JP2015067478A - Hydrogen production apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen production apparatus capable of efficiently irradiating a photocatalyst having a complicated structure with light.SOLUTION: A first vessel 60 including water and a photocatalyst 20 is disposed in a hydrogen generation tank 10, and a separation member 150 is disposed in a second vessel 50 including a liquid light source 30 to irradiate the photocatalyst 20 with light. The separation member 150 is permeable to the light emitted from the liquid light source 30 and is made of a material to permeate oxygen. The water and photocatalyst 20 are thus separated from the liquid light source 30 by the separation member 150, and consequently the liquid light source 30 is not influenced by acidity even when the water contacting the photocatalyst 20 is acidified. Further, oxygen produced by decomposing water with the photocatalyst 20 may be supplied to the liquid light source 30 through the separation member 150.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating hydrogen using water, a photocatalyst, and light.

Currently, hydrogen is used in a wide variety of fields including petroleum refining, chemical products, industrial products, and fuel cells. In particular, a fuel cell using hydrogen is expected as a clean energy source in which only water is generated in the reaction process. However, since hydrogen hardly exists in nature, it is artificially produced by methods such as steam reforming, partial reforming and catalytic reforming using fossil fuels, methods for separating hydrogen from coke oven gas, and electrolysis of water. Are manufactured. Since these hydrogen production methods involve combustion of fossil fuels and a large amount of CO ₂ emission, there is a problem that the environmental load is large.

On the other hand, as a hydrogen generation method with low fossil fuel combustion and CO ₂ emissions, as in Patent Document 1, water is brought into contact with the surface of the photocatalyst and the surface of the photocatalyst is irradiated with light having a wavelength and intensity necessary for the photocatalytic action. Thus, a method for decomposing water and generating hydrogen and oxygen has also been proposed.

JP 2009-262071 A

  The amount of hydrogen generated in a hydrogen generator using a photocatalyst depends on the surface area of the photocatalyst in addition to the wavelength and intensity of light and the efficiency of the photocatalyst. The larger the area of the photocatalyst that is in contact with water and irradiated with light, the more hydrogen is generated.

  The surface area of the photocatalyst itself can be increased by forming irregularities on the surface of the substrate that supports the photocatalyst, or by making the photocatalyst itself powdery. However, when the base material supporting the photocatalyst has a complicated uneven shape, a shadowed portion is generated with respect to a fixed light source such as sunlight, a lamp, and an LED. Therefore, the photocatalyst in the shadowed portion is irradiated with light. Can not do it. Therefore, even if the surface area of the photocatalyst is increased by making the base material into a complicated uneven shape, it is difficult to irradiate the entire surface with light, so that the effective surface area for generating hydrogen cannot be increased.

  In order to efficiently irradiate light on a photocatalyst having a complicated shape, it is conceivable to use a liquid light source that can be in a free shape. As the liquid light source, for example, a light source in which luminous organisms are dispersed in a liquid can be considered. The light emitted by the luminescent organism is visible light, but it is difficult for the current visible light responsive photocatalyst to efficiently decompose water unless it is under acidic conditions. On the other hand, when a luminescent organism is used as a liquid light source, it is difficult to emit light in an acidic environment. In addition, since luminescent organisms require oxygen to emit light, it is difficult to maintain luminescence for a long time.

  The objective of this invention is providing the hydrogen production apparatus which can irradiate light efficiently to the photocatalyst which has a complicated structure.

  In order to achieve the above object, a hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention includes a hydrogen generation tank, a first tank in which water and a photocatalyst are disposed, and a liquid light source that irradiates the photocatalyst with light. And a separation member separated from the second tank. The separation member is made of a material that is transparent to light emitted from the liquid light source and transmits oxygen.

  In the present invention, since the water and the photocatalyst can be separated from the liquid light source by the separating member, the liquid light source is not affected by the acid even when the water in contact with the photocatalyst is acidified. Further, oxygen generated by the decomposition of water by the photocatalyst can be supplied to the liquid light source through the separation member. Therefore, light can be efficiently irradiated onto the photocatalyst having a complicated structure.

