JP2009217968A - Power generation apparatus, and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power generation apparatus capable of substantially reducing power consumption in starting, reducing discharge rate of a secondary battery, miniaturizing dimensions, and excellent in quick starting; and to provide electronic equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The power generation device 300 includes: a reformer 212 producing reformed gas by reforming fuel; a power generation cell 220 generating electric power by electrochemical reaction of the reformed gas produced with the reformer 12; and a hydrogen generating container 270 generating hydrogen. At least a part of hydrogen generated with the hydrogen generating container 270 is used for temperature rising or temperature keeping of the reformer 212. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power generation device that is supplied with power generation fuel and water and generates power through an electrochemical reaction, and an electronic device including the power generation device.

In recent years, portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook personal computers, digital cameras, watches, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance), and electronic notebooks have made remarkable progress and development. In response to the increase in power consumption in such electronic devices, a power source using a fuel cell has been proposed. There are two types of fuel cells: direct type and reforming type. The direct type directly supplies fuel such as alcohols to the anode of the fuel cell to generate electricity. The reforming type reforms liquid fuel into hydrogen. Then, the hydrogen rich gas is supplied to the fuel electrode.
A reforming fuel cell has a reactor to reform the fuel into hydrogen, and a stationary fuel cell system can use city gas, propane gas, or other fuel gas. The temperature of the reactor reformer and the like was increased by combustion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-199543 A

However, in the fuel cell for portable devices, since the gas is not supplied, the power of the secondary battery is supplied to the electric heater to raise the temperature of the reformer, etc. After vaporizing, etc., it burned. Therefore, since a large amount of electric power is required for starting the fuel cell system at the time of starting, a large secondary battery has to be mounted. Or, the startup time was prolonged by limiting the input power.
On the other hand, in the case of a direct hydrogen type fuel cell, when the fuel cell system is composed of hydrogen cylinders, hydrogen storage alloys, chemical hydrides, etc., not only is it heavy, but the energy density as fuel is lower than that of liquid fuel, and methanol As the same size, the duration is shortened. To achieve the same duration, the size is remarkably increased, and not only refilling is difficult, but also hydrogen and unreacted substances. Sometimes left behind.
In addition, even when a fuel cell system is composed of only metal fine powder, dangerous reaction product substances and unreacted substances may remain.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of greatly reducing power consumption at startup and reducing the discharge rate of the secondary battery and reducing the size of the secondary battery. It is intended to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 includes a reforming unit that generates reformed gas by reforming fuel;
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generation part for generating hydrogen,
It is characterized in that at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generating part at the time of startup is used for raising the temperature or maintaining the temperature of the reforming part.

The invention of claim 2 comprises a reforming section that generates reformed gas by reforming fuel;
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generation part for generating hydrogen,
It is characterized in that at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generator at the time of startup is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for power generation.

The invention of claim 3 is the power generator according to claim 1 or 2,
A carbon monoxide removing unit for removing carbon monoxide in the reformed gas generated in the reforming unit;
It is characterized in that at least a part of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generating part at the time of start-up is used for temperature rise or temperature maintenance of the carbon monoxide removing part.
Invention of Claim 4 is the electric power generating apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
Equipped with a vaporizer to vaporize the fuel,
It is characterized in that at least a part of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generating part at the time of startup is used for raising the temperature or maintaining the temperature of the vaporizing part.

The invention of claim 5 includes a reforming unit that generates reformed gas by reforming fuel;
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generation part for generating hydrogen,
At least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generator is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for recovery of the catalyst of the power generation cell.

The invention of claim 6 is the power generator according to claim 5,
When deterioration of the power generation cell is detected, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for recovery of the catalyst of the power generation cell. Features.
The invention according to claim 7 is the power generation device according to claim 5,
At the next start-up, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generator is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for recovery of the catalyst of the power generation cell.

The invention of claim 8 includes a reforming section that generates reformed gas by reforming fuel,
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen;
A power storage unit capable of storing electric power,
At least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit instead of the reformed gas and used for charging the power storage unit.

The invention according to claim 9 is the power generation device according to claim 8, wherein
During the stop operation, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas, and used for recovery of the power generation cell catalyst along with charging of the power storage unit It is characterized by.
The invention of claim 10 is the power generator according to claim 8,
When the charge of the power storage unit becomes a predetermined value or less in a stopped state, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas, and the power storage It is used for the recovery of the catalyst of the said power generation cell with the charge to a part.
The invention of claim 11 is the power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
The hydrogen generation unit generates hydrogen by a reaction between a metal and water.

The invention of claim 12 is an electronic apparatus,
The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
And an electronic device main body that operates by electric energy generated by the power generation device.

  According to the present invention, power consumption at startup can be reduced, and the discharge rate and size of the secondary battery can be reduced, and the power generator can be reduced in size and capacity. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to limit power at the time of startup, it is excellent in high-speed startup.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, although various technically preferable limitations for implementing the present invention are given to the embodiments described below, the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.
[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the power generation device 300.
The power generation apparatus 300 includes a fuel container 1 and a power generation module 200. The power generation module 200 generates electric energy by a reaction apparatus 210 that generates hydrogen from the fuel and water supplied from the fuel container 1, and an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen. A power generation cell 220 for generating The power generation module 200 also humidifies the hydrogen generated in the reactor 210 and supplies the first humidifier 221 supplied to the anode of the power generation cell 220, and the second humidification humidifies the air supplied to the cathode of the power generation cell 220. A container 222 is provided. The electrolyte membrane of the power generation cell 220 is humidified by the air and the reformed gas humidified by the first humidifier 221 and the second humidifier 222, so that hydrogen ions in the electrolyte membrane easily move. Yes. The start timing of water supply to the first humidifier 221 and the second humidifier 222 is preferably immediately before the power generation cell 220 starts power generation, and the water supply period is supplied while the power generation cell 220 is generating power. In addition, the water generated when the power generation cell 220 generates power may be stopped when the water discharged is balanced.
Furthermore, the power generation module 200 includes a secondary battery 241, a DC / DC converter 240, a control unit 230, a water recovery device 260, a hydrogen generation container 270, and the like.

