JP2002033112A - Electrical energy generating element - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrical energy generating element capable of preventing wasteful use of gaseous hydrogen and improving generation efficiency of electrical energy without increasing the cost. SOLUTION: The electrical energy generating element is provided with a reaction chamber 1 provided with a laminated body 9 of a hydrogen electrode film 7 and a proton electric conductor film 8, a hydrogen chamber 2 connected with a gaseous hydrogen source and regulators 4, 11, 12 and 13 for supplying gaseous hydrogen from the hydrogen chamber 2 to the reaction chamber 1 so as to control power generation voltage in a prescribed range.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric energy generating element, and more particularly, to a method for preventing the wasting of hydrogen gas and reducing the generation efficiency of electric energy without increasing the cost. The present invention relates to an electric energy generating element that can be improved.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since the industrial revolution, fossil fuels such as gasoline and light oil have been widely used not only as energy sources for automobiles but also as energy sources for electric power production. The use of fossil fuels has enabled humankind to enjoy such dramatic improvements in living standards and the development of industry, but on the other hand, the planet has been threatened with serious environmental destruction, There is a possibility that fuel will be depleted, and a long-term stable supply will be questioned.

[0003] Therefore, hydrogen is contained in water, is inexhaustibly present on the earth, has a large amount of chemical energy per substance, and when used as an energy source, harmful substances and earth. Because it does not emit greenhouse gases, it is a clean alternative to fossil fuels, and
In recent years, it has attracted great attention as an inexhaustible energy source.

In particular, in recent years, research and development of an electric energy generating element capable of extracting electric energy from hydrogen energy has been actively carried out. From large-scale electric power generation to on-site private electric power generation, and further, for automobiles, The application as a power supply is expected.

[0005] An electric energy generating element for extracting electric energy from hydrogen energy includes a hydrogen electrode to which hydrogen gas is supplied, an oxygen electrode to which oxygen is supplied, and a proton conductive element for transmitting protons generated at the hydrogen electrode to the oxygen electrode. It has a body membrane. The hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen electrode is
By the action of the catalyst, protons (protons) and electrons are dissociated, and the electrons are absorbed at the hydrogen electrode, while the protons are transferred to the oxygen electrode via the proton conductor membrane. At the hydrogen electrode, the absorbed electrons are transferred to the oxygen electrode via a load. On the other hand, oxygen supplied to the oxygen electrode combines with protons and electrons carried from the hydrogen electrode by the action of a catalyst to generate water. In this way, an electromotive force is generated between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode,
The electric energy generating element is configured so that a current flows through the load.

[0006]

In such an electric energy generating element, conventionally, a hydrogen gas is caused to flow toward a hydrogen electrode and react with the hydrogen electrode to generate electricity, and the hydrogen gas which has not been involved in the reaction is It was configured to emit into the atmosphere.

However, releasing hydrogen gas not involved in the reaction into the atmosphere as described above not only wastes hydrogen gas, but also poses a danger because hydrogen gas is a flammable gas. There was a problem.

[0008] Such a problem can be solved by circulating and reusing hydrogen gas. However, in order to recycle and reuse hydrogen gas, a circulating pump or the like is required, which increases equipment costs and energy costs. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric energy generating element capable of preventing waste of hydrogen gas and improving electric energy generation efficiency without increasing cost. Is what you do.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is as follows.
A reaction chamber including a stacked body of a hydrogen electrode film and a proton conductor film, a hydrogen chamber connected to a hydrogen gas source, and the reaction chamber from the hydrogen chamber so that a power generation voltage is controlled within a predetermined range. And an electric energy generating element having a regulator for supplying hydrogen gas.

According to the present invention, hydrogen gas comes into contact with the hydrogen electrode film in the reaction chamber and is dissociated into protons and electrons, so that all of the hydrogen gas supplied to the reaction chamber generates electric energy. In order to prevent the hydrogen gas from being wasted, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen gas from being wasted, and the regulator is connected to the hydrogen gas source by a regulator so that the generated voltage is controlled within a predetermined range. Since hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen chamber to the reaction chamber, the hydrogen gas is consumed, the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber decreases, and when the power generation voltage decreases, the hydrogen gas is supplied into the reaction chamber. Hydrogen gas is replenished, so it is necessary to circulate the hydrogen gas, and it is also necessary to use a hydrogen electrode film or proton conductor film with high pressure resistance. Since there without increasing the cost, it is possible to improve the generation efficiency of the electric energy.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the regulator includes an opening for connecting the reaction chamber and the hydrogen chamber, and a valve for opening and closing the opening. Therefore, the opening is controlled to open and close.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film forms a part of a wall of the reaction chamber.

