JP2004204347A - Braun gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a braun gas generator where the generation of heat in an electrolytic cell is suppressed, and braun gas can efficiently be generated. <P>SOLUTION: The braun gas generator is provided with: an electrode plate projecting type electrolytic cell 20 provided with a plurality of parallel electrode plates, electrolyzing an electrolytic solution and generating braun gas; an electrolytic solution tank 41 feeding the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic tank 20, and further recovering the braun gas generated in the electrolytic tank; a cooling device 30 cooling the electrolytic tank; and a power unit applying a power source to the electrolytic tank. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a brown gas generator, and more particularly, to a brown gas generator of a natural circulation type of an electrolyte.

  Hydrogen is electrolyzed to generate hydrogen on the negative electrode and oxygen on the positive electrode, and a mixed gas generated in a state where hydrogen and oxygen are mixed at a mixing ratio of 2: 1 is called brown gas. This brown gas is a completely pollution-free fuel, and is completely burned by the oxygen contained therein to be reduced to steam. For this reason, it has come to the limelight as an ideal fuel and an alternative energy in the 21st century.

  In order to use such brown gas as fuel, a highly efficient brown gas generator is required. Furthermore, in order to use it in a boiler, heating furnace, or heating equipment by factory automation, a brown gas generator that does not cause problems even if it is continuously operated for 24 hours, that is, a brown gas generator with high durability is required. is there.

  However, conventional gas generators only operate for a short period of time, and when the temperature of the electrolytic cell rises, water vapor is generated inside and the quality of the gas deteriorates. . Therefore, there is a need for a method capable of maintaining a constant electrolyte temperature.

  Of course, if an electrolyte circulation pump and a radiator are provided and a water-cooled cooling method by forced circulation is adopted, the electrolyte temperature can be lowered, but it is uneconomical. On the other hand, it is economical to adopt an air-cooling system based on the natural circulation of electrolyte.

  An effective electrolytic cell in an electrolytic cell employing an air-cooled cooling method based on the natural circulation of the electrolytic solution is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 117455 filed in 1998 by the present applicant and registered in 1998. (Patent Literature 1) and Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3037633 (Patent Literature 2) include “Hydrogen-oxygen gas generator electrolytic cell structure”. The electrolytic cell structure of this hydrogen-oxygen gas generator employs a method in which an electrode plate is protruded to the outside and air-cooled directly by a fan. The abstracts of Patent Documents 1 and 2 are cited as follows.

  "In the present invention, unlike the conventional method, a plurality of sets of plate-like electrode plates, spacers and O-rings are formed, and these sets are arranged side by side so that the electrode plates are perpendicular to each other. This enables not only effective cooling of the electrolytic cell that generates heat, but also easy disassembly and maintenance, and in particular, the formation of an electrolyte charging chamber inside, thus producing high-quality hydrogen-oxygen gas. In other words, the electrolytic cell of the present invention connects the electrode plate and the spacer with stay bolts and arranges it vertically in a radiator type, while forming an electrolyte filling chamber inside it, and a gas tank and a water storage tank in the upper and lower parts. The tank is arranged so that the electrolyte fills the cell filling chamber efficiently, so that the electrolyte-filled cell is constructed in the form of a radiator, so that external air flows between the electrode plates. Through It is possible to effectively cool the electrolytic cell. "

  In the electrolytic cell protruding type electrolytic cell using the natural electrolyte circulation method as described above, the opposing electrode plates are arranged side by side so as to sandwich the electrolyte filling chamber, and the lower electrode is disposed on the lower nipple disposed on the cutoff plate on both sides of the electrolytic cell. While the electrolyte is supplied from the water storage tank via the connected connecting hose, the brown gas generated in the electrolytic tank rises to the gas tank via the connecting hose connected to the upper nipple, whereby the electrolyte is naturally circulated. It is configured to

Korean Utility Model Registration No. 117455 Specification Utility model registration No. 3037633

  In the electrolytic cell with the natural circulation method as described above, it is necessary to immediately discharge the brown gas generated inside the electrolytic cell to the upper part, and to immediately fill the electrolytic solution to make up for the discharge of the brown gas. Important. Otherwise, gas stays inside the electrolytic cell, and in the space where such gas stays, no electrolytic solution occurs because the electrolytic solution is excluded. For this reason, not only the electrolysis efficiency is reduced, but also the electrolyzer is overheated as a result.

