JP2001208444A - Heat utilization system utilizing hydrogen absorption alloy - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve prior art techniques wherein hydrogen released from a hydrogen occluding alloy is in the prior art adapted to be occluded into a hydrogen occluding alloy of a cell part after passing through a hydrogen path from a cell part thereof, so that the hydrogen passes through a long movement distance which might cause severe pressure loss and deterioration of performance, and further the prior art suffers a complicated cell structure. SOLUTION: A cell S includes a cylindrical stick pipe 1, a pipe filter 2 capable of direct passage of hydrogen, a separator 3 for dividing a space between the stick pipe 1 and the pipe filter 2 to three cell parts S1, S2, and S3 for encapsulating high, middle, and low temperature alloys (HM, MM, LM), and fins each being inserted into the cell parts S1, S2, and S3. A freezing cycle is adapted such that many cells S constitute one cell group, and a plurality of cell groups constitute a two stage cycle. The cell S has a simplified structure and is easy to manufacture. Further, it has a structure where hydrogen moves through the pipe filter 2, so that a movement distance of the hydrogen is short with pressure loss reduced and with performance improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage alloy which repeatedly absorbs and desorbs hydrogen to obtain a cold output by utilizing an endothermic effect generated at the time of releasing hydrogen, or to radiate heat at the time of storing hydrogen. The present invention relates to a heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy that obtains a heat output by utilizing an action.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy, a technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-220908 is known. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a cell disclosed in this publication has a high-temperature, low-temperature hydrogen storage alloy (hereinafter, referred to as a high-temperature,
Independent cell parts (first and second containers J1 and J2) each of which is filled with a low-temperature alloy), and a structure in which one side of each container is communicated with a hydrogen passage.

[0003]

However, in the conventional structure as disclosed in the gazette, for example, in the case where hydrogen in the first container J1 moves to the second container J2, in the portion A in the first container J1. The released hydrogen is guided to the second container J2 through a long path as shown by the arrow B. In particular, since the inside of the first container J1 is filled with a relatively large amount of hydrogen storage alloy, the pressure loss for hydrogen transfer is large, and as a result, the amount of hydrogen transfer per unit time is reduced.

Further, in the conventional cell, the temperature change of heat in one cell part is large (for example, the temperature change width is 6).
°), and the temperature change width of the hydrogen storage alloy is correspondingly large. For this reason, a temperature distribution is formed inside one cell part, and the pressure distribution of the hydrogen pressure increases accordingly. Such a temperature change and a pressure change cause a problem that the hydrogen transfer speed between the cell parts is deteriorated. Further, the conventional cell has a complicated structure, and a simple structure has been desired in order to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object the use of heat utilizing a hydrogen storage alloy having a simple structure and capable of increasing the amount of hydrogen transfer per unit time. In providing the system.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy utilizes heat absorption at the time of release of hydrogen or heat release at the time of hydrogen storage of the hydrogen storage alloy. Then, the cell that encloses the hydrogen storage alloy
A cylindrical stick pipe, a pipe filter through which hydrogen inserted in the stick pipe can pass, and a hydrogen equilibrium temperature different at the same equilibrium hydrogen pressure sealed in the longitudinal direction between the stick pipe and the pipe filter A stick-like structure comprising a separator as a partition wall for separately enclosing the hydrogen storage alloy, wherein a large number of the stick-like cells are used.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy according to the first aspect, a large number of the stick pipes are provided integrally.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the heat utilization system using the hydrogen storage alloy according to the first or second aspect,
The cell may include a fin of a heat conductive material capable of moving hydrogen between an inside and an outside between the stick pipe and the pipe filter.

[0009]

The cell for enclosing the hydrogen storage alloy is a cylindrical stick pipe, a pipe filter inserted in the stick pipe, and a different type of hydrogen storage alloy. Since it is a simple stick-shaped member composed of a separator for partitioning the cells, the manufacturing cost of the cell can be reduced. Since the stick pipe of the cell in which the hydrogen storage alloy is sealed has a pipe structure in which the pressure resistance can be easily secured, the thickness can be reduced, the heat capacity can be reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. Since the structure is such that hydrogen transfer is performed in the same stick pipe, the possibility of hydrogen leakage between cell parts can be easily suppressed.

