JP2013249508A - Hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus and hydrogen-oxygen production method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen-oxygen production method capable of detecting whether a transfer path has a risk of leaking hydrogen gas or oxygen gas.SOLUTION: In a hydrogen-oxygen production method, oxygen gas and hydrogen gas are obtained from water using a hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus equipped with a water electrolysis cell for electrolyzing water, thereby generating the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas on a cathode side and an anode side, respectively, mutually isolated by a solid electrolyte membrane. The hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus is equipped with a transfer path for transferring the hydrogen gas or the oxygen gas produced in the water electrolysis cell to a supply destination and a pressure measurement unit that measures gas pressure within the transfer path. A pressure measurement step is performed for measuring the pressure in the transfer path in a pressurized state over time using the pressure measurement unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrogen oxygen production apparatus and a hydrogen oxygen production method.

  Conventionally, various hydrogen oxygen production apparatuses are known. For example, water is electrolyzed so as to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas on the cathode side and the anode side separated by the solid electrolyte membrane, respectively. What is provided with the water electrolysis cell which performs is known. Usually, in the hydrogen-oxygen production method using this hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus, when no hydrogen gas or oxygen gas is required, the supply of electricity to the water electrolysis cell is stopped and the electrolysis of water is stopped. When gas or oxygen gas is required, the supply of electricity to the water electrolysis cell is started again to perform electrolysis of water.

  As this type of hydrogen oxygen production apparatus, for example, a water electrolysis cell includes an anode electrode plate, a cathode electrode plate facing the anode electrode plate, and a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode electrode plate and the cathode electrode plate. What you have is known. As this water electrolysis cell, a cell having a conductive porous power supply between each electrode plate and the solid electrolyte membrane is known. Water is supplied to the anode side and the anode side of the solid electrolyte membrane is provided. An oxygen gas is generated, and hydrogen gas is moved to the cathode side of a solid electrolyte membrane to generate hydrogen gas.

  In the case of using hydrogen gas, this hydrogen oxygen production apparatus, to a supply location for supplying hydrogen gas to devices such as fuel cell vehicles that receive supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus, A hydrogen transfer path for transferring the hydrogen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell is provided. Further, when oxygen gas is used, an oxygen transfer path for transferring the oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell to the supply location is provided. When both gases are used, It has a transfer route.

  However, since the solid electrolyte membrane is a relatively thin membrane, pinholes may occur. When pinholes occur in the solid electrolyte membrane, there may arise a problem that oxygen gas is mixed in the obtained hydrogen gas, or hydrogen gas is mixed in the obtained oxygen gas. And when oxygen is mixed in hydrogen gas or hydrogen is mixed in oxygen gas, these hydrogen gas and oxygen gas cannot be used depending on a use and will be discarded.

  From this point of view, a method for measuring the hydrogen concentration in the oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell while electrolyzing water in the water electrolysis cell to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas has been studied (patent) Reference 1).

JP 2002-38290 A

  The method of Patent Document 1 measures the hydrogen concentration in the generated oxygen gas while electrolyzing water in the water electrolysis cell to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and when the measured value is a predetermined value or more, By stopping the electrolysis of water, there is an advantage that generation of oxygen gas mixed with hydrogen can be suppressed.

  However, since the device for measuring the hydrogen concentration in oxygen gas and the device for measuring the oxygen concentration in hydrogen gas are relatively expensive devices at present, oxygen is mixed in hydrogen gas or oxygen gas is mixed. A further method that can grasp that hydrogen is mixed is desired.

  Further, in the conventional hydrogen oxygen production method, when a gap is generated between a plurality of pipes constituting the hydrogen transfer path or the oxygen transfer path, hydrogen or oxygen leaks from the gap. However, with the conventional method, it is difficult to grasp the leakage of gas, although it is possible to grasp the mixture of both gases.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention is capable of ascertaining whether hydrogen gas or oxygen gas can be leaked from a transfer path for transferring hydrogen gas or oxygen gas generated in a water electrolysis cell. It is an object of the present invention to provide a production method and a hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus.

