JP4296625B2 - Power generation device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power generation device that has a positive electrode and a negative electrode that are opposed to each other with an electrolyte layer interposed therebetween, and relates to a power generation device that uses a liquid fuel as a fuel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the field of electronic devices, small portable electronic devices represented by portable small AV (audio / visual) devices, mobile phones, and portable information terminals are rapidly developing due to technological advances. Accordingly, as a portable power source used for them, development of a power generation device that has a high energy density and is small and can be used for a long time is required.
[0003]
Currently, secondary batteries are the mainstream of such power generation devices, and their research and development is actively underway. Recently, nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries have been rapidly improved in performance, or lithium ion secondary batteries have been put into practical use, and a certain level of performance has been obtained as a portable power source. However, depending on the type of portable electronic device used, the reality is that the sufficient continuous use time has not yet been guaranteed.
[0004]
Therefore, development of other power generation devices to replace secondary batteries is also expected. For example, as another power generation device having a high energy density, an air cell or a fuel cell can be cited. Among these, an air battery uses oxygen in the air as a positive electrode active material, and generates electricity by reacting oxygen and a metal constituting the negative electrode through an electrolyte membrane. Therefore, the air battery is characterized in that it does not require a positive electrode active material filling space and has a very high energy density as a whole battery. On the other hand, however, the air battery has a problem that the self-discharge rate is large because the alkaline electrolyte reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to cause deterioration over time. In addition, when the battery is exhausted, it cannot be charged like a normal secondary battery, so there is a problem that it is not suitable for a power source of a portable electronic device.
[0005]
In the fuel cell, the fuel supplied to the negative electrode is oxidized and separated into electrons and protons, and the protons move to the positive electrode and react with oxygen supplied to the positive electrode to generate electric power. Since such fuel cells directly convert the combustion energy of materials into electrical energy, the energy conversion efficiency is very high compared to general thermal power generation, etc., and the only thing that is generated during power generation is low pollution with only water. It has the characteristic of being sex. Further, unlike an air battery, it has a feature that it can be used continuously as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied. For this reason, development research has been conducted on fuel cells for large-scale power generation.
[0006]
Furthermore, in recent years, a fuel cell using a polymer solid electrolyte layer has been developed and can operate at a relatively low temperature of about room temperature to 90 ° C. As a result, not only for large-scale power generation but also for fuel cells, application to gradually smaller systems, such as application to power sources for driving automobiles, is considered.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional fuel cell, the oxygen supply mechanism forcibly circulates to supply oxygen to the positive electrode, and the fuel supply mechanism forcibly circulates to supply fuel to the negative electrode. There was a problem that the size was too large to use as. Therefore, as one means for achieving miniaturization, it may be considered to remove the oxygen supply mechanism and the fuel supply mechanism for forcibly circulating oxygen and fuel. Thereby, although the power density of the fuel cell is lower than the conventional one, it is considered that the power consumption of the current portable electronic device is sufficiently reduced in consideration of the fact that the power consumption of the current portable electronic device is decreasing.
[0008]
At that time, assuming that outside air is used for oxygen supplied to the positive electrode, the following are considered as the fuel supplied to the negative electrode and the storage method thereof. For example, hydrogen is used as a fuel and a method for storing hydrogen using a small hydrogen gas tank or a metal alloy package that can store hydrogen, or a liquid fuel such as an aqueous methanol solution is used as a fuel and a small liquid fuel tank is used. There are ways to store liquid fuel. Among these, it is preferable to use hydrogen from the aspect of exhaust gas complete cleanliness or output characteristics, and the storage method is relatively easy to handle, and hydrogen that can be stored at a higher density than hydrogen gas. It is preferable to use a storage alloy. However, it is also effective to use liquid fuel in terms of labor in refilling fuel. Furthermore, since an aqueous solution is often used for the liquid fuel, the liquid fuel is more advantageous from the viewpoint of moisture management and use conditions of the electrolyte layer.
[0009]
However, when a liquid fuel such as methanol is used, the liquid fuel diffuses (crosses over) the electrolyte layer, and there is a problem that a considerable amount reaches the positive electrode side and the battery voltage decreases. In addition, since portable electronic devices are not always used in a state where the top and bottom are fixed, the liquid fuel stored in the liquid fuel tank decreases due to reaction, etc., and the liquid level decreases and the liquid fuel does not contact the negative electrode There is also a problem that fuel cannot be stably supplied to the negative electrode.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation device that can prevent crossover of liquid fuel and can stably supply fuel to a negative electrode. .
