JP2003097795A - Fuel storage device, electric power generating device and electric apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To flexibly cope with capacity change and to facilitate replacing or recycling operation of hydrogen storage body. SOLUTION: A bar shaped tank storing hydrogen storage body is defined as a fixed standardized basic unit and storage capacity is set by the number of loaded tanks. Each bar shaped tank is attached on a hydrogen supply pipe having a hydrogen passage. The attached bar shaped tanks are arranged in a line and a whole shape is formed in roughly flat plate shape. The bar shaped tank having a shutting off mechanism capable of opening and closing at an opening part, is opened when the same is connected to the hydrogen supply pipe and is closed when the same is detached from the hydrogen supply pipe.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel storage device for storing hydrogen used as a fuel in a fuel cell, for example, and further to a power generation device and electric equipment to which the hydrogen storage device is applied. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A fuel cell is a device for generating an electromotive force in a power generator by supplying hydrogen and oxygen (air) which are fuel gases. Usually, an electrolyte membrane (proton conductor membrane) is used as a gas electrode. It has a sandwiched structure and is a structure for obtaining a desired electromotive force. Such fuel cells are greatly expected to be applied to electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and in addition to being used in vehicles such as automobiles, they can be easily made lighter and smaller, Applications to new applications different from the current dry batteries and rechargeable batteries, for example, applications to portable devices are also under study.

[0003]

In the fuel cell described above, how to efficiently store and stably supply hydrogen as a fuel is a major key to practical use.
Under such circumstances, the hydrogen storage material has a great merit in that it can store a large amount of hydrogen at a relatively low pressure, and is a promising candidate for a fuel storage tank for practical use of fuel cells. is there.

However, on the other hand, when the capacity is changed, there is also a demerit that all must be newly designed. Up to now, it has been common to design the fuel storage tanks individually according to the design of the fuel cell, the design of the equipment, etc. Therefore, for example, when the required storage capacity is changed, It is necessary to newly design the sheath shape while considering thermal coupling and the like. Specifically, in designing, it is necessary to perform optimization in order to eliminate the effects of an increase in filling time due to a temperature increase during hydrogen filling, a decrease in discharge pressure due to a temperature decrease during discharge, and the like. The side that fills hydrogen must also have its own design. The above-mentioned design change is not only extremely complicated, but also disadvantageous in terms of replacement work of the hydrogen storage body and recycling for the purpose of effective use of resources, and its improvement is awaited.

The present invention has been proposed in view of such a conventional situation, and an object thereof is to provide a fuel storage device capable of flexibly coping with a change in capacity and the like, and further, a power generation applying the same. It is intended to provide a device or an electric device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel storage device, a power generation device, and an electric device that facilitate replacement work and recycling of the hydrogen storage body.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the fuel storage device of the present invention is characterized in that a rod-shaped tank containing a hydrogen storage body is used as a basic unit. Further, the power generator of the present invention is characterized by including a fuel storage unit having a rod-shaped tank containing a hydrogen storage body as a basic unit, and a power generation unit for obtaining electromotive force using hydrogen as a fuel. . Furthermore, the electric device of the present invention is an electric device that includes a power generation unit that obtains an electromotive force using hydrogen as a fuel and that includes a fuel storage unit that supplies hydrogen to the power generation unit, wherein the fuel storage unit is hydrogen. It is characterized in that a rod-shaped tank accommodating an occlusion body is used as a basic unit and is attachable to and detachable from an electric device body.

By using a rod-shaped tank containing a hydrogen storage body as a basic unit, the storage capacity can be changed according to the number of mounted units, and it is possible to flexibly respond to the required storage capacity. is there. At this time, each rod-shaped tank may be standardized and optimized in advance, and even if the required storage capacity is changed, it is not necessary to make any change. Further, by standardizing each tank, it is possible to smoothly perform the replacement work and the recycling of the hydrogen storage body.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A fuel storage device to which the present invention is applied, and further, a power generation device and electric equipment to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show a fuel storage device to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, this fuel storage device has a rod-shaped tank 1 as a basic unit, and a plurality of rod-shaped tanks 1, six rod-shaped tanks 1 in this example, are arranged in a line. Each rod-shaped tank 1 is a metal tank having a thin cylindrical shape (that is, a tubular shape) with one end closed, and a hydrogen storage body is stored therein. The size thereof is arbitrary, but is standardized to have a length and a thickness of a pencil, for example. Of course, the size is not limited to this, and it is also possible to make the size smaller and the size larger than this. Or, for example, large, medium, small,
It is also possible to standardize and prepare multiple types of tanks of different sizes.

