JP3071140B2 - Water evaporation type cooling device by electrolytic reaction - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cooling device such as an electronic board or a computer storage device on which electronic components such as an LSI mounted on an electronic device or a power device are mounted, and more particularly to a cooling device for an electronic component or a computer storage device. The present invention relates to a water evaporative cooling device by an electrolytic reaction that can operate normally even when installed in an environment higher than the maximum operating temperature.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method for cooling an electronic component such as an LSI mounted on an electronic device or a power device, a refrigerant bag and a heat pipe have been disclosed, for example, in JP-A-6-21279. And LSI
For example, a method of dissipating heat generated from a heat-generating member such as the above has been adopted.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional heat transfer device described in, for example, JP-A-6-21279. In the figure, a protective metal container 1 is provided with an opening 2 at its bottom. And the refrigerant bag 3 is used for the protective metal container 1.
It is stored in the lower part. The refrigerant bag 3 has a configuration in which both ends of a cylindrical member made of a soft plastic material such as polyethylene are sealed by means such as heat fusion, the working fluid 4 is filled therein, and the upper space is filled with gas. Is full. When the refrigerant bag 3 is stored in the protective metal container 1, a part of the refrigerant bag 3 protrudes from the opening 2 to form a contact portion 5 that comes into contact with a cooled object 8 such as an LSI. Further, the heat transfer tube 6 is
A heat radiation fin 7 is attached to one end of the protective metal container 1 protruding outside from the protective metal container 1 so as to be wrapped around. As the working fluid 4, halogen-based refrigerants, such as Freon and perfluorocarbon (C ₆ F ₁₄₎ are used.

Next, the operation of the conventional heat transfer device will be described. First, a heat transfer device is installed such that the contact portion 5 comes into contact with a cooled object 8 such as an LSI. Then, the heat generated by the cooled body 8 is transmitted from the contact portion 5 to the working fluid 4. The hydraulic fluid 4 evaporates due to the heat transmitted from the contact portion 5, and the vapor condenses, liquefies, and falls at a portion of the refrigerant bag 3 that is in contact with the heat transfer tube 6. Through this exchange of latent heat, heat is absorbed by the heat transfer tube 6. afterwards,
The heat is radiated from the radiation fins 7 provided at one end of the heat transfer tube 6. The object to be cooled 8 is cooled by repeating such heat exchange.

[0005]

Since the conventional heat transfer device is configured as described above, it cannot be cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the heat radiating portion, and there is a problem that the use environment is limited. In addition, since a halogen-based refrigerant such as chlorofluorocarbon and perfluorocarbon is used as the working fluid 4, it is necessary to recover the refrigerant when disposing of the equipment in order to protect the environment. There are many issues that target the market, and there is a problem that it is necessary to solve the collection method. In general, electronic devices are necessarily required to be reduced in size. However, the above-described structure of the heat transfer device cannot be reduced in size, and there is also a problem that sufficient measures cannot be taken.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and there is no restriction on the use environment, there is no problem in environmental preservation, and the water evaporation type cooling device is small and has a silent electrolysis reaction. The purpose is to obtain.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, electrodes are provided on both sides of a sealed space in which gas is sealed and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane through which protons selectively pass. A solid electrolytic element that divides the solid electrolytic element into two and a second sealed space; a DC power supply that applies a DC voltage to the solid electrolytic element such that an electrode on the first sealed space side of the solid electrolytic element becomes an anode; A water stored in the space, a condenser provided in the second closed space to condense water vapor, a water passage for returning the water condensed in the second closed space to the first closed space, A ventilation path for ventilating between the gas phase portions of the first and second enclosed spaces, and applying a DC voltage to the solid electrolytic element to perform electrolysis of water vapor on the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the first enclosed space side. And the protons generated by the electrolysis are passed through a solid electrolytic element. Is supplied to the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the side of the closed space, and a water generation reaction is caused on the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the side of the second closed space to generate a humidity difference between the first and second closed spaces. A water evaporative cooling device by an electrolytic reaction that lowers the temperature of water stored in the first space and uses a wall surface of a first closed space formed along the lowered temperature as a cooling surface; The condensed water condensed by the condenser is configured to be dropped on the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the second closed space side.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the solid electrolytic element is disposed to be inclined in the closed space, and the solid electrolytic element is provided with an upper second closed space and a lower first closed space. To 2
The condenser is disposed in the second enclosed space so as to face the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the side of the second enclosed space, and an acute-angled tip is formed on the entire condensing surface of the condenser facing the solid electrolytic element. A plurality of protrusions are formed.