  The present invention uses a hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus provided with a water electrolysis cell for electrolyzing water so as to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas on the cathode side and the anode side separated by a solid electrolyte membrane, respectively. A hydrogen-oxygen production method for obtaining oxygen gas and hydrogen gas from the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus, wherein the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus transports hydrogen gas or oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell to a supply site, and the transfer path A pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure of the gas in the inside, and performing a pressure measuring step of measuring the pressure over time using the pressure measuring device with the transfer path in a pressurized state. In the method for producing hydrogen oxygen.

  Further, the present invention is a hydrogen oxygen production apparatus comprising a water electrolysis cell for electrolyzing water so as to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas respectively on the cathode side and the anode side separated by a solid electrolyte membrane. A transfer path for transferring the hydrogen gas or oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell to the supply site, and a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure of the gas in the transfer path, and adding the transfer path. The hydrogen oxygen production apparatus is configured to perform a pressure measurement step of measuring the pressure over time using the pressure measurement device in a pressure state.

If gas is not leaking from the transfer path by setting the transfer path to a pressurized state, the pressure in the transfer path shows a certain fluctuation over time (does not change, increases at a predetermined speed, or increases at a predetermined speed). However, if gas is leaking from the transfer path, the pressure in the transfer path is different from that in the case where gas is not leaking from the transfer path. The change over time is shown.
Therefore, in such a hydrogen-oxygen production method and a hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus, the transfer path is put into a pressurized state, and the transfer is performed by performing a pressure measurement step of measuring the pressure over time using the pressure measurement device. It is possible to grasp whether hydrogen gas or oxygen gas can leak from the path.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to grasp whether hydrogen gas or oxygen gas can be leaked from a transfer path for transferring hydrogen gas or oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell.

Sectional drawing which represented typically the cross section of the water electrolysis module which comprises the hydrogen-oxygen manufacturing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Schematic showing the outline | summary of the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Schematic showing the outline | summary of the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. Schematic showing the outline | summary of the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus of 3rd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
First, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of a water electrolysis module constituting the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus of the first embodiment. .

In the first embodiment, an example of a hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus of the type that supplies water to the anode side, releases the obtained oxygen gas to the atmosphere, and uses the high-pressure hydrogen gas obtained on the cathode side is taken as an example. The hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus and the hydrogen-oxygen production method of the invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment uses water to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas on the cathode side and the anode side separated by the solid electrolyte membrane 11a, respectively. A water electrolysis cell 11 for decomposition is provided. The water electrolysis cell 11 includes a cathode electrode plate 11c and an anode electrode plate 11d facing each other, and the solid electrolyte membrane 11a is arranged between these electrode plates.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 generates the hydrogen transfer path 41 for transferring the hydrogen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell 11 to a supply location and the water electrolysis cell 11. An oxygen transfer path 42 for transferring the oxygen gas, and the hydrogen transfer path 41 and the oxygen transfer path 42 are separated from each other by the solid electrolyte membrane 11a.
However, on the anode side, oxygen gas is released from the supply location, and oxygen gas is not used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a water electrolysis module 10 including the water electrolysis cell 11, and the water electrolysis module 10 electrolyzes water to thereby form a cathode of the water electrolysis cell. Hydrogen gas is generated on the side and oxygen gas is generated on the anode side.
Further, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 supplies water for electrolysis to the water electrolysis module 10, sends electricity to each electrode plate of the water electrolysis cell in the water electrolysis module 10 to electrolyze the water, The hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas generated by the decomposition are sent out of the water electrolysis module 10.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a pure water production apparatus 33 for producing pure water for electrolysis and supplying the produced pure water to the water electrolysis module 10. Yes.
In addition, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a transmission unit (not shown) that sends electricity to each electrode plate of the water electrolysis cell in the water electrolysis module 10.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a hydrogen gas transfer pipe 20 that sends the generated hydrogen gas to the outside of the module 10 from the water electrolysis module 10, and hydrogen that has passed through the hydrogen gas transfer pipe 20. And a storage tank 23 for storing gas. Further, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a hydrogen gas gas-liquid separator 21 that reduces moisture contained in the hydrogen gas sent from the water electrolysis module 10 through the hydrogen gas transfer pipe 20, and the hydrogen gas gas. And a dehumidifier 22 for dehumidifying the hydrogen gas whose water content has been reduced by the liquid separator 21. The storage tank 23 is a tank that stores the hydrogen gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier 22.
In addition, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes an oxygen gas transfer pipe 30 that sends oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis module 10 out of the module from the water electrolysis module 10, and the water electrolysis through the oxygen gas transfer pipe 30. There is provided an oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31 for separating the oxygen gas sent from the module 10 and the water discharged from the module 10 together with the oxygen gas and storing the separated water.
In addition, in order to distribute | circulate water, gas, etc. suitably, the said hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus 1 is equipped with piping etc. so that each apparatus which comprises this apparatus may be mutually connected as shown, for example in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water electrolysis cell 11 provided in the water electrolysis module 10 has a solid electrolyte membrane 11a and a cathode electrode plate 11c and an anode electrode plate 11d arranged on both sides of the membrane. doing. Further, a porous power supply body 11b is provided between the solid electrolyte membrane 11a and each of the electrode plates 11c and 11d.

