JP2004053208A - Heating device in hydrogen consumption device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heating device in a hydrogen consumption device using hydrogen and free from combustion. <P>SOLUTION: This heating device comprises a high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 storing hydrogen, a hydrogen passage 13 supplying hydrogen in the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15, a hydrogen storing alloy 10 storing hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen passage 13, and generating the heat, and a heat passage 14 for transferring the heat generated by the hydrogen storing alloy 10 to a fuel battery 12. As the heat generated when the hydrogen storing alloy 10 stores hydrogen, is utilized in heating the fuel battery 12, the fuel battery 12 can be heated without using an combustion means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a heating device using heat generated by a hydrogen storage alloy when storing hydrogen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a hydrogen consuming device, particularly a fuel cell, water is generated along with its power generation action. Therefore, at 0 ° C. or lower, moisture may freeze while the fuel cell is stopped. In order to prevent this freezing of moisture, it is necessary to heat the fuel cell supplementarily.
[0003]
Therefore, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-164233 proposes means for directly heating a fuel cell by burning hydrogen.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned publication has a problem in that hydrogen, which should originally contribute to power generation, is directly combusted using a combustor, and is used for heating the fuel cell and consumed.
In addition, a means of combustion, which is not preferable in terms of safety, is taken.
[0005]
In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a heating device for hydrogen consuming equipment that uses hydrogen and does not rely on combustion.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen storage device (15) for storing hydrogen,
A hydrogen storage alloy (10) that is supplied with hydrogen from a hydrogen storage device (15) and absorbs hydrogen to generate heat;
A hydrogen consuming device (12) for consuming hydrogen and performing a predetermined task;
When the supply pressure of hydrogen is PS, the storage plateau pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is PV, and the release plateau pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is PR,
When the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature (TA) requiring heating, PV <PS, and
When the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is higher than the second predetermined temperature (TB) higher than the first predetermined temperature (TA) by a predetermined temperature, the composition of the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is set to satisfy PR> PS. And select
The hydrogen storage alloy (10) transfers heat generated by storing hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device (12).
[0007]
According to this, when the temperature of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is lower than the predetermined temperature (TA) at which the heating is necessary, the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is occluded by the hydrogen pressure (PS) supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy (10). Since the plateau pressure (PV) decreases, the hydrogen storage alloy (10) absorbs hydrogen and generates heat. By transmitting this heat to the hydrogen consuming device (12), the hydrogen consuming device (12) can be heated without burning the hydrogen. Therefore, the freezing of the moisture in the hydrogen consuming device (12) can be thawed by the heat generation of the hydrogen storage alloy (10).
[0008]
When the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is higher than a predetermined temperature (TB) higher than the first predetermined temperature (TA) by a predetermined temperature (TB), the hydrogen pressure (PS) supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is increased. Since the release plateau pressure (PR) of the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is higher than that of the hydrogen storage alloy (10), the hydrogen storage alloy (10) can release hydrogen, and can prepare for the next hydrogen storage.
[0009]
According to the invention described in claim 2, in claim 1, when the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is higher than the second predetermined temperature (TB), heat is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy (10) from the outside. And PR> PS.
[0010]
According to this, when the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is higher than the second predetermined temperature (TB), heat is externally supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy (10). As a result, the release plateau pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy (10) becomes higher than the supply pressure of hydrogen, so that hydrogen can be released when the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is storing hydrogen.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, a heat path (14) formed of a closed circuit that connects the hydrogen storage alloy (10) and the hydrogen consuming device (12) is provided, Is supplied by a heat medium flowing through the heat path (14). According to this, since external heat supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is supplied by the heat medium, it is not necessary to provide a new heating device, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the container (11) for filling the hydrogen storage alloy (10) into a portion of the heat path (14) located outside the hydrogen consuming device (12) is provided. It is characterized by being provided.
[0013]
According to this, the container (11) filled with the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is provided in the heat path (14) outside the hydrogen consuming device (12). In addition, the hydrogen consuming device (12) can be made smaller than the case where a hydrogen storage alloy is incorporated in the fuel cell (12).
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, a radiator (21) for cooling a heat medium is provided in the heat path (14).
A bypass path (26) for bypassing the radiator (21);
A switching means (27) for switching between a case where the heat medium passes through the radiator (21) and a case where it passes through the bypass path (26) is provided.