In the third invention and the second invention, at least the end of the projection is subjected to a water-repellent treatment.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the solid electrolytic element includes a first and a second feeder disposed opposite to each other,
A plurality of bending members are provided at predetermined pitches on the first and second power supply members, respectively, and solid polymer electrolyte membranes having electrodes formed on both surfaces are alternately provided over the plurality of first and second bending members. And at least a part of each of the plurality of first and second bending members is formed of a conductor, and is applied through the first and second power supply bodies. It is configured to supply a DC voltage to electrodes formed on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane.

In the fifth invention and the fourth invention, the second bending member facing the second enclosed space is formed into a U-shape and receives water dropped on the surface of the solid electrolytic element. The solid electrolytic element is arranged such that the second bending member is inclined so as to have a forward gradient with respect to the flow of water.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the water condensed by the condenser is provided between the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the second closed space side and the condenser. It is equipped with a water collector for collecting water.

[0013] In the seventh invention and the sixth invention, the water collector is constituted by a water vapor permeable membrane that selectively transmits water vapor and does not transmit water.

In the eighth and sixth aspects of the invention, the water collector is constituted by a mesh body having an opening for retaining water by surface tension and passing water vapor.

According to the ninth aspect, the seventh or eighth aspect, an opening or a projecting part into which water is dropped at a constant rate is formed on the bottom surface of the water collector.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, a third sealed space is formed below the first sealed space via a communication hole, and water is supplied to the third sealed space. Is stored in a closed space, and a radiator is provided in the first closed space.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is directed to the first to tenth aspects.
In any one of the inventions described above, a catalyst layer that converts hydrogen gas into water and consumes it is provided at the top of the second closed space.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a water evaporative cooling device using an electrolytic reaction according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, a solid electrolytic element 50 has a function of electrolyzing water molecules, and is arranged so as to divide a sealed can 51 as a closed space into two spaces 51a and 51b. A voltage is applied. The sealed can 53 is connected downward from the sealed can 51. The space 51a has the communication hole 5
4 communicates with the space 53 a formed by the sealed can 53. A water-containing layer 56 is formed on the inner wall surface of the wall surface 55 of the sealed can 53 forming the space 53a, and the wall surface 55 functions as a cooling surface. The water-containing layer 56 is formed of a porous plate, a net-like plate, or a film-like plate having good thermal conductivity and water absorption. Water 57 is stored at the bottom of the sealed can 53, and the lower part of the water-containing layer 56 is immersed in the water 57. A cooled object 58 is thermally connected to a wall surface 55 as a cooling surface.

A radiator 59 for radiating heat to the outside facing the solid electrolytic element 50 is attached to a part of the wall surface of the sealed can 51 constituting the space 51a. Further, fins 60a and 60b that dissipate heat to the outside and condense water vapor are attached to a part of the wall surface of the sealed can 51 constituting the space 51b, facing the solid electrolytic element 50. These fins 60a and 60b constitute a condenser 60. The tip of the fin 60b facing the solid electrolytic element 50 in the space 51b is formed in a sharp needle or V-shaped projection. A noble metal catalyst layer 61 is provided at the top of the space 51b. This noble metal catalyst layer 61
Platinum, ruthenium, fine powder of noble metal such as palladium, or ferrite, metal oxides such as titanium oxide, formed into granules, pellets, honeycomb-shaped body, and formed by carrying the above-mentioned noble metal on the surface, catalyst layer The inside is configured to allow ventilation.

The bottom of the space 51b and the bottom of the space 53a are connected by a water passage 62. Water 57 is stored at the bottom of the space 53a, and the space between the spaces 51b and 53a has a water column structure. Near the upper part of the water storage surface of the space 53a and the space 5
The noble metal catalyst layer 61 on the top of 1b is connected to the noble metal catalyst layer 61 by a ventilation path 63, and has a structure capable of ventilation. The space 51a
Represents a first enclosed space, 51b represents a second enclosed space, and space 53a represents a third enclosed space. The spaces 51a, 51b, and 53a are filled with oxygen gas and water vapor by reducing the pressure inside.