(A) The block diagram which shows the structure of the hydrogen production apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (b) The expanded sectional view of the flow path 50, (c) Explanatory drawing which shows that oxygen permeate | transmits the separation member 150. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows that cross-sectional shape of the tubular separation member 150 of embodiment and oxygen is supplied to the liquid light source 30 through the separation member 150, and light emission amount becomes large as an outer peripheral area | region. The notch sectional drawing of the hydrogen production apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric power generation system of 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a hydrogen production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention includes a hydrogen generation tank 10 and a separation member 150 that separates the interior of the hydrogen generation tank into a first tank 60 and a second tank 50. In the first tank 60, water and the photocatalyst 20 are arranged. In the second tank 50, a liquid light source 30 that irradiates the photocatalyst 20 with light is disposed. The separation member 150 is made of a material that is transparent to light emitted from the liquid light source 30 and transmits oxygen.

  Since the shape of the liquid light source 30 can be freely changed depending on its fluidity, the shape of the second tank can be made close to the photocatalyst 20 as shown in FIG. Can be irradiated. Further, since the liquid light source can be separated from the water and the photocatalyst 20 by the separation member 150, the liquid light source 30 is affected by the acidic water even when the water is acidified to enhance the reaction of the photocatalyst 20. Can be prevented. Further, oxygen generated by the photocatalyst 20 decomposing water can be supplied to the liquid light source 30 through the separation unit 150. Therefore, when a luminescent organism is used as the liquid light source 30, it is possible to prevent the luminescent organism from becoming deficient in oxygen and keep it active, so that the luminous efficiency can be increased. Moreover, it becomes possible to make the 2nd tank 50 into complicated shapes, such as a thin long tube shape which does not contact external air.

  It is preferable that an oxygen supply device 70 that supplies oxygen to the liquid light source 30 is connected to the second tank 50. Thereby, it can further prevent that the liquid light source 30 of the 2nd tank 50 becomes oxygen-deficient.

  The oxygen supply device 70 is preferably a device that supplies oxygen to the liquid light source 30 out of hydrogen and oxygen generated by the photocatalyst 20 decomposing water in the first tank 60. Accordingly, oxygen generated in the first tank 60 can be used effectively, and it is not necessary to separately prepare an oxygen supply source such as an oxygen cylinder, so that maintenance is facilitated. As the oxygen supply device 70, for example, a bubbling device that generates gas bubbles containing oxygen in the liquid light source 30 can be used.

  For example, the separation member 150 constitutes a flow path that allows the liquid light source 30 to flow inside the hydrogen generation tank as the second tank 50. In this case, the outside of the flow path 50 is the first tank 60. As the separation unit 150, for example, a meandering tube can be used.

  The 1st tank 60 can be made into the structure of the flow path through which water flows at least. The photocatalyst 20 can be disposed on the inner wall of the first tank 60. The photocatalyst 20 is preferably carried on an adherend 160 on which irregularities are formed in order to increase the surface area.

  As the liquid light source 30, luminescent organisms dispersed in a liquid can be suitably used. For example, as the luminescent organism, one containing at least one of luminescent bacteria and luminescent plankton is used.

  In addition, the hydrogen generation apparatus may be configured to further include an adjustment tank that adjusts the liquid light source to a state capable of emitting light and allows the liquid light source to flow into the inlet of the second tank of the hydrogen generation tank.

  In addition, some liquid light sources 30 emit light in response to stimulation, and therefore, a stimulus generation unit that emits light by applying chemical, physical, or electrical stimulation to the liquid light source 30 is connected to the hydrogen generation tank. It is also possible to do. Specifically, a stirrer that stirs a liquid light source, a heating device that heats a liquid light source, a voltage application device that applies electrical stimulation, or the like can be disposed as a stimulus generator.