[0015]
According to this, the switching means (27) can switch between a case where the heat medium flows through the radiator (21) and a case where the heat medium flows through the bypass path (26).
Therefore, when the fuel cell (12) is cooled, the heat medium can flow efficiently through the radiator (21) by the switching means (27) to radiate heat efficiently. Further, when heating the fuel cell (12), the switching means (27) prevents the heat medium from flowing through the radiator (21), so that the heating can be efficiently performed.
[0016]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, a container (11) filled with the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is provided in a portion of the heat path (14) where the heat medium flows constantly. Features.
[0017]
According to this, since the container (11) is provided at a portion where the heat medium flows constantly, when heating of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is necessary, when the hydrogen storage alloy (10) stores hydrogen, The heat generated can be transmitted to the hydrogen consuming device (12), and when the hydrogen storage alloy (10) needs to be heated, the heat obtained from the hydrogen consuming device (12) can be transmitted to the hydrogen storage alloy (10). it can.
[0018]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the hydrogen storage alloy in the hydrogen path (13) for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device (15) to the hydrogen storage alloy (10). A filter (11b, 31c) for preventing the hydrogen storage alloy (10) from scattering into the hydrogen path (13) is provided at the inlet of (10).
[0019]
According to this, since the filter (31c) is provided at the inlet of the hydrogen storage alloy (10), the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is scattered, and the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is stored in the hydrogen path (13) or the hydrogen consuming device (12). It is possible to prevent the alloy (10) from being mixed.
[0020]
As in the eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the hydrogen consuming device is specifically a fuel cell (12), and freezes moisture of the fuel cell (12). It can be performed by heat generation of the storage alloy (10).
[0021]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the hydrogen consuming device is a fuel cell (12), and a hydrogen storage alloy (10) is built in the fuel cell (12). And
[0022]
According to this, since the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is built in the fuel cell (12), the heat generated by the hydrogen storage alloy (10) storing hydrogen is efficiently transferred to the fuel cell (12). Can be transmitted.
[0023]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, in the fuel cell (12), the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is built in the internal space (31b) of the separator (31) for separating the electrolyte membrane. May be configured.
[0024]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the panel member (32) having the hydrogen storage alloy (10) built therein between the plurality of fuel cells (30) constituting the fuel cell (12). ) May be arranged.
[0025]
In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis of each said means shows the correspondence with the concrete means described in embodiment mentioned later.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a fuel cell that supplies electricity to an electric motor for a vehicle is used as a hydrogen consuming device.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, the heating device in the hydrogen consuming device shown in the first embodiment includes a hydrogen path 13 for supplying hydrogen to a container 11 filled with a hydrogen storage alloy 10 and a fuel cell 12, and a hydrogen storage alloy 10 And a heat path 14 for transmitting the reaction heat to the fuel cell 12 via a heat medium.
[0028]
First, the hydrogen path 13 of the present invention will be described. The hydrogen path 13 is a hydrogen supply path that supplies hydrogen from the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 that stores hydrogen gas to the fuel cell 12 and the container 11 by piping. The high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 constitutes the hydrogen storage device of the present invention.
[0029]
In the hydrogen path 13, a pipe from the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 to the fuel cell 12 is connected from the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 side to the first pressure reducing valve 16 and the second pressure reducing valve 17. The first pressure reducing valve 16 and the second pressure reducing valve 17 can set the supply pressure of hydrogen, respectively. Specifically, the first pressure reducing valve 16 is adjusted so that the pressure difference becomes, for example, 10 atm. You. Note that a pipe branch point 18 is provided between the first pressure reducing valve 16 and the second pressure reducing valve 17.
[0030]
On the other hand, the pipe from the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 to the container 11 is connected to the container 11 filled with the hydrogen storage alloy 10 from the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 through the first pressure reducing valve 16 and the pipe branch point 18. The hydrogen storage alloy 10 is specifically made of a LaNi5 alloy, and is in a powder state in the first embodiment. Therefore, in order to prevent the powder of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 from being mixed into the hydrogen path 13, the filter 11 b is provided at the hydrogen supply inlet of the container 11. As a material of the filter 11b, carbon having fine pores, a ceramic porous body, silica, or the like is used.
