JP3912245B2

JP3912245B2 - Hydrogen production equipment

Info

Publication number: JP3912245B2
Application number: JP2002281606A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 剛中山; 実鈴木; 克博岩崎
Original assignee: JFE Engineering Corp
Current assignee: JFE Engineering Corp
Priority date: 2002-09-26
Filing date: 2002-09-26
Publication date: 2007-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-26
Also published as: JP2004115674A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、水素製造装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、工業用の水素製造装置としては、熱分解炉型水素製造装置、スチームリフォーマ等が知られている。
【０００３】
これらの水素製造装置にあっては、予め高温状態に維持された反応器内に天然ガス、プロパン等の原料を導入させることにより該原料を高温に加熱して反応させて、水素、一酸化炭素等を含有する水素含有ガスを生成させ、該水素含有ガスから水素を分離して製造する。
【０００４】
例えば、スチームリフォーマにあっては、原料として天然ガス、プロパン等の炭化水素と水蒸気との混合体を反応器内で高温状態の改質触媒に接触させることにより、水素、一酸化炭素等を含有する水素含有ガスたる改質ガスを得て、この改質ガスから水素を分離して得る。上記高温状態を得るには、熱源が必要である。
【０００５】
一方、地熱のエネルギとしての有用性は一般的に知られており、地熱発電所等では、地熱により発生した高圧の水蒸気で蒸気タービンを駆動して発電機により発電を行なっている。しかしながら、地熱により発生した水蒸気は蒸気タービンを駆動するには温度が低い場合がある。この場合には、発電に不向きである。又、上記水蒸気が蒸気タービンを駆動するのに十分な温度である場合であっても、地熱発電における発電効率は低いので、発電後の残エネルギはその有用性を残しながらも有効利用されずに捨てられてしまっている。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の水素製造装置では、水素製造の反応前に予め反応器内空間全体を、別に設けられた加熱装置によって高温状態としなければならないため、装置が複雑かつコスト高となると共に、装置の立ち上げ工程や立ち下げ工程等でのエネルギロスが大きくなってしまい、装置の運転費も高くなってしまう。
【０００７】
更に、このように装置の立ち上げから立ち下げまでの間の長時間に亘り反応器内空間全体が高温状態に維持されることとなってしまうため、耐火物を多用して装置を構成する必要があり、設備費が高くなってしまう。
【０００８】
又、上述のような装置では、立ち上げ工程や立ち下げ工程等の時間が長いために、エネルギロスが大きくなるだけでなく時間的ロスも大きくなってしまうため、一般にこのような装置では一旦装置を立ち上げて反応器内を高温状態とした後は長時間連続して水素製造が行われるので、小規模生産、或いは、所望時の短時間生産には向かない。
【０００９】
更に、原料として天然ガス、プロパン等の純燃料が必要となってしまうため、この点でも、装置の運転費が高くなってしまう。
【００１０】
又、製造工程で製造される水素と同等量程度以上の二酸化炭素が排出されてしまうため、地球温暖化の防止上好ましくない。
【００１１】
そこで、本発明は、地熱により発生する水蒸気のエネルギの有効利用を図りつつ、エネルギロスの低減化を図り安価な運転費及び設備費により低コストで水素を製造することができ、又、小規模生産を可能とし、更に、純燃料を必要とせず、二酸化炭素の排出を抑えつつ水素を製造することができる水素製造装置の提供を目的とする。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明に係る水素製造装置は、炭化水素若しくは炭素を含有する反応性粒子と水蒸気との混合体を加熱して高温にすることにより上記反応性粒子と上記水蒸気を反応させて水素ガスを生成させるようになっている。
【００１３】
かかる水素製造装置において、第一の発明では、反応性粒子及び水蒸気の混合体を衝撃圧縮するべく該混合体を収容する圧縮室と、該圧縮室内に反応性粒子を供給する反応性粒子供給手段と、地熱により発生した高圧水蒸気を取出す蒸気井に接続され該高圧水蒸気を上記圧縮室内へ間欠的に供給する高圧水蒸気供給手段とを備え、該高圧水蒸気供給手段が高圧水蒸気を上記圧縮室内へ間欠的に供給することによって衝撃波を発生するようになっていることを特徴としている。
【００１４】
このような構成の第一の発明では、上記高圧水蒸気供給手段から上記圧縮室内へ高圧水蒸気が供給されると、これが高圧であるが故に衝撃波が発生する。この衝撃波は上記圧縮室内を伝播して上記圧縮室内の混合体を衝撃圧縮して高温に加熱して、該混合体中の反応性粒子と水蒸気を反応させて水素含有ガスを生成させる。
【００１５】
第一の発明においては、高圧水蒸気供給手段は、地熱発電所の蒸気井からの高圧水蒸気を該高圧水蒸気供給手段又は上記地熱発電所の蒸気タービンのいずれかに供給させるように所定時に切り換えられる切換手段を介して上記蒸気井に接続され、該切換手段は、上記蒸気井からの高圧水蒸気の圧力が所定値以上であるときに該高圧水蒸気を上記蒸気タービンに供給可能とし、上記高圧水蒸気の圧力が所定値以下であるときに上記高圧水蒸気を上記高圧水蒸気供給手段に供給可能とするよう切換自在にすることができる。この場合、地熱発電所での発電効率が特に低いときにのみ、地熱により発生した高圧水蒸気を水素製造に利用することができる。
【００１６】
又、かかる水素製造装置において、第二の発明では、反応性粒子及び水蒸気の混合体を衝撃圧縮するべく該混合体を収容する圧縮室と、該圧縮室内に反応性粒子を供給する反応性粒子供給手段と、上記圧縮室内に水蒸気を供給する水蒸気供給手段と、地熱により発生した水蒸気を取出す蒸気井に接続され水よりも低沸点の低沸点物質を該水蒸気の熱によって加熱することにより上記低沸点物質を高圧ガス化させるガス化手段と、該ガス化手段で生成した高圧ガスを間欠的に上記圧縮室内に供給する高圧ガス供給手段とを備え、該高圧ガス供給手段が上記圧縮室内へ高圧ガスを間欠的に供給することによって衝撃波を発生させるようになっていることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
