JP2013105632A - Power generation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power generation apparatus requiring only a low installation cost and a small installation area.SOLUTION: A power generation apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a photoelectric conversion layer including a light-receiving surface and a back surface thereof; first and second photoelectric conversion electrodes for outputting the photovoltage of the photoelectric conversion layer; and a plurality of cells provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer. Each of the plurality of cells includes a first cell electrode, a second cell electrode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the first cell electrode and the second cell electrode, a first channel, and a second channel. Each of the plurality of cells can be switched between a function as a fuel cell and a function as a water electrolysis apparatus. The cell can function as a fuel cell by supplying the first cell electrode with a reducing material through the first channel, and supplying the second cell electrode with an oxidizing material through the second channel. The cell can function as a water electrolysis apparatus by supplying the first cell electrode with an electrolytic solution through the first channel, or supplying the second cell electrode with an electrolytic solution through the second channel.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power generator.

  In recent years, the use of renewable energy has been desired from the viewpoint of depletion of fossil fuel resources and the suppression of global warming gas emissions. There are a wide variety of renewable energy sources such as sunlight, hydropower, wind power, geothermal power, tidal power, and biomass. Among them, sunlight has a large amount of available energy, and there are geographical restrictions on other renewable energy sources. Because of the relatively small amount, early development and popularization of technology that can efficiently use energy from sunlight is desired.

  Possible forms of energy generated from sunlight include electrical energy produced using solar cells and solar thermal turbines, thermal energy by collecting solar energy in a heat medium, and other types of sunlight. Examples include storable fuel energy such as liquid fuel and hydrogen by substance reduction. Many solar cell technologies and solar heat utilization technologies have already been put into practical use, but the energy utilization efficiency is still low, and the cost of producing electricity and heat is still high. Technology development is underway. Furthermore, while these forms of electricity and heat can be used to supplement short-term energy fluctuations, it is extremely difficult to supplement long-term fluctuations such as seasonal fluctuations, It is a problem that there is a possibility that the operating rate of the power generation equipment may be reduced due to the increase in power generation.

As a system that complements such energy fluctuations, a power generation system that combines a solar cell, a water electrolysis device, and a fuel cell is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
A reversible cell in which a water electrolysis device and a fuel cell are integrated is known (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-171973 A JP 2010-153218 A

However, since the conventional power generation system is a system in which many devices are combined, there are problems that the installation cost is high and the installation area is widened.
This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and provides the electric power generating apparatus which can make installation cost low and can make an installation area narrow.

  The present invention is provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, first and second photoelectric conversion electrodes for outputting photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer. A plurality of cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells includes a first cell electrode, a second cell electrode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the first cell electrode and the second cell electrode, A plurality of cells, each of which can be switched between a function as a fuel cell and a function as a water electrolysis device, and is reduced to the first cell electrode by the first channel. The cell is made to function as a fuel cell by supplying an oxidative substance to the second cell electrode through the second flow path and supplying the electrolyte to the first cell electrode or the second flow path through the first flow path. Supplying the electrolyte to the second cell electrode by Providing a power generator for causing to function as an electrolytic device.

  According to the present invention, each of the plurality of cells includes a first cell electrode, a second cell electrode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the first cell electrode and the second cell electrode, and a first flow. And a second flow path, wherein the reducing fuel is supplied to the first cell electrode by the first flow path, and the oxidizing substance is supplied to the second cell electrode by the second flow path to fuel the cell. In order to allow the cell to function as a water electrolysis device by functioning as a battery and supplying the electrolyte to the first cell electrode through the first channel or the electrolyte to the second cell electrode through the second channel, Each cell has a switchable function as a fuel cell and a function as a water electrolysis device.

  According to the present invention, the photoelectric conversion layer having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, first and second photoelectric conversion electrodes for outputting photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer, and a plurality of cells, the plurality Each of the cells can be switched between a function as a fuel cell and a function as a water electrolysis device, so that power can be generated by photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion layer, and power can be generated by causing the cell to function as a fuel cell. In addition, the electric energy can be stored as hydrogen gas by causing the cell to function as a water splitting device and generating hydrogen gas. Further, the generated hydrogen gas can be used as fuel for a cell that functions as a fuel cell. Therefore, according to the present invention, energy can be efficiently supplied by using the photoelectric conversion function, the fuel cell function, and the water splitting function according to the situation.

  According to the present invention, since a plurality of cells whose functions can be switched as a fuel cell and a water electrolysis device are provided on the back side of the photoelectric conversion layer, the photoelectric conversion layer, the fuel cell, and the water electrolysis device are installed in the same space. The installation area can be reduced, and the installation cost can be reduced. In addition, the photoelectric conversion layer and the fuel cell power supply can be used in common, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer can be efficiently output to a plurality of cells that function as a water electrolysis device, and the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer can be efficiently stored as hydrogen gas.

It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus in the dotted line AA of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic piping diagram of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic circuit diagram of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the control method of the control part contained in the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the control method of the control part contained in the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the control method of the control part contained in the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention.

The power generation device of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion layer having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, first and second photoelectric conversion electrodes for outputting photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer, and a back surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer. A plurality of cells provided on the solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the first cell electrode, the second cell electrode, and the first cell electrode and the second cell electrode, respectively. And a first flow path and a second flow path, and the plurality of cells can switch a function as a fuel cell and a function as a water electrolysis device, respectively. A reducing substance is supplied to the electrode, and an oxidizing substance is supplied to the second cell electrode through the second flow path, thereby causing the cell to function as a fuel cell. By supplying electrolyte to the second cell electrode through two channels The serial cell, characterized in that to function as a water electrolysis device.
In the present invention, the electrolytic solution is a liquid containing water that is electrolyzed by a voltage applied between the first and second cell electrodes, and is water that does not contain an electrolyte such as pure water or tap water. It may be.

In the power generation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the reducing substance is hydrogen gas, and the oxidizing substance is air or oxygen gas.
According to such a configuration, power can be generated by the cell that functions as a fuel cell using hydrogen gas as fuel.
In the power generation device of the present invention, the plurality of cells control what is circulated in the first and second flow paths when some of the plurality of cells function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device. Therefore, it is preferable that other cells of the plurality of cells are provided so as not to function as either a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device.
According to such a configuration, when some of the plurality of cells function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device, other cells among the plurality of cells can be set in a standby state. For this reason, the cell in the standby state can immediately function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device. For this reason, switching of the function as a fuel cell of multiple cells, the function as a water electrolysis apparatus, etc. can be performed immediately using the cell in a standby state.
In the power generation device of the present invention, when at least two cells included in the plurality of cells function as the fuel cell, the first cell electrode included in one cell included in the at least two cells, It is preferable to connect in series so that the second cell electrode of another one of the at least two cells may be electrically connected.
According to such a configuration, sufficiently large power can be output by the plurality of cells functioning as the fuel cell.
In the power generation device of the present invention, it is preferable that at least two cells included in the plurality of cells are arranged in parallel.
According to such a configuration, the plurality of cells can have a flat shape, and the plurality of flat cells can be arranged on the back side of the photoelectric conversion layer having a large light receiving surface and a large amount of light received. As a result, a photoelectric conversion layer having a sufficiently large power generation amount and a plurality of cells having functions as a fuel cell and a water electrolysis device can be installed in the same space, and the installation area of the power generation device can be reduced. . Moreover, the thickness of the power generation device can be reduced, and for example, it can be installed on a roof or the like.
In the power generation device of the present invention, it is preferable that a cooling water flow path is further provided between the photoelectric conversion layer and the plurality of cells.
According to such a configuration, when a plurality of cells function as a fuel cell, the plurality of cells can be cooled and held within the operating temperature by flowing cooling water through the cooling water flow path. Moreover, when light injects into a photoelectric converting layer, the fall of the photoelectric conversion efficiency by the temperature rise of a photoelectric converting layer can be suppressed by flowing cooling water into the flow path for cooling water. Furthermore, the heat recovered by the cooling water flowing through the cooling water channel can be used as hot water.

The power generation device of the present invention further includes a supply / discharge flow path having a plurality of flow paths that can be switched by the flow path switching unit, and the plurality of flow paths include a reducing substance in the first flow path. A first flow path through which an oxidizing substance is circulated and a second flow path through which an electrolytic solution is circulated in at least one of the first and second flow paths, and the supply / discharge flow path fuels the cell. It is preferable to switch to the first flow path when functioning as a battery, and to switch to the second flow path when functioning as the water electrolysis device.
According to such a structure, what is distribute | circulated to a 1st and 2nd flow path can be switched, and a cell can have a function of both a fuel cell and a water electrolysis apparatus.
In the power generation device of the present invention, it is preferable to further include a control unit, and the control unit sets an input unit for inputting information and a flow path of the supply / discharge channel based on the information input from the input unit It is preferable to include a setting unit that performs the setting, and an output unit that outputs information set by the setting unit to the flow path switching unit.
According to such a configuration, according to such a configuration, it is possible to control what is circulated through the first and second flow paths by the control unit, and to switch between the fuel cell function and the water electrolyzer function of the cell. Can be controlled.

In the power generation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the cell is provided so that water can be electrolyzed using electric power supplied from the photoelectric conversion layer.
According to such a configuration, when the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer exceeds the power demand, the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer can be converted into hydrogen energy, and the light energy can be stored as hydrogen. it can.
In the power generator of the present invention, it is preferable that the cell is provided so that water can be electrolyzed using electric power supplied from an external circuit.
According to such a configuration, hydrogen can be produced using photovoltaic power or nighttime power of other photoelectric conversion devices.

