JP2010212254A - Generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device and a generator which do away with an optimal designing of a fuel cell or the like for each model. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic device 100 includes a body 1, a fuel container 10 detachable from the body 1, and a power generation module 20 detachable from the body 1 and performing power generation. The power generation module 20 is equipped integrally with a reaction unit for generating a product by making the fuel reacted, a fuel cell for generating electric energy by an electrochemical reaction between the product generated by the reaction unit and oxygen, a detection driving part which sends the fuel from the fuel container 10 to the reaction unit and sends air to the fuel cell, and a controlling part 4 for controlling the driving part. Moreover, two power generation modules 20 can be loaded on a body of another electronic device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device and a power generation device using a fuel cell.

  In recent years, fuel cells using hydrogen as fuel have begun to be applied as clean power sources with high energy conversion efficiency. Since hydrogen, which is a fuel source for fuel cells, is difficult to handle, hydrogen is not directly used as a fuel source, but usually hydrogen is produced by reacting methanol and water on a catalyst. Is supplied to the fuel cell (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  On the other hand, small electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook personal computers, digital cameras, watches, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance), electronic notebooks, etc. have made remarkable progress and development. As power sources for the electronic devices as described above, primary batteries such as alkaline dry batteries and manganese dry batteries or secondary batteries such as nickel-cadmium storage batteries, nickel-hydrogen storage batteries, and lithium ion batteries are used. However, when the primary battery and the secondary battery are verified from the viewpoint of energy use efficiency, it cannot be said that effective use of energy is necessarily achieved. For this reason, research and development are currently being conducted in order to apply fuel cells capable of realizing high energy utilization efficiency to electronic devices as an alternative to primary batteries and secondary batteries.

  When applying fuel cells to electronic devices, in addition to mounting fuel cells on electronic devices, a fuel container that stores methanol and water, a reformer that reforms the fuel in the fuel container into hydrogen, and the fuel in the fuel container is taken in. In addition, it is necessary to mount a pump for supplying the reformer with a control circuit for controlling the pump and the reformer to the electronic device.

JP-A-6-267576 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-147897

By the way, electronic devices have different rated voltage and rated current for each model. Therefore, when a fuel cell is mounted on an electronic device, it is necessary to design a fuel cell, a reformer, a pump, and a control circuit that are optimal for the rated voltage and rated current of the electronic device. It takes time to develop an optimum design for each model.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device and a power generator that do not require optimal design of a fuel cell or the like for each model. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic device according to the present invention includes a reaction device that reacts fuel to generate a product, and an electric energy generated by an electrochemical reaction between the product generated in the reaction device and oxygen. A power generation module integrally formed with a fuel cell to be generated, a drive unit that sends fuel to the reactor and sends air to the fuel cell, and a control unit that controls the drive unit, and the power generation module is attached and detached And an electronic device main body that is provided freely and operates by electric energy generated by the fuel cell.

Preferably, a plurality of the power generation modules are detachably provided on the electronic device main body,
More preferably, the plurality of power generation modules are detachably provided on the electronic device main body in a state where the power generation modules are arranged in parallel.

  It is preferable that a through hole penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module.

A through hole penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in each of the plurality of power generation modules, and the plurality of power generation modules are arranged in parallel in a state where the through holes of the plurality of power generation modules are aligned with each other. The power generation module at one end is inserted through the through hole from the power generation module at the other end, and the engaging portion provided at one end of the rod is engaged with the power generation module at one end, Preferably, another engaging portion provided at the other end of the rod is engaged with the power generation module at the other end,
It is further preferable that a nut that is another engaging portion is screwed to the other end portion of the rod, and the power generation module at the other end is tightened to the power generation module side at one end.

Preferably, an anode terminal and a cathode terminal for outputting electrical energy generated by the fuel cell are provided on the outer surface of the power generation module,
It is more preferable that an electrical energy input terminal connected to each of the anode terminal and the cathode terminal is provided in the electronic device body.

It is preferable that a flow path for fuel penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module, and the flow path for fuel communicates with the reaction device via the drive unit,
More preferably, the drive unit includes a fuel pump that takes in the fuel through the fuel flow path and discharges the taken-in fuel to the reactor,
More preferably, the control unit controls the fuel pump,
More preferably, the drive unit includes a valve that adjusts a flow rate of fuel sent from the fuel pump to the reactor by the fuel pump,
More preferably, the control unit controls the valve.

  It is preferable that the reactor communicates with the fuel electrode of the fuel cell.

  It is preferable that an exhaust flow path penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module, and the exhaust flow path communicates with a fuel electrode of the fuel cell.

Preferably, the power generation module is provided with an air flow path penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module, and the air flow path communicates with the air electrode of the fuel cell via the drive unit.
More preferably, the drive unit includes an air pump that takes in air through the air flow path and discharges the taken-in air to the air electrode of the fuel cell.
More preferably, the control unit controls the air pump,
More preferably, the drive unit includes a valve for adjusting a flow rate of air sent from the air pump to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell by the air pump,
More preferably, the control unit controls the valve,
More preferably, another flow path for exhaust that penetrates from the front to the back of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module, and the other flow path for exhaust communicates with the air electrode of the fuel cell.

  The power generation device of the present invention includes a reaction device that reacts fuel to generate a product, a fuel cell that generates electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction between the product generated in the reaction device and oxygen, and the fuel In the state which has the power generation module main body which provided the drive part which sends air to the fuel cell while sending to the reactor, and the control part which controls the drive part, and arranged these power generation module main bodies in parallel The fuel supply passages are connectable to each other between the plurality of power generation module bodies so that the fuel can be supplied to the other power generation module body via the one power generation module body.

  It is preferable that a plurality of the fuel supply passages of the power generation module main body pass through in the parallel direction in a state where a plurality of the fuel supply passages are arranged in parallel.

  When the power generation module body supplies the fuel from the fuel supply flow path of the power generation module body positioned at one end of the parallel direction with a plurality of the power generation module bodies arranged in parallel, the parallel direction It is preferable that a lid member for closing the exposed fuel supply channel of the power generation module body located at the other end of the power generation module can be attached.

  Furthermore, by providing an anode terminal and a cathode terminal for outputting electrical energy generated by the fuel cell on the outer surface of the power generation module body, it can be easily output to the electronic device body.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the fuel supply channel of the power generation module main body communicates with the reaction device via the drive unit.

  In addition, the power generation module body can discharge the exhaust discharged from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell of one power generation module body to the outside through the other power generation module body in a state where a plurality of the power generation module bodies are arranged in parallel. Thus, it is preferable to have an exhaust passage that can be connected to each other between the plurality of power generation module bodies.

  In addition, the power generation module main body allows the air electrode of the fuel cell of one power generation module main body and the air electrode of the fuel cell of the other power generation module main body to communicate with each other in a state where a plurality of power generation module main bodies are arranged in parallel. It is preferable to have an air flow path.

  In addition, the power generation module body can discharge exhaust discharged from the air electrode of the fuel cell of one power generation module body to the outside through the other power generation module body in a state where a plurality of power generation module bodies are arranged in parallel. Thus, it is preferable to have an exhaust passage that can be connected to each other between the plurality of power generation module bodies.

  The power generation module body preferably has an intake hole that communicates with the fuel supply channel and takes in the fuel from the outside.

  In the present invention, the power generation module main body is a unit in which the reaction device, the fuel cell, the drive unit, and the control unit are integrated, so that fuel and air are supplied, the fuel reacts with the product, the product It is possible to produce electric energy by electrochemically reacting air with air and to perform overall control with a single power generation module. Since such a power generation module is detachable from the electronic device body, the power generation module can be mounted on another type of electronic device body and used as a power source. If only one power generation module is installed and the electronic device body cannot be operated because the electrical energy generated by that one power generation module is small, a plurality of power generation modules must be mounted on the electronic device body. It ’s fine.