このような構成の第二の発明では、上記高圧ガス供給手段から上記圧縮室内へ高圧ガスが供給されると、これが高圧であるが故に衝撃波が発生する。この衝撃波は上記圧縮室内を伝播して上記圧縮室内の混合体を衝撃圧縮して高温に加熱して、該混合体中の反応性粒子と水蒸気を反応させて水素含有ガスを生成させる。こうすることにより、上記水蒸気よりも高圧なガスによる衝撃波で圧縮室内の水蒸気及び反応性粒子をより高温下で反応させることができ、水素製造の反応効率の向上が図られる。このとき、地熱により発生した水蒸気の一部を圧縮室内に供給するように水蒸気供給手段を蒸気井に接続して構成すると、地熱により発生した水蒸気を更に有効利用できる。
【００１８】
更に、本出願によれば、上記目的は、炭化水素若しくは炭素を含有する反応性粒子と水蒸気との混合体を加熱して高温にすることにより上記反応性粒子と上記水蒸気を反応させて水素ガスを生成させる水素製造装置において、反応性粒子及び水蒸気の混合体を衝撃圧縮するべく該混合体を収容する圧縮室と、該圧縮室内に反応性粒子を供給する反応性粒子供給手段と、上記圧縮室内に水蒸気を供給する水蒸気供給手段と、水よりも低沸点の低沸点物質を加熱することにより上記低沸点物質を高圧ガス化させるガス化手段と、該ガス化手段で生成した高圧ガスを間欠的に上記圧縮室内に供給する高圧ガス供給手段とを備え、該高圧ガス供給手段が上記圧縮室内へ高圧ガスを間欠的に供給することによって発生する衝撃波を上記圧縮室内に伝播させて上記圧縮室内の混合体を衝撃圧縮して高温に加熱することにより該混合体中の反応性粒子と水蒸気を反応させて水素含有ガスを生成させるようになっているという第三の発明によっても達成される。
【００１９】
この第三の発明では、低沸点物質は、水の沸点よりも低い温度であってもガス化するため、上記ガス化手段によって低エネルギで容易に高圧ガス化される。上記高圧ガス供給手段から上記圧縮室内へ高圧ガスが供給されると、これが高圧であるが故に衝撃波が発生する。この衝撃波は上記圧縮室内を伝播して上記圧縮室内の混合体を衝撃圧縮して高温に加熱して、該混合体中の反応性粒子と水蒸気を反応させて水素含有ガスを生成させる。こうすることにより、比較的低温の熱エネルギを有効利用できる。
【００２０】
第三の発明において、圧縮室内に酸化剤を供給する酸化剤供給手段を有し、高圧ガス供給手段が上記圧縮室内へ高圧ガスを間欠的に供給することによって発生する衝撃波を上記圧縮室内に伝播させて上記圧縮室内の反応性粒子及び酸化剤を衝撃圧縮して高温に加熱することにより該反応性粒子と該酸化剤を反応させて水素含有ガスを生成させるようにすることができる。こうすることにより、水素の製造効率が向上する。
【００２１】
又、第三の発明において、圧縮室内に水を供給する水供給手段と、該圧縮室内に還元剤を供給する還元剤供給手段とを有し、高圧ガス供給手段が上記圧縮室内へ高圧ガスを間欠的に供給することによって発生する衝撃波を上記圧縮室内に伝播させて上記圧縮室内の反応性粒子と水と還元剤を衝撃圧縮して高温に加熱することにより該反応性粒子と該水と該還元剤を反応させて水素含有ガスを生成させるようにすることもできる。こうすることにより、水素の製造効率は更に向上する。
【００２２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付図面にもとづき、本発明の実施の形態を説明する。
【００２３】
先ず、図１にもとづき、本実施形態における水素製造のための反応装置１について説明する。
【００２４】
図１の反応装置１は、上端で大径、下端で小径、そして中間部に収束部２Ａをなす収束管２を有しており、該収束管２の内部空間が反応室としての圧縮室を形成している。該収束管２は上端に半径方向に張り出すフランジ部２Ｂを有し、ここにノズル取付体３がボルト(図示せず)等により取り付けられている。上記の取付体３には、複数のノズル４が互いの間隔が等しくなるようにそして収束管に対して全体に分布するように設けられている。これらの複数のノズル４は共通な一つの間欠噴射ポンプ５に接続されている。該間欠噴射ポンプ５は、後述するように地熱によって発生した高圧水蒸気の供給を受け、これを所定の瞬時に上記ノズル４からの収束管２内、すなわち反応室たる圧縮室の内方へ噴射せしめる。
【００２５】
上記収束管２の下端部には、ガス取出口６そして排気口７が形成されており、ここには所定時に開放される制御弁８，９が設けられている。さらに、これらのガス取出口６そして排気口７よりも若干上方の位置に、反応性粒子を収束管２内へ供給するための反応性粒子供給口１０が形成されている。
【００２６】
このような図１の反応装置１は水素ガスの製造のための他諸装置と図２のごとく接続されている。
【００２７】
反応装置１の間欠噴射ポンプ５は、地下１〜２ｋｍの貯留層から地熱による高温高圧の水蒸気を取出す蒸気井１１に気水分離器１２を介して接続されている。この気水分離器１２は、蒸気井１１を上昇する水蒸気及び液体状の水から液状の水を分離除去して水蒸気のみを取り出せるようになっている。
【００２８】
次に、反応性粒子供給口１０には、反応性粒子としての廃プラスチックを他物質と分離後に破砕そして粉砕して廃プラスチック粉とした後に、これを所定時に制御弁１３を介して供給するフィーダ１４が接続されている。
【００２９】
一方、ガス取出口６は制御弁８を介して除塵機１５、そして分離機（ＰＳＡ）１６に接続されている。除塵機１５は水素含有ガスから未反応の反応性粒子等を除去するものであり、除去された未反応の反応性粒子を帰還させて再利用するため、上述のフィーダ１４に接続されている。分離機１６は水素含有ガスを水素ガスとＣＯガスとに分離してそれぞれ取り出すためのものであり、圧力振動吸着（ＰＳＡ）装置が用いられている。又、水素の分離は圧力振動吸着法にかぎらず膜分離等の他の方法を用いてもよい。
【００３０】
又、排気口７は制御弁９を介して排気管１７が接続されており、反応後に残留している水蒸気を排出するものである。
【００３１】
かかる本実施形態装置にあっては、水素ガスは次の要領で製造される。
【００３２】
▲１▼ 先ず、反応性粒子供給口１０から反応性粒子としての廃プラスチック粉が反応室たる収束管２内へ供給される。この反応性粒子の供給後、反応性粒子供給口１０の制御弁１３は閉じられる。この時点では、他の制御弁８，９は依然として閉状態にある。
【００３３】
▲２▼ 次に、間欠噴射ポンプ５が瞬間的に開き、地熱によって発生した高圧水蒸気を複数のノズル４からパルス状ジェットとして噴射する。複数ノズル４から噴射された高圧水蒸気は、衝撃波を発生する。衝撃波が収束管２の下端へ向け進行する際に、収束管２Ａで合流収束しさらに高圧となる。この収束衝撃波は、収束管２の下端へ進行し、反応室たる収束管２内で水蒸気を反応性粒子と共に急激圧縮して昇温せしめ、例えば３０００°Ｋに達する。それによって反応が生じ、水素ガスそしてＣＯガスが生成される。