  The hydrogen generation tank may be configured to have an inlet for taking in the liquid light source 30 from the outside, an outlet for flowing out the liquid light source inside, and a hydrogen outlet for taking out the hydrogen generated inside. . As a result, the liquid light source that has stopped emitting light can be taken out from the outlet, and a liquid light source capable of emitting light can be supplied from the inlet.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the hydrogen production apparatus. In this hydrogen production apparatus, a meandering tube as a separation member 150 is disposed inside the hydrogen generation tank 10. Inside the tube is a flow path 50 through which the liquid light source 30 flows, and a region between the outside of the flow path 50 and the hydrogen generation tank 10 is a flow path 60 through which water 40 to be decomposed flows. An adherend (base material) 160 having a concavo-convex structure is disposed on the inner wall of the hydrogen generation tank 10, and a layer of the photocatalyst 20 is formed on the surface of the adherend 160. The adherend 160 has a fold-like uneven structure imitating the inner wall of the small intestine of a human body. The flow path 50 meanders so as to sew between the adherends 160.

  As the liquid light source 30, a mixture obtained by mixing (dispersing) luminescent organisms such as luminescent bacteria in a liquid can be used. The liquid light source 30 will be described in detail later.

  The separation member 150 is made of a material that is transparent to light emitted from the liquid light source 30 and is oxygen permeable. For example, the separating member 150 can be made of a silicone-based resin (for example, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane)).

  Even when acidic water is used to efficiently generate the photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst 20 by disposing the separation member 150 and separating the flow path of the liquid light source 30 from the flow path of the water to be decomposed. The liquid light source 30 is separated from the acidic water by the separating member 150. Therefore, luminescent organisms such as luminescent bacteria can survive by being separated from acidic water and can emit light.

  Further, since the separation member 150 transmits oxygen, in order to make it approach the photocatalyst 20, even when the tubular flow channel 50 is configured by the separation member 150 as shown in FIG. A luminescent organism such as flowing luminescent bacteria can sufficiently absorb oxygen necessary for luminescence from water flowing through the flow path 60 through the separating member 150 as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to realize the liquid light source 30 with no change in brightness from the front end to the end of the flow path 50.

  The water flowing through the flow path 60 is dissolved in abundant oxygen because the reaction that decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen continuously occurs as long as the photocatalyst 20 is irradiated with light from the liquid light source 30. Thus, sufficient oxygen can be supplied to the liquid light source 30 in the flow path 50 through the separation member 150.

  Here, it will be further explained that oxygen is required for the luminescence of the luminescent bacteria. The luminescent mechanism of the luminescent bacteria is that the luminescent substrate, luciferin, emits light by a chemical reaction by the action of the luminescent enzyme luciferase. Luciferin is oxidized to an unstable peroxide with a high energy level, which releases very high energy when it returns to the ground state by luciferase. Therefore, oxygen is indispensable for the luminescence of luminescent bacteria. In the normal case, the luminescent bacteria can obtain oxygen necessary for light emission from the surrounding moisture. However, in order to obtain high luminous efficiency as a light source as in this embodiment, when increasing the existence density of the luminescent bacteria, the luminescent bacteria There is a possibility that oxygen alone is insufficient only with oxygen dissolved in water in which water is dispersed, and there are many individuals that do not contribute to light emission.

  In the present embodiment, since the transparent member constituting the separation member 150 is a material having high oxygen permeability as described above, oxygen dissolved in water to be decomposed outside the separation member 150 is separated from the separation member 150. Can be supplied to luminous bacteria. Here, the ease of oxygen passing through the substance is evaluated by the Dk value (oxygen permeability coefficient). Dk value = (dissolution coefficient) × (diffusion coefficient). The solubility coefficient represents the ease of dissolving oxygen, and the diffusion coefficient represents the ease of movement of oxygen. Therefore, it is desirable that the separation member 150 has a Dk value that is large enough to continuously emit light while the liquid light source 30 is flowing through the flow path 50. The specific Dk value is determined by calculation or experiment according to the type and existence probability of the luminescent bacteria to be used, the diameter and length of the flow path 50, the thickness of the separation member 150, and the like.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the liquid light source 30 in the flow channel 50 has a larger light emission amount because more oxygen is supplied to the outer peripheral region closer to the separation member 150, and the central region has oxygen supply. The amount is small and the amount of light emission tends to be small. In the present embodiment, since the light emitted in the outer peripheral region is irradiated to the photocatalyst 20 of the flow path 60 through the separation member 150, the light is emitted even if the light emission amount of the light emitting region in the outer peripheral region is larger than the central region. The photocatalyst can be irradiated efficiently.