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  A power generation device according to the present invention includes a positive electrode that reduces oxygen, a negative electrode that oxidizes fuel, an electrolyte layer provided between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and impregnates and holds liquid fuel and supplies fuel to the negative electrode. With liquid fuel impregnation partThe liquid fuel impregnated portion is provided so as not to be in direct contact with the negative electrode.
[0012]
  In the power generation device according to the present invention, the liquid fuel impregnation partThe impregnated liquid fuel is supplied as a vapor to a negative electrode provided apart from the liquid fuel impregnation portion. The negative electrode oxidizes the supplied fuel, while the positive electrode reduces oxygen. As a result, power generation is performed.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional structure of a power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this power generation device, for example, the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 are provided to face each other with the electrolyte layer 13 interposed therebetween.
[0015]
The negative electrode 11 oxidizes the fuel and extracts electrons and protons from the fuel. For example, the negative electrode 11 has a structure in which a catalyst layer 11a and a gas permeable layer 11b are stacked in this order from the electrolyte layer 13 side. The catalyst layer 11a is made of, for example, carbon powder containing a catalyst. As the catalyst, for example, platinum (Pt) fine particles, or fine particles of transition metal such as iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) or ruthenium (Ru) and platinum or fine particles such as oxides are used. It is done. However, it is preferable that the catalyst is made of an alloy of ruthenium and platinum, since inactivation of the catalyst due to adsorption of carbon monoxide (CO) can be prevented. Further, the catalyst layer 11a may include fine particles of a resin used for the electrolyte layer 13 described later. This is to facilitate the movement of the generated protons. The gas permeable layer 11b is made of, for example, a thin film made of a porous carbon material, specifically, carbon paper or the like. A negative electrode terminal 11 c is disposed at the end of the negative electrode 11.
[0016]
The positive electrode 12 generates water by reacting electrons generated by reducing oxygen and protons generated in the negative electrode 11. For example, the positive electrode 12 has the same configuration as the negative electrode 11. That is, it has a structure in which a catalyst layer 12a made of carbon powder containing a catalyst and a gas permeable layer 12b made of a porous carbon material are laminated in order from the electrolyte layer 13 side. The catalyst used for the catalyst layer 12 a is the same as that of the negative electrode 11, and the catalyst layer 12 a may contain fine particles of the resin used for the electrolyte layer 13, as with the negative electrode 11. In the positive electrode 12, the catalyst layer 12a may include, for example, powdered polytetrafluoroethylene, or may include a coating layer (not shown) made of, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene on the opposite side of the gas permeable layer from the catalyst layer. . This is to promote the evaporation of water generated in the positive electrode 12. Further, similarly to the negative electrode 11, a positive electrode terminal (not shown) is disposed at the end of the positive electrode 12.
[0017]
The electrolyte layer 13 is for transporting protons generated in the negative electrode 11 to the positive electrode 12 and is made of a material that does not have electron conductivity and can transport protons. For example, it is composed of a polyperfluorosulfonic acid resin film, specifically, a Nafion film manufactured by DuPont, a Flemion film manufactured by Asahi Glass, or an Aciplex film manufactured by Asahi Kasei Kogyo. In addition to the polyperfluorosulfonic acid-based resin film, the electrolyte layer 13 is made of a copolymer film of a trifluorostyrene derivative, a polybenzimidazole film impregnated with phosphoric acid, or an aromatic polyether ketone sulfonic acid film. You may make it comprise.
[0018]
On the opposite side of the negative electrode 11 from the electrolyte layer 13, for example, a liquid fuel storage unit 14 that stores the liquid fuel L in a storage space 14 a formed therein is provided adjacent to the negative electrode 11. The liquid fuel storage unit 14 is provided with, for example, an opening 14b for replenishing the storage space 14a with the liquid fuel L, and a lid 14c for closing the opening 14b is detachably disposed in the opening 14b. Has been. The liquid fuel storage unit 14 and the lid body 14c are respectively made of hard plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate. Moreover, it may be respectively comprised with metal materials excellent in corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel and nickel metal. In the case where the liquid fuel storage unit 14 is formed of a metal material, the liquid fuel storage unit 14 is disposed so as not to short-circuit the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12, or an insulating member (not shown) for preventing the short circuit. Need to be inserted.
