JP2013155430A - Hydrogen production apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable linking of optional number of frames in an optional arrangement pattern, to enable installation in a space of a variety of areas and a variety of configurations, to enable production of hydrogen in an intended amount with high efficiency, to enable cost reduction by standardizing parts, and to make maintenance checkup easy.SOLUTION: This hydrogen production apparatus includes a frame that holds a cathode member and an anode member, forms thereinside a space of storing an electrolytic solution, and has a hexahedral shape constituted of an upper face, a lower face, and four side faces; a window part formed on the upper face, to which window part, light received by a photocatalyst is made incident; electric connection parts each disposed on each of the side faces respectively to be made electrically conductive with the anode member and the cathode member respectively; and closable pipe conduit connection parts each disposed on each of the side faces respectively to communicate with the space of storing an electrolytic solution.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrogen production apparatus.

  Conventionally, a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using solar energy has been developed, but in recent years, technology for electrolyzing water using a high-performance semiconductor photocatalyst has been developed. (See, for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  For example, storing hydrogen produced by such a hydrogen production apparatus and supplying it to a fuel cell system or the like is a stable form of solar energy that is unstable natural energy that can be stored as hydrogen. This means that it is converted to energy and used, and contributes to the realization of an energy society that does not depend on fossil resources.

Kazuhiro Sayama, "Catalyst", Vol. 47, No. 4 (2005), p.267 Y. Miseki et al. Phys. CHEM. Lett. (2010) 1, 1196-1200

  However, in the conventional hydrogen production apparatus, the hydrogen generation efficiency of the photocatalyst powder is not necessarily high, and in order to produce a sufficient amount of hydrogen, the product gas obtained by water splitting is separated. The device size must be increased due to necessity. Therefore, it is difficult to install in a narrow and irregular place such as a roof of a building, a wall surface or the like.

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional hydrogen production apparatus, and arranges a window portion on which light received by the photocatalyst is incident on the upper surface of the hexahedral frame, and is provided on each of the four side surfaces of the frame. By arranging the electrical connection part and the pipe line connection part, any number of frames can be connected in any arrangement form, and can be arranged in various shaped spaces of various areas, It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrogen production apparatus that can produce a desired amount of hydrogen with high efficiency, can reduce costs by using common members, and can be easily maintained and inspected.

  Therefore, in the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention, the hydrogen production apparatus includes a cathode member and an anode member including a photocatalyst, and the photocatalyst receives light to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen and oxygen. A frame which holds the cathode member and the anode member and forms an electrolyte solution containing space therein, and has a hexahedral shape composed of an upper surface and a lower surface and four side surfaces; A window formed on an upper surface, the window receiving the light received by the photocatalyst, and an electrical connection disposed on each of the side surfaces, each electrically connected to the cathode member and the anode member; An electrical connection portion, and a conduit connection portion disposed on each of the side surfaces, the conduit connection portion being in communication with the electrolyte solution storage space and being closable.

  According to the configuration of claim 1, by connecting the frames, any number of hydrogen production apparatuses can be connected in any arrangement form, and the hydrogen production apparatus can be installed in various shapes of spaces having various areas. Since it can be disposed, a desired amount of hydrogen can be produced with high efficiency, cost can be reduced, and maintenance and inspection can be easily performed.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, hydrogen can be produced with high efficiency by an apparatus having a simple structure and a small number of parts.

  According to the structure of Claim 3, the adjacent hydrogen production apparatus can be connected easily and reliably.

  According to the structure of Claim 4, each frame can be easily couple | bonded and a flame | frame can be comprised.

  According to the structure of Claim 5, although it is a simple structure, a highly efficient hydrogen production apparatus can be obtained.