The power generation device of the present invention preferably further includes a circuit switching unit, and the circuit switching unit includes a circuit for supplying generated power of the cell that functions as a fuel cell to an external circuit, and light of the photoelectric conversion layer. A circuit for supplying an electromotive force to an external circuit, a circuit for supplying the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer to the cell that functions as a water electrolysis device, and an electric power from the external circuit functioning as a water electrolysis device It is preferable that at least two of the circuits for supplying to the cell can be switched.
According to such a configuration, depending on the power demand and the power generation amount of the photoelectric conversion layer, the output destination of the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer, the output destination of the generated power of the cell functioning as a fuel cell, by the circuit switching unit, The power supply source supplied to the cell that functions as the water electrolysis device can be switched. Moreover, the function as a fuel cell of a cell and the function as a water electrolysis apparatus can be switched by a circuit switching part.
In the power generation apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable to include a control unit, and the control unit sets an input unit for inputting information and a circuit for switching the circuit switching unit based on the information input from the input unit. And output means for outputting the information set by the setting means to the circuit switching unit.
According to such a configuration, the switching of the circuit of the circuit switching unit can be controlled by the control unit. In addition, switching between the function of the cell as the fuel cell and the function of the water electrolysis device can be controlled by the control unit.

The power generation device of the present invention preferably further includes a sensor unit including a solar radiation meter or an illuminance sensor, and the input means inputs information from the sensor unit.
According to such a configuration, the control unit can control the power generation device based on the input from the sensor unit.
In the power generation apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the input means inputs information from an electric power company, Web information, and solution server information.
According to such a configuration, the control unit can control the power generation device based on information from the electric power company, Web information, and solution server information.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations shown in the drawings and the following description are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings and the following description.

Diagram 1 of the power plant shows a configuration of a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a schematic plan view of the functioning of the plurality of cells as a fuel cell, FIG. 2, the dotted line in FIG. 1, 3 A- It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus in A. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of cells function as a water electrolysis device. FIG. 4 is a schematic piping diagram of the power generator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, FIGS. 5-9 is a schematic sectional drawing of the electric power generating apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention, and respond | corresponds to the schematic sectional drawing of the dotted line AA of FIG.

The power generation device 45 of the present embodiment includes a photoelectric conversion layer 2 having a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof, first and second photoelectric conversion electrodes 4 and 5 for outputting the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2, and photoelectric A plurality of cells 7 provided on the back side of the conversion layer 2, and the plurality of cells 7 are respectively a first cell electrode 9, a second cell electrode 10, a first cell electrode 9, and a second cell electrode. 10, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 sandwiched between 10, a first flow path 13, and a second flow path 14. Each of the plurality of cells 7 functions as a fuel cell and a water electrolysis apparatus. The cell 7 can be used as a fuel cell by supplying a reducing substance to the first cell electrode 9 through the first flow path 13 and supplying an oxidizing substance to the second cell electrode 10 through the second flow path 14. The first flow path 13 causes the first cell electrode 9 to pass the electrolytic solution or the second Cell 7 by supplying the electrolytic solution by the road 14 to the second cell electrode 10, characterized in that to function as a water electrolysis device.
Further, the power generation device 45 of this embodiment may include the light receiving surface substrate 1 on the light receiving surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer 2, and may include the insulating substrate 20 between the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and the plurality of cells 7. In addition, a back substrate 21 provided so as to sandwich the plurality of cells 7 together with the insulating substrate 20 may be provided.
Furthermore, the power generation device 45 of the present embodiment may include a supply / discharge channel 37 for supplying / discharging the flow through the first channel 13 and the second channel 14, and the like. 32 and sensor unit 33 may be provided.
Hereinafter, the power generation device 45 of the present embodiment will be described.

1. Light Receiving Surface Substrate The light receiving surface substrate 1 may be included in the power generation device 45. Further, the photoelectric conversion layer 2 may be provided on the light receiving surface substrate 1 such that the light receiving surface is on the light receiving surface substrate 1 side. In addition, when the photoelectric converting layer 2 consists of semiconductor substrates etc. and has fixed intensity | strength, the light-receiving surface board | substrate 1 can be abbreviate | omitted. When the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be formed on a flexible material such as a resin film, the light receiving surface substrate 1 can be omitted.

Moreover, since light is received by the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 2, the light receiving surface substrate 1 is preferably transparent and has high light transmittance. However, a structure capable of efficiently entering light into the photoelectric conversion layer 2. If it is, there is no restriction | limiting in the light transmittance.
As a substrate material having a high light transmittance, for example, a transparent rigid material such as soda glass, quartz glass, Pyrex (registered trademark), or a synthetic quartz plate, or a transparent resin plate or film material is preferably used. In view of chemical and physical stability, it is preferable to use a glass substrate.
On the surface of the light-receiving surface substrate 1 on the photoelectric conversion layer 2 side, a fine uneven structure can be formed so that incident light is effectively irregularly reflected on the surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 2. This fine concavo-convex structure can be formed by a known method such as reactive ion etching (RIE) treatment or blast treatment.

2. Photoelectric Conversion Layer, First and Second Photoelectric Conversion Electrode The photoelectric conversion layer 2 is a portion where a photovoltaic force is generated by receiving light, and has a light receiving surface and a back surface thereof. The first and second photoelectric conversion electrodes 4 and 5 are electrodes for outputting the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2.
In addition, the example of the photoelectric converting layer 2 shown below can be freely combined with the example of the some cell shown later, respectively.
For example, the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is formed between the light receiving surface and the back surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 like the photoelectric conversion layer 2 included in the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6, 8, and 9. Electric power may be generated, and light is generated between the first area and the second area on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 like the photoelectric conversion layer 2 included in the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7. An electromotive force may be generated. Further, the power generation device 45 may include a plurality of photoelectric conversion layers 2 as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, and the plurality of photoelectric conversion layers 2 may be arranged in parallel and connected in series.
First, the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and the like in which a photovoltaic force is generated between the light receiving surface and the back surface will be described.

2-1. Photoelectric conversion layer 2-1-1 in which a photovoltaic force is generated between the light receiving surface and the back surface. First Photoelectric Conversion Electrode The first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 can be provided on the light receiving surface substrate 1 and can be provided so as to be in contact with the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 2. Further, the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 may have translucency. Further, the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 may be directly provided on the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 when the light receiving surface substrate 1 can be omitted.
The first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 may be made of a transparent conductive film such as ITO or SnO ₂ or may be made of a metal finger electrode such as Ag or Au.
The case where the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 is a transparent conductive film will be described below.
As the transparent conductive film, those generally used as a transparent electrode can be used. Specifically, In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, SnO _{2 and the} like can be given. The transparent conductive film preferably has a sunlight transmittance of 85% or more, particularly 90% or more, and particularly 92% or more. This is because the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can absorb light efficiently.
As a method for producing the transparent conductive film, a known method can be used, and examples thereof include sputtering, vacuum deposition, sol-gel method, cluster beam deposition method, and PLD (Pulse Laser Deposition) method.

2-1-2. Photoelectric Conversion Layer The photoelectric conversion layer 2 has a light receiving surface and its back surface, and a plurality of cells 7 are provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer 2. The light receiving surface is a surface that receives light for photoelectric conversion, and the back surface is the back surface of the light receiving surface. The photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be provided on the light receiving surface substrate 1 on which the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 is provided with the light receiving surface facing down.
Although the shape of the photoelectric converting layer 2 is not specifically limited, For example, it can be made into a square shape.
The photoelectric conversion layer 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can separate charges by incident light and generates an electromotive force. For example, a photoelectric conversion layer using a silicon-based semiconductor or a photoelectric conversion layer using a compound semiconductor And a photoelectric conversion layer using a dye sensitizer and a photoelectric conversion layer using an organic thin film.

  When the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is output to a plurality of cells 7 that function as a water electrolysis device to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, the photoelectric conversion layer 2 receives light in the plurality of cells 7. It is necessary to use a material that generates an electromotive force necessary for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. In order to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in the plurality of cells 7, it is necessary to make the voltage output to the plurality of cells larger than the theoretical voltage (1.23V) for water splitting. 2 needs to generate a sufficiently large potential difference. Therefore, it is preferable that the photoelectric conversion layer 2 connects two or more junctions in series such as a pn junction to generate an electromotive force. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, a plurality of photoelectric conversion layers 2 may be connected in series to increase the voltage output to the plurality of cells.

  Examples of the material that performs photoelectric conversion include silicon-based semiconductors, compound semiconductors, and materials based on organic materials, and any photoelectric conversion material can be used. In order to increase the electromotive force, these photoelectric conversion materials can be stacked. In the case of stacking, it is possible to form a multi-junction structure with the same material, but stacking multiple photoelectric conversion layers with different optical band gaps and complementing the low sensitivity wavelength region of each photoelectric conversion layer mutually By doing so, incident light can be efficiently absorbed over a wide wavelength region. The plurality of photoelectric conversion layers preferably have different band gaps. According to such a configuration, the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be further increased.

Moreover, it is possible to interpose a conductor such as a transparent conductive film between the layers in order to improve the serial connection characteristics between the photoelectric conversion layers and match the photocurrent generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 2. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress deterioration of the photoelectric conversion layer.
An example of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 will be specifically described below. The photoelectric conversion layer 2 may be a combination of these.

2-1-3. Photoelectric conversion layer using a silicon-based semiconductor Examples of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 using a silicon-based semiconductor include a single crystal type, a polycrystalline type, an amorphous type, a spherical silicon type, and a combination thereof. Any of them can have a pn junction in which a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor are joined. Further, a pin junction in which an i-type semiconductor is provided between a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor may be provided. Further, it may have a plurality of pn junctions, a plurality of pin junctions, or a pn junction and a pin junction.
The silicon-based semiconductor is a semiconductor containing silicon, such as silicon, silicon carbide, or silicon germanium. In addition, silicon or the like in which n-type impurities or p-type impurities are added is included, and crystalline, amorphous, or microcrystalline silicon is also included.
The photoelectric conversion layer 2 using a silicon-based semiconductor may be a thin film or a thick film photoelectric conversion layer formed on the light-receiving surface substrate 1, and a pn junction or pin is attached to a wafer such as a silicon wafer. A junction may be formed, or a thin film photoelectric conversion layer may be formed on a wafer on which a pn junction or a pin junction is formed.

An example of forming the photoelectric conversion layer 2 using a silicon-based semiconductor is shown below.
A first conductivity type semiconductor layer is formed on the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 laminated on the light receiving surface substrate 1 by a method such as plasma CVD. As the first conductive type semiconductor layer, a p ⁺ type or n ⁺ type amorphous Si thin film doped with a conductivity type determining impurity atom concentration of about 1 × 10 ^{18 to} 5 × 10 ²¹ / cm ³ , or many A crystalline or microcrystalline Si thin film is used. The material of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer is not limited to Si, and it is also possible to use a compound such as SiC, SiGe, or Si _x O _1-x .

