DE112004000485T5 - Hydrogen generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-regulating hydrogen generator for a hydrogen fuel cell, consisting of
a fuel tank having an interior of a certain volume and provided with a hydrogen outlet communicating with the interior,
a hydrogen storage material-containing fuel solution accommodated in the fuel tank, a catalyst contacting the fuel solution for generating hydrogen gas, the catalyst filling a catalytic reactor which is the case in which the pressure in the fuel tank due to the generation of hydrogen gas by the contact between Catalyst and fuel solution increases, is provided with a closed part for the interruption of the contact between the catalyst and the fuel solution for interrupting the hydrogen gas generation, and in the event that the pressure in the fuel tank due to the consumption of hydrogen gas through the hydrogen fuel cell drops, is provided with an open part for making contact with the fuel solution for the purpose of producing hydrogen gas, so that the generation and the interruption of generation of the gas based on the increase and decrease of the fuel tank pressure ...

Description

(Technical field of Invention)

The The present invention relates to a self-regulating hydrogen generator. in particular a hydrogen generator for active regulation the generation of hydrogen due to the pressure change in a fuel tank, based on the amount of fuel in the tank generated hydrogen gas, regardless of any external influence.

(State of the art)

Though recent industrial development has improved the quality of life, but the increased energy demand creates serious problems like environmental protection and fossil depletion Fuels.

All States of the world endeavor intensely concerned with the development of alternative energy sources as a hedge against a possible exhaustion including fossil fuels Oil. In particular, the conventional use of fossil fuels causes serious environmental (air) pollution and thus accelerates global warming and the destruction the environment. It is known that nitrogen oxides emitted by factories or vehicles, Hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide in polluting the atmosphere Play the main role.

These expelled Substances destroy that Ozone layer, thus causing various natural hazards, such as direct penetration of harmful radiation from the sun to the earth's surface or climate change, destruction of the ecosystem and different diseases.

Around the air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels To speed up the development of clean burning Fuels.

Especially will be the development of alternative clean energies with the help of Hydrogen proposed as an energy source. Hydrogen, one in abundance existing natural Resource, reacts with oxygen and thereby generates a large amount of Energy and as a waste product nothing but water, which is why he the only means of simultaneous solution of fatigue of the Energy resources and pollution.

Around However, to use hydrogen as an energy source, the technical problems solved be involved in the production of hydrogen as well as the safe Storage and safe transport of the generated hydrogen arise. This is especially true when hydrogen is used as fuel for mobile Devices such as a hydrogen engine or a hydrogen cell in a vehicle or a hydrogen cell in small electronic devices used in the field of information technology, because there limits the amount of fuel stored in the devices is, a technique is needed to maintain a high energy density volume and weight a fuel tank minimized.

Especially then, when hydrogen as fuel of hydrogen cells for vehicles and information technology electronic equipment is used, the performance vehicles and information technology electronic Devices of the storage method of the fuel and the capacity of the fuel tank affected. Process for the production and storage of hydrogen are that's why cutting-edge technology. As a hydrogen storage method become the liquid hydrogen storage process, the hydrogen gas storage method and the hydrogen storage method used and presented below.

Of the Advantage of the liquid hydrogen storage method is that hydrogen by maintaining lows is liquefied, which significantly increases the storage density of hydrogen. However, you have to natural Losses of liquid Hydrogen can be reduced, and also the energy loss through the extreme cooling must be noted.

At the Hydrogen gas storage process, the hydrogen is a high Pressure is released, and the thus-compressed hydrogen is stored. Order one for mobile devices must achieve adequate energy density which exerted on the hydrogen Pressure several hundred atmospheres which increases energy consumption and a safe storage process for the high-pressure hydrogen required.

Of the The advantage of the hydrogen storage method is that It can be used at room temperature, works at low pressure and excellent results in terms of safety and energy loss achieved; However, it is disadvantageous in that it is due to the high density of hydrogen storage material low energy density per unit weight. The lately in the view of the public gerückten Hydrogen cell vehicles use hydrogen instead of gasoline or light gas oil as fuel.

In order to use hydrogen as fuel for the hydrogen cell of a vehicle, a large amount of hydrogen must be stored in a storage tank be stored. When the conventional hydrogen storage method is used in the aforementioned hydrogen cell of a vehicle, the vehicle achieves only half the range of a gasoline powered vehicle, posing a difficulty in the commercial use of the hydrogen storage method. According to a hydrogen storage method for solving the above problem, a catalyst comes into contact with a fuel solution resulting from the dissolution of the hydrogen storage material, thus generating hydrogen. Since it is possible to store hydrogen in a liquid state at approximately atmospheric pressure, this process has high stability and high hydrogen storage capacity, and thus can be applied to mobile devices.

at The said method is hydrogen over a reaction between the fuel solution and the catalyst. So in order to generate hydrogen to start or stop needed the process involves a process involving the catalyst with the fuel solution in Contact brings and separates from it again by either the fuel solution fed to the catalyst will or the feeder the fuel solution is prevented by a pump, or by the catalyst the fuel solution is moved or over from this a motor is removed.

Especially when said method is used in mobile devices a hydrogen cell is applied and the amount of hydrogen produced exceeds the needs of the mobile device, hydrogen collects in the hydrogen cell and increased the system pressure. To stabilize the system pressure in such a case to keep below a certain value will be additional Devices for discharging the accumulated hydrogen, to Pressure measurement and measurement of the amount of hydrogen provided via a Sensor and for controlling the reactive portion of the catalyst via a Separation of the catalyst from the fuel solution by means of externally supplied mechanical Energy and / or variable control of the provided amount the hydrogen storage material containing fuel solution in System installed, which complicates the system structure and the size expansion of the system increases. The uses of this system are so limited.