When the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber is dissociated into protons and electrons and consumed, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber decreases, the power generated decreases, and the hydrogen gas is reacted from the hydrogen gas chamber. Although it is necessary to replenish the chamber, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve means is configured to control opening and closing of the opening communicating the reaction chamber and the hydrogen gas chamber according to the power generation voltage. Therefore, when the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber becomes low and it becomes necessary to replenish the hydrogen gas into the reaction chamber, the valve means automatically opens the opening, and the hydrogen is supplied through the opening. Gas can be replenished into the reaction chamber, so that the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber can be kept within a certain pressure range. Since that, while protecting a laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and proton conductive film, it is possible to improve the electric energy generation efficiency.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film constitutes a wall of the reaction chamber facing the opening,
The valve means is attached to the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film so as to be movable in conjunction with the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film, and further comprising the valve means. Includes a spring member for urging the valve means so as to close the opening.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film constitutes the wall of the reaction chamber facing the opening, and the valve means comprises the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductive film. Attached to the laminate of the hydrogen electrode membrane and the proton conductor membrane so as to be movable in conjunction with the laminate of the body membrane, and further urges the valve means so that the valve means closes the opening. Since the spring member is provided, when the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure, the valve member is urged by the spring member to close the opening, while the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber is closed. When the pressure falls below a predetermined pressure, the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film is deformed against the spring force of the spring member, swells toward the opening, and the valve means also moves toward the opening. result, Lube means can automatically open the opening and replenish hydrogen gas into the reaction chamber through the opening, thus keeping the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber within a certain pressure range Therefore, it is possible to improve the electric energy generation efficiency while protecting the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the spring member is constituted by a compression spring, and presses the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film to close the valve and close the opening. It is configured to bias in the direction.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve means is configured such that a heater coil is wound thereon, and an opening / closing member formed of a bimetal is fixed to the opening / closing member so that the opening can be opened and closed. A valve member, a voltage according to a generated voltage is applied to the heater coil, a bimetal forming the opening and closing member,
The valve member is configured to be deformed so as to move away from the opening as the value of the current supplied to the heater coil decreases.

When the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber is dissociated into protons and electrons and consumed, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber decreases, the power generated decreases, and the hydrogen gas reacts from the hydrogen gas chamber. Although it is necessary to replenish the chamber, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve means is provided with an opening / closing member formed of a bimetal, wound with a heater coil, and fixed to the opening / closing member, and the opening is formed. With a valve member configured to be openable and closable, a voltage according to the generated voltage is applied to the heater coil, and the bimetal forming the opening and closing member reduces the valve member as the value of the current supplied to the heater coil decreases. When it is necessary to replenish hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas chamber to the reaction chamber because it deforms so as to separate from the opening Automatically, the valve member of the valve means can open the opening, and through the opening, replenish the hydrogen gas into the reaction chamber, thus increasing the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber to a certain pressure range Therefore, the efficiency of generating electric energy can be improved while protecting the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film.

[0020] In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the reaction chamber is provided with a gas release valve capable of releasing gas in the reaction chamber to the atmosphere.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the hydrogen gas chamber includes a check valve capable of supplying hydrogen gas into the hydrogen gas chamber.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the gas discharge valve and the check valve are configured to be operated in conjunction with each other.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, when hydrogen gas is supplied to the reaction chamber, an opening is opened by a valve means, and hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrogen gas chamber via a check valve. By doing so, it is possible to easily release the air in the reaction chamber to the atmosphere through a gas release valve and replace the air with hydrogen gas.

[0024] In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the electric energy generating element further comprises an oxygen electrode on a side of the proton conductor film opposite to the hydrogen electrode film.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an electric energy generating element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electric energy generating element according to the present embodiment includes a reaction chamber 1 and a hydrogen gas chamber 2, and a wall 3 defining the reaction chamber 1 and the hydrogen gas chamber 2 has An opening 4 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a reaction chamber 1
The wall opposing the wall 3 is formed by a laminated body 9 formed by laminating a hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6 in which many holes 5 are formed, a hydrogen electrode film 7 and a proton conductor film 8. .