On the first conductivity type semiconductor layer thus formed, a polycrystalline or microcrystalline crystalline Si thin film is formed as a crystalline Si photoactive layer by a method such as plasma CVD. The conductivity type is the first conductivity type having a lower doping concentration than the first conductivity type semiconductor, or the i conductivity type. The material for the crystalline Si-based photoactive layer is not limited to Si, and it is also possible to use a compound such as SiC, SiGe, or Si _x O _1-x .

Next, in order to form a semiconductor junction on the crystalline Si-based photoactive layer, a second conductivity type semiconductor layer having a conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type semiconductor layer is formed by a method such as plasma CVD. As the second conductive type semiconductor layer, an n ⁺ type or p ⁺ type amorphous Si thin film doped with about 1 × 10 ^{18 to} 5 × 10 ²¹ / cm ³ of a conductivity type determining impurity atom, or polycrystalline Alternatively, a microcrystalline Si thin film is used. The material of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer is not limited to Si, and it is also possible to use a compound such as SiC, SiGe, or Si _x O _1-x . In order to further improve the bonding characteristics, it is possible to insert a substantially i-type non-single-crystal Si-based thin film between the crystalline Si-based photoactive layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer. In this manner, one photoelectric conversion layer closest to the light receiving surface can be stacked.

  Subsequently, a second photoelectric conversion layer is formed. The second photoelectric conversion layer is composed of a first conductivity type semiconductor layer, a crystalline Si-based photoactive layer, and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer, each layer corresponding to the first photoelectric conversion layer. The first conductive type semiconductor layer, the crystalline Si-based photoactive layer, and the second conductive type semiconductor layer are formed. When a potential sufficient for water splitting cannot be obtained with a two-layer tandem, it is preferable to take a three-layer structure or more. However, the volume crystallization fraction of the crystalline Si photoactive layer of the second photoelectric conversion layer is preferably higher than that of the first crystalline Si photoactive layer. Similarly, when three or more layers are laminated, it is preferable to increase the volume crystallization fraction as compared with the lower layer. This increases the absorption in the long wavelength region, shifts the spectral sensitivity to the long wavelength side, and can improve the sensitivity in a wide wavelength region even when the photoactive layer is configured using the same Si material. It is because it becomes. That is, by using a tandem structure with Si having different crystallization rates, the spectral sensitivity is widened, and light can be used with high efficiency. At this time, if the low crystallization rate material is not on the light receiving surface side, high efficiency cannot be achieved. Further, when the crystallization rate is lowered to 40% or less, the amorphous component increases and deterioration occurs.

2-1-4. Photoelectric Conversion Layer Using Compound Semiconductor A photoelectric conversion layer using a compound semiconductor is, for example, GaP, GaAs, InP, InAs, or IId-VI group elements composed of III-V group elements, CdTe / CdS, Examples thereof include those in which a pn junction is formed using CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide) composed of a group I-III-VI.

An example of a method for producing a photoelectric conversion layer using a compound semiconductor is shown below. In this production method, all film-forming processes are continuously performed using a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) apparatus. Done. As a group III element material, for example, an organic metal such as trimethylgallium, trimethylaluminum, or trimethylindium is supplied to the growth apparatus using hydrogen gas as a carrier gas. For example, a gas such as arsine (AsH ₃ ), phosphine (PH ₃ ), and stibine (SbH ₃ ) is used as the material of the group V element. As a dopant of p-type impurities or n-type impurities, for example, diethyl zinc for p-type conversion, monosilane (SiH ₄ ), disilane (Si ₂ H ₆ ), hydrogen selenide (H ₂ Se) for n-type conversion. Etc. are used. These source gases can be thermally decomposed by supplying them onto a substrate heated to, for example, 700 ° C., and a desired compound semiconductor material film can be epitaxially grown. The composition of these growth layers can be controlled by the gas composition to be introduced, and the film thickness can be controlled by the gas introduction time. When multi-junction stacking of these photoelectric conversion layers, it is possible to form a growth layer with excellent crystallinity by adjusting the lattice constant between the layers as much as possible, and to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency. Become.

  In addition to the portion where the pn junction is formed, for example, a known window layer on the light receiving surface side or a known electric field layer on the non-light receiving surface side may be provided to improve carrier collection efficiency. Further, a buffer layer for preventing diffusion of impurities may be provided.

2-1-5. Photoelectric Conversion Layer Using Dye Sensitizer A photoelectric conversion layer using a dye sensitizer is mainly composed of, for example, a porous semiconductor, a dye sensitizer, an electrolyte, a solvent, and the like.
As a material constituting the porous semiconductor, for example, one or more kinds of known semiconductors such as titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, zinc oxide, barium titanate, strontium titanate, cadmium sulfide can be selected. As a method for forming a porous semiconductor on a substrate, a paste containing semiconductor particles is applied by a screen printing method, an ink jet method and the like, dried or baked, a method of forming a film by a CVD method using a raw material gas, etc. , PVD method, vapor deposition method, sputtering method, sol-gel method, method using electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction, and the like.

  As the dye sensitizer adsorbed on the porous semiconductor, various dyes having absorption in the visible light region and the infrared light region can be used. Here, in order to firmly adsorb the dye to the porous semiconductor, the carboxylic acid group, carboxylic anhydride group, alkoxy group, sulfonic acid group, hydroxyl group, hydroxylalkyl group, ester group, mercapto group, phosphonyl in the dye molecule It is preferable that a group or the like is present. These functional groups provide an electrical bond that facilitates electron transfer between the excited state dye and the conduction band of the porous semiconductor.

  Examples of dyes containing these functional groups include ruthenium bipyridine dyes, quinone dyes, quinone imine dyes, azo dyes, quinacridone dyes, squarylium dyes, cyanine dyes, merocyanine dyes, and triphenylmethane dyes. Xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, berylene dyes, indigo dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, and the like.

  Examples of the method for adsorbing the dye to the porous semiconductor include a method in which the porous semiconductor is immersed in a solution in which the dye is dissolved (dye adsorption solution). The solvent used in the dye adsorption solution is not particularly limited as long as it dissolves the dye, and specifically, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, ketones such as acetone, ethers such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran. Nitrogen compounds such as acetonitrile, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, esters such as ethyl acetate, water, and the like.

The electrolyte is composed of a redox pair and a solid medium such as a liquid or polymer gel holding the redox pair.
In general, iron- and cobalt-based metals and halogen substances such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine are preferably used as the redox pair, and metal iodides such as lithium iodide, sodium iodide, and potassium iodide and iodine are used. The combination of is preferably used. Furthermore, imidazole salts such as dimethylpropylimidazole iodide can also be mixed.

  As the solvent, carbonate compounds such as propylene carbonate, nitrile compounds such as acetonitrile, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, water, aprotic polar substances, and the like are used. Of these, carbonate compounds and nitrile compounds are preferred. Used.

2-1-6. Photoelectric conversion layer using organic thin film Photoelectric conversion layer 2 using an organic thin film is an electron hole transport layer composed of an organic semiconductor material having electron donating properties and electron accepting properties, or an electron transport layer having electron accepting properties. And a hole transport layer having an electron donating property may be laminated.
The electron-donating organic semiconductor material is not particularly limited as long as it has a function as an electron donor, but it is preferable that a film can be formed by a coating method, and among them, an electron-donating conductive polymer is preferably used. The

  Here, the conductive polymer means a π-conjugated polymer, which is composed of a π-conjugated system in which double bonds or triple bonds containing carbon-carbon or hetero atoms are alternately linked to single bonds, and exhibits semiconducting properties. Point.

  Examples of the electron-donating conductive polymer material include polyphenylene, polyphenylene vinylene, polythiophene, polycarbazole, polyvinyl carbazole, polysilane, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polyfluorene, polyvinyl pyrene, polyvinyl anthracene, and derivatives, Examples thereof include a polymer, a phthalocyanine-containing polymer, a carbazole-containing polymer, and an organometallic polymer. Among these, thiophene-fluorene copolymer, polyalkylthiophene, phenyleneethynylene-phenylene vinylene copolymer, fluorene-phenylene vinylene copolymer, thiophene-phenylene vinylene copolymer, and the like are preferably used.

The electron-accepting organic semiconductor material is not particularly limited as long as it has a function as an electron acceptor. However, it is preferable that a film can be formed by a coating method, and among them, an electron-donating conductive polymer is preferably used. The
Examples of the electron-accepting conductive polymer include polyphenylene vinylene, polyfluorene, and derivatives and copolymers thereof, or carbon nanotubes, fullerene and derivatives thereof, CN group or CF ₃ group-containing polymers, and -CF thereof. Examples thereof include _3- substituted polymers.

In addition, an electron-accepting organic semiconductor material doped with an electron-donating compound, an electron-donating organic semiconductor material doped with an electron-accepting compound, or the like can be used. Examples of the electron-accepting conductive polymer material doped with the electron-donating compound include the above-described electron-accepting conductive polymer material. As the electron-donating compound to be doped, for example, a Lewis base such as an alkali metal such as Li, K, Ca, or Cs or an alkaline earth metal can be used. The Lewis base acts as an electron donor. Examples of the electron-donating conductive polymer material doped with the electron-accepting compound include the above-described electron-donating conductive polymer material. As the electron-accepting compound to be doped, for example, a Lewis acid such as FeCl ₃ , AlCl ₃ , AlBr ₃ , AsF ₆ or a halogen compound can be used. In addition, Lewis acid acts as an electron acceptor.

2-1-7. Second Photoelectric Conversion Electrode The second photoelectric conversion electrode 5 can be provided on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 2.
Although it will not specifically limit if the electrode 5 for 2nd photoelectric conversion has electroconductivity, For example, it is a metal thin film, for example, is thin films, such as Al, Ag, Au. These can be formed by, for example, sputtering. Further, for example, a transparent conductive film such as In—Zn—O (IZO), In—Sn—O (ITO), ZnO—Al, Zn—Sn—O, and SnO ₂ is used.