It is a perspective view which shows the hydrogen production apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the hydrogen production system containing the hydrogen production apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the principle of operation of the hydrogen production device in an embodiment of the invention. It is an exploded view of the hydrogen production apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a two-view figure of the hydrogen production apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the hydrogen production apparatus in embodiment of this invention, and is AA arrow sectional drawing in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state before connecting the multiple hydrogen production apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which connected multiple hydrogen production apparatuses in embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the state which connected the several hydrogen production apparatus in embodiment of this invention, and is BB arrow sectional drawing in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a hydrogen production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a hydrogen production system including the hydrogen production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure explaining the operating principle of the hydrogen production apparatus in the form.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a hydrogen production module as a hydrogen production apparatus in the present embodiment, which receives a light such as sunlight and oxidizes water containing an electrolytic solution to generate oxygen, and water decomposition. This is a combination of low-voltage electrolysis that generates hydrogen by reducing protons generated in this way. Specifically, the hydrogen production module 10 includes an anode member 21 having a transparent substrate such as glass on which a photocatalyst made of WO ₃ (tungsten oxide) is attached, and a cathode member 31 made of a conductive metal such as steel. And generates hydrogen according to the operating principle as shown in FIG. The material of the photocatalyst is not necessarily limited to WO ₃ , but TiO ₂ (titanium dioxide), SrTiO ₃ (strontium titanate), BaTiO ₃ (barium titanate), ZrO (zinc oxide), SnO _2. Any substance such as (tin dioxide (tin)) or CdS (cadmium sulfide) can be selected.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 74 denotes a light source such as the sun, and the light from the light source 74 irradiates the anode member 21. Reference numeral 64 denotes an external power source such as a battery for applying a predetermined voltage between the anode member 21 and the cathode member 31, and is connected to the anode member 21 and the cathode member 31 via a conductive wire 63. Yes. The applied voltage required for the predetermined complete water decomposition is determined by the semiconductor band gap. For example, with a tungsten oxide electrode, complete water decomposition is possible at a low voltage of about 0.8 [V]. Thereby, oxygen is produced | generated from the surface of the anode member 21 arrange | positioned in water, and hydrogen is produced | generated from the surface of the cathode member 31 arrange | positioned in water.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the external power source 64, the hydrogen production module 10 is connected with a water circulation line 61, a hydrogen discharge line 66, an oxygen discharge line 68, an illuminance sensor 71, a water level gauge 72, and the like. ing.

  Then, water is supplied into the hydrogen production module 10 via the water circulation pipe 61. Further, the water circulation pipe 61 is provided with a water circulation pump 62a, a flow rate adjusting valve 62b, and the like, so that the water level in the hydrogen production module 10 detected by the water level gauge 72 becomes an appropriate value. The amount of water supplied and discharged is controlled. The water circulation pipe 61 can be provided with a filter, a reserve tank, a pipe from a water source, and the like as necessary.

  Further, the hydrogen generated by the hydrogen production module 10 is discharged through the hydrogen discharge line 66 and stored in the hydrogen tank 67. The hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 67 may be supplied as a fuel gas to a fuel cell device for power generation, for example, to a hydrogen engine for obtaining power, and further as a fuel gas as a heat energy source. May be supplied as

  Further, oxygen generated by the hydrogen production module 10 is discharged through the oxygen discharge pipe 68 and stored in the oxygen tank 69. For example, oxygen stored in the oxygen tank 69 may be supplied as an oxidizing gas to the fuel cell device for power generation, or may be used for other purposes.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen production module 10 in the present embodiment has a hexahedral shape, specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Preferably, the upper surface and the lower surface in FIG. 1 are square, and the four surfaces connected to the four sides of the square, that is, the four side surfaces are horizontally long rectangles. Specifically, the hydrogen production module 10 has a hexahedral frame, that is, a rectangular parallelepiped frame including an inner frame 12 and an outer frame 11 disposed outside the inner frame 12. The inner frame 12 includes an upper inner frame 12U and a lower inner frame 12L, and the outer frame 11 includes an upper outer frame 11U and a lower outer frame 11L.