  The separation member 150 can absorb the oxygen dissolved in the water in which the luminescent bacteria are dispersed in the region near the inlet 50a of the flow path 50, so that the separation member 150 may be made of a material having a low oxygen permeability. The separation member 150 may be made of a material having high oxygen permeability only in a region near the outlet 50b that is away from the inlet 50a.

  In addition, in order to increase the efficiency of the photochemical reaction of the photocatalyst 20, it is desirable that the water flowing through the flow path 60 be acidic, so that the material of the separation member 150 is preferably acid-resistant.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, in the middle of the flow path 50, the tubular separation member 150 is pulled out of the hydrogen generation tank 10 and connected to the oxygen supply device 70 to supply oxygen to the liquid light source 30. And it is set as the structure returned to the hydrogen generation tank 10 again. Thereby, since the amount of dissolved oxygen of the liquid light source 30 can be increased, the luminous efficiency of the liquid light source 30 can be increased. The oxygen supply device 70 can be configured to be connected to the flow path 50 at a position away from the inflow port 50a where oxygen dissolved in the liquid light source 30 tends to be insufficient.

  Further, as the oxygen supplied by the oxygen supply device 70, it is desirable to use oxygen generated from the flow path 60 after being separated from hydrogen by a hydrogen / oxygen separation filter or the like. Thereby, it is not necessary to prepare an oxygen supply source, maintenance is easy, and energy saving can be realized.

  The oxygen supply device 70 may have any configuration as long as oxygen can be dissolved in the water of the liquid light source 30. A general bubbling device or a known microbubble device that consumes as little power as possible can be suitably used. Since the microbubble device can efficiently dissolve oxygen in water as compared with a normal bubbling device, it is an effective method for improving oxygen deficiency that occurs in a closed water area like the channel 50 of the present embodiment. It is. A microbubble generally refers to a bubble having a diameter of 50 μm or less when it is generated. While normal bubbles rapidly rise in water and burst and disappear on the surface, microbubbles shrink in water and dissolve completely, so that the amount of dissolved oxygen can be increased efficiently. Since the microbubble generator is a widely known device, a detailed description thereof is omitted here. For example, a microbubble device that does not consume power, such as the device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-305494, is preferable. In addition, it is of course possible to use widely known devices such as a pressure-dissolution type microbubble generator and a gas-liquid two-phase flow swirl type microbubble generator.

  The operation of each part when generating hydrogen in the hydrogen generator of this embodiment described above will be described. First, the liquid light source 30 is supplied from the inlet 50a of the flow path 50 and discharged from the outlet 50b, while water to be decomposed is supplied from the inlet 60a of the flow path 60 and discharged from the outlet 60b. The liquid light source 30 irradiates the photocatalyst 20 on the surface of the adherend 160 having a complicated shape with light through the separation member 150. On the surface of the photocatalyst 20 irradiated with light from the liquid light source 30, water is decomposed by the action of the photocatalyst to generate hydrogen and oxygen. The liquid light source 30 is supplied with oxygen generated in the flow path 60 through the separation member 150. An oxygen supply device 70 provided in the middle of the flow path 50 supplies oxygen to the liquid light source 30. Thereby, the liquid light source 30 can maintain light emission while flowing through the flow path 50. Therefore, the water decomposition reaction of the photocatalyst 20 also occurs in the entire region where the water flows through the flow path 60.