2-2. Photoelectric conversion layer in which a photovoltaic force is generated between the first area and the second area on the back surface The photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be provided on the light-receiving surface substrate 1 with the light-receiving surface facing downward. It can be provided so that a photovoltaic force is generated between the first area and the second area on the back surface of the substrate. For example, the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be manufactured by providing the p-type semiconductor part 51 and the n-type semiconductor part 52 on the semiconductor substrate. In this case, one of the first area and the second area can be a back surface facing the p-type semiconductor unit 51, and the other can be a back surface facing the n-type semiconductor unit 52.
In this case, the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 can be provided on one of the first area and the second area, and the second photoelectric conversion electrode 5 can be provided on the other.

Here, an example of forming the photoelectric conversion layer 2 using a silicon substrate is shown below.
As the silicon substrate, a single crystal silicon substrate, a polycrystalline silicon substrate, or the like can be used, and may be p-type, n-type, or i-type. An n-type semiconductor portion 52 is formed by doping an n-type impurity such as P into a part of this silicon substrate by thermal diffusion or ion implantation, and a p-type impurity such as B is heated on the other part of the silicon substrate. The p-type semiconductor portion 51 can be formed by doping by diffusion or ion implantation. Thus, pn junction in the silicon substrate, pin junction can be formed and npp ⁺ junction or pnn ⁺ junction, it is possible to form a photoelectric conversion layer 2.

Each of the n-type semiconductor unit 52 and the p-type semiconductor unit 51 can form one region on the silicon substrate as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, and either of the n-type semiconductor unit 52 and the p-type semiconductor unit 51 can be formed. A plurality of these can be formed. Alternatively, the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be formed by arranging and arranging silicon substrates on which the n-type semiconductor portion 52 and the p-type semiconductor portion 51 are formed and connecting them in series by the conductive portion 55 as shown in FIG.
Note that, although described with reference to a silicon substrate, pn junction, pin junction, may use other semiconductor substrate or the like can be formed npp ⁺ junction or pnn ⁺ junction. In addition, as long as the n-type semiconductor portion 52 and the p-type semiconductor portion 51 can be formed, the semiconductor layer is not limited to the semiconductor substrate, and may be a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate.

3. Insulating substrate, flow path for cooling water The insulating substrate 20 prevents leakage current from flowing between the photoelectric conversion layer 2, the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 or the second photoelectric conversion electrode 5, and the plurality of cells 7. Can be provided. Further, when the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and the plurality of cells 7 are separately manufactured and combined, the plurality of cells 7 can be manufactured on the insulating substrate 20.

Further, a cooling water channel 47 may be provided between the plurality of cells 7 and the photoelectric conversion layer 2, the first photoelectric conversion electrode 4 or the second photoelectric conversion electrode 5 instead of the insulating substrate 20. The cooling water channel 47 may be formed by forming the cooling water channel 47 in the channel member 48 as shown in FIG. The channel member 48 may be tubular or plate-shaped. When the flow path member 48 has conductivity, the surface thereof may be coated with an insulating layer or may be sandwiched between the insulating substrates 20.
When a plurality of cells function as a fuel cell, the cooling water is circulated through the cooling water flow passage 47 so that the heat generated by the plurality of cells 7 can be absorbed by the cooling water. The operating temperature of the fuel cell can be maintained. Moreover, the cooling water which absorbed the heat_generation | fever of the some cell 7 can be utilized as warm water. As a result, the energy utilization efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved.

Further, when a plurality of cells function as a water electrolysis device or when a plurality of cells are not operated and the photoelectric conversion layer 2 receives light and a photovoltaic power is generated, a cooling water flow path 47 is provided. By allowing the cooling water to flow through the cooling water, the cooling water can absorb heat generated by the photoelectric conversion layer 2 receiving light. By this, the temperature rise of the photoelectric converting layer 2 can be suppressed, and it can suppress that the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the photoelectric converting layer 2 falls. Moreover, the cooling water which absorbed the heat | fever of the photoelectric converting layer 2 can be utilized as warm water. As a result, the energy utilization efficiency of light can be improved.
The cooling water channel 47 may be provided so that the flow of the cooling water is controlled by the control unit 32. The sensor unit 33 may include a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the cooling water channel 47.
Further, the cooling water flow path 47 may be connected to a flow path for flowing the cooling water formed in the separator 25.

4). The cell 7 includes a first cell electrode 9, a second cell electrode 10, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 sandwiched between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10, a first flow path 13, And a second flow path 14. Each of the plurality of cells 7 has a function as a fuel cell and a function as a water electrolysis device that can be switched.
The first channel 13 may be provided so as to sandwich the first cell electrode 9 together with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8, and the second channel 14 may sandwich the second cell electrode 10 together with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8. May be provided.
The cell 7 can also have a current collector 24.
The power generation device 45 can have a plurality of cells 7. The plurality of cells 7 may be connected in series.
Furthermore, the cell 7 may be formed like the cell 7 included in the power generation device 45 shown in FIGS. Moreover, such a cell 7 can be combined with the photoelectric conversion layer 2 contained in the electric power generating apparatus 45 shown to FIG. 2, 5-7, respectively.
2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 include five cells 7, and the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes six cells 7, but includes the power generation device 45. The number of cells is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 2 or more and 100 or less, and 5 or more and 50 or less. The number of cells can be determined according to the amount of power generated when the cells 7 function as fuel cells.

Each cell included in the power generation device 45 may have an elongated shape, and may be arranged in parallel. For example, the cell 7 having the cross section shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 to 9 can have such a shape that extends from end to end of the light receiving surface substrate on the back surface side of the light receiving surface substrate 1 shown in FIG. Moreover, by arranging such cells 7 in parallel, a plurality of cells can be made flat. Thus, the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and the plurality of cells 7 can be installed in the same space, the installation range can be narrowed, and the components can be made common.
Further, the power generation device 45 may have a structure in which a stacked body in which a plurality of cells 7 are stacked (cell stacked body) is arranged in parallel and the stacked bodies are electrically connected in series. As a result, the output of the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 and functioning as a fuel cell can be increased. For example, in the power generation device 45 shown in FIG. 6, two cells 7 are stacked to form a cell stack, three cell stacks are arranged in parallel, and the cell stacks are connected in series. The number of cells 7 included in the cell stack is not particularly limited, and may be 2 to 20, for example. In addition, the function as a fuel cell and a standby state described later may be controlled for each cell stack, and the function as a water electrolysis device and a standby state described later may be controlled for each cell stack.
A method for electrically connecting cells 7 or cell stacks arranged in parallel to each other in series is not particularly limited. For example, a connection plate on the light-receiving surface side of one cell 7 or cell stack and another cell 7 or cell There is a method of electrically connecting the connection plate on the back surface side of the laminate with a metal connector.
Further, the power generation device 45 circulates a heater for raising the temperature of the plurality of cells 7 to an operating temperature and a cooling water for absorbing heat generated by the plurality of cells 7 in order to cause the plurality of cells 7 to function as fuel cells. A flow path may be provided.

4-1. Solid polymer electrolyte membrane, first cell electrode, second cell electrode, current collector (diffusion layer)
The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 exhibits ionic conductivity in a wet state. Further, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 may be one in which the main ion conductive species is H ^+, and the main ion conductive species may be OH ⁻ . The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 is preferably one in which the main ion conductive species is H ⁺ . This is because H ⁺ can be conducted between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 when the power generation device 45 functions as a water electrolysis device.
The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 can constitute a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) together with the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10. The MEA can have current collectors 24 on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8, the first cell electrode 9, and the second cell electrode 10. For example, the MEA is formed like the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8, the first cell electrode 9, the second cell electrode 10, and the current collector 24 included in the power generation device 45 shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 8. Can do.
Further, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 is provided outside the tubular first cell electrode 9 as shown in FIG. 7, for example, and the second cell electrode 10 is provided so as to cover the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8. It may have a structure. Further, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 may have a structure sandwiched between an L-shaped first cell electrode 9 and a second cell electrode 10 as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

  When the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 is supplied with a reducing substance to the first cell electrode 9 and an oxidizing substance is supplied to the second cell electrode 10 and the ionic conductive species conducts through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8, the photoelectric conversion layer The ion conductive species can be provided so as to conduct the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the two light receiving surfaces. Further, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 and the photoelectric conversion layer 2 included in the plurality of cells 7 can be provided so as to be substantially parallel. Thereby, the ion conduction path between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 can be increased. Furthermore, this makes it possible to generate high-efficiency power by the plurality of cells 7 that function as fuel cells.

  As the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8, for example, an electrolyte membrane containing a perfluorosulfonic acid group polymer can be used. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 may be composed of a porous membrane having ion exchange groups on the surface. Preferable examples of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 include, for example, perfluorosulfonic acid, perfluorocarboxylic acid, styrene vinylbenzene, and quaternary ammonium (anion exchange membrane).

Each of the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 can have a conductive carrier, and an electrode catalyst and an ion exchange resin supported on the surface of the conductive carrier. Thereby, the electrode reaction of a fuel cell or water electrolysis can be advanced on the electrode catalyst surface. Examples of the electrode catalyst include fine particles made of platinum, iron, cobalt, nickel, palladium, silver, ruthenium, iridium, molybdenum, manganese, a metal compound thereof, and an alloy containing two or more of these metals. This alloy is preferably an alloy containing at least two of platinum, iron, cobalt and nickel. For example, platinum-iron alloy, platinum-cobalt alloy, iron-cobalt alloy, cobalt-nickel alloy, iron-nickel alloy And iron-cobalt-nickel alloy.
Examples of the conductive carrier include carbon black such as acetylene black, furnace black, channel black, and ketjen black, and conductive carbon particles such as graphite and activated carbon. In addition, carbon fibers such as vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF), carbon nanotube, carbon nanowire, and the like can be used.

  The current collector 24 can be, for example, a conductive porous layer. Specifically, for example, carbon paper, carbon cloth, an epoxy resin film containing carbon particles, or a porous metal can be used. Can do. The porous metal can be a foam or sintered body of metal or alloy, or a fiber nonwoven fabric. The current collector 24 may carry a water electrolysis catalyst. When the power generation device 45 has the structure as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the portions of the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 other than the portion close to the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 are current collectors. 24 may be sufficient.

