JP2006162057A - Hydrogen supply device, energy supply system and hydrogen storage cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen supply device and an energy supply system for supplying hydrogen or energy with high efficiency, and to provide a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the same. <P>SOLUTION: This hydrogen supply device comprises a holding portion 31 holding the hydrogen storage cartridge 2, and having a plurality of heating device C1-Cn receiving the supplied power and heating the hydrogen storage cartridge 2, a control portion 33 controlling the power supply to the plurality of heating devices C1-Cn, and a sensing portion 34 detecting physical quantity to calculate supply quantity of hydrogen, and inputting a detected value to the control portion 33. The control portion 33 grasps a hydrogen supply state, and controls a heating condition for releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 by changing a heating part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrogen supply device, an energy supply system, and a hydrogen storage cartridge that supply hydrogen or energy using a hydrogen storage body that absorbs and releases hydrogen by heating.

  Conventionally, a system in which hydrogen is released and supplied by a heating method using electromagnetic induction of a coil is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  The hydrogen generator described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a heating part having a nickel heating element in a hydrogen gas generation cylinder in which a raw material containing a hydrocarbon compound is sealed, and the heating element is heated by electromagnetic induction of a coil. The raw material is thermally decomposed to generate hydrogen gas. Such a hydrogen generator eliminates the need for a catalyst and shortens the startup time until heating.

Moreover, the hydrogen storage / supply system described in Patent Document 2 includes a raw material storage tank that stores a hydrogen storage body such as benzene or a hydrogen supply body such as cyclohexane, and a cylindrical body that stores a catalyst such as a nickel porous body. And a compressor for supplying raw materials, a heat exchanger and activated carbon for separating droplets accompanied by hydrogen, a recovery tank for recovering liquefied benzene and cyclohexane, and an electromagnetic induction coil for heating the catalyst. Hydrogen is stored or supplied by utilizing a hydrogenation reaction of a hydrogen storage body or a dehydrogenation reaction of a hydrogen supply body. In this hydrogen storage / supply system, the electromagnetic induction coil is configured such that a catalyst such as a nickel porous body can be heated by high-frequency induction. With such a hydrogen storage / supply system, it is possible to configure a fuel cell system that can promptly respond to fluctuations in the load of electric power in the home.
JP 2003-206102 A JP 2003-321202 A

  However, in the conventional hydrogen supply apparatus as described above, since the entire hydrogen storage body in the hydrogen storage container is uniformly heated, including the part from which hydrogen has already been released, the supplied heat is wasted and thermal efficiency is reduced. Decreases. That is, the efficiency of energy used for hydrogen release is reduced.

  On the other hand, in recent years, demand for systems using hydrogen energy has increased due to demands for environmental problems and the like. In particular, a highly efficient hydrogen supply device is required for a power generation system using a hydrogen engine or a fuel cell, a household cogeneration system using the same, a hydrogen vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and the like.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen supply device, an energy supply system, and a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device that supply hydrogen or energy with high efficiency.

  To achieve the above object, a hydrogen supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a holding unit having a plurality of heating devices that hold a hydrogen storage cartridge and heat the hydrogen storage cartridge by receiving power. A control unit that controls supply of electric power to the heating device; and a sensing unit that detects a physical quantity for calculating a supply amount of hydrogen and inputs a detection value to the control unit, and the control unit includes the hydrogen The heating condition for releasing the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage cartridge is controlled by changing the heating part.

  As described above, the hydrogen supply device of the present invention grasps the supply state of hydrogen and supplies hydrogen by heating the hydrogen storage cartridge when the supply amount becomes a predetermined amount or less. At this time, in order to effectively heat the hydrogen storage body, the heating position of the hydrogen storage cartridge can be changed. Thereby, the heating of the hydrogen storage body that has already released hydrogen can be prevented, the hydrogen storage body capable of releasing hydrogen can be heated, and hydrogen can be supplied with high efficiency.

  The hydrogen supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the heating device includes a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied. Thereby, a container, a hydrogen storage body, etc. can be directly heated by dielectric heating, and the loss of the energy used for hydrogen discharge | release can be reduced. As a result, hydrogen can be supplied with higher efficiency.

  Moreover, the hydrogen supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the heating device is an electric heater. Thereby, even if it is a case where all the members which comprise a hydrogen storage cartridge are insulators, a hydrogen storage body can be heated by heat conduction. In addition, the hydrogen supply device can be configured with a relatively simple design.

  An energy supply system of the present invention includes the above-described hydrogen supply device, an energy generation device that generates electrical energy or mechanical energy using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply device as fuel, and the energy generation device. And a heat conduction section that transfers waste heat to the hydrogen storage cartridge by flowing a heat medium or by heat conduction.