  According to the present invention, a power generation module capable of supplying the fuel and air, reacting the fuel with the product, electrochemically reacting the product and air to generate electric energy, and performing overall control. Is detachably attached to the electronic device main body, so that the power generation module can be mounted on another type of electronic device main body, and the other type of electronic device main body is operated by the power generation module. be able to. When one power generation module cannot operate the electronic device body of another model, each power generation module has a structure that can be connected to each other so as to match the rated voltage / current of the electronic device body of another model. Therefore, a plurality of power generation modules may be mounted on another type of electronic device main body. Therefore, even when trying to mount a fuel cell or the like on another electronic device body, it is not necessary to design a fuel cell, a reaction device, a drive unit, and a control unit that are optimal for the other electronic device body. It becomes possible to finish. That is, the power generation module can be reused for various types of electronic device bodies, and it is possible to eliminate the need for optimal design for each model.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device 120. FIG. 4 is a side view of the power generation module 20. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a power generation module 20. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a power generation module 20. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting line VI-VI shown in FIG. 4. 7 is a plan view of a separator 71. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a reaction device 45. FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting line IX-IX shown in FIG. 8. It is a top view of the electric power generation module 20 which assembled | attached the connector 34. FIG. It is a side view of the electric power generation module 20 which assembled | attached the connector 34. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of two assembled power generation modules 20 and 20. It is a side view of two assembled power generation modules 20 and 20.

  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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment to which the electronic device of the present invention is applied.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 is a portable electronic device, and particularly a notebook personal computer. The electronic device 100 includes a main body 1 including an arithmetic processing circuit composed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and other electronic components, a fuel container 10 that is detachable from the main body 1 and stores fuel, and a main body 1. And a power generation module 20 that drives the main body 1 by generating electric power using the fuel in the fuel container 10 and supplying the generated electric energy to the main body 1.

  The main body 1 includes a lower housing 3 provided with a keyboard 2 and an upper housing 5 provided with a liquid crystal display 4. The upper casing 5 is hinged to the lower casing 3 and is configured so that the main body 1 can be folded with the upper casing 5 overlapped with the lower casing 3 and the liquid crystal display 4 is opposed to the keyboard 2. Has been.

  A first opening 6 is formed on the side surface of the upper housing 5 opposite to the hinge coupling portion, and the first storage space 7 facing the first opening 6 is formed inside the upper housing 5. Is provided. In addition, a fuel container 10 storing fuel is provided so as to be detachable with respect to the first opening 6, and the fuel container 10 is stored in the storage space 7 so as to be detachable from the upper housing 5. It is like that.

  A discharge port 11 for discharging the internal fuel is formed at the bottom of the fuel container 10, and the internal fuel is discharged from the discharge port 11 to the discharge port 11 even when pressure is applied to the fuel container 10 from the outside. Is provided with a check valve for preventing unnecessarily flowing out. On the other hand, a pipe is provided in the first storage space 7, and when the fuel container 10 is stored in the first storage space 7, the check valve is inserted by inserting the pipe into the check valve. Is designed to open. Thereby, the fuel inside the fuel container 10 is supplied to the main body 1. The first opening 6 is provided with a lid that can be opened and closed.

  The fuel stored in the fuel container 10 is a mixture of liquid chemical fuel and water. As the chemical fuel, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, and compounds containing hydrogen elements such as gasoline are applicable. Here, a mixed liquid of methanol and water is used as the fuel.

  A second opening 8 is formed on the side surface of the lower housing 3, and a second storage space 9 facing the second opening 8 is provided inside the lower housing 3. A power generation module 20 that generates power using fuel is detachably provided in the second opening 8, and the power generation module 20 is detachable from the lower housing 3 in the second storage space 9. It is designed to be stored in. A pipe connected to the discharge port 11 of the fuel container 10 in the first storage space 7 is piped to the second storage space 9 through the inside of the upper housing 5 and the lower housing 3, and the second storage space 9 The power generation module 20 is connected to the power generation module 20. Thereby, the fuel in the fuel container 10 is supplied to the power generation module 20 through the pipe in the main body 1.

  FIG. 1 shows a case where the number of power generation modules 20 used in the electronic device 100 is one. On the other hand, when two power generation modules 20 are used, it is as shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic device 120 in the embodiment to which the electronic device of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in another type of electronic device 120, the rated voltage / rated current of the main body 101 is larger than the rated voltage / rated current of the main body 1 of the electronic device 100. The number of the power generation modules 20 that can be mounted on is two, and the two power generation modules 20 and 20 are arranged in parallel in a stacked state. The two power generation modules 20, 20 are stored in the second storage space 109 through the second opening 108, and electric energy is supplied from the two power generation modules 20, 20 to the main body 101. Here, the apparatus combining the two power generation modules 20 and 20 is the power generation apparatus in the embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  That is, the number of power generation modules 20 that can be mounted on an electronic device is determined by the rated voltage and rated current of the electronic device body. Therefore, three power generation modules 20 may be mounted on the main body of another type of electronic device, or more power generation modules 20 may be mounted. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the power generation module 20 is illustrated larger than the second storage spaces 9 and 109 and the second openings 8 and 108. In FIG. 2, in the electronic device 120, the same part as that of any part of the electronic device 100 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description of the same part is omitted.

The power generation module 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.
Here, FIG. 3 is a side view of the power generation module 20, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the power generation module 20, and FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the power generation module 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the power generation module 20 includes a first multilayer substrate 21 on the back side, a second multilayer substrate 22 on the front side, and between the first multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22. And a stacked cell fuel cell (Fuel Cell) 23 sandwiched between the two. The first multilayer substrate 21, the fuel cell 23, and the second multilayer substrate 22 all have the same outer shape when viewed in the direction shown in FIG. 4 (in plan view), and the outer shape is rectangular. . The first multilayer substrate 21, the fuel cell 23, and the second multilayer substrate 22 are stacked in this order, and the first multilayer substrate 21, the fuel cell 23, and the second multilayer substrate 22 as a whole have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Presents. And what laminated | stacked the 1st multilayer substrate 21, the fuel cell 23, and the 2nd multilayer substrate 22 becomes the main body of the electric power generation module 20. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, eight through holes 28, 28,... Are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the front outer edge of the power generation module 20 in the vicinity of the outer edge in the front surface of the power generation module 20. These through holes 28, 28,... Are all circular holes, and from the front surface of the power generation module 20 (that is, the upper surface of the second multilayer substrate 22) to the back surface of the power generation module 20 (that is, the first multilayer substrate 21. The bottom surface is almost straight and penetrates.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a first flow path 24 for fuel intake and a second flow path 25 for exhaust are formed at one of the longitudinal ends in the front of the power generation module 20. At one end, a third flow path 26 for taking in air and a fourth flow path 27 for exhaust are formed. The first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27 are all circular holes, and are substantially straight from the front surface of the power generation module 20 to the back surface of the power generation module 20. It penetrates.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lid member 33 can be detachably fitted to the openings on both sides of the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27. The openings of the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26 and the fourth flow path 27 can be closed by the lid member 33. In addition, ring-shaped packings 35 can be detachably attached to both side openings of the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27. That is, the lid member 33 and the packing 35 can be exchanged so that they can be attached to both side openings of the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a fuel intake hole 29 and an exhaust hole 30 are formed on one of the side surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the power generation module 20, and an air intake hole is formed on the other side surface. Holes 31 and exhaust holes 32 are formed. The fuel intake hole 29 is orthogonal to the first flow path 24 and communicates with the first flow path 24, and the exhaust hole 30 is orthogonal to the second flow path 25 and communicates with the second flow path 25. . The air intake hole 31 is perpendicular to the third flow path 26 and communicates with the third flow path 26, and the exhaust hole 32 is perpendicular to the fourth flow path 27 and communicates with the fourth flow path 27. .

  The lid member 33 is detachably fitted into any of the fuel intake hole 29, the exhaust hole 30, the air intake hole 31, and the exhaust hole 32. The fuel intake hole 29, the exhaust hole 30, the air intake hole 31, and the like. The exhaust hole 32 can be closed by the lid member 33. In addition, a connector 34 having a penetrating internal flow path 34a can be detachably fitted into any of the fuel intake hole 29, the exhaust hole 30, the air intake hole 31, and the exhaust hole 32. That is, the lid member 33 and the connector 34 can be exchanged so that they can be fitted into the fuel intake hole 29, the exhaust hole 30, the air intake hole 31, and the exhaust hole 32, respectively.