  A through-hole window 13 is formed in the upper outer frame 11U. In the example shown in the figure, it is a square. The back surface of the anode member 21 is exposed in the window portion 13. Thus, the light from the light source 74 that irradiates the upper surface of the upper outer frame 11U passes through the window portion 13 and irradiates the anode member 21. And the light from the said light source 74 irradiates the photocatalyst which permeate | transmits the transparent substrate of the said anode member 21, and adheres to the surface of this transparent substrate. As a result, oxygen is generated from the surface of the anode member 21 in contact with water in the hydrogen production module 10.

  In addition, in the vicinity of the longitudinal center of the side surface of the hydrogen production module 10, a part of the outer frame 11 is missing and the inner frame 12 is exposed. Then, a side surface guide hole (cold) 14 is formed on the side surface of the inner frame 12 at the center in the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the hydrogen production module 10 as a pipe connection portion that penetrates the side surface in the thickness direction. The side guide hole 14 includes an upper side guide hole 14U formed in the upper inner frame 12U and a lower side guide hole 14L formed in the lower inner frame 12L. The side guide hole 14 is a conduction hole that communicates the inside and the outside of the hydrogen production module 10, and a pipe connection joint, that is, a joint (not shown) can be connected to the outer end portion thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, pipes such as a water circulation pipe 61, a hydrogen discharge pipe 66, and an oxygen discharge pipe 68 are connected to the side guide hole 14 through a joint (not shown). In addition, it can replace with a joint at the outer side edge part of the said side surface conducting hole 14, and can also connect closures, such as a stopper which is not shown in figure, a lid | cover (lid). Thereby, the desired side surface guide hole 14 can be closed.

  Furthermore, an electrode connection portion 42 as an electrical connection portion is disposed at the boundary between the inner frame 12 and the outer frame 11 at the longitudinal center of the side surface of the hydrogen production module 10. The electrode connection portion 42 includes a convex terminal portion 42 a extending outward from the side surface of the outer frame 11 and a concave terminal portion 42 b recessed inward from the side surface of the outer frame 11. An electrical connection member (not shown), that is, an electrical connector can be connected to the electrode connection portion 42. As shown in FIG. 1, an electric wire such as a conductive wire 63 from an external power source 64 is connected to the electrode connecting portion 42 via an electrical connector (not shown). In addition, between the adjacent side surfaces of the hydrogen production module 10, the arrangement of the convex terminal portions 42 a and the concave terminal portions 42 b is reversed. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the left side surface is arranged such that the convex terminal portion 42 a is positioned downward and the concave terminal portion 42 b is positioned upward, whereas the right side surface is convex. The terminal part 42a is located above and the concave terminal part 42b is located below.

  Next, the internal structure of the hydrogen production module 10 will be described.

  4 is an exploded view of the hydrogen production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a two-sided view of the hydrogen production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross section of the hydrogen production apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure and it is AA arrow sectional drawing in FIG. 5A is a plan view and FIG. 5B is a side view.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the hydrogen production module 10 includes a lower outer frame 11L, a cathode member 31, a lower inner frame 12L, a separation membrane 51, an upper inner frame 12U, an anode member 21, a current collecting member 41, and The upper outer frame 11U has a plurality of members stacked in this order.

  The upper outer frame 11U is an integrally formed member made of a material such as resin, and includes a flat plate portion 11a and a side plate portion 11b. The flat plate portion 11a is a flat plate member having a square outer shape, but since a large square window portion 13 is formed at the center, the flat plate portion 11a has a rectangular flange shape having a square shape. Yes.