(Fuel container)
2A is a top view of the fuel container 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II.
The fuel container 1 includes a container body 2 in which an internal space is formed, a fuel storage unit 4 accommodated inside the container body 2, a metal plate 6 sheathed on the outer upper surface of the container body 2, and the container body 2. And a gas-liquid separation membrane 8 attached thereto.
The container body 2 has a box shape as a whole, and a space is formed inside the container body 2. The container body 2 is a transparent or translucent member, and is made of a material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylic. The container body 2 may be made of an opaque resin such as ABS, or may be made of metal.

  An engaging portion 28 is provided at the left end portion of the lower surface of the container body 2. The engaging portion 28 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the container main body 2, and the engaging portion 28 has a T shape when viewed in the left-right direction.

  A fuel reservoir 4 is accommodated inside the container body 2. The fuel storage portion 4 is formed in a bag shape, and the internal space of the container main body 2 is outside the fuel storage portion 4 and the fuel storage space 41 inside the fuel storage portion 4 by the fuel storage portion 4. 2 is divided into a liquid recovery space 21 inside. Thereby, the fuel storage space 41 and the liquid recovery space 21 are partitioned by the fuel storage portion 4.

  The liquid recovery space 21 is outside the fuel storage unit 4 and is a space part in the container body 2. A small amount of liquid 99 is injected into the liquid recovery space 21 in advance. The liquid 99 stored in advance may be water or a liquid other than water, and a solid containing a chemical such as hygroscopic calcium chloride instead of the liquid 99 may be recovered. It may be accommodated in the space 21.

  A fuel 49 is stored in the fuel storage unit 4. The fuel storage unit 4 has flexibility, and the fuel storage unit 4 contracts in accordance with the increase or decrease of the amount of the internal fuel 49, and the internal volume of the fuel storage unit 4 increases or decreases.

The fuel 49 is a liquid chemical fuel or a liquid mixture of liquid chemical fuel and water. Chemical fuels include alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, ethers such as dimethyl ether, and compounds containing hydrogen atoms in the chemical composition such as gasoline.
A fuel discharge pipe 42 is connected to the fuel storage portion 4, and the fuel discharge pipe 42 penetrates the right wall 22 of the container body 2 and projects out of the container body 2. A check valve (not shown) is fitted in the fuel discharge pipe 42. This check valve prevents unnecessary fuel from being discharged from the inside of the fuel reservoir 4 through the fuel discharge pipe 42, and the check valve is inserted by inserting an insert into the check valve. The valve is opened, thereby allowing the fuel in the fuel reservoir 4 to flow out through the fuel discharge pipe 42. Specifically, this check valve is a duckbill valve in which a flexible and elastic material is formed in a duckbill shape, and this check valve is in a state where its duckbill-shaped tip is directed to the inside of the fuel reservoir 4. And is fitted into the fuel discharge pipe 42.

  Formed on the right wall 22 of the container body 2 is a product introduction path 23 into which a product produced by supplying fuel 49 to a power generation module 200 described later is introduced. One end 24 of the product introduction path 23 opens at the right end surface of the container body 2, and the product introduction path 23 passes through the inside of the right wall 22 from the opening to the upper surface of the container body 2, and the product introduction path 23. The other end 25 is open on the upper surface of the container body 2. The product introduction path 23 is provided with a check valve, which prevents the flow of fluid from the other end 25 toward the one end 24 and allows the reverse flow. As the check valve provided in the product introduction path 23, the same check valve as that provided in the fuel discharge pipe 42 can be used.

  A small hole 27 and an exhaust hole 26 are formed at the left end of the upper surface of the container body 2. The small hole 27 passes through the upper wall of the container body 2 and leads to the liquid recovery space 21, and the exhaust hole portion 26 is cut out across the upper wall and the left wall of the container body 2 and leads to the liquid recovery space 21. Yes.

  A gas-liquid separation membrane 8 is provided in the exhaust hole portion 26, and the exhaust hole portion 26 is closed by the gas-liquid separation membrane 8. The gas-liquid separation membrane 8 has a liquid barrier property that does not allow the liquid in contact with the surface of the membrane to permeate in the thickness direction of the membrane, and the thickness of the membrane with respect to the gas in contact with the surface of the membrane. It has gas permeability that allows it to penetrate in the direction. As the gas-liquid separation membrane 8, a hydrophobic porous membrane is suitable. Specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose resins such as cellulose acetate and cellulose triacetate, polyethersulfone, polysulfone, etc. And those made of a polysulfone-based resin.