When the cell 7 functions as a fuel cell, the first cell electrode 9 becomes a fuel electrode, and the second cell electrode 10 becomes an air electrode. The cell 7 is heated to the operating temperature of the fuel cell, the reducing substance is supplied to the first cell electrode 9, and the oxidizing substance is supplied to the second cell electrode 10, whereby the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell are supplied. An electromotive force can be generated between the electrodes 10. The reducing substance is, for example, hydrogen gas or vaporized methanol, and the oxidizing substance is, for example, air or oxygen gas. Note that some of the cells 7 may function as a fuel cell.
When the cell 7 is caused to function as a water electrolysis device, the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 are respectively water electrolysis electrodes. When an electrolyte is supplied to the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 and a voltage is applied between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10, the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode On the other hand, water can be electrolyzed to generate hydrogen gas, and on the other hand, water can be electrolyzed to generate oxygen gas. At this time, an imbalance in proton concentration occurs between the electrolyte solution in the vicinity of the first cell electrode 9 and the electrolyte solution in the vicinity of the second cell electrode 10, but protons are conducted through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8. Proton concentration imbalance can be eliminated. It should be noted that some of the cells 7 can function as a water electrolysis device.

When some of the plurality of cells 7 function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device, the other cells 7 of the plurality of cells 7 do not function as either a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device (standby state) It can be. Such a standby cell can immediately function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device. For this reason, switching of the function as a fuel cell of multiple cells, the function as a water electrolysis apparatus, etc. can be performed immediately using the cell in a standby state.
Further, the basic state of the cell 7 in the standby state is a state in which the electrolyte solution and the like are discharged in a state where nothing flows through the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14.
However, when there is a high possibility that the cell 7 in the standby state functions as a water electrolysis device, the electrolytic solution may be circulated through the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 in advance. As a result, the cell 7 can be immediately switched from the standby state to a state functioning as a water electrolysis device.
Further, when the cell 7 in the standby state is highly likely to function as a fuel cell, the cell 7 may be heated to a predetermined temperature below the operating temperature in advance. As a result, the cell can be immediately heated to the operating temperature of the fuel cell, and the cell can be switched from a standby state to a state that functions as a fuel cell.

4-2. 1st and 2nd flow path, separator, connecting plate The 1st flow path 13 can be provided so that the 1st cell electrode 9 may be pinched | interposed with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8, and the 2nd flow path 14 is a solid polymer. The second cell electrode 10 may be sandwiched with the electrolyte membrane 8.
The first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 may be formed by providing grooves in the two connection plates 26 that sandwich the MEA, for example, as in the power generation device 45 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. .
The first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 are, for example, the first flow path 13 between MEAs included in two adjacent cells 7 as in the power generation device 45 shown in FIGS. Alternatively, the second channel 14 may be formed by providing a separator 25 having a groove formed therein and a connection plate 26 having a channel formed therein.
In these cases, when the separator 25 has conductivity, the first cell electrode 9 included in one of the two adjacent cells can be electrically connected to the second cell electrode 10 included in the other. . In addition, the connection plate 26 has conductivity, and one of the two cells arranged in parallel or the two cell stacks arranged in parallel or the connection plate 26 on the light receiving surface side of the cell stack. Further, the conductive plate 55 can be electrically connected to the connection plate 26 on the back surface side of the other cell or cell stack. Thereby, the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 can be connected in series.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first cell electrode 9 is tubular, the inside of the first cell electrode is the first flow path 13, and the second cell electrode 10 provided outside the tubular first cell electrode 9. The outside of the second channel 14 can be used. Further, the second flow paths 14 of the two adjacent cells 7 can be separated by the separator 25. In such a case, the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 are connected in series by electrically connecting the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 included in the adjacent cell 7 by the conductive portion 55. can do.
In the structure shown in FIG. 7, the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 may be reversed. In this case, the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 are also reversed.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 may be L-shaped, and a separator 25 may be provided between two adjacent cells 7. In such a case, by making the separator 25 conductive, the first cell electrode 9 included in one of the two adjacent cells can be electrically connected to the second cell electrode 10 included in the other. it can. Thereby, the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 can be connected in series.

When the cell 7 functions as a fuel cell, the first flow path 13 becomes the fuel flow path 16 and the reducing substance is supplied to the first cell electrode 9, and the second flow path 14 becomes the air flow path 17 and the second cell electrode 10. Supply oxidizing substances to
When the cell 7 is to function as a water electrolysis device, at least one of the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 becomes an electrolyte flow path 34, and the electrolyte is applied to the first cell electrode 9 or the second cell electrode 10. Supply.
When only one of the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 becomes the electrolyte flow path, for example, the first flow path 13 becomes the electrolyte flow path and the main ionic conductive species of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is H. ^In the case of ⁺ , a voltage is applied between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 so that oxygen gas is generated at the first cell electrode 9 and hydrogen gas is generated at the second cell electrode 10. . In such a case, in the first cell electrode 9 supplied with the electrolytic solution from the first flow path 13, water is electrolyzed and oxygen gas is generated. H ⁺ generated by this conducts through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 and becomes hydrogen gas at the second cell electrode 10.
Main ionic conductivity type of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane first flow passage 13 is an electrolytic solution passage is OH ^- if it is, hydrogen gas is generated in the first cell electrode 9, the oxygen gas in the second cell electrode 10 A voltage is applied between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 so as to occur. In such a case, in the first cell electrode 9 supplied with the electrolytic solution from the first flow path 13, water is electrolyzed and hydrogen gas is generated. The generated OH ⁻ is conducted through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 and becomes oxygen gas at the second cell electrode 10.
Further, when the cell 7 does not function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device (when the cell 7 is in a standby state), light is incident on the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and a photovoltaic force is generated. The first flow path and the second flow path may be flow paths through which cooling water flows. Accordingly, the cooling water flowing through the first and second flow paths 13 and 14 can absorb heat generated by the photoelectric conversion layer 2 receiving light, and the decrease in the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is suppressed. Can do. Moreover, this cooling water can also be utilized as warm water. Thereby, the utilization efficiency of the energy of the light incident on the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be increased.

5. Supply / Discharge Channel The supply / discharge channel 37 has a plurality of distribution channels that can be switched by the channel switching unit 43. The plurality of distribution paths are included in the cell 7, a first distribution path that distributes the reducing substance in the first flow path 13 included in the cell 7 and distributes the oxidizing substance in the second flow path included in the cell 7. And a second flow path through which the electrolytic solution flows in at least one of the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14. The supply / discharge flow path 37 can be switched to the first flow path when the cell 7 functions as a fuel cell, and can be switched to the second flow path when the cell 7 functions as a water electrolysis device.

  When the supply / discharge flow path 37 is used as the first flow path and the cell 7 functions as a fuel cell, the supply / discharge flow path 37 is the first flow path for all the cells 7 of the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45. Alternatively, the reducing substance may be circulated through 13 and the oxidizing substance may be circulated through the second flow path 14 so that all the cells 7 function as fuel cells. In addition, the supply / discharge flow path 37 is configured to distribute a reducing substance in the first flow path 13 and an oxidizing substance in the second flow path 14 for some of the cells 7 included in the power generation device 45. You may make it distribute | circulate and may function a part cell as a fuel cell. In this case, the cell 7 that does not circulate the reducing substance or the like can be the standby cell 7.

  When the supply / discharge flow path 37 is used as the second flow path and the cell 7 functions as a water electrolysis device, the supply / discharge flow path 37 is the first flow for all the cells 7 of the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45. An electrolytic solution may be circulated through one of the path 13 and the second flow path 14 so that all the cells 7 function as a water electrolysis apparatus. In addition, the supply / discharge flow path 37 allows the electrolytic solution to flow through one of the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 for some of the cells 7 included in the power generation device 45. Thus, some cells may function as a water electrolysis device. In this case, the cell 7 that does not allow the electrolytic solution or the like to circulate can be a standby cell 7.

The channel switching unit 43 is, for example, a valve provided in the supply / discharge channel 37. For example, valves 1 to 12 (V1 to 12), valves 21 to 32 (V21 to 32), and valves 41 to 48 (V41 to V48) included in the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIG.
When all the cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 function as fuel cells, the supply / discharge flow path 37 is, for example, a distribution path such as the supply / discharge flow path 37 included in the power generation apparatus 45 shown in FIG. Can have.
Here, the case where the reducing substance is hydrogen gas and the oxidizing substance is oxygen gas in the supply / discharge channel 37 as shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
Hydrogen gas is supplied from the fuel supply unit 31, and air is supplied from the air compressor 30. The fuel supply unit 31 may be a hydrogen cylinder, a hydrogen storage 39 that stores hydrogen produced by the cell 7, or a part that reforms methanol, gasoline, or city gas to generate hydrogen gas. Further, instead of the air compressor 30, an oxygen reservoir 40 that stores oxygen produced by the cell 7 may be provided.

The hydrogen gas supplied from the fuel supply unit 31 flows through the fuel flow path 16 (supply / discharge amount flow path 37), and is mixed with the hydrogen gas flowing through the first flow path 13 in the mixer 29. The mixed gas is humidified by the humidifier 28 and then flows through each first flow path 13, and is supplied to the first cell electrode 9 in the first flow path 13 and used as fuel for the fuel cell. Hydrogen gas that has not been used in the first flow path 13 is discharged from the first flow path 13, then flows through the fuel flow path 16 (supply / discharge amount flow path 37), and is supplied from the fuel supply unit 31 in the mixer 29. Mixed with hydrogen gas.
The air supplied from the air compressor 30 flows through the air flow path 17 (supply / discharge amount flow path 37), is humidified by the humidifier 28, and then flows through the second flow path 14. Air is supplied to the second cell electrode 10 through the second flow path 14 and used as an oxidant gas for the fuel cell. The air that has flowed through the second flow path 14 is exhausted.
As a result, an electromotive force is generated between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10, and this power is output to the outside.