[0019]
A liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 that impregnates and holds the liquid fuel L is provided inside the liquid fuel storage unit 14 (that is, a part of the storage space 14a). The liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 is provided in direct contact with and opposed to the negative electrode 11, and supplies a fuel to the negative electrode 11. The liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 extends from the supply unit 15 a to the negative electrode 11 along the inner wall of the liquid fuel storage unit 14. And an extension portion 15b extended to the opposite side. The supply unit 15 a impregnates and holds the liquid fuel L to supply an appropriate amount of the liquid fuel L to the negative electrode 11 and suppress the supply amount of the liquid fuel L to the negative electrode 11. This prevents the electrolyte layer 13 from being excessively supplied and crossing over. Further, the extension portion 15b has a smaller amount of the liquid fuel L stored in the storage space 14a of the liquid fuel storage portion 14, and even if the vertical positional relationship of the power generation device fluctuates, the extension portion 15b may be connected to the supply portion 15a due to capillary action or the like. The liquid fuel L stored in the storage space 14a of the liquid fuel storage unit 14 is replenished.
[0020]
The liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 is made of a material that can be impregnated with liquid fuel, for example, the same material as the electrolyte layer 13. That is, it is composed of a polyperfluorosulfonic acid resin film, a copolymer film of a trifluorostyrene derivative, a polybenzimidazole film impregnated with phosphoric acid, an aromatic polyether ketone sulfonic acid film, or the like. In addition to these, it may be composed of various water-absorbing polymers such as acrylic resin, and is composed of a material that can hold liquid by utilizing capillary action of liquid, such as sponge or fiber aggregate. You may make it do.
[0021]
As the liquid fuel L, for example, an organic aqueous solution containing hydrogen such as methanol aqueous solution, ethanol aqueous solution, propanol aqueous solution, formic acid aqueous solution, sodium formate aqueous solution, acetic acid aqueous solution, formaldehyde aqueous solution or ethylene glycol aqueous solution is used. Among them, an aqueous methanol solution is preferable because it has carbon number of 1 and is generated during the reaction is carbon dioxide gas and can be relatively easily produced from industrial waste.
[0022]
On the other hand, on the opposite side of the positive electrode 12 from the electrolyte layer 13, for example, a ventilation structure 16 is provided that supplies outside air to the positive electrode 12 by natural diffusion through a gap. For example, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the ventilation structure 16 includes a first protection part 17 having an opening 17a through which outside air passes, and a first protection part 17 and a positive electrode corresponding to the opening 17a. 12 and a second protective part 18 having an opening 18a through which outside air passes.
[0023]
Among these, the 1st protection part 17 is for preventing primarily a foreign material from contacting the positive electrode 12, and the 2nd protection part 18 from the 1st protection part 17 to the positive electrode 12 via the opening 17a. This is for the purpose of preventing the foreign matter that has entered the side from directly reaching the positive electrode 12 linearly. That is, in the present embodiment, the first protective portion 17 and the second protective portion 18 constitute a protective portion, thereby preventing the foreign matter from directly reaching the positive electrode 12 while opening it. Outside air is supplied to the positive electrode 12 via 17a and 18a.
[0024]
In addition, the 1st protection part 17 is comprised by insulating materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, a polypropylene, or a polycarbonate, for example. This is to prevent battery performance from being deteriorated due to electrical contact with external foreign matter. Moreover, the 1st protection part 17 is arrange | positioned so that the whole surface on the opposite side to the electrolyte layer 13 of the positive electrode 12 may be covered, and it is being fixed in the peripheral part. For example, the opening 17a has a shape extending in a strip shape in one direction, and a plurality of openings 17a are provided in parallel.