By standardizing and standardizing the size of the rod-shaped tank 1 as described above, replacement work and recycling of the hydrogen storage body can be facilitated. In addition, by configuring the hydrogen storage tank as a combination of the stylized thin tubular rod-shaped tanks 1 instead of as a single tank, for example, when the required capacity is changed,
The storage capacity can be easily changed depending on the number of the rod-shaped tanks 1 which are the basic units, and it is not necessary to individually change the design according to the design of the fuel cell or the electric device.

The hydrogen storage body housed in the rod-shaped tank 1 may be any one capable of storing hydrogen, and for example, various hydrogen storage alloys can be used. As the hydrogen storage alloy, La-Ni based alloy, Mg-
Ni-based alloys, Ti-Mn-based alloys, Zr-Ni-based alloys, Z
Examples thereof include r-Mn-based alloys and Mg-Cu-based alloys. Further, Mm-N based on a misch metal (Mm) which is a natural mixture of rare earth metals and is cheaper than La.
It is also possible to use an i-based alloy (for example, one in which various alloy components are added based on Mm-Ni-Co) and the like. Furthermore, it is also possible to use one in which a part of the basic alloy is replaced with another element. As such an example, for example, AB ₅
Type rare earth-based La-Ni-based alloy (LaNi ₅ -based alloy) in which a part of Ni is replaced by Co, Al, W, etc. to improve cycle life, and a part of La is Y, Ce, P.
Examples thereof include those having an improved alkali corrosion resistance by substituting with r, Nd or the like.

The rod-shaped tank 1 described above is used by being attached to a cartridge connecting body 2 having a hydrogen supply connecting portion 3 to a fuel cell. In this example, the rod-shaped tanks 1 are mounted in a state in which the rod-shaped tanks 1 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the prismatic cartridge connection body 2, and each rod-shaped tank 1 is housed in a housing 4 having a shape close to a flat plate. . The storage state of the rod-shaped tank 1 in the housing 4 is, for example, close to the storage state of colored pencils, and the overall shape is also flat. In this way, by arranging the rod-shaped tanks 1 in a line, it is possible to sufficiently secure thermal coupling with the ambient temperature of use. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to arrange a plurality of rows such as two rows or three rows, but the arrangement in one row is the most advantageous in terms of heat dissipation.

FIG. 3 shows a connecting structure of the rod-shaped tank 1 to the cartridge connecting body 2, and FIG. 4 shows the connecting portion in an enlarged manner.

First, the rod-shaped tank 1 has the above-mentioned hydrogen storage body 5 incorporated therein, and a screw thread 1a is cut on the outer peripheral surface of the opening thereof. In addition, the opening has a sealing mechanism 6 for sealing the opening when not in use, so that the hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen absorber 5 is prevented from accidentally leaking to the outside. It is said that.

On the other hand, the cartridge connecting body 2 is provided with mounting holes in which the screw threads 2a which are screwed into the screw threads 1a of the opening of the rod-shaped tank 1 are cut at regular intervals according to the size of the rod-shaped tank 1. The rod-shaped tanks 1 are mounted here. In addition, a tank opening mechanism 7 is provided at the mounting port of the cartridge connecting body 2, and when the rod-shaped tank 1 is mounted, the sealing mechanism 6 provided in the rod-shaped tank 1 is opened and the hydrogen gas contained therein is stored. Are rapidly supplied to the fuel cell through the hydrogen flow passage 2b of the cartridge connection body 2 and the hydrogen supply connection portion 3. In addition, also in this hydrogen supply connection part 3,
An opening / closing mechanism 3a is provided to prevent accidental opening.

Now, the sealing mechanism 6 provided at the opening of the rod-shaped tank 1 and the tank opening mechanism 7 provided at the mounting opening of the cartridge connecting body 2 will be described. Figure 4
Shows an enlarged view of the sealing mechanism 6 and the tank opening mechanism 7.