When all the cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 function as a water electrolysis device, the supply / discharge flow path 37 is, for example, distributed like the supply / discharge flow path 37 included in the power generation apparatus 45 shown in FIG. You can have a route.
Here, the case where the electrolytic solution is supplied to both the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 in the supply / discharge flow path 37 as shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
As for the electrolytic solution, the electrolytic solution stored in the electrolytic solution tank 41 by the pump 42 flows through the electrolytic solution channel 34 (supply / discharge amount channel 37), and the electrolytic solution flows through the first channel 13 and the second channel 14. To do. Further, a voltage is applied between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 so that the cells 7 are in parallel. The electrolytic solution is supplied to the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10, and an electrolysis reaction of water occurs to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The generated hydrogen gas flows through the hydrogen recovery passage 35 (supply / discharge amount passage 37) together with the electrolytic solution, and the hydrogen gas and the electrolytic solution are separated in the bubble separation device 38, and the hydrogen gas is stored in the hydrogen reservoir 39. The electrolytic solution is stored in the electrolytic solution tank 41. The generated oxygen gas flows through the oxygen recovery flow path 36 (supply / discharge flow path 37) together with the electrolytic solution, and the oxygen gas and the electrolytic solution are separated in the bubble separation device 38, and the oxygen gas is stored in the oxygen reservoir 40. The electrolytic solution is stored in the electrolytic solution tank 41.
Here, a voltage is applied between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 so that the cells 7 are arranged in parallel, but the first cell electrode is used so that the cells 7 are in series. A voltage may be applied between 9 and the second cell electrode 10. When a voltage is applied so that each cell 7 is in series, hydrogen gas can be recovered from the first flow path 13 of each cell 7 and oxygen gas can be recovered from the second flow path 14 of each cell. . Accordingly, the first flow path 13 becomes a flow path for collecting hydrogen gas when the cell 7 functions as a water electrolysis device, and becomes a flow path for circulating hydrogen gas when the cell 7 functions as a fuel cell. The second flow path 14 can be a flow path for collecting oxygen gas when the cell 7 functions as a water electrolysis device, and can be a flow path for circulating air when the cell 7 functions as a fuel cell. Therefore, the supply / discharge flow path 37 can be simplified.

The flow path of the supply / discharge channel 37 can be switched, for example, by providing the supply / discharge channel 37 with a valve. FIG. 4 is a schematic piping diagram of the power generation device 45 provided with the supply / discharge flow path 37 whose flow path can be switched by a valve.
For example, when all the cells 7 of the five cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 shown in FIG. 4 function as fuel cells, V1 (valve 1) to V12 and V41 to 48 are opened, and V21 to V32 are set. By closing, the supply / discharge channel 37 can be used as the first distribution path, and all the cells 7 can function as fuel cells (fuel cell power generation mode, solar cell + fuel cell power generation mode).
Further, for example, when three cells 7 of the five cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 shown in FIG. 4 function as a fuel cell, V3-5, V8-12, V45-48 are opened, and V1 , V2, V6, V7, V21 to 32, and V41 to V44, the supply / discharge flow path 37 can be used as the first distribution path, and the three cells 7 can function as fuel cells. (Fuel cell power generation mode, solar cell + fuel cell power generation mode). At this time, two cells 7 out of the five cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be set in a standby state. Further, by controlling the opening and closing of the valve shown in FIG. 4, four, two, or one cell 7 out of the five cells 7 can function as a fuel cell.
In this way, when some of the cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 function as a fuel cell, the other cells of the plurality of cells 7 can be used as either the fuel cell or the water electrolysis device. It is possible to enter a standby state where it does not function.
Here, for the sake of explanation, each cell 7 has been described for switching between functioning as a fuel cell between five cells 7 and switching to a standby cell. You may switch between several sets as one set. For example, 2 to 50 cells 7 may be set as one set, or 5 to 30 cells 7 may be set as one set and switched between 3 to 10 sets.

For example, when all the cells 7 included in the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIG. 4 function as a water electrolysis device, V1 to V12 are closed and V21 to V32 and V41 to V48 are opened. The supply / discharge flow path 37 can be used as the second flow path, and all the cells 7 can function as a water electrolysis device (hydrogen generation mode, solar cell power generation + hydrogen generation mode).
Further, for example, when three cells 7 of the five cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIG. 4 function as a water electrolysis device, V1 to V12, V24, V25, V29, V30, and V45. 48 is closed, and V21 to 23, V26 to 28, V31, V32, and V41 to V44 are opened, whereby the supply / discharge flow path 37 can be used as the second flow path, and the three cells 7 are water electrolyzers. (Hydrogen generation mode, solar cell power generation + hydrogen generation mode). At this time, two cells 7 out of the five cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be set in a standby state. Further, by controlling the opening and closing of the valve shown in FIG. 4, four, two, or one cell 7 out of the five cells 7 can function as a water electrolysis device.
Thus, when some of the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 function as a water electrolysis device, the other cells of the plurality of cells 7 are designated as either fuel cells or water electrolysis devices. It is possible to enter a standby state where no function is made.
Here, for the purpose of explanation, each cell 7 has been described with respect to switching between switching to functioning as a water electrolysis device between five cells 7 and switching to a standby cell. May be switched between a plurality of sets. For example, 2 to 50 cells 7 may be set as one set, or 5 to 30 cells 7 may be set as one set and switched between 3 to 10 sets.

The opening and closing of V1 to 12, V21 to V32, and V41 to V48 can be controlled by the control unit 32. Further, the fuel supply unit 31, the air compressor 30, the humidifier 28, the pump 42, the bubble separation device 38, the hydrogen storage device 39, or the oxygen storage device 40 can also be controlled by the control unit 32. In addition, when the cell 7 is caused to function as a fuel cell by the control unit 32, each of the above constituent elements can be controlled so that hydrogen gas and air flow through the first flow path as described above. When 7 is made to function as a water electrolysis device, the above-described constituent elements can be controlled so that the electrolyte flows through the second flow path as described above and hydrogen gas and oxygen gas can be produced.
The above modes can be switched by the control unit 32. In addition, the number of cells that function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device and the number of cells that enter a standby state can be switched by the control unit 32.

6). Circuit Switching Unit The circuit switching unit 27 may be provided so that one or both of the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and the generated power of the cell 7 functioning as a fuel cell can be switched and output externally. Good. Further, the circuit switching unit 27 is a circuit for supplying the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 to an external circuit, and a circuit for supplying the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 to the cell 7 that functions as a water electrolysis device. And a circuit for supplying power from the external circuit to the cell 7 that functions as a water electrolysis device may be provided.
The circuit switching unit 27 can switch an electric circuit by having a plurality of switches. Further, ON / OFF of the switch included in the circuit switching unit 27 can be controlled by the control unit 32.
FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the power generation device 45 of the present embodiment. The circuit switching unit 27 can include an electric circuit having a switch as shown in FIG. 10 shows a circuit diagram of a power generation device 45 having one photoelectric conversion layer 2 and five cells 7 for the sake of explanation, the number of photoelectric conversion layers 2 and the number of cells 7 are shown. Is not particularly limited.

Here, the circuit switching unit 27 having an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
When the power generation device 45 outputs the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 to the outside, by turning on SW1 (switch 1), SW2, SW9, and SW10 and turning off the other switches, the photovoltaic of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is turned on. Electric power can be output to the first external circuit (solar cell power generation mode).
When all the cells 7 function as fuel cells and the power generation device 45 outputs the electromotive force of the fuel cell to the outside, the fuel cell is started by turning on SW3, SW8, SW9, and SW10 and turning off the other switches. Electric power can be output to the first external circuit (fuel cell power generation mode). Also, by turning on SW1, SW2, SW3, SW8, SW9, and SW10 and turning off the other switches, both the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and the electromotive force of all the cells 7 functioning as fuel cells Can be output to the first external circuit (solar cell + fuel cell power generation mode).

Also, for example, when three cells 7 of the five cells 7 shown in FIG. 10 are made to function as fuel cells and the two cells 7 are set in a standby state, SW3, SW6, SW9, and SW10 are turned ON. , SW4, SW5, SW7, SW8, SW11, SW12 are turned OFF, and the generated power of the three cells 7 functioning as fuel cells can be output to the first external circuit (fuel cell power generation mode, solar Battery + fuel cell power generation mode). Further, by controlling the switch (SW) of the circuit switching unit 27 shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to control the number of cells that function as a fuel cell and the number of cells that enter a standby state.
In this way, when some of the cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 function as a fuel cell, the other cells of the plurality of cells 7 can be used as either the fuel cell or the water electrolysis device. It is possible to enter a standby state where it does not function.
Here, for the sake of explanation, each cell 7 has been described for switching between functioning as a fuel cell between five cells 7 and switching to a standby cell. You may switch between several sets as one set. For example, 2 to 50 cells 7 may be set as one set, or 5 to 30 cells 7 may be set as one set and switched between 3 to 10 sets. In such a case, the cells 7 included in each set may be connected in series, and each set may be connected in parallel.

When all the cells 7 function as a water electrolysis device and the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is output to the cell 7, the SW1 to SW8 are turned on and the other switches are turned off. Photovoltaic power can be output to the cell 7 to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas (hydrogen generation mode).
Here, the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is applied between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 so that the cells 7 are arranged in parallel. Thus, if the voltage of the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is equal to or higher than the theoretical voltage (1.23 V) for water decomposition, water can be electrolyzed in each cell 7.
Moreover, although it may be applied between the 1st cell electrode 9 and the 2nd cell electrode 10 so that each cell 7 may become in series, the photovoltaic power required in order to electrolyze water in each cell 7 The voltage becomes larger. However, in this case, there is an advantage that the supply / discharge channel 37 can be simplified. Note that although the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is described here, the same applies to the case where external power is used.
Alternatively, a plurality of cells 7 connected in series may be formed and connected in parallel. As a result, the voltage required for electrolyzing water can be reduced, and the supply / discharge flow path 37 can be simplified.
When all the cells 7 function as a water electrolyzer and the power of the external circuit is output to the cell 7, by turning on SW3 to SW8, SW11, SW12 and turning off the other switches, the second external circuit Electric power can be output to the cell 7 to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas (external power hydrogen generation mode). The power of the second external circuit is, for example, photovoltaic power of a solar cell provided side by side with the power generation device 45, surplus power in the power system, or the like.
When all the cells 7 function as a water electrolysis apparatus and the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is output to the cell 7 and an external circuit, the photoelectric conversion is performed by turning on SW1 to SW10 and turning off other switches. The photovoltaic power of the layer 2 can be output to the cell 7 to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be output to the first external circuit (solar cell power generation + hydrogen Generation mode).