  The heat conductivity of the metal plate 6 is higher than the heat conductivity of the container body 2, and it is preferable to use a heat conductive metal having a high heat conductivity for the metal plate 6. For example, the metal plate 6 includes aluminum (thermal conductivity 237 W / m · K), copper (thermal conductivity 398 W / m · K), magnesium (thermal conductivity 156 W / m · K) and other single metals (titanium, SUS). Etc.) and alloys thereof. Further, it may be made of a resin as long as its thermal conductivity is high or sufficiently thin.

  A cooling channel 61 for allowing gas to flow into the liquid recovery space 21 is recessed as a cooling groove on the lower surface of the metal plate 6 and facing the outer upper surface of the container body 2. The cooling flow path 61 has a meandering shape from the right end portion to the left end portion of the metal plate 6.

  A rectangular opening 63 penetrating the upper and lower surfaces of the metal plate 6 is formed at a position where the left end portion of the metal plate 6 is above the gas-liquid separation film 8. The opening 63 does not communicate with the cooling channel 61 and is independent.

  The metal plate 6 is attached to the upper surface of the container body 2 with the lower surface thereof opposed to the upper surface of the container body 2, whereby the cooling channel 61, which is a cooling groove, is covered with the upper surface of the container body 2. . The right end portion of the cooling flow path 61 overlaps the other end 25 of the product introduction path 23, the cooling flow path 61 communicates with the outside through the product introduction path 23, and the left end portion of the cooling flow path 61 is the small hole 27. And communicates with the liquid recovery space 21. The opening 63 of the metal plate 6 overlaps the ventilation hole 26 of the container body 2. The exhaust hole 26 is closed by the gas-liquid separation membrane 8.

Here, the operation of the above-described fuel container 1 will be described.
In the fuel container 1, the fuel 49 in the fuel storage unit 4 is supplied to the power generation module 200 described later via the fuel discharge port 42. Therefore, since the volume of the fuel storage space 41 decreases as the fuel 49 in the fuel storage unit 4 decreases, the volume of the liquid recovery space 21 increases, and the liquid 99 such as water corresponding to the volume is recovered. Can do.

  In the power generation module 200, a product (including water vapor and other gases) is generated from the supplied fuel 49. The product generated by the power generation module 200 is introduced into the product introduction path 23 and flows through the cooling channel 61 from the product introduction path 23 side to the small hole 27.

  While the product flows through the cooling flow path 61, the heat of the product is absorbed by the metal plate 6 and further radiated from the metal plate 6 to the outside. Thereby, the product is dissipated and water vapor in the product is condensed and liquefied.

  The product flowing through the cooling channel 61 is introduced into the liquid recovery space 21 through the small holes 27 together with the condensed water. The condensed water is stored in the liquid recovery space 21. Since the water vapor not condensed in the product introduced into the liquid recovery space 21 is further cooled and liquefied by the liquid 99, the water recovery is efficiently promoted while suppressing the volume of the liquid recovery space 21.

  Of the products introduced into the liquid recovery space 21, the gas that has not been condensed passes through the gas-liquid separation membrane 8, and the liquid such as water does not pass through the gas-liquid separation membrane 8 and becomes the liquid 99 in the liquid recovery space 21. Stored. The gas that has passed through the gas-liquid separation membrane 8 is released to the outside of the container body 1.

(Reactor)
The reactor 210 includes a vaporizer (vaporizer) 211 that vaporizes the fuel and water supplied from the fuel container 1 to generate fuel gas (a mixture of vaporized fuel and water vapor), and a chemical reaction formula (1). As shown in FIG. 4, a reformer (reformer) 212 that reforms the fuel gas supplied from the vaporizer 211 to generate a reformed gas, and a chemical reaction formula that occurs sequentially following the chemical reaction formula (1). A carbon monoxide remover (carbon monoxide removal unit) 214 that oxidizes and removes the carbon monoxide CO by-produced in a small amount by (2) as shown in the chemical reaction formula (3), and a reformer 212. And a catalytic combustor 213 that heats the carbon monoxide remover 214 and sets the temperature to a temperature necessary for satisfactorily performing the reaction of the chemical reaction formula (1). Also, a heater and thermometer (not shown) that functions as an electric heater that heats the vaporizer 211, the reformer 212, the catalytic combustor 213, and the carbon monoxide remover 214 and that also functions as a thermometer that measures these temperatures. ).
CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → 3H ₂ + CO ₂ (1)
H ₂ + CO ₂ → H ₂ O + CO (2)
CO + 1 / 2O ₂ → CO ₂ (3)

The first humidifier 221 humidifies the reformed gas from which the carbon monoxide has been removed by the carbon monoxide remover 214 with water and supplies the reformed gas to the anode of the power generation cell 220.
The second humidifier 222 humidifies the air supplied from the air pump P <b> 2 with water and supplies it to the cathode of the power generation cell 220.