  Each of the first multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22 is obtained by laminating a plurality of substrates formed in a plate shape from a material (ceramic is more preferable) such as ceramic, plastic, glass, or silicon. . As shown in FIG. 6, grooves 21a, 22a, holes, and other grooves are formed in a plurality of substrates constituting the first multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22, and the plurality of substrates are laminated. As a result, several channels by grooves and holes are formed in the first multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22, respectively. Here, FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the cutting line VI-VI shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the thicknesses of the first multilayer substrate 21, the second multilayer substrate 22, and the fuel cell 23 are emphasized, and the upper layer side of the second multilayer substrate 22 is not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel cell 23 includes a separator 71, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 72, a double-sided separator 73, a membrane electrode assembly 74, and a separator 75 in order from the first multilayer substrate 21 side. It has a laminated structure. The separator 71, the membrane electrode assembly 72, the double-sided separator 73, the membrane electrode assembly 74, and the separator 75 all have the same outer shape as viewed in the direction shown in FIG. 4 (in plan view). The multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22 have the same rectangular shape.

  Each of the separator 71, the double-sided separator 73, and the separator 75 is formed by forming a material such as ceramic, silicon, aluminum, or glass (ceramic is more preferable) into a plate shape. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the joint surface of the separator 71 with the membrane electrode assembly 72. As shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the separator 71 joined to the membrane electrode assembly 72 is formed with a concave groove (microchannel) 71a in a recessed state, and the groove 71a is covered. By joining the membrane electrode assembly 72 to the separator 71, the groove 71 a becomes a micro flow path provided at the junction between the separator 71 and the membrane electrode assembly 72. In addition, a conductive thin film such as gold plating is formed from the bonding surface of the separator 71 to the membrane electrode assembly 72 to a part of the side surface of the separator 71. Further, one end 71b of the micro flow path 71a is connected to a valve 65 (the valve 65 will be described later) through a flow path formed in the first multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22. The other end 71c of the micro flow channel 71a communicates with the second flow channel 25 through a flow channel formed in the first multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the membrane electrode assembly 72 includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 72a and gas diffusion layer (GDL: Gas Diffusion Layer) electrodes 72b and 72c joined to both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 72a. The gaskets 72d and 72e sandwich the outer periphery of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 72a.

  The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 72 a has the same outer shape as the first multilayer substrate 21, the separator 71, the double-sided separator 73, the separator 75, and the second multilayer substrate 22 in plan view (as viewed in the direction shown in FIG. 4). The outer shape is rectangular. The gaskets 72d and 72e are formed in a rectangular frame shape, and the outer periphery of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 72a is sandwiched between the gaskets 72d and 72e. A solid polymer electrolyte membrane 72a is sandwiched between the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 72c inside the gaskets 72d and 72e. The membrane electrode assembly 72 is bonded to the separator 71 so that the gas diffusion layer electrode 72b faces the micro flow path 71a. The first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, the fourth flow path 27, and the through holes 28, 28,... Penetrate through the membrane electrode assembly 72 in the gaskets 72d, 72e.

The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 72a selectively transmits hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ). Both of the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 72c permeate and diffuse gas such as hydrogen, water, oxygen, etc., for example, platinum fine particles supported as a catalyst on a film as a carrier made of carbon fine particles.

  The joint surfaces of the double-sided separator 73 with the membrane electrode assemblies 72 and 74 are formed with concave grooves as microchannels 73a and 73b. One end of each of the micro flow paths 73a and 73b is provided with an opening 53f of a carbon monoxide remover 53 (the carbon monoxide remover 53 will be described later) through a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22. (The other end of each of the micro flow paths 73a and 73b communicates with the fourth flow path 27 via a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22). A conductive thin film such as gold plating is formed from the joint surface of the double-sided separator 73 with the membrane electrode assemblies 72 and 74 to a part of the side surface of the double-sided separator 73. The double-sided separator 73 is joined to the membrane electrode assembly 72 so that the gas diffusion layer electrode 72c of the membrane electrode assembly 72 faces the micro flow path 73a.

  The membrane electrode assembly 74 has the same configuration as the membrane electrode assembly 72, and includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 74a, a pair of gas diffusion layer electrodes 74b and 74c sandwiching the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 74a, and a solid A pair of gaskets 74d and 74e sandwiching the outer periphery of the polymer electrolyte membrane 74a. The membrane electrode assembly 74 is joined to the double-sided separator 73 so that the gas diffusion layer electrode 74c faces the microchannel 73b.

  On the joint surface of the separator 75 with the membrane electrode assembly 74, a crease-like groove as the microchannel 75a is formed in a recessed state so that the gas diffusion layer electrode 74b faces the microchannel 75a. The separator 75 and the membrane electrode assembly 74 are joined to each other. In addition, a conductive thin film such as gold plating is formed from the bonding surface of the separator 75 to the membrane electrode assembly 74 to a part of the side surface of the separator 75. In addition, one end of the micro flow path 75 a communicates with the valve 65 through a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22, and the other end of the micro flow path 75 a is in the second multilayer substrate 22. The second channel 25 is communicated with the second channel 25 through the channel formed in the first.

In the fuel cell 23 described above, hydrogen gas is supplied from the carbon monoxide remover 53 to each of the micro flow paths 73a and 73b, and the gas diffusion layer electrode 72c of the membrane electrode assembly 72 and the gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly 74 are supplied. Hydrogen gas permeates and diffuses into the electrode 74c, and the hydrogen gas is separated into hydrogen ions and electrons under the action of the catalyst as shown in the electrochemical reaction formula (1).
H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ (1)

  Hydrogen ions are conducted to the opposite gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 74b through the solid polymer electrolyte membranes 72a and 74a, and electrons are taken out by the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72c and 74c. Therefore, the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72c and 74c function as a fuel electrode (cathode), and the conductive thin film of the double-sided separator 73 in contact with the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72c and 74c functions as a current collector. The conductive thin film of the double-sided separator 73 in contact with the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72c and 74c is connected to a charge / discharge control unit 90 (illustrated in FIG. 5; the charge / discharge control unit 90 will be described later).

On the other hand, air is supplied from the valve 65 to each of the micro flow paths 71a and 75a, and oxygen gas in the air enters the gas diffusion layer electrode 72b of the membrane electrode assembly 72 and the gas diffusion layer electrode 74b of the membrane electrode assembly 74. Penetration and diffusion. Then, as shown in the electrochemical reaction formula (2), the permeated oxygen gas, the hydrogen ions that have passed through the solid polymer electrolyte membranes 72a and 74a, and the electrons taken out by the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72c and 74c react with each other. Thus, water is produced as a product. Water generated by the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 74b passes through the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 74b and diffuses to the micro flow paths 71a and 75a.
2H ⁺ + 1 / 2O ₂ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ O (2)

  Electric energy is generated by the electrochemical reactions shown in the above (1) and (2) in the fuel cell 23. Here, the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 74b function as an air electrode (anode), and the conductive thin films of the separators 71 and 75 in contact with the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 74b function as a current collector. In addition, the conductive thin films of the separators 71 and 75 in contact with the gas diffusion layer electrodes 72b and 74b are connected to the charge / discharge control unit 90, and the generated electric energy is supplied to the charge / discharge control unit 90. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, three concave portions 41, 42, and 43 having a square shape or a rectangular shape in plan view are recessed on the upper surface of the second multilayer substrate 22 (the front surface of the power generation module 20). Is formed. The recesses 41, 42, and 43 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the power generation module 20 in this order. A control circuit 44 is mounted on the left concave portion 41 as viewed in the direction shown in FIG. 4, a reaction device 45 composed of a microreactor is mounted on the central concave portion 42, and a detection drive unit 46 is mounted on the right concave portion 43. It is installed. The heights of the control circuit 44, the reaction device 45, and the detection driving unit 46 are lower than the depths of the recesses 41, 42, and 43, respectively. More than dead.