  As described above, the energy supply system of the present invention uses the waste heat of the energy generation device to release hydrogen in the hydrogen supply device. Thereby, the efficiency of the energy supply of the whole energy supply system can be improved.

  The energy supply system of the present invention includes the above-described hydrogen supply device, a gas reformer connected to a city gas pipe, reformed and supplied to the city gas supplied from the pipe, and the hydrogen supply An energy generation device that generates electrical energy or mechanical energy using hydrogen supplied by the apparatus or the gas reforming device as fuel, and waste heat of the energy generation device by flowing a heat medium or heat And a heat conduction section that conducts to at least one of the hydrogen storage cartridge and the gas reformer by conduction.

  As described above, the energy supply system of the present invention uses the waste heat of the energy generation device for releasing hydrogen in the hydrogen supply device or reforming gas into hydrogen gas in the gas reforming device. Thereby, the efficiency of the energy supply of the whole energy supply system can be improved.

  The hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply apparatus described above, and is capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating, and the hydrogen storage cartridge. And a hydrogen storage container of a conductor for containing the body.

  Thereby, by supplying an alternating current to the coil and generating an alternating magnetic field in the hydrogen storage container of the conductor, an induced current can be generated and the hydrogen storage container can be heated. Therefore, even when the hydrogen storage body is an insulator, hydrogen can be supplied with high efficiency.

  Further, the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply device described above, and a conductive hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating, and And an insulating hydrogen storage container that accommodates the hydrogen storage body.

  Thereby, by supplying an alternating current to the coil and generating an alternating magnetic field in the hydrogen storage body of the conductor, an induced current can be generated and the hydrogen storage body can be heated. Therefore, the hydrogen storage body can be directly heated regardless of heat conduction, and hydrogen can be supplied with higher efficiency.

  Further, a hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply device described above, and an insulating hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating. And a conductor that generates heat by induction heating and heats the hydrogen storage body, and an insulating hydrogen storage container that houses the hydrogen storage body and the conductor.

  Accordingly, an alternating current is supplied to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field in the conductor in the cartridge, thereby generating an induced current and heating the conductor to heat the hydrogen storage body. Therefore, even when both the hydrogen storage container and the hydrogen storage body are insulators, it is possible to supply hydrogen with high efficiency.

  Further, a hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply device described above, and an insulating hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating. And a plurality of conductive powder particles mixed in the hydrogen storage body, and an insulating hydrogen storage container for storing the hydrogen storage body and the powder body.

  Thereby, by supplying an alternating current to the coil and generating an alternating magnetic field in the conductive granular material, an induced current can be generated and the hydrogen storage container 22 can be heated. Therefore, even when both the hydrogen storage container 22 and the hydrogen storage body are insulators, hydrogen can be supplied with high efficiency.

  Moreover, the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply device described above, and a hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating, and induction heating. A heating element that generates heat, and a hydrogen storage container that is formed of a material having a product of volume resistivity and relative permeability of 0.03 μΩm or less and that stores the hydrogen storage element and the heating element. It is said.

  As described above, since the hydrogen storage container is made of a material having a very small volume resistivity and relative permeability, the power is not consumed in the hydrogen storage container, and the power is generated by the heating element inside the container. Since it becomes heat, the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  Moreover, the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply device described above, and a hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating, and induction heating. A heating element that generates heat, and a hydrogen storage container that is substantially made of aluminum or copper and accommodates the hydrogen storage element and the heating element are provided.

  Thus, since the hydrogen storage container is made of a material having a very small volume resistivity or relative permeability like copper or aluminum, the hydrogen storage container does not consume power, and the heating element inside the container Since the electric power becomes heat, the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  The hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply apparatus described above, and a hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating, and a volume resistivity. And a product of relative permeability of 0.3 μΩm or more, a heating element that generates heat by induction heating, and a material of volume resistivity and relative permeability of 0.03 μΩm or less, And a hydrogen storage container for storing the hydrogen storage body and the heating element.

  Thus, the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the hydrogen storage container is very small compared to the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the heating element. As a result, power is not consumed in the hydrogen storage container, and the power is heated by the heating element inside the container, so that the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  Moreover, the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention is a hydrogen storage cartridge used in the induction heating type hydrogen supply device described above, and a hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating, and induction heating. A heat generating element that generates heat; a hydrogen storage container that houses the hydrogen storage element; and the heat generating element, wherein the volume resistivity of the heating element is ρ1, the relative permeability is μ1, and the volume resistivity of the hydrogen storage container Where ρ2 and relative permeability μ2, (ρ1 × μ1) / (ρ2 × μ2) ≧ 10.

