person will appreciate that the number and/or arrangement (in series or in parallel) of the collecting units comprised in the concentrating solar collector 100 may vary. In addition, the collection units 101, 102, 103 preferably correspond to parabolic mirror collectors, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that they may be solar thermal towers or fresnel linear reflectors, for example.

The type of heat storage device 200 is not specified in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1. For example, it may be based on devices using one or more phase change materials, or on devices using one or more materials capable of storing heat through one or more thermochemical reactions. The first class of materials includes, for example, materials such as: paraffin or fatty acids, combinations of potassium or sodium acetate, such as molten salts of potassium chloride and lithium bromide, eutectic mixtures of metals and their alloys, hydrated salts, or combinations of the foregoing. The second class of materials includes, for example, materials such as: lithium chloride, zeolites, silica gel, porous salt hydrates, or combinations of the foregoing.

The roasting apparatus 300 comprises four generating units 321, 322, 323, 324, but the skilled person will understand that their number may vary. In addition, the process chamber 310 may include a transport system 330 configured to transport the layer L of particulate material P, or a system including rollers. Thus, the baking of the particulate material P may be performed continuously or discontinuously. Finally, the torrefaction apparatus 300 comprises a control system 500, the control system 500 being configured to adjust the temperature and/or composition and/or velocity of each gas and/or steam flow generated by each generation unit.

The concentrating solar collector 100, the heat storage device 200, the torrefaction arrangement 300 of particulate material P and the circulation system 400 form a substantially closed system such that substantially no energy escapes from the substantially closed system. It therefore reduces both the consumption of thermal energy and the level of emission of gases and/or torrefaction vapours to the outside of the system 1.

Fig. 2 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a concentrating solar collector according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2, the parabolic mirror collector 101 comprises an inlet 120 and an outlet 130 for the fluid Fl, and a central tube 110 in which the fluid Fl subjected to solar radiation circulates. The parabolic mirror 150 may be oriented in the direction of the incident light rays and configured to reflect and focus these incident light rays at the central tube 110. The tilting of the parabolic mirror 150 is implemented with respect to the horizontal rotation axis 140. Preferably, the infrastructure of the central tube and the central tube 110 itself are made of the same material, for example steel covered with a dark layer, so that a different thermal expansion under the influence of solar radiation is avoided due to the use of two different materials. In fact, if the tube is made of glass, for example, and the infrastructure (i.e. the support of the parabolic mirror collector 101) is made of steel, for example, the two materials will not expand in the same way under the effect of heat, since they do not have the same thermal characteristics.

Fig. 3 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an interface between a concentrating solar collector and a heat storage device according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 3, the concentrating solar collector 100 and the heat storage device 200 are in communication through a circulation system 400. The latter comprises three collector branches 421, 422, 423, three valves 401, 402, 403, one in each of which is provided, and a pump unit 420 configured to pump a fluid Fl through the three collector branches 421, 422, 423. The pump unit 420 thus delivers the fluid Fl to the three collection units 101, 102, 103 arranged in parallel. Upstream of these collection units are three adjustable valves 401, 402, 403. Downstream of these collection units is a system of three temperature sensors 411, 412, 413.

The system of valves 401, 402, 403 ensures that a preconfigured temperature of the fluid Fl is achieved at the outlet 130 of the solar concentrator 100, irrespective of the amount of solar radiation available. Thus, if the intensity of the solar radiation decreases, the valves 401, 402, 403 are closed and the fluid Fl circulates more slowly in the collector 100. This system allows the use of a single pump unit 420. Additionally, the pump unit 420 may include a pump, and a variable speed drive configured to control the speed of the pump. Thus, the pump unit 420 is configured to pump the fluid Fl through the three collector branches 421, 422, 423 of the circulation system 400 with a reduced amount of electricity, such that the valves 401, 402, 403 are opened in a manner that minimizes the pressure drop.

Fig. 4 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a heat storage device according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4, the fluid Fl heated by the concentrating solar collector 100 enters the heat storage device 200 for the purpose of being stored there and retrieved later. The apparatus 200 comprises three different layers 201, 202, 203 corresponding to three different phase change materials PCM1, PCM2, PCM3 having different melting temperatures Tm1, Tm2, Tm 3. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that their number may vary and that some materials may be the same. Preferably, the melting temperature of the upstream phase change material is higher than the melting temperature of the downstream phase change material. It is also preferred that the solidification temperature of the upstream phase change material is higher than the solidification temperature of the downstream phase change material. For example, the melting temperature Tml may be between 350 ℃ and 250 ℃, and the melting temperature Tm3 may be between 250 ℃ and 150 ℃. These temperature ranges are compatible with the temperature ranges of conventional baking methods. Thus, if the incident light intensity is low, at least a part of the heat storage device 200 is in a liquid state and allows releasing the available energy to the torrefaction device 300. Such a configuration involving different phase change materials arranged in layers has a higher energy efficiency than a configuration involving only one phase change material. However, the addition of a thermally conductive material (such as graphite or metal) within the one or more phase change materials allows for an increase in the thermal conductivity of the one or more phase change materials. Modeling calculations should also take into account the possible overlap of the values of the melting temperatures Tml, Tm2, Tm3 and the solidification temperatures Tsl, Ts2, Ts3 of the phase change materials PCM1, PCM2, PCM 3.