【００３４】
▲３▼ 次に、制御弁８が開き、水素ガスとＣＯガスが混在する水素含有ガスがガス取出口６から取り出され、除塵機１５にて未反応の反応性粒子等が除去され、水素含有ガスは分離機１６にて水素ガスとＣＯガスとに分離されてそれぞれ取り出される。
【００３５】
▲４▼ しかる後、制御弁８は閉じられると共に、制御弁９が開放されて、収束管２内の水蒸気等が残留ガスとして排気管１７を経て排気される。かくして、水素ガス生成のための一回サイクルを終了し、次のサイクルへ備える。
【００３６】
又、反応性粒子としては廃プラスチック粉の他に粉コークスなど炭化水素や炭素を含有する物質を利用可能である。
【００３７】
又、反応性粒子の粒径が大きく加熱が不十分となり反応効率が低い場合には、圧縮室内に空気又は酸素を供給して反応性粒子の部分燃焼を伴うようにすると、反応に十分な高温となって反応を促進することができる。
【００３８】
又、本発明装置を地熱発電所に併設する場合には、図３に示す如く、気水分離器１２からの高圧水蒸気によって蒸気タービン１８を駆動して発電機１９で発電する。図３の装置では、間欠噴射ポンプ５は、蒸気井１１からの高圧水蒸気を該間欠噴射ポンプ５又は蒸気タービン１８のいずれかに供給させるように所定時に切り換えられる切換弁２０を介して上記蒸気井１１に接続されている。該切換弁２０は、蒸気井１１からの高圧水蒸気の圧力が発電に十分な所定圧力に達しているときに該高圧水蒸気を上記蒸気タービン１８に供給させ、上記高圧水蒸気の圧力が上記所定圧力に達していないときに上記高圧水蒸気を上記間欠噴射ポンプ５に供給させる。尚、図３において、図２と同様の構成部分については同一符号を付してある。この場合、気水分離器１２からの高圧水蒸気の圧力が所定値以上であるときには、間欠噴射ポンプ５は駆動させずに該高圧水蒸気によって蒸気タービン１８を駆動して発電を行なう。一方、気水分離器１２からの高圧水蒸気の圧力が所定値以下であるときには、発電効率の低い蒸気タービン１８による発電は行わずに間欠噴射ポンプ５を駆動させて、エネルギ効率の高い水素製造が行なわれる。尚、気水分離器１２からの高圧水蒸気の圧力の大小にかかわらず、間欠噴射ポンプ５を駆動させて水素製造を行なってもよい。
【００３９】
次に、本発明の他の実施形態について図４にもとづき説明する。尚、図４においても、図２と同様の構成部分については同一符号を付してある。
【００４０】
前実施形態では気水分離器１２からの反応物質としての高圧水蒸気を間欠噴射ポンプ５で直接噴射して衝撃波を発生させていたが、本実施形態では水よりも低沸点の低沸点物質を気水分離器１２からの水蒸気で加熱して高圧ガス化し該高圧ガスを間欠噴射ポンプ５で噴射することにより衝撃波を発生させて水素製造を行なう。
【００４１】
図４における装置では、反応装置１の間欠噴射ポンプ５には、水よりも低沸点の低沸点物質を気水分離器１２からの高温の水蒸気によって加熱する加熱器２１が接続されている。加熱器２１は、低沸点物質を加熱して高圧ガス化させて間欠噴射ポンプ５に供給するようになっている。つまり、本実施形態では、間欠噴射ポンプ５はこの高圧ガスを反応装置１内に間欠的に供給して反応装置１の収束管２内に上記高圧ガスによる衝撃波を発生させることとなる。又、気水分離器１２からの水蒸気の一部は水素生成のための反応物質として上記衝撃波発生前に反応装置１内に供給される。かくして、地熱による水蒸気が比較的低い温度、すなわち低エネルギであっても低沸点物質は該水蒸気よりも高い圧力の高圧ガスとなり、該高圧ガスを収束管２内に伝播させて、該収束管２内の水蒸気及び反応性粒子を衝撃圧縮することにより高温にして反応させて水素ガスを得る。
【００４２】
よって、本実施形態では、地熱により発生した高温の水蒸気によって低沸点物質を加熱して衝撃波発生のための高圧ガスを得るので、上記水蒸気よりも高圧なガスによる衝撃波で収束管２内の水蒸気及び反応性粒子をより高温下で反応させることができ、水素製造の反応効率の向上が図られる。
【００４３】
尚、低沸点物質としては、水よりも沸点が低ければよく、メタン、ＬＮＧ、ＬＰＧ等の炭化水素系ガス類、種々のアルコールやエーテル類等の炭化水素系化合物や、アンモニア等の物質が利用できる。
【００４４】
又、炭化水素を含有する反応性粒子としては、石油或いはその誘導体製品、石炭の誘導体製品、油脂類、石油精製或いは石油化学等で生成するタール等の残渣類、製鉄所等で発生する石炭乾留ガス（コークス炉ガス、Ｃガス）、廃プラスチックや廃油等の炭化水素化合物含有廃棄物、籾殻・わら屑・木屑その他のバイオマス類、繊維類、パルプ屑等が利用できる。炭素を含有する反応性粒子としては、石炭、コークス、木炭、カーボンブラック、タイヤ屑等が利用できる。
【００４５】
更に、本実施形態では反応性粒子と酸化剤である水蒸気とを反応させて水素ガスを得ているが、反応性粒子及び水蒸気の他に収束管２内に酸化剤や還元剤を供給して、反応性粒子と水蒸気（水）と酸化剤や還元剤とを反応させて水素ガスを得るようにしてもよい。この場合、水素の製造効率が向上する。酸化剤としては、酸素（Ｏ_２）、酸素含有ガス、水（Ｈ_２Ｏ）、二酸化炭素（ＣＯ_２）のみなず、６００℃以上の温度にて反応性粒子を酸化することができる酸化性ガスや酸化物、６００℃以上にて少なくともＨ_２Ｏ，Ｏ_２，ＣＯ_２を発生する酸化物や水和物、炭酸塩、その他の化合物等が利用できる。還元剤としては、炭化水素化合物や炭素系物質を含有する物質、還元できる物質を含有する物、６００℃以上でＨ_２Ｏを少なくとも部分的に還元できる物質を含有する物、例えば金属アルミニウム、金属マグネシウム、金属シリコン、その他の金属或いは化合物が利用できる。このような酸化剤や還元剤を使用した場合、水素ガス生成の反応として、次の反応式に示すような反応が起こる。
Ｃ＋Ｈ_２Ｏ→ＣＯ＋Ｈ_２
Ｃ_ｍＨ_２ｎ＋ｍＨ_２Ｏ→ｍＣＯ＋（ｍ＋ｎ）Ｈ_２
Ｃ_ｍＨ_２ｎ＋ｍＭ_ｘＯ→ｍＣＯ＋（ｍ・ｘ）Ｍ＋ｎＨ_２
ｘＭ＋Ｈ_２Ｏ→Ｍ_ｘＯ＋Ｈ_２
ここで、Ｍは金属元素（還元剤）であり、Ｍ_ｘＯは酸化剤である。
【００４６】
又、上述の実施形態では地熱により発生した高温水蒸気によって低沸点物質を加熱して衝撃波発生のための高圧ガスを得ているが、地熱以外の比較的低温の熱エネルギを用いて低沸点物質を加熱して高圧ガスを得てもよい。この場合、水よりも低沸点の低沸点物質を高圧ガス化するので、水蒸気を生成するのに比べて比較的低エネルギで十分であるため、従来有効利用されていなかった低レベルエネルギを有効利用することができる。