Around to solve the problems described above, and as an embodiment of the increase the contact area between a fuel solution and a catalyst, which is attached to a catalyst fixing element, is not sufficient, different versions are necessary. Besides, they are a technical solution and a method necessary to prevent that contained in the hydrogen gas liquid enters a foam state and the fine air holes of a Gas-liquid interface clogged when the fine fluid particles generated in the fuel tank containing hydrogen gas on the gas-liquid separation layer meets. Furthermore is a technical solution necessary, which prevents the liquid contained in the hydrogen gas the fine air holes the gas-liquid separation layer clogged, if the emerging from the fuel solution, fine liquid particles containing hydrogen gas strikes the gas-liquid separation layer, and increases the performance of the device.

(Disclosure of Invention)

The The present invention has been made in view of the above Problems were made, and it is the object of the present invention to provide a self-regulating Hydrogen generator to reveal, in an initial phase without external energy source is actively self-controlled and works as an energy source generates and provides serving hydrogen gas and use of hydrogen gas as a clean alternative energy source allows, so that prevents pollution of the environment and usability increased by hydrogen gas becomes.

It is another object of the present invention, a self-regulating Hydrogen generator to reveal a simple structure and a having minimal volume, so that hydrogen gas is commercially available as Fuel for Equipment, Systems and mobile devices can be used.

It is another object of the present invention, a self-regulating To disclose a hydrogen generator in which a catalyst-fixing element with a catalyst disposed thereon for the production of Hydrogen gas in contact with a fuel solution, various forms for Generation big Has amounts of hydrogen gas, and in which a fixed fuel tank and mobile and portable devices have a structure, wherein the hydrogen gas generated in the fuel tank is efficient is discharged and passes through a gas-liquid separation layer, whereby an increase in performance is achieved.

According to the present invention, said objects and other objects can be attained by a self-regulating hydrogen generator for a hydrogen fuel cell consisting of
a fuel tank having an interior of a certain volume, which communicates with a water communicating with the interior fabric outlet is provided,
a hydrogen storage material-containing fuel solution accommodated in the fuel tank, a catalyst contacting the fuel solution for generating hydrogen gas, the catalyst filling a catalytic reactor which is the case that the pressure in the fuel tank due to the generation of hydrogen gas by the contact between Catalyst and fuel solution increases, is provided with a closed part for the interruption of the contact between the catalyst and the fuel solution for interrupting the hydrogen gas generation, and in the event that the pressure in the fuel tank due to the consumption of hydrogen gas through the hydrogen fuel cell drops, is provided with an open part for making contact with the fuel solution for the purpose of hydrogen gas generation, so that the generation and the generation stop of the gas based on the rise and fall of the fuel tank pressure are active is regulated.

Preferably For example, the catalytic reactor can be an elastic means of controlling the Hydrogen gas generation, which has a certain compression and decompression force to move the catalyst in the direction of the closed or open part as a function of hydrogen gas production has caused increase or decrease in fuel tank pressure, and the catalyst may be provided with a catalyst attachment element which is movable within the catalytic reactor is arranged.

In addition, can the fuel tank is preferably a gas-liquid separator for separating the generated hydrogen gas from the fuel solution in a liquid Condition and for discharging the separated hydrogen gas after Outside contain.

It is about it It is preferable that the gas-liquid separating agent a gas-liquid separation layer of variable shape, which is fixedly arranged in the fuel tank, leaving a certain space between the inner opening and the drain of the fuel solution for the easy discharge of the hydrogen gas defined by the discharge opening becomes.

Preferably may be the gas-liquid separator contain a collecting element that floats on the fuel solution, which fills the fuel tank up to a certain level, and a collection port, which protrudes from the collecting element and the upper surface of the fuel solution is facing to hydrogen generated by the same in the fuel tank to feed the collecting element, as well as opposite the collection opening a discharge hose connected to the other side of the collecting element, and a drain for discharging the hydrogen gas collected by the collecting element.

It is about it In addition, it is preferable that the fuel tank is a hydrogen gas retaining agent for converting the state in a fine foam state, hydrogen gas generated by the contact between the fuel solution and the catalyst in size Contains hydrogen gas bubbles, the so produced large Hydrogen gas bubbles is allowed through the gas-liquid separation layer to step through. Furthermore can preferably at least one collision element, which prevents that is in a fine foam state located in the fuel tank generated, moisture-containing hydrogen gas in direct contact with the gas-liquid separation layer occurs between the fuel solution and the gas-liquid separation layer be arranged.

(Short explanation the drawings)

The objectives, characteristics and other benefits of the present Invention are better understood using the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It shows 1 an exploded partial view of a hydrogen generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3 10 are partial exploded views showing the operation of a catalytic reactor applied to a hydrogen generator according to the first embodiment.

4 FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the catalytic reactor of FIG 2 and 3 ,

5 and 6 FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of another catalytic reactor having a different shape from that in FIG 2 and 3 shown.

7 to 13 show various embodiments of a catalyst-fixing element, on which a catalyst is arranged.

14 to 18 show various embodiments of a provided for a fuel tank gas-liquid separator.

19 and 20 show a hydrogen gas retaining agent disposed on the outer surface of the fuel solution filled catalytic reactor.

21 and 22 show a collision Lement, which is disposed between the fuel solution of the fuel tank and a gas-liquid separation layer.

23 to 28 11 are schematic views of a hydrogen generator according to the second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, respectively.

29 Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a hydrogen generator according to the present invention which is used as a drive system of a cellular phone.

(Preferred versions the invention)

in the Following are the preferred embodiments of the present invention described with reference to the accompanying drawings. in the The following is deleted the description of one for one Hydrogen generator usual Additional devices.