  The water electrolysis module 10 typically includes a plurality of water electrolysis cells 11 as shown in FIG.

The water electrolysis module 10 is configured to supply water to the anode side of the water electrolysis cell 11. In addition, each electrode plate is energized to generate oxygen gas on the anode side of the solid electrolyte membrane 11a and move hydrogen ions to the cathode side of the solid electrolyte membrane 11a to form hydrogen gas.
In the water electrolysis module 10, a hydrogen gas flow path 13 for flowing the hydrogen gas generated on the cathode side and an oxygen gas flow path 14 for flowing the oxygen gas generated on the anode side are formed.

  On the other hand, the hydrogen gas flow path 13 on the cathode side is isolated from the oxygen gas flow path 14 by the solid electrolyte membrane 11 a of the water electrolysis cell 11.

  Further, the water electrolysis module 10 is configured to circulate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in each water electrolysis cell 11 at least in the cell, and to form a hydrogen gas flow path 13 formed so that each gas can be discharged to the outside of the module. And an oxygen gas flow path 14.

  The hydrogen gas flow path 13 includes at least a space between the solid electrolyte membrane 11 a and the cathode electrode plate 11 c in the water electrolysis cell 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the water electrolysis cell 11 includes at least a space 13 a that houses a porous power supply body 11 b disposed on the cathode electrode plate 11 c side.

  That is, the hydrogen gas flow path 13 is constituted by at least a space 13a between the solid electrolyte membrane 11a and the cathode electrode plate 11c.

  Further, the hydrogen gas flow path 13 is formed so as to communicate with the space 13a between the solid electrolyte membrane 11a and the cathode electrode plate 11c, and is configured to send hydrogen gas to the outside of the module. A tube 13b is mentioned. That is, the cell hydrogen gas flow pipe 13 b constitutes the hydrogen gas flow path 13.

  On the other hand, the oxygen gas flow path 14 includes at least a space between the solid electrolyte membrane 11 a and the anode electrode plate 11 d in the water electrolysis cell 11. Specifically, the water electrolysis cell 11 includes at least a space 14a that accommodates the porous power feeder 11b disposed on the anode electrode plate 11d side. The space 14a functions as the oxygen gas flow path 14 for the same reason as described above.

  The oxygen gas flow path 14 is a cell oxygen gas flow pipe formed so as to communicate with the space 14a between the solid electrolyte membrane 11a and the anode electrode plate 11d and configured to send oxygen gas to the outside of the module. 14b. That is, the cell oxygen gas flow pipe 14 b constitutes the oxygen gas flow path 14.

  In the middle of the hydrogen gas transfer pipe 20, a relief valve (not shown) configured to release the hydrogen gas in the transfer pipe to the outside of the apparatus may be attached.

The gas-liquid separator 21 for hydrogen gas is configured to reduce moisture contained in the hydrogen gas sent from the water electrolysis module 10.
Specifically, the other end of the hydrogen gas transfer pipe 20 is attached to the hydrogen gas gas-liquid separator 21, and the hydrogen gas gas-liquid separator 21 is connected to the hydrogen gas transfer pipe 20 from the water electrolysis module 10. Is configured to separate the hydrogen gas sent through the water into hydrogen gas with reduced moisture and water.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a pipe that connects a gas-liquid separator 21 for hydrogen gas and the dehumidifier 22, and hydrogen whose moisture has been reduced in the gas-liquid separator 21 for hydrogen gas. The gas is sent to the dehumidifier 22.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a pipe for sending water generated in the gas-liquid separator 21 for hydrogen gas, and discharges the water to the outside of the apparatus, or It is configured so as to be sent to the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas.