【００４７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、第一の発明によれば、地熱により発生した高圧水蒸気を圧縮室内へ間欠的に供給するだけで衝撃波を発生させこれによって水素ガスを生成できるので、装置がきわめて簡単で小型化が可能となり、地熱発電所等の高圧水蒸気を利用して安価に水素ガスを得る。
【００４８】
又、第二の発明によれば、水よりも低沸点の低沸点物質を地熱により発生した水蒸気の熱によって加熱することにより上記低沸点物質による高圧ガスを得てこれを圧縮室内へ間欠的に供給するようにすると、より高温で水蒸気と反応性粒子を反応させることができ、エネルギ効率の向上が図られる。
【００４９】
又、発電に不向きな低い温度の地熱により発生した水蒸気を有効利用することができる。
【００５０】
更に、第三の発明によれば、地熱に限らず従来有効利用されていなかった低レベルエネルギを有効利用することができる。
【００５１】
又、これらの発明は、小規模生産を可能とし、更に、純燃料を必要としない。
又、地熱を熱源として利用するので新たな二酸化炭素を排出することもない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態としての水素製造装置のための反応装置を示す断面図である。
【図２】図１の反応装置を用いた水素製造装置の全体構成を示す図である。
【図３】本発明の他の実施形態における水素製造装置の全体構成を示す図である。
【図４】本発明の他の実施形態における水素製造装置の全体構成を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
２収束管（圧縮室）
５間欠噴射ポンプ（高圧水蒸気供給手段、高圧ガス供給手段）
１４フィーダ（反応性粒子供給手段）
１８蒸気タービン
２０切換弁（切換手段）
２１加熱器（ガス化手段）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hydrogen production apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an industrial hydrogen production apparatus, a pyrolysis furnace type hydrogen production apparatus, a steam reformer, and the like are known.
[0003]
In these hydrogen production apparatuses, hydrogen, carbon monoxide are reacted by heating the raw material to a high temperature by introducing a raw material such as natural gas or propane into a reactor previously maintained at a high temperature. A hydrogen-containing gas containing etc. is produced, and hydrogen is separated from the hydrogen-containing gas for production.
[0004]
For example, in a steam reformer, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc. can be obtained by bringing a mixture of natural gas, hydrocarbons such as propane and steam as a raw material into a high-temperature reforming catalyst in a reactor. A reformed gas that is a hydrogen-containing gas is obtained, and hydrogen is separated from the reformed gas. In order to obtain the high temperature state, a heat source is required.
[0005]
On the other hand, the usefulness of geothermal energy as energy is generally known, and in a geothermal power plant or the like, a steam turbine is driven by high-pressure steam generated by geothermal heat to generate power using a generator. However, the temperature of steam generated by geothermal heat may be low to drive the steam turbine. In this case, it is not suitable for power generation. Even if the steam is at a temperature sufficient to drive the steam turbine, the power generation efficiency in geothermal power generation is low, so that the remaining energy after power generation is not effectively used while remaining useful. It has been thrown away.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a conventional hydrogen production apparatus, the entire reactor space must be heated to a high temperature by a separate heating device before the reaction for hydrogen production, which increases the complexity and cost of the apparatus and starts up the apparatus. Energy loss in the process, the shutdown process, etc. increases, and the operating cost of the apparatus also increases.