One Inventive hydrogen generator H is characterized in that the generation of hydrogen gas and the generation stop of the hydrogen gas is repeated and without the use of the outside supplied Energy performed become.

More specifically, a hydrogen generator H according to the invention consists of a fuel tank 10 a certain, necessary for the formation of a hermetically sealed space size, from a fuel tank 10 contained hydrogen storage material fuel solution 17 , and from a catalyst 21 which is in contact with hydrogen storage material fuel solution to produce hydrogen gas 17 occurs. The catalyst 21 fills a catalytic reactor 20 of a certain form. 1 is a perspective view of the hydrogen generator, in which the fuel tank 10 is partially shown in exploded view according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As in 1 shown, the fuel tank points 10 a certain size necessary to hold a certain amount of fuel solution, and the size and shape of the fuel tank 10 vary depending on the purpose and type of fuel tank 10 , An outlet 12 for draining into fuel tank 10 generated hydrogen is on a side surface of fuel tank 10 trained, and a valve, such. B. a plug connection 15 , is at the outlet 12 provided and is combined with a hydrogen cell.

The fuel tank 10 when manufactured with a certain amount of hydrogen storage material fuel solution 17 filled and then hermetically sealed, so that the fuel tank can not be refilled or emptied. Alternative may be an opening 14 on one side of fuel tank 10 be formed, so that the hydrogen storage material fuel solution 17 after use through opening 14 drained and a new fuel solution 17 through opening 14 in fuel tank 10 can be filled, with a vent 13 as a safety measure on one side of fuel tank 10 is formed, so that the hydrogen from the interior of the fuel tank 10 is drained to the outside.

The hydrogen storage material fuel solution used in the embodiment of the present invention 17 contains 20% NaBH4, 8% KOH and 72% H2O. The catalyst 21 is made of a material that in contact with the fuel solution 17 generates hydrogen in an efficient way. In the case of the present invention, the catalyst is 21 made of Raney nickel.

2 and 3 are perspective exploded parts views showing the operation of the catalytic reactor 20 with application to the hydrogen generator H according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 FIG. 13 is a partial exploded perspective view of the catalytic reactor. FIG 20 from 2 and 3 ,

The catalytic reactor 20 of the hydrogen generator H according to the invention is constructed so that the contact or the insulation between catalyst 21 and fuel solution 17 of the fuel tank 10 automatically over the pressure of the fuel tank 10 generated hydrogen is controlled. In this embodiment of the present invention, the catalytic reactor is 20 inside of fuel tank 10 arranged so that the hydrogen due to the contact between fuel solution 17 and catalyst 21 is generated under the condition that the catalytic reactor 20 in the fuel solution 17 is dipped.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the catalytic reactor is 20 on the outside of fuel tank 10 arranged, which will be briefly described later.

That is, it is, as in 2 . 3 and 4 shown to be preferable to the catalytic reactor 20 a tube is composed of a tubular body 29 with an open part at its one end 28 in external communication and with a closed part at its other end 27 ,

The open part 28 is achieved by the one end of tubular body 29 is opened or a cut-in part on the side surface of the one end of tubular body 29 is trained, and the open part 28 is constructed so that the through the open part 28 catalyst 21 is exposed to the outside and in contact with the fuel solution 17 occurs.

In addition, a high restoring force having elastic means 24 at the end of tubular body 29 trained closed part 27 arranged, and the catalyst 21 is on a catalyst fastener 22 attached, which is in the closed part 27 moved back and forth. If the pressure in fuel tank 10 rises, this moves towards the closed part 27 to prevent the catalyst 21 in contact with fuel solution 17 occurs, and if the pressure in fuel tank 10 falls off, this turns towards the closed part 27 moving catalyst fastener 22 with the help of elastic means 24 to its starting position in the direction of the open part 28 back, hence the catalyst 21 through the open part 28 with the fuel solution 17 comes into contact to produce hydrogen.

With the catalyst 21 it is either a powder catalyst or a solid catalyst. If it is a powder catalyst, the powder catalyst becomes 21 introduced in a network consisting of different materials, which is not powder, but the fuel solution 17 and transmits the hydrogen gas, or it is fixed to the net or a substrate by means of an adhesive, and then becomes attached to the catalyst fixing member 22 attached. In this case, the powder catalyst 21 Alternatively, be processed into a specific shape, which is used for the construction of catalyst attachment element 22 is then sintered and the catalyst fastener 22 attached.

More specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, it has a catalyst 21 used Raney nickel over a large surface area and is stored in distilled water, and the catalyst 21 is characterized in that Raney nickel ignites spontaneously in contact with air. So to Raney nickel as a catalyst 21 normally, only the surface of the Raney nickel is oxidized so that the Raney nickel can be stably used in the atmosphere. This process reduces the hydrogen generation capacity of catalyst 21 , Because of this, the catalyst becomes 21 Embodiments of the present invention prepared by two methods in which the surface of the Raney nickel is not oxidized. In the first method, Raney nickel is placed on a magnet and then used. That is, the magnet is on the catalyst fixing element 22 attached (see 12 ), and the Raney nickel then becomes attached to the catalyst attachment 22 fixed.

At the second method is the Raney nickel on a network or a substrate made of different materials in an aqueous solution such as fixed in distilled water.

Because Raney nickel is stored in distilled water, it is when the Raney nickel stored in distilled water enters the catalyst 21 it is possible to reduce the hydrogen generation capacity of catalyst 21 due to surface oxidation. In the embodiment of the present invention, the catalyst 21 prepared by fixing Raney nickel to a nickel mesh using urethane foam.