  The generated hydrogen and oxygen are collected mainly from the outlet 60b, and hydrogen and oxygen are separated by a hydrogen / oxygen separation filter or the like to obtain hydrogen.

  In this embodiment, since the liquid light source 30 is used, the shape of the flow path 50 can be designed freely. Therefore, even the photocatalyst 20 supported by the adherend 160 having a complicated structure can be irradiated with light in the vicinity of or in contact with the liquid light source 30 by meandering the flow path 50.

  It is also possible to connect to the flow path 50 of the hydrogen generation tank 10 with a stimulus generator that emits light by applying chemical, physical or electrical stimulus to the liquid light source 30. Specifically, a stirring device that stirs the liquid light source 30, a heating device that heats the liquid light source 30, a voltage application device that applies electrical stimulation, or the like can be disposed as the stimulus generation unit.

  Moreover, the shape of the adherend 60 in the hydrogen generation tank 10 is not limited to the shape of FIG. 1A, and a net-like shape or a cylindrical shape can also be used. By attaching a photocatalyst to the outer periphery and inner wall of these adherends 60 and allowing the liquid light source 30 and water 40 to pass therethrough, water can be decomposed by the photocatalyst to generate hydrogen.

<< Liquid light source 30 >>
The liquid light source 30 will be further described. The liquid light source 30 is obtained by dispersing luminous organisms in a liquid such as water and emitting light having a wavelength that causes the photocatalyst 20 to produce a photocatalytic action. The wavelength necessary for the action of the photocatalyst 20 depends on the material of the photocatalyst, but generally, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the efficiency. Therefore, the emission wavelength of the liquid light source emits light below visible light, more preferably below 500 nm. It is desirable to have a peak.

  In addition, since the photocatalyst 20 has a sufficient light intensity required to exert a photocatalytic action depending on the type, the liquid light source 30 can emit light having an intensity necessary for decomposing water by the photocatalyst. Adjust the type, concentration and amount of luminescent organisms.

<Luminescent organisms>
As the luminescent organism of the liquid light source 30, luminescent bacteria and luminescent plankton can be used. Since the diameter of the luminescent bacteria is as small as 1 to 2 μm and the diameter of the luminescent plankton is as small as 40 μm to 1 mm, when both are mixed with the liquid and used as the liquid light source 30, the liquid is excellent in fluidity. Moreover, since it can be cultured easily if there is appropriate nutrition at room temperature, it is easy to handle. There is also an advantage that it is easy to use because of low toxicity to the human body.

  It is desirable that the unevenness of the adherend 160 is designed so that the width of the gap is at least 10 times the diameter of the luminescent organism used so that the luminescent organism of the liquid light source 30 can pass through the gap between the irregularities.

  Specifically, the luminescent bacteria are known luminescence that exhibits strong luminescence and wavelength, such as Photobacterium phosphoreum of the genus Photobacterium that emits blue with an emission wavelength of 475 nm and Vibrio fischeri Y-1 of the genus Vibrio that emits yellow with an emission wavelength of 535 nm. One or more of bacteria (about 19 types) can be used. In addition to these known luminescent bacteria, it is also possible to use novel luminescent bacteria or luminescent bacteria that have been genetically modified. For example, it is possible to use a protein that is recombined by genetic recombination or the like in a protein (lumazine protein (Lump) in photobacterium phosphoreum, YFP protein in Vibrio fischeri Y-1).

  As a specific example of luminescent plankton, Jacochu can be used for animals and quail beetles can be used for plants. Jakouchu is a transparent unicellular organism in the shape of a peach about 1 mm in diameter.

  In the case of using luminescent plankton, the emission intensity can be increased by increasing the concentration (density) of luminescent plankton in the liquid light source 30, so that the amount of hydrogen produced increases. On the other hand, since the luminescent bacteria have a characteristic that they do not emit light unless the density of the bacteria is more than a certain level, it is desirable to set the concentration (density) to 5% by weight or more. However, if the concentration becomes too high, the viscosity of the liquid light source 30 increases and the fluidity decreases, so the concentration is desirably 90% by weight or less.