  Thus, the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the hydrogen storage container is 1/10 or more smaller than the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the heating element. As a result, power is not consumed in the hydrogen storage container, and the power is heated by the heating element inside the container, so that the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  According to the hydrogen supply device of the present invention, the amount of heat supplied to the hydrogen storage body that has already released hydrogen can be reduced, and hydrogen can be supplied with high efficiency with respect to the energy used for releasing hydrogen.

  In addition, according to the hydrogen supply device of the present invention, the container or the hydrogen storage body can be directly heated by dielectric heating, and the loss of energy used for hydrogen release can be reduced. As a result, hydrogen can be supplied with higher efficiency.

  In addition, according to the hydrogen supply device of the present invention, the hydrogen storage body can be heated by heat conduction even when all of the members constituting the hydrogen storage cartridge are insulators. In addition, the hydrogen supply device can be configured with a relatively simple design.

  Moreover, according to the energy supply system which concerns on this invention, the waste heat of an energy production | generation apparatus is utilized for discharge | release of hydrogen in a hydrogen supply apparatus. Thereby, the efficiency of the energy supply of the whole energy supply system can be improved.

  Further, according to the energy supply system of the present invention, the waste heat of the energy generation device is used for the release of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply device or the gas reforming to hydrogen gas in the gas reforming device. Thereby, the efficiency of the energy supply of the whole energy supply system can be improved.

  Further, according to the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention, an alternating current is supplied to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field in the conductive hydrogen storage container 22, thereby generating an induced current and causing the hydrogen storage container 22 to generate heat. be able to. Therefore, even when the hydrogen storage body is an insulator, hydrogen can be supplied with high efficiency.

  Further, according to the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention, the hydrogen storage body can be directly heated regardless of heat conduction, and hydrogen can be supplied with higher efficiency.

  Further, according to the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention, it is possible to supply hydrogen with high efficiency even when both the hydrogen storage container and the hydrogen storage body are insulators.

  Further, according to the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention, the hydrogen storage container is composed of a material with a very small volume resistivity and relative magnetic permeability, so that no power is consumed in the hydrogen storage container, Since the electric power is heated by the heating element inside the container, the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  Further, according to the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention, the hydrogen storage container is made of a material having a very small volume resistivity or relative magnetic permeability, such as copper or aluminum. However, since the electric power is heated by the heating element inside the container, the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  Further, according to the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention, the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the hydrogen storage container is larger than the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the heating element. Very small. As a result, power is not consumed in the hydrogen storage container, and the power is heated by the heating element inside the container, so that the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  Further, according to the hydrogen storage cartridge of the present invention, the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the hydrogen storage container is larger than the product of the volume resistivity and the relative permeability for the material of the heating element. 1/10 or more smaller. As a result, power is not consumed in the hydrogen storage container, and the power is heated by the heating element inside the container, so that the hydrogen storage body can be efficiently heated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components in the respective drawings, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an energy supply system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the energy supply system 1 includes a hydrogen storage cartridge 2, a hydrogen supply device 3, a hydrogen flow pipe 4, a holder 5, a gas reformer 6, a city gas supply pipe 7, a hydrogen supply pipe 8, and a hydrogen engine. 9 and the steam flow pipe 10. As a general technique, a valve is provided on the gas path for gas flow, but here, the valve is omitted from the drawing.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage cartridge 2. The hydrogen storage cartridge 2 includes a hydrogen storage body 21 that can store and release hydrogen by heating, and a hydrogen storage container 22 that stores the hydrogen storage body 21. Examples of the material of the hydrogen storage body 21 include conductive materials such as La—Ni-based and Ti—Cr—V-based hydrogen storage alloys and carbon-based materials such as carbon nanotubes. On the other hand, an alanate material such as NaAlH4, a lithium material, or the like is used as the insulator material.

  The hydrogen storage container 22 has an airtight structure, and a material and a shape capable of withstanding an appropriate temperature and pressure are selected according to the characteristics of the hydrogen storage body 21 used. The outer shape of the hydrogen storage container 22 shown in FIG. 2 is a cylindrical shape, but may be a rectangular column shape with rounded corners.

  When the hydrogen supply device 3 adopts the induction heating method, at least one of the material of the hydrogen storage body 21 and the hydrogen storage container 22 is a conductor. Thereby, an alternating current can be supplied to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field in the conductor, and an induced current can be generated to cause the hydrogen storage container 22 or the hydrogen storage body 21 to generate heat. Even when the hydrogen storage body 21 is an insulator, hydrogen can be supplied with high efficiency.