As shown in FIG. 2, the solid electrolytic element 50 is formed by forming electrodes 50b and 50c on both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a via a catalyst layer 50e. Here, a corrugated (wave-shaped) solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a is used to form a large electrolytic reaction surface in a small space.

Here, the structure of the solid electrolytic element 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows I in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1. A pair of power supply bodies 64a,
64a are disposed parallel to each other. A plurality of pins 65a as first bending members are fixed at their ends to the power supply 64a, and are arranged in parallel at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction of the power supply 64a between the pair of power supplies 64a. Further, a pair of power supply bodies 64b, 64b are arranged in parallel to face each other. A plurality of U-shaped members 65b as second bending members are fixed at their ends to the power feeder 64b, and are arranged in parallel at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction of the power feeder 64b between the pair of power feeders 64b. A pair of power supply bodies 64 integrated by pins 65a or U-shaped members 65b
a, 64a and a pair of power supply bodies 64b, 64b are arranged to face each other in parallel so that the U-shaped member 65b is located between the adjacent pins 65a. And the electrode 50
The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a on which the b, 50c and the catalyst layer 50e are formed is alternately wrapped around the pins 65a and the U-shaped member 65b, and is formed in a corrugated shape (wavy shape). Further, the electrodes 50b and 50c and the catalyst layer 50e
The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a on which the power supply body 64a provided with the pins 65a and the power supply body 64b provided with the U-shaped member 65b are integrally held by a resin frame 50d. It is configured. In the solid electrolytic element 50, the pin 65a and the U-shaped member 65b have their longitudinal directions inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and
The sealed can 51 so that the shape member 65b faces the space 51b side.
It is arranged in. Further, the pin 65a and the U-shaped member 65b are made of a conductive member, and the electrodes 50b and 50c are electrically connected to the power feeders 64a and 64b via the pin 65a and the U-shaped member 65b, respectively. And
These power supply bodies 64a and 64b are electrically connected to a DC power supply 52 installed outside. U-shaped member 6
A drainage hole 66 is provided at a connection portion between 5b and one side of the power supply 64b.

The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a is made of, for example, Nafion-117 (Du Pon).
A proton exchange membrane such as t company registered trademark) is used. The electrodes 50b and 50c may be made of titanium, tantalum or stainless steel mesh plated with platinum,
A porous electrode such as a metal plating body using fibers as a power feeder or a carbon fiber nonwoven fabric is used.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. The solid electrolytic element 50 has an electrode 50b (anode) side on the space 51a side and an electrode 50c (cathode) side on the space 51b.
It is arranged to face the side. Then, when a DC voltage is applied from the DC power supply 52 between the anode and the cathode, an oxidation / reduction reaction represented by the following formula occurs on both electrode surfaces. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, H ⁺ (proton) generated by the electrolysis of water at the anode (electrode 50b) passes through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a and is supplied to the cathode (electrode 50c). And subjected to the production of water. Then, water is electrolyzed at the anode, water is generated at the cathode, and apparently water vapor on the anode side is transported to the cathode side, and oxygen on the cathode side is transported to the anode side, and current flows to an external circuit. Anode side: H ₂ O → 2H ⁺ + 1 / 2O ₂ + 2e ⁻ Cathode side: 2H ⁺ + 1 / 2O ₂ + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ O Overall: H ₂ O (anode side) → H ₂ O (cathode side) O ₂ (Cathode side) → O ₂ (anode side) Then, by this reaction, the water vapor in the space 51a is moved to the space 51b side, and the oxygen in the space 51b is changed to the space 51a.
Moved to the side. Accordingly, the humidity decreases in the space 51a, and increases in the space 51b.

The spaces 51a and 53a are arranged vertically and communicate with each other through a communication hole 54. Therefore, when the space 51a is dehumidified, the space 53a is similarly dehumidified. A water-containing layer 56 is formed on the inner wall surface of the wall surface 55 that forms the space 53a. When the space 53a is maintained in a low humidity environment, evaporation of moisture from the surface of the water-containing layer 56 is accelerated, and the water-containing layer 56 is formed. The temperature drop of the water being absorbed is induced. Then, the heat of the cooled object 58 thermally connected to the wall surface 55 is absorbed by the water in the water-containing layer 56 from the wall surface 55, and the cooled object 58 is cooled. Further, since the lower part of the water-containing layer 56 is immersed in the water 57 stored in the bottom of the space 53a, the water evaporating from the surface of the water-containing layer 56 is constantly supplied by the capillary phenomenon.