Since a large number of stick-shaped cells are used, the amount of hydrogen storage alloy charged per cell is reduced, and as a result, the temperature can be changed quickly by heat exchange with the heat medium. In addition, the temperature change in one cell part (the cell of the part separated by the separator) is reduced, and the temperature change width of the hydrogen storage alloy is correspondingly reduced. Therefore, a temperature distribution is not easily formed inside one cell part, and a pressure distribution of hydrogen pressure is hardly formed accordingly. Since such a temperature change and a pressure change do not occur, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen transfer speed between the cell parts from deteriorating.

Furthermore, since the pipe filter is disposed inside the stick pipe, hydrogen can be smoothly moved by the pipe filter inside the stick pipe, and as a result, hydrogen can be smoothly absorbed between cell parts inside the cell. Or release can be performed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by integrally providing a large number of stick pipes, assemblability is improved as compared with a case where the stick pipes are individually scattered, so that manufacturing costs can be reduced. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a fin made of a heat conductive material is disposed between the stick pipe in which the hydrogen storage alloy is sealed and the pipe filter, so that the heat of the hydrogen storage alloy in the stick pipe is increased. Is better communicated. As a result, the heat distribution of the hydrogen storage alloy in the cell parts is further improved, and deterioration of the hydrogen transfer rate between the cell parts can be prevented.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on three examples and modifications. [First Embodiment] A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a sectional view of the cell, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the cell, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the flow of a heat medium in the heat exchange unit, and FIG. 4 is a heat exchange unit using a large number of cells. 5 is a perspective view of the heat exchange unit.

The cells S provided in a stick shape (see FIGS. 1 and 2) are used by being arranged in a large number in a heat medium passage T through which a heat medium flows as shown in FIG. When used as an apparatus, a heat medium for cooling output (for example, water) flowing in the heat medium passage T is cooled by heat absorption generated by the hydrogen releasing action of the hydrogen storage alloy sealed in the cell S, and the cooling is performed. This cools the room by cooling the air blown into the room by the heat medium for cooling output.

In this embodiment, a two-stage cycle is shown, in which at least three cell groups G formed by communicating the heat medium passages T are used. That is, a cell group G that performs hydrogen driving, a cell group G that performs the first cooling and heating output, and a cell group G that performs the second cooling and heating output are used. In addition, when obtaining a continuous output, it can be configured by using a plurality of refrigeration cycles including three cell groups G. That is, continuous output can be obtained by using a cell group G that is an integral multiple of the three cell groups G.

In a two-stage cycle, one cell S is filled with three kinds of hydrogen storage alloys having different hydrogen equilibrium pressures. The three types of hydrogen storage alloys are a high-temperature alloy HM (a powder of a high-temperature hydrogen storage alloy having the highest hydrogen equilibrium temperature at the same equilibrium hydrogen pressure), a medium-temperature alloy MM (a powder of a medium-temperature hydrogen storage alloy), and a low-temperature alloy MM. LM (low-temperature hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder having the lowest hydrogen equilibrium temperature at the same equilibrium hydrogen pressure). As shown in FIG. Along with each other. That is, inside the cell S, the first cell part S1 in which the high-temperature alloy HM is sealed,
A second cell part S2 in which a middle temperature alloy MM is sealed and a third cell part S3 in which a low temperature alloy LM is sealed are provided. The relationship between the alloy types will be described with reference to the PT refrigeration cycle diagram in FIG. 7. The characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloy are relatively high on the high-temperature side (left side in the figure) and high-temperature alloy HM and low-temperature side (shown in the figure). On the right side) is the low temperature alloy LM, and between the two is the medium temperature alloy MM.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cell S includes a cylindrical stick pipe 1, a pipe filter 2 through which hydrogen inserted in the stick pipe 1 can pass, and a pipe S between the stick pipe 1 and the pipe filter 2. And a separator 3 which is a partition wall for separately enclosing the high-, medium-, and low-temperature alloys HM, MM, and LM that are enclosed in a box. It is airtightly closed by. Further, between the stick pipe 1 and the pipe filter 2, a cylindrical fin 5 made of a heat conductive material capable of moving hydrogen between the inside and the outside is arranged.

