JP4562634B2 - Electrolysis system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to energy-related fields, and in particular, the production of hydrogen by electrolysis of water, and the electrolysis used for the production of sodium hydroxide, magnesium, aluminum, etc. by electrolysis of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and aluminum oxide. About the system.

Electrolysis is positioned as a large-scale industrial technology that consumes enormous amounts of electrical energy worldwide, and the need for improved power efficiency through innovations in manufacturing technology cannot be overlooked.
Even if we take up one power efficiency in water electrolysis for hydrogen production, the drastic improvement is an issue that will affect the realization of a hydrogen energy society as a future fuel. On the other hand, the improvement of the power efficiency mentioned here is not a mere reduction of the so-called electric energy consumption by the improvement of the current electrolysis technology, but by adding a new element to the operation principle itself of the electrolysis system. It is essential that the power consumption be significantly reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolysis system based on a new configuration and a new principle capable of greatly reducing the power consumption as compared with the electrolysis according to the prior art.

  In this specification, the conventional electrolysis by one DC power source 1 is defined as “one power source electrolysis”, and the electrolysis using two independent DC power sources proposed in the present invention is defined as “two power source electrolysis”.

In general, electrolysis of a compound causes a decomposition reaction by converting electrical energy into chemical energy in an electrochemical reactor for a compound under physicochemical conditions where the decomposition reaction cannot proceed spontaneously. Is a kind of energy conversion technology. Practically, aqueous solution electrolysis near room temperature, such as electrolysis of water and sodium chloride, and simple metals such as aluminum, magnesium, rare earth elements, uranium, and thorium are decomposed and deposited. There are high temperature molten salt electrolysis and the like, all of which are collected using 100% electrical energy. First, the mechanism of one power source electrolysis will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 (the electrolysis in which one DC power source 1 is connected to a pair of electrodes of an anode 3a and a cathode 3b as shown in FIG. 1 power electrolysis by definition).
(Step 1) A compound to be electrolyzed is dissolved in water or a molten salt and dissociated into positive and negative ions.

  (Step 2) A pair of plate-shaped conductors are immersed vertically or horizontally in the electrolytic solution 4, and one is used as an anode 3a and the other as a cathode 3b. The respective terminals are connected to the positive and negative terminals of the DC power source 1 through the conducting wires 2a and 2b.

(Step 3) When the output voltage (DC power supply voltage) of the DC power supply 1 is increased from 0 and a potential difference is applied between the anode 3a and the cathode 3b, the electrode reaction does not occur up to a certain voltage, and therefore the electrical No current flows through the decomposition circuit. In general, a threshold voltage immediately before an electrode reaction occurs and decomposition of a compound in the electrolytic solution 4 begins to occur is referred to as “decomposition voltage”. In this specification, this threshold voltage is referred to as “saturated electric double layer formation voltage E _D Is defined. The saturated electric double layer formation voltage E _D is a value specific to the compound to be decomposed, and is affected by thermodynamic conditions such as temperature, pressure and compound concentration.