Fig. 5 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a continuous torrefaction apparatus for particulate material according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 5, the continuous torrefaction apparatus 300 comprises a process chamber 310, a transport system 330, a first fluid generation unit 321, two intermediate fluid generation units 322, 323, a final fluid generation unit 324, and a control system 500. The process chamber 310 is composed of a first zone Z1, two intermediate zones Zi l, Zi2, and a final zone Zd. The transport system 330 is configured to transport the layer L of particulate material P through the process chamber 310 such that the particulate material P passes successively through the first zone Z1, the two intermediate zones Zi, Zi2, and the final zone Zd. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and length of each region may vary. Thus, each zone may have its own length, and the process chamber 310 may include more than two intermediate zones.

The conveying system 330 comprises a feeding device 340, the feeding device 340 being configured to feed the particulate material P without introducing air from the environment such that the layer L has a thickness of no more than 10 particles or a thickness of less than 100mm, preferably no more than 3 particles or a thickness of less than 20mm, more preferably no more than 2 particles or a thickness of less than 15mm, comprising particulate material such as coffee beans or cocoa beans, grains, malt. In addition, the conveyor system 330 comprises a conveyor belt 350 having a substantially flat surface, the conveyor belt 350 supporting the layer L of particulate material P. The conveyor belt 350 passes through a first zone Z1, two intermediate zones Zil, Zi2, and a final zone Zd. The mechanical energy required for movement of the conveyor belt 350 may be provided by electricity generated by the plurality of photovoltaic panels. The latter is coupled to a parabolic mirror collector for generating thermal energy, which meets the requirement of minimizing the ground surface area of the energy generating device according to the object of the invention.

The first fluid generation unit 321 is configured to generate a first gas and/or steam flow Fl through the first zone Z1, the two intermediate fluid generation units 322, 323 are configured to generate two intermediate gas and/or steam flows Fi1, Fi2 through the intermediate zones Zil, Zi2, and the last fluid generation unit 324 is configured to generate a last gas and/or steam flow Fd through the last zone Zd. The conveyor belt 350 is configured to allow the first gas and/or steam flow Fl, the two intermediate gas and/or steam flows Fi1, Fi2, and finally the gas and/or steam flow Fd to pass through the layer L of particulate material P supporting it. For example, the conveyor belt 350 may include holes in the same manner as a porous belt, or may be made of a porous material, allowing the flow of gas and/or vapor therethrough. The control system 500 is configured to use at least a portion of the flow of gas and/or steam that has passed through one of the zones Z1, Zil, Zi2, Zd to generate a flow of gas and/or steam of another zone Z1, Zil, Zi2, Zd, preferably from another zone upstream of the zone.

The control system 500 is configured to control the temperature T1 and/or the composition and/or the speed of the first gas and/or steam flow Fl, the two intermediate gas and/or steam flows Fi1, Fi2, and finally the gas and/or steam flow Fd. The temperature T1 is controlled between 45 ℃ and 150 ℃, the temperatures Til, Ti2 are controlled between 150 ℃ and 350 ℃, and the temperature Td is controlled between 10 ℃ and 100 ℃. The relative humidity of the two intermediate gas and/or steam streams Fi1, Fi2 is also controlled. Typically, the temperature Til of the first intermediate zone Zil is higher than the temperature T1 of the first zone Z1, and the temperature of the intermediate zone downstream of a given intermediate zone is higher than the temperature of that zone. Furthermore, the temperature Td of the last zone Zd is generally lower than the temperature T1 of the first zone Z1.

Fig. 6 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an interface between a heat storage device and a baking device according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 6, the heat storage device 200 and the roasting device 300 (not shown in their entirety for clarity) are in communication via a circulation system 400. The latter comprises four generating branches 431, 432, 433, 434, four valves 441, 442, 443, 444, one in each of which is provided, and a pump unit 430 configured to pump the fluid Fl through the four generating branches 431, 432, 433, 434. The pump unit 430 thus delivers the fluid Fl to the process chamber 310 (not shown for clarity). The latter comprises a first zone Z1 through which a gas and/or steam flow Fl circulates at a temperature T1, two intermediate zones Zi, Zi2 through which a gas and/or steam flow Fi1, Fi2 circulates at a temperature Til, Ti2 respectively, and a final zone Zd through which a gas and/or steam flow Fd circulates at a temperature Td. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of intermediate zones may vary.