  When the electrolytic cell is overheated, water vapor is generated, so that not only the quality of the gas is deteriorated, but also the O-ring between the electrode plates is damaged, the electrolytic solution leaks and a spark is generated, and the electrolytic cell becomes unusable. As described above, the flow of the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell has an important influence on gas generation.

  To fundamentally solve such problems, the flow of the electrolyte can be improved by reducing the number of electrode plates and shortening the electrolyte passage. However, since the electrolyte passage cannot be shortened unconditionally, determining the appropriate number of electrode plates is the key to solving the problem. If the number of electrode plates is reduced, the effective electrolysis area per unit electrode plate must be increased. Therefore, such a correlation must be taken into consideration and the problem must be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method capable of efficiently generating brown gas by suppressing heat generation in an electrolytic cell. To provide an improved brown gas generator.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic cell having a plurality of juxtaposed electrode plates, and a protruding electrode plate for generating a brown gas by electrolyzing an electrolytic solution; An electrolytic solution tank for storing an electrolytic solution to be supplied to the electrolytic cell and collecting brown gas generated in the electrolytic cell; a cooling device for air-cooling the electrolytic cell; and a power supply device for applying power to the electrolytic cell. A brown gas generator is provided.

  Here, the brown gas is a hydrogen-oxygen gas (mixed gas of hydrogen and oxygen) generated by electrolysis of water and mixed with oxygen and hydrogen at a mixing ratio of 1: 2. Therefore, the brown gas generator is a hydrogen-oxygen gas generator.

  Further, the brown gas generator may include a case (housing) on which a caster is mounted. Further, the electrolytic cell may be disposed inside the case and fixed by an insulating blanket. Further, the electrolyte tank may be connected to the electrolyte tank via a connection hose to supply the electrolyte to the electrolyte tank and collect brown gas. Further, the cooling device may be a cross flow fan that cools the electrolytic cell by air. Further, the brown gas generator may include a cooling air guide box (wind guide box) for guiding cooling air from a cooling device (cross flow fan) around the electrolytic cell. Further, the power supply device may apply DC power. Further, the brown gas generator may further include a control device.

  Further, the electrolytic cell includes a substantially ring-shaped spacer and an O-ring (O-ring) for sealing an inner peripheral surface of the spacer between each adjacent electrode plate; An electrolyte filling chamber surrounded by an inner peripheral surface of the electrode plate and an adjacent electrode plate is formed; the number of the electrode plates installed, and the area of the electrode plate forming the electrolyte filling chamber is: You may comprise so that it may be set based on Formula A below.

"Electrode plate area" = 14.25 x "Brown gas generation amount" Formula A
Here, the “electrode plate area” is the total area (cm ² ) of the portions forming the electrolyte solution charging chamber among the electrode plates provided in the electrolytic cell. Further, the “amount of brown gas generated” is the volume (liter; L) of the brown gas generated by the blank gas generator.

  In the above-mentioned electrolytic cell, a plurality of electrode plates are arranged so that an electrolyte filling chamber is formed by arranging a spacer and an O-ring on each other between adjacent electrode plates. You may make it. Further, an electrolytic cell shutoff plate may be provided at one end and the other end of the plurality of electrode plates, and the electrode plate, the spacer, and the shutoff plate may be combined and fastened with stay bolts and nuts.

  Further, a convex portion and a concave portion are formed on at least one side surface of the O-ring, and the O-ring may be configured so as to be crimped and fixed between adjacent electrode plates. With this configuration, the electrode plate and the O-ring can be brought into close contact with each other to prevent the electrolyte solution from leaking. Therefore, the life of the O-ring can be extended, and the durability of the brown gas generator can be enhanced.

  The electrolyte tank is disposed above the electrolytic cell; the electrolytic tank and the electrolytic tank are connected by a first connecting hose for supplying an electrolytic solution from the electrolytic tank to the electrolytic cell, and an electrolytic tank. It may be configured to be connected via a second connection hose for collecting the generated brown gas. This allows the electrolyte to flow immediately from the electrolyte tank at the upper part to the electrolytic cell at the lower part via the first connecting hose by its own weight, and the brown gas generated in the electrolytic cell. Can be immediately discharged from the lower electrolytic cell to the upper electrolytic tank via the second connecting hose by buoyancy caused by being in the electrolytic solution. Therefore, in the brown gas generator, the natural circulation of the electrolyte can be made smooth.