  The detection drive unit 46 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The detection drive unit 46 includes a fuel pump 61, a fuel valve 62, an air pump 63, two valves 64 and 65 for air, and three flow sensors 66, 67, and 68. .

  The intake port of the fuel pump 61 is connected to the first flow path 24 for fuel intake through a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22, and the discharge port of the fuel pump 61 is connected to the second multilayer substrate 22. It is connected to the fuel valve 62 through the flow path formed in FIG. The fuel valve 62 is connected to an opening 51d (illustrated in FIG. 8) of the vaporizer 51 (the vaporizer 51 will be described later) of the reaction device 45 through a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22. The flow rate sensor 66 is provided in the flow path from the fuel valve 62 to the vaporizer 51.

  The fuel pump 61 performs liquid feeding of fuel by taking in fuel from the intake port and discharging it from the discharge port. The fuel valve 62 adjusts the flow rate of the fuel fed by the fuel pump 61. The flow sensor 66 is provided so as to detect the flow rate of the fuel fed by the fuel pump 61 and to output a current and a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the detected flow rate.

  The intake port of the air pump 63 is connected to the third flow path 26 for air intake through a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22, and the discharge port of the air pump 63 is connected to the second multilayer substrate 22. The air valve 64 and the valve 65 are connected to each other through a flow path formed in the above. One air valve 64 is connected to a carbon monoxide remover 53 (the carbon monoxide remover 53 will be described later) of the reactor 45 through a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22. A flow sensor 67 is provided in the flow path from the valve 64 to the carbon monoxide remover 53. The other air valve 65 communicates with the micro flow path 75a of the fuel cell 23 through the flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22, and further the flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22 and the first flow path. The micro-channel 71a of the fuel cell 23 is also communicated through the channel formed in the multilayer substrate 21.

  The air pump 63 sends air by taking in the air taken in from the air intake hole 31 through the intake port and discharging it from the exhaust port. One air valve 64 adjusts the flow rate of the air sent to the carbon monoxide remover 53 by the air pump 63, and the other air valve 65 is the air sent to the fuel cell 23 by the air pump 63. The flow rate is adjusted. The flow rate sensor 67 is provided so as to detect the flow rate of air sent from the air pump 63 to the vaporizer 51 and to output a current and voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the detected flow rate. The flow rate sensor 68 is provided so as to detect the flow rate of air sent from the air pump 63 to the fuel cell 23 and to output a current and voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the detected flow rate.

  The reaction device 45 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9. Here, FIG. 8 is a perspective view seen from the back side of the reactor 45, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line IX-IX shown in FIG. The reactor 45 includes a vaporizer 51, which is a microchemical reactor that vaporizes fuel by heating the fuel sent from the fuel valve 62, and a mixture gas sent from the vaporizer 51 to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A reformer 52 that is a fine chemical reaction furnace, and a carbon monoxide remover 53 that is a microchemical reaction furnace that removes carbon monoxide contained in the air-fuel mixture sent from the reformer 52. The vaporizer 51, the reformer 52, and the carbon monoxide remover 53 are connected.

  The vaporizer 51 has a structure in which two substrates 51a and 51b formed in a plate shape from materials such as ceramic, silicon, aluminum, and glass (silicon and glass are more preferable) are overlapped and joined to each other. Yes. A convoluted groove is formed in an indented state by etching or sandblasting on the bonding surface of one substrate 51a with the other substrate 51b, and one substrate 51a is covered with this groove so as to cover it. By joining the other substrate 51b, this groove becomes a micro flow path 51c provided at the joint between the two substrates 51a and 51b.

  An opening 51d that leads to one end of the microchannel 51c is formed on the surface opposite to the bonding surface of the substrate 51b. The opening 51d is connected to a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22 and communicates with the fuel valve 62 through this flow path. As a result, fuel is supplied from the valve 62 to the micro flow path 51c through the opening 51d.

  A thin film heater 54 is formed on the surface opposite to the bonding surface of the substrate 51a. The thin film heater 54 is an electrothermal film that generates heat by electric energy. Specifically, the thin film heater 54 is formed by forming an electric resistance heating element and a semiconductor heating element into a thin film. The thin film heater 54 is formed of a material whose electrical characteristics (for example, resistance value) depend on temperature. When the temperature of the thin film heater 54 is determined, the electrical characteristics are uniquely determined. In particular, the relationship between the temperature of the thin film heater 54 and the electrical characteristics is a linear relationship. Therefore, the temperature of the thin film heater 54 can be obtained from the resistance, current, and voltage of the thin film heater 54.

  Similar to the vaporizer 51, the reformer 52 has a structure in which two substrates 52a and 52b are joined, and a micro flow path 52c is provided at a joint between the two substrates 52a and 52b. A thin film heater 55 is formed on the surface opposite to the bonding surface. One end of the micro flow path 52c of the reformer 52 is connected to the other end (the end opposite to the opening 51d) of the micro flow path 51c of the vaporizer 51.

  Similarly to the vaporizer 51, the carbon monoxide remover 53 has a structure in which two substrates 53a and 53b are joined, and a micro flow path 53c is provided at the joint between the two substrates 53a and 53b. A thin film heater 56 is formed on the surface opposite to the bonding surface of 53a. One end of the micro flow path 53 c of the carbon monoxide remover 53 is connected to the other end of the micro flow path 52 c of the reformer 52. An opening 53e that leads to one end of the microchannel 53c is formed on the surface opposite to the bonding surface of the substrate 53b. The opening 53e is connected to a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22, and communicates with the air valve 64 through the flow path. Furthermore, an opening 53f that leads to the other end of the microchannel 53c is formed on the surface opposite to the bonding surface of the substrate 53b. The opening 53f is connected to a flow path formed in the second multilayer substrate 22 and communicates with the micro flow paths 73a and 73b of the fuel cell 23 through this flow path.

A catalyst 52 d is formed on the wall surface of the micro flow path 52 c of the reformer 52. The catalyst 52d is a catalyst that reforms a mixture of methanol and water into hydrogen and carbon dioxide (see the following chemical reaction formula (3)). As an example, the catalyst 52d is a CuO—ZnO-based catalyst (CuO / ZnO / Al ₂ O ₃ compound) in which copper and zinc are supported on an aluminum oxide as a carrier.
CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → 3H ₂ + CO ₂ (3)

In some cases, methanol and water vapor may not be completely reformed to carbon dioxide and hydrogen by the catalyst 52d. In this case, as shown in chemical reaction formula (4), methanol and water vapor react to produce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and Water vapor is generated.
2CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → 5H ₂ + CO + CO ₂ (4)

A catalyst 53 d is formed on the wall surface of the microchannel 53 c of the carbon monoxide remover 53. The catalyst 53d is a catalyst that shifts the mixture of carbon monoxide and water to hydrogen and carbon dioxide (see the following chemical reaction formula (5)), or selectively oxidizes carbon monoxide (the following chemical reaction). (See formula (6)). As an example, the catalyst 53d is a catalyst in which platinum and rhenium are supported on an aluminum oxide as a carrier.
_{CO + H 2 O → CO 2} + H 2 ... (5)
2CO + O ₂ → 2CO ₂ (6)
In addition, when the carbon monoxide remover 53 is a reactor that brings about only the reaction of the chemical reaction formula (5), the valve 64 and the flow sensor 67 are not necessary.

Next, the control circuit 44 will be described with reference to FIG.
The control circuit 44 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 81, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 82, a D / A (Digital to Analog) converter 83, an A / D (Analog to). Digital) converter 84, drivers 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, charge / discharge control unit 90, secondary battery 91, and DC / DC (Direct Current to Direct Current) converter 92. . A bus, wiring, etc. are formed as a printed circuit board (PCB) on the second multilayer board 22, and CPU 80, RAM 81, ROM 82, D / A converter 83, A / D converter 84, driver 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, the charge / discharge control unit 90, the secondary battery 91, and the DC / DC converter 92 are mounted in the recess 41, and further connected to the bus and wiring, thereby forming the control circuit 44. .