[0007]
Furthermore, since the entire space in the reactor is maintained at a high temperature for a long time from the start-up to the start-up of the apparatus in this way, it is necessary to configure the apparatus using a large amount of refractory. There will be high equipment costs.
[0008]
In addition, in the apparatus as described above, since the time required for the startup process and the shutdown process is long, not only the energy loss increases but also the time loss increases. Since hydrogen production is performed continuously for a long time after the reactor is heated to a high temperature state, it is not suitable for small-scale production or short-time production when desired.
[0009]
Furthermore, since a pure fuel such as natural gas or propane is required as a raw material, the operating cost of the apparatus also increases in this respect.
[0010]
In addition, carbon dioxide equivalent to or more than the amount of hydrogen produced in the production process is discharged, which is not preferable for preventing global warming.
[0011]
Accordingly, the present invention can reduce the energy loss while effectively utilizing the energy of water vapor generated by geothermal heat, and can produce hydrogen at a low cost with low operating costs and equipment costs. Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen production apparatus capable of producing hydrogen and producing hydrogen while suppressing emission of carbon dioxide without requiring pure fuel.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The hydrogen production apparatus according to the present invention generates hydrogen gas by reacting the reactive particles with the water vapor by heating a mixture of the reactive particles containing hydrocarbon or carbon and the water vapor to a high temperature. It is like that.
[0013]
In such a hydrogen production apparatus, in the first invention, the reactive particle supply means for supplying the reactive particles into the compression chamber, and the compression chamber for containing the mixture to shock compress the mixture of the reactive particles and the water vapor And a high-pressure steam supply means connected to a steam well for taking out high-pressure steam generated by geothermal heat and intermittently supplying the high-pressure steam into the compression chamber, the high-pressure steam supply means intermittently supplying the high-pressure steam into the compression chamber It is characterized in that a shock wave is generated by supplying the electric wave.
[0014]
In the first invention having such a configuration, when high-pressure steam is supplied from the high-pressure steam supply means to the compression chamber, a shock wave is generated because it is high pressure. The shock wave propagates through the compression chamber, shock-compresses the mixture in the compression chamber, heats the mixture to a high temperature, and reacts reactive particles in the mixture with water vapor to generate a hydrogen-containing gas.
[0015]
In the first invention, the high-pressure steam supply means is switched at a predetermined time so as to supply the high-pressure steam from the steam well of the geothermal power plant to either the high-pressure steam supply means or the steam turbine of the geothermal power plant. Connected to the steam well through means, and the switching means is capable of supplying the high pressure steam to the steam turbine when the pressure of the high pressure steam from the steam well is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Can be switched so that the high-pressure steam can be supplied to the high-pressure steam supply means when is below a predetermined value. In this case, high-pressure steam generated by geothermal heat can be used for hydrogen production only when the power generation efficiency at the geothermal power plant is particularly low.
[0016]
In the hydrogen production apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the second invention, a reactive chamber that contains the mixture of reactive particles and water vapor for impact compression, and reactive particles that supply the reactive particles into the compression chamber. A supply means; a steam supply means for supplying steam into the compression chamber; and a low-boiling substance having a boiling point lower than that of water connected to a steam well for taking out steam generated by geothermal heat by heating the steam with the low temperature. A gasification means for gasifying the boiling point substance at high pressure; and a high-pressure gas supply means for intermittently supplying the high-pressure gas generated by the gasification means into the compression chamber, wherein the high-pressure gas supply means has a high pressure into the compression chamber. A shock wave is generated by supplying gas intermittently.
[0017]
In the second invention having such a configuration, when a high-pressure gas is supplied from the high-pressure gas supply means into the compression chamber, a shock wave is generated because it is at a high pressure. The shock wave propagates through the compression chamber, shock-compresses the mixture in the compression chamber, heats the mixture to a high temperature, and reacts reactive particles in the mixture with water vapor to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. By doing so, the water vapor and the reactive particles in the compression chamber can be reacted at a higher temperature by a shock wave generated by a gas having a pressure higher than that of the water vapor, and the reaction efficiency of hydrogen production can be improved. At this time, if the steam supply means is connected to the steam well so as to supply a part of the steam generated by the geothermal heat to the compression chamber, the steam generated by the geothermal heat can be used more effectively.
[0018]
Further, according to the present application, the object is to react the reactive particles with the water vapor by heating a mixture of the hydrocarbon or carbon-containing reactive particles and water vapor to a high temperature to generate hydrogen gas. In a hydrogen production apparatus for generating a reaction chamber, a compression chamber for containing the mixture to impact-compress the mixture of reactive particles and water vapor, reactive particle supply means for supplying the reactive particles into the compression chamber, and the compression Water vapor supply means for supplying water vapor into the room, gasification means for gasifying the low-boiling substance by heating a low-boiling substance having a lower boiling point than water, and intermittently the high-pressure gas generated by the gasification means High pressure gas supply means for supplying the compression chamber to the compression chamber, and the high pressure gas supply means propagates shock waves generated by intermittently supplying the high pressure gas to the compression chamber. According to the third aspect of the invention, the mixture in the compression chamber is impact-compressed and heated to a high temperature to react the reactive particles in the mixture with water vapor to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. Achieved.
[0019]
In the third aspect of the invention, the low boiling point substance is gasified even at a temperature lower than the boiling point of water, so that it is easily gasified with low energy and high pressure by the gasification means. When high-pressure gas is supplied from the high-pressure gas supply means into the compression chamber, a shock wave is generated because it is high pressure. The shock wave propagates through the compression chamber, shock-compresses the mixture in the compression chamber, heats the mixture to a high temperature, and reacts reactive particles in the mixture with water vapor to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. By doing so, it is possible to effectively use heat energy at a relatively low temperature.