  The dehumidifier 22 is configured to dehumidify the hydrogen gas whose moisture has been reduced by the hydrogen gas gas-liquid separator 21 with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture.

  The storage tank 23 stores hydrogen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell 11 by electrolysis of water.

  Next, the devices arranged on the oxygen gas side sent from the water electrolysis module 10 in the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 will be described.

  In the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus 1, the water electrolysis module 10 has an oxygen gas flow path 14 formed so that the generated oxygen gas flows at least in the water electrolysis cell 11.

In the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1, the oxygen gas transfer pipe 30 communicates with the oxygen gas flow path 14, one end is attached to the water electrolysis module 10, and the generated oxygen gas is sent to the other end side. It is configured.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the other end of the oxygen gas transfer pipe 30 is attached to the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas, and oxygen gas generated by electrolysis and containing water is supplied as oxygen gas. The gas / liquid separator 31 is configured to send the gas / liquid separator 31.

  The other end of the oxygen gas transfer pipe 30 described above is attached to the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas. The gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas includes a gas-liquid separation filter 31a inside, and the moisture of the oxygen gas sent from the water electrolysis module 10 through the oxygen gas transfer pipe 30 is reduced by the gas-liquid separation filter 31a. It is configured so that it can be separated into oxygen gas with reduced moisture and water.

The gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas has a space for storing the separated oxygen gas and a release valve (not shown) for releasing the stored oxygen gas to the outside. Can be appropriately discharged to the outside.
Moreover, the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas has a housing part that accommodates the separated water, and is configured so that water supplied from the outside can be housed in the housing part. . Moreover, it is comprised so that the water accommodated in this accommodating part may be sent to the water electrolysis module 10 as water for electrolyzing.

  The hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes an electrolyzed water supply pipe 32 having one end attached to the oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31 and the other end attached to the water electrolysis module 10, and the oxygen gas gas-liquid separation The water contained in the vessel 31 can be supplied to the water electrolysis module 10.

  Specifically, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 sends the oxygen gas containing moisture sent from the water electrolysis module 10 to the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas via the oxygen gas transfer pipe 30, and supplies the oxygen gas to the separator. The separated water is sent to the water electrolysis module 10 via the electrolyzed water supply pipe 32. That is, the water that has not been used for electrolysis in the water electrolysis module 10 is sent again to the water decomposition module 10 via the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas and used for electrolysis. Yes.

The pure water production device 33 produces water for electrolysis in the water electrolysis cell 11. The pure water production apparatus 33 is configured to supply the produced water to the water electrolysis module 10.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 supplies water produced by the pure water production apparatus 33 to the water electrolysis module 10 via the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas. It is configured to be.

The pure water production apparatus 33 includes, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane), and is configured to produce pure water by allowing tap water supplied from the outside to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane.
As the pure water production apparatus 33, a general apparatus can be adopted.

  The hydrogen transfer path 41 is a path for transferring hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas generation point to a supply target point. The hydrogen transfer path 41 for transferring the hydrogen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell to the supply location is the hydrogen gas flow path 13 of the water electrolysis module 10, the hydrogen gas transfer pipe 20, and the gas liquid for hydrogen gas. A separator 21, a dehumidifier 22, and a storage tank 23 are provided. That is, the hydrogen transfer path 41 includes a path for transferring the hydrogen gas in the water electrolysis cell 11. The hydrogen transfer path 41 is configured to transfer hydrogen gas to a supply location outside the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1.

Further, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 includes a pressure measuring device (not shown) that measures the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path 41.
In addition, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 is configured to perform a step of measuring the pressure during electrolysis of water over time using the pressure measuring device (not shown).
As the pressure measuring device (not shown), a pressure measuring device (not shown) used in a conventionally known hydrogen oxygen production device can be used, and the pressure sensor of the pressure measuring device (not shown) is In addition, it is preferable to be disposed in the middle of the hydrogen transfer path 41 (such as the storage tank 23).

  Next, the method for producing hydrogen oxygen according to the first embodiment will be described.