(Power generation cell)
The power generation cell 220 is a fuel cell in which an anode carrying catalyst fine particles, a cathode carrying catalyst fine particles, a film-like solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode, and a separator are unitized. The reformed gas that has passed through the carbon monoxide remover 214 is supplied to the anode of the power generation cell 220, and air is supplied to the cathode of the power generation cell 220 from the outside by an air pump P2 described later. At the anode, as shown in the electrochemical reaction formula (4), hydrogen in the reformed gas is separated into hydrogen ions and electrons under the action of the catalyst of the anode. Hydrogen ions pass through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and are conducted to the cathode, and electrons are taken out as electric energy (generated power) by the anode. At the cathode, as shown in the electrochemical reaction equation (5), electrons moved to the cathode, oxygen in the air, and hydrogen ions that have passed through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane react to generate water.
The off gas containing unreacted hydrogen at the anode is sent to the catalytic combustor 213, and the water and unreacted air produced at the cathode are sent to the water recovery device 260 as products.
H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ (4)
2H ⁺ + 1 / 2O ₂ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ O (5)

(Water recovery device)
The water recovery device 260 includes a water tank 263 in which an internal space is formed, a gas-liquid separation membrane 262 attached to the inside of the water tank 263, and a cooler 261 attached to the water tank 263. Water is stored in the water tank 263, and the water in the water tank 263 is supplied to the vaporizer 211 of the reactor 210 by the first water pump P3, and further, the first and second humidifications are performed by the second water pump P4. Supplied to the containers 221 and 222. The water in the water tank 263 is supplied to the hydrogen generation container 270 by the third water pump P5. In addition, as will be described later, water and unreacted air generated at the cathode of the power generation cell 220 are discharged, and water vapor therein is condensed by the cooler 261 and stored in the water tank 263 as water. The gas that is not condensed by the cooler 261 further passes through the gas-liquid separation membrane 262 and is then sent to the fuel container 1.
Further, the water tank 263 is provided with a water level detector 264 for detecting the amount of water. When the amount of water in the water tank 263 exceeds a predetermined amount, a fifth valve V5 described later is closed, and the water tank 263 is closed. When the amount of water is less than the predetermined amount, the fifth valve V5 is opened. As the water level detector 264, for example, an optical water detector or the like that detects the presence or absence of water based on the difference in the refractive index of air and water using an LED and a photo sensor can be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the fuel container 1, the reactor 210, the power generation cell 220, and the like, the power generation apparatus 300 includes a fuel pump P1 that supplies fuel in the fuel container 1 to the vaporizer 211, and external air. An air pump P <b> 2 that introduces air into the power generation apparatus 300 is provided. The air pump P2 is provided with an air filter.
A first valve V1 is connected to the fuel pump P1, and a first flow meter F1 is connected to the first valve V1. The first valve V <b> 1 is provided between the fuel pump P <b> 1 and the carburetor 211, and the flow of fuel from the fuel pump P <b> 1 to the carburetor 211 is blocked or allowed by the opening / closing operation thereof. The first flow meter F1 is provided between the first valve V1 and the carburetor 211, measures the flow rate of the fuel that has passed through the first valve V1, and sends it to the control unit 230. The fuel pump P1 is controlled by the signal to feed a desired amount of fuel into the reactor 210.
Between the fuel pump P1 and the fuel container 1, a fuel container interface 503 that connects the fuel container 1 and the power generation module 200 and a fuel remaining amount sensor S1 that detects the remaining amount of fuel stored in the fuel container 1 are provided. Is provided. The remaining fuel sensor S <b> 1 measures the remaining amount of fuel stored in the fuel storage unit 4, and outputs an electric signal as a measurement result to the control unit 230.
A first water pump P3 is connected between the water tank 263 and the vaporizer 211, and a sixth valve V6 and a fourth flow meter F4 are connected to the first water pump P3. . The sixth valve V6 is configured to block or allow the flow of water from the first water pump P3 to the vaporizer 211 by the opening / closing operation thereof. The fourth flow meter F4 is provided between the sixth valve V6 and the vaporizer 211, measures the flow rate of water that has passed through the sixth valve V6, and sends it to the control unit 230. The fuel pump P1 is controlled by the signal to feed a desired amount of water into the reactor 210.
Further, a second water pump P4 is connected between the water tank 263 and the second humidifier 222, and the water collected in the water tank 263 is used for the second humidifier 222 and the first humidifier 221. To be used for humidification.

A second valve V <b> 2 is connected between the fuel container 1 and the water collector 260. The second valve V2 is also connected to the second humidifier 222 via the fifth valve V5. Furthermore, the second valve V2 is also connected to the catalytic combustor 213. Then, by the opening / closing operation of the second valve V2, the flow of the product (water vapor, gas containing air, etc.) from the cathode of the power generation cell 220 to the fuel container 1 is blocked or allowed, off-gas in the catalytic combustor 213, and the like. The flow of water from the humidifier is blocked or allowed.
The fifth valve V5 is configured to block or allow the flow of the water discharged from the second humidifier 222, and the water level detector 264 provided in the water tank 263 allows the water in the water tank 263 to flow. If the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the flow to the water tank 263 side is opened and the fuel container 1 side is closed to circulate the water. If the water in the water tank 263 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, The flow path to the tank 263 side is closed and the fuel container 1 side is opened to drain water.

A hydrogen generation container (hydrogen generation unit) 270 is connected to the water tank 263 of the water recovery device 260 via a third water pump P5 and a fifth flow meter F5. Further, a catalytic combustor 213 is connected to the hydrogen generation container 270 via a hydrogen generation container interface 271.
In the hydrogen generation container 271, for example, metal fine powders such as Li, Na, Al, Fe, and Zn are accommodated. Then, the water collected in the water tank 263 is sent to the hydrogen generation container 270 by the third water pump P5, and the metal fine powder in the hydrogen generation container 270 reacts with water to generate hydrogen, The hydrogen thus produced is sent to the catalytic combustor 213.
In addition to metal fine powders, metals and alloys such as Li, Na, Al, Fe, Zn, metal compounds, hydrogen storage alloys, chemical hydrides, metals and acids, etc., as long as they can generate hydrogen It may be.