[0020]
In a third aspect of the invention, the apparatus has an oxidant supply means for supplying an oxidant into the compression chamber, and the high pressure gas supply means propagates a shock wave generated by intermittently supplying the high pressure gas into the compression chamber. Then, the reactive particles and the oxidant in the compression chamber are shock-compressed and heated to a high temperature, whereby the reactive particles and the oxidant are reacted to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. By doing so, the production efficiency of hydrogen is improved.
[0021]
According to a third aspect of the invention, there are provided water supply means for supplying water into the compression chamber and reducing agent supply means for supplying a reducing agent into the compression chamber, and the high pressure gas supply means supplies high pressure gas into the compression chamber. A shock wave generated by intermittent supply is propagated in the compression chamber, and the reactive particles, water, and the reducing agent in the compression chamber are shock-compressed and heated to a high temperature to heat the reactive particles, the water, and the A reducing agent can be reacted to produce a hydrogen-containing gas. By doing so, the production efficiency of hydrogen is further improved.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023]
First, based on FIG. 1, the reaction apparatus 1 for hydrogen production in this embodiment is demonstrated.
[0024]
1 has a converging tube 2 having a large diameter at the upper end, a small diameter at the lower end, and a converging portion 2A in the middle, and the internal space of the converging tube 2 serves as a compression chamber as a reaction chamber. Forming. The converging tube 2 has a flange portion 2B projecting in the radial direction at the upper end, and a nozzle attachment body 3 is attached thereto by a bolt (not shown) or the like. The mounting body 3 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 4 so that the intervals between the nozzles 4 are equal to each other and distributed over the converging tube. The plurality of nozzles 4 are connected to a common intermittent injection pump 5. The intermittent injection pump 5 receives a supply of high-pressure steam generated by geothermal heat as will be described later, and injects it into the converging pipe 2 from the nozzle 4, that is, inward of the compression chamber, which is a reaction chamber, at a predetermined moment. .
[0025]
A gas outlet 6 and an exhaust port 7 are formed at the lower end of the converging pipe 2, and control valves 8 and 9 that are opened at a predetermined time are provided here. Further, a reactive particle supply port 10 for supplying reactive particles into the converging tube 2 is formed at a position slightly above the gas outlet 6 and the exhaust port 7.
[0026]
1 is connected to other apparatuses for producing hydrogen gas as shown in FIG.
[0027]
The intermittent injection pump 5 of the reactor 1 is connected via a steam separator 12 to a steam well 11 that takes out high-temperature and high-pressure steam by geothermal heat from a reservoir of 1 to 2 km underground. The steam / water separator 12 can separate and remove liquid water from water vapor and liquid water rising through the steam well 11 and take out only water vapor.
[0028]
Next, the reactive particle supply port 10 is a feeder in which waste plastic as reactive particles is separated from other substances and then crushed and pulverized into waste plastic powder, which is then supplied through the control valve 13 at a predetermined time. 14 is connected.
[0029]
On the other hand, the gas outlet 6 is connected to a dust remover 15 and a separator (PSA) 16 through a control valve 8. The dust remover 15 removes unreacted reactive particles and the like from the hydrogen-containing gas, and is connected to the feeder 14 in order to return the removed unreacted reactive particles for reuse. The separator 16 is for separating the hydrogen-containing gas into hydrogen gas and CO gas and taking them out, respectively, and a pressure vibration adsorption (PSA) apparatus is used. The hydrogen separation is not limited to the pressure vibration adsorption method, and other methods such as membrane separation may be used.
[0030]
The exhaust port 7 is connected to an exhaust pipe 17 through a control valve 9, and discharges water vapor remaining after the reaction.
[0031]
In the apparatus of this embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced in the following manner.
[0032]
(1) First, waste plastic powder as reactive particles is supplied from the reactive particle supply port 10 into the converging tube 2 as a reaction chamber. After the supply of the reactive particles, the control valve 13 of the reactive particle supply port 10 is closed. At this point, the other control valves 8, 9 are still closed.
[0033]
(2) Next, the intermittent injection pump 5 is instantaneously opened, and high-pressure steam generated by geothermal heat is injected from a plurality of nozzles 4 as pulse jets. The high-pressure steam sprayed from the plurality of nozzles 4 generates a shock wave. When the shock wave travels toward the lower end of the converging tube 2, the converging tube 2A joins and converges to further increase the pressure. This convergent shock wave travels to the lower end of the converging tube 2 and rapidly compresses water vapor together with reactive particles in the converging tube 2 as a reaction chamber to increase the temperature, for example, reaching 3000 ° K. This causes a reaction, producing hydrogen gas and CO gas.
[0034]
(3) Next, the control valve 8 is opened, a hydrogen-containing gas in which hydrogen gas and CO gas are mixed is taken out from the gas outlet 6, unreacted reactive particles and the like are removed by the dust remover 15, and the hydrogen-containing gas is contained. The gas is separated into hydrogen gas and CO gas by the separator 16 and taken out.
[0035]
(4) Thereafter, the control valve 8 is closed and the control valve 9 is opened, so that water vapor or the like in the converging pipe 2 is exhausted through the exhaust pipe 17 as a residual gas. Thus, one cycle for generating hydrogen gas is completed and prepared for the next cycle.
[0036]
Moreover, as reactive particles, substances containing hydrocarbons and carbon such as powder coke can be used in addition to waste plastic powder.
[0037]
In addition, when the reactive particle size is large and the heating is insufficient and the reaction efficiency is low, if air or oxygen is supplied into the compression chamber to cause partial combustion of the reactive particles, the temperature is high enough for the reaction. And the reaction can be promoted.