  The electrolyte tank may include an auxiliary tank. The electrolyte tank may have a substantially cylindrical shape and a height of 700 mm or more. The electrolyte tank may include an electrolyte water level meter, a water level sensor, and a water inlet. Further, the electrolyte tank may be connected to a gas discharge nipple provided on the electrolytic cell cutoff plate via a second connection hose, and the brown gas may rise through the second connection hose. Further, the electrolyte tank is connected to the electrolyte inflow nipple provided on the electrolytic cell cutoff plate via a first connection hose, and the electrolyte is lowered through the first connection hose. It may be.

  As described above, the brown gas generator according to the present invention can improve the O-ring of the electrolytic cell to provide an electrolytic cell having excellent durability and smooth circulation of the electrolytic solution. Therefore, the number of electrode plates can be reduced, and the effective area of the electrode plates corresponding to the number of the electrode plates can be optimally set to reduce the electric resistance. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate brown gas by suppressing heat generation from the electrolytic cell.

  Further, a cross flow fan having a shape and a size corresponding to the shape of the electrolytic cell and having a wind discharge port extended along the longitudinal direction of the electrolytic cell may be provided. Thus, the temperature of the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell can be maintained at a predetermined temperature while the electrolytic cell is more effectively air-cooled. Further, since the electrolyte tank has a cylindrical shape and is configured to be taller, natural circulation of the electrolyte is smoothly performed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a case equipped with casters; an electrode plate protruding electrolytic cell installed inside the case and fixed by an insulating blanket; An electrolyte tank connected by a connecting hose to supply the electrolyte and collect the brown gas bubbles; a cross flow fan having a wind guide box and cooling the electrolytic tank; and a power supply for applying a DC power supply There is provided a high-efficiency brown gas generator comprising a device and a control device.

  Further, in the above-mentioned electrolytic cell protruding type electrolytic cell, a spacer and an O-ring are interfitted between the respective electrode plates and arranged so as to form an electrolytic solution charging chamber. It is assembled by providing a plate and fastening the whole with stay bolts and nuts. In particular, the size and quantity of the electrode plate may be calculated by the formula [electrode plate area = 14.25 x gas generation amount].

  In addition, the O-ring forming the electrolyte filling chamber has a side surface that is not flat, but has protrusions and recesses formed on the side, and is fixedly pressed between adjacent electrode plates, and is durable so that the electrolyte leaks. Sex may be enhanced.

  The electrolyte tank including the auxiliary tank has a cylindrical shape and is formed to have a height of 700 mm or more; an electrolyte water level gauge, a water level sensor, and a water injection port; The gas discharge nipple is connected by a second connection hose, and the brown gas rises through the second connection hose. The electrolyte inflow nipple disposed on the electrolytic cell cutoff plate is connected to the first connection hose. And the electrolyte may immediately flow into the electrolytic cell via the first connection hose, so that the natural circulation of the electrolyte is smoothly performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently generate brown gas by suppressing heat generation from the electrolytic cell.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(1st Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the brown gas generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, in order to devise a high-efficiency brown gas generator, it is necessary to set an appropriate effective area of the electrode plate to fundamentally suppress generation of heat. Therefore, how large the area of the electrode plate is set is the key to solving the problem.

  Therefore, first, a method for obtaining an appropriate area of the electrode plate of the electrolytic cell in the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following, for example, the amount of hydrogen and oxygen generated with respect to the amount of electric energy required for the electrolysis of water is calculated and compared with the case of 100% electrolysis efficiency to improve the efficiency of the electrolyzer. We propose a method.