The higher the temperature, the greater the catalyst's hydrogen production capacity 21 including Raney Nickel. If a worker uses a large amount of hydrogen with the help of a small amount of catalyst 21 want to generate is for fuel tank 10 , Catalytic reactor 20 or catalyst fastener 22 at least one heating medium such. B. a heating wire for self-heating of the catalyst 21 or the fuel or for heating via an external power source provided. This method using a heating medium increases the solubility of the hydrogen storage material and its by-product, allowing the hydrogen storage material and its by-product to store a greater amount of hydrogen.

The catalyst fastener 22 is designed to be catalyst 21 can easily be attached to it and that a penetration of the fuel solution 17 Can be easily prevented when the catalyst 21 in the tube body 29 penetrates and leaves this again. The catalyst fastener 22 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes two wings 23 and 23 ' and a catalyst fixing part 23c in variable form for receiving catalyst 21 between the wings 23 and 23 ' ,

In order to prevent the fluid solution in the liquid state in the closed part at the outer periphery of the catalyst fixing element 22 penetrates along when the catalyst fastener 22 towards the interior of and out of the open part 27 of the tube body 29 moved, are the two fuel solution capture elements 23a and 23b in the same way between the two ends of the catalyst attachment element 22 and the inner circumference of tubular body 29 or between the catalyst fastener 22 and the elastic means 24 educated. An installation well 25a is on the outer circumference of the tube body 29 formed, and an additional annular interception element 25 is in installation recess 25a introduced to prevent the fuel solution on the outer periphery of catalyst fastener 22 along the tube body 29 when it comes with catalyst 21 provided and attached catalyst fastener 22 moves. The components of the catalytic reactor described above are in 4 shown.

The 5 and 6 are perspective exploded parts views of another catalytic reactor 20 with one of the described catalytic reactor 20 deviant form. Here is the open part 28 at one end of tubular body 29 trained, and the catalyst 21 is so on the catalyst attachment part 23c attached that the catalyst 21 the entire outer periphery of catalyst fixing part 23c surrounds the contact area between catalyst 21 and increase the fuel solution and thus increase the amount of hydrogen produced. The other components of the catalytic reactor 20 correspond to those of the previously described catalytic reactor.

Preferably, the elastic means related to this embodiment of the present invention 24 of compressed gas and an elastomer for resetting the catalyst attachment element 22 in its initial position when the catalyst fastener 22 with force into the interior of the closed part 27 is introduced and the hydrogen tank 10 filling hydrogen through outlet 12 with the help of a hydrogen cell is drained, so that the pressure in fuel tank 10 decreases, if the outwardly open state of the catalyst attachment element 22 attached catalyst 21 is maintained at atmospheric pressure and the pressure in fuel tank 10 exceeds the air pressure and increased pressure on a side surface of the open part 28 of catalytic reactor 20 towards open catalyst fastener 22 is exercised.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the elastic means 24 from a compressed spiral spring.

7 to 13 show various embodiments of the catalyst attachment member 22 , The various embodiments of the catalyst attachment element 22 serve to improve the construction of catalyst attachment part 23c at which the catalyst 21 is attached to the contact area between catalyst 21 and the fuel solution 17 to maximize.

That is, the catalyst fixing member used in this embodiment of the present invention 22 includes the wings 23 and 23 ' , which on the inner circumference of tubular body 29 slide along and the catalyst attachment part 23c which is used to take up catalyst 21 variably shaped and between the wings 23 and 23 ' is arranged. The catalyst attachment part 23c has in particular a multi-layered structure, consisting of several layered plates or different z. B. fan-shaped, conical or circular structures, so that a large part of the catalyst 21 on the surface of the catalyst attachment part 23c is attached. A magnet 23d may be on a side surface or both side surfaces of the catalyst attachment part 23c be arranged so that the metallic catalyst 21 without a separate operation on the catalyst attachment part 23c can be attached (see 12 ).

The following is a detailed description of a hydrogen production process by the hydrogen generator H of the present invention. The fuel solution is added to the fuel tank in an amount of 10mA 10 and the Raney nickel catalyst 21 is in the amount of 0.1g in the fuel tank 10 brought in. Then the fuel tank generates 10 For about 10 hours at room temperature or 1W of the hydrogen cell, hydrogen gas at a rate corresponding to 12SCCM (12 standard cubic centimeters per minute). The in fuel tank 10 Hydrogen gas generated is via outlet 12 of the hydrogen tank 10 an external system such. B. a hydrogen used as a fuel hydrogen engine or a hydrogen fuel cell. If the amount of hydrogen required by the external system is less than 12SCCM or the hydrogen gas is not discharged by interrupting the power supply, the generated hydrogen gas is accumulated in the fuel tank 10 on, and the pressure in fuel tank 10 rises to 1.5 atmospheres (P1).

It will be a pressure difference between fuel tank 10 and the tube body 29 the catalytic reactor 20 generated, and the increased pressure of fuel tank 10 exercises on one end of the open part 28 of tubular body 29 of the catalytic reactor pressure. When the catalyst fastener 22 towards the closed part 27 of tubular body 29 moves, the existing of hydrogen storage material fuel solution 17 exposed catalyst 21 gradually enter the tube body so that the contact area between catalyst 21 and the fuel solution 17 is reduced, which reduces the generation of hydrogen gas and finally completely interrupts.

When the external system again consumes hydrogen gas, the generated hydrogen gas becomes out of the fuel tank 10 drained. This reduces the pressure in the fuel tank 10 , and the pressure difference between fuel tank 10 and the tubes body 29 the catalytic reactor 20 takes off, and that in tubular body 29 arranged elastic means 24 returns to its original position, so that the catalyst fastener 22 towards the open part 28 moved and the catalyst 21 again with the fuel solution 17 comes into contact.

On This is how the inventive hydrogen generator H generates time intervals hydrogen gas.