  A third valve V3, a fourth valve V4, and a second humidifier 222 are connected to the air pump P2. The third valve V3 is provided between the air pump P2 and the catalytic combustor 213, and the second flow meter F2 is provided between the third valve V3 and the catalytic combustor 213. . The third valve V3 is configured to shut off or adjust the flow of air from the air pump P2 to the catalytic combustor 213 by the opening / closing operation. The fourth valve is provided between the air pump P2 and the carbon monoxide remover 214, and a third flow meter F3 is provided between the fourth valve V4 and the carbon monoxide remover 214. It has been. The fourth valve V4 is configured to shut off or adjust the flow of air from the air pump P2 to the carbon monoxide remover 214 by the opening / closing operation.

  A fuel pump P1, an air pump P2, and first to third water pumps P3 to P5 are electrically connected to the control unit 230 via drivers D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. The control unit 230 includes, for example, a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like, and includes a fuel pump P1, an air pump P2, first to third. Control signals are transmitted to the water pumps P3 to P5, and the pumping operations (including adjustment of the delivery amount) of the fuel pump P1, the air pump P2, and the first to third water pumps P3 to P5 are controlled. It has become.

  The control unit 230 is electrically connected to first to sixth valves V1 to V6 via drivers D11 to D16, and the first flow meter F1 to the fifth flow meter F5 are also electrically connected. It is connected to the. The control unit 230 can recognize the flow rates of the fuel and water in response to the measurement results of the first flow meter F1 to the fourth flow meter F4, and opens and closes the first to sixth valves V1 to V6. (Including adjustment of the opening amount) can be controlled.

Furthermore, an electric heater for heating the vaporizer 211, the reformer 212, the catalytic combustor 213, and the carbon monoxide remover 214 is electrically connected to the controller 230 via a driver D21. The control unit 230 controls the amount of heat generated by the electric heater and its stop, and measures the electrical characteristics such as the resistance value of the electric heater that changes depending on the temperature to thereby determine the vaporizer 211, the reformer 212, and the catalytic combustor. The temperature of each reactor of 213 and the carbon monoxide remover 214 can be detected.
Further, when the reactor 210 is started, as will be described later, hydrogen is sent from the hydrogen generation vessel 270 to the catalytic combustor 213 to heat the catalytic combustor 213, thereby the reformer 212 and the carbon monoxide remover 214. Is raised to a predetermined temperature. And when these reactors 212 and 214 become predetermined temperature, it switches to the heating by each electric heater of the reactors 212 and 214 so that each reaction temperature can be maintained.

Further, the remaining fuel amount sensor S1 is electrically connected to the control unit 230. If the remaining amount measured by the remaining fuel amount sensor S1 is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit 230 does not start or stops the operation of the power generation device 300, and if the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, Controls to start or maintain operation.
Furthermore, a water level detector 264 is electrically connected to the control unit 230. If the amount of water in the water tank 263 detected by the water level detector 264 is less than a predetermined amount, the controller 230 opens and circulates the fifth valve V5 only on the water tank 263 side, and if the amount of water is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount. For example, the fifth valve V5 is controlled so as to open and drain only the fuel container 1 side.

A DC / DC converter 240 is connected to the power generation cell 220, and an external device (load) is connected to the DC / DC converter 240. The DC / DC converter 240 is a device that converts the voltage output from the power generation cell 220 into a predetermined voltage according to the standard of the external electronic device and outputs the voltage to the external electronic device. The DC / DC converter 240 is connected to the control unit 230 and is connected to the control unit 230. Can detect the input power input from the power generation cell 220 to the DC / DC converter 240.
Further, a secondary battery (power storage unit) 241 is connected to the DC / DC converter 240. For example, surplus electrical energy obtained in the power generation cell 220 is stored, and when the electrical energy in the power generation cell 220 is insufficient, power can be supplied to an external electronic device as an auxiliary to the power generation cell 220. The controller 230, the drivers D 1, D 2, D 11 to D 16, D 21, the remaining fuel sensor S 1, and the electric heater of the reaction device 210 output the output of the secondary battery 241 via the DC / DC converter 240 at the time of startup. When part of the power generation cell 220 is electrically driven and the output of the power generation cell 220 reaches a steady state, the part of the output of the power generation cell 220 is electrically driven via the DC / DC converter 240.
The power generation apparatus 300 having the above configuration includes, for example, a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), an electronic notebook, a wristwatch, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a game machine, and a game machine. These are installed in household electric devices and other electronic devices (external electronic devices), and are used as a power source for operating the external electronic devices.

Next, the operation of the power generator 300 will be described.
When an activation signal is received from the “electronic device body 401”, the controller 230 controls the third water pump P5 based on the amount of water in the fifth flow meter F5 while supplying power from the “secondary battery 214”. Control is performed so that a predetermined amount of water is sent from the tank 263 to the hydrogen generation container 270. Thereby, the water sent to the hydrogen generation container 270 reacts with the metal fine powder to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is sent to the catalytic combustor 213.
On the other hand, the control unit 230 operates the air pump P2 via the driver D2. The air pump P2 is operated, and a sufficient amount of outside air for combustion is sent to the catalytic combustor 213 through the third valve V3. The controller 230 increases the temperature of the reformer 212, the carbon monoxide remover 214, and the vaporizer 211 to a predetermined temperature while detecting the temperature of the reformer 212 and the carbon monoxide remover 214 with an electric heater / temperature sensor. .