According to Faraday's law, it is defined as follows:
(1) The total amount of substances generated at the electrodes by electrolysis is proportional to the total amount of charges passing through the electrodes.
(2) The total amount of the substance generated on the electrode is proportional to the chemical equivalent of the substance. (For the amount of charge corresponding to the Faraday constant, extract the chemical equivalent of the substance to be decomposed.)
(3) Faraday constant = 9.664870 × 10 ⁴ (C / mol)

  As described above, Faraday's law indicates the relationship between the amount of charge during electrolysis and the chemical equivalent. The chemical equivalent of water is 9 (g), which is the sum of the chemical equivalent of hydrogen and the chemical equivalent of oxygen. Therefore, if the chemical formula for the electrolysis of water is adjusted to correspond to 9 (g), which is the chemical equivalent of water, the following formulas 1 to 3 are obtained.

1 / 2H ₂ O → １ ／ H ₂ (g) + ／ O ₂ (g) (Formula 1)
1/2 × 22.4 (L) + ／ × 22.4 (L) = 16.8 (L) (Equation 2)
1/2 × 2 (g) + ／ × 32 (g) = 9 (g) (formula 3)

  From the expressions 1 to 3, it is found that the gas volume of hydrogen / oxygen corresponding to the chemical equivalent of water of 9 (g) is 16.8 (L).

Next, in order to obtain a gas of 16.8 (L) in the electrolysis of water, a charge amount Q of 9.648670 × 10 ⁴ (C / mol) is supplied for 1 hour. It can be calculated by the following equation 4.

・・・（式４）

... (Equation 4)

  Next, a current I of 26.80 (A) is supplied for one hour, and a power amount P for obtaining a gas volume of 16.8 (L) generated at this time can be obtained by the following equation (5). At this time, when the electrolyte is KOH, a voltage V between the electrodes is generally 2.1 (V).

P = V × I × h
= 2.1 x 26.8 x 1 = 56.28 (W)
... (Equation 5)

  As a result, when the volume of the mixed gas of hydrogen and oxygen generated when 56.28 (W) is consumed as electric energy is 16.8 (L), the gas generation efficiency must be 100%. I understand. That is, 16.8 / 56.28 = 298.5 (L / W) or 56.28 / 16.8 = 3.35 (W / L).

  Therefore, when a new electrolytic cell is developed, the power consumption and the volume of the generated mixed gas are measured using a wattmeter and a gas volume meter, and the measured values are, for example, the above 298.5 (L / L). kW), the gas generation efficiency can be calculated.

  Next, a method for calculating an appropriate area of the electrode plate will be described. "Model BK-6000" developed based on the "Brown gas mass generation apparatus using a horizontal electrolytic cell" in Korean Patent No. 0275504 and Japanese Patent No. 3130014 registered and filed by the present applicant earlier. Can generate 6600 L of brown gas by consuming 23 kW of electric power, for example. Therefore, since 6600/23 = 286.9 (L / kW) and 286.9 / 298.5 = 0.96, it can be said that the gas generation efficiency of such a brown gas generator is 96%.

In the brown gas generator of “BK-6000”, the total area of the electrode plates is, for example, 94,080 cm ² , so that the electrode plate area per unit production (L: liter) of gas is 94,080. it can be said that the /6,600=14.25cm is a ² / L. Therefore, it can be said that it is preferable to adopt a unit area of 14.25 cm ² / L by the above-mentioned row type electrolytic cell having high efficiency as the reference value of the electrode plate area.

As described above, the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment applies the above “14.25 cm ² ” as the electrode plate unit area per liter of gas produced. The electrolysis efficiency can be fundamentally improved by improving the electrode plate based on such a criterion and arranging the electrolytic cell by suitably setting the unit electrode plate area.

  From the above results, the following formula A is obtained when the calculation formula of the electrode plate area is defined.

Electrode plate area (cm ² ) = 14.25 × gas generation amount (L) (Formula A)

  Next, the configuration of the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  1 and 2 are a front view and a side view showing the entire configuration of the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment. 1 and 2, the housing and the like are partially cut away so that the internal configuration of the brown gas generator can be understood.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment is, for example, a case (10) which is a housing of the brown gas generator, and is mounted on the case (10) to generate the brown gas. A caster (11) for easily moving the device, an electrolytic cell (20) installed inside the case (10) and fixed by an insulating blanket (12), and an electrolytic cell (20); And an electrolytic solution tank (41, 41a) connected to the electrolytic cell (20) through a connecting hose to supply the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell (20) and recover the brown gas generated in the electrolytic cell (20). ), The cross flow fan (30) for air cooling the electrolytic cell (20) and the cooling air from the cross flow fan (30) are guided around the electrolytic cell (20). A cooling air guide boxes (31), for example, a DC power supply electrolytic bath and power supply to be applied to (20) (80), and a like controller (90).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the electrode plate protruding electrolytic cell (20) includes, for example, an electrode plate (21), a spacer (22), an O-ring (O-ring) (23), and a cut-off plate. (24, 24a).