As shown in FIG. 1, a valve member 12 having a valve 11 provided with an O-ring 10 at one end.
Is attached at the other end to the laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8, and further, the surface of the wall 3 on the side of the reaction chamber 1 and the hydrogen gas flow A compression spring 13 is held between the compression spring 13 and the surface of the path forming plate 6. The laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8 is urged upward by a compression spring 13 in FIG. 10 is
The wall 3 is urged toward the surface on the side of the hydrogen gas chamber 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reaction chamber 1
Is provided with an air release valve 15 for releasing air in the reaction chamber 1, while a check valve 16 is provided in the hydrogen gas chamber 2, and a hydrogen gas cylinder (see FIG. (Not shown) or a hydrogen gas source (not shown) containing a hydrogen gas storage material (not shown) storing hydrogen gas so that hydrogen gas can be supplied into the hydrogen gas chamber 2. It is configured. Here, the air release valve 15 and the check valve 1
6 is configured to be opened and closed in synchronization.

Although not shown, an oxygen electrode plate is arranged above the proton conductor film 8.

The electric energy generating element according to this embodiment configured as described above generates electric power as follows.

First, the check valve 16 and the air release valve 1
5 is opened, and hydrogen gas is supplied into the hydrogen gas chamber 2 from the hydrogen gas cylinder (not shown) or the hydrogen gas source (not shown) connected to the check valve 16 through the check valve 16. At the same time, the air in the reaction chamber 1 is drawn out via the air release valve.

As a result, the pressure in the reaction chamber 1 is reduced, and the laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7 and the proton conductor film 8 is deformed, and the compression spring 1
The valve member 1 swells in the reaction chamber 1 against the spring force of No. 3 and is attached to the laminated body 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7 and the proton conductor film 8.
1 moves downward in FIG. 1 to open the opening 4, so that the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen gas chamber 2 flows into the reaction chamber 1 through the opening 4.

When hydrogen gas flows, the reaction chamber 1
The gas pressure in the chamber increases, and the stacked body 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8 returns to the state before deformation, so that the opening 4 is closed by the valve 11. However, since the air in the reaction chamber 1 is further drawn out through the air release valve, the pressure in the reaction chamber 1 is reduced again, and hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen gas chamber 2 through the opening 4 to the reaction chamber 1. 1
Flows into.

When the gas in the hydrogen gas chamber 2 and the gas in the reaction chamber 1 are completely replaced by the hydrogen gas, the air release valve 15 is closed.

The hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is supplied to the hydrogen electrode film 7 through a large number of holes 5 formed in the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, and the action of the catalyst contained in the hydrogen electrode film 7 is achieved. Is dissociated into protons and electrons.

The generated electrons are transferred to the hydrogen electrode film 7 by
Absorbed and protons are passed through the proton conductor membrane 8,
It is carried to an oxygen electrode plate (not shown).

In the hydrogen electrode film 7, the absorbed electrons are transferred to the oxygen electrode via the load, while
Oxygen supplied to the oxygen electrode plate is combined with protons and electrons carried from the hydrogen electrode film 7 via the proton conductor film 8 by the action of a catalyst to generate water.

Thus, an electromotive force is generated between the hydrogen electrode film 7 and the oxygen electrode plate, and a current flows to the load.

Each time the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is dissociated into protons and electrons, the hydrogen gas is consumed. As the power generation proceeds, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 decreases. In FIG. 1, since it is urged upward, a laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8 is formed.
Does not deform immediately.

In this way, the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 decreases, and the hydrogen gas pressure resists the spring force of the compression spring 13, causing the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film. When the pressure decreases to a predetermined pressure at which the laminate 9 of the fuel cell 8 can be deformed, the laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8
Starts to deform so as to expand into the reaction chamber 1.

As a result, the valve member 12 attached to the laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8 starts moving downward in FIG. When the O-ring 10 provided with the valve 12 is separated from the surface of the wall 3 on the side of the hydrogen gas chamber 2, the opening 4 is opened, and a hydrogen gas cylinder (not shown) or hydrogen A hydrogen gas flows into the reaction chamber 1 through the opening 4 from a hydrogen gas chamber 2 connected to a gas source (not shown) and having a high hydrogen gas pressure maintained at a high value.

As a result of the inflow of the hydrogen gas, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 rises and exceeds a predetermined pressure.
By the spring force of the compression spring 13, the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8
Is returned to the state before deformation, the O-ring 10 provided on the valve 11 of the valve member 12 abuts on the surface of the wall 3 on the side of the hydrogen gas chamber 2, and the opening 4 is closed. Then, the flow of hydrogen gas is automatically stopped.