  Moreover, when using an electroconductive material for the hydrogen storage body 21, the material of the hydrogen storage container 22 is made into an insulator. Thereby, the hydrogen storage body 21 can be directly heated irrespective of heat conduction, and hydrogen can be supplied with higher efficiency.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, even if the material of both the hydrogen storage body 21 and the hydrogen storage container 22 is an insulator, a plurality of metal spheres 26 are mixed with the hydrogen storage body 21 as a conductor, 26 may be induction-heated. Moreover, instead of the metal sphere 26, a metal rod-shaped body may be arranged, or a powder having conductivity such as metal powder may be mixed. Thereby, even if it is a case where induction heating cannot be performed with respect to either the hydrogen storage container 22 or the hydrogen storage body 21, hydrogen can be supplied with high efficiency. When the hydrogen supply device 3 adopts a resistance heating method, there is no particular limitation on the conductivity of the materials of the hydrogen storage body 21 and the hydrogen storage container 22.

  The hydrogen storage body 21 is partitioned by a partition plate 23 in the hydrogen storage container 22, and is held so that the hydrogen storage body 21 does not enter the hydrogen circulation port 24. The partition plate 23 does not pass the particles of the hydrogen storage body 21, but also functions as a filter through which hydrogen gas passes. The circulation port 24 is provided with a valve 25.

  The hydrogen supply device 3 includes a holding unit 31, a control unit 33, a pressure sensor 34, and a flow rate sensor 34a. In addition, a lamp, a buzzer, and the like are provided at a position facing the outside to notify that hydrogen in the hydrogen storage cartridge has been emptied. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the holding unit 31. The holding unit 31 holds the hydrogen storage cartridge 2. The holding unit 31 is configured to be openable and closable, and stores the hydrogen storage cartridge 2. In addition, you may comprise by the system inserted from one end. A plurality of holding portions 31 may be provided so that a plurality of hydrogen storage cartridges 2 can be held. The holding part 31 fixes the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 by a cylindrical main body part 32.

  The main body 32 is provided with a plurality of coils C1 to Cn along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of coils C1 to Cn function as a heating device. Thereby, the hydrogen storage container 22 or the hydrogen storage body 21 etc. can be directly heated by dielectric heating, and the loss of energy used for hydrogen release can be reduced. As a result, hydrogen can be supplied with higher efficiency.

  Since it is more efficient that there is no bias in the heatable portion, it is desirable that the plurality of coils C1 to Cn be provided uniformly at equal intervals. The plurality of coils C1 to Cn are independently supplied with electric power, generate an alternating magnetic field inside the coils, and heat an induced current through the conductor to heat the hydrogen storage cartridge. An electric heater may be used instead of the coil. In that case, a part of the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 is heated by heat conduction from the outside of the hydrogen storage container 22 by a specific electric heater by resistance heating. Thereby, even if it is a case where all the members which comprise the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 are insulators, the hydrogen storage body 21 can be heated by heat conduction. In addition, the hydrogen supply device 3 can be configured with a relatively simple design.

  The main body 32 is provided with a plurality of thermocouples T1 to Tm along the longitudinal direction. As for thermocouples, it is desirable that the plurality of thermocouples T1 to Tm be uniformly provided at equal intervals, since it is possible to accurately measure the temperature where there is no bias in the portion where the temperature can be measured. As shown in FIG. 4, the interval need not be the same as that of the coils C1 to Cn. A resistance temperature detector may be used instead of the thermocouple.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the hydrogen supply device 3. The control unit 33 is electrically connected to the plurality of coils C1 to Cn and controls the supply of electric power to each coil. The control unit 33 is electrically connected to a pressure sensor 34 and a flow rate sensor (mass flow meter) 34a. The pressure sensor 34 detects the pressure of hydrogen gas as a sensing unit, and inputs the detected value to the control unit 33. As the pressure sensor 34, a commonly used pressure sensor can be used. The flow sensor 34 a measures the flow rate of hydrogen as a sensing unit, and inputs the measured value to the control unit 33. The pressure sensor 34 and the flow rate sensor 34 a are disposed in the hydrogen flow pipe 4.