The stick pipe 1 constitutes the outer shell of the cell S, and is a cylindrical pipe made of a material having excellent pressure resistance, heat conductivity, durability, workability, etc., such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Consisting of In addition, the surface of the stick pipe 1 may be provided with irregularities to increase the contact area with a heat medium or a hydrogen storage alloy to improve the heat transfer performance, and may be manufactured by roll forming, hydraulic forming, or the like. .

The pipe filter 2 includes a stick pipe 1
The movement of hydrogen in the inside is free, and is disposed over the entire length of the stick pipe 1. The pipe filter 2 is a pipe-shaped filter through which hydrogen can pass. The pipe filter 2 is provided so that hydrogen can pass through a large number of minute holes formed in the pipe and that the hydrogen storage alloy is prevented from entering the pipe. I have. As the pipe filter 2 having the minute holes, a filter formed by etching a metal pipe (such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper) is used. The position of the pipe filter 2 with respect to the stick pipe 1 is determined by the separator 3.

The separator 3 divides a volume formed between the stick pipe 1 and the pipe filter 2 into three cell parts S1, S2, S3.
As described above, high-, medium-, and low-temperature alloys HM, MM, and LM are separately sealed in the three cell parts S1, S2, and S3. The separator 3 is made of a resin (for example, nylon or the like) which is excellent in blocking heat. In this embodiment, since the fins 5 are disposed between the stick pipe 1 and the pipe filter 2, both ends of the fins 5 are provided. , A resin separator 3 is disposed.

The fins 5 are composed of the respective cell parts S1, S2, S
3 to improve the heat transfer within
By inserting the fin 5, each cell part S1, S
2. High, medium and low temperature alloys HM, MM,
Thermal unevenness of the LM can be suppressed. The fin 5 also has a cylindrical pipe shape, and it is necessary to take care not to hinder the flow of hydrogen between the hydrogen storage alloy and the pipe filter 2. For example, a metal thin plate (stainless steel, aluminum , Copper, etc.) in a cylindrical shape. It is also effective to form the fins 5 radially to improve the heat transfer in the inward and outward directions. It is also effective to braze or press-fit the outer peripheral end of the radial fins 5 into the stick pipe 1 to increase the heat conductivity. In the case of using an aluminum material, it is effective to extrude the stick pipe 1 by extrusion molding or the like. It is also effective to integrate the fins 5 to increase the heat conductivity.

Heat exchange unit 6 constituting a two-stage cycle
Is a hydrogen drive unit α that moves hydrogen from the high-temperature alloy HM to the low-temperature alloy LM by switching the heat medium, and a hydrogen drive unit α that moves hydrogen from the low-temperature alloy LM to the medium-temperature alloy MM. The first cooling output section β and the second cooling output section γ for transferring hydrogen from the middle alloy MM to the high alloy HM are sequentially switched (see FIG. 6).

The hydrogen drive unit α heats the high-temperature alloy HM by exchanging heat between the heating heat medium and the high-temperature alloy HM,
The heat exchange between the cooling heat medium and the low-temperature alloy LM is performed to exchange the low-temperature alloy L
By cooling M, hydrogen moves from the high-temperature alloy HM to the low-temperature alloy LM. At this time, the intermediate-temperature alloy MM exchanges heat with the suppression heat medium, but the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for accommodating the intermediate-temperature alloy MM rises, and the intermediate-temperature alloy MM is set to release hydrogen. I have.