[0025]
In addition, the second protection portion 18 includes, for example, a closing member 18b provided so that the opening 18a does not overlap with a position where the opening 17a is formed, and a support member 18c that supports the closing member. The closing member 18b is made of an insulating material similar to that of the first protective member 17, for example. This is to prevent the battery performance from being deteriorated due to electrical contact with an external foreign object, similarly to the first protection unit 17. The support member 18 c is provided, for example, corresponding to the opening 17 a and is disposed with respect to the positive electrode 12. As a result, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter that has entered through the opening 17a from reaching the positive electrode 12 directly in a straight line.
[0026]
Further, the support member 18c is made of, for example, a conductive material, and one end portion is extended to a positive electrode terminal (not shown), and also has a function as a current collector. As the conductive material constituting the support member 18c, it is preferable to use a metal that is relatively resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel or nickel metal. This is because water is generated in the positive electrode 12 and is easily corroded.
[0027]
The power generation device having such a configuration operates as follows.
[0028]
In this power generation device, the liquid fuel L stored in the storage space 14 a of the liquid fuel storage unit 14 is supplied to the supply unit 15 a in the vicinity of the negative electrode 11 through the extension 15 b of the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 and supplied to the negative electrode 11. Is done. Thereby, excessive supply of the liquid fuel L to the negative electrode 11 is suppressed, and crossover of the liquid fuel L is prevented. In addition, the supply of the liquid fuel L causes the fuel to be oxidized at the negative electrode 11 to extract electrons and protons, and a reactive gas such as carbon dioxide gas is generated. Protons generated in the negative electrode 11 move to the positive electrode 12 through the electrolyte layer 13. The reaction gas passes through the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 and is accumulated in the storage space 14a of the liquid fuel storage unit 14. When the liquid fuel L is replenished to the storage space 14a of the liquid fuel storage unit 14, the reaction gas is taken out from the opening 14b. It is.
[0029]
On the other hand, outside air is supplied to the positive electrode 12 by natural diffusion through the gap of the ventilation structure 16. In the positive electrode 12, electrons generated by reduction of oxygen contained in the outside air react with protons that have moved from the negative electrode 11 to generate water. As a result, a potential difference is generated between the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 to generate power. At that time, the water generated in the positive electrode 12 is removed to the outside through the gap of the ventilation structure 16 by natural evaporation. Further, the electric charge generated in the positive electrode 12 is collected by the support member 18c which is a current collector.
[0030]
As described above, according to the power generation device according to the present embodiment, since the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 that impregnates and holds the liquid fuel L is provided, an appropriate liquid can be obtained by impregnating and holding the liquid fuel L. The fuel L can be supplied to the negative electrode 11, the supply amount of the liquid fuel L to the negative electrode 11 is suppressed, and the liquid fuel L is excessively supplied to the negative electrode 11 to cross over the electrolyte layer 13. Can be prevented. Therefore, a decrease in battery voltage can be improved.
[0031]
In addition, the liquid fuel stored in the storage space 14 a of the liquid fuel storage unit 14 includes the extension 15 b that extends from the supply unit 15 a to the opposite side of the negative electrode 11 along the inner wall of the liquid fuel storage 14. Even if the amount of L decreases and the vertical positional relationship of the power generation device fluctuates, the liquid fuel L can be replenished to the supply unit 15a by capillary action or the like via the extension unit 15b. Therefore, stable power generation can be obtained regardless of the amount of the liquid fuel L in the liquid fuel storage unit 14 and how the power generation device is used.
[0032]
Furthermore, since the liquid fuel L stored in the liquid fuel storage unit 14 is supplied to the negative electrode 11 through the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15, the liquid fuel L can be supplied to the negative electrode 11 by natural diffusion or the like. A mechanism for forcibly supplying fuel to the negative electrode 11 can be eliminated. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size.
[0033]
In addition, since the storage space 14a of the liquid fuel storage unit 14 can be replenished with the liquid fuel L via the opening 14b, the liquid fuel L can be used repeatedly by replenishing the liquid fuel L, and the liquid fuel L can be used. Since it is used, fuel can be easily replenished in a short time. That is, it has high convenience.
[0034]
Furthermore, since the liquid fuel storage unit 14, the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15, the negative electrode 11, the electrolyte layer 13, the positive electrode 12, and the ventilation structure 16 are stacked, each component can be easily separated. Thus, the liquid fuel storage unit 14 or the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 can be easily reused.