  The side plate portions 11b are two pairs of flat plate-like members that extend downward from the four side edges of the flat plate portion 11a so as to be orthogonal to the lower side. And the substantially rectangular notch part 11c is formed in the longitudinal center of each side-plate part 11b. Further, a pair of engaging arm portions 11d extend downward from both sides of the notch portion 11c in the pair of side plate portions 11b facing each other, and on both sides of the notch portion 11c in the other pair of side plate portions 11b. Are formed with a pair of engaging groove portions 11f for accommodating the engaging arm portions 11d. An engagement claw portion 11e is formed at the lower end of each engagement arm portion 11d, and an engagement recess 11g that engages with the engagement claw portion 11e is formed at the upper end of each engagement groove portion 11f.

  In the present embodiment, the lower outer frame 11L is a member that has substantially the same structure as the upper outer frame 11U and is disposed upside down. Then, from the state shown in FIG. 4, when the upper outer frame 11U and the lower outer frame 11L are brought close to each other and coupled to each other, one engaging arm portion 11d is accommodated in the mating engaging groove portion 11f, and the engaging claw portion 11e engages with the engaging recess 11g. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper outer frame 11 </ b> U and the lower outer frame 11 </ b> L are coupled to each other and cannot be separated from each other, and function as a single outer frame 11.

  The anode member 21 is a member in which a conductive film is formed on the lower surface of a flat transparent substrate having a square outer shape, and a photocatalyst is attached to the lower surface of the conductive film. Note that a conductive film is formed on the periphery of the upper surface of the transparent substrate so as to be continuous with the conductive film formed on the lower surface. Specifically, the conductive film formed on the upper surface of the transparent substrate is connected to the conductive film formed on the lower surface of the transparent substrate via the conductive film formed on the side surface of the transparent substrate. And the current collection member 41 is arrange | positioned so that the electrically conductive film formed in the peripheral part in the upper surface of the transparent substrate of the anode member 21 may be contact | connected.

  The current collecting member 41 is an integrally formed member made of a conductive material such as a metal, and has a rectangular flange shape having a mouth shape like the flat plate portion 11a of the upper outer frame 11U. It has become. A concave terminal portion 42b is formed at the longitudinal center of the pair of side plate portions 41b facing each other of the current collecting member 41, and bulges outward at the longitudinal center of the other pair of side plate portions 41b. A bulging portion 41c is formed, and a convex terminal portion 42a is connected to the bulging portion 41c. The bulging portion 41c is accommodated in the cutout portion 11c of the upper outer frame 11U in a state where the upper outer frame 11U and the lower outer frame 11L are coupled to each other.

  Further, the upper inner frame 12U is an integrally formed member made of a material such as resin, and, like the flat plate portion 11a of the upper outer frame 11U, has a rectangular flange shape having a square shape. However, it is a member (having a larger vertical dimension) than the flat plate portion 11a of the upper outer frame 11U. The planar portion 12a located on the upper surface side and the lower surface side is formed with a continuous rectangular annular seal housing groove 12d so as to surround the central opening 55U. A seal member 53 such as an O-ring is accommodated in the seal accommodation groove 12d. In addition, a bulging portion 12c bulging outward is formed at the longitudinal center of the pair of side plate portions 12b facing each other of the upper inner frame 12U, and the bulging portion 12c has an upper side surface guide. A hole 14U is formed. And the flat plate part 41a of the said current collection member 41 is clamped from the upper and lower sides with the board | substrate 22 by the flat plate part 11a of the upper outer frame 11U, and the plane part 12a of the upper inner frame 12U.

  In the present embodiment, the lower inner frame 12L has substantially the same structure as the upper inner frame 12U, and the separation membrane 51 is sandwiched between the upper inner frame 12U. The separation membrane 51 is an ion exchange membrane such as a proton exchange membrane, and is a membrane that is impermeable to oxygen and hydrogen.