The first cold heat output section β is for transferring hydrogen from the low temperature alloy LM to the medium temperature alloy MM by exchanging heat between the cooling heat medium and the medium temperature alloy MM to cool the medium temperature alloy MM. At this time, the high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with the suppression heat medium, so that the high-temperature alloy HM is prevented from absorbing and releasing hydrogen. At this time, the low-temperature alloy LM exchanges heat with the heating medium for cooling output from which the indoor air has been cooled to remove the cooling heat, but at a temperature of the heating medium for cooling output (for example, about 10 ° C.), the low-temperature alloy LM has a low temperature. The alloy LM is provided to release hydrogen.

The second cooling / heating output section γ transfers hydrogen from the medium temperature alloy MM and the low temperature alloy LM to the high temperature alloy HM by exchanging heat between the cooling heat medium and the high temperature alloy HM to cool the high temperature alloy HM. Things. At this time, the medium-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM exchange heat with the heating medium for cooling output from which the indoor air is cooled to remove the cooling heat, but at the temperature of the heating medium for cooling output (for example, about 13 ° C.). , Low temperature alloy LM
Is provided to release hydrogen.

Here, the heat medium for cooling output which is exchanged with the low temperature alloy LM and the medium temperature alloy MM in the first and second cold output sections β and γ is used when the low temperature alloy LM and the medium temperature alloy MM release hydrogen. Low heat (about 7 ° C) suitable for cooling
become. The heating medium for heating described above is heated by a heating means (for example, a combustion device) not shown. The heat medium for suppression uses a part of the heat medium for heating. The heat medium for cooling uses a heat medium cooled by heat exchange with the outside air.For example, a heat medium cooled by evaporating a part of the heat medium into the outside air using a cooling tower or the like is used. Is what you do.

The hydrogen drive unit α, the first cooling / heating output unit β, and the second cooling / heating output unit γ described above include the respective cell parts S 1, S 2,
This is executed by switching the heat medium exchanged with the hydrogen storage alloy (high-temperature alloy HM, medium-temperature alloy MM, low-temperature alloy LM) in each S3, and the heat medium is switched by a distributor (not shown). You. That is,
The three or more cell groups G are switched by the distributor (not shown) in the order of the hydrogen drive unit α → the first cooling output unit β → the second cooling output unit γ.

Each cell group G is constituted by the communication of the heat medium passages T as described above. The heat medium passage T in this embodiment supplies the heat medium from the front surface of the resin block case 7 constituting the heat medium passage T and discharges the heat medium again from the front surface of the block case 7. The heat medium passage T is provided so as to make a U-turn on the back side of the block case 7. Block case 7
A heat medium passage T for executing the hydrogen drive unit α, a heat medium passage T for executing the first cold heat output unit β, and a heat medium passage T for executing the second cold heat output unit γ are formed. In each of the heat medium passages T having a U-turn shape, a large number (for example, 38) of cells S constituting a cell group G are inserted and arranged as shown in FIGS.

The heat medium passage T of this embodiment is provided so as to flow in series for each execution section (hydrogen driving section α, first cooling output section β, second cooling output section γ). It is provided to flow in parallel for the purpose of reducing pressure loss, etc.
You may provide so that it may flow partially in parallel. Further, in this embodiment, the cells S are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the flow direction of the heat medium in the heat medium passage T, but may be arranged obliquely to the flow direction of the heat medium, You may arrange | position so that it may follow the flow direction of a heat medium.

The supply of the heat medium to each heat medium passage T is shown in FIG.
Is performed as shown in FIG. In each of the heat medium passages T, 38 cells S are arranged. For this reason, the heating water is supplied at, for example, 95 ° C., and is discharged at 92 ° C. after heat exchange. This heated water is heat-exchanged one after another with the 38 first cell parts S1 arranged in series in the hydrogen driving unit α, and the temperature change width per one of the first cell parts S1 is 0.079 °. And small Δ (95 ° C-92 ° C) /
38 pieces.