  The control unit 33 senses the hydrogen supply state by sensing the pressure or the hydrogen gas flow rate, and further determines the excess or deficiency of the hydrogen supply amount to adjust the hydrogen supply amount. In this case, in order to carry out effective hydrogen release from the hydrogen storage body 21 in the hydrogen storage cartridge 2, it is controlled to sequentially heat from one side of the cartridge. Specifically, the coil that is heated to a temperature necessary for releasing hydrogen from the plurality of coils C1 to Cn is changed. In addition, about overheating prevention more than predetermined temperature, it controls by thermocouple T1-Tm. Thereby, heating of the hydrogen storage body 21 which has already released hydrogen can be prevented, and the hydrogen storage body 21 capable of releasing hydrogen can be heated to supply hydrogen with high efficiency.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 33 includes a flow sensor receiving unit 35 a, a pressure sensor receiving unit 35, a high frequency power source 36, an output selection circuit 37, a temperature sensor receiving unit 38, and a central control circuit 39. . The flow sensor receiver 35 a is connected to the flow sensor 34 a, receives a detection signal from the flow sensor 34 a, and inputs the signal to the central control circuit 39. The pressure sensor receiver 35 is connected to the pressure sensor 34, receives a detection signal from the pressure sensor 34, and inputs a signal to the central control circuit 39.

  The high frequency power source 36 generates a high frequency necessary for induction heating. In general, a high-frequency power source used for induction heating is sufficient, and the output, frequency, size, etc. are not particularly limited. The output selection circuit 37 selects a high frequency output to the coils C1 to Cn for the high frequency oscillated by the high frequency power supply 36. The temperature sensor receiver 38 receives signals from the thermocouples T <b> 1 to Tm as temperature sensors and inputs the signals to the central control circuit 39.

  The central control circuit 39 inputs the output value selected by the output selection circuit 37 to the output selection circuit 37 and controls the power supplied to the coil. The central control circuit 39 determines the output value based on the input signal from the temperature sensor receiver 35 so that the temperature of the portion heated by the specific coil of the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 becomes a constant temperature. . On the other hand, the time change of the detected values of the flow sensor 34a and the pressure sensor 34 is monitored to control the hydrogen supply amount. The central control circuit 39 is specifically composed of a CPU. The central control circuit 39 controls to monitor the hydrogen supply amount from the detection value of the pressure sensor 34 by closing the valve (not shown) of the hydrogen supply pipe 8 while monitoring the time change of the hydrogen supply amount. May be. Alternatively, the amount of hydrogen flowing out by the flow sensor may be detected without closing the valve, and the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply device 3 to the holder 5 may be calculated.

  Further, the central control circuit 39 controls the hydrogen supply amount as described above. This control is performed by changing the output value to each coil. In the central control circuit 39, coil priorities are set in advance, and coils are changed in accordance with these priorities. For example, the priorities of the coils are set as C1, C2, C3,..., Cn so as to go from one end of the holding unit 31 to the other end. The order may be the reverse order, but is preferably the order from one end of the holding unit 31 to the other end. In addition, the central control circuit 39 is electrically connected to the gas reforming device 6, and if there is no next rank coil when changing the coil, the central control circuit 39 sends a signal so that the gas reforming device 6 operates. Send.

  The hydrogen supply device 3 includes the pressure sensor 34 and the flow rate sensor 34a as the sensing unit, but may have a configuration including only one of the pressure sensor 34 and the flow rate sensor 34a. In that case, the pressure sensor receiver 35 or the flow sensor receiver 35a is installed corresponding to the installed one of the pressure sensor 34 or the flow sensor 34a. As described above, it is sufficient that at least one sensing unit is installed, and the type is not particularly limited as long as the supply state of hydrogen can be grasped.

  The hydrogen circulation pipe 4 introduces hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 into the holder 5. The holder 5 temporarily stores the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage cartridge 2. The pressure sensor 34 detects the gas pressure inside the holder 5. By providing the holder 5, it is possible to cope with a change in the consumption amount of hydrogen gas, and the supply amount can be leveled. In addition, for example, even if the operation of the hydrogen supply device 3 is temporarily hindered, the supply stability can be ensured by using the hydrogen of the holder 5.

  The gas reformer 6 is connected to a city gas supply pipe 7, reforms the city gas into hydrogen gas, and supplies the hydrogen gas to the holder 5 through the hydrogen circulation pipe 4. The gas reformer 6 is provided as an auxiliary device for the hydrogen supply device 3 and is used when the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen supply device 3 is insufficient.

  The gas reformer 6 is a generally known reformer. For example, the gas reformer 6 is a reformer that generates hydrogen-rich reformed gas from a hydrocarbon-based fuel such as city gas or LP gas, and carbon monoxide in the reformed gas that causes a decrease in the output of the PEFC. It consists of four reactors: a shifter / selective oxidizer that reduces the temperature and a combustor that heats the reformer.