[0031]
The hydrogen storage alloy 10 is mixed and filled in the container 11 with an elastic resin to prevent the container 11 from being deformed. An on-off valve 19 for shutting off the supply of hydrogen is provided between the pipe branch point 18 and the container 11, and the on-off valve 19 is automatically opened and closed by the control unit 20.
[0032]
Next, the heat path 14 of the present invention will be described. The heat path 14 is configured by a closed circuit in which the container 11, the fuel cell 12, the radiator 21, and the cooling water circulation pump 22 are sequentially connected by piping, and a heat medium is circulated inside.
[0033]
The container 11 is provided with a heat exchanger 11a inside, and exchanges heat between the hydrogen storage alloy 10 and the heat medium. The container 11 is provided with a temperature measurement sensor 23 for measuring the temperature TM of the hydrogen storage alloy 10, and a temperature measurement sensor 24 for measuring the heat medium temperature TW at the outlet of the heat exchanger 11 a of the container 11. .
[0034]
By the way, since the heat medium is circulating in the heat path 14 by the cooling water circulation pump 22 controlled by the control unit 20, the heat medium in the heat exchanger 11a is carried to the fuel cell 12. Inside the fuel cell 12, there is a heat exchanger for heat medium 12a meandering over the entire surface, and heat is exchanged between the fuel cell 12 and the heat medium. The fuel cell 12 is provided with a temperature measurement sensor 25 for measuring the temperature TF of the fuel cell 12.
[0035]
Thereafter, the heat medium of the fuel cell 12 is supplied to the radiator 21 to exchange heat with the external environment temperature. When the heat medium is discharged from the radiator 21, the heat medium is supplied to the container 11 via the cooling water circulation pump 22.
[0036]
Next, the composition of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 will be described. The hydrogen storage alloy 10 is used in the “environmental temperature range where heating is required” of the fuel cell 12.
(Condition 1) Storage plateau pressure PV <supply pressure PS to hydrogen storage alloy
In the "normal temperature range" of the fuel cell 12,
(Condition 2) Release plateau pressure PR> Supply pressure PS to hydrogen storage alloy
The composition is selected so that
[0037]
Here, whether the temperature is the “environmental temperature range requiring heating” or the “normal temperature range” is determined by the temperature TF of the fuel cell 12 measured by the temperature measurement sensor 25 attached to the main body of the fuel cell 12. Is determined.
[0038]
That is, the “environmental temperature range in which heating is required” is a temperature range in which water generated by the fuel cell 12 freezes. Specifically, when the first predetermined temperature TA is set to 0 ° C., Temperature TF is a temperature range equal to or lower than TA. The “normal temperature range” is a temperature range in which the fuel cell 12 functions efficiently. When the second predetermined temperature TB that is higher than the first predetermined temperature TA by a predetermined temperature is set to 60 ° C., The temperature range in which the temperature TF is equal to or higher than TB.
[0039]
Next, the plateau pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 will be described. FIG. 2 shows the equilibrium hydrogen pressure at a constant temperature on the vertical axis and the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen storage alloy 10 on the horizontal axis. Generally, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 absorbs hydrogen and forms a solid solution with hydrogen to form a hydride. When the metal phase in which hydrogen is dissolved is α-phase, and the metal phase in which hydride is formed by reacting with hydrogen gas is β-phase, there is a composition range in which there are two phases, α-phase and β-phase. Then, the equilibrium hydrogen pressure becomes constant under constant temperature conditions. This constant portion is called a plateau, and the equilibrium hydrogen pressure at that time is called a plateau pressure.
[0040]
Here, the relationship between the plateau pressure and the hydrogen supply pressure in the first embodiment will be specifically described. In FIG. 2, the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 when the fuel cell 12 needs to be heated, that is, when the temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature TA, is defined as T1. The temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is defined as T2.
[0041]
In this case, the relationship between the hydrogen pressure at the temperature T1 and the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is such that as the hydrogen pressure increases, A1 → B1 → C1 → D1, and conversely, the hydrogen pressure decreases. D1 → E1 → F1 → A1. The relationship between the hydrogen pressure at the temperature T2 and the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is as follows: A2 → B2 → C2 → D2 when the hydrogen pressure is increased, and D2 when the hydrogen pressure is decreased. → E2 → F2 → A2.