  In the electrode plate (21), for example, bolt holes (21a) into which stay bolts are inserted are formed at four places, and an electrolyte solution flow hole (21b) and a gas flow hole (21c) are formed at, for example, one place. Is formed. The gas flow hole (21c) is formed, for example, above the electrolyte solution flow hole (21b) (upper side of the Brownian gas generator), and is substantially horizontal along the inner periphery of the O-ring (23). It has a substantially elliptical shape extending in the direction. Thereby, the generated gas can be discharged appropriately.

  When the electrode plate (21), the spacer (22) and the O-ring (23) are assembled, the electrolyte-flowing hole (21b) and the gas-flowing hole (21c) are located inside the inner peripheral surface of the O-ring (23). It is arranged at a position such that it is located at. Thereby, an electrolyte filling chamber (29) for filling an electrolyte (for example, water) for generating a brown gas, and an electrolyte flow hole (21b) and a gas flow hole (21c) of each electrode plate (21). Can be communicated with. Thus, the electrolyte can be supplied to each of the electrolyte charging chambers (29) through the respective electrolyte circulation holes (21b), and the brown gas generated in each of the electrolyte charging chambers (29) is removed by the gas. It can be recovered through the flow hole (21c).

  The spacer (22) is formed by, for example, injection-molding an insulating material or the like. The spacer (22) is formed in a substantially ring-shaped main body, and is formed so as to protrude from the main body and provided with, for example, four bolt holes (22a). The spacer (22) has, for example, four bolt holes (22a) at positions corresponding to the bolt holes (21a) of the electrode plate (21).

  The O-ring (23) is a sealing member having a substantially ring shape, and is formed of an alkali-resistant rubber material for preventing leakage of the electrolyte. The outer diameter of the O-ring (23) is formed, for example, to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the spacer (22), and the thickness of the O-ring (23) is, for example, equal to the thickness of the spacer (22). It is almost the same. For this reason, the O-ring (23) can be suitably fitted inside the spacer (22) without any gap.

  The cutoff plates (24, 24a) are, for example, substantially rectangular plate-like members provided on both side ends of the electrolytic cell (20). The plurality of electrolytic plates (21), spacers (22), and O-rings (23) are collectively held between the cutoff plates (24, 24a). In addition, for example, four bolt holes (not shown) corresponding to the bolt holes (21a) of the electrode plate (21) are also provided in the cutoff plates (24, 24a).

  The cutoff plates (24, 24a) are provided with, for example, electrolyte inflow nipples (25, 25a) and gas exhaust nipples (26, 26a), respectively. The electrolyte inflow nipples (25, 25a) communicate with the electrolyte flow holes (21b) of each of the electrode plates (20), and allow the electrolyte from the electrolyte tanks (41, 41a) to be described later to be supplied to the respective electrode plates (41, 41a). It can be supplied to each electrolyte filling chamber (29) between the plates (20). On the other hand, the gas discharge nipples (26, 26a) communicate with the gas flow holes (21c) of each of the electrode plates (20), are generated by electrolysis, and are generated by buoyancy in each of the electrolyte filling chambers (29). The hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas (brown gas) staying at the upper portion can be discharged to the outside.

  The cutoff plates (24, 24a) are provided with, for example, a (+) power terminal (28) on one side and a (-) power terminal (28a) on the other side. ) Is applied.

  In such an electrolytic cell (20), a spacer (22) and an O-ring (23) are interposed between adjacent electrode plates (21). At this time, the O-ring (23) is fitted into the spacer (22) so as to be sandwiched between the electrode plates (21) on both sides. As a result, an electrolyte solution charging chamber (29) is formed in a region surrounded by the electrode plates (21) on both sides and the inner peripheral surface of the O-ring (23). The electrolytic cell (20) is arranged so that a predetermined number of electrode plates (21) are parallel to each other, and electrolytic cell shutoff plates (24, 24a) are arranged at both ends, and the plurality of electrode plates (21) and The cut-off plates (24, 24a) are assembled together and fastened, for example, with four sets of stay bolts and nuts (27).