  When the reformer 212 and the carbon monoxide remover 214 reach predetermined temperatures, the third water pump P5 is stopped to stop the supply of water to the hydrogen generation vessel 270, and then the reformer 212 and the monoxide are oxidized. The temperature control of the carbon remover 214 is switched to the electric heater. Here, even if the supply of water to the hydrogen generation container 270 is stopped, the generation of hydrogen does not stop immediately, and hydrogen is supplied for a while, so there is no sudden increase in the power supplied to the electric heater. Then, the temperature control of the reformer 212 and the carbon monoxide remover 214 by the electric heater causes the electric heater to generate heat through the driver D21, and each electric heater is predetermined based on the temperature data fed back from each electric heater. Control so that the temperature is reached.

  Thereafter, the first water pump P3 and the fuel pump P1 are operated along the startup sequence of the power generation system 300. When the first water pump P3 is operated, water is operated, and when the fuel pump P1 is operated, the fuel in the fuel storage section 4 of the fuel container 1 is transferred from the fuel discharge pipe 11 to the first valve V1 and the first flow meter F1. To the vaporizer 211 of the reaction device 210. Further, the second water pump P4 is driven to send water to the first and second humidifiers 221, 222.

In the vaporizer 211, the supplied fuel and water are heated to vaporize (evaporate), and are supplied to the reformer 212 as a mixture of methanol and water (steam).
In the reformer 212, methanol and steam supplied from the vaporizer 211 react with each other by a catalyst to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide (see the above chemical reaction formula (1)). In the reformer 212, carbon monoxide is sequentially generated following the chemical reaction formula (1) (see the chemical reaction formula (2)). Then, the reformed gas composed of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and the like generated by the reformer 212 is supplied to the carbon monoxide remover 214.

  In the carbon monoxide remover 214, carbon monoxide in the reformed gas supplied from the reformer 212 reacts with oxygen contained in the air supplied from the fourth valve V4 to generate carbon dioxide. (See the above chemical reaction formula (3)).

As described above, the reformed gas mainly composed of hydrogen and carbon dioxide is generated from the fuel and water through the vaporizer 211, the reformer 212, and the carbon monoxide remover 214 of the reactor 210. The reformed gas (such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide) generated in the reactor 210 is supplied to the first humidifier 221. The first humidifier 221 allows the water supplied to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane to flow and the reformed gas to flow inside the hollow fiber membrane to move water molecules through the hollow fiber membrane, thereby improving the modification. After humidifying the quality gas, it is supplied to the anode of the power generation cell 220.
Hydrogen in the reformed gas supplied to the anode of the power generation cell 220 is separated into hydrogen ions and electrons as shown in the chemical reaction formula (4).

On the other hand, air is supplied to the second humidifier 222 from the air pump P2. After humidifying the air, the second humidifier 222 flows water supplied from the outside to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane and air flows inside to move water molecules through the hollow fiber membrane. , And supplied to the cathode of the power generation cell 220.
In the air supplied to the cathode of the power generation cell 220, oxygen in the air reacts with hydrogen ions and electrons as shown in the chemical reaction formula (5) to generate water.

Here, on the anode side, unreacted hydrogen is sent to the catalytic combustor 213 as off-gas and burned for use as energy for reforming reaction and evaporation, and then sent to the cooling flow path 61 of the fuel container 1. Then, after being condensed in the cooling flow path 61, water is recovered in the liquid recovery space 21, and gas is released from the gas-liquid separation membrane 8 to the outside of the fuel container 1.
On the cathode side, the supplied air is discharged together with water as a by-product, sent to the water recovery unit 26, and condensed into liquid by the cooler 261 is recovered in the water tank 263,
The gas that has not become liquid in the cooler 261 further passes through the gas-liquid separation membrane 262 and is sent to the cooling flow path 61 of the fuel container 1 through the second valve V2.
Moreover, the water after use in the 1st and 2nd humidifiers 221 and 222 is collect | recovered in the water tank 263 via the 5th valve | bulb V5. At this time, when the amount of water detected by the water level detector 264 is less than a predetermined amount, the fifth valve V5 is opened to the water tank 263 side, and when the amount is more than the predetermined amount, the fifth valve V5 is opened. It opens to the fuel container 1 side and is sent to the fuel container 1.
As described above, the water collected in the water tank 263 and the water collected in the water tank 263 from the humidifiers 221 and 222 are converted into the liquid in the cooler 260, and then the first water pump P3 and the sixth valve. Sent to the vaporizer 211 via V6, sent to the humidifiers 221, 222 via the second water pump P4, or sent to the hydrogen generation vessel 270 via the third water pump P5. Sent to be reused.

  The electrical energy generated by the power generation cell 220 is supplied to the DC / DC converter 240, converted into a predetermined voltage by the DC / DC converter 240, supplied to the external electronic device, and charged to the secondary battery 241. The The external electronic device operates with the supplied electric energy.