  The internal space of the hydrogen production module 10 whose upper and lower sides are defined by the anode member 21 and the separation membrane 51 and whose periphery is defined by the upper inner frame 12U, that is, the space corresponding to the opening 55U of the upper inner frame 12U, It functions as an oxygen generation space that decomposes water and generates oxygen. Further, the internal space of the hydrogen production module 10 that is defined by the cathode member 31 and the separation membrane 51 and whose periphery is defined by the lower inner frame 12L, that is, a space corresponding to the opening 55L of the lower inner frame 12L. Functions as a hydrogen generation space in which water is decomposed to generate hydrogen. Therefore, the oxygen exhaust pipe 68 is connected to the upper side surface through hole 14U, and the hydrogen exhaust pipe 66 is connected to the lower side surface through hole 14L.

  The negative electrode member 31 is a flat plate-like member formed of a conductive metal such as steel. And the porous conductive member 32 which consists of an expanded metal, a metal-mesh, a foam metal, etc. has adhered to the upper surface 31a. Since the porous conductive member 32 is a member having a large surface area, by attaching the porous conductive member 32 to the upper surface 31a, the surface area of the cathode member 31 is increased, and the hydrogen generation efficiency is increased. The porous conductive member 32 can be omitted.

  A concave terminal portion 42b is formed at the longitudinal center of the pair of side plate portions 31b facing each other of the cathode member 31, and bulges outward at the longitudinal center of the other pair of side plate portions 31b. A bulging portion 31c is formed, and a convex terminal portion 42a is connected to the bulging portion 31c. The bulging portion 31c is accommodated in the cutout portion 11c of the lower outer frame 11L in a state where the upper outer frame 11U and the lower outer frame 11L are coupled to each other. Since the cathode member 31 is a member made of a conductive metal, unlike the anode member 21, the convex terminal portion 42 a and the concave terminal portion 42 b are formed without using a member corresponding to the current collecting member 41. Can be formed directly. In other words, the cathode member 31 has the function of the current collecting member 41.

  The lower outer frame 11L, the cathode member 31, the lower inner frame 12L, the separation membrane 51, the upper inner frame 12U, the anode member 21, the current collecting member 41 and the upper outer frame 11U are combined to form an upper outer frame 11U and a lower outer frame 11L. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper and lower sides are defined by the anode member 21 and the cathode member 31 and the periphery is defined by the upper inner frame 12U and the lower inner frame 12L. In addition, an internal space 55 is formed as an electrolyte storage space for the hydrogen production module 10. Then, water as an electrolytic solution is supplied to the internal space 55 through a water circulation conduit 61 connected to the side surface guide hole 14.

  The internal space 55 is separated by the separation membrane 51 into an oxygen generation space corresponding to the opening 55U of the upper inner frame 12U and a hydrogen generation space corresponding to the opening 55L of the lower inner frame 12L. Then, the generated oxygen is discharged from the oxygen generation space via an oxygen discharge pipe 68 connected to the upper side surface through hole 14U, and is connected to the lower side surface through hole 14L from the hydrogen generation space. The generated hydrogen is discharged through the hydrogen discharge line 66.

  As shown in FIG. 6, since the seal member 53 is accommodated in the seal accommodation groove 12d formed in the flat surface portion 12a on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the upper inner frame 12U, the upper surface side and the lower surface side are provided. A space between the flat portion 12a and the anode member 21 and the separation membrane 51 is sealed in a liquid-tight or air-tight manner. Therefore, water or oxygen in the oxygen generation space does not leak from between the flat portion 12a of the upper inner frame 12U, the anode member 21, and the separation membrane 51.

  Similarly, since the seal member 53 is housed in the seal housing groove 12d formed in the flat surface portion 12a on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the lower inner frame 12L, it is separated from the flat surface portion 12a on the upper surface side and the lower surface side. The membrane 51 and the cathode member 31 are sealed in a liquid-tight or air-tight manner. Therefore, water or hydrogen in the hydrogen generation space does not leak from between the flat portion 12a of the lower inner frame 12L, the separation membrane 51, and the cathode member 31.