[0042]
Among these, the hydrogen equilibrium pressures of the horizontal portions B1-C1 and B2-C2 in FIG. 2 are called storage plateau pressures at temperatures T1 and T2, respectively, and the hydrogen equilibrium pressures of E1-F1 and E2-F2 are temperature T1 and T1, respectively. It is called the release plateau pressure at T2. As described above, there are two portions showing the plateau pressure at a constant temperature, which indicates that hysteresis occurs in the equilibrium hydrogen pressure in the process of storing and releasing hydrogen.
[0043]
Therefore, assuming that the storage plateau pressure at the temperature T1 is PV, the release plateau pressure at the temperature T2 is PR, and the supply pressure is PS, the release plateau pressure PR is larger than the supply pressure PS so that the storage plateau pressure PV is smaller than the supply pressure PS. Conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied by selecting the composition of the element storage alloy 10 such that:
[0044]
Therefore, when the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is T1, the storage plateau pressure PV is smaller than the supply pressure PS, so that when hydrogen is supplied, the hydrogen exceeds the storage plateau pressure PV and becomes equilibrium with PS. It can occlude and generate heat.
[0045]
Further, when the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 becomes T2 due to heating of the fuel cell 12 or heat generation of the fuel cell 12 itself, the release plateau pressure PR becomes higher than the supply pressure PS, and hydrogen is released up to the hydrogen concentration G2. I do.
[0046]
From the above, since the total calorific value is proportional to the hydrogen storage amount, the composition of the hydrogen storage alloy is set so that more hydrogen can be stored and released, that is, the difference between the hydrogen concentrations G1 and G2 can be made large. To determine.
[0047]
When the hydrogen storage alloy 10 reaches the upper limit of the hydrogen storage capacity, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 can no longer store the hydrogen and does not generate heat. Therefore, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is filled in the container 11 in an amount capable of securing a heat amount necessary for heating in advance. .
[0048]
Next, the operation of the heating device in the fuel cell according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0049]
First, a program for performing the operation of the following flowchart operates in the control unit 20 and proceeds to step S10.
[0050]
In step S10, TF ≦ TA is determined.
If TF ≦ TA, the process proceeds to step S20. Here, it is determined whether the temperature TF of the fuel cell 12 is equal to or lower than 0 ° C.
[0051]
In step S20, it is determined that the hydrogen release signal = "ON".
If the hydrogen release signal = “ON”, the process proceeds to step S30.
Whether or not the hydrogen release signal is “ON” is determined based on the state stored in the storage unit of the control unit 20. At the time of shipment from the factory, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is in a state where hydrogen has been completely released, and in this case, the initial value of the hydrogen storage alloy signal is “ON”.
[0052]
In step S30, the on-off valve 19 is opened.
When the on-off valve 19 is opened, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 to the container 11 at a pressure PS. At this time, since the storage plateau pressure PV of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is set smaller than this hydrogen pressure PS, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 in the container 11 stores hydrogen and starts generating heat.
[0053]
In step S40, the timer 1 starts.
[0054]
In step S50, it is determined that timer 1 hour ≧ set time.
If timer 1 hour ≧ set time, the process proceeds to step S60. The time of this timer is set in consideration of the time when the temperature TM of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 and the heat medium temperature TW at the outlet of the heat exchanger 11a become higher than a preset lower limit temperature TL.
Here, TL is a set lower limit temperature, and is specifically set in a range of 0 ° C. to 10 ° C.
[0055]
In step S60, TW <TU is determined.
If TW <TU, the process proceeds to step S70. At this time, the set upper limit temperature TU is the heat-resistant temperature of the hydrogen consuming device (12).
[0056]
In step S70, TM-TW <TL is determined.
If TM-TW <TL, the process proceeds to step S80. Therefore, when the heat generation of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is completed, that is, when the hydrogen storage alloy 10 completely absorbs hydrogen, the difference TD between the temperature TM of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 and the heat medium temperature TW gradually falls within the set range of the set lower limit temperature TL. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the hydrogen storage alloy 10 has completely absorbed hydrogen.
[0057]
In step S80, the on-off valve is closed and the hydrogen release signal is turned off, and the process returns to step S10.