14 to 18 show various embodiments of the fuel tank for the 10 provided gas-liquid separating agent 40 ,

The gas-liquid separator 40 intended to prevent being in a gaseous state, in which with the water-soluble fuel solution 17 filled fuel tank 10 generated hydrogen gas is discharged together with the fuel solution in a liquid state, and it is more advantageously used in a mobile or portable fuel cell than in a fixed fuel cell.

That is, each of the in the 14 to 16 illustrated gas-liquid separator 40 has a gas-liquid separation layer 42 on. The gas-liquid separation layer 42 It consists of water-repellent silicone rubber, which is more permeable to hydrogen gas than to water, from a porous non-metal such as Teflon, or a hydrogen selectively permeable metal. In 14 is the one in fuel tank 10 provided gas-liquid separation layer 42 from the inner opening of outlet 12 arranged separately with a certain distance. An implantation element 43 is provided with air holes or hydrogen passages to shift the gas-liquid separation layer 42 prevent and vent hydrogen in an efficient manner when the pressure in fuel tank 10 due to the generation of hydrogen gas increases or the fuel tank 10 moves, and it is between the inner circumference of fuel tank 10 at the point where the outlet 12 is provided, and the gas-liquid separation layer 42 arranged. The gas-liquid separation layer 42 may have a different structure without an implantation element 43 have, so that the gas-liquid separation layer 42 on the inner circumference of fuel tank 10 is mounted and the generated hydrogen gas is discharged efficiently.

In 15 has the airtight gas-liquid separation layer 42 in fuel tank 10 is arranged, the same shape as the fuel tank 10 and a slightly smaller size than fuel tank 10 on. The implantation element 43 that due to increased pressure or movement of the fuel tank 10 resulting contact of the inner circumference of the fuel tank 10 and the gas-liquid separation layer 42 prevents and facilitates the movement of hydrogen gas is between the inner circumference of fuel tank 10 and the gas-liquid separation layer 42 brought in. In 16 has the gas-liquid separation layer 42 a U-shape and is so in fuel tank 10 arranged that the central region of the gas-liquid separation layer 42 under the inner opening of the outlet 12 is arranged.

In the 17 and 18 has the gas-liquid separator 40 a collecting element 44 which is made of a material which floats on the fuel solution in a liquid state, wherein the collecting element 44 the function is to collect generated gas and discharge the gas to the outside. A collection opening 46 for receiving the hydrogen gas from the fuel tank 10 protrudes from one side of the collection element 40 and a drain hose 48 for draining by collecting element 40 collected hydrogen gas to the outlet 12 is with the other side of collecting element 40 opposite the collection port 46 and outlet 12 arranged.

The various structures of the gas-liquid separator described above 40 may be suitably selected according to the characteristics of the device using hydrogen as the fuel, and the collecting element 44 can be made of any material with a lower specific gravity than water.

The 19 and 20 show a hydrogen gas retention agent 50 for the temporary collection of hydrogen gas, which in the fuel solution 17 filled catalytic reactor 20 and converting small hydrogen bubbles in a fine state of appearance into coarse hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen gas retention agent 50 is variably configured to indirectly shut off the circumference of the catalytic reactor, thus allowing the hydrogen bubbles in a state of display to temporarily accumulate and then vent to the outside.

When the fuel tank 10 filling fuel solution in contact with catalyst 21 to discharge the fine hydrogen foam, the hydrogen gas retaining agent serves 50 to collect the fine hydrogen foam and convert it into large hydrogen bubbles and then the large hydrogen bubbles through the gas-liquid separation layer 42 to let penetrate. If the small hydrogen bubbles in fine state directly the gas-liquid separation layer 42 In a fine state of view, the hydrogen bubbles clog the small air holes of the gas-liquid separation layer, allowing the efficient discharge of what is disturbed hydrogen gas.

In this way, the hydrogen gas retention agent prevents 50 the problem described above.

The hydrogen generator H according to the invention can be used in particular for permanently installed, mobile or portable articles which use a hydrogen fuel cell. Although the fuel tank 10 be placed anywhere in the article, but the hydrogen gas must be drained efficiently. The gas-liquid separation layer 42 can be placed anywhere, ie left, right, above and below the fuel tank 10 , In the in 19 and 20 Illustrated embodiments of the present invention are the gas-liquid separation layers 42 respectively below or above in the fuel tank 10 arranged, and a connecting pipe 54 connects the two through the upper and lower gas-liquid separation layer 42 generated spaces. Although the fuel tank 10 in any position, those through the gas-liquid separation layers 42 from the fuel solution 17 cut spaces with each other through connecting pipe 54 connected, so that in fuel tank 10 generated hydrogen bubbles communicate between the spaces, allowing the hydrogen bubbles in an efficient way through outlet 12 be drained to the outside. The hydrogen gas retention agent 50 is integral with fuel tank 10 formed, or the catalytic reactor 20 is integral with the hydrogen gas retention agent 50 educated.

21 and 22 each represent embodiments in which a collision element 52 between fuel solution 17 of the fuel tank 10 and the gas-liquid separation layer 42 is introduced. That is, the collision element 52 should prevent in the fuel tank 10 produced, moisture-containing fine hydrogen foam in direct contact with the gas-liquid separation layer 42 occurs. When the hydrogen gas goes up and on collision element 52 meets, due to the fuel solution 17 moisture contained in the hydrogen gas separated from the hydrogen gas. In this way, only the generated pure hydrogen gas penetrates through the gas-liquid separation layer 42 ,

In the same manner as the hydrogen gas retaining agent described above 50 The collision element can be variably constructed, depending on the type of installation of fuel tank 10 or the application article.