Next, a case where the power generation device 300 is applied to the electronic device 400 will be described. In particular, this is a portable electronic device applied to a notebook personal computer.
3A is a top view of the electronic device 400, FIG. 3B is a front view of the electronic device 400 in FIG. 3A viewed from the front side, and FIG. 3C is a front view of the electronic device 400 in FIG. FIG. In the following description, the front surface, the back surface, and the left-right direction will be described based on the case seen from FIG.
The electronic device 400 includes a main body 401 that includes an arithmetic processing circuit composed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and other electronic components, and a power generator 300 that is detachable from the main body 401.
As shown in FIG. 3 described above, the power generation apparatus 300 includes the fuel container 1 that can be stored in the housing 501 and the power generation module 200 that generates power using the fuel in the fuel container 1, and generates generated electric energy. The main body 401 is driven by supplying the main body 401. In addition, since the structure and operation | movement of the fuel container 1 and the electric power generation module 200 are the same as that of the above-mentioned, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

The main body 401 includes a lower casing 402 provided with a keyboard and an upper casing 403 provided with a display panel such as a liquid crystal. The upper housing 403 is coupled to the lower housing 402 by a hinge 406, and the main body 401 can be folded with the upper housing 403 superimposed on the lower housing 402 and the display panel facing the keyboard. Has been.
The power generation device 300 is coupled to the lower housing 402 so as to supply power to the electronic device 400 in a form exposed on the front side of the lower housing 402. Since the power generation device 300 is set so as to be detachable from the lower housing 402, the electronic device 400 can be attached to both the power generation device 300 and the lithium ion battery of the same size and shape as the power generation device 300. It is possible to operate with electric power output from these.

According to the power generation device 300 described above, the reformer 212, the power generation cell 220, and the hydrogen generation container 270 are provided, and water is injected into the metal fine powder in the hydrogen generation container 270 at the time of activation to generate hydrogen. Is supplied to the catalytic combustor 213 and burned, so that the reformer 212 and the carbon monoxide remover 214 are used for raising the temperature or maintaining the temperature, so that the power consumption at startup can be halved. As a result, the discharge rate of the secondary battery 241 can be reduced and downsized, and the power generator 300 can be downsized and increased in capacity. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to limit power at the time of startup, it is excellent in high-speed startup.
Further, metal fine powder is accommodated in the hydrogen generation container 270, and hydrogen can be easily generated by simply injecting water into the hydrogen generation container 270, and the size can be reduced with a simple configuration. .

In the above embodiment, the temperature of the reformer 212 and the carbon monoxide remover 214 is raised without using an electric heater at the time of start-up. good.
Further, the hydrogen generation container 270 containing fine metal powder and the fuel container 1 storing fuel such as methanol can be exchanged as separate containers. However, the hydrogen generation container 270 and the fuel container 1 are integrated. It may be easier to replace.
Further, the temperature of the vaporizer 211 is increased by hydrogen combustion at the time of start-up, but the temperature of the vaporizer 211 may be increased by an electric heater to suppress the consumption of the metal fine powder.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the power generator 300A.
In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation container 270A is supplied to the power generation cell 220A and used for power generation, and then the current of the power generation cell 220A is controlled. A fixed amount of hydrogen is left, and then sent to the catalytic combustor 213A for combustion to raise the temperature of the reformer 212A and the carbon monoxide remover 214A.
Specifically, the hydrogen generation container 270A is connected to the power generation cell 220A via the hydrogen generation container interface 271A. In addition, since it is the structure similar to the electric power generating apparatus 300 of 1st embodiment, the letter A is attached to the same number about the same component, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, at the time of start-up, water is injected into the metal fine powder in the hydrogen generation container 270A to generate hydrogen, and the hydrogen is supplied to the power generation cell 220A to supply the power generation cell 220A. Since power generation is performed and surplus hydrogen is supplied to the catalytic combustor 213A, the reformer 212A and the carbon monoxide remover 214A are used for raising the temperature or maintaining the temperature. The power generation device 300A can be activated with the power of the power, and power generation can be started simultaneously with the activation. In addition, since power is generated with pure hydrogen, highly efficient power generation can be performed and most of the power at startup can be covered, so that the secondary battery 241A can be made much smaller than the first embodiment.

[Third embodiment]
In the third embodiment, when the catalyst of the power generation cell is poisoned by carbon monoxide during a steady state of the power generation device for some reason and the performance deteriorates, the catalyst recovery operation is performed. The hydrogen is generated and is switched to the reformed gas, and the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation vessel is supplied to the power generation cell to recover the deterioration of the catalyst in the power generation cell. Here, since the configuration of the power generation device is the same as that of the power generation device 300A of FIG. 4, the illustration is omitted, and in the following description, the same reference numerals as those of FIG.
In the power generator 300A of the third embodiment, the fuel pump P1 is operating normally, the fuel flow rate from the first flow meter F1 is also normal, and the first water pump P3 is operating normally, When the output of the power generation cell 220A falls below a certain value even though the amount of water from the second flow meter F3 is normal and the temperatures of the reformer 212A and the carbon monoxide remover 214A are also normal, the control unit 230A determines that the catalyst of the power generation cell 220A is deteriorated due to carbon monoxide poisoning or the like, and executes the recovery operation of the catalyst.

  As a specific recovery operation, first, the fuel pump P1 and the first water pump P3 are stopped to stop the supply of fuel and water to the vaporizer 211A, the reformer 212A, and the like. Next, the third water pump P5 is controlled by the measured value of the fifth flow meter F5 to supply a predetermined amount of water to the hydrogen generation container 270A, to generate a predetermined amount of hydrogen, and the generated hydrogen is generated in the power generation cell. Power is supplied to 220A to generate power. At this time, even if the amount of hydrogen temporarily decreases and the generated power decreases, it is supplemented by the secondary battery 241A. When the power generation performance of the power generation cell 220A recovers to a certain value or more, or when a certain time or more has elapsed, the third water pump P5 is stopped and the fuel pump P1 and the first water pump P3 are operated again to vaporize the 211A. And the supply of fuel to the reformer 212A is resumed.