In the hydrogen oxygen production method according to the first embodiment, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is used. Here, the case where piping etc. in the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 of the oxygen side (anode side) are made into atmospheric pressure is demonstrated. That is, while the hydrogen generated in the electrolysis cell 11 is stored in the storage tank 23, the piping or the like in the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus 1 on the hydrogen side (cathode side) is set to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. By releasing into the atmosphere through the separator 31, the pressure of the piping in the hydrogen-oxygen producing apparatus 1 on the oxygen side is atmospheric pressure.
Usually, the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus 1 that is repeatedly used for operation and stop is in a state in which the transfer path is blocked before the storage tank 23 before the operation is started. It is about atmospheric pressure.
In this state, the supply of water from the electrolyzed water supply pipe 32 to the water electrolysis module 10 is started and the water electrolysis module 10 is energized to start electrolysis of the water, and an on-off valve provided in front of the storage tank 23 The pressure in the hydrogen transfer passage 41 on the water electrolysis cell 11 side (not shown) is increased until the pressure in the storage tank 23 becomes equal to or higher than the pressure in the storage tank 23 (gauge pressure is about 0.8 MPa). The valve (not shown) is opened, and the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen transfer path 41 on the water electrolysis cell 11 side is transferred to the storage tank 23 from the open / close valve (not shown).
At this time, the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path 41 on the water electrolysis cell 11 side from the on-off valve (not shown) during the electrolysis of water is changed over time using the pressure measuring device (not shown). taking measurement.
Supplying hydrogen gas to the hydrogen transfer path 41 with a predetermined flux by supplying the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen transfer path 41 while generating oxygen gas and hydrogen gas with the current value supplied to the electrolysis cell being substantially constant. When hydrogen gas does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the pressure increases at a predetermined rate while hydrogen gas accumulates in the hydrogen transfer path 41, or hydrogen gas passes through the hydrogen transfer path 41. And the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen transfer path 41 is in a steady state and the pressure does not change. On the other hand, a hole is formed in the solid electrolyte membrane 11a, an on-off valve (not shown) provided in the hydrogen transfer path 41 is clogged with dust, or a gap is formed between the pipe of the hydrogen transfer path 41 and the gasket. If hydrogen gas leaks from the hydrogen transfer path 41 due to the occurrence of the above, etc., the pressure increases or decreases later than the predetermined speed.
That is, if hydrogen gas leaks from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the pressure in the transfer path shows a temporal change in pressure different from the case where hydrogen gas does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41.
Whether or not the pressure in the transfer path indicates a change with time in pressure different from the case where hydrogen gas does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41 depends on whether the hydrogen gas does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41 or not. The change with time of pressure can be measured in advance and judged by comparison with the change with time.
Therefore, by measuring the pressure during the electrolysis of water over time using the pressure measuring device (not shown), it is determined whether or not hydrogen gas can be leaked from the hydrogen transfer path 41. be able to. Thus, by measuring the pressure over time, it is possible to grasp whether or not hydrogen gas can be leaked from the hydrogen transfer path 41. Therefore, it is grasped whether or not such a state has been reached. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to install a separate expensive oxygen gas concentration measuring device.
In the hydrogen transfer path 41, whether or not a plurality of on-off valves (not shown) are arranged up to the storage tank 23 and hydrogen gas can leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41 in order from the front for each section. May be confirmed.
In particular, when it is desired to grasp whether or not the hole of the solid electrolyte membrane 11a is open, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the hydrogen transfer path 41, the water electrolysis cell 11, and the gas-liquid separation for hydrogen gas. An on-off valve (not shown) for opening and closing the flow path is provided between the vessel 21 and the pressure measuring device (not shown) on the water electrolysis cell 11 side of the on-off valve (not shown). It is preferable that the pressure of the gas in the transfer path 41 is measured.
In addition, the current value supplied to the electrolysis cell is measured, the amount of hydrogen generated from the current value is calculated, the change with time in pressure is calculated based on the amount of hydrogen, and the time of pressure obtained by calculation from the current value is calculated. You may make it compare a change with the time-dependent change of the measured pressure. Thus, by obtaining the change with time of the pressure obtained by calculation from the current value, even when the method of applying current to the electrolysis cell fluctuates, the hydrogen transfer path 41 can leak hydrogen gas. It becomes possible to determine whether or not.

  In the hydrogen oxygen production method of the first embodiment, when it is determined that hydrogen gas can leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the electrolysis of water is stopped and the inspection is performed.