23 to 28 are respectively schematic representations of hydrogen generators according to the second, third and fourth embodiment of the present invention. In these embodiments of the present invention, the hydrogen generator is an external fuel tank installation type in which the catalytic reactor 20 removable on the outer circumference of the fuel tank 10 is arranged.

That is, the one with the elastic means 24 and the catalyst fixing agent disposed therein 22 provided catalytic reactor 20 is in a on the outer surface of fuel tank 10 trained installation recess 60 brought in.

More specifically, in the in 23 and 24 embodiment shown a stop 60a from one end of the catalytic reactor 20 forth, and a stop fixation 60b for fixing stop 60a is at the front end of the interior of installation recess 60 educated. One with the interior of fuel tank 10 communicating passage opening 62 is at a certain position of the inner circumference of installation recess 60 formed, the elastic means 24 is at the bottom of the installation recess 60 within passage opening 62 arranged, a passage opening closing element 26 for closing passage opening 62 is with the elastic means 24 combined, one with the interior of fuel tank 10 communicating hydrogen production regulation opening 64 for introducing liquid from fuel tank 10 is through the bottom of the installation recess 60 formed therethrough, and the gas-liquid separation layer 42 is in front of the hydrogen generation regulation opening 64 in fuel tank 10 appropriate.

As in 23 shown closes that in installation recess 60 arranged passage opening closing element 26 the passage opening 62 before the catalytic reactor 20 in installation recess 60 of the fuel tank 10 is introduced. If then, as in 24 represented, the catalytic reactor 20 in the installation recess 60 of the fuel tank 10 is inserted, the passage opening closing element exercises 26 on the elastic means pressure out, leaving the through-hole 62 to the outer periphery of the catalytic reactor 20 is released, and if the catalytic reactor 20 completely in installation recess 60 of the fuel tank 10 is inserted, the through hole occurs 62 in contact with the catalytic reactor 21 provided catalyst 20 so that hydrogen gas can be generated.

When the internal pressure of fuel tank 10 due to the generation of hydrogen gas increases and exceeds a certain value (if the hydrogen gas is not consumed), enters a part of the fuel tank 10 accumulated hydrogen gas over the through the floor of Installati onsaussparung 60 through formed hydrogen production regulating orifice 64 in the installation recess 60 , and the internal pressure of the installation recess 60 rises. Then, the through-hole closing member exercises 26 on the catalyst attachment 22 the catalytic reactor 20 Pressure and provides the application of the elastic agent 24 one. By now the elastic means 24 expands, the contact area between the catalyst and the fuel solution increases 17 gradually, and the passage opening 62 becomes completely through passage opening closing element 26 closed so that the production of hydrogen gas is stopped. When the external system consumes the generated hydrogen gas, the pressure in the fuel tank drops 10 , and the liquid in installation recess 60 gets into the fuel tank 10 directed. Then that becomes the catalytic reactor 20 arranged elastic means 24 compressed, and the catalyst fastener 22 applies pressure to the port opening closure element 26 out, leaving the catalyst 21 in contact with the fuel solution 17 occurs. By achieving automatic generation and generation interruption of hydrogen gas by repeating the above steps, generation and provision of the hydrogen gas required by a hydrogen fuel cell, etc. are performed by the hydrogen generator H of the present invention. The hydrogen generation regulating port 64 can be arranged at any point, as the liquid of the fuel tank 10 due to increased internal pressure in fuel tank 10 in the installation recess 60 passes and pressure on the passage opening closing element 26 or the catalyst attachment agent 22 the catalytic reactor 20 exercises.

At the in 25 and 26 Illustrated embodiment protrudes a catalyst-exposure control element 66 with a closed space from the catalyst described above 20 , that is, the outer surface of catalyst fastener 22 , forth. A hydrogen generation regulation port 64 ' Starting from the hydrogen generation regulator opening 64 comes to rest when the catalytic reactor 20 in the installation recess 60 is introduced, and which controls the generation of hydrogen gas by the catalyst attachment element 22 depending on the increase and decrease in the internal pressure of the fuel tank 10 is moved through a certain position of the catalyst exposure control element 66 formed through.

The hydrogen generator H of the third embodiment is in accordance with the hydrogen generator H of the second embodiment in that generation and interruption of generation of the hydrogen gas by the increase and decrease of the internal pressure of the fuel tank 10 is reached. However, in the third embodiment, if the internal pressure of the fuel tank 10 increases, the high pressure liquid in the at the inner front end of the catalytic reactor 20 formed catalyst exposure control element 66 introduced and puts pressure on the catalyst attachment 22 the catalytic reactor 20 out. If, on the other hand, the internal pressure of the fuel tank 10 drops, the liquid in the catalyst-Ausregelungsregelelement 66 drained liquid exhausts and exercises over that in the catalytic reactor 20 arranged elastic means 24 Pressure on the catalyst attachment 22 out, leaving the catalyst 21 in contact with fuel solution 17 occurs so that hydrogen gas can be generated.

In the in 27 and 28 shown fourth embodiment is no elastic means in combination with installation recess 60 in the catalytic reactor 20 provided, and the catalyst attachment means 22 is only at the front end of the tube body 29 intended. A serving as a fixation stop 61a is via an elastic spring 67 , which is located in a central area of tubular body 29 trained installation opening 65 is disposed in the outer periphery of tubular body 29 in and out, and a stop 61a fixing stop fixing 61b should prevent the catalytic reactor 20 out of the installation recess 60 solved after putting in the installation recess 60 has been introduced.

When the catalytic reactor 20 , as in 28 shown with force in installation recess 60 is introduced, which arrives at the outer periphery of the catalytic reactor 20 trained stop 61a in stop with stop fixing 61b so that the catalytic reactor 20 in the installation recess 60 is fixed.