(Step 4) When a voltage exceeding the threshold voltage (saturated electric double layer forming voltage) E _D is applied between the electrodes, an electrolysis current flows, and one power source electrolysis starts. The voltage when the electrolysis current is actually flowing is defined as “electrolysis voltage E _E ”, and the excess voltage from the saturated electric double layer formation voltage E _D required for actually flowing the electrolysis current is defined as “overvoltage ΔE”. Is defined. Positive and negative ions that are dissociated in the electrolyte 4 are electrons, and electrons are current carriers in the conductors of the circuit. The voltage-current relationship (VI curve) peculiar to the electrolysis in which the compound is decomposed / deposited through each step is nonlinear as shown in FIG.
When the DC power supply voltage is raised from 0 in Step 3, the electrons in the anode 3a flow into the cathode 3b through the conducting wires 2a and 2b by the driving force of the DC power supply 1, and the surface of the cathode 3b is negatively charged by excess electrons. The positive charge in the electron deficient state appears on the surface of the anode 3a at a density (surface charge density of the electrode) corresponding to the DC power supply voltage at that time. As a result, negative ions in the electrolytic solution 4 are attracted to the interface of the electrolytic solution 4 in contact with the anode 3a, and positive ions are attracted to the cathode 3b side, and an electric double layer similar to a capacitor of an electric circuit is formed. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram depicting an electric double layer as an image. The structure of the electric double layer is actually extremely complicated, and it is difficult to say that the actual situation has been clarified academically, but its existence has been proven for a long time. It is based on the existence of multiple layers.
Further, in step 3, in the lower stage than it is given by and the voltage (potential difference) is saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D between the two electrodes, positive charge of the anode 3a surface attracts negative ions of the electrolytic solution 4 in the vicinity However, both have not yet joined. Similarly, even in the cathode 3b, the negative surface charge attracts positive ions, but the electric field strength (number of lines of electric force) is still insufficient to combine the two. Binding of the surface charge of the electrodes and the electrolytic solution 4 ions, i.e. to initiate the electrode reaction must exceed the saturation electric double layer formed voltage E _D by increasing the voltage subsequently applied to between the electrodes. Saturated electric double layer formed voltage E electric double layer at the interface in _D reaches saturation, electrostatic field strength at the interface (the number of electric lines of force) becomes maximal. In other words, the surface charge density of the electrode reaches saturation. If a further DC power supply voltage is applied to increase the charge beyond this saturated surface charge density, the excess charge will eventually bind to the ions. This is a so-called electrode reaction, in which molecules and neutral simple substances are deposited on the electrode. If the electrode reaction is represented by water electrolysis as an example, the anode 3a:
OH ⁻ = (1/2) O ₂ + H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ (1)
Oxidation reaction takes place at the cathode 3b:
2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ = H ₂ (2)
This is a reduction reaction.
As described above, the electrode reaction is based on the presence of the saturated electric double layer at the bipolar electrode interface. For this reason, the minimum saturated electric double layer forming voltage E _D necessary for the electrode reaction is applied between the two electrodes by the DC power source 1. In both cases, an overvoltage ΔE necessary for driving the electrode reaction must be added at the same time. That is:
E _E = (E _D + ΔE) (3)
Is called the electrolysis voltage E _E, and corresponds to a potential difference applied between the anode 3a and the cathode 3b when the electrolysis reaction is performed.
Saturated electric double layer is formed at the interface of the electrode by the addition of saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D between the anode 3a and the cathode 3b, have been stably maintained as long as over voltage, electrostatic Therefore, no current flows in the circuit. Therefore, once the saturated electric double layer is set, the DC power supply 1 does not consume power. However, since it disappears when the voltage is lowered, in order to actually cause the electrode reaction, the sum of the saturated electric double layer formation voltage E _D and the overvoltage ΔE, that is, the electrolysis voltage E _E as the output voltage of the DC power source 1 is set. It is essential to add. Therefore, when this is done with one DC power supply 1, when an overvoltage ΔE is added to the saturated electric double layer forming voltage E _{D as} shown in FIG. 14, I (A) flows as a current value for electrolysis into the circuit. The power consumption P ₁ of the DC power supply 1 is:
_{P 1 = (E D + ΔE} ) I ····· (4)
It becomes.

  The first aspect of the present invention includes (a) a drive anode that is inserted into the electrolyte and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte, and (b) is directly opposite to the drive anode and is parallel to each other. And (c) driving electric field lines in the same direction as the driving electric field lines directed from the driving anode to the driving cathode. The gist of the present invention is an electrolysis system including induction electric field lines generating means for superimposing the field lines. The electrolysis system is characterized in that the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are started by a potential difference generated between the drive anode and the drive cathode due to the superposition of the drive electric field lines and the induction electric field lines.

A first aspect of the present invention, as shown in equation (3), the electrolysis voltage E _E separated into a saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D and overvoltage Delta] E, independent drive-controlled as a closed circuit both This is a dual power supply electrolysis system. The two closed circuits separated by the two power sources are constituted, and the electrolysis voltage _EE is achieved by superimposing (algebraic sum) the driving electric field lines and the induction electric field lines from the two separated closed circuits. As will be described later, when electrolysis occurs between the drive anode and the drive cathode driven by one power source, between the induction anode and the drive anode constituting the induction electric field line generating means, and the drive Electrolysis cannot occur theoretically as well as practically between the cathode and the induction cathode constituting the induction electric field line generating means. Therefore, since the electric power consumed by the induction electric field lines generating means driven by the other power source constituting the two power sources can be reduced to zero, the power consumption is smaller than that of the one power source electrolysis according to the prior art. Can be greatly reduced. As the overvoltage ΔE applied in the first aspect of the present invention is reduced, the power consumption of the two-source electrolysis can be greatly reduced as compared with the one-source electrolysis according to the prior art.