Thereafter, the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is dissociated into protons and electrons, and the hydrogen gas is consumed. As a result, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 decreases, and the pressure of the hydrogen gas is reduced by the spring of the compression spring 13. When the pressure drops to a predetermined pressure at which the laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8 is deformed against the force, the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode The laminate 9 of the membrane 7 and the proton conductor membrane 8 is
Again, so as to swell inside, and in the same way,
The opening 4 is opened and hydrogen gas is automatically supplied from the hydrogen gas chamber 2 through the opening 4 to the reaction chamber 1.
Flows into.

According to this embodiment, the power generation proceeds, the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is dissociated into protons and electrons, the hydrogen gas is consumed, and the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 decreases. Hydrogen gas pressure is compression spring 1
When the pressure of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7 and the proton conductor film 8 is reduced to a predetermined pressure that can be deformed against the spring force of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, The laminate 9 of the hydrogen electrode film 7 and the proton conductor film 8 is deformed so as to expand into the reaction chamber 1, and as a result, the valve member 12 automatically opens the opening 4,
From the hydrogen gas chamber 2, hydrogen gas flows into the reaction chamber 1 through the opening 4, and hydrogen gas is replenished into the reaction chamber 1, while hydrogen gas flows,
As a result of the replenishment of the hydrogen gas into the reaction chamber 1, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 increases. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the spring force of the compression spring 13 causes the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode The laminate 9 of the membrane 7 and the proton conductor membrane 8 is returned to the state before deformation, and the O-ring 10 provided on the valve 11 of the valve member 12 contacts the surface of the wall 3 on the side of the hydrogen gas chamber 2. Since the opening 4 is closed and the flow of the hydrogen gas is automatically stopped, the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 can always be maintained within a predetermined pressure range.
It is possible to improve the electric energy generation efficiency while protecting the laminate 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by adjusting the spring force of the compression spring 13, the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 can always be controlled within a desired pressure range. Generation efficiency can be improved.

According to this embodiment, the hydrogen gas is
Since it is dissociated into protons and electrons while being held in the closed reaction chamber 1 and used to generate electric energy, there is no need for equipment or energy for circulating and reusing hydrogen gas, It is possible to prevent waste of hydrogen gas and generate electric energy with high efficiency.

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an electric energy generating element according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is used for an electric energy generating element according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing details of a valve member and an opening and its vicinity.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric energy generating element according to the present embodiment includes a reaction chamber 1 and a hydrogen gas chamber 2, and a wall 3 defining the reaction chamber 1 and the hydrogen gas chamber 2 has An opening 4 is formed, and an opening 4 is formed on the surface of the wall 3 on the side of the reaction chamber 1.
A valve means 20 for opening and closing the valve is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, similarly to the above embodiment, the wall of the reaction chamber 1 facing the wall 3 is
The reaction chamber 1 is formed by a laminated body 9 formed by laminating a hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6 having a large number of holes 5 formed thereon, a hydrogen electrode film 7 and a proton conductor film 8.
Is provided with an air release valve 15 for discharging air contained in the reaction chamber 1, while a check valve 16 is provided in the hydrogen gas chamber 2, and hydrogen is provided through the check valve 16. A gas cylinder (not shown) or a hydrogen gas source (not shown) containing a hydrogen gas storage material (not shown) storing hydrogen gas is connected to supply hydrogen gas into the hydrogen gas chamber 2. It is configured to be able to.

Although not shown, an oxygen electrode plate is disposed above the proton conductor film 8.

As shown in FIG. 3, the valve means 20
Has an opening / closing member 21 formed of a bimetal, and a valve 22 is fixed to a distal end portion of the opening / closing member 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, a heater coil 23 is wound around the opening / closing member 21. Although not shown, the heater coil 23 has a voltage corresponding to the voltage generated by the electric energy generating element. A voltage is applied, and a voltage can be applied from a control power supply (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, an O-ring 24 is fixed to the opening 4 formed in the wall 3.

When the voltage applied to the heater coil 23 is high, the valve 22 closes the opening 4 and the bimetal forming the opening / closing member 21 closes the opening 4.
When the voltage applied to the opening 22 decreases to a predetermined voltage, the opening / closing member 22
The opening and closing member 21 is formed so as to be deformable. here,
When the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 decreases, the generated voltage of the electric energy generating element also decreases. Therefore, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 decreases to a predetermined pressure, and the generated voltage of the electric energy generating element becomes a heater. When the voltage applied to the coil 23 decreases to a predetermined voltage, the bimetal forming the opening / closing member 21 is deformed to separate the valve 22 from the opening 4 and open the opening 4. I have.