The facility water is supplied, for example, at 32 ° C., and is discharged at 35 ° C. after heat exchange. This facility water is
After the heat exchange with the 38 first cell parts S1 arranged in series at the cooling output unit γ, the heat exchange with the 38 second cell parts S2 arranged in series at the first cooling output unit β successively. Further, the heat is exchanged one after another with the 38 third cell parts S3 arranged in series in the hydrogen driving unit α, and the first to third cell parts S1 to S3
The temperature change width of each S3 is as small as 0.026 ° ((35 ° C.-32 ° C.) / 114 pieces).

Further, the cold output water is supplied, for example, at 13 ° C., and is discharged at 7 ° C. after heat exchange. This cold-heat output water is heat-exchanged one after another with 38 second cell parts S2 arranged in series in the second cold-heat output section γ,
The heat is exchanged one after another with the 38 third cell parts S3 arranged in series in the cold heat output section β.
The temperature change width per each of the third cell parts S2 and S3 is as small as 0.079 ° ((13 ° C-7 ° C) / 76 cells).

Next, a hydrogen drive unit α, a first cooling / heating output unit β,
Each operation of the second cooling output unit γ will be described using an example using numerical values. In the cell group G switched to the hydrogen drive unit α, the high-temperature alloy HM exchanges heat with the heating heat medium, the medium-temperature alloy MM exchanges heat with the suppression heat medium, and the low-temperature alloy LM exchanges heat with the heat dissipation medium. Is done. The high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with a heating medium (95 ° C.) so that the high-temperature alloy H
The internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing M
Releases hydrogen. The medium temperature alloy MM is used as a heat medium for suppression (65
C), the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber that stores the intermediate temperature alloy MM increases, and the intermediate temperature alloy MM releases hydrogen. When the low-temperature alloy LM is heat-exchanged with the heat-dissipating heat medium (33 ° C.), the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber that stores the low-temperature alloy LM decreases, and the low-temperature alloy LM stores hydrogen.

As described above, the high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with the heating heat medium, the medium-temperature alloy MM is heat-exchanged with the suppression heat medium, and the low-temperature alloy LM is heat-exchanged with the heat-dissipation heat medium. 92 ° C. in the alloy housing chamber for alloy HM: about 1.9
65 ° C. in the alloy chamber of the MP, medium temperature alloy MM: about 1.
9 MPa, the temperature of the low-temperature alloy LM alloy storage chamber is 33 ° C .: about 1.8 MPa, and the high-temperature alloy HM releases hydrogen (FIG. 7).
), The medium-temperature alloy MM also releases a small amount of hydrogen ('in FIG. 7), and the low-temperature alloy LM outputs the high-temperature, medium-temperature alloy H
It absorbs hydrogen released from M and MM (FIG. 7).
Then, the cell group G in which the hydrogen driving unit α has been executed is
It is switched to the first cooling / heating output section β by the distributor.

In the cell group G switched to the first cooling / heating section β, the high-temperature alloy HM exchanges heat with the suppressing heat medium, the medium-temperature alloy MM exchanges heat with the heat-dissipating heating medium, and the low-temperature alloy LM changes the cooling output. Heat exchange with the heat carrier. High temperature alloy H
By performing heat exchange of M with the heat medium for suppression (65 ° C.), the internal pressure of the alloy accommodating chamber accommodating the high-temperature alloy HM is set to a pressure at which the high-temperature alloy HM does not occlude and release hydrogen. The heat exchange of the medium temperature alloy MM with the heat medium for heat dissipation (34 ° C.) lowers the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the medium temperature alloy MM, the medium temperature alloy MM absorbs hydrogen, and the low temperature alloy LM releases hydrogen. I do. Since the low-temperature alloy LM emits hydrogen, heat is absorbed in the alloy accommodating chamber of the low-temperature alloy LM.
Cool to ° C. The low-temperature alloy LM exchanges heat with the air blown into the room air, and when the temperature of the heat medium for cooling output whose temperature rises is, for example, about 10 ° C., the internal pressure of the alloy accommodating chamber for accommodating the low-temperature alloy LM is increased to the middle temperature It is provided so that it may become higher than the internal pressure of the alloy accommodation room which accommodates MM.