Sealing mechanism 6 provided in the rod-shaped tank 1
Employs a structure in which a valve is used to close the opening. That is, a valve locking portion 61 having a reduced opening diameter is provided at the opening of the rod-shaped tank 1, and a valve 62 is arranged inside thereof. The valve 62 has a center pin 62a at the center and is biased in the opening direction (direction of arrow A in the figure) by a coil spring 64 whose one end is fixed by a spring locking projection 63. The valve locking portion 61 is pressed.
In this way, the valve 62 is pressed against the valve locking portion 61 and brought into close contact with each other, so that the opening of the rod-shaped tank 1 is closed and the hydrogen storage body 5 inside is sealed. A ring-shaped valve portion seal 65 made of an elastic material such as rubber is inserted in the valve contact surface of the valve locking portion 61 to make the sealed state more reliable.

The tank opening mechanism 7 provided at the mounting port of the cartridge connecting body 2 is also basically based on an opening / closing mechanism by a valve, and when the rod-shaped tank 1 is mounted, the valve is in the sealing mechanism 6. Open the sealed state. The tank opening mechanism 7 has a valve locking portion 71 for reducing the opening diameter of the mounting port and a valve 73 pressed by the coil spring 72 against the valve locking portion 61 as basic components. An opening operation pin 73a is erected at the center of the valve 73 and abuts on a center pin 62a provided on the valve 62 of the sealing mechanism 6 when the rod-shaped tank 1 is mounted. A ring-shaped valve portion seal 74 made of an elastic material such as rubber is inserted in the valve contact surface of the valve engagement portion 71, and a sealed state when the valve 73 is abutted against the valve engagement portion 71. Is more certain. The rear end of the coil spring 72 is fixed by a spring locking projection 75, and when the rod-shaped tank 1 is attached, the coil spring 72 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the opening of the rod-shaped tank 1 and is hermetically sealed. An O-ring 76 is provided to secure the property.

In the sealing mechanism 6 and the tank opening mechanism 7, when the rod-shaped tank 1 is not mounted, the springs 64 and 72 are used.
Thus, the valves 62 and 73 are pressed against the valve locking portions 61 and 71, respectively, and the sealed state is maintained. When the rod-shaped tank 1 is attached, the opening operation pin 7 of the valve 73
3a is the center pin 62 of the valve 62 on the rod-shaped tank 1 side
The valve 62 and the valve 73 hit each other against the elastic force of the coil springs 64 and 72 and are pressed against each other a, so that the close contact with the valve locking portions 61 and 71 is released.
Distribution of hydrogen gas becomes possible.

The fuel storage device having the above structure is useful as a supply source of hydrogen as a fuel in a fuel cell. Therefore, next, a power generation device incorporating the fuel storage device will be described.

The power generation device of the present invention has a fuel cell as a power generation module. As shown in FIG. 5, the fuel cell unit 11 which is the power generation module is connected to the fuel storage unit 12 having the above-described structure. The fuel (hydrogen) necessary for the cell reaction is supplied. Specifically, the above fuel storage device is used as the fuel storage unit 12,
The hydrogen supply connection part 3 of the cartridge connection body 2 may be connected to the hydrogen supply port of the fuel cell part 11.

Here, the basic structure of the fuel cell and the mechanism of generating electromotive force will be described. In the fuel cell, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the fuel electrode 21 in contact with hydrogen as a fuel gas and the air are also used. An air electrode 22 in contact with (oxygen) is superposed via an electrolyte 23, and both sides thereof are sandwiched by current collectors 24. The current collector 24 is made of dense graphite or the like, which has high current collecting performance and is stable even in an oxidizing water vapor atmosphere, and the surface facing the fuel electrode 21 has a horizontal groove 24 a to which hydrogen is supplied. A vertical groove 24b, to which air is supplied, is formed on the surface opposite to.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fuel electrode 21 and the air electrode 22 are formed so as to sandwich an electrolyte 23, and the gas diffusion electrodes 21a and 22a and the catalyst layers 21b and 22b are respectively formed.
Consists of. Here, the gas diffusion electrodes 21a and 22a are
The catalyst layers 21b and 22b are made of a porous material or the like, and are made of a mixture of carbon particles supporting an electrode catalyst such as platinum and an electrolyte.

The fuel cell has a stack structure in which a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked, using the above as a basic unit (fuel cell), and a predetermined voltage is obtained by connecting the plurality of fuel cells in series. It is structured like this.