Upstream of the process chamber 310 are four valves 441, 442, 443, 444. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the four valves 441, 442, 443, 444 may also be downstream of the process chamber 310. This device, which is cascaded with valves allowing to regulate the temperature of the gas and/or steam flow in each zone Z1, Zil, Zi2, Zd, enables the use of only one pump unit 430. Additionally, the pump unit 430 may include a pump, and a variable speed drive configured to control the speed of the pump. Thus, the pump unit 430 is configured to pump the fluid Fl through the four generating branches 431, 432, 433, 434 of the circulation system 400 using a reduced amount of electricity, such that the valves 441, 442, 443, 444 are opened in a way that minimizes the pressure drop. To regulate these temperatures, the valves 441, 442, 443, 444 may be opened more and more until reaching, for example, about 95% of the maximum opening capacity. Beyond this value, the pump unit 430 may start further pumping to regulate the temperature.

The circulation system 400 may exchange heat with each of the four zones Z1, Zil, Zi2, Zd included in the process chamber 310 through heat exchangers 601, 602, 603, 604. In practice, each of the four generation units (not shown for clarity) corresponding to each of the four zones Z1, Zil, Zi2, Zd is coupled to a branch 431, 432, 433, 434 of the circulation system 400, respectively. Each of the four generating units in which the flow of gas and/or steam Fl, Fi1, Fi2, Fd circulates comprises an adjustable fan 361, 362, 363, 364 and an adjustable valve 371, 372, 373, 374, the adjustable fan allowing the speed of said flow of gas and/or steam to be adjusted thanks to, for example, a variable speed drive, and the adjustable valve allowing the humidity level present in the flow Fl, Fi1, Fi2, Fd to be adjusted thanks to a fresh air circuit external to the roasting apparatus 300. Finally, the funnel 390 may avoid over-reacting the four generating units due to the presence of a fresh air intake loop alongside the fans 361, 362, 363, 364 and the valves 371, 372, 373, 374.

Fig. 7 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an interface between the circulation system and the generation unit of the roasting apparatus according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 7, the first generation unit 321, in which the flow of gas and/or steam Fl circulates, communicates with the circulation system 400, in which the fluid Fl circulates, through a heat exchanger 601. The latter therefore has a first branch, in which the flow of gas and/or steam Fl circulates, and a second branch, in which the flow Fl generated by the circulation system 400 circulates. The heat exchanger 601 allows to regulate the temperature T1 of the flow Fl. Thus, FIG. 7 enlarges the heat exchanger associated with zone Z1 shown in FIG. 6. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description may also apply to one or more other generation units associated with the other zones Zil, Zi2, Zd shown in fig. 6. In addition, a control system (not shown) is configured to control the heat exchanger 601 in order to regulate the temperature and/or the composition and/or the speed of the flow Fl of gas and/or steam generated by the first generation unit 321.

Fig. 8 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an interface between two generating units of a baking apparatus according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 8, the first production unit 321, in which the flow of gas and/or steam Fl circulates, communicates through a heat exchanger 610 with the first intermediate production unit 322, in which the flow of gas and/or steam Fi1 circulates. The latter therefore has a first branch, in which the gas and/or steam flow Fl generated by the first generation unit 321 circulates, and a second branch, in which the gas and/or steam flow Fi1 generated by the first intermediate generation unit 322 circulates. The heat exchanger 610 allows to regulate the temperature T1 of the flow Fl and/or the temperature Til of the flow Fi 1. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a heat exchanger may be used as an intermediate between generation units other than units 321 and 322, and not necessarily as an intermediate between two adjacent generation units. For example, it is contemplated that a heat exchanger is located between units 321 and 323 as shown in fig. 1 and 5. In addition, a control system (not shown) is configured to control the heat exchanger 610 to regulate the temperature and/or composition and/or speed of the flow of gas and/or steam Fl generated by the first generation unit 321.

Fig. 9 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of an interface between two generating units of a baking apparatus according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 9, the first production unit 321, in which the flow of gas and/or steam Fl circulates, is in direct communication with the first intermediate production unit 322, in which the flow of gas and/or steam Fi1 circulates, that is to say without the use of a heat exchanger. Thus, each of the two generating units 321, 322 is configured to directly use at least part of the gas and/or steam flow generated by the other generating unit 321 or 322 and having passed through the process chamber 310, to generate its own gas and/or steam flow Fl or Fi 1. Preferably, the generating unit for extracting at least part of the flow of gas and/or steam to the further generating unit is located downstream of the further unit. In the case shown in fig. 9, at least a portion of the fluid Fi1 (whose temperature Til is higher than the temperature T1 of the flow Fl) is extracted to generate the flow Fl of the generating unit 321. Thus, not only energy but also material can be transferred from one generating unit to another. This feature distinguishes the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 9 from the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 8. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this exchange of heat and material may be performed between generation units other than units 321 and 322, and not necessarily between two adjacent generation units. For example, it is contemplated that heat and material exchange may take place between units 321 and 323 (preferably from unit 323 to unit 321) as shown in fig. 1 and 5. In addition, the generating unit 321 comprises a valve 381, the valve 381 being configured to regulate the flow of gas and/or steam of the generating unit 322 towards the generating unit 321. A control system (not shown) is configured to control the valve 381 in order to regulate the temperature and/or the composition and/or the speed of the gas and/or steam flow Fl generated by the generation unit 321.

While the principles of the invention have been set forth above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.