  In the reformer, water is added to a hydrocarbon-based fuel such as city gas or LP gas, and a hydrogen-rich reformed gas is generated by steam reforming. The shifter converts CO in the reformed gas into CO2, thereby reducing the CO concentration while further increasing the hydrogen concentration in the reformed gas. A combustor produces | generates combustion gas by combustion reaction of city gas or LP gas, and air, and uses the combustion heat which combustion gas holds for the temperature rising of a reformer.

  The hydrogen supply pipe 8 supplies the hydrogen stored in the holder 5 to the hydrogen engine 9. The hydrogen supply pipe 8 has a valve (not shown), and the valve is controlled to be closed by the central control circuit 39 while monitoring the pressure change of the holder 5. The hydrogen engine 9 as an energy generation device is a generally known engine powered by the combustion of hydrogen and is not limited in size, shape, or the like. Power generation may be performed by attaching a power generation device to the engine. Note that power may be generated by a fuel cell instead of the hydrogen engine 9. Directly, kinetic energy is generated in the case of the hydrogen engine 9, and electrical energy is generated in the case of the fuel cell. The fuel cell only needs to use hydrogen as a fuel. For example, a solid polymer fuel cell, a phosphoric acid fuel cell, a molten carbonate fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell, an alkaline fuel cell, or the like is used. be able to.

  The steam flow pipe 10 introduces the steam discharged from the hydrogen engine 9 into the hydrogen supply device 3 or the gas reforming device 6 as a heat transfer part as a heat medium. As described above, the energy supply system 1 uses the waste heat of the hydrogen engine 9 for releasing hydrogen in the hydrogen supply device 3 or reforming gas into hydrogen gas in the gas reforming device 6. Thereby, the efficiency of the energy supply of the energy supply system 1 whole can be improved.

  Next, the operation of the energy supply system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart showing a characteristic operation of the energy supply system 1. First, when the operation is started, the central control circuit 39 of the hydrogen supply device 3 determines the output of each of the coils C1 to Cn based on the initial setting, and inputs a signal to the output selection circuit 37. Specifically, electric power is supplied to the coil C1 of the first rank (step S1), and the surrounding hydrogen storage body 21 is heated to a temperature higher than that necessary for releasing hydrogen. The coil set in the first order may be the coil Cn.

  Next, the central control circuit 39 monitors the flow rate of hydrogen by a signal from the flow sensor 34a via the flow sensor receiving unit 35a. Further, the pressure inside the holder 5 is monitored by a signal from the pressure sensor 34 via the pressure sensor receiver 35. Then, the hydrogen supply status per unit time from the hydrogen supply device 3 is recognized from the change in the hydrogen flow rate and pressure over time (step S2), and it is determined whether or not the hydrogen supply amount is excessive (step S3). If the hydrogen supply amount is excessive, heating is temporarily interrupted (step S4). If the hydrogen supply amount is not excessive, it is further determined whether or not the hydrogen supply amount is insufficient (step S5).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the hydrogen supply amount from the hydrogen supply device 3 is not insufficient, the process returns to step S2. If it is determined that the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply device 3 is insufficient, it is determined whether there is a coil Ci + 1 of the next rank (step S6). If it is determined that there is a coil Ci + 1 of the next order, power is supplied to the coil Ci + 1 of the next order (step S7). Electric power is supplied to the coil so that the surrounding hydrogen storage body 21 has a temperature higher than that necessary for releasing hydrogen. In this way, the heating by the coil sequentially moves to the next-order hydrogen storage cartridge. If it is determined that there is no next-order coil Ci + 1, it is determined whether there is another hydrogen storage cartridge 2 (step S8). If there is a hydrogen storage cartridge 2, a signal for operating the next hydrogen storage cartridge is transmitted (step S9), and the process proceeds to step S13. A signal indicating that the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 is emptied is transmitted to a lamp, a buzzer or the like to notify the user.

  If there is no other hydrogen storage cartridge 2, it is determined whether or not there is a gas reformer 6 (step S10). When there is no gas reforming device 6, a signal for notifying that hydrogen supply is stopped is transmitted (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S13. When there is the gas reforming device 6, a signal for operating the gas reforming device 6 is transmitted (step S12), and a signal indicating that the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 is empty is transmitted (step S13). Exit. Thus, when the hydrogen generator by gas reforming is arranged as an auxiliary device, the gas reforming device 6 operates at the stage where there is no hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge 2.