  The electrolytic cell (20) is an electrolytic cell of an electrode plate protruding type. More specifically, in the electrolytic cell (20), each electrode plate (21) has a size and shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape) larger than the outer diameter of the spacer (22) and the O-ring (23). Have. For this reason, since the area of each electrode plate (21) is larger than the area of the electrolyte charging chamber (29) in which the electrolyte (for example, water) charged inside the O-ring (23) is electrolyzed, Each electrode plate (21) has such a form as to protrude outside each spacer (22). Therefore, in each of the electrode plates (21), the only portion that comes into contact with the electrolytic solution to actually generate the brown gas is the portion that forms the electrolytic solution charging chamber (29). Therefore, the total area of the portion of the electrode plate (21) forming the electrolyte solution charging chamber functions as the electrode plate area of the above formula A.

  As described above, in the electrolytic cell according to the present embodiment, a plurality of sets of the electrode plate (21), the spacer (22), and the O-ring (23) are formed, and these sets are set so that the electrode plate (21) is vertical. They are juxtaposed in a radiator form and are connected by stay bolts and nuts (27). As a result, the electrolytic cell (20) has a form like a heat sink (radiator) in which a plurality of electrode plates (21) are formed to protrude from the electrolyte filling chamber (29). Therefore, not only can the external air pass between the protruding portions of the electrode plate (21) to effectively cool the electrolytic cell that generates heat, but also can be easily disassembled and maintained.

  In the electrolytic cell (20) according to the present embodiment, the number A of the electrode plates (21) and each electrode plate ( 21) is set. More specifically, an appropriate area of the entire electrode plate is calculated based on the above-described equation A, according to the desired gas production amount of the brown gas generator. Next, based on the appropriate area of the entire electrode plate, an appropriate number of electrode plates (21) and an effective area of each electrode plate (21) (an area in contact with the electrolyte charging chamber (29)) are set. I do. That is, the area obtained by multiplying the number of the electrode plates (21) provided by the effective area of each electrode plate (21) is set to be a suitable area of the entire electrode plate. Further, based on the effective area of each of the electrode plates (21), the inner diameter of the O-ring (23) in which the electrolyte is actually filled is calculated, and the spacer () is determined according to the size of the O-ring (23). The size of 22) and the size of the electrode plate (21) are determined.

  The cross flow fan (30) is configured as a cooling device according to the present embodiment. The cross-flow fan (30) has, for example, a length substantially the same as the length of the electrolytic cell (20) in the longitudinal direction, and is disposed above the electrolytic cell (20) along the longitudinal direction. Is done. Since the cross flow fan (30) is an apparatus of an air cooling system instead of a water cooling system, it is economical and can efficiently cool the electrolytic cell (20) by air.

  By providing the cooling air guide box (31) so as to cover the periphery of the electrolytic cell (20), the cooling effect of the electrolytic cell (20) by the cross flow fan (30) can be enhanced. The cooling air guide box (31) preferably has a size and a shape according to the shape and size of the electrolytic cell (20), and is, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  Further, since the O-ring (23) is the most easily damaged portion in the electrolytic cell (20), it is necessary to increase the durability of the O-ring. From this point of view, the O-ring (23) according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Is formed. In other words, on both sides of the O-ring (23), for example, a plurality of substantially concentric grooves 23b are formed along the circumferential direction of the O-ring (23). Thus, by providing the plurality of convex portions 23a and concave portions 23b on, for example, both side surfaces of the O-ring (23), the O-ring (23) can be brought into close contact with the electrode plate (21). For this reason, since the O-ring (23) can be fixed by pressure bonding between the electrode plates (21) on both sides, even if the electrolytic cell (20) is used for a long time, the O-ring (23) and the electrode plate (21) can be used. ) Can be prevented from leaking from the electrolyte solution, and the durability can be enhanced.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the electrolytic solution tanks (41, 41a) are tanks having a substantially cylindrical shape, and can store an abundant amount of electrolytic solution (eg, water) therein. The height of the electrolytic solution tank (41, 41a) is, for example, 700 mm or more. Such an electrolyte tank (41, 41a) is provided with an electrolyte water level meter (43), a water level sensor (60), and a water inlet (50), and has an auxiliary tank (42, 42a) for improving cooling efficiency. ).