  In the hydrogen oxygen production method of the first embodiment, the on-off valve (not shown) provided in front of the storage tank 23 is closed, and the hydrogen on the storage tank 23 side from the on-off valve (not shown). The pressure in the transfer path 41 may be measured. Thereby, it can be grasped whether hydrogen gas can be leaked from the hydrogen transfer path 41 on the storage tank 23 side from the on-off valve (not shown).

Further, instead of or in addition to the step of measuring the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path 41 during the electrolysis of water over time using the pressure measuring device (not shown), the electricity of water You may implement the process which measures the pressure of the gas in the said hydrogen transfer path | route 41 after a stop of decomposition | disassembly over time using the said pressure measuring device (not shown).
That is, in such a hydrogen-oxygen production method, electricity is supplied to the water electrolysis cell 11 using the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus 1, and water is electrolyzed to generate oxygen gas and hydrogen gas.
Next, the supply of electricity to the water electrolysis cell is stopped to stop the electrolysis of water.
In the first embodiment, since the oxygen side is at atmospheric pressure, the pressure (gauge pressure) in the oxygen transfer path 42 is about 0 MPa.
On the other hand, on the hydrogen transfer path 41 side, an on-off valve (not shown) provided in front of the storage tank 23 is closed, and water electrolysis is performed from the on-off valve (not shown) after water electrolysis is stopped. The pressure in the hydrogen transfer path 41 on the cell 11 side is measured over time using the pressure measuring device (not shown).
If hydrogen does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the pressure is almost constant, but if hydrogen leaks from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the pressure decreases.
Even if hydrogen does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus passes through the solid electrolyte membrane 11a, so that the pressure of the hydrogen transfer path 41 is not maintained constant and gradually. In such a case, if the hydrogen gas does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the pressure decreases at a predetermined rate. On the other hand, if hydrogen gas leaks from the hydrogen transfer path 41, the pressure decreases faster than a predetermined speed. Whether the pressure decrease rate is faster than a predetermined rate is determined by measuring the pressure decrease rate in a state where hydrogen gas does not leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41 in advance and comparing it with the decrease rate. can do.
In this case, unlike during operation (during electrolysis of water), the influence of the pressure fluctuation in the system due to the fluctuation of the current value of the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus, the state of taking out the hydrogen gas from the storage tank 23, etc. is taken into consideration. Without observing only the pressure change, it is possible to grasp whether or not hydrogen gas can leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41. As in this case, even when the pressure after the start of electrolysis of water is measured over time using the pressure measuring device (not shown), only the pressure change is observed, and the hydrogen transfer path Whether or not hydrogen gas can be leaked from 41 can be grasped. Since the current value of the hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus is normally controlled to be substantially constant while the pressure is increased after the start of water electrolysis, the pressure is hardly affected by fluctuations in the current value. It is.
Therefore, a state in which hydrogen gas can leak from the hydrogen transfer path 41 by measuring the pressure in the hydrogen transfer path 41 after the water electrolysis is stopped with the use of the pressure measuring device (not shown). It is possible to grasp whether or not.

Second Embodiment
Next, a hydrogen oxygen generation apparatus and a hydrogen oxygen generation method according to the second embodiment will be described.
In addition, the description which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is not repeated, The thing of 1st Embodiment is used suitably for the name and figure number of each part, The thing which is not especially demonstrated in 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated by 1st Embodiment. The same content as
First, the hydrogen oxygen generator of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an outline of the hydrogen-oxygen generator of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, such a hydrogen-oxygen generator includes an oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31 that contains water in an internal space and separates generated oxygen gas from water, and the oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31. And a circulation piping part 51 configured to supply the water stored in the anode to the anode side of the water electrolysis module 10. The gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas accommodates the water electrolysis module 10 in the internal space, stores the water sent from the pure water production apparatus 33, and immerses the water electrolysis module 10 in the stored water. It is configured. In addition, the hydrogen oxygen generator includes an oxygen gas storage tank 34 that stores the oxygen gas sent from the oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31, and receives the oxygen gas sent from the oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31. The oxygen gas storage tank 34 is configured to store the oxygen gas.
According to such a hydrogen-oxygen generator 1, since a relatively large amount of water stored in the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas can be supplied to the water electrolysis module 10 via the circulation piping part 51, it is possible to stably Gas can be generated.
Such a hydrogen-oxygen generator 1 is controlled such that the differential pressure between the pressure of the gas-liquid separator 21 for hydrogen gas and the pressure of the oxygen gas separation tank 31 is within a predetermined range.
Such a hydrogen oxygen generator 1 is configured to measure the pressure of the gas in the gas-liquid separator 21 for hydrogen gas with a pressure measuring device (not shown).