[0035]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the cross-sectional structure of the power generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This power generation device has the same configuration, operation, and effect as the power generation device according to the first embodiment except that the configuration of the supply unit 25a of the liquid fuel impregnation unit 25 is different. Therefore, here, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0036]
The supply unit 25a is formed such that a plurality of convex portions 25c that directly contact the negative electrode 11 and a plurality of concave portions 25d that avoid direct contact with the negative electrode 11 are formed on the surface facing the negative electrode 11, respectively. Except for this, it has the same configuration as the supply unit 15a of the first embodiment. Thus, the supply unit 25a supplies the liquid fuel L directly to the negative electrode 11 at each convex portion 25c, and supplies the fuel by supplying the vapor evaporated from the liquid fuel L to the negative electrode 11 at each concave portion 25d. It has become.
[0037]
In the power generation device having such a configuration, the liquid fuel L is replenished to the supply unit 25a through the extension 15b of the liquid fuel impregnation unit 25, and is directly supplied to the negative electrode 11 through each projection 25c. In the recess 25d, it evaporates and is supplied to the negative electrode 11 as vapor. That is, by supplying a part of the liquid fuel L as vapor to the negative electrode 11, the crossover of the liquid fuel L is further prevented. Further, the reaction gas generated by the reaction becomes a passage through each space 25e between the negative electrode 11 and each concave portion 25d of the liquid fuel impregnation portion 25, and passes through the liquid fuel impregnation portion 25 via each space 25e. Accumulated in the storage space 14 a of the storage unit 14. That is, the reaction gas can be easily discharged.
[0038]
As described above, according to the power generation device according to the present embodiment, since the liquid fuel impregnated portion 25 has the plurality of convex portions 25c and the plurality of concave portions 25d on the surface facing the negative electrode 11, the liquid fuel L A part can be supplied to the negative electrode 11 as a vapor in each recess 25d. Therefore, the crossover of the liquid fuel L can be further prevented as compared with the first embodiment. Moreover, since each space 25e between each recessed part 25d and the negative electrode 11 becomes a passage of the reactive gas, the reactive gas can be easily discharged. Therefore, a higher output can be obtained as compared with the first embodiment.
[0039]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows an enlarged part of a cross-sectional structure of a power generation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This power generation device has the same configuration, operation, and effect as the power generation device according to the first embodiment except that a spacer 39 is provided between the negative electrode 11 and the liquid fuel impregnation portion 15. Therefore, here, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0040]
The spacer 39 is provided so that the negative electrode 11 and the supply unit 15a of the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 are not in direct contact with each other and are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of spacers 39 are inserted between the negative electrode 11 and the supply unit 15a. Has been. The spacer 21 may be made of any material such as an insulating resin or a conductive metal. However, in order to prevent reaction with the liquid fuel L, for example, it is preferable to be made of a fluorine-based resin that is a chemically stable material.
[0041]
In the power generation device having such a configuration, the liquid fuel L is replenished to the supply unit 15 a via the extension 15 b of the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15, evaporated to be vaporized, and supplied to the negative electrode 11. That is, by supplying the liquid fuel L as vapor to the negative electrode 11, crossover of the liquid fuel L is further prevented.
[0042]
Thus, according to the power generation device according to the present embodiment, since the negative electrode 11 and the liquid fuel impregnated portion 15 are provided apart from each other, the liquid fuel L can be supplied to the negative electrode 11 as vapor. Therefore, the crossover of the liquid fuel L can be further prevented compared to the first and second embodiments.
[0043]
However, since the power generation device according to the present embodiment evaporates the liquid fuel L and supplies it to the negative electrode 11 as a vapor, the amount of fuel supplied becomes smaller than when the liquid fuel L is directly supplied. Therefore, this power generation device is suitable for use at a low output.
[0044]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional structure of a power generation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This power generation device includes a liquid fuel storage unit 44 instead of the liquid fuel storage unit 14 in the first embodiment, and a liquid fuel impregnation unit 45 in place of the liquid fuel impregnation unit 15 in the first embodiment. Except for the provision, it has the same configuration, operation and effect as the first embodiment. Therefore, here, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0045]
The liquid fuel storage unit 44 has the same configuration as the liquid fuel storage unit 14 of the first embodiment, except that the liquid fuel storage unit 44 is disposed adjacent to the exterior unit 45f that houses the liquid fuel impregnation unit 45 therein. is doing. That is, it has a storage space 44a for storing the liquid fuel L therein, an opening 44b for replenishing the liquid fuel is provided in the storage space 44a, and a lid 44c is detachably disposed.