[0058]
If the hydrogen release signal is not "ON" in step S90, an error signal is output, and the process proceeds to step S10.
[0059]
In step S100, the open / close valve 19 is opened, and the process returns to step S60.
Here, by closing the on-off valve 19, the supply of hydrogen is shut off, and the heat generation of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is suppressed to prevent the fuel cell 12 from overheating.
[0060]
In step S110, when TF> TA, TF ≧ TB is determined.
If TF ≧ TB, the process proceeds to step S120. Here, it is determined whether or not the fuel cell 12 is in the “normal temperature range”.
[0061]
In step S120, it is determined that the hydrogen release signal = "ON".
When the hydrogen release signal is not "ON", the process proceeds to step S130.
[0062]
In step S130, the on-off valve is opened.
Here, when the hydrogen of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is not released, the on-off valve 19 is controlled to “open”. When the on-off valve 19 is controlled to “open”, the heating medium temperature TW is higher than the temperature TM of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 in the container 11, so that the release plateau pressure PR of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is higher than the hydrogen supply pressure PS. Thus, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 starts releasing hydrogen. The released hydrogen flows back to the pipe side.
[0063]
In step S140, TM ≧ TW is determined.
If TM ≧ TW, the process proceeds to step S150. Here, TM <TW, but approaches TM = TW when the hydrogen release of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is about to end convergence, and proceeds to step S150 when TM ≧ TW. Here, whether the hydrogen storage alloy 10 has released hydrogen is determined by comparing TM and TW.
[0064]
In step S150, the timer 2 starts.
[0065]
In step S160, if timer 2 hours ≧ set time, the process proceeds to step S170.
Here, the time for the hydrogen storage alloy 10 to complete the release of hydrogen is set by a timer.
[0066]
In step S170, the on-off valve is closed, the hydrogen release signal is turned on, and the process ends.
[0067]
In step S180, the on-off valve is closed, and the process ends.
[0068]
Note that the determination in step S70 can be substituted by allowing a timer to elapse a predetermined time after TW <TU is determined in step S60. In this case, the timer time is set according to the application target of each hydrogen consuming device. The timer time is generally 1 minute to 30 minutes.
[0069]
Next, effects of the first embodiment will be described. According to the above configuration, when water, which is a reaction product of the fuel cell 12, freezes, the fuel cell 12 is heated by reaction heat when hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 10, so that, for example, the fuel gas is Unlike a device that heats by burning, fuel that should contribute to the original power generation need not be used for heating. In addition, since heat can be generated without depending on combustion, it is not necessary to take means of combustion which is not so preferable from the viewpoint of safety.
[0070]
(2nd Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a bypass path 26 that bypasses the radiator 21 is provided in the heat path 14 shown in the first embodiment. Specifically, a switching valve 27 constituting switching means of the present invention is provided between the fuel cell 12 and the radiator 21 in the heat path 14, and the switching valve 27 joins the outlet side of the cooling water circulation pump 22 from the switching valve 27. It has become. A cooling water circulation pump 29 is disposed between the junction 28 on the outlet side and the switching valve 27.
[0071]
The switching valve 27 is specifically formed of an electromagnetic valve or a three-way valve driven by a motor (not shown), and is controlled by the control unit 20 together with the cooling water circulation pumps 22 and 29.
[0072]
According to this, when the temperature TF of the fuel cell 12 is equal to or lower than 0 ° C., the control valve 20 switches the switching valve 27 so that the heat medium flows through the bypass path 26. At this time, the cooling water circulation pump 29 is driven, and the heat medium flows through the bypass path 26 without passing through the radiator 21, so that the fuel cell 12 can be rapidly heated. When the cooling water circulation pump 29 is driven, the cooling water circulation pump 22 is stopped.
[0073]
When the temperature TF of the fuel cell 12 is equal to or higher than 60 ° C., the control unit 20 switches the switching valve 27 so that the heat medium flows through the radiator 21.
At this time, since the cooling water circulation pump 22 is driven and the heat medium is cooled by passing through the radiator 21, the fuel cell 12 can be cooled. When the cooling water circulation pump 22 is driven, the cooling water circulation pump 29 is stopped.
[0074]
(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the container 11 is provided as a heating device. However, in the third embodiment, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is built in the separator 31 of the fuel cell 30 constituting the fuel cell 12 instead of the container 11. This directly heats the fuel cell 12 itself.