As described above, the fuel tank enters 10 combined catalyst of catalytic reactor 20 in contact with the fuel tank 10 filling fuel solution 17 so that hydrogen gas is generated. When the internal pressure of fuel tank 10 exceeds a certain value, the fluid under increased pressure from the fuel tank 10 through the through the bottom of installation recess 60 formed through hydrogen generating regulation opening 64 in the installation recess 60 and applies pressure to the port opening closure member 26 out. Then, the through-hole closing member exercises 26 Pressure on the passage opening closing element 26 contacting catalytic reactor 20 off, and on the outer circumference of catalytic reactor 20 trained stop 61a is by pressure on the in installation opening 65 provided elastic spring in the installation opening 65 and then from An impact fixation 61b solved. In this way, the hydrogen generator H of this embodiment generates hydrogen gas by a user with force the catalytic reactor 20 in the installation recess 60 introduces.

As in 29 1, the hydrogen generator H according to the invention can be used as a hydrogen fuel cell of a mobile telephone P.

As described above, the hydrogen generator H according to the invention controls the Generation and production interruption of hydrogen gas based on the pressure of the generated hydrogen gas without external force Active itself and therefore has a simple and inexpensive Build up. Furthermore are volume and weight of the hydrogen generator H according to the invention reduces, so that the energy density in relation to volume and weight one as an energy source for the various devices serving fuel cell considerably is increased.

After all the hydrogen gas of the fuel solution 17 is exhausted, as in a conventional fuel cell, the exhausted fuel solution 17 of the hydrogen generator H according to the invention by the fuel tank 10 formed through opening 14 discharged, and the hydrogen generator H is then with a new fuel solution 17 replenished. If the hydrogen generator H through an outlet 12 the fuel tank arranged plug connection 15 is connected to a fuel cell, the plug connection 15 opened to supply hydrogen gas to the fuel cell, and if the hydrogen generator H is disconnected from the fuel cell, the connector is disabled to prevent hydrogen gas from leaking to the outside, so that the pressure of the fuel tank 10 increases slightly and a reaction between catalyst 21 and fuel solution 17 is prevented, whereby the hydrogen gas is stably stored below a certain pressure.

By the use of the various embodiments for catalyst attachment element 22 the hydrogen generator H increases the contact area between catalyst 21 and the fuel solution 17 to a maximum, resulting in a larger amount of generated hydrogen gas and an extension of the range of use of the hydrogen fuel cell. In addition, the hydrogen generator H contains a hydrogen gas retaining agent 50 with variable structure and a collision element 52 with variable construction, which between the fuel solution 17 and the gas-liquid separation layer 42 are provided, so that in fuel tank 10 produced hydrogen gas can be guided in an efficient manner to the outside and an increase in performance of the hydrogen fuel cell can be achieved. If the gas-liquid separation layers 42 additionally in the fuel tank 10 can be arranged, the hydrogen gas easily circulates through connecting pipe 54 ,

The fuel tank 10 It is thus applied to hydrogen fuel cells depending on the application product with a variable structure and thus extends the range of use of the hydrogen fuel cell, which enables efficient use of energy.

(Industrial applicability)

As From the above description, the present disclosure Invention a self-regulating hydrogen generator in small format with reduced production costs and reduced volume and weight, which increases the energy density per unit volume and weight and on mobile and portable, hydrogen powered devices as well can be like on big hydrogen powered ones Devices. The self-regulating hydrogen generator thus stimulates the use of hydrogen gas as a clean alternative energy and carries Hydrogen gas can replace the gradually exhausting fossil fuels Fuels is used, so that prevents air pollution and promoted a clean environment become.

Although for illustrative purposes, the preferred embodiments of the present invention As disclosed to those skilled in the art Area obvious that the most varied modifications, additions and exchange possibilities are present without deviating from the scope and from the idea of the disclosed invention and the claims associated therewith would.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a self-regulating hydrogen generator for a hydrogen fuel cell. The self-regulating hydrogen generator includes a fuel-tank having an internal volume of a certain volume provided with a hydrogen outlet communicating with the interior, a fuel solution containing hydrogen storage material, a fuel tank stored in the fuel tank, a catalyst contacting the fuel solution to generate hydrogen gas wherein the catalyst fills a catalytic reactor provided with a closed part for interrupting the contact between the catalyst and the fuel solution, and an open part for making contact with the fuel solution, so that the generation and the Er hydrogen is interrupted in response to increase and decrease of the fuel tank pressure is actively regulated.

Claims (26)