As described above, the high-temperature alloy HM exchanges heat with the suppression heat medium, the medium-temperature alloy MM exchanges heat with the heat radiation medium, and the low-temperature alloy LM exchanges heat with the heat output medium. 65 ° C. in the alloy chamber of the high-temperature alloy HM: about 0.6 MPa, and 34 ° C. in the alloy chamber of the medium-temperature alloy MM:
Approximately 0.5 MPa, the temperature of the low-temperature alloy LM alloy chamber is 7 ° C .:
At about 0.55 MPa, the low temperature alloy LM releases hydrogen (FIG. 7), and the medium temperature alloy MM stores hydrogen (FIG. 7). When the low-temperature alloy LM releases hydrogen, heat is taken from the heat medium for cold output that is heat-exchanged with the low-temperature alloy LM due to an endothermic effect to lower the temperature of the heat medium for cold output. The high-temperature alloy HM exchanges heat with the suppression heat medium and does not store or release hydrogen. Then, the cell group G in which the first cooling / heating section β has been executed is divided into the second group by the distributor.
The mode is switched to the cooling output section γ.

In the cell group G switched to the second cooling output section γ, the high-temperature alloy HM exchanges heat with the heat-dissipating heat medium, and the medium-temperature alloy MM and low-temperature alloy LM exchange heat with the cooling-output heat medium. The high-temperature alloy HM is a heat medium for heat dissipation (35
C), the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the high-temperature alloy HM decreases, and the high-temperature alloy HM stores hydrogen. Since the middle-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM release hydrogen, heat is absorbed in the alloy storage chamber of the middle-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM, and the heat medium for cooling output that is heat-exchanged with the middle-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM is, for example, 10%. Cool to ° C. Note that the medium temperature alloy MM also has a heat output medium
At about ° C., the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the medium temperature alloy MM is provided to be higher than the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the high temperature alloy HM.

As described above, the high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with the heat-radiating heat medium, so that the temperature of the alloy housing chamber of the high-temperature alloy HM is about 0.12 MPa and the temperature of the alloy housing chamber of the medium-temperature alloy MM is 10 ° C .: About 0.16 MPa, the temperature of the low-temperature alloy LM alloy chamber is 7 ° C .: about 0.55 MPa. The medium-temperature alloy MM releases hydrogen (FIG. 7), and the low-temperature alloy LM also releases hydrogen (′ in FIG. 7). Then, the high-temperature alloy HM stores hydrogen (FIG. 7). When the middle temperature alloy MM and the low temperature alloy LM release hydrogen, the middle temperature alloy M
Heat is taken from the heat medium for cold output that is exchanged with M and the low-temperature alloy LM to lower the temperature of the heat medium for cold output. Then, the cell group G in which the second cooling / heating output section γ is executed
Is switched to the hydrogen drive unit α by the distributor.

When the low-temperature alloy LM and the medium-temperature alloy MM release hydrogen in the first and second cold-output sections γ, heat is taken away and the low-temperature heat medium for low-temperature output is supplied to an indoor air conditioner (not shown). Is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger and heat exchanges with air blown into the room to cool the room.

[Effects of Embodiment] The cell S is composed of a cylindrical stick pipe 1, a pipe filter 2 inserted in the stick pipe 1, and a separator 3 for partitioning different kinds of hydrogen storage alloys. Since it has a simple stick shape, the manufacturing cost of the cell S can be reduced as compared with the conventional technique. In addition, since the number of parts of the cell S is small and the shape of each part is simple, the number of assembly steps is small and the productivity is excellent. In addition, since the production machine for manufacturing the cell S can be reduced in size and simplified, automatic assembly by mechanization can be easily performed.