  The second aspect of the present invention includes (a) a drive anode inserted in the electrolyte solution and performing an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte solution, and (b) directly facing the drive anode and parallel to each other. And (c) driving electric field lines in the same direction as the driving electric field lines directed from the driving anode to the driving cathode. The gist of the present invention is an electrolysis system including a plurality of electrolysis units each including an inductive electric field line generating unit that is superimposed on a field line. And in each electrolysis unit of this electrolysis system, the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are driven by the potential difference generated between the drive anode and the drive cathode due to the superposition of the drive electric field lines and the induction electric field lines, and A drive electrode pair composed of a drive anode and a drive cathode of the electrolysis unit is electrically connected in series with each other.

  The second aspect of the present invention corresponds to an electrolysis system in which a plurality of electrolysis units are connected to the electrolysis system described in the first aspect of the present invention, and is similar to the description of the first aspect of the present invention. In addition, the power consumption can be greatly reduced as compared with the single power source electrolysis according to the prior art.

  The third aspect of the present invention is: (a) a drive anode that is inserted into the electrolyte solution and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte solution, directly facing the drive anode and parallel to each other in the electrolyte solution A multi-stage drive electrode structure in which a plurality of drive electrode pairs consisting of drive cathodes inserted into the electrolyte and performing a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolyte are electrically connected in series, and (b) drive in each drive electrode pair The gist of the present invention is an electrolysis system comprising induction electric field lines generating means for superimposing driving electric field lines in the same direction as the driving electric field lines directed from the anode to the driving cathode. In this electrolysis system, in each drive electrode pair, the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are started by the potential difference generated between the drive anode and the drive cathode due to the superposition of the drive electric force lines and the induction electric force lines. And

  The third aspect of the present invention corresponds to an electrolysis system in which a plurality of electrolysis units are connected to the electrolysis system described in the first aspect of the present invention, as in the second aspect of the present invention. The power consumption can be greatly reduced as compared with the single power source electrolysis according to the prior art.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrolysis system based on a new configuration and a new principle capable of greatly reducing the power consumption compared to the electrolysis according to the prior art.

  Next, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the planar dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of each layer, and the like are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. Moreover, it is a matter of course that portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included between the drawings. The first to third embodiments described below exemplify apparatuses and methods for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention is The material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. are not specified below. The technical idea of the present invention can be variously modified within the technical scope described in the claims.

(First embodiment)
As shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 1, the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a drive anode that is inserted into an electrolyte solution 4 and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte solution 4. 21, a driving cathode 22 that is directly opposed to the driving anode 21 and is inserted into the electrolyte solution 4 in parallel with each other, and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolyte solution 4, and the driving anode 21 to the driving cathode 22. Inductive electric force line generating means (11, 12) for superimposing the induced electric force lines in the same direction as the driving electric force lines toward the driving electric force lines. Here, the induction electric force line generating means (11, 12) sandwiches the drive electrode pair composed of the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22, and the induction anode 11 and the induction inserted into the electrolytic solution 4 facing each other in parallel. A cathode 12 is provided. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation of the principle, the induction anode 11, the induction cathode 12, the drive anode 21, and the drive cathode 22 are installed at regular intervals in the electrolytic cell 6 that stores the electrolytic solution 4. It is not limited to the installed arrangement. The electrolytic cell 6 is made of an insulator such as plastic or ceramic.