Next, the hydrogen oxygen generation method of the second embodiment will be described.
In the hydrogen oxygen generation method according to the second embodiment, the hydrogen oxygen generation apparatus according to the second embodiment is used.
In the method for generating hydrogen oxygen according to the second embodiment, the pressure during electrolysis of water is measured over time using the pressure measuring device.
By the way, in the type of hydrogen oxygen generator that can pressurize both the oxygen transfer path and the hydrogen transfer path, oxygen transfer is performed when the gas pressure in the hydrogen transfer path is higher than the gas pressure in the oxygen transfer path. In order to reduce the absolute value of the difference between the gas pressure in the path and the gas pressure in the hydrogen transfer path, hydrogen gas is usually released from a relief valve (safety valve) provided in the middle of the hydrogen transfer path. is there.
In the hydrogen oxygen generation method of the second embodiment, the gas pressure in the hydrogen transfer path before the release may be measured over time, and hydrogen is accumulated in the hydrogen transfer path after the release. The gas pressure in the transfer path may be measured over time.
In the hydrogen oxygen generation method of the second embodiment, as in the hydrogen oxygen generation method of the first embodiment, the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path during the electrolysis of water is changed to the pressure measuring device (not shown). In addition to or in addition to the step of measuring over time using the pressure measuring device, the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path after the electrolysis of water is measured over time using the pressure measuring device You may implement a process.
When the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path after the electrolysis of water is measured over time using the pressure measuring device, the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path and the gas in the hydrogen transfer path The absolute value of the difference from the pressure of the solid electrolyte membrane becomes a predetermined value or more with the solid electrolyte membrane as a boundary, so that it is possible to grasp whether hydrogen gas or oxygen gas from the solid electrolyte membrane can be leaked. . From the viewpoint of grasping this state, the pressure measuring device is preferably controlled so that the absolute value is 0.1 MPa or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of avoiding a load on the solid electrolyte membrane, the pressure measuring device is preferably controlled so that the absolute value is 0.8 MPa or less, and the pressure value is 0.4 MPa or less. More preferably, the pressure measuring device is controlled.
In addition, in addition to the pressure measuring device which measures the pressure in the said hydrogen transfer path | route, or instead of this pressure measuring device (not shown), such a hydrogen oxygen generating apparatus 1 is changing the pressure in the said oxygen transfer path | route. You may provide the pressure measuring device to measure.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a hydrogen oxygen generation apparatus and a hydrogen oxygen generation method according to a third embodiment will be described.
In addition, the description which overlaps with 1st, 2nd embodiment is not repeated, and the name and figure number of each part refer to the thing of 1st, 2nd embodiment suitably, and what is not especially demonstrated in 3rd Embodiment, The contents are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an outline of the hydrogen-oxygen generator of the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the hydrogen oxygen generator of the third embodiment includes an oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31 similar to the above, and a water electrolysis module disposed outside the oxygen gas gas-liquid separator 31. 10. Then, oxygen gas generated by electrolysis is sent to the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas together with water, and the water stored in the gas-liquid separator 31 for oxygen gas is supplied to the water electrolysis module 10 via the circulation pipe 51. Is configured to do.
In the hydrogen oxygen generation method according to the third embodiment, the hydrogen oxygen generation apparatus according to the third embodiment is used.

<Other embodiments>
The hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus and the hydrogen-oxygen production method of the first, second, and third embodiments are as described above, but the present invention is not limited to the first, second, and third embodiments, and the design is changed as appropriate. Is possible.
For example, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus according to the first, second, and third embodiments includes a pressure measurement device (not shown) that measures the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path 41, but according to the present invention. The hydrogen oxygen production apparatus may include a pressure measurement device that measures the pressure of the gas in the oxygen transfer path in addition to the pressure measurement device or instead of the pressure measurement device.