  The electrolyte tank (41, 41a) includes, for example, an upper nipple (44, 44a) and a lower nipple (45, 45a). The upper nipple (44, 44a) and the gas discharge nipple (26, 26a) provided on the electrolytic cell cutoff plate (24, 24a) are connected by a second connection hose (46, 46a). The lower nipple (45, 45a) and the electrolyte inflow nipple (25, 25a) provided on the electrolytic cell cutoff plate (24, 24a) are connected by a first connection hose (45, 45a). ing.

  With this configuration, the electrolytic solution stored in the electrolytic solution tanks (41, 41a) is supplied to the lower nipple (45, 45a), the first connecting hose (45, 45a), and the electrolytic solution inflow nipple by, for example, gravity. (25, 25a), and is supplied into an electrolytic cell (20) arranged below the electrolytic solution tank (41, 41a).

  Also, the brown gas generated in the electrolytic cell (20) is discharged from the gas discharge nipple (26, 26a), then rises through the second connecting hose (46, 46a), and rises to the upper nipple (44, 26a). 44a), flows into the electrolyte tanks (41, 41a), is put on top of the electrolyte tanks (41, 41a), and further passes through the gas line (49) to prevent backflow (shown in FIG. Is supplied to a burner.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment includes an electrolytic cell (20) and an electrolytic solution tank (41, 41a) having auxiliary tanks (42, 42a). It is located at the target. As a result, the (+) power supply side and the (-) power supply side are clearly separated from each other, so that there is no leakage current.

  This occurred when power was applied by the DC power supply (80) to the (+) power supply terminal (28) and the (-) power supply terminal (28a) provided on the electrolytic cell cutoff plates (24, 24a). The brown gas immediately rises to the electrolyte tank (41, 41a) via the connection hose (46, 46a), while the electrolyte is immediately refilled through the connection hose (45, 45a). You. Therefore, in the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment, the natural circulation of the electrolyte can be smoothly performed.

  In addition, the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment is operated by a control loop system that automatically repeats gas production and interruption by operating the pressure switch (70) “ON / OFF” in accordance with an increase or decrease in gas consumption. I do. For example, when the on-off valve (75) is closed, gas production is interrupted. The control device (90) automatically controls an overpressure warning device, a water shortage warning device using a water level sensor (60), and the like.

  As described above, in the brown gas generator according to the present embodiment, an appropriate number of electrode plates and an appropriate electrode plate area are set based on the above Expression A. Therefore, the electric resistance can be reduced, and the electrolytic efficiency can be improved. Further, the number of electrode plates can be reduced and the electrolyte passage can be shortened, so that the electrolyte can be circulated smoothly. Furthermore, economical air cooling can be adopted by the configuration of the cross flow fan (30) and the cooling air guide box (31). By increasing the cooling efficiency, the electrolyte temperature can be kept constant. Further, by optimizing the configuration and arrangement of the electrolytic cell (20) and the electrolytic tank (41), the electrolytic solution can be smoothly and naturally circulated. Therefore, an economical and efficient brown gas generator can be provided.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, a reference value of 14.25 cm ² / L is presented in order to set a suitable electrode plate area. Thereby, a high-efficiency electrolytic cell in which heat generation is fundamentally suppressed can be provided. Further, by employing a cross flow fan (30) having, for example, a length substantially equal to that of the electrolytic cell as the air cooling device, the cooling efficiency can be increased and the noise problem can be solved. In addition, since the electrolyte tank (41) is cylindrical and tall, and the circulation of the electrolyte is improved, the gas generation of the electrode plate protruding type electrolytic cell of the natural circulation type can be smoothly performed. Also, by shaping the cross-sectional shape of the O-ring (23) so that the unevenness is formed, it is possible to prevent the electrolyte from leaking even when the O-ring (23) is operated for a long time, and to enhance the durability. As described above, as a whole, it is possible to provide a brown gas generator which greatly improves the electrolysis efficiency and does not cause any trouble even when continuously used for 24 hours, so that brown gas can be used as an actual fuel.