  The ROM 82 stores a program that can be read and executed by the CPU 80. The CPU 80 is provided so as to control the entire control circuit 44 by reading a program stored in the ROM 82 and performing processing according to the program. The RAM 22 provides a work area to the CPU 80, and is provided to temporarily store data generated by processing executed by the CPU 80 according to a program and data read by the CPU 80.

  The driver 85 is provided to drive the fuel pump 61 in accordance with a command from the CPU 80 and to control the operating speed of the fuel pump 61. The driver 86 is provided to drive the air pump 63 in accordance with a command from the CPU 80 and to control the operating speed of the air pump 63.

  The D / A converter 83 converts the digital flow rate adjustment data output from the CPU 83 into an analog current or voltage magnitude, and supplies the current and voltage of that magnitude to the valves 62, 64 and 65, respectively. Is provided. Thus, the fuel flow adjustment by the valve 62, the air flow adjustment by the valve 64, and the air flow adjustment by the valve 65 are controlled by the CPU 83.

  The A / D converter 84 converts the electric signals (the magnitude of the current and the magnitude of the voltage) input from the flow sensors 66, 67, and 68 into digital flow data, and outputs the converted flow data to the CPU 80. Is provided. Thereby, data on the flow rate of fuel sent by the fuel pump 61, data on the flow rate of air sent from the air pump 63 to the vaporizer 51, and data on the flow rate of air sent from the air pump 63 to the fuel cell 23. Is fed back to the CPU 83. The CPU 83 has a function of controlling the valves 62, 64, 65 based on the flow rate data fed back from the flow rate sensors 66, 67, 68, respectively. Such a feedback control function of the CPU 83 is realized by a program read from the ROM 82 by the CPU 83.

  The drivers 87, 88, 89 drive the thin film heaters 54, 55, 56 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 80, and control the currents and voltages supplied to the respective thin film heaters 54, 55, 56 to thereby control the thin film heaters 54, 55, 56, respectively. It is provided to control the temperatures of 55 and 56. Since the electrical characteristics of the thin film heaters 54, 55 and 56 depend on the temperature, the current and voltage supplied from the drivers 87, 88 and 89 to the thin film heaters 54, 55 and 56 are fed back to the CPU 80 as temperature data. The CPU 83 has a function of controlling the temperature of each of the thin film heaters 54, 55, 56 based on the temperature data fed back from each of the thin film heaters 54, 55, 56. Such a temperature control function of the CPU 83 is realized by a program read from the ROM 82 by the CPU 83.

  The secondary battery 91 is a chargeable / dischargeable battery such as a nickel-cadmium storage battery, a nickel-hydrogen storage battery, a lithium ion battery, or a lead storage battery.

  The charge / discharge control unit 90 charges the secondary battery 91 with the electrical energy supplied from the fuel cell 23 or discharges the electrical energy from the secondary battery 91 and supplies it to the DC / DC converter 92 in accordance with a command from the CPU 80. Or the electric energy supplied from the fuel cell 23 is supplied to the DC / DC converter 92.

  The DC / DC converter 92 is provided so as to convert the voltage of a direct current as electric energy supplied from the charge / discharge control unit 90 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 80 and supply the converted voltage to the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an anode terminal 92 a and a cathode terminal 92 b that are output terminals of the DC / DC converter 92 are provided mainly on the side surface of the second multilayer substrate 22 among the side surfaces of the power generation module 20. The supply of electric energy to the entire control circuit 44 is performed by a DC / DC converter 92.

  Further, among the side surfaces of the power generation module 20, mainly on the side surface of the second multilayer substrate 22, a plurality of communication electrodes 93, 93,... Input and output data with the main body 1, 101 and other power generation modules 20. It is provided as an interface. The communication electrodes 93, 93,... Are connected to a bus formed on the second multilayer substrate 22.

  Also, two main / sub setting electrodes 94, 94 are provided as main / sub setting switches 95 shown in FIG. 5 mainly on the side of the second multilayer substrate 22 among the side surfaces of the power generation module 20. . The main / sub setting electrodes 94, 94 are connected to a bus formed on the second multilayer substrate 22. The main / sub setting electrodes 94, 94 are used to set a parent (main) power generation module 20 and a child (sub) power generation module 20 when a plurality of power generation modules 20 are mounted on the main body 101. That is, when the main / sub setting electrodes 94, 94 are made conductive (in this case, the main / sub setting switch 95 is ON), the CPU 80 is provided so as to recognize the power generation module 20 as a parent. When the electrodes 94 are insulated (in this case, the main / sub setting switch 95 is off), the CPU 80 is provided to recognize the power generation module 20 as a child. Such a main / sub recognition function of the CPU 83 is realized by a program read from the ROM 82 by the CPU 83.

Next, how to use the electronic device 100 and the operation of the electronic device 100 when one power generation module 20 is mounted on the main body 1 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27 are fitted with lid members 33 in both side openings, respectively. The openings of the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26 and the fourth flow path 27 are closed by the lid member 33. Further, connectors 34 are fitted into the fuel intake holes 29, the exhaust holes 30, the air intake holes 31, and the exhaust holes 32, respectively.

  Next, the fuel container 10 is mounted in the first storage space 7 of the main body 1 (shown in FIG. 1). Next, when the power generation module 20 is mounted in the second storage space 9 of the main body 1, four connectors 34, 34,... Fitted into the fuel intake hole 29, the exhaust hole 30, the air intake hole 31, and the exhaust hole 32, respectively. Is connected to the main body 1. Specifically, the connector 34 fitted into the fuel intake hole 29 is connected to a pipe leading to the discharge port 11 of the fuel container 10 in the first storage space 7, and the connector 34 fitted into the air intake hole 31 is A connector 34 connected to an air filter provided in the main body 1 and fitted in the exhaust holes 30 and 32 is connected to a pipe connected to an exhaust port provided in the main body 1. As a result, fuel can be supplied from the fuel container 10 to the power generation module 20 via the main body 1, and air can be supplied from outside air to the power generation module 20 via the air filter and the main body 1.

  Further, on the wall surface of the second storage space 9 of the main body 1, communication between the main setting terminal for connecting the main and sub setting electrodes 94, 94 to each other, and the power generation module 20 mainly using the main setting terminal. Are provided with communication terminals for connecting to the communication electrodes 93, 93,... For electric power and terminals for inputting electric energy, and when the power generation module 20 is mounted in the second storage space 9 of the main body 1, The sub-setting electrodes 94 and 94 are electrically connected by common connection to the main setting terminal, the communication electrodes 93, 93,... Are respectively connected to the communication terminals, and the anode terminal 92a and the cathode terminal 92b are respectively input with electric energy. Connect to the terminal. When the main / sub setting electrodes 94, 94 are made conductive by the main setting terminal, the CPU 80 of the power generation module 20 recognizes the power generation module 20 as a parent. When the communication electrodes 93, 93,... Are connected to the communication terminals, data can be input / output between the main body 1 and the power generation module 20. Further, when the anode terminal 92a and the cathode terminal 92b are respectively connected to the electric energy input terminals, it is possible to supply electric energy from the power generation module 20 to the main body 1.

  Then, the power generation module 20 is activated, the CPU 80 activates the air pump 63 and the fuel pump 61 via the drivers 86 and 87, respectively, and further heats the thin film heaters 54, 55 and 56 via the drivers 87, 88 and 89, respectively. Let Here, the operation of the power generation module 20 starts when an operation signal is input from the main body 1 to the CPU 80 via the communication terminals and the communication electrodes 93, 93, 93.

  During operation of the power generation module 20, the CPU 83 performs temperature control so that each of the thin film heaters 54, 55, and 56 reaches a predetermined temperature based on the temperature data fed back from each of the thin film heaters 54, 55, and 56.