[0075]
Here, the fuel cell 30 will be described. Generally, a fuel cell is composed of a plurality of fuel cells 30. The fuel cell 30 includes an electrolyte membrane having a platinum catalyst supported on its surface, and a carbon cloth (diffusion layer) for diffusing air (oxygen) and hydrogen supplied to both outer sides of the electrolyte membrane so as to spread over the entire electrolyte membrane. ), And each of the electrolyte membranes is separated outside the carbon cloth (diffusion layer), and is formed of a carbon separator constituting an electrode. However, the separator is shared by adjacent fuel cells.
[0076]
By the way, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a dedicated hydrogen supply manifold 31a is provided in the separator 31, and an internal space 31b communicating with the hydrogen supply manifold 31a is formed. This internal space 31b is filled with the hydrogen storage alloy 10.
[0077]
In order to prevent the hydrogen storage alloy 10 from scattering, a filter 31c is provided between the hydrogen supply manifold 31a and the internal space 31b of the hydrogen storage alloy 10. The same material as that of the first embodiment is used for the filter 31c.
[0078]
Further, the separator 31 is provided with a cooling water supply manifold 31d to which the heat medium is supplied, and a cooling water discharge manifold 31e to discharge the heat medium, and the heat medium is communicated with both the 31d and 31e. Is provided so as to meander over the entire surface of the inside of the separator 31.
[0079]
The fuel cells 12 configured as described above are connected as shown in FIG. That is, in the first embodiment, the hydrogen is supplied from the on-off valve 19 to the container 11, but in the third embodiment, the hydrogen is supplied from the on-off valve 19 to the internal space 31 b of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 via the hydrogen supply manifold 31 a of the separator 31. Supplied to Further, in the first embodiment, a temperature measurement sensor 23 for measuring the temperature TM of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is provided near the internal space 31b of the fuel cell 12, and the temperature is monitored by the control unit 20.
[0080]
According to this, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is built in the separator 31 of the fuel cell 12, and hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 10, so that the fuel cell 12 itself can be directly heated. Further, the container 11 becomes unnecessary, and the area occupied by the heating device can be reduced. It is desirable that the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is placed in an appropriate place such as in the vicinity where icing is concerned.
[0081]
(Fourth embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the fuel cell 12 itself is directly heated by incorporating the hydrogen storage alloy 10 in the separator 31 of the fuel cell 30 of the fuel cell 12, but in the fourth embodiment, FIG. As shown, a panel member 32 filled with the hydrogen storage alloy 10 was inserted between fuel cells 30 of the fuel cell 12 at appropriate locations.
[0082]
The fuel cell 30 and the panel member 32 have a common hydrogen supply manifold 32a to which hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen path 13 and communicate with a hydrogen flow path 32b of the panel member 32 as shown in FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the hydrogen flow path 32b is formed in a vertical direction from the hydrogen supply manifold 32a, and further formed in a plurality of horizontal directions so as to communicate with each other.
[0083]
An internal space 32c for receiving the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is formed below the horizontal hydrogen flow path 32b. Both ends of the region in which the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is placed are inclined to prevent deformation of the panel due to expansion of the hydrogen storage alloy 10 due to hydrogen storage.
[0084]
According to this, since the fuel cell 30 and the panel member 32 of the fuel cell 12 can be unitized, the fuel cell 30 or the panel member 32 can be easily exchanged, and the lamination structure of the fuel cell 30 and the panel member 32 is also easy. Can be changed to
[0085]
Note that, similarly to FIG. 6, a filter for preventing the hydrogen storage alloy 10 from scattering may be provided at various locations near the internal space 32c in the hydrogen flow path 32b.
[0086]
(Other embodiments)
Although the high-pressure hydrogen tank 15 is used as the hydrogen storage device in the first to fourth embodiments, a liquid hydrogen tank, a supply device using a hydrogen storage alloy, or the like may be used.
[0087]
Although the hydrogen consuming devices in the first to fourth embodiments are the fuel cells 12, other devices consuming hydrogen may be used.
[0088]
In the fourth embodiment, as a method of preventing the deformation of the panel 32 due to the expansion of the hydrogen storage alloy 10, various methods such as mixing and filling with an elastic resin can be applied.