The water vapor evaporated from the surface of the water-containing layer 56 is
It flows into the space 51a through the communication hole 54, and the radiator 59
Touch Here, the outer peripheral temperature of the radiator 59 is
When the temperature is equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature at which the cooling water 8 is maintained, the water vapor is cooled by the radiator 59, condensed, flows into the space 53a through the communication hole 54 by gravity, and is absorbed by the water-containing layer 56. In this case, the spaces 51a and 53a, the radiator 59, and the water-containing layer 56 constitute a heat pipe, and radiate heat from the cooled object 58 to the outside via the radiator 59 without requiring power. In addition, the outer peripheral temperature of the radiator 59 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature at which the cooled object 58 is cooled and held, for example,
When the upper limit of the allowable temperature is 40 ° C. and the outside air temperature is 50 ° C., unlike the above, water vapor does not condense. In this case, the solid electrolytic element 50 is energized from the DC power supply 52 to cause an electrolytic reaction based on the above-described chemical formula to move the water vapor to the space 51b and maintain the space 51b in the vicinity of the saturated water vapor state, thereby condensing the water. The heat is radiated from the vessel 60 to the outside to condense the water vapor.

The amount of current flowing in an external circuit connecting the solid electrolytic element 50 and the DC power supply 52 is proportional to the amount of movement of hydrogen ions passing through the solid electrolytic element 50. However, the current density flowing through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a constituting the solid electrolytic element 50 is generally 1 to 2 A / dm when it is dry.
Although it is about 2, a current density several to tens of times higher than that in a dry state can be obtained by keeping this in a wet state. Therefore, by maintaining the solid electrolytic element 50 in a wet state, the electrolytic reaction can be accelerated and the cooling capacity can be increased.

The fins 60b constituting the condenser 60 are formed in a needle shape or a V-shaped projection toward the solid electrolytic element 50. Therefore, the condensed water condensed by the fins 60b becomes minute water droplets from the tip of the fins 60b and drops on the electrolysis reaction surface of the solid electrolytic element 50.
0 is kept wet. Then, the water dropped on the electrolytic reaction surface of the solid electrolytic element 50 is received by the U-shaped member 65b. Since the U-shaped member 65b is inclined, water flows in the U-shaped member 65b in the direction of the power feeder 64b on one side, and the pores 6
The water flows out of the space 6 and returns to the water reservoir at the bottom of the space 53a through the water passage 62. At this time, since the U-shaped member 65b is held in a forward gradient with respect to the flow of water, the condensed water flows out of the solid electrolytic element 50 without remaining inside. Here, if water repellency treatment is applied to the entire surface or the tip of the fin 60b formed in a needle shape or a V-shaped protrusion, when water vapor is condensed to form a water droplet,
Water droplets do not grow and become large due to surface tension, and fine water droplets can be uniformly dropped on the electrolytic reaction surface. That is, the solid electrolytic element 50 can be uniformly wet.

On the other hand, the space 51 is formed by the electrolytic reaction of water vapor.
Oxygen gas is generated in a, but the oxygen gas has a larger specific weight than water vapor, and therefore moves to the space 53a by gravity. In this case, the oxygen gas is heated by receiving Joule heat generated in the process of energizing the solid electrolytic element 50. Then, the heated oxygen gas comes into contact with the radiator 59, radiates heat to the outside, is cooled, and moves to the space 53a through the communication hole 54. Since the surface of the water 57 stored at the bottom of the space 53a communicates with the top of the space 51b through the ventilation passage 63, oxygen gas flowing from the space 51a flows downward along the surface of the water-containing layer 56. To form a low-humidity environment on the surface of the water-containing layer 56 and accelerate the evaporation of water from the surface. Then, the oxygen gas reaches the bottom of the space 53a and is supplied to the top of the space 51b through the ventilation passage 63. At this time, since the bottom of the space 53a and the bottom of the space 51b are connected by the water passage 62, and the water 57 is stored in the bottom of the space 53a, the water seal structure is provided between the bottom of the space 53a and the bottom of the space 51b. And a pressure difference occurs between the spaces 53a and 51b. As a result, the space 53a becomes the space 51b.
, And the oxygen gas is supplied to the space 51b at a high position through the ventilation path 63.