  When the fuel pump 61 is activated, the fuel in the fuel container 10 is supplied to the power generation module 20 through the fuel intake hole 29, and the fuel supplied to the power generation module 20 is sent to the carburetor 51 via the valve 62 and the flow rate sensor 66. The When the air pump 63 is activated, outside air is supplied to the power generation module 20 through the air intake hole 31, and the air supplied to the power generation module 20 is supplied to the carbon monoxide remover 53 via the valve 64 and the flow rate sensor 67. It is sent to the fuel cell 23 through the valve 65 and the flow rate sensor 68. Here, the CPU 83 controls each of the valves 62, 64, and 65 so as to obtain a predetermined flow rate based on the flow rate data fed back from each of the flow rate sensors 66, 67, and 68.

  In the vaporizer 51, the supplied fuel is heated and vaporized (evaporated), and is supplied to the micro flow path 52c of the reformer 52 as a mixture of methanol and water (water vapor).

  In the reformer 52, when the air-fuel mixture supplied from the vaporizer 51 flows in the micro flow path 52c of the reformer 52, the methanol and water vapor in the air-fuel mixture react with each other by the catalyst 52d, and carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (See the above chemical reaction formula (3)). In the reformer 52, methanol and steam in the gas mixture may not be completely reformed to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In this case, methanol and steam react as shown in chemical reaction formula (4). Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are produced (see chemical reaction formula (4) above). An air-fuel mixture composed of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and the like generated in the reformer 52 is supplied to the carbon monoxide remover 53.

  In the carbon monoxide remover 53, when the air-fuel mixture supplied from the reformer 52 flows through the micro flow path 53c, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are generated from the carbon monoxide and water vapor in the air-fuel mixture or mixed. Carbon monoxide specifically selected from the atmosphere reacts with oxygen contained in the air supplied from the valve 65 to generate carbon dioxide (the above chemical reaction formulas (5) and (6)). See).

  Thus, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are generated from the fuel that has passed through the vaporizer 51, the reformer 52, and the carbon monoxide remover 53 of the reactor 45. Products (carbon dioxide, hydrogen, etc.) generated by the reactor 45 are supplied to the fuel cell 23.

  The air-fuel mixture supplied to the fuel cell 23 flows through the micro flow paths 73a and 73b, and the hydrogen in the air-fuel mixture passes through the gas diffusion layer electrode 72c of the membrane electrode assembly 72 and the gas diffusion layer electrode 74c of the membrane electrode assembly 74. It is catalyzed and separated into hydrogen ions and electrons (see the above electrochemical reaction formula (1)). The generated hydrogen ions permeate the solid polymer electrolyte membranes 72a and 74a.

  The air-fuel mixture (hydrogen is very dilute) that has finished flowing through the micro flow paths 73a and 73b is exhausted to the main body 1 through the fourth flow path 27 and the exhaust holes 32, and further exhausted from the main body 1 to the outside. .

  On the other hand, the air supplied to the fuel cell 23 flows through the micro flow paths 71a and 75a, and oxygen in the air flows into the gas diffusion layer electrode 72b of the membrane electrode assembly 72 and the gas diffusion layer electrode 74b of the membrane electrode assembly 74. Under the action, it reacts with hydrogen ions and electrons to produce water (see the above electrochemical reaction formula (2)).

  The air (oxygen is lean) that has finished flowing through the micro flow paths 71a and 75a is exhausted to the main body 1 through the second flow path 25 and the exhaust holes 30, and further exhausted from the main body 1 to the outside.

  The electrical energy generated by the fuel cell 23 is charged into the secondary battery 91 by the charge / discharge control unit 90. Further, the generated electrical energy is supplied to the DC / DC converter 92 by the charge / discharge control unit 90, converted into a predetermined voltage of a direct current by the DC / DC converter 92, and the main body 1 through the anode terminal 92a and the cathode terminal 92b. To be supplied. The main body 1 operates by the supplied electric energy.

  When operating on the power generation module 20, the CPU 80 inputs / outputs data to / from the main body 1 via the communication electrodes 93, 93,... And the communication terminals.

  Next, the usage method of the electronic device 120 and the operation of the electronic device 120 when the plurality of power generation modules 20 and 20 are mounted on the main body 101 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27 of one power generation module 20 are respectively connected to the first flow path of the other power generation module 20. The path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27 are aligned, and the other power generation module 20 is stacked on one power generation module 20. Here, the lower surface of one power generation module 20 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the other power generation module 20, and the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, the fourth flow on the contact surface side thereof. A packing 35 is attached to the opening of the path 27. Further, by overlapping the other power generation module 20 on the power generation module 20, the through holes 28, 28,... Of the one power generation module 20 are aligned with the through holes 28, 28,.

  Next, bolts 38, 38,... Are respectively inserted into the through holes 28, 28,..., And nuts 39, 39,. Here, each of the bolts 38 includes a rod portion 38b inserted into the through hole 28 and a head portion 38a as an engaging portion integrally formed at one end portion of the rod portion 38b. A helical thread is formed on the outer periphery of the portion 38b, and the diameter of the head portion 38a is larger than the diameter of the rod portion 38b. By screwing a nut 39 as another engagement portion into the tip of the rod portion 38b, the head portion 38a of the bolt 38 is engaged with one power generation module 20 around the through hole 28, and another engagement is achieved. The nut 39 as a part engages with the other power generation module 20 around the opposite side of the through hole 28, and the power generation modules 20 and 20 are tightened in a direction in which the head 38a and the nut 39 approach each other. As described above, the two power generation modules 20 and 20 are assembled.

  Next, the lid member 33 is fitted to each opening on both sides of the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, the third flow path 26, and the fourth flow path 27, and the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, The openings of the third flow path 26 and the fourth flow path 27 are closed by the lid member 33.

  Next, the connector 34 is fitted into one of the fuel intake holes 29, 29 of the two power generation modules 20, 20, and the lid member 33 is fitted into the other. Similarly, the connector 34 is fitted into one of the two exhaust holes 30, 30, the two air intake holes 31, 31, and the two exhaust holes 32, 32, and the lid member 33 is fitted into the other.

  Next, the fuel container 10 is mounted in the first storage space 7 of the main body 101 (shown in FIG. 2). Next, when the assembled two power generation modules 20 and 20 are mounted in the second storage space 109 of the main body 101, the four power generation modules 29, 20 fitted into the fuel intake hole 29, the exhaust hole 30, the air intake hole 31, and the exhaust hole 32, respectively. Connectors 34, 34,... Specifically, the connector 34 fitted into the fuel intake hole 29 is connected to a pipe leading to the discharge port 11 of the fuel container 10 in the first storage space 7, and the connector 34 fitted into the air intake hole 31 is A connector 34 connected to an air filter provided in the main body 101 and fitted in the exhaust holes 30 and 32 is connected to a pipe connected to an exhaust port provided in the main body 101. As a result, fuel can be supplied from the fuel container 10 to the power generation module 20 via the main body 101, and air can be supplied from outside air to the power generation module 20 via the air filter and the main body 101.

  Further, on the wall surface of the second storage space 109 of the main body 101, a main setting terminal for connecting the main and sub setting electrodes 94 and 94 to each other, and a power generation module that becomes a parent (main) by the main setting terminal. The main communication terminals for connecting to the 20 communication communication electrodes 93, 93,... And the communication communication electrodes 93, 93,. The main and sub communication terminals for connecting the communication electrodes 93, 93,... For communication of the power generation module 20 to each other, and the power generation modules 20, 20 are connected in parallel or in series according to the rated output of the main body 101. In addition, electrical energy input terminals for connecting and outputting anode terminals 92a and 92a and cathode terminals 92b and 92b as appropriate are provided. Here, when the power generation modules 20 and 20 are mounted in the second storage space 109 of the main body 101, the main and sub setting electrodes 94 and 94 of one power generation module 20 are connected to the main setting terminals and are electrically conductive, and the other The main and sub setting electrodes 94, 94 of the power generation module 20 remain insulated. Thereby, the CPU 80 of one power generation module 20 recognizes the power generation module 20 as a parent, and the CPU 80 of the other power generation module 20 recognizes the power generation module 20 as a child.