  In the example shown in the figure, the upper surface of the anode member 21 is directly exposed to the outside air from the window portion 13, but if necessary, a transparent plate-like or film-like protective member or reinforcing member Can be disposed so as to cover the upper surface of the anode member 21.

  Next, a method for connecting a plurality of the hydrogen production modules 10 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state before connecting a plurality of hydrogen production apparatuses in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state where a plurality of hydrogen production apparatuses in the embodiment of the present invention are connected. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a plurality of hydrogen production apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention are connected, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.

  As described above, in the hydrogen production module 10 in the present embodiment, the upper surface and the lower surface are square, and the four surfaces connected to the four sides of the square, that is, the four side surfaces are horizontally long rectangles. . The convex terminal portion 42a is positioned upward and the concave terminal portion 42b is positioned downward in the pair of opposing side surfaces, and the convex terminal portion 42a is positioned downward in the other pair of opposing side surfaces. The concave terminal portion 42b is positioned above. That is, the vertical positional relationship between the convex terminal portion 42a and the concave terminal portion 42b is reversed between adjacent side surfaces. The lateral positions of the convex terminal portions 42a and the concave terminal portions 42b, that is, the positions of the side surfaces with respect to the longitudinal direction are the same on all the side surfaces and are the longitudinal center. Further, the positions of the upper side guide hole 14U and the lower side guide hole 14L are the same on all the side faces, and are the center in the longitudinal direction.

  Therefore, when a plurality of hydrogen production modules 10 are connected, as shown in FIG. 7, the convex terminal portion 42 a is positioned downward on one of the side surfaces facing each other between the adjacent hydrogen production modules 10 to form a concave shape. The posture of the hydrogen production module 10 is adjusted so that the terminal portion 42b is positioned on the upper side, and the convex terminal portion 42a is positioned on the upper side and the concave terminal portion 42b is positioned on the lower side. The postures of the hydrogen production modules 10 are adjusted so that the anode members 21 of all the hydrogen production modules 10 face the same direction (upward in the example shown in the figure).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the side surfaces of the adjacent hydrogen production modules 10 face each other and the adjacent hydrogen production modules 10 are connected to each other, the convex terminal portion 42 a of one hydrogen production module 10 becomes the other. The hydrogen production module 10 enters the concave terminal portion 42b, and the convex terminal portion 42a and the concave terminal portion 42b are electrically connected to each other. The side surfaces may be in contact with each other as shown in FIG. 8 or may be separated without being in contact with each other. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the anode members 21 of the adjacent hydrogen production modules 10 are electrically connected to each other via the respective current collecting members 41, and the cathode members 31 are electrically connected to each other. Connected to.

  Further, the upper side surface conducting hole 14U and the lower side surface conducting hole 14L of one hydrogen production module 10 are connected to the upper side surface conducting hole 14U and the lower side surface conducting hole 14L of the other hydrogen production module 10 via a joint (not shown). Connected. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, the oxygen generation spaces of the adjacent hydrogen production modules 10 communicate with each other, and the hydrogen generation spaces communicate with each other.

  Furthermore, if necessary, the outer frames 11 of the adjacent hydrogen production modules 10 can be connected so as not to be separated by a connecting member (not shown) such as a rod, a wire, a band, or a string (string).

  In the example shown in the figure, the number of hydrogen production modules 10 is four, but the number of hydrogen production modules 10 may be two or three, or may be five or more. Further, in the example shown in the figure, the outer shape on the plane of the assembly of the plurality of hydrogen production modules 10 connected to each other is a square, but may be a rectangle or any shape. It can be arbitrarily determined so as to match the shape of the place where the assembly of the manufacturing modules 10 is installed. For example, when the assembly of the hydrogen production modules 10 is installed on a gable roof of a house, the outer shape can be determined so as to be approximately a triangle or a trapezoid.