  In the above embodiment, the hydrogen supply device 3 has a plurality of coils or electric heaters as heating devices, but the single heating device is moved by a moving device using power such as a motor. A method of changing the heating part of the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 may be adopted. In that case, the moving device only needs to have a function of changing the stop position of the heating device along the longitudinal axis of the hydrogen storage cartridge 2. Under the control of the central control circuit 39, when the supply amount of hydrogen per unit time becomes a predetermined amount or less, the moving device is operated to change the stop position of the heating device. As a result, the hydrogen storage body that has already released hydrogen can be prevented from being heated as in the above-described embodiment, and the hydrogen storage body capable of releasing hydrogen can be heated to supply hydrogen with high efficiency. it can.

(Embodiment 2)
In the hydrogen storage cartridge shown in FIG. 3 of the above embodiment, a plurality of metal spheres 26 are mixed and sealed in the hydrogen storage container 22 with the hydrogen storage body 21. It is also possible to use heat storage elements such as hydrogen storage containers, hydrogen storage bodies and metal spheres of good material.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage cartridge 40. The hydrogen storage cartridge 40 includes a hydrogen storage body 41 capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating, a heating element 46, and a hydrogen storage container 42 for storing them. As the material of the hydrogen storage body 41, an alanate material such as NaAlH4, a lithium material, or the like is used. A heating element 46 is mixed in the hydrogen storage body 41. The shape of the heating element 46 is not limited to a sphere, and may be a plate shape or a rod shape, or may be a granular material. Further, it may be a three-dimensional structure.

  As shown in the following formula, the input power P in induction heating is the square root of the volume resistivity ρ of the object to be heated, the square root of the relative permeability μ, the square root of the frequency f of the heating coil current, and the square of the number of turns N of the coil. , Proportional to the square of the current I. The larger the input power P, the greater the electrical energy converted into heat by induction heating.

したがって、発熱体４６の材料は、鉄やＳＵＳ等の高い体積抵抗率または高い比透磁率を有するものであることが好ましい。たとえば、鉄の体積抵抗率は０．１７μΩｍで、比透磁率は２００であるため、それらの積は、３４μΩｍである。また、ＳＵＳの体積抵抗率は０．７μΩｍで、比透磁率は１であるため、それらの積は、０．７μΩｍである。

Therefore, it is preferable that the material of the heating element 46 has a high volume resistivity or a high relative magnetic permeability such as iron or SUS. For example, since the volume resistivity of iron is 0.17 μΩm and the relative permeability is 200, their product is 34 μΩm. Further, since the volume resistivity of SUS is 0.7 μΩm and the relative permeability is 1, their product is 0.7 μΩm.

  The hydrogen storage container 42 has an airtight structure, and a material and a shape that can withstand an appropriate temperature and pressure are selected according to the characteristics of the hydrogen storage body 41 used. The material of the hydrogen storage container 42 is suitable for materials that hardly absorb electromagnetic waves, and preferably has a low volume resistivity or a low relative permeability such as copper or aluminum. Thereby, power is not consumed in the hydrogen storage container 42, and the power is changed to heat by the heating element 46, and the hydrogen storage body 41 can be efficiently heated. For example, since the volume resistivity of aluminum is 0.027 μΩm and the relative permeability is 1, their product is 0.027 μΩm. Further, since the volume resistivity of copper is 0.017 μΩm and the relative magnetic permeability is 1, their product is 0.017 μΩm.

The hydrogen storage container 42 is preferably made of a material having a volume resistivity and a relative magnetic permeability of 0.03 μΩm or less, including aluminum. On the other hand, when the product of the volume resistivity and the relative magnetic permeability is 0.3 μΩm or more, the material of the heating element 46 is 10 times or more that of the material of the hydrogen storage container 42 and is preferable in terms of energy efficiency. That is, no electric power is consumed in the hydrogen storage container 42, and the electric power is heated by the heating element 46 inside the container, so that the hydrogen storage body 41 can be efficiently heated. Although the outer shape of the hydrogen storage container 42 shown in FIG. 7 is a cylindrical shape, it may be a rectangular column with rounded corners.

The hydrogen supply device adopts an induction heating method. An alternating current is supplied to the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, and the heating element 46 can be heated by the induced current. At this time, the coil current and frequency are set according to the material of the hydrogen storage container 42 and the material of the heating element 46 inside the container so that the heating element 46 inside the hydrogen storage container 42 generates heat efficiently. The hydrogen storage body 41 is partitioned by a partition plate 43 in the hydrogen storage container 42, and is held so that the hydrogen storage body 41 does not enter the hydrogen circulation port 44. The partition plate 43 does not pass the powder particles of the hydrogen storage body 41, but also functions as a filter through which hydrogen gas passes. The circulation port 44 is provided with a valve 45.