[0046]
The liquid fuel impregnation part 45 is accommodated in the exterior part 45f arrange | positioned on the opposite side to the electrolyte layer 13 of the negative electrode 11, for example. The exterior portion 45f is made of the same material as the liquid fuel storage portion 14 according to the first embodiment. The liquid fuel impregnation unit 45 includes, for example, a supply unit 45 a that is provided in direct contact with and opposed to the negative electrode 11 and supplies fuel to the negative electrode 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 with a part of a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I, the supply unit 45 a has a plurality of holes 45 g formed on the surface facing the negative electrode 11. Each hole 45g is for easily discharging the generated reaction gas.
[0047]
The liquid fuel impregnation unit 45 also includes an extension 45b extended to the storage space 44a of the liquid fuel storage unit 44 through an opening 45h provided in the exterior part 45f and an opening 44d provided in the liquid fuel storage unit 44. Have. The extension portion 45b extends along the inner wall of the liquid fuel storage portion 44, and replenishes the supply portion 45a with the liquid fuel L stored in the storage space 44a. That is, the liquid fuel storage part 44 is provided separately from the exterior part 45f, and the liquid fuel L is supplied from the holes 45g of the liquid fuel impregnation part 45 by supplying the liquid fuel L to the supply part 45a via the extension part 45b. It is not supplied directly to the negative electrode 11. In addition, the material which comprises the liquid fuel impregnation part 45 is the same as 1st Embodiment.
[0048]
In the power generation device having such a configuration, the liquid fuel L is supplied to the supply unit 45 a via the extension 45 b of the liquid fuel impregnation unit 45 and is directly supplied to the negative electrode 11. A part of the liquid fuel L evaporates in each hole 45g to become vapor and is supplied to the negative electrode 11. The reaction gas generated by the reaction is discharged through each hole 45g of the liquid fuel impregnation portion 45. That is, the reaction gas can be easily discharged.
[0049]
As described above, according to the power generation device according to the present embodiment, since the plurality of holes 45g are provided on the surface of the liquid fuel impregnated portion 45 facing the negative electrode 11, the negative electrode 11 is provided via the liquid fuel impregnated portion 45. The liquid fuel L can be directly supplied, and the reaction gas generated through the holes 45g can be easily discharged. Therefore, a higher output can be obtained as compared with the first embodiment.
[0050]
In addition, since the liquid fuel storage unit 44 is provided separately from the exterior portion 45f and the supply unit 45a is supplied with the liquid fuel L via the extension 45b, the liquid fuel L is supplied from each hole 45g of the supply unit 45a. Direct supply to the negative electrode 11 can be prevented, and crossover can be prevented.
[0051]
The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the first to third embodiments, the case where the liquid fuel impregnation units 15 and 25 are disposed inside the liquid fuel storage unit 14 has been described. However, as in the fourth embodiment, liquid The supply unit of the fuel impregnation unit may be disposed inside the exterior unit different from the liquid fuel storage unit, and the supply unit may be supplied with liquid fuel stored in the liquid fuel storage unit via the extension unit. .
[0052]
In the third embodiment, the case where the liquid fuel storage unit 44 is extended in the extending direction of the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 and arranged in series is specifically illustrated. It may be arranged in any form. For example, the liquid fuel storage unit may be disposed by being stacked on the exterior portion 45f, or the liquid fuel storage unit may be extended in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12. It may be. This is not limited to the third embodiment, and corresponds to the case where the liquid fuel storage unit is configured as in the third embodiment.
[0053]
Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the exterior portion 45f and the liquid fuel storage portion 44 are disposed adjacent to each other, but the opening 45h of the exterior portion 45 and the opening 44d of the liquid fuel storage portion 44 are provided. The exterior part 45 and the liquid fuel storage part 44 may be arranged apart from each other by connecting with an appropriate connection pipe. This is not limited to the third embodiment, and corresponds to the case where the liquid fuel storage unit is configured as in the third embodiment.