In the fuel cell having the above structure, hydrogen gas is caused to flow into the groove 24a formed in the current collector 24 so as to come into contact with the fuel electrode 21, and air (oxygen) comes into contact with the air electrode 22. When it is made to flow into the groove 24b, the reaction represented by the reaction formula H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ occurs on the fuel electrode 21 side and the reaction formula 1 / 2O ₂ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ O + on the air electrode 22 side. The reaction represented by heat of reaction Q ₂ occurs, and the reaction represented by H ₂ + 1 / 2O ₂ → H ₂ O occurs as a whole. That is, at the fuel electrode 21, hydrogen emits electrons to be protonated, and the electrolyte 2
It moves to the air electrode 22 side through 3, and receives the supply of electrons at the air electrode 22 to react with oxygen. An electromotive force is obtained based on such an electrochemical reaction.

As the proton conductor used in the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell, for example, a fluororesin ion exchange membrane such as perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid, a carbon cluster into which a functional group capable of releasing a proton is introduced, or silicon oxide. And a compound mainly composed of Bronsted acid, an acrylic acid-based polymer having a phosphoric acid group, a certain type of solid inorganic acid compound, etc. A carbon cluster into which a functional group capable of releasing a proton is introduced is preferable because it can be miniaturized.

In a proton conductor having a carbon cluster into which a functional group (proton dissociative group) capable of releasing a proton (H ⁺ ) is introduced as a main component, the proton moves through the proton dissociable group. , Ionic conductivity is expressed. Any carbon cluster can be used as the base carbon cluster, but it is necessary that the ionic conductivity is higher than the electronic conductivity after the introduction of the proton dissociative group.

The above-mentioned carbon cluster is usually an aggregate formed by binding or aggregating several to several hundred atoms (carbon), and the proton conductivity is caused by this aggregate. And at the same time, the chemical strength is maintained and the film strength becomes sufficient, and a layer is easily formed. At this time, regardless of the type of carbon-carbon bond, it does not have to be composed only of 100% carbon, and other atoms may be mixed. There are various types of such carbon clusters, for example, fullerenes typified by C ₆₀ , C ₇₀ , and C ₈₂ , those having an open end in at least a part of the fullerene structure, and tubular carbonaceous materials (so-called carbon nanotubes). ) Etc. can be mentioned. Since the SP2 bond of fullerene or carbon nanotube partially contains an element of SP3 bond, many of them do not have electron conductivity, and are preferable as a matrix of a proton conductor.

FIG. 8 shows spheres or spheroids formed by collecting a large number of carbon atoms, or various carbon clusters having a closed surface structure similar to these. The above fullerene belongs to this. On the other hand, various carbon clusters in which some of their spherical structures are deleted are shown in FIG. In this case, the structure is characterized by having an open end, and such a structure is often found as a by-product in the process of producing fullerenes by arc discharge. FIG. 10 shows a tubular carbon cluster. The tubular carbon cluster has a diameter of several nm or less, typically 1 to 2n.
There are a so-called m-sized carbon nanotube (CNT) and a so-called carbon nanofiber (CNF) having a diameter of several nm or more, and a huge one having a diameter of 1 μm. In addition, especially for CNT, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWC
NT) (see FIG. 10a) and a multi-wall carbon nanotube (MW) in which two or more layers are concentrically overlapped.
CNT) (see FIG. 10b) are known. When most carbon atoms of carbon clusters are SP3 bonded, various clusters having a diamond structure as shown in FIG. 11 are formed. FIG. 12 shows various cases where clusters are bonded to each other, and such a structure can also be applied to the above-mentioned matrix.

On the other hand, as the functional group (proton dissociative group) capable of releasing the proton (H ⁺ ) introduced into the carbon cluster, a functional group having —SO ₃ H or —PO (OH) ₂ such as, for example, -A-SO ₃ H or -A-PO
(OH) ₂ [where A is O, R, OR, RO, O
R is C _x H _y (1 ≦ x ≦ 2.
It is an alkyl moiety represented by 0, 2 ≦ y ≦ 40). ]
The functional group represented by Or-
A'-SO ₃ H or -A'-PO _{(OH) 2} [however, A 'is R', O-R ', R'-O, R'-O-
It is either R "or O-R'-O, and R'and R" are C
_x F _y H _z (1 ≦ x ≦ 20, 1 ≦ y ≦ 40, 0 ≦ z ≦ 3
It is an alkyl fluoride moiety represented by 9). ] It may be a functional group represented by.