The electric energy generating element according to the present embodiment configured as described above generates electric power as follows.

First, the check valve 16 and the air release valve 1
5 is opened, and hydrogen gas is supplied into the hydrogen gas chamber 2 from the hydrogen gas cylinder (not shown) or the hydrogen gas source (not shown) connected to the check valve 16 through the check valve 16. At the same time, the air in the reaction chamber 1 is drawn out via the air release valve.

At this point, since no electric energy has been generated and no voltage has been applied to the heater coil 23, the valve 22 has been separated from the opening 4 and the opening 4 has been opened. Hydrogen gas chamber 2
Is supplied into the reaction chamber 1 through the opening 4.

When the gas in the hydrogen gas chamber 2 and the gas in the reaction chamber 1 are completely replaced by the hydrogen gas, the air release valve 15 is closed. At the same time, a heater power supply (not shown)
, And the opening 4 is closed by the valve 22.

The hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is supplied to the hydrogen electrode film 7 through a number of holes 5 formed in the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, and the action of the catalyst contained in the hydrogen electrode film 7 is performed. Is dissociated into protons and electrons.

The generated electrons are applied to the hydrogen electrode film 7
Absorbed and protons are passed through the proton conductor membrane 8,
It is carried to an oxygen electrode plate (not shown).

In the hydrogen electrode film 7, the absorbed electrons are transferred to the oxygen electrode via the load, while
Oxygen supplied to the oxygen electrode plate is combined with protons and electrons carried from the hydrogen electrode film 7 via the proton conductor film 8 by the action of a catalyst to generate water.

Thus, an electromotive force is generated between the hydrogen electrode film 7 and the oxygen electrode plate, and a current flows to the load.

When electric energy is generated by the electric energy generating element and the generated voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage, the power supply for supplying current to the heater coil 23 is switched from the control power supply.

Each time the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is dissociated into protons and electrons, the hydrogen gas is consumed. As the power generation proceeds, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 decreases, and the power generation voltage also decreases. .

As described above, when the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is consumed, the hydrogen gas pressure decreases, the power generation voltage decreases, and when the voltage applied to the heater coil 23 decreases to a predetermined voltage, the opening and closing member The bimetal forming 21 is deformed, the valve 22 is separated from the opening 4, and the opening 4 is opened.

As a result, from the hydrogen gas chamber 2 which is connected to a hydrogen gas cylinder (not shown) or a hydrogen gas source (not shown) via the check valve 16 and in which the hydrogen gas pressure is maintained at a high value, Hydrogen gas flows into the reaction chamber 1 through the opening 4.

As a result of the inflow of the hydrogen gas, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 increases, and the power generation voltage increases. When the voltage applied to the heater coil 23 exceeds a predetermined voltage, the opening / closing member 21 is formed. The bimetal is returned to the state before the deformation, the valve 22 closes the opening 4, and the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen gas chamber 2 is stopped.

Thereafter, the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is dissociated into protons and electrons, and the hydrogen gas is consumed. As a result, the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 decreases, the power generation voltage decreases, and the heater coil 23 Is again reduced to a predetermined voltage, similarly,
The bimetal forming the opening / closing member 21 is deformed, the valve 22 is separated from the opening 4, the opening 4 is opened, and the hydrogen gas is automatically supplied from the hydrogen gas chamber 2 to the opening 4. , And flows into the reaction chamber 1.

According to this embodiment, the hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber 1 is dissociated into protons and electrons, the hydrogen gas is consumed, and the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 decreases to a predetermined pressure. The generated voltage of the electric energy generating element also drops to a predetermined voltage, and as a result, the heater coil 2
When the voltage applied to 3 decreases to a predetermined voltage, the bimetal forming the opening / closing member 21 is deformed, the valve 22 is separated from the opening 4 and the opening 4 is opened. From the hydrogen gas chamber 2, hydrogen gas flows into the reaction chamber 1 through the opening 4, and hydrogen gas is replenished into the reaction chamber 1. As a result, hydrogen gas is When the hydrogen gas pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the generated voltage of the electric energy generating element also exceeds the predetermined voltage, and the generated voltage of the electric energy generating element also exceeds the predetermined voltage.
Since the bimetal forming the opening / closing member 21 returns to the state before the deformation and the inflow of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas chamber 2 is automatically stopped, the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 is constantly reduced. , The pressure can be maintained within a predetermined pressure range, and the efficiency of generating electric energy can be improved while protecting the laminated body 9 of the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8 become.