  Further, when the power generation modules 20 and 20 are mounted in the second storage space 109 of the main body 101, the communication electrodes 93, 93,... Of the two power generation modules 20, 20 are connected to the main-sub communication terminals, respectively. In addition, the power generation module 20 that is the parent has the communication electrode 93 connected to the main communication terminal of the main body 101, and information such as the power generation state of the power generation module 20 that is a child via the main sub communication terminal. The management information is centrally managed and the management information is transmitted to the main body 101 via the main communication terminal. Thereby, the main body 101 can know the information of the parent and child power generation modules 20 and 20 only by connection with the power generation module 20 as a parent.

  Furthermore, when the power generation modules 20 and 20 are mounted in the second storage space 109 of the main body 101, the anode terminals 92a and 92a and the cathode terminals 92b and 92b of the two power generation modules 20 and 20 are connected to the electric energy input terminals. . As a result, it is possible to supply electric energy from the two power generation modules 20 and 20 to the main body 101, but the two power generation modules 20 and 20 may be connected in series or in parallel. . In the series connection, the anode terminal 92a of one power generation module 20 is connected to the electric energy input terminal of the main body 101, and the cathode terminal 92b of one power generation module 20 is connected to the other by a short-circuit terminal provided in the storage space 109 of the main body 101. It is connected to the anode terminal 92 a of the power generation module 20 and the cathode terminal 92 b of the other power generation module 20 is connected to another electrical energy input terminal of the main body 101. In the parallel connection, the anode terminals 92 a and 92 a of both power generation modules 20 and 20 are commonly connected to the electric energy input terminal of the main body 101, and the cathode terminals 92 b and 92 b of both power generation modules 20 and 20 are different from the main body 101. This is the state of being commonly connected to the electrical energy input terminal.

  Each of the power generation modules 20 and 20 operates. Thereby, like the case where there is one power generation module 20 as described above, the power generation modules 20 and 20 generate power, respectively, and electric energy is supplied from the power generation modules 20 and 20 to the main body 101. The main body 101 operates by the supplied electric energy.

  While power generation is being performed by the power generation modules 20, 20, the CPUs 80, 80 of both power generation modules 20, 20 perform feedback control as in the case where the power generation module 20 is one. Here, when operating on the power generation modules 20, 20, both CPUs 80, 80 input / output data to / from the main body 101 via the communication electrodes 93, 93,. Further, the CPUs 80 and 80 also perform data input / output via the communication electrodes 93, 93,... And the communication terminals, but the power generation module 20 in which the CPU 80 of the power generation module 20 set as a parent is set as a child. The CPU 80 of the parent power generation module 20 confirms the operation status of the child power generation module 20. The CPU 80 of the parent power generation module 20 outputs a command to the CPU 80 of the child power generation module 20 in accordance with the operation status of the child power generation module 20, whereby both power generation modules 20, 20 are output. Equalizes and stabilizes the output power.

  Further, when an abnormality occurs in the child power generation module 20, the CPU 80 of the parent power generation module 20 increases the flow rate by the valves 62, 64, 65 of the parent power generation module 20, and the output power of the parent power generation module 20 is increased. Raise.

  Further, when an abnormality occurs in the CPU 80 of the child power generation module 20, the CPU 80 of the parent power generation module 20 passes through the communication electrodes 93, 93,... And the communication terminals instead of the CPU 80 of the child power generation module 20. The communication control of the valves 62, 64, 65 of the child power generation module 20, the fuel pump 61, the air pump 63, the charge / discharge control unit 90, the DC / DC converter 92, and the like is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the power generation module 20 is a unit in which the control circuit 44, the reaction device 45, the detection drive unit 46, and the fuel cell 23 are integrated, fuel and air are supplied. One power generation module 20 is capable of generating hydrogen from fuel, generating electric energy by electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and air, and performing overall control. Since such a power generation module 20 is detachably attached to the main bodies 1 and 101, the power generation module 20 can be reused between the two types of main bodies 1 and 101. Therefore, it is not necessary to design an optimum fuel cell, reactor, detection drive unit, and control circuit for each of the main bodies 1 and 101. When designing a plurality of types of electronic devices, it is not necessary to optimally design a fuel cell or the like for each model, so that the design cost can be reduced.
In addition, when there are a plurality of power generation modules 20 serving as sub (child), the communication communication electrodes 93, 93,... For the power generation module 20 serving as the sub are provided on the wall surface of the second storage space 109 of the main body 101. A sub-sub-communication terminal for connecting the communication electrodes 93, 93,... For communication of the other power generation module 20 to each other may be provided.

  Moreover, since the 1st flow path 24, the 2nd flow path 25, the 3rd flow path 26, and the 4th flow path 27 which penetrate from the front of the power generation module 20 to the back surface are formed, two power generation modules 20 and 20 are connected. By simply stacking, the holes for fuel intake, air intake, and exhaust can be shared.

  Moreover, since the through-holes 28, 28,... Penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module 20 are formed, when the two power generation modules 20, 20 are stacked as described above, the bolt 38 and the nut 39 are used for fastening. The two power generation modules 20 and 20 can be easily assembled.

  Further, the members to be attached to the fuel intake hole 29, the air intake hole 31, and the exhaust holes 30 and 32 are simply selected from the lid member 33 and the connector 34, and the members to be attached to both side openings of the flow paths 24 to 27 are lids. Only by selecting from the member 33 and the packing 35, one or a plurality of power generation modules 20 can be operated. Further, by stacking the number of power generation modules 20 corresponding to the rated power of the main body of the electronic device, it can be used easily and reliably as a power source for the main body without changing the design of the main body.

  Further, since the anode terminal 92 a and the cathode terminal 92 b are provided on the side surface of the power generation module 20, it is possible to operate the main body 1, 101 with the power generation module 20 simply by mounting the power generation module 20 on the main body 1, 101. It becomes. Since the anode terminal 92a and the cathode terminal 92b are provided on the side surface of the power generation module 20, it is possible to connect in parallel only by changing the wiring structure between the terminal provided on the main body of the electronic device, the anode terminal 92a, and the cathode terminal 92b. It is easy to change the design to series connection.

  Further, since the fuel cell 23 is sandwiched between the first multilayer substrate 21 and the second multilayer substrate 22, the heat of the thin film heaters 54, 55, 56 provided in the reactor 45 is transferred to the fuel cell 23. Conduction is performed and the fuel cell 23 is also heated. Therefore, the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell 23 is improved by heat. Furthermore, since the reaction device 45 is mounted in the central recess 42, heat loss in the entire power generation module 20 can be reduced. Thus, the thermal energy in the whole power generation module 20 can be used efficiently.

  The CPU 80 of the power generation module 20 set as a parent performs communication control with respect to the CPU 80 of the power generation module 20 set as a child, and the CPU 80 of the parent power generation module 20 confirms the operation status of the child power generation module 20. When an abnormality occurs in the child power generation module 20, the output power of the parent power generation module 20 is increased, so that electric energy can be generated stably.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the fuel cell 23 generates electric energy by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. However, instead of the fuel cell 23, an electric reaction is generated by an electrochemical reaction between methanol, water, and oxygen. A fuel cell that generates energy may be provided. In this case, the vaporized methanol and water mixture is supplied to the microchannel facing the fuel electrode of the fuel cell by the pressure of the fuel pump, and the microchannel facing the air electrode of the fuel cell is Air is supplied by the pressure of the air pump. In the above embodiment, the reaction device 45 includes the vaporizer 51, the reformer 52, and the carbon monoxide remover 53. However, the reaction device 45 is electrically operated by an electrochemical reaction of methanol, water, and oxygen. In the case of a fuel cell that generates energy, a reactor equipped with a vaporizer is provided in place of such a reactor 45. Therefore, the reaction of the fuel in the reactor is not only accompanied by the chemical change of the fuel, but also changes the state of the fuel (vaporization from liquid to gas) like the reactor (vaporizer) provided instead of the reactor 45. In this case, the product is a fuel gas (vapor). Here, in the case of a fuel cell that generates electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of methanol, water, and oxygen, as shown in the electrochemical reaction equation (7), in the fuel electrode, the mixture supplied from the vaporizer of the reactor The gas is separated into hydrogen ions, electrons and carbon dioxide under the action of the catalyst of the fuel electrode. Hydrogen ions are conducted to the air electrode through the ion conductive membrane, and electrons are taken out by the fuel electrode. On the other hand, at the air electrode, as shown in the electrochemical reaction formula (8), oxygen in the air, hydrogen ions that have passed through the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell, and electrons taken out by the fuel electrode react to form water. It is produced as a by-product.
CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → CO ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ (7)
6H ⁺ + 3 / 2O ₂ + 6e ⁻ → 3H ₂ O (8)

Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the two power generation modules 20,20 were stacked and used as an example, three or more power generation modules 20,20, ... were stacked and mounted in the main body of another model. It may be mounted and used.
In the above embodiment, the fuel cell 23 is formed so as to overlap the three regions (concave portions) 41, 42, 43, but is formed wider than at least one region of the three regions 41, 42, 43. If so, the surface area of the fuel cell 23 can be increased, and the rated output of the main bodies 1 and 101 can be generated quickly. In addition, although two fuel cells 23 are stacked by one power generation module 20, it may be three or more layers, and may be a single layer if the output voltage is relatively small.