Further, for example, when three cells 7 of the five cells 7 shown in FIG. 10 are made to function as a water electrolysis device and the two cells 7 are in a standby state, SW5 to SW8 are turned on, SW1, 2 and SW11 and 12 are turned ON and SW3 and 4 are turned OFF, so that the photovoltaic cell of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 or the second external circuit of the three cells 7 functioning as a water electrolysis device Electric power can be output (hydrogen generation mode, external power hydrogen generation mode, solar cell power generation + hydrogen generation mode). Further, by controlling the switch (SW) of the circuit switching unit 27 shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to control the number of cells functioning as the water electrolysis apparatus and the number of cells to be set in the standby state.
Thus, when some of the plurality of cells 7 included in the power generation device 45 function as a water electrolysis device, the other cells of the plurality of cells 7 are designated as either fuel cells or water electrolysis devices. It is possible to enter a standby state where no function is made.
Here, for the purpose of explanation, each cell 7 has been described with respect to switching between switching to functioning as a water electrolysis device between five cells 7 and switching to a standby cell. May be switched between a plurality of sets. For example, 2 to 50 cells 7 may be set as one set, or 5 to 30 cells 7 may be set as one set and switched between 3 to 10 sets.
The above modes can be switched by the control unit 32. In addition, the number of cells that function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device and the number of cells that enter a standby state can be switched by the control unit 32.

7). Sensor Unit The sensor unit 33 can include a solar radiation meter, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like. Thereby, information on the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be obtained. Further, the output of the solar radiation meter or the illuminance sensor included in the sensor unit 33 may be “information regarding the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2”.
The sensor unit 33 can output a detection signal to the control unit 32. Accordingly, the power generation device 45 of the present embodiment can be controlled by the control unit 32 based on the detection signal of the sensor unit 33.

8). Control part The control part 32 can control the electric power generating apparatus 45 of this embodiment.
The control unit 32 can include input means for inputting information, setting means for setting based on information input from the input means, and output means for outputting information by the setting means. The input unit, the setting unit, and the output unit may be a program or a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  In order to input information by the input means or to output information by the output means, the control section 32 uses a wired or wireless signal line to connect the sensor section 33, external information network, server, supply / discharge flow path 37, It can be connected to the circuit switching unit 27, the photoelectric conversion layer 2, and the like.

The input means can input, for example, a signal from the sensor unit 33 or a signal of a measured value of the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2. Thereby, the control unit 32 can input “information on the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2”.
The input means can input information from the electric power company, Web information, and solution server information. Thus, the control unit 32 can input “information on demand power”.
Based on the information input to the input means, the setting means selects ON / OFF of a switch included in the circuit switching unit 27, selects a flow path by opening / closing a valve of the supply / discharge flow path 37, and sets the cooling water flow path 47. The flow rate of the cooling water, the output to the heater for raising the temperature of the cell 7 functioning as a fuel cell, and the like can be set.
The output means can output the information set by the setting means to the circuit switching unit 27, the supply / discharge flow path 37, the cooling water flow path 47, and the like. The power generator 45 of this embodiment can be controlled by these means.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for controlling the mode of the power generation device 45 by the control unit 32. By controlling as in this flowchart, the power generator can be switched between the fuel cell power generation mode, the hydrogen generation mode, the solar cell + fuel cell power generation mode, the solar cell power generation mode, and the solar cell power generation + hydrogen generation mode.

First, the control part 32 can input the photovoltaic power (information regarding the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2) and demand power (information regarding demand power) of the photoelectric converting layer 2 by an input means. The photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 may be the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 measured from the wiring of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 or the wiring of the circuit switching unit 27, and a solar radiation meter included in the sensor unit 33 The photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 predicted from an illuminance sensor or the like may be used. In the latter case, the amount of solar radiation and illuminance are input to the input means, and the photovoltaic power can be calculated by the control unit 32.
The power demand can be input from an external information network or server by an input means. This is the power necessary to supply the consumed power, and the amount of power predicted by the server or the like can be input.

Next, the control unit 32 determines whether one of the photovoltaic power and the demand power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceeds a predetermined value. Here, in the case of the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2, the predetermined value is a predetermined power amount sufficient to output the photovoltaic power to an external circuit or to a plurality of cells 7 that function as a water electrolysis device. is there. The predetermined value of the demand power is a predetermined demand power amount that does not require the supply of power from the plurality of cells 7 that function as the photoelectric conversion layer 2 or the fuel cell. For example, it is the amount of power demand that can be satisfied only with power from the power system.
When the control unit 32 determines that both the photovoltaic power and the demand power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 are lower than the predetermined value, the control unit 32 outputs a signal for setting the power generation device 45 to the standby mode from the output unit. Output to each component. For example, it is nighttime and there is almost no power demand of a facility to which the power generation device 45 supplies power.
In such a case, for example, the control unit 32 can output a signal for turning off all the switches to the circuit switching unit 27, and a signal that does not circulate through the supply / discharge channel 37. Can be output to the element. As a result, the power generation device 45 can be set to the standby mode.

When the control unit 32 determines that one of the photovoltaic power and the demand power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceeds the predetermined value, the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceeds the predetermined value. Judge whether or not.
When the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is lower than the predetermined value and the demand power is higher than the predetermined value, the control unit 32 sends a signal for setting the power generation device 45 to the fuel cell power generation mode from the output unit. Is output to each component such as the supply / discharge channel 37 and the circuit switching unit 27. Thereby, the electric power generated by the plurality of cells 7 can be supplied to the first external circuit, and the fuel cell power generation mode can be set. For example, it is nighttime and it is necessary to supply power by the power generation device 45.
Thereafter, the control unit 32 can output the fuel cell power generation control signal to a plurality of cells 7 that function as fuel cells. Specifically, the control unit 32 inputs demand power by the input means, varies the generated power of the plurality of cells 7 that function as a fuel cell based on the inputted demand power, and performs power load following operation. Can be output to a plurality of cells 7 that function as fuel cells, a supply / discharge flow path 37, a circuit switching unit 27, and the like.

When the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power in the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceeds the predetermined value, the control unit 32 determines whether the demand power exceeds the predetermined value.
When the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceeds the predetermined value and the demand power is lower than the predetermined value, the control unit 32 outputs a signal for setting the power generation device 45 to the hydrogen generation mode from the output unit. The output is made to each component such as the supply / discharge channel 37 and the circuit switching unit 27. Thus, the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be output to a plurality of cells 7 that function as a water electrolysis device, and hydrogen gas can be produced by the cells 7. For example, this may be the case when there is little power demand in a facility where the power generation device 45 supplies power during the daytime.

When the control unit 32 determines that both the photovoltaic power and the demand power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceed the predetermined value, the control unit 32 determines whether the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceeds the demand power. Judge whether or not.
When the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 is lower than the demand power, the control unit 32 supplies and discharges a signal for setting the power generation device 45 to the solar cell + fuel cell power generation mode from the output unit. It outputs to each component, such as the flow path 37 and the circuit switching part 27. As a result, both the power generated by the plurality of cells 7 functioning as a fuel cell and the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be supplied to the first external circuit, and the solar cell + fuel cell power generation mode is set. can do. For example, this may be the case when there is a large amount of power demand in a facility where the power generation device 45 supplies power during the daytime.
Thereafter, the control unit 32 can output the fuel cell power generation control signal to a plurality of cells 7 that function as fuel cells. Specifically, the control unit 32 inputs the demand power and the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 by input means, and the plurality of cells 7 that function as a fuel cell based on the inputted demand power and photovoltaic power. A signal for changing the generated power and performing a power load following operation can be output to a plurality of cells 7 that function as fuel cells, a supply / discharge flow path 37, a circuit switching unit 27, and the like.

When the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 exceeds the demand power, the control unit 32 determines whether the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 greatly exceeds the demand power. To do.
When the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 does not greatly exceed the demand power, the control unit 32 outputs a signal for setting the power generation device 45 to the solar cell power generation mode from the output unit. Output to each component such as the path 37 and the circuit switching unit 27. Thereby, the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be supplied to the first external circuit, and the solar cell power generation mode can be set. For example, it is the daytime, when the demand power can be satisfied with the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and there is not much surplus power.

  When the control unit 32 determines that the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 greatly exceeds the demand power, the control unit 32 supplies a signal for setting the power generation device 45 to the solar cell power generation + hydrogen generation mode from the output unit. It outputs to each component, such as the discharge flow path 37 and the circuit switching unit 27. Thus, the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 can be output to both the cell 7 that functions as a water electrolysis device and the first external circuit, and the solar cell power generation + hydrogen generation mode can be obtained. For example, it is during the daytime, when the demand power can be satisfied by the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and there is surplus power.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart in which the control unit 32 controls the power generation device 45 in the hydrogen generation mode. By controlling in this way, the start and end of the hydrogen generation mode, the number of cells 7 functioning as a water electrolysis device, and the like can be controlled.
First, determine if there is a demand for hydrogen. The hydrogen demand is, for example, the free capacity of the hydrogen reservoir 39. If there is no free capacity in the hydrogen storage device 39, the hydrogen generation mode ends because hydrogen gas cannot be stored even if it is generated.
When there is a hydrogen demand, the control unit 32 inputs the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 (information regarding the photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2) and the demand power (information regarding the demand power), and surplus power in the photovoltaic power. Determine if there is. When there is surplus power in the photovoltaic power, the surplus power is compared with the water electrolysis capacity of each cell 7 included in the power generation device 45, and the number of cells that function as the water electrolysis device is set.