The hydrogen ions move through the solid electrolytic element 50 by the electrolytic reaction of the solid electrolytic element 50 and react with oxygen on the cathode surface to generate water vapor. The space 51b becomes hydrogen gas.
Stay on top of. Since the inside of the space 51b is in an oxygen gas atmosphere, when the generated hydrogen gas is accumulated, it reacts with oxygen rapidly and becomes dangerous. However, it rises in the hydrogen gas space 51b and comes into contact with the noble metal catalyst layer 61 arranged on the top of the space 51b. Therefore, the hydrogen gas is converted into water in the noble metal catalyst layer 61 and disappears, thereby preventing a problem caused by a rapid reaction with oxygen. At this time, since the noble metal catalyst layer 61 is configured to be permeable to air and provided at the outlet of the gas passage 63, hydrogen gas and gas
The oxygen gas supplied from 3 is brought into countercurrent contact with the inside of the catalyst layer 61 to promote the conversion of hydrogen gas into water. In general, white metal has a catalytic action on hydrogen or hydrocarbons and has an action of reacting them with an equivalent amount of oxygen to decompose at a low temperature. Consumed in the meantime.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
A sealed can 51 in which a gas composed of oxygen and water vapor is sealed
Electrodes 50b and 50c are provided on both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a through which protons can be selectively passed, and the sealed can 51 is divided into two spaces 51a and 51b.
0, a DC power supply 52 for applying a DC voltage to the solid electrolytic element 50 so that the electrode on the space 51a side of the solid electrolytic element 50 becomes an anode, water 57 stored in the space 51a, and a DC power supply 52 provided in the space 51b. A condenser 60 for condensing the water vapor through the flow path, a water passage 62 for returning water condensed in the space 51b to the space 51a, and a ventilation passage 63 for ventilating between the gaseous phase portions of the spaces 51a and 51b. The water 57 and the gas are circulated without using mechanical means for pumps, etc., and are constituted by stationary equipment, capable of micro-level or small-scale cooling such as local cooling on an electronic substrate, and silent cooling. A device is obtained. Also, since there is no drive unit inside, a maintenance-free cooling device can be obtained. Further, since water is used as the refrigerant, there is no need to take environmental preservation measures as in a conventional apparatus using a refrigerant such as chlorofluorocarbon.

Since the gas enclosed in the spaces 51a and 51b is composed of oxygen and water vapor, only the factors contributing to the electrolytic reaction are present in the spaces 51a and 61b, and the reaction speed is increased. The cooling capacity can be increased. Further, since the condensed water condensed in the condenser 60 is configured to be dropped on the surface of the solid electrolytic element 50 on the space 51b side, the solid electrolytic element 50 is maintained in a wet state, and several times in comparison with a dry state. ~ 10 times higher current density,
A large cooling capacity can be obtained in proportion to this. Further, the solid electrolytic element 50 is disposed to be inclined in the closed space 51 and is divided into an upper space 51b and a lower space 51a, and the condenser 60 is separated from the surface of the solid electrolytic element 50 in the space 51b. Since a plurality of projections with sharp tips are formed on the entire surface of the condensation surface of the condenser 60 facing the solid electrolytic element 50, water droplets are evenly dropped on the entire surface of the solid electrolytic element 50. And the solid electrolytic element 50 can be maintained in a uniform wet state. Further, since at least the end portion of the projection is subjected to a water-repellent treatment, when water vapor is condensed to form a water droplet, the growth of the water droplet is suppressed by the surface tension, and the electrolysis of the solid electrolytic element 50 as a fine water droplet is performed. It can be uniformly dropped on the reaction surface.

Further, the solid electrolytic element is composed of
4b are arranged opposite to each other, a plurality of pins 65a and a plurality of U-shaped members 65b are provided on the power supply bodies 64a and 64b, respectively, at a predetermined pitch, and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 50a is alternately provided between the plurality of pins 65a and the U-shaped member 65b. And is formed in a corrugated shape, and at least a part of each of the plurality of pins 65a and the U-shaped member 65b is formed of a conductor, so that power can be uniformly supplied to the solid electrolytic element 50, The uniform operation of the solid electrolytic element 50 can be obtained, the electrolytic reaction surface can be increased, excellent cooling capacity can be obtained, and downsizing can be achieved. Furthermore, the solid electrolytic element 5
0 is inclined so that the U-shaped member 65b has a forward gradient with respect to the flow of water, so that the condensed water flows out of the solid electrolytic element 50 smoothly.