The filling amount of the hydrogen storage alloy in one cell S is small, the filling property of the hydrogen storage alloy can be improved, and the reliability can be improved. In addition, the degree of vacuum in activating the hydrogen storage alloy can be easily increased, and the supply pressure of the filled hydrogen can be increased, so that the performance of the hydrogen storage alloy can be brought out to a high level. Parts for preventing leakage and ensuring pressure resistance in the cell S are only at the end of the stick pipe 1, and since the structure of the sealing portion is simple and the joining length is short, high reliability can be obtained.

The stick pipe 1, which is the outer shell of the cell S in which the hydrogen storage alloy is sealed, is a cylindrical pipe with which pressure resistance can be easily ensured, so that the thickness can be reduced, the heat capacity can be reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency can be reduced. Can be improved. Since the structure is such that hydrogen transfer is performed in the same stick pipe 1, the possibility of hydrogen leakage between the cell parts S1 to S3 can be easily suppressed.

Since a large number of stick-shaped cells S are used, the amount of hydrogen storage alloy filled per cell S is reduced, and as a result, the temperature can be changed quickly by heat exchange with the heat medium. Since the temperature change in each of the cell parts S1 to S3 is small, the temperature change width of the hydrogen storage alloy is correspondingly small. Therefore, each cell part S1
It is difficult to form a temperature distribution for every S3 to S3, and accordingly, it is difficult to form a hydrogen pressure distribution. Since such a temperature change and a pressure change do not occur, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen transfer speed between the cell parts S1 to S3 from deteriorating.

Since the pipe filter 2 is arranged inside the stick pipe 1, hydrogen can be smoothly moved by the pipe filter 2 inside the stick pipe 1, and as a result, each of the cell parts S1 to S3 inside the cell S It is possible to smoothly store and release hydrogen between them. Since the fins 5 of the heat conductive material are arranged between the stick pipe 1 and the pipe filter 2,
Heat around the hydrogen storage alloy in the stick pipe 1 is improved. As a result, the heat distribution of the hydrogen storage alloy in each of the cell parts S1 to S3 is further improved, and the deterioration of the hydrogen transfer speed between the cell parts S1 to S3 can be prevented.

Since a large number of cells S are used, even if hydrogen leakage or the like occurs in some of the cells S, there is no problem that large performance degradation is caused. Further, for repair, only the cell S in which leakage has occurred need be replaced, and the cost required for repair can be suppressed.

[Second Embodiment] FIGS. 8 to 10 show the second embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows one cell group G
9 is a perspective view of a main part of the heat exchange unit 6, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the heat exchange unit 6, and FIG.

In this embodiment, a block case 7 is provided for each cell group G, and a cell group G is assembled for each of the divided cases 7a (see FIG. 8), which are stacked as shown in FIG. Thus, the heat exchange unit 6 is constituted. The top plate 7b and the bottom plate 7c of the heat exchange unit 6 are
A plate for sandwiching the laminated divided cases 7a,
In this embodiment, a structure is employed in which each of the divided cases 7a stacked by a plurality of bolts 7d is sandwiched.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, each cell S is arranged at an angle to the flow direction of the heat medium. Further, in this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the stick pipe 1 is provided with a depression 1a in the divided part of the cell parts S1, S2, S3.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 11 and 1 show the third embodiment.
2 will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one cell group G, and FIG. 12 is a view of the cell group G of FIG.

In each of the above embodiments, a large number of stick pipes 1 are independent, but a large number of stick pipes 1 may be provided integrally as shown in FIGS. As a technique for integrating a large number of stick pipes 1, a technique for extruding aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like may be used. In addition, although many stick pipes 1 are externally assembled and integrated,
The internal spaces in which the hydrogen storage alloy, the pipe filter 2, the separator 3 and the like are arranged are independent of each other.