[0038]
When the apparatus of the present invention is installed in a geothermal power plant, as shown in FIG. 3, the steam turbine 18 is driven by high-pressure steam from the steam separator 12 and the generator 19 generates power. In the apparatus of FIG. 3, the intermittent injection pump 5 is connected to the steam well via a switching valve 20 that is switched at a predetermined time so as to supply high-pressure steam from the steam well 11 to either the intermittent injection pump 5 or the steam turbine 18. 11 is connected. The switching valve 20 supplies the high-pressure steam to the steam turbine 18 when the pressure of the high-pressure steam from the steam well 11 has reached a predetermined pressure sufficient for power generation, and the pressure of the high-pressure steam becomes the predetermined pressure. When not reached, the high-pressure steam is supplied to the intermittent injection pump 5. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this case, when the pressure of the high-pressure steam from the steam separator 12 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the intermittent injection pump 5 is not driven and the steam turbine 18 is driven by the high-pressure steam to generate power. On the other hand, when the pressure of the high-pressure steam from the steam separator 12 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the intermittent injection pump 5 is driven without generating power by the steam turbine 18 having low power generation efficiency, and hydrogen production with high energy efficiency is performed. Done. Regardless of the pressure of the high-pressure steam from the steam separator 12, the intermittent injection pump 5 may be driven to produce hydrogen.
[0039]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0040]
In the previous embodiment, high-pressure steam as a reactant from the steam separator 12 was directly injected by the intermittent injection pump 5 to generate a shock wave. In this embodiment, a low-boiling substance having a boiling point lower than that of water is removed. Hydrogen is produced by generating shock waves by heating with water vapor from the water separator 12 to generate high-pressure gas and then injecting the high-pressure gas with the intermittent injection pump 5.
[0041]
In the apparatus in FIG. 4, the intermittent injection pump 5 of the reaction apparatus 1 is connected to a heater 21 that heats a low-boiling substance having a boiling point lower than that of water with high-temperature steam from the steam separator 12. The heater 21 heats a low-boiling point substance to gasify it to supply it to the intermittent injection pump 5. That is, in this embodiment, the intermittent injection pump 5 intermittently supplies the high pressure gas into the reaction apparatus 1 to generate a shock wave due to the high pressure gas in the converging pipe 2 of the reaction apparatus 1. Further, a part of the water vapor from the steam separator 12 is supplied into the reaction apparatus 1 before the generation of the shock wave as a reactant for generating hydrogen. Thus, even if the water vapor due to geothermal heat has a relatively low temperature, that is, low energy, the low-boiling point substance becomes a high-pressure gas having a pressure higher than that of the water-vapor, and the high-pressure gas is propagated into the converging tube 2. Hydrogen gas is obtained by reacting at a high temperature by impact compression of the water vapor and reactive particles inside.
[0042]
Therefore, in this embodiment, since the high boiling point gas is heated by the high temperature steam generated by geothermal heat to obtain the high pressure gas for generating the shock wave, The reactive particles can be reacted at a higher temperature, and the reaction efficiency of hydrogen production can be improved.
[0043]
As the low boiling point substance, it is sufficient that the boiling point is lower than that of water, and hydrocarbon gases such as methane, LNG and LPG, hydrocarbon compounds such as various alcohols and ethers, and substances such as ammonia are used. it can.
[0044]
Reactive particles containing hydrocarbons include petroleum or its derivative products, coal derivative products, oils and fats, residues such as tar produced by petroleum refining or petrochemistry, etc., and coal dry distillation generated at steelworks, etc. Gas (coke oven gas, C gas), waste containing hydrocarbon compounds such as waste plastic and waste oil, rice husk, straw waste, wood waste and other biomass, fibers, pulp waste, etc. can be used. As the reactive particles containing carbon, coal, coke, charcoal, carbon black, tire scraps and the like can be used.
[0045]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, reactive particles and water vapor as an oxidant are reacted to obtain hydrogen gas. In addition to reactive particles and water vapor, an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent is supplied into the focusing tube 2. Alternatively, hydrogen gas may be obtained by reacting reactive particles, water vapor (water), and an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent. In this case, the production efficiency of hydrogen is improved. As an oxidizing agent, not only oxygen (O ₂ ), oxygen-containing gas, water (H ₂ O), and carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), but also an oxidizing property that can oxidize reactive particles at a temperature of 600 ° C. or higher. Gases, oxides, oxides and hydrates that generate at least H ₂ O, O ₂ , and CO ₂ at 600 ° C. or higher, carbonates, and other compounds can be used. As the reducing agent, a substance containing a hydrocarbon compound or a carbon-based substance, a substance containing a reducible substance, a substance containing a substance capable of at least partially reducing H ₂ O at 600 ° C. or higher, such as metal aluminum, metal Magnesium, metallic silicon, other metals or compounds can be used. When such an oxidizing agent or reducing agent is used, a reaction shown in the following reaction formula occurs as a reaction for generating hydrogen gas.
C + H ₂ O → CO + H ₂
C _m H _2n + mH ₂ O → mCO + (m + n) H ₂
_{_{_{C m H 2n + mM x O}}} → mCO + (m · x) M + nH 2
xM + H ₂ O → M _x O + H ₂
Here, M is a metal element (reducing agent), and M _x O is an oxidizing agent.
[0046]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a high-pressure gas for generating a shock wave is obtained by heating a low-boiling substance with high-temperature steam generated by geothermal heat. High pressure gas may be obtained by heating. In this case, a low-boiling substance having a lower boiling point than water is gasified, so that relatively low energy is sufficient compared to the generation of water vapor, so low-level energy that has not been used effectively can be used effectively. can do.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first invention, shock waves can be generated simply by intermittently supplying high-pressure steam generated by geothermal heat into the compression chamber, thereby generating hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas can be obtained at low cost using high-pressure steam from a geothermal power plant or the like.
[0048]
According to the second invention, a low-boiling substance having a boiling point lower than that of water is heated by the heat of water vapor generated by geothermal heat to obtain a high-pressure gas from the low-boiling substance, and this is intermittently introduced into the compression chamber. If it supplies, water vapor and reactive particle | grains can be made to react at higher temperature, and the improvement of energy efficiency is achieved.
[0049]
In addition, water vapor generated by low-temperature geothermal heat that is not suitable for power generation can be used effectively.