[0054]
In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid fuel storage units 14 and 44 are provided with the openings 14b and 44b and the lids 14c and 44c are disposed. When the liquid fuel L is replenished, the lids 14c and 44c are disposed. The liquid fuel storage unit may be detachable and the liquid fuel may be replenished through the opening provided in the detachable part.
[0055]
Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where a pair of the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 opposed via the electrolyte layer 13 has been described. The same applies to the case where a pair of negative electrodes 11 and positive electrodes 12 are provided. At that time, the liquid fuel storage portion 14 or the exterior portion 45f may be stacked so as to face each other. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid fuel storage portions 14 and 44 or the exterior portion 45 f may be shared between the two negative electrodes 11.
[0056]
In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the specific configuration of the power generation device has been described as an example, but the present invention includes the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 with the electrolyte layer 13 interposed therebetween. As long as the liquid fuel impregnation portions 15 and 45 for impregnating and holding the liquid fuel L are provided, the present invention can be widely applied even if it has other configurations.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, claims 1 toClaim 3According to the power generation device described in any one of the above, since the liquid fuel impregnation unit that impregnates and holds the liquid fuel is provided, the liquid fuel is impregnated and held so that an appropriate liquid fuel can be used as the negative electrode. While being able to supply, the supply amount of the liquid fuel to the negative electrode can be suppressed, and the liquid fuel can be prevented from being excessively supplied to the negative electrode and crossing over the electrolyte layer. Therefore, there is an effect that a decrease in battery voltage can be improved.In addition, since the negative electrode and the liquid fuel impregnated portion are provided apart from each other without being in direct contact with each other, the liquid fuel can be supplied to the negative electrode as vapor. Therefore, there is an effect that liquid fuel crossover can be more effectively prevented.
[0060]
  Furthermore,Claim 2 or claim 3According to the power generation device described in (1), since the liquid fuel storage section is provided, the liquid fuel storage section can be used repeatedly by replenishing the liquid fuel storage section. In addition, since liquid fuel is used, the fuel can be easily replenished in a short time, and there is an effect of having high convenience.
[0061]
  in addition,Claim 3According to the described power generation device, since the liquid fuel impregnation unit has the extension part for replenishing the liquid fuel, the amount of liquid fuel in the liquid fuel storage unit is reduced, and the vertical positional relationship of the power generation device is changed. In addition, liquid fuel can be supplied to the supply unit. Therefore, stable power generation can be obtained. In addition, since liquid fuel can be supplied to the negative electrode by natural diffusion or the like, a mechanism for forcibly supplying fuel to the negative electrode can be eliminated. Therefore, there is an effect that the apparatus can be miniaturized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an enlarged view of a part of the power generation device shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of a power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of a power generation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a power generation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 5 in the direction of the arrows.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Negative electrode, 12 ... Positive electrode, 13 ... Electrolyte layer, 14, 44 ... Liquid fuel storage part, 14a, 44a ... Storage space, 14b, 44b, 44d, 45h ... Opening, 14c, 44c ... Lid, 15, 25, 45 ... liquid fuel impregnation part, 15a, 45a ... supply part, 15b, 45b ... extension part, 16 ... ventilation structure, 17 ... first protection part, 17a, 18a ... opening, 18 ... second protection part, 18b ... Closing member, 18c ... Support member, 25c ... Convex part, 25d ... Concave part, 25e ... Space, 39 ... Spacer, 45f ... Exterior part, 45g ... Hole, L ... Liquid fuel

Claims (3)

A positive electrode for reducing oxygen;
A negative electrode that oxidizes the fuel;
An electrolyte layer provided between the negative electrode and the positive electrode;
The liquid fuel is impregnated and held example Bei and the liquid fuel-impregnated part to supply the fuel to the anode,
The liquid fuel impregnated part is a power generation device that is provided not in direct contact with the negative electrode but spaced apart . Furthermore, the power generation device 請 Motomeko 1, further comprising a liquid fuel reservoir for storing the liquid fuel to be supplied to the liquid fuel-impregnated part. The liquid fuel impregnation unit is provided to face the negative electrode and supply fuel to the negative electrode, and an extension unit to supply liquid fuel stored in the liquid fuel storage unit to the supply unit The power generation device according to claim 2 .

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