A self-regulating hydrogen generator for a hydrogen fuel cell, consisting of one an interior with a certain volume having fuel tank, with one with the interior in Connecting hydrogen outlet is provided one Hydrogen storage material containing, housed in the fuel tank Fuel solution, one for generating hydrogen gas with the fuel solution in Contacting catalyst, wherein the catalyst is a catalytic reactor fills out, the for the Case that the pressure in the fuel tank due to the generation of Hydrogen gas increases through contact between the catalyst and the fuel solution, with a closed part for the interruption of the contact between the catalyst and the fuel solution is provided for interrupting hydrogen gas production, and the for the case that the pressure in the fuel tank due to consumption of hydrogen gas through the hydrogen fuel cell drops, with an open part for the contact preparation to the fuel solution for the purpose of hydrogen gas generation so that the generation and the interruption of production of the Gases based on the increase and decrease of the fuel tank pressure is actively regulated. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 1, wherein the catalytic reactor is an elastic means of control hydrogen gas generation, which has a certain compression and decompression force to move the catalyst in the direction of the closed or open part as a function of hydrogen gas production caused increase or decrease in the fuel tank pressure. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 2, wherein a catalyst attachment member for connecting to the attached thereto catalyst is provided, and within the catalytic reactor is movably arranged, with one end of the elastic means is connected. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 3, wherein fuel interceptors that prevent the fuel solution from passing through the open part enters the catalytic reactor when the catalyst fastener due to a pressure increase in the fuel tank in the direction of the closed part moves, on the inner periphery of the catalyst fixing member or the catalytic reactor are provided. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 3, wherein fuel interceptors that prevent the fuel solution from passing through the open part enters the catalytic reactor when the catalyst fastener due to a pressure increase in the fuel tank in the direction of the closed part, between the catalyst fixing element and the elastic means are provided. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 3, wherein the fuel tank is a gas-liquid separator for separating the generated hydrogen gas from the fuel solution in a liquid Condition and for discharging the separated hydrogen gas after Outside contains. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 6, wherein an installation recess into which the catalytic reactor from the outside releasably introduced, is formed at a certain point of the fuel tank, and wherein this installation recess has a passage opening, the catalyst of the catalytic reactor with the fuel solution for Hydrogen gas generation contact, one at the bottom of the installation recess arranged elastic means, one with the elastic means connected passage opening closing element, that the opening closes and the catalyst attachment member of the attached catalyst due to a pressure increase in the fuel tank through the passage opening, when the catalytic reactor is released from the installation recess, and a hydrogen generation regulation opening through the floor the installation recess is formed through and at the Through hole sealing member defines a closed space so as to be generated in the fuel tank Hydrogen gas into the installation recess and again can get out of it. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 7, wherein a gas-liquid separation layer in the one provided with the hydrogen generation regulating port Fuel tank is arranged and a fixative for fixation the catalytic reactor at the fuel tank at the end of the catalytic reactor and the entrance of the installation recess is arranged. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 8, wherein a catalyst exposure control member for defining a closed space protrudes from one end of the catalytic reactor on the outer surface of the catalyst fixing member, and another hydrogen generation regulating orifice communicating with the hydrogen generation regulating orifice When the catalytic reactor is introduced into the installation recess and regulates the generation of hydrogen gas by moving the catalyst fixing member in response to rise and fall of the pressure in the fuel tank, it is formed at a predetermined position of the catalyst exposure control member. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claims 6 to 9, wherein the gas-liquid separating agent a gas-liquid separation layer with variable-shape, which is fixedly mounted in the fuel tank, allowing a certain space between the inner opening of the outlet and the fuel solution for easily venting the hydrogen gas through the outlet becomes. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 10, being one with air holes provided implantation element, the displacement of the gas-liquid separation layer prevents and efficiently releases hydrogen when the pressure in the fuel tank due to the generation of hydrogen gas rises or the hydrogen tank moves, between the inner circumference the fuel tank and the gas-liquid separation layer is arranged. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 11, wherein the gas-liquid separation layer Completely is completed and contains a catalytic reactor and a fuel solution and their Outer surface of the inner circumference of the fuel tank at a certain distance separates each other. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to a the claims 6 to 9, wherein the gas-liquid separating agent one at a certain height the fuel tank driving on the fuel solution collecting element, one protruding from the collecting element and opposite the upper surface of the fuel solution open collection port for the transfer of the Hydrogen gas generated in the fuel tank in the collecting element and a drain hose, which is opposite to the one side of the collecting element collection port with the outlet for draining the collected by the collecting element Hydrogen gas connects, contains. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to a the claims 3, 6 and 7, wherein the catalyst fastener both at its both ends formed wings, on the inner circumference of a tube along slide and arranged between the flights catalyst attachment part contains. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 14, wherein a permanent magnet disposed on the catalyst attachment member is, so that the metal catalyst by the permanent magnet attached to the catalyst attachment without further steps is. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 14, wherein the catalyst attachment part divided into several pieces is about the contact area between the catalyst and the fuel solution enlarge and such a larger amount to generate hydrogen gas. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 10, wherein the fuel tank is a hydrogen retaining agent contains that is in a fine state of appearance, through contact of fuel solution and catalyst converts hydrogen gas generated into large, hydrogen bubbles, which pass the gas-liquid separator can. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 10, wherein the catalytic reactor within the hydrogen retaining agent is arranged, which is provided with a plurality of holes, so that itself in fine state of appearance, through the contact of Fuel solution and Catalyst generated hydrogen gas into large, hydrogen bubbles, which the gas-liquid separator can happen is converted. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 10, at least one collision element that prevents in a fine state of being, in the fuel tank generated, moisture-containing hydrogen gas in direct Contact with the gas-liquid separation layer between the fuel solution and the gas-liquid separation layer is arranged. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 10, wherein the fuel tank has an opening for draining the consumed fuel solution or its byproducts from the fuel tank and for refilling the fuel tank Tanks with a new fuel solution. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 10, wherein the fuel tank has a vent opening, which is an overpressure prevented in the fuel tank. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 14, wherein the catalyst prepared from Raney nickel is attached to a net or a substrate in distilled water or ordinary water via an adhesive which hardens in water without a separate drying process or surface oxidation process is necessary, and which is then connected to the catalyst attachment part. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to a the claims 2, 3, 6 and 7, wherein the elastic means is a compressed one Spiral spring contains. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to a the claims 2, 3, 6 and 7, wherein the elastic means contains compressible gas. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to claim 10, wherein in the case of dividing a plurality of spaces not filled with the fuel solution be achieved by a variety of gas-liquid separation layers in the left, right, upper and lower part of the interior of the with fuel solution filled Fuel tanks are arranged, a connecting pipe the partitioned, not with the fuel solution filled Rooms in the fuel tank connects with each other. A self-regulating hydrogen generator according to a the claims 1 and 3, wherein a heating means for generating heat at least in the fuel tank, in the catalytic reactor or in the catalytic fastener is arranged.