Further, a space 53a is formed below the space 51a through a communication hole 54, water 57 is stored in the space 53a, and a radiator 59 is provided in the space 51a. The water vapor is evaporated from the surface of the water-containing layer 56 and condensed into the space 51a, returned to the space 53a, and further returned to the space 53a.
Oxygen gas heated by Joule heat generated as 0 is cooled and moved to the space 53a, so that the cooling efficiency can be improved. The noble metal catalyst layer 6 is provided on the top of the space 51b.
1 is provided, the hydrogen gas in the space 51b is converted into water, and the stagnation of the hydrogen gas can be prevented.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a water evaporative cooling device using an electrolytic reaction according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 70 denotes a condenser comprising fins 70a and 70b attached to a part of the wall surface of a sealed can 51 constituting a space 51b so as to face the solid electrolytic element 50, and the condenser 70 radiates heat to the outside. It releases heat and condenses water vapor. Reference numeral 71 denotes a water collector provided between the condenser 70 and the solid electrolytic element 50.
Is for receiving the condensed water condensed in the condenser 70 and dropping a part of the water on the electrolytic surface of the solid electrolytic element 50. In addition,
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Here, in order to move the water vapor generated from the surface of the solid electrolytic element 50 to the condensation surface side of the condenser 70, the water collector 71 needs an air passage. Therefore, the water collector 71 is formed of a water vapor permeable membrane that can pass water vapor but cannot pass water. Then, minute projection-shaped openings 72 are formed on the entire surface of the water vapor permeable film so that water droplets are dropped on the solid electrolytic element 50 at a constant time interval.
This water vapor permeable film is, for example, a polymer film in which fine holes (larger than water vapor molecules and smaller than liquid water molecules) are formed innumerably. In the second embodiment, the water vapor generated on the surface of the solid electrolytic element 50 passes through the water collector 71, touches the fins 70b of the condenser 70, and is condensed. Then, the condensed water drops from the fins 70 b and is received by the water collector 71. The condensed water received by the water collector 71 becomes water droplets from the projection-shaped openings 72 and is uniformly dropped on the electrolytic surface of the solid electrolytic element 50 at regular time intervals. Therefore, the formation of a water film formed on the electrolytic reaction surface due to excessive dropping of water droplets on the electrolytic reaction surface of the solid electrolytic element 50 can be suppressed, and the electrolytic reaction can be performed with high efficiency.

In the second embodiment, the water collector 71
Is constituted by a water vapor permeable membrane, but the water collector 71 may be of any type as long as it allows water vapor to pass through and does not allow water to permeate. It may be a body.

[0038]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, electrodes are provided on both sides of the sealed space in which gas is sealed and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane through which protons can be selectively passed. A solid electrolytic element divided into two parts in a closed space, a DC power supply for applying a DC voltage to the solid electrolytic element so that an electrode on the first closed space side of the solid electrolytic element serves as an anode, and water stored in the first closed space A condenser provided in the second enclosed space for condensing water vapor, a water passage for returning the water condensed in the second enclosed space to the first enclosed space, and a first and a second passage. And a ventilation path for ventilating between the gas phase portions of the sealed space of 2, and applying a DC voltage to the solid electrolytic element to cause electrolysis of water vapor on the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the first sealed space side, The protons generated by the electrolysis are transferred to the second sealed space via the solid electrolytic element. Is supplied to the surface side of the solid electrolyte element,
A water production reaction is caused on the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the side of the second enclosed space to generate a humidity difference between the first and second enclosed spaces, and the temperature of the water stored in the first space is reduced. In a water evaporative cooling device by an electrolytic reaction using a wall surface of a first closed space formed along a water whose temperature has been lowered as a cooling surface, condensed water condensed in a condenser is used as a solid electrolytic element. 2 is configured to be dropped on the surface on the closed space side. Therefore, circulation of water vapor and gas becomes possible without the need for power, silence and miniaturization can be achieved, the solid electrolytic element is maintained in a wet state, and a current density several times to ten and several times that in a dry state is obtained. A large cooling capacity can be obtained, and a water evaporative cooling device using an electrolytic reaction that does not have a problem in environmental conservation by using water as a refrigerant can be obtained.