  In addition to the concentration (density), the emission intensity depends on chemical, physical and electrical stimuli such as the salinity concentration, oxygen concentration, temperature, and agitation of the liquid light source 30. Is designed so that the photocatalyst 20 can be irradiated.

  The solvent (liquid) for mixing (dispersing) the luminous bacteria and plankton is selected according to the luminous bacteria and plankton. For example, when the luminescent bacteria and plankton are marine, saline is used as a solvent, and when they are fresh water, water is used. When cultivating luminescent bacteria using saline, it is preferable to set the salinity concentration to 3-5%, which is a general concentration of seawater. Since the emission intensity changes, the salt concentration is set so that the necessary emission intensity can be obtained.

<< Photocatalyst >>
Next, the photocatalyst 20 will be described in more detail. Any type of photocatalyst can be used as long as it can decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. However, in consideration of the fact that many of the emission wavelengths of the luminescent organisms of the liquid light source 30 are about 400 to 700 nm, it is desirable to generate a photocatalytic action by visible light. In that case, a visible light-responsive artificial photosynthesis type photocatalyst having a two-step excitation mechanism is desirable. In the two-stage photoexcitation (Z-scheme) type water splitting system, the water splitting is divided into a hydrogen generating system and an oxygen generating system, and an iodate / iodide (IO ³⁻ / I ⁻ ) is an electron carrier between them. It is connected by reversible ion pairs such as Fe ions. Accordingly, since the energy of light necessary for each system is reduced, it is possible to use long-wavelength visible light with small energy.

The material of the photocatalyst of the two-stage excitation mechanism may be any, but a typical example of a combination of a hydrogen generating photocatalyst and an oxygen generating photocatalyst is shown below (however, “hydrogen generating photocatalyst” − “oxygen generating photocatalyst”) _. expressed) _Pt / SrTiO _{3 with: Cr-Ta / WO 3,} Pt / TaON-WO 3, Pt / StTiO 3: Rh-BiVO 4, Pt / StTiO 3: Rh-WO 3, Ru / StTiO 3: Rh- Any of BiVO ₄ , Ru / StTiO ₃ : Rh—WO ₃ , Cr—Rh / GaN: ZnO, and BaTaO ₂ N—WO ₃ , or two or more thereof can be used.

  As a method for arranging the photocatalyst 20 on the adherend 160, a method of mixing the particulate photocatalyst 20 with a binder such as a resin or an inorganic material, applying or dripping it onto the surface of the adherend 160, and then solidifying the photocatalyst 20 or EB A method of forming a film on the surface of the adherend by vapor deposition such as vapor deposition or sputtering can be used.

(Second Embodiment)
The hydrogen production apparatus of the first embodiment is configured to include only the hydrogen generation tank 10, but further includes an adjustment tank that adjusts the liquid light source to a state capable of emitting light and flows into the inlet. It is possible to In FIG. 3, the example of whole structure of the hydrogen generator provided with the adjustment tank 111 is shown. FIG. 4 shows an example of the overall configuration of a power generation system using the hydrogen production apparatus of FIG.

  In the hydrogen production apparatus of FIG. 3, a control tank 101 and a culture tank 102 are sequentially arranged as an adjustment tank 111 in the preceding stage of the hydrogen generation tank 10. The control tank 101 adjusts the temperature and salt concentration of the liquid light source 30, supplies oxygen, and further applies a chemical, physical or electrical stimulus to the liquid light source 30 to emit light. By the processing of the control tank 101, the light emission timing of the entire luminescent bacteria can be adjusted. Connected to the control tank 101 is a control unit 112 that controls adjustment of temperature, etc., oxygen supply, and generation of stimulation in the control tank 101.