  In the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, the oxidation reaction and the driving cathode in the driving anode 21 are caused by the potential difference generated between the driving anode 21 and the driving cathode 22 due to the superposition of the driving electric field lines and the induction electric field lines. The reduction reaction at 22 is started, and these oxidation reaction and reduction reaction are maintained for a necessary time. Therefore, a positive terminal is connected to the induction anode 11, a negative terminal is connected to the induction cathode 12, an induction electric field line is generated between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12, and the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode are connected. The first DC power source PS1 that generates a saturated electric double layer forming voltage and the positive terminal connected to the drive anode 21, the negative terminal connected to the drive cathode 22, and the saturated electric double layer induced In this state, a second DC power supply PS2 that is independent of the first DC power supply PS1 and increases the potential difference corresponding to the overvoltage between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 is further provided.

  That is, in the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first DC power source PS1 that induces a saturated electric double layer at the electrode interface and the second DC power source PS2 that starts an electrolysis reaction are provided. The structure is divided into two DC power sources PS1 and PS2. In FIG. 1, the driving anode 21 and the driving cathode 22 facing each other at the center are electrodes in which an electrode reaction actually occurs, and electrolysis is performed in a channel between the driving anode 21 and the driving cathode 22.

Induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 located on the outer side of the driving electrode pairs consisting of the drive anode 21 and drive the cathode 22 corresponds to the saturation electric double layer formed voltage E _D between the center of the drive anode 21 and the driving cathode 22 potential And thereby induced electric field lines generating means (11, 12) for inducing and stabilizing the saturated electric double layer. The inter-electrode distance between the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21 and the inter-electrode distance between the induction cathode 12 and the drive cathode 22 may cause the electrolyte 4 to enter the gap, and the two may be short-circuited. As long as there is no, it can be approached.

  The induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 are connected to a first DC power source PS1 that induces an electrode interface saturated electric double layer, and the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 are connected to a second DC power source PS2 that starts an electrolysis reaction. Are connected, but the respective circuits are not in contact with each other via the electrolytic solution 4.

The principle of operation of electrolysis in the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is summarized as follows:
(Step 1) A compound to be decomposed is dissolved in water or a molten salt and dissociated into positive and negative ions.

  (Step 2) Two pairs of flat conductors are immersed in the electrolytic solution 4 so as to face each other vertically or horizontally. The induction anode 11 located outside is connected to the plus output terminal of the first DC power source PS1, and the induction cathode 12 located outside is connected to the first DC power source PS1 via the lead wire. Next, of the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 located at the center, the drive anode 21 adjacent to the induction anode 11 is connected to the plus output terminal of the second DC power supply PS2 by a conductor, and the drive cathode adjacent to the induction cathode 12 is connected. 22 is connected to the minus output terminal of the second DC power supply PS2 with a conductive wire.

(Step 3) In FIG. 2A, while maintaining the output voltage of the second DC power supply PS2 at 0, the output voltage of the first DC power supply PS1 is raised from 0, and between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 When the number of induction electric lines of force (electric field strength) is increased and the potential difference between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 is increased, the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 are interposed between the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21. , The potential difference between the induction cathode 12 and the drive cathode 22 automatically increases. Since the induction anode 11, the induction cathode 12, the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 are arranged at equal intervals, as shown in the potential profile of each electrode in FIG. equal in potential difference corresponding to the voltage E _D. The potential difference between the induction cathode 12 and the induction anode 11 at this time indicates a value of 3E _D. In this way, a saturated electric double layer, which is a necessary condition for causing an electrolysis reaction, is formed in a channel partitioned by the opposed drive anode 21 and drive cathode 22.

(Step 4) Next, the output of the first DC power supply PS1 is left as it is in Step 3, and the output voltage of the second DC power supply PS2 is added from 0 to drive between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22. When the number of electric lines of force is increased, driving electric lines of force in the same direction as the induced electric lines of force are superimposed on the induced electric lines of force, and as shown in FIG. 2C, between the driving anode 21 and the driving cathode 22 potential difference will be applied excess voltage ΔE over the saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D, the electrode reaction is initiated between the driving anode 21 and drive the cathode 22. Conversely, the potential difference between the between and induction cathode 12 and the driving cathode 22 and the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21 is electrolysis reaction is not occur because going lower than the saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D, The electrolysis current starts to flow only in the circuit of the second DC power supply PS2. That is, negative ions in the electrolyte solution 4 adjacent to the surface of the drive anode 21 emit electrons to the drive anode 21 to precipitate molecules or simple substances, and positive ions from the drive cathode 22 cause electrons to be emitted from the surface of the drive cathode 22. It is received and precipitated as a molecule or simple substance.