According to the second invention, in the first invention, the solid electrolytic element is disposed inclined in the closed space, and the second closed space on the upper side and the first closed space on the lower side. The condenser is disposed in the second enclosed space so as to face the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the side of the second enclosed space, and is provided on the entire surface of the condenser surface of the condenser facing the solid electrolytic element. Since a plurality of projections having a sharp tip are formed, condensed water condensed in the condenser is uniformly dropped from the tips of the projections onto the electrolytic reaction surface of the solid electrolytic element, and the electrolytic reaction surface is brought into a uniform wet state. Can be maintained.

According to the third aspect, in the second aspect, at least the end of the projection is subjected to a water-repellent treatment, so that when water vapor is condensed to form a water droplet, the protrusion is subjected to surface tension. The growth of water droplets is suppressed, and the water droplets can be dropped on the electrolytic reaction surface as fine water droplets, and the electrolytic reaction surface can be maintained in a more uniform wet state.

According to the fourth aspect, the first to third aspects
In any one of the inventions described above, the solid electrolytic element includes the first and second power supply members arranged opposite to each other, and the first and second bending members are arranged on the first and second power supply members at a predetermined pitch, respectively. , A solid polymer electrolyte membrane having electrodes formed on both sides thereof is alternately wound around a plurality of first and second bending members and formed into a corrugated shape, and a plurality of first polymer electrolyte membranes are formed. And at least a part of each of the second bending member is formed of a conductor,
DC voltage applied through the power feeder can be supplied to the electrodes formed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, so that a large electrolytic reaction surface can be configured in a small space and the cooling performance can be improved. It is possible and miniaturization is achieved. Further, power can be uniformly supplied to the electrodes of the solid electrolytic element, and uniform operation of the solid electrolytic element can be realized.

In the fifth invention and the fourth invention, the second bending member facing the second enclosed space is formed into a U-shape and receives water dropped on the surface of the solid electrolytic element. And the solid electrolytic element is disposed so as to be inclined so that the second bending member has a forward gradient with respect to the flow of water, so that water can smoothly flow out of the solid electrolytic element. Can be.

According to the sixth aspect, the first to fifth embodiments
In any one of the inventions described above, since a water collector for collecting water condensed in the condenser is disposed between the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the second closed space side and the condenser, The water is collected in a water collector and drops enough water to keep the solid electrolytic element wet, and other condensed water is returned to the water channel,
The water film formed on the electrolytic reaction surface can be removed, and the electrolytic reaction can be performed with high efficiency.

According to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the water collector is formed of a water vapor permeable membrane that selectively allows water vapor to pass and does not allow water to pass therethrough. Can be configured.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the water collector is constituted by a net having an opening for holding water by surface tension and passing water vapor. A water bottle can be easily configured.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, an opening or a projecting part through which water is dropped at a constant rate is formed on the bottom surface of the water collector.
The wet state can be maintained without forming a water film on the electrolytic reaction surface, the electrolytic reaction can be accelerated uniformly, and the cooling capacity can be stably increased.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, a third sealed space is formed below the first sealed space via a communication hole, and water is supplied to the third sealed space. , And a radiator is disposed in the first enclosed space, so that the oxygen gas heated by receiving the Joule heat generated in the energization process of the solid electrolytic element is cooled by the radiator, thereby reducing the cooling efficiency. Can be improved.

The eleventh invention is characterized by the first to tenth aspects.
In any one of the inventions described above, the catalyst layer that converts hydrogen gas into water and consumes it is provided at the top of the second closed space, so that some hydrogen ions do not react with oxygen on the cathode surface and hydrogen Even if it becomes gas and stays at the top of the second closed space, the catalyst layer quickly converts this to water, and the danger due to the stagnation of hydrogen gas can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a water evaporative cooling device using an electrolytic reaction according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a solid electrolytic element used in a water evaporation type cooling device using an electrolytic reaction according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a water evaporative cooling device using an electrolytic reaction according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional heat transfer device.