Further, a functional group capable of releasing the above-mentioned proton
Both are electron withdrawing groups, such as nitro groups, carbonyls.
Group, carboxyl group, nitrile group, alkyl halide
Carbon clusters of groups, halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, etc.)
May be introduced into. Specifically, -NO_Two, -CN,-
F, -Cl, -COOR, -CHO, -COR, -CF
_Three, -SO_ThreeCF_ThreeEtc. (where R is an alkyl group
Represent). When electron withdrawing groups coexist in this way,
Due to the electron withdrawing effect of
It becomes easier for the protons to dissociate from the functional groups, and these functional groups
It becomes easy to move through.

The number of the above-mentioned functional groups to be introduced into the carbon cluster may be any number within the range of the number of carbon atoms constituting the carbon cluster, but it is desirable to set it to 5 or more. In the case of fullerene, for example, the number of the functional groups is preferably half or less of the number of carbon atoms forming the fullerene in order to retain the π-electron property of the fullerene and to exert an effective electron withdrawing property.

In order to introduce the above-mentioned proton-releasing functional group into carbon clusters, for example, carbon clusters are first synthesized by arc discharge of a carbon-based electrode, and then the carbon clusters are treated with an acid (sulfuric acid or the like is used). ), Further treatment such as hydrolysis, or sulfonation or phosphoric acid esterification may be appropriately performed. This makes it possible to easily obtain a carbon cluster derivative (a carbon cluster having a functional group capable of releasing a proton) as a target product.

For example, in fullerene which is a carbon cluster
Aggregate a large number of fullerene derivatives having the above-mentioned functional groups introduced
When it is allowed, it is an assembly of bulk or fullerene derivatives
The proton conductivity shown as the body is originally contained in the molecule
A large amount of functional groups (eg OSO _ThreeH group) derived from
Since water vapor is directly involved in movement,
There is no need to take in the hydrogen and protons that originated,
Replenishment of water from the outside, especially absorbing water from the outside air
No need, no restrictions on atmosphere. One fuller
It is possible to introduce a large number of functional groups into the len molecule.
Unit of the conductor of the protons involved in conduction
The number density per product is very high. This is the
This is the reason why the proton conductor develops effective conductivity.
It

The fullerene, which is the base of these derivative molecules, has an electrophilic property in particular, and it is considered that this greatly contributes to the promotion of ionization of hydrogen ions in the functional group. It is considered that the conduction of protons is largely contributed by the introduced group, but in the case of the fullerene derivative, conduction through the outer shell is also included due to the electrophilic nature of the fullerene molecule. there is a possibility. This is another reason why the proton conductor of the present invention exhibits excellent proton conductivity.

Since most of such proton conductors are composed of carbon atoms of fullerenes, they are light in weight, are hard to be deteriorated, are relatively clean, and are free from pollutants which adversely affect the proton conduction characteristics. Not included.
Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of fullerenes is also rapidly decreasing. From a resource, environmental, economic and various other perspectives, fullerenes are more ideal carbonaceous materials than any other material.

As described above, a carbon cluster having a functional group capable of releasing a proton has a structural property such as a high spatial density of the functional group of an acid, and a carbon cluster (for example, fullerene) as a matrix. Since protons are dissociated due to electronic properties and the like, and a structure that easily hops between the sites can be realized, proton conduction is realized even in a dry state.

The power generator (fuel cell) is used by incorporating it in various electric devices. FIG. 13 shows an example of a form in which the above-mentioned power generation device is incorporated into an electric device. In this example, the fuel cell unit 32 is built in the electric device main body 31, and thereby electric power is supplied to the drive circuit unit 33 incorporated in the electric device main body 31. A fuel storage unit 34 is connected to the fuel cell unit 32, and fuel (hydrogen) used for a cell reaction is supplied from this.

If the structure of the fuel storage device having the rod-shaped tank 1 as a basic unit is diverted to the fuel storage portion 34, it is easy to downsize the electric equipment. Further, by adjusting the number of rod-shaped tanks 1 mounted, it is possible to meet the capacity required by the electric device. Further, the fuel storage unit 34 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the electric device main body 31 to smoothly supply the fuel.
At this time, the entire fuel storage unit 34 may be made into a cartridge so as to be detachable, or the rod-shaped tanks 1 may be individually detachable. Even when the entire fuel storage unit 34 is made into a cartridge, the individual rod-shaped tanks 1 are attachable to and detachable from the cartridge. In any case, the replacement work of the hydrogen storage body itself can be easily performed by attaching and detaching the rod-shaped tank 1, and since the rod-shaped tank 1 is standardized and standardized, the hydrogen storage body can be recycled. Reuse is easy and resources can be used effectively.