  Thus, in this Embodiment, the hydrogen production module 10 has the cathode member 31 and the anode member 21 containing a photocatalyst, and while applying a voltage between the cathode member 31 and the anode member 21, a photocatalyst is Hydrogen and oxygen are produced by receiving light. The hydrogen production module 10 holds the cathode member 31 and the anode member 21 and forms an internal space 55 as an electrolytic solution housing space therein, and has a hexahedral shape including an upper surface, a lower surface, and four side surfaces. An outer frame 11 and an inner frame 12 as frames, a window 13 formed on the upper surface of the frame and receiving light received by the photocatalyst, and a side surface of the frame, the cathode member 31 and the anode member 21 has an electrode connection portion 42 as an electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to 21, and a side surface guide hole 14 that is disposed on each of the side surfaces of the frame, communicates with the internal space 55, and can be closed. .

  Thereby, the frames of an arbitrary number of hydrogen production modules 10 can be connected in an arbitrary arrangement form, and the hydrogen production modules 10 can be arranged in spaces of various shapes with various areas. Therefore, a desired amount of hydrogen can be produced with high efficiency. In addition, it is possible to reduce the cost by making the members of the hydrogen production module 10 common, and it is possible to easily perform maintenance and inspection.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used in a hydrogen production apparatus.

10 Hydrogen production module 11 Outer frame 11a Flat plate part 11b Side plate part 11d Engaging arm part 11e Engaging claw part 11L Lower outer frame 11U Upper outer frame 12 Inner frame 12L Lower inner frame 12U Upper inner frame 13 Window part 14 Side guide hole 21 Anode member 31 Cathode member 42 Electrode connection portion 51 Separation membrane 55 Internal space

Claims (5)

A hydrogen production apparatus having a cathode member and an anode member containing a photocatalyst, wherein the photocatalyst receives light to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen and oxygen;
A frame that holds the cathode member and the anode member and forms an electrolyte solution containing space therein, and a frame having a hexahedral shape including an upper surface and a lower surface and four side surfaces;
A window formed on the upper surface, the window receiving the light received by the photocatalyst, and
An electrical connection portion disposed on each of the side surfaces, wherein the electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the cathode member and the anode member, respectively.
An apparatus for producing hydrogen, comprising: a pipe line connection part disposed on each of the side surfaces, the pipe line connection part being in communication with the electrolyte solution storage space and being closable. The electrolyte solution storage space has upper and lower ends defined by the anode member and the cathode member, and is separated into an oxygen generation space and a hydrogen generation space by a separation membrane disposed between the anode member and the cathode member. Separated,
The pipe connection part includes an oxygen side pipe connection part communicating with the oxygen generation space, and a hydrogen side pipe connection part communicating with the hydrogen generation space,
2. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection portion includes a cathode-side electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the cathode member, and an anode-side electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the anode member. The side surface of the frame faces the side surface of the frame of another hydrogen production apparatus, and the electrical connection portion and the pipe connection portion are connected to the electrical connection portion and the pipe connection portion of the other hydrogen production apparatus. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen production apparatus is connected to the other hydrogen production apparatus. The frame includes an inner frame that defines the periphery of the electrolyte solution storage space, and an outer frame disposed outside the inner frame,
The inner frame includes an upper inner frame that defines a periphery of the oxygen generation space, and a lower inner frame that defines a periphery of the hydrogen generation space;
The outer frame includes an upper outer frame and a lower outer frame, each including a flat plate portion, four side plate portions, and an engagement arm portion extending from the side plate portion and having an engagement claw portion formed at a tip. By engaging the engaging claw portion of the upper outer frame with the lower outer frame and engaging the engaging claw portion of the lower outer frame with the upper outer frame, the upper outer frame and the lower outer frame are coupled to each other. The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The top plate portion of the upper outer frame includes the window portion,
The separation membrane is sandwiched between the upper inner frame and the lower inner frame,
The anode member is sandwiched between the upper outer frame and the upper inner frame,
The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cathode member is sandwiched between the lower outer frame and the lower inner frame.

Images