[Explanation of symbols]

50 solid electrolyte element, 50a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, 5
0b, 50c electrode, 51, 53 sealed can (sealed space), 51a space (first sealed space), 51b space (second sealed space), 52 DC power supply, 53a space (third sealed space), 56 Hydrous layer, 57 water, 59
Radiator, 60, 70 condenser, 61 precious metal catalyst layer, 6
2 water passage, 63 ventilation path, 64a power supply (first power supply), 64b power supply (second power supply), 65a pin (first bending member), 65b U-shaped member (second bending member) ), 71 water collector.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-243664 (JP, A) JP-A-3-137915 (JP, A) JP-A-9-196504 (JP, A) JP-A-9-196 326581 (JP, A) JP-A-63-135755 (JP, A) JP-A-5-101834 (JP, A) JP-A-1-97182 (JP, A) JP-A-1-97181 (JP, A) WO 97/39294 (WO, A1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01L 23/427 F25B 21/00 H05K 7/20

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electrode is provided on both sides of a sealed space in which gas is sealed and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane through which protons selectively pass, and the sealed space is divided into first and second sealed spaces. A solid electrolytic element, a first of the solid electrolytic elements;
A DC power supply for applying a DC voltage to the solid electrolytic element so that the electrode on the sealed space side becomes an anode, water stored in the first sealed space, and provided in the second sealed space. A condenser for condensing water vapor, a water passage for returning water condensed in the second enclosed space to the first enclosed space,
A ventilation path for ventilating between the gaseous phase portions of the first and second sealed spaces, and applying a DC voltage to the solid electrolytic element so that water vapor is applied to the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the first sealed space side. Is supplied to the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the side of the second closed space via the solid electrolytic element, and the proton generated by the electrolysis is supplied to the solid electrolytic element on the side of the second closed space. A water-forming reaction was caused on the surface of the element to generate a humidity difference between the first and second enclosed spaces, and the temperature of the water stored in the first space was lowered, and the temperature was lowered. In a water evaporative cooling device by an electrolytic reaction using a wall surface of the first sealed space formed along water as a cooling surface, water condensed in the condenser is provided on a second sealed space side of the solid electrolytic element. Characterized in that it is configured to be dropped on the surface of Water evaporative cooling apparatus according to response. 2. The solid electrolytic element is disposed to be inclined in an enclosed space and is divided into an upper second enclosed space and a lower first enclosed space, and a condenser is provided in the second enclosed space. A plurality of projections having a sharp tip are formed on the entire surface of the condenser facing the solid electrolytic element in the second closed space so as to face the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the closed space side. The water evaporation type cooling device by electrolytic reaction according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device is used. 3. The cooling device according to claim 2, wherein at least an end of the projection is subjected to a water-repellent treatment. 4. A solid electrolytic element, wherein a first and a second power supply are arranged opposite to each other, and wherein a first and a second bending member are respectively provided on the first and the second power supply at a predetermined pitch. A plurality of solid polymer electrolyte membranes having electrodes formed on both surfaces are alternately laid over a plurality of the first and second bending members and formed into a corrugated shape, and the plurality of solid polymer electrolyte membranes are formed. An electrode in which at least a part of each of the first and second bending members is formed of a conductor, and a DC voltage applied through the first and second power feeders is formed on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The water-evaporation type cooling device by electrolytic reaction according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein power can be supplied to the cooling device. 5. A second bending member facing the second closed space side is formed in a U-shape so as to receive water dropped on a surface of the solid electrolytic element, and the solid electrolytic element is provided with the second bending member. 5. The water evaporation type cooling device by electrolytic reaction according to claim 4, wherein the second bending member is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the flow of water. 6. A water collector for collecting water condensed by the condenser is provided between the surface of the solid electrolytic element on the second closed space side and the condenser. A water evaporative cooling device based on the electrolytic reaction according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. The water-evaporation type cooling device by electrolytic reaction according to claim 6, wherein the water collector is constituted by a water vapor permeable membrane that selectively transmits water vapor and does not transmit water. 8. The water evaporation type by electrolytic reaction according to claim 6, wherein the water collector comprises a mesh body having an opening for holding water by surface tension and passing water vapor. Cooling system. 9. A water evaporative cooling device by electrolytic reaction according to claim 7, wherein an opening or a protrusion is formed on a bottom surface of the water collector at which water is dropped at a constant rate. . 10. A third enclosed space is formed below the first enclosed space through a communication hole, water is stored in the third enclosed space, and a radiator is disposed in the first enclosed space. The water evaporative cooling device by electrolytic reaction according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cooling device is provided. 11. The electrolytic reaction according to claim 1, wherein a catalyst layer for converting hydrogen gas into water and consuming it is disposed at the top of the second enclosed space. Water evaporation type cooling device.