[0040]

As is clear from the above description, in the fuel storage device of the present invention, since the rod-shaped tank containing the hydrogen storage body is the basic unit, the storage capacity can be easily changed according to the number of mounted units. It is possible to flexibly respond to the required storage capacity. Further, each rod-shaped tank may be standardized and standardized in advance, and this may be optimized, and even if the required storage capacity is changed, no design change is necessary. Furthermore, by standardizing each tank, it is possible to smoothly replace and recycle the hydrogen storage body.

Further, in the power generator and the electric equipment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a small-sized and easy-to-handle power generator and electric equipment by taking advantage of the above-mentioned fuel storage device, and to easily perform the fuel replacement work. Thus, it is possible to realize a power generation device and an electric device that can effectively use resources.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a fuel storage device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a housed state in a housing.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of a mounting structure of a rod-shaped tank and a cartridge connection body.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a sealing mechanism and a tank opening mechanism in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generation device.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a basic structural example of a fuel cell.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an electrode of a fuel cell.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing various examples of carbon clusters as a base.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing another example (partial fullerene structure) of carbon clusters.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of carbon clusters (tubular carbonaceous material).

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing still another example (diamond structure) of carbon clusters.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing still another example of carbon clusters (clusters bonded to each other).

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 rod-shaped tank, 2 cartridge connection body, 4 housing,
5 hydrogen absorber, 6 sealing mechanism, 7 tank opening mechanism,
62 valve, 62a center pin, 73 valve,
73a Opening operation pin, 11,32 Fuel cell part, 1
2,34 fuel storage part, 21 fuel electrode, 22 air electrode,
23 electrolyte, 31 electric equipment main body, 33 drive circuit section

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H01M 8/10 H01M 8/10

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A fuel storage device comprising a rod-shaped tank containing a hydrogen storage body as a basic unit. 2. The fuel storage device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen storage body is a hydrogen storage alloy. 3. The fuel storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage capacity is set by the number of the rod-shaped tanks mounted. 4. The fuel storage device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the rod-shaped tanks are mounted. 5. The fuel storage device according to claim 4, wherein the rod-shaped tanks are arranged in a line, and the overall shape is substantially flat. 6. The fuel storage device according to claim 5, wherein the rod-shaped tanks arranged in a line are housed in a substantially flat casing. 7. The fuel storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a hydrogen supply pipe having a hydrogen flow passage and a connecting portion to which each tank is connected. 8. The fuel storage device according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped tank has an opening / closing sealing mechanism at an opening thereof. 9. The fuel storage device according to claim 8, wherein the sealing mechanism is opened when being connected to the hydrogen supply pipe and closed when being disconnected from the hydrogen supply pipe. 10. The fuel storage device according to claim 9, wherein the connecting portion of the hydrogen supply pipe has a tank opening mechanism that opens the sealing mechanism when the tank is mounted. 11. The fuel storage according to claim 10, wherein the sealing mechanism includes a valve that is biased by a spring, and the tank opening mechanism includes an operation pin that presses the valve against the spring. apparatus. 12. A power generator comprising a fuel storage unit having a rod-shaped tank containing a hydrogen storage body as a basic unit, and a power generation unit for obtaining electromotive force using hydrogen as a fuel. 13. The fuel storage unit has a hydrogen flow path,
The power generator according to claim 12, further comprising a hydrogen supply pipe having a connecting portion to which each tank is connected, the hydrogen supply pipe being connected to the power generating unit. 14. The power generation device according to claim 12, wherein the power generation unit is a fuel cell using a proton conductor as an electrolyte. 15. The power generator according to claim 14, wherein the proton conductor includes a carbon cluster into which a functional group capable of releasing a proton is introduced. 16. An electric device comprising a power storage unit for generating electromotive force using hydrogen as a fuel, the fuel storage unit supplying hydrogen to the power generation unit, wherein the fuel storage unit houses a hydrogen storage body. An electric device characterized by using the rod-shaped tank as a basic unit and being detachable from the main body of the electric device.