[0089]
In the first and second embodiments, a medium is provided as a means for transmitting heat generated by the hydrogen storage alloy 10 to the device. In the third and fourth embodiments, an example is shown in which the medium is built in the fuel cell. The heat may be transferred by means, for example a heat pipe.
[0090]
Note that, in the first embodiment, even when the fuel cell starts operating during warm-up, the hydrogen absorbed once is discharged by the exhaust heat from the fuel cell until step S170 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is reached. The entire device including the present device is not displayed until it is re-emitted by the heated heat medium.
[0091]
According to this, for example, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 is not stopped in the middle of storing hydrogen, and when the step S170 is completed, the hydrogen storage alloy 10 always emits hydrogen. Therefore, the fuel cell 12 can be heated even if the temperature TF of the fuel cell 12 falls again to a temperature range equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature TA which becomes the “environmental temperature range requiring heating”.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a piping diagram of a heating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a plateau pressure of a hydrogen storage alloy.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a piping diagram of a heating device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a separator of a fuel cell according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a piping diagram of a heating device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a layout view of a panel member according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a panel member according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: hydrogen storage alloy, 11: container, 11b: filter,
12: fuel cell (hydrogen consuming device), 13: hydrogen path, 14: heat path,
15 ... high-pressure hydrogen tank (hydrogen storage device), 21 ... radiator,
26: bypass path, 27: switching means, 31: separator,
31b: internal space, 31c: filter, 32: panel member.

Claims (11)

A hydrogen storage device (15) for storing hydrogen,
A hydrogen storage alloy (10) to which the hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen storage device (15) and which absorbs the hydrogen and generates heat;
A hydrogen consuming device (12) that performs predetermined work by consuming hydrogen,
When the supply pressure of the hydrogen is PS, the storage plateau pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is PV, and the release plateau pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is PR,
When the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is equal to or lower than a first predetermined temperature (TA) requiring heating, PV <PS, and
When the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is higher than a second predetermined temperature (TB) that is higher than the first predetermined temperature (TA) by a predetermined temperature, the hydrogen storage alloy ( Select the composition of 10),
A heating device for a hydrogen consuming device, wherein heat generated by the hydrogen storage alloy (10) storing the hydrogen is transferred to the hydrogen consuming device (12). When the temperature (TF) of the hydrogen consuming device (12) is higher than the second predetermined temperature (TB), heat is supplied from the outside to the hydrogen storage alloy (10), and PR> PS. The heating device in the hydrogen consuming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A heat path (14) configured as a closed circuit that couples between the hydrogen storage alloy (10) and the hydrogen consuming device (12);
The heating device according to claim 2, wherein the heat from the outside is supplied by a heat medium flowing through the heat path (14). The container (11) filled with the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is provided in a portion of the heat path (14) located outside the hydrogen consuming device (12). 4. The heating device in the hydrogen consuming apparatus according to 3. A radiator (21) for cooling the heat medium in the heat path (14);
A bypass path (26) for bypassing the radiator (21);
The hydrogen consuming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a switching unit (27) configured to switch between a case where the heat medium passes through the radiator (21) and a case where the heat medium passes through the bypass path (26). Heating device in. The hydrogen consumption according to claim 5, wherein a container (11) for filling the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is provided at a portion of the heat path (14) where the heat medium always flows. Heating device in equipment. Of the hydrogen path (13) for supplying the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device (15) to the hydrogen storage alloy (10), the hydrogen path (13) is provided at the inlet of the hydrogen storage alloy (10). The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a filter (11b, 31c) for preventing the storage alloy (10) from scattering. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hydrogen consuming device is a fuel cell (12). The hydrogen consuming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hydrogen consuming device is a fuel cell (12), and the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is built in the fuel cell (12). Heating device in. The fuel cell (12) is provided with a separator (31) for separating an electrolyte membrane, and the internal space (31b) of the separator (31) contains the hydrogen storage alloy (10). The heating device according to claim 9, wherein the heating device is a hydrogen consuming device. The panel member (32) containing the hydrogen storage alloy (10) is arranged between a plurality of fuel cells (30) constituting the fuel cell (12). A heating device in the hydrogen consuming apparatus according to the above.

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