  On the other hand, the culture tank 102 cultures luminescent organisms. The culture tank 102 is supplied with a liquid medium (water and salt) and nutrients (organic matter, methane gas, etc.) from the outside. In order to supply nutrients to the culture tank 102, a microbial decomposition tank for microbial decomposition of domestic wastewater or the like may be connected to the culture tank 102.

  Moreover, it is preferable to further have a circulation mechanism 103 for returning the liquid light source 30 flowing out from the outlet of the hydrogen generation tank 10 to the culture tank 102 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the liquid light source 30 that has stopped emitting light in the hydrogen generation tank can be adjusted to emit light again, so that the liquid light source 30 can be reused.

  The hydrogen generation tank 10 is provided with a gas outlet 10c for extracting hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and a hydrogen / oxygen separation filter 105 is attached to the gas outlet 10c. A purifier 106, a compressor 107, a hydrogen storage cylinder 108, a fuel cell 109, and a converter 110 are sequentially connected to the hydrogen / oxygen separation filter 105.

  As described in the first embodiment, the hydrogen and oxygen generated in the hydrogen generation tank 10 are separated by the hydrogen / oxygen separation filter 105. Oxygen is supplied to an oxygen supply device 70 connected to the hydrogen generation tank 10. The oxygen supply device 70 supplies oxygen to the liquid light source 30. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the hydrogen is purified by the purifier 106, compressed by the compressor 107, and stored in the hydrogen storage cylinder 108. Under the control of a fuel cell control device (not shown), the fuel cell 109 receives supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage cylinder 108 and takes in air (oxygen) from the outside air to generate power. The generated electricity is converted from direct current to alternating current by the converter 110, transformed as necessary, and supplied to a load such as a household electric appliance.

As described above, the power generation system according to the second embodiment can cultivate luminescent bacteria and luminescent plankton, which are luminescent organisms, in the apparatus instead of constantly adding them from the outside. Can provide a system. Further, since water is decomposed by the photocatalyst, CO ₂ is not generated, and power generation with a small environmental load can be performed.

10: hydrogen generation tank, 20: photocatalyst, 30: liquid light source, 40: water, 50: flow path of liquid light source, 60: flow path of water to be decomposed, 101: control tank, 102 culture tank, 103: circulation mechanism 105: Hydrogen / oxygen separation filter, 106: Purifier, 107: Compressor, 108: Hydrogen storage cylinder, 109: Home fuel cell, 110: Converter, 150: Separation member, 160: Adherent

Claims (12)

A hydrogen generation tank, and a separation member that separates the interior of the hydrogen generation tank into a first tank in which water and a photocatalyst are disposed and a second tank in which a liquid light source that irradiates light to the photocatalyst is disposed. ,
The hydrogen producing apparatus, wherein the separation member is made of a material that is transparent to light emitted from the liquid light source and transmits oxygen.   2. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an oxygen supply device for supplying oxygen to the liquid light source is connected to the second tank.   3. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the oxygen supply device converts hydrogen generated by the photocatalyst decomposing the water in the first tank and oxygen of oxygen from the liquid light source of the second tank. An apparatus for supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen production apparatus,   4. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the oxygen supply device is a bubbling device that generates bubbles of gas containing oxygen in the liquid light source.   5. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation member constitutes a flow path for allowing the liquid light source to flow inside the hydrogen generation tank as the second tank, and the flow path. The hydrogen production apparatus characterized in that the outside of the first tank is the first tank.   The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the separation unit is a meandering tube through which the liquid light source flows.   The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first tank is a flow path through which at least the water flows.   The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid light source is a luminescent organism dispersed in a liquid.   The hydrogen production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the photocatalyst is disposed on an inner wall of the first tank.   The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the photocatalyst is supported on an adherend having irregularities formed thereon.   11. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment tank that adjusts the liquid light source to a state capable of emitting light and flows into the inlet of the second tank. Hydrogen production equipment.   9. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the luminous organism includes at least one of luminous bacteria and luminous plankton.

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