Further, according to this embodiment, the opening / closing member 2
By adjusting the voltage at which the bimetal forming the first member 1 starts to deform, the hydrogen gas pressure in the reaction chamber 1 can always be controlled within a desired pressure range, and the electric energy generation efficiency is improved. It becomes possible.

According to the present embodiment, the hydrogen gas is
Since it is dissociated into protons and electrons while being held in the closed reaction chamber 1 and used to generate electric energy, there is no need for equipment or energy for circulating and reusing hydrogen gas, It is possible to prevent waste of hydrogen gas and generate electric energy with high efficiency.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and they are also included in the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that it is a thing.

For example, in the above embodiment, the wall facing the wall 3 of the reaction chamber 1 is formed by the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6 in which a large number of holes 5 are formed, the hydrogen electrode film 7 and the proton conductor film 8. Although formed by the laminated body 9 formed by lamination, the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate 6, the hydrogen electrode film 7, and the proton conductor film 8 are provided in the reaction chamber 1.
It is sufficient that a laminate 9 is formed by laminating the hydrogen gas flow path forming plate so that hydrogen gas comes into contact with the hydrogen electrode film 7 and hydrogen is dissociated into protons and electrons. 6. A reaction chamber 1 is formed by a laminate 9 formed by laminating a hydrogen electrode film 7 and a proton conductor film 8.
It is not always necessary that the wall facing the wall 3 is formed.

[0076]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric energy generating element capable of preventing waste of hydrogen gas and improving electric energy generating efficiency without increasing the cost. become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an electric energy generating element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an electric energy generating element according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing details of a vicinity of an opening and a valve member used in an electric energy generating element according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reaction chamber 2 Hydrogen gas chamber 3 Wall 4 Opening 5 Hole 6 Hydrogen gas flow path formation plate 7 Hydrogen electrode film 8 Proton conductor film 9 Laminated body 10 O-ring 11 Valve 12 Valve member 13 Compression spring 15 Air release valve 16 Reverse Stop valve 20 Valve means 21 Opening / closing member 22 Valve 23 Heater coil 24 O-ring

Claims (10)

[Claims] A reaction chamber having a laminate of a hydrogen electrode film and a proton conductor film; a hydrogen chamber connected to a hydrogen gas source; and a hydrogen chamber connected to a hydrogen gas source such that a power generation voltage is controlled within a predetermined range. And a regulator for supplying hydrogen gas to the reaction chamber. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the regulator includes an opening for connecting the reaction chamber and the hydrogen chamber, and valve means for opening and closing the opening.
The electric energy generating element according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing of the opening is controlled in accordance with a generated voltage. 3. The electric energy generating device according to claim 1, wherein a laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film forms a part of a wall of the reaction chamber. . 4. A laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film forms a wall of the reaction chamber facing the opening, and the valve means comprises a laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film. In conjunction with the body, so that you can move,
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a spring member attached to the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film, and further urges the valve means so that the valve means closes the opening. 4. The electric energy generating device according to any one of items 3 to 3. 5. A structure in which the spring member is constituted by a compression spring, and presses the laminate of the hydrogen electrode film and the proton conductor film to urge the valve in a direction to close the opening. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein
3. The electric energy generating element according to 1. 6. The heater, wherein the valve means includes an opening / closing member formed by a bimetal and wound with a heater coil, and a valve member fixed to the opening / closing member and configured to open and close the opening. A voltage corresponding to a generated voltage is applied to the coil, and the bimetal forming the opening / closing member is deformed so as to move the valve member away from the opening as the value of the current supplied to the heater coil decreases. The electric energy generating element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: 7. The electric energy generation device according to claim 1, wherein the reaction chamber includes a gas release valve capable of releasing gas in the reaction chamber to the atmosphere. element. 8. The electric energy generation device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen gas chamber includes a check valve capable of supplying hydrogen gas into the hydrogen gas chamber. element. 9. The electric energy generating device according to claim 8, wherein the gas release valve and the check valve are operable in conjunction with each other. 10. The electric energy generating element according to claim 1, further comprising an oxygen electrode on a side of said proton conductor film opposite to said hydrogen electrode film.