In the above embodiment, a notebook personal computer is exemplified as the electronic devices 100 and 120. However, a mobile phone, a PDA, an electronic notebook, a wristwatch, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a game device, a game machine, and a home The present invention can also be applied to electric devices and other electronic devices. One or a plurality of power generation modules 20 are detachably provided on these electronic device bodies.
In the above embodiment, the thin film heaters 54, 55, 56 are provided as means for heating the reaction device 45. However, since the thin film heaters 54, 55, 56 can be quickly controlled by a voltage signal, the thin film heaters 54, 55 are provided. , 56 is used as an auxiliary heat source for finely adjusting the temperatures of the vaporizer 51, the reformer 52, and the carbon monoxide remover 53, and by adding oxygen to the fuel and burning it, the vaporizer 51 It is preferable to provide a combustor to be supplied to the mass device 52 and the carbon monoxide remover 53 in the reaction device 45 to improve the heat generation efficiency. At this time, the combustor may be provided for each of the vaporizer 51, the reformer 52, and the carbon monoxide remover 53, or may be disposed only in the vicinity of the reformer 52 that requires the highest reaction temperature. In the latter case, the materials and dimensions of the substrates 51a and 51b, the substrates 52a and 52b, and the substrates 53a and 53b are set so that the vaporizer 51 and the carbon monoxide remover 53 approach the required reaction temperatures by the propagation of heat from the combustor. It is preferable to set the shape appropriately so that an optimum temperature gradient can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 ... Main body 20 ... Power generation module 23 ... Fuel cell 24 ... 1st flow path (flow path for fuel)
25 ... 2nd flow path (another exhaust flow path)
26 ... 3rd flow path (flow path for air)
27 ... Fourth flow path (exhaust flow path)
28 ... Through hole 38 ... Bolt 38a ... Head (engagement part)
38b ... Rod part (rod)
39 ... Nut (another engaging part)
44 ... Control circuit (control unit)
45 ... Reaction device 46 ... Detection drive unit (drive unit)
61 ... Fuel pump 62, 64, 65 ... Valve 63 ... Air pump 92a ... Anode terminal 92b ... Cathode terminal 100, 120 ... Electronic equipment

Claims (30)

A reactor that reacts fuel to produce a product; a fuel cell that produces electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction between the product produced in the reactor and oxygen; and a fuel that is sent to the reactor and air A power generation module integrally provided with a drive unit for sending to the fuel cell and a control unit for controlling the drive unit;
The power generation module is detachably provided, and an electronic device main body that operates by electric energy generated by the fuel cell;
An electronic device comprising:   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the power generation modules are detachably provided on the electronic device main body.   The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device body is detachably provided in the electronic device main body in a state in which the plurality of power generation modules are arranged in parallel.   The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a through-hole penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module.   A through hole penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in each of the plurality of power generation modules, and the plurality of power generation modules are arranged in parallel in a state where the through holes of the plurality of power generation modules are aligned with each other. The power generation module at one end is inserted through the through hole from the power generation module at the other end, and the engaging portion provided at one end of the rod is engaged with the power generation module at one end, The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein another engaging portion provided at the other end of the rod is engaged with the power generation module at the other end.   6. The nut as another engaging portion is screwed into the other end portion of the rod, and the power generation module at the other end is tightened to the power generation module side at one end. Electronic equipment.   The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an anode terminal and a cathode terminal for outputting electric energy generated by the fuel cell are provided on an outer surface of the power generation module.   The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein an electric energy input terminal connected to each of the anode terminal and the cathode terminal is provided in the electronic device body.   2. A fuel flow path penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module, and the fuel flow path communicates with the reaction device via the drive unit. The electronic device as described in any one of 1-8.   The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the driving unit includes a fuel pump that takes in the fuel through the fuel flow path and discharges the taken-in fuel to the reaction device.   The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit controls the fuel pump.   The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the driving unit includes a valve that adjusts a flow rate of fuel sent from the fuel pump to the reactor by the fuel pump.   The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit controls the valve.   The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the reaction device communicates with a fuel electrode of the fuel cell.   15. The exhaust flow path penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module, and the exhaust flow path communicates with a fuel electrode of the fuel cell. The electronic device as described in any one.   An air flow path penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module, and the air flow path communicates with an air electrode of the fuel cell through the drive unit. The electronic device according to any one of claims 9 to 15.   The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the driving unit includes an air pump that takes in air through the air flow path and discharges the taken-in air to an air electrode of the fuel cell.   The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the control unit controls the air pump.   The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the driving unit includes a valve that adjusts a flow rate of air sent from the air pump to a fuel electrode of the fuel cell by the air pump.   The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the control unit controls the valve.   The other exhaust flow path penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the power generation module is provided in the power generation module, and the another exhaust flow path communicates with an air electrode of the fuel cell. The electronic device according to any one of 16 to 20.   A reactor that reacts fuel to produce a product; a fuel cell that produces electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction between the product produced in the reactor and oxygen; and a fuel that is sent to the reactor and air A power generation module main body integrally provided with a drive section to be sent to the fuel cell and a control section for controlling the drive section, and in a state where a plurality of the power generation module main bodies are arranged in parallel, A power generation apparatus comprising: a fuel supply channel that is connectable between a plurality of power generation module main bodies so that the power generation module main body can be supplied to the other power generation module main body through the module main body.   23. The power generation device according to claim 22, wherein a plurality of the fuel supply passages of the power generation module main body penetrate in the parallel direction in a state of being arranged in parallel.   When the power generation module body supplies the fuel from the fuel supply flow path of the power generation module body located at one end in the parallel direction with a plurality of the power generation module bodies arranged in parallel, 24. The power generation device according to claim 22, wherein a lid member that closes the exposed fuel supply flow path of the power generation module main body located at an end can be attached.   The power generator according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein an anode terminal and a cathode terminal for outputting electrical energy generated by the fuel cell are provided on an outer surface of the power generation module main body.   The power generation device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the fuel supply channel of the power generation module main body communicates with the reaction device via the drive unit.   The power generation module main body is configured so that exhaust gas discharged from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell of one power generation module main body can be discharged outside through the other power generation module main body in a state where a plurality of power generation module main bodies are arranged in parallel. 27. The power generation device according to any one of claims 22 to 26, further comprising an exhaust passage that is connectable between a plurality of power generation module bodies.   The power generation module body has an air flow in which a plurality of power generation module bodies are arranged in parallel and the air electrode of the fuel cell of one power generation module body and the air electrode of the fuel cell of the other power generation module body can communicate with each other. The power generation device according to any one of claims 22 to 27, further comprising a path.   The power generation module main body is configured so that exhaust gas discharged from the air electrode of the fuel cell of one power generation module main body can be discharged outside through the other power generation module main body in a state where a plurality of the power generation module main bodies are arranged in parallel. The power generation device according to any one of claims 22 to 28, further comprising an exhaust passage that is connectable between a plurality of power generation module bodies.   The power generation device according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the power generation module main body has an intake hole that communicates with the fuel supply channel and takes in the fuel from the outside.

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