It is a block diagram of the energy supply system which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the hydrogen storage cartridge which concerns on this invention. (Embodiment 1) It is sectional drawing of the hydrogen storage cartridge which concerns on this invention. (Embodiment 1) It is sectional drawing of the holding | maintenance part of the hydrogen supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the hydrogen supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. (Embodiment 1) It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy supply system which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the hydrogen storage cartridge which concerns on this invention. (Embodiment 2)

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Energy supply system 2 Hydrogen storage cartridge 3 Hydrogen supply apparatus 4 Hydrogen distribution pipe 5 Holder 6 Gas reformer 7 City gas supply pipe 8 Hydrogen supply pipe 9 Hydrogen engine (energy generation apparatus)
10 Steam distribution pipe (heat conduction part)
21 Hydrogen storage body 22 Hydrogen storage container 26 Metal sphere (conductor)
31 Holding part 32 Main body part 33 Control part 34 Pressure sensor (sensing part)
34a Flow sensor (sensor)
35 Pressure Sensor Receiver 35a Flow Sensor Receiver 36 High Frequency Power Supply 37 Output Selection Circuit 38 Temperature Sensor Receiver 39 Central Control Circuit C1-Cn Coil (Heating Device)
T1-Tm thermocouple

Claims (13)

A holding unit having a plurality of heating devices that hold the hydrogen storage cartridge and receive power supply to heat the hydrogen storage cartridge;
A control unit for controlling supply of electric power to the plurality of heating devices;
A sensing unit that detects a physical quantity for calculating a supply amount of hydrogen and inputs a detection value to the control unit;
The said control part grasps | ascertains the supply state of the said hydrogen, and controls the heating conditions for discharge | releasing hydrogen from the said hydrogen storage cartridge by changing a heating site | part, The hydrogen supply apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.   The hydrogen supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating apparatus includes a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied.   The hydrogen supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating device is an electric heater. The hydrogen supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An energy generation device that generates electrical energy or mechanical energy using hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen supply device as a fuel;
An energy supply system comprising: a heat conduction unit that transfers waste heat of the energy generation device to the hydrogen storage cartridge by flowing a heat medium or by heat conduction. The hydrogen supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A gas reformer connected to a city gas pipe and reforming and supplying the city gas supplied from the pipe to hydrogen;
An energy generating device that generates electrical energy or mechanical energy using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply device or the gas reforming device as a fuel;
An energy supply comprising: a heat conduction unit that transmits waste heat of the energy generation device to at least one of the hydrogen storage cartridge and the gas reforming device by flowing a heat medium or by heat conduction system. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
A hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A hydrogen storage cartridge comprising: a conductive hydrogen storage container that accommodates the hydrogen storage body. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
A conductive hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A hydrogen storage cartridge comprising: an insulating hydrogen storage container that accommodates the hydrogen storage body. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
An insulating hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A conductor that generates heat by induction heating and heats the hydrogen storage body;
A hydrogen storage cartridge comprising: the hydrogen storage body; and an insulating hydrogen storage container that houses the conductor. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
An insulating hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A plurality of conductive particles mixed in the hydrogen storage body;
A hydrogen storage cartridge comprising: an insulating hydrogen storage container that accommodates the hydrogen storage body and the granular material. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
A hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A heating element that generates heat by induction heating;
A hydrogen storage cartridge comprising: a hydrogen storage container that is formed of a material having a product of volume resistivity and relative magnetic permeability of 0.03 μΩm or less and that stores the hydrogen storage body and the heating element. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
A hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A heating element that generates heat by induction heating;
A hydrogen storage cartridge, characterized by comprising a hydrogen storage container that is substantially made of aluminum or copper and contains the hydrogen storage body and the heating element. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
A hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A heating element that is formed of a material having a product of volume resistivity and relative permeability of 0.3 μΩm or more and generates heat by induction heating;
A hydrogen storage cartridge, comprising: a hydrogen storage container that is formed of a material having a product of volume resistivity and relative permeability of 0.03 μΩm or less and that houses the hydrogen storage body and the heating element. A hydrogen storage cartridge used in the hydrogen supply device according to claim 2,
A hydrogen storage body capable of storing and releasing hydrogen by heating; and
A heating element that generates heat by induction heating;
A hydrogen storage container containing the hydrogen storage body and the heating element,
When the volume resistivity of the heating element is ρ ₁ , the relative permeability is μ ₁ , the volume resistivity of the hydrogen storage container is ρ ₂ , and the relative permeability is μ ₂ , (ρ ₁ × μ ₁ ) / ( A hydrogen storage cartridge, wherein ρ ₂ × μ ₂ ) ≧ 10.

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