Next, it is determined whether the number of set cells is 1 or more. When the number of cells is less than 1, that is, when the surplus power is small, a sufficient amount of hydrogen cannot be generated, and thus the hydrogen generation mode ends.
When the number of set cells is 1 or more, the control unit 32 outputs a signal that causes the set number of cells 7 to function as a water electrolysis device by the output means in the flow path switching unit 43, the circuit switching unit 27, and the like. As a result, the electrolyte flows through the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 of the cell 7 that functions as a water electrolysis apparatus, and between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 of the cell 7. A voltage is applied to. As a result, the electrolyte can be electrolyzed in the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10 to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The generated hydrogen gas and oxygen gas flow through the flow path together with the electrolyte, and are separated into gas and liquid by the bubble separator 38 and stored in the hydrogen reservoir 39 or the oxygen reservoir 40. The cell 7 that does not function as a water electrolysis device becomes a cell 7 in a standby state.

After a certain period of time, it is determined whether there is hydrogen demand again. When there is no more demand for hydrogen, a signal for setting the cell 7 functioning as the water electrolysis device in a standby state is output to the flow path switching unit 43, the circuit switching unit 27, and the like. Thereafter, the hydrogen generation mode is terminated.
When there is a hydrogen demand, the control unit 32 inputs the photovoltaic power and the demand power of the photoelectric conversion layer 2 and determines whether there is surplus power in the photovoltaic power. When there is surplus power in the photovoltaic power, the surplus power is compared with the water electrolysis capacity of each cell 7 included in the power generation device 45, and the number of cells that function as the water electrolysis device is set.
Next, it is determined whether the number of set cells is 1 or more. When the number of cells is less than 1, that is, when the surplus power is small, the cell 7 functioning as the water electrolysis device is put into a standby state, and the hydrogen generation mode ends.

When the number of set cells is 1 or more, it is determined whether or not the number of set cells has changed. If the number of cells has not changed, the state is maintained. If the number of cells has changed, it is determined whether or not the number of cells has increased.
When the number of cells decreases, a signal for setting some of the cells 7 in the standby state among the plurality of cells 7 functioning as the water electrolysis device is output to the flow path switching unit 43 and the circuit switching unit 27. . As a result, the electrolyte in the first flow path 13 and the second flow path 14 of the cell 7 that is in the standby state is discharged, and no voltage is applied between the first cell electrode 9 and the second cell electrode 10. . As a result, the number of cells functioning as a water electrolysis device can be reduced. Thereafter, water electrolysis is continued with the set number of cells 7.

  When the number of cells is increasing, it is determined whether there is a cell 7 in a standby state. If there is no cell 7 in the standby state, the state is maintained. When there is a cell 7 in the standby state, the output means outputs a signal for causing the cell 7 in the standby state to function as a water electrolysis device to the flow path switching unit 43, the circuit switching unit 27, and the like. Accordingly, the cell 7 in the standby state can be made the cell 7 that functions as a water electrolysis device, and the number of cells that function as the water electrolysis device can be increased. Thereafter, water electrolysis is continued with the set number of cells 7.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart in which the control unit 32 controls the power generation device 45 in the fuel cell power generation mode. By controlling in this way, the start and end of the fuel cell power generation mode, the number of cells 7 functioning as a fuel cell, and the like can be controlled.
First, the control part 32 inputs demand electric power (information regarding demand electric power), and sets the number of the cells 7 which can supply the generated electric power which satisfy | fills demand electric power as a fuel cell.

Next, it is determined whether the number of set cells is 1 or more. When the number of cells is less than 1, that is, when the demand power is low, the fuel cell power generation mode ends.
When the number of set cells is 1 or more, the control unit 32 outputs a signal that causes the set number of cells 7 to function as a fuel cell in the flow path switching unit 43, the circuit switching unit 27, and the like by the output means. As a result, hydrogen gas flows through the first flow path 13 of the cell 7 functioning as a fuel cell, air flows through the second flow path 14, and the cell 7 is heated and maintained at the operating temperature of the fuel cell. Is enabled for external output. As a result, the cell 7 functions as a fuel cell, and the generated power is output to the outside. Note that the cell 7 that does not function as a fuel cell is a cell 7 in a standby state.

After a certain time has elapsed, the control unit 32 inputs the demand power again, and sets the number of cells 7 that can supply the generated power that satisfies the demand power as a fuel cell.
Next, it is determined whether the number of set cells is 1 or more. When the number of cells is less than 1, that is, when the demand power is low, the fuel cell power generation mode ends.
When the number of set cells is 1 or more, it is determined whether or not the number of set cells has changed. If the number of cells has not changed, the state is maintained. If the number of cells has changed, it is determined whether or not the number of cells has increased.
When the number of cells is decreasing, a signal for setting some of the cells 7 in the standby state among the plurality of cells 7 functioning as fuel cells is output to the flow path switching unit 43 and the circuit switching unit 27. As a result, hydrogen gas is not supplied to the first flow path 13 of the cell 7 to be in the standby state, and air is not supplied to the second flow path 14. In addition, the power supply circuit is switched. As a result, the number of cells functioning as a fuel cell can be reduced. Thereafter, fuel cell power generation is continued with the set number of cells 7.

  When the number of cells is increasing, it is determined whether there is a cell 7 in a standby state. If there is no cell 7 in the standby state, the state is maintained. If there is a cell 7 in the standby state, the output means outputs a signal for causing the cell 7 in the standby state to function as a fuel cell to the flow path switching unit 43, the circuit switching unit 27, and the like. Thereby, the cell 7 in the standby state can be used as the cell 7 that functions as a fuel cell, and the number of cells that function as the fuel cell can be increased. Thereafter, the fuel cell is continued with the set number of cells 7.

  In addition, although the control method of the power generation device 45 by the control unit 32 in the hydrogen generation mode and the fuel cell power generation mode has been described, the solar cell + fuel cell power generation mode, the solar cell power generation mode, and the solar cell power generation + hydrogen generation mode also apply. The power generation device 45 can be controlled by the control unit 32.

    1: Light-receiving surface substrate 2: Photoelectric conversion layer 4: First photoelectric conversion electrode 5: Second photoelectric conversion electrode 7: Cell 8: Solid polymer electrolyte membrane 9: First cell electrode 10: Second cell electrode 13: First flow channel 14: Second flow channel 16: Fuel flow channel 17: Air flow channel 20: Insulating substrate 21: Back substrate 24: Current collector 25: Separator 26: Connection plate 27: Circuit switching unit 28: Humidifier 29 : Mixer 30: Air compressor 31: Fuel supply unit 32: Control unit 33: Sensor unit 34: Electrolyte flow channel 35: Hydrogen recovery channel 36: Oxygen recovery channel 37: Supply / discharge channel 38: Bubble separation device 39: Hydrogen storage device 40: Oxygen storage device 41: Electrolyte tank 42: Pump 43: Channel switching unit 45: Power generation device 47: Channel for cooling water 48: Channel unit Material 50: Semiconductor part 51: P-type semiconductor part 52: N-type semiconductor part 54: Insulating part 55: Conductive part 56: Isolation

Claims (14)

A photoelectric conversion layer having a light receiving surface and its back surface, first and second photoelectric conversion electrodes for outputting photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer, and a plurality of cells provided on the back surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer And
The plurality of cells include a first cell electrode, a second cell electrode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the first cell electrode and the second cell electrode, a first flow path, and a second flow, respectively. Road and
The plurality of cells can be switched between a function as a fuel cell and a function as a water electrolysis device,
By supplying a reducing substance to the first cell electrode through the first flow path and supplying an oxidizing substance to the second cell electrode through the second flow path, the cell functions as a fuel cell. An electric power generation apparatus characterized in that an electrolytic solution is supplied to a cell electrode or an electrolytic solution is supplied to a second cell electrode through a second flow path to cause the cell to function as a water electrolysis device. The reducing substance is hydrogen gas,
The power generator according to claim 1, wherein the oxidizing substance is air or oxygen gas.   When the plurality of cells function as a fuel cell or a water electrolysis device in a part of the plurality of cells, by controlling what is circulated through the first and second flow paths, The power generator according to claim 1 or 2 provided so that other cells can not function as either a fuel cell or a water electrolyzer.   The at least two cells included in the plurality of cells are included in the first cell electrode of one cell included in the at least two cells and the at least two cells when the cell functions as a fuel cell. The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is connected in series so as to be electrically connected to a second cell electrode of another cell.   The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least two cells included in the plurality of cells are arranged in parallel.   The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cooling water flow path between the photoelectric conversion layer and the plurality of cells. A flow path for supply and discharge having a plurality of flow paths that can be switched by the flow path switching unit;
The plurality of flow paths cause the electrolyte solution to flow in at least one of the first flow path and the first flow path and the first flow path for flowing the reducing substance in the first flow path and the oxidizing substance in the second flow path. Including the second distribution channel,
The supply / discharge flow path is switched to a first flow path when the cell functions as a fuel cell, and is switched to a second flow path when the cell functions as a water electrolysis device. The electric power generating apparatus as described in one. A control unit;
The control unit includes an input unit that inputs information, a setting unit that sets a flow path of the supply / discharge flow path based on the information input from the input unit, and the information set by the setting unit. The power generation device according to claim 7, further comprising output means for outputting to the path switching unit.   The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cell is provided so that water can be electrolyzed using electric power supplied from the photoelectric conversion layer.   The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cell is provided so that water can be electrolyzed using electric power supplied from an external circuit. A circuit switching unit;
The circuit switching unit includes a circuit for supplying generated power of the cell to function as a fuel cell to an external circuit, a circuit for supplying photovoltaic power of the photoelectric conversion layer to an external circuit, and the photoelectric conversion layer At least two circuits of a circuit for supplying the photovoltaic power to the cell that functions as a water electrolysis device and a circuit for supplying power from an external circuit to the cell that functions as a water electrolysis device The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the power generation device is provided so as to be switched. With a control unit,
The control unit includes an input unit for inputting information, a setting unit for setting a circuit for switching the circuit switching unit based on information input from the input unit, and the circuit switching unit for setting information set by the setting unit. The power generation device according to claim 11, further comprising output means for outputting to the power source. A sensor unit including a solar radiation meter or an illuminance sensor;
The power generation device according to claim 8 or 12, wherein the input means inputs information from the sensor unit.   The power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 8, 12, and 13, wherein the input unit inputs information from an electric power company, Web information, and solution server information.