  When the performance deterioration of the power generation cell 220A is detected as described above, the hydrogen generated by injecting water into the metal fine powder in the hydrogen generation container 270A is supplied to the power generation cell 270A. Recovery can be done easily. That is, conventionally, when the electrode catalyst of the power generation cell is poisoned by carbon monoxide and the performance is reduced, an oxidant gas is added to the fuel gas as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-132923, or Recovery has been performed by lowering the cell voltage to a predetermined voltage as in 342406 and JP-A-2006-128016. However, when an oxidant gas is added to the fuel gas as in JP-A-2003-132923, the catalyst and the film may be damaged because hydrogen burns and locally becomes high temperature. In addition, when the cell voltage is extremely lowered and recovery is attempted as in JP-A-2004-342406 and JP-A-2006-128016, the carbon carrying the catalyst burns, and the catalyst falls off or carbon May fall off, resulting in permanent deterioration. In addition, it is possible to recover by supplying pure hydrogen from hydrogen cylinders, hydrogen storage alloys, chemical hydrites, etc., but it is heavy and large, and there is no refilling environment. However, the catalyst for the power generation cell 220A can be obtained by supplying water to the hydrogen generation vessel 270A and supplying the generated hydrogen to the power generation cell 220A as in the present embodiment. Can be easily recovered.

  In the third embodiment, the recovery operation is performed as soon as the poisoning of the power generation cell 220A is confirmed. However, if the recovery operation is performed at the next startup, the power at the time of startup is simultaneously Is more preferable in that it can be saved.

In addition, when the electronic device is stopped and the power generation apparatus 300A is stopped, the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation container 270A is supplied to the secondary battery 241A and the power generation cell 220A, and the secondary battery 241A is also charged. Then, the recovery operation may be performed.
Further, when the amount of power stored in the secondary battery 241A becomes equal to or less than a certain value when the electronic device and the power generation apparatus 300A are stopped, the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation container 270A is converted into the secondary battery 241A and the power generation. It may be supplied to the cell 220A and the recovery operation may be performed while charging the secondary battery 241A. As described above, when both the charging of the secondary battery 241A and the recovery operation of the power generation cell 220A are performed during the stop operation or the stop state of the power generation apparatus 300A, the hydrogen is supplied without starting the temperature raising of the reformer 212A or the like. It is preferable in that it can be generated quickly and efficiently because it can be generated and charged.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power generation device 300. FIG. (a) is a top view of the fuel container 1, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line II-II. (a) is a top view of the electronic device 400, (b) is a front view when the electronic device 400 in (a) is viewed from the front side, and (c) is when the electronic device 400 in (a) is viewed from the left side. FIG. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generator 300A.

Explanation of symbols

211, 211A Vaporizer (vaporizer)
212, 212A reformer (reformer)
214,241A Carbon monoxide remover (carbon monoxide removal unit)
220,220A Power generation cell 241,241A Secondary battery (power storage unit)
270,270A Hydrogen generation vessel (hydrogen generation part)
300, 300A Power generation device 400 Electronic device 401, 401A Electronic device body

Claims (12)

A reforming section for generating reformed gas by reforming the fuel;
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generation part for generating hydrogen,
At least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit at the time of start-up is used for raising the temperature or maintaining the temperature of the reforming unit. A reforming section for generating reformed gas by reforming the fuel;
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generation part for generating hydrogen,
A power generation apparatus characterized in that at least a part of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation section at the time of startup is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for power generation. A carbon monoxide removing unit for removing carbon monoxide in the reformed gas generated in the reforming unit;
3. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit at the time of startup is used for temperature rise or temperature maintenance of the carbon monoxide removal unit. Equipped with a vaporizer to vaporize the fuel,
The power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit at the time of startup is used for temperature rise or temperature maintenance of the vaporization unit. A reforming section for generating reformed gas by reforming the fuel;
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generation part for generating hydrogen,
A power generation apparatus characterized in that at least a part of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for recovery of the catalyst of the power generation cell.   When deterioration of the power generation cell is detected, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for recovery of the catalyst of the power generation cell. The power generation device according to claim 5, wherein   6. At the next start-up, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generator is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas and used for recovery of the catalyst of the power generation cell. The power generator described in 1. A reforming section for generating reformed gas by reforming the fuel;
A power generation cell that is supplied with the reformed gas generated in the reforming section and extracts electric power by an electrochemical reaction;
A hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen;
A power storage unit capable of storing electric power,
A power generation device characterized in that at least a part of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit instead of the reformed gas and used for charging the power storage unit.   During the stop operation, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas, and used for recovery of the power generation cell catalyst along with charging of the power storage unit The power generator according to claim 8.   When the charge of the power storage unit becomes a predetermined value or less in a stopped state, at least a part of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit is supplied to the power generation cell instead of the reformed gas, and the power storage The power generation device according to claim 8, wherein the power generation device is used for recovery of a catalyst of the power generation cell together with charging of a power source.   The power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen generation unit generates hydrogen by a reaction between a metal and water. The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An electronic device comprising: an electronic device main body that operates by electric energy generated by the power generation device.

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