[0050]
Furthermore, according to the third invention, not only geothermal heat but also low level energy that has not been effectively used in the past can be used effectively.
[0051]
Also, these inventions enable small scale production and do not require pure fuel.
Further, since geothermal heat is used as a heat source, new carbon dioxide is not discharged.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction apparatus for a hydrogen production apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a hydrogen production apparatus using the reaction apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a hydrogen production apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a hydrogen production apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Converging pipe (compression chamber)
5 Intermittent injection pump (high-pressure steam supply means, high-pressure gas supply means)
14 Feeder (reactive particle supply means)
18 Steam turbine 20 Switching valve (switching means)
21 Heater (gasification means)

Claims

In a hydrogen production apparatus for generating hydrogen gas by reacting the reactive particles with the water vapor by heating a mixture of the reactive particles containing hydrocarbon or carbon and the water vapor to a high temperature, the reactive particles and A compression chamber containing the mixture for impact compression of the steam mixture; reactive particle supply means for supplying reactive particles into the compression chamber; and a steam well for taking out high-pressure steam generated by geothermal heat High-pressure steam supply means for intermittently supplying high-pressure steam into the compression chamber, and causing shock waves generated by intermittently supplying high-pressure steam from the high-pressure steam supply means to the compression chamber to propagate into the compression chamber. The mixture in the compression chamber is impact-compressed and heated to a high temperature so that the reactive particles in the mixture react with water vapor to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. Hydrogen generating device, characterized in that it it.

The high-pressure steam supply means includes the steam well via switching means that is switched at a predetermined time so that the high-pressure steam from the steam well of the geothermal power plant is supplied to either the high-pressure steam supply means or the steam turbine of the geothermal power plant. And when the pressure of the high-pressure steam from the steam well is not less than a predetermined value, the switching means can supply the high-pressure steam to the steam turbine, and the pressure of the high-pressure steam is not more than a predetermined value. The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the high-pressure steam is switchable so that the high-pressure steam can be supplied to the high-pressure steam supply means.

In a hydrogen production apparatus for generating hydrogen gas by reacting the reactive particles with the water vapor by heating a mixture of the reactive particles containing hydrocarbon or carbon and the water vapor to a high temperature, the reactive particles and A compression chamber containing the mixture for impact compression of the water vapor mixture; reactive particle supply means for supplying reactive particles into the compression chamber; water vapor supply means for supplying water vapor into the compression chamber; A gasification means connected to a steam well for taking out the water vapor generated by the step of heating the low boiling point substance having a lower boiling point than water by the heat of the water vapor to gasify the low boiling point substance, and the gasification means High pressure gas supply means for intermittently supplying the high pressure gas into the compression chamber, and the high pressure gas supply means intermittently supplies the high pressure gas into the compression chamber. A shock wave is propagated in the compression chamber, and the mixture in the compression chamber is shock-compressed and heated to a high temperature to react the reactive particles in the mixture with water vapor to generate a hydrogen-containing gas. The hydrogen production apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

The hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the steam supply means is connected to the steam well so as to supply a part of the steam generated by geothermal heat into the compression chamber.

In a hydrogen production apparatus for generating hydrogen gas by reacting the reactive particles with the water vapor by heating a mixture of the reactive particles containing hydrocarbon or carbon and the water vapor to a high temperature, the reactive particles and A compression chamber for containing the mixture to shock compress the mixture of water vapor; reactive particle supply means for supplying reactive particles into the compression chamber; water vapor supply means for supplying water vapor into the compression chamber; A gasification means for high-pressure gasification of the low-boiling substance by heating a low-boiling substance having a lower boiling point, and a high-pressure gas supply means for intermittently supplying the high-pressure gas generated by the gasification means into the compression chamber And a shock wave generated by intermittently supplying the high-pressure gas into the compression chamber by the high-pressure gas supply means is propagated in the compression chamber to compress the mixture in the compression chamber. Hydrogen production apparatus characterized by reacting the reactive particles and water vapor in the admix by heating to a high temperature and is adapted to produce a hydrogen-containing gas Te.

In a hydrogen production apparatus that reacts the reactive particles with the oxidizing agent to generate hydrogen gas by heating the reactive particles containing hydrocarbon or carbon and the oxidizing agent to a high temperature, the reactive particles and oxidation A compression chamber containing the reactive particles and the oxidant to shock compress the agent; reactive particle supply means for supplying the reactive particles into the compression chamber; and an oxidant supply for supplying the oxidant into the compression chamber. Means, gasification means for heating the low-boiling substance having a lower boiling point than water to gasify the low-boiling substance, and high-pressure gas generated by the gasification means is intermittently supplied into the compression chamber. High-pressure gas supply means, and the high-pressure gas supply means propagates shock waves generated by intermittently supplying high-pressure gas into the compression chamber to cause the reactive particles and acid in the compression chamber to propagate. Agent hydrogen generating device, characterized in that by shock compression by reacting the reactive particles and the oxidizing agent by heating to a high temperature and is adapted to produce a hydrogen-containing gas.

In a hydrogen production apparatus for generating hydrogen gas by reacting the reactive particles, water and the reducing agent by heating the hydrocarbon or carbon-containing reactive particles, water and a reducing agent to a high temperature, A reactive chamber containing the reactive particles, the water and the reducing agent for impact compression of the reactive particles, water and the reducing agent, a reactive particle supplying means for supplying the reactive particles into the compression chamber, and the compression A water supply means for supplying water into the chamber, a reducing agent supply means for supplying a reducing agent into the compression chamber, and a gas that gasifies the low-boiling substance by heating the low-boiling substance having a lower boiling point than water. And high pressure gas supply means for intermittently supplying the high pressure gas generated by the gasification means into the compression chamber, wherein the high pressure gas supply means intermittently supplies the high pressure gas to the compression chamber. Shock generated by The reactive particles, water, and the reducing agent in the compression chamber are impact-compressed and heated to a high temperature to cause the reactive particles, the water, and the reducing agent to react with each other. A hydrogen production apparatus characterized by being made to produce.