  An existing model "BS-600" (gas production amount 600 L / h), which is a brown gas generator actually produced by the present inventor, and a brown gas generator newly developed based on this embodiment. The new model "BN-600" is compared and examined.

In the case of “BN-600” according to the embodiment of the present invention, the area of the electrode plate is 14.25 cm ² / L × 600 L / h = 8550 cm ² . Be determined electrode plate number of installed (21) to 80 EA, the effective area of the unit electrode ^plates, the inside diameter of 8550cm ² / 80EA = 106.8cm 2 next, O-ring (23) is 116Fai.

  Further, in consideration of the size of the O-ring (23), the size of the spacer (22), and the heat radiation area, the actual size of the electrode plate (22) is set to 155 (width) × 180 (height). A power supply of 160 V × 13 A was applied to both ends of the electrolytic cell (20) having such specifications, and a gas production amount of 600 L / h was produced. Then, since the power consumption is 3.7 W / L, the gas production efficiency becomes 96%. Comparing this with the existing “BS-600” (power consumption 4.2 W / L, number of electrode plates 105 EA), the gas production efficiency has increased by 12%.

  Further, the number of electrode plates (21) to be installed can be reduced by as much as 25, so that the cost can be reduced. In addition, the cooling fan was replaced with a cross-flow fan (30) instead of the existing centrifugal axial fan (Axial Fan) to increase the cooling efficiency, so that the air volume could be reduced to 1/3. This can be said to solve the noise problem of the shaft fan, which requires high wind pressure and air volume for heat dissipation, in the existing model.

  As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The brown gas generator according to the present invention can be applied to a heating device in an automated factory, and can be widely applied as a heating fuel supply device for a boiler or the like. In addition, the present invention increases the possibility of using brown gas as an alternative energy in the 21st century.

It is a front view showing the brown gas generator concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view showing the brown gas generator concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is an assembly sectional view showing the electrolytic cell concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing components of the electrolytic cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view and an enlarged sectional view showing the O-ring according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an assembly perspective view of the electrolytic solution tank concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an overall system explanatory diagram of a brown gas generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

10: Brown gas generator case 11: Caster 12: Insulating blanket 20: Electrolyzer 21: Electrode plate 21a: Bolt hole 21b: Electrolyte flow hole 21c: Gas flow hole 22: Spacer 23: O-ring 24: Cut-off plate 25: Electrolyte inflow nipple 26: Gas discharge nipple 27: Stopper nut 28: Power supply terminal 29: Electrolyte filling room 30: Cross flow fan 31: Cooling air guide box 41: Electrolyte tank 42: Auxiliary tank 43: Electrolysis Liquid level gauge 45: first connection hose 46: second connection hose 50: water inlet 60: water level sensor 70: pressure switch 80: power supply device 90: control device

Claims (4)

An electrolytic cell having a plurality of electrode plates juxtaposed and having an electrode plate protruding type for electrolyzing an electrolytic solution to generate brown gas;
An electrolytic solution tank for storing an electrolytic solution to be supplied to the electrolytic cell and collecting brown gas generated in the electrolytic cell;
A cooling device for air-cooling the electrolytic cell;
A power supply for applying power to the electrolytic cell;
A brown gas generator characterized by comprising: The electrolytic cell includes a substantially ring-shaped spacer and an O-ring that seals an inner peripheral surface of the spacer between each of the adjacent electrode plates.
The electrolytic cell has an electrolyte filling chamber surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the O-ring and the adjacent electrode plates.
The number of the electrode plates and the area of the electrode plate forming the electrolyte filling chamber are set based on the equation (“electrode plate area” = 14.25 × “brown gas generation amount”). The brown gas generator according to claim 1, wherein: A convex portion and a concave portion are formed on at least one side surface of the O-ring,
3. The brown gas generator according to claim 2, wherein the O-ring is pressed and fixed between the adjacent electrode plates. The electrolyte tank is provided above the electrolytic cell,
The electrolytic solution tank and the electrolytic cell have a first connecting hose for supplying the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution tank to the electrolytic cell, and a second connecting hose for collecting brown gas generated in the electrolytic cell. The brown gas generator according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the brown gas generator is connected to the apparatus via a gas.

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