By integrating a large number of stick pipes 1 as in the third embodiment, compared with a case in which the stick pipes 1 are individually scattered (for example, the first and second embodiments), the heat pipes 1 and 2 are different in size. The assemblability to the replacement unit 6 and the like is improved. As described above, since the productivity is improved, the manufacturing cost is suppressed. The surface of the stick pipe 1 of the third embodiment may be provided with a number of irregularities to increase the contact area with the heat medium. In the third embodiment, since many stick pipes 1 are integrated, many irregularities can be easily formed on the surface of the stick pipe 1.

[Modification] In the above-described first and second embodiments, a large number of independent stick pipes 1 are assembled and used, but a large number of independent stick pipes 1 may be closely arranged. In the above embodiment, the example in which the stick pipe 1 has a cylindrical shape has been described, but the stick pipe 1 may have a shape other than a cylinder. That is, for example, the outer shape may be a rectangular cross section. Of course, in that case, the internal space may also have a rectangular cross section. When this modified example is applied to the third embodiment, for example, a case in which a large number of stick pipes 1 are integrated, but the external shape may be a plate shape may be adopted.

In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the cell group G is fixed and the heat medium is switched and supplied by the distributor. For example, the distributor is integrated with the cell group G, and the distributor is disposed within the cell group G. , The cell group G is rotated around the distributor, or the cell group G is rotated inside the distributor.
May be switched.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the room is cooled is shown. However, the cooling device may be used as another cooling device such as a cooling medium or a freezing operation using a heat medium for cooling output. In the above embodiment, an example in which the room is cooled is described, but the invention may be applied to a cooling and heating device. As a specific example, the heating medium for heating heated by the combustion device may be guided to an indoor heat exchanger of an indoor air conditioner to perform indoor heating. In addition, the heating medium for heating heated by the combustion device is connected to a floor heating mat, a bathroom dryer, etc., and floor heating is performed by supplying the heating medium for heating.
It may be provided to heat the bathroom.

In the above embodiment, water is used as an example of each heat medium. However, another heat medium such as antifreeze or oil may be used, or a gas heat medium such as air may be used. In the above embodiment, a two-stage cycle has been described as an example.
The present invention may be applied to one or three or more cycles.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a cell (first embodiment).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a cell (first embodiment).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the inside of a heat exchange unit (first embodiment).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of the heat exchange unit (first embodiment).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heat exchange unit (first embodiment).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow path of a heat medium (first embodiment).

FIG. 7 is a PT refrigeration cycle diagram (first embodiment).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of a heat exchange unit (second embodiment).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heat exchange unit (second embodiment).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a cell (second embodiment).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cell group (third embodiment).

FIG. 12 is a view of a cell group as viewed from a lid member side (third embodiment).

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a cell showing the movement of hydrogen (conventional example).

[Explanation of symbols]

 HM High temperature alloy (High temperature hydrogen storage alloy) MM Medium temperature alloy (Medium temperature hydrogen storage alloy) LM Low temperature alloy (Low temperature hydrogen storage alloy) S Cell 1 Stick pipe 2 Pipe filter 3 Separator (partition wall) 5 Fin

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy that utilizes heat absorption when releasing hydrogen from a hydrogen storage alloy or heat release when storing hydrogen, wherein a cell for enclosing the hydrogen storage alloy has a cylindrical shape. A stick pipe, a pipe filter through which hydrogen inserted in the stick pipe can pass, and a hydrogen storage element having a different hydrogen equilibrium temperature at the same equilibrium hydrogen pressure sealed in the longitudinal direction between the stick pipe and the pipe filter. A heat-utilizing system using a hydrogen storage alloy, wherein the heat-generating system is a stick-shaped one comprising a partition wall for separately enclosing the alloys and a separator, wherein a large number of the stick-shaped cells are used. . 2. The heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy according to claim 1, wherein a large number of said stick pipes are provided integrally. 3. The heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cell moves hydrogen between an inside and an outside between the stick pipe and the pipe filter. A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy, comprising a fin of a possible heat conductive material.