  The hydrogen oxygen production apparatus according to the first, second, and third embodiments includes a step of measuring the gas pressure in the hydrogen transfer path during the electrolysis of water over time using the pressure measurement device, and In the present invention, at least one of the steps of measuring the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path after the electrolysis of water with time using the pressure measuring device is performed. The hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus according to the present invention includes a step of measuring the gas pressure in the oxygen transfer path during the electrolysis of water over time using the pressure measuring device, and the oxygen after the electrolysis of water is stopped. It may be configured to perform at least one of the steps of measuring the pressure of the gas in the transfer path over time using the pressure measuring device.

Furthermore, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus according to the first, second, and third embodiments includes a step of measuring the gas pressure in the hydrogen transfer path during the electrolysis of water over time using the pressure measurement device, and In the present invention, at least one of the steps of measuring the pressure of the gas in the hydrogen transfer path after the electrolysis of water with time using the pressure measuring device is performed. The hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus according to the step of measuring the pressure over time using the pressure measuring device while supplying hydrogen gas or oxygen gas generated by electrolysis and temporarily stored in a storage tank or the like to the transfer path And at least one of the steps of measuring the pressure of the gas in the transfer path after the supply of hydrogen gas or oxygen gas to the transfer path with the use of the pressure measuring device over time is implemented. It may be.
Further, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus according to the present invention is a process of measuring the pressure over time using the pressure measuring device while supplying a separately prepared gas (for example, nitrogen gas in a nitrogen gas cylinder) to the transfer path. And, it may be configured to perform at least one of the steps of measuring the gas pressure in the transfer path after the supply to the transfer path with time using the pressure measuring device. .
That is, the hydrogen oxygen production apparatus according to the present invention may be configured to perform a pressure measurement process in which the transfer path is in a pressurized state and the pressure is measured over time using the pressure measurement device. .

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Hydrogen oxygen production apparatus, 10: Water electrolysis module, 11: Water electrolysis cell, 11a: Solid electrolyte membrane, 11b: Porous feeder, 11c: Cathode electrode plate, 11d: Anode electrode plate, 12: Water supply pipe for cells 13: Hydrogen gas flow path, 13a: Space between solid electrolyte membrane and cathode electrode plate, 13b: Hydrogen gas flow tube for cell, 14: Oxygen gas flow channel, 14a: Solid electrolyte membrane and anode electrode plate 14b: oxygen gas flow pipe for cell, 15: end plate, 20: hydrogen gas transfer pipe, 21: gas-liquid separator for hydrogen gas, 22: dehumidifier, 22a: adsorption cylinder, 23: storage tank, 24: compression pump, 30: oxygen gas transfer pipe, 31: gas-liquid separator for oxygen gas, 32: electrolytic water supply pipe, 33: pure water production apparatus, 34: oxygen gas storage tank, 41: hydrogen transfer path, 42 : Oxygen transfer route, 51: Circulation Part.

Claims (3)

In order to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas on the cathode side and the anode side separated by the solid electrolyte membrane, respectively, using a hydrogen oxygen production apparatus equipped with a water electrolysis cell for electrolyzing water, oxygen gas and water A hydrogen oxygen production method for obtaining hydrogen gas,
The hydrogen-oxygen production apparatus includes a transfer path for transferring hydrogen gas or oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell to a supply location, and a pressure measurement device for measuring the pressure of the gas in the transfer path. ,
A method for producing hydrogen oxygen, wherein a pressure measuring step is performed in which the transfer path is in a pressurized state and the pressure is measured over time using the pressure measuring device.   In the pressure measuring step, the pressure during water electrolysis is measured over time using the pressure measuring device, and the pressure after water electrolysis is stopped over time using the pressure measuring device. The hydrogen-oxygen production method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the steps to be measured is performed. A hydrogen oxygen production apparatus comprising a water electrolysis cell for electrolyzing water in order to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas respectively on the cathode side and the anode side separated by a solid electrolyte membrane,
A transfer path for transferring the hydrogen gas or oxygen gas generated in the water electrolysis cell to a supply location, and a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure of the gas in the transfer path,
An apparatus for producing hydrogen oxygen, characterized in that a pressure measuring step of measuring the pressure over time using the pressure measuring device with the transfer path in a pressurized state can be performed.

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