  As described above, in the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, the electric double layer composed of the negative ions on the surface of the drive anode 21 and the positive ions on the surface of the drive cathode 22 is oxidized by the induced electric field lines. And a saturated electric double layer forming voltage to be saturated immediately before the start of the reduction reaction is generated between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22, and the drive electric lines of force are generated between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22. The oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are driven by superimposing the generated overvoltage on the saturation electric double layer formation voltage.

In the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, since the formation of the electric double layer at the electrode interface is a work due to an electrostatic field in which the Coulomb force acts, inductive electric lines of force are formed to maintain it. There is no need to pass a current through the circuit. Therefore, the first DC power supply PS1 responsible for this work does not consume power. On the other hand, the second DC power source PS2, which takes the driving force of the electrolysis reaction as an output, consumes electric power because an electrolysis current flows by applying an overvoltage ΔE by the driving electric force line. In this case, the power value is:
P ₂ = I ΔE (5)
It is represented by

A conventional single power supply is used by using the electric power P ₂ consumed by the two-power supply electrolysis in the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, using a saturated electric double layer forming voltage E _D and an overvoltage ΔE essential for the electrolysis reaction. Comparing with the ratio of P ₁ shown in equation (4) for electrolysis, for the same electrolysis current value:
_{P 2 / P 1 = ΔE /} (E D + ΔE) ····· (6)
Can be written. If the value of the saturation electric double layer formed voltage E _D is large, reduce the power consumption by the second power supply electrolysis by reducing the overvoltage ΔE becomes remarkably noticeable.

  Generally, in electrolysis, a compound to be decomposed is dissociated into ions in an electrolytic solution 4 in the form of an aqueous solution or a molten salt, and a potential difference is applied between a conductive anode and a cathode immersed in the electrolytic solution 4. It is an electrochemical operation that deposits as a simple substance or as a molecule.

In the present invention, the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 are arranged so as to be opposed to the back surfaces of the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 that are responsible for electrolysis, and the second DC power source PS2 for driving the electrolysis reaction is A new electric power that induces an electrolysis voltage E _E of the compound between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 through the electrolytic solution 4 by applying a potential difference between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 using another first DC power source PS1. It is a form of decomposition.

  The shape and geometric arrangement of the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 with respect to the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 that control the electrolysis mainly depend on the form of deposits of gas, liquid and solid, their specific gravity with respect to the electrolyte solution 4 and conductivity. To be determined. For example, in the case of water electrolysis or magnesium electrolysis for hydrogen production, the deposits are gas molecules for water electrolysis and gases and liquids for magnesium electrolysis. Is a bubble, and the liquid is a droplet that leaves the electrode surface and rises in the electrolyte 4. In the electrolysis showing the behavior of such precipitates, the induction anode 11, the induction cathode 12, the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 have a flat plate shape and may be immersed vertically and in parallel in the electrolytic solution 4. desirable.

<Demonstration of dual power source electrolysis>
Using FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it is demonstrated that the two-source electrolysis is operating according to the principle in the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment. For this reason, in the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3, a saturated electric double layer formation voltage E _D = 1.80 V is applied between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 by the induced electric field lines generated by the first DC power supply PS1, When the potential difference and the electrolysis current between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 are measured by applying an overvoltage ΔE using the second DC power source PS2 for electrolysis reaction driving, As shown in FIG. 4, it will be explained that the voltage-current curve of one power source electrolysis is consistent.
FIG. 3 corresponds to the conceptual diagram of the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but in order to obtain the voltage-current curve shown in FIG. It is the schematic for demonstrating the circuit structure which added the total 71,72 and the direct-current voltmeters 82,83,84. The four plate-like electrodes of the induction anode 11, the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12 have an equal immersion surface area of 7.5 cm ² in the electrolytic solution 4, and are arranged vertically and parallel to each other. Therefore, the electrolyte solution 4 is divided into three equal parts, and the flow between the rooms is prevented in order to prevent leakage of electric lines of force from the electrodes of the induction anode 11, the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22, and the induction cathode 12. In no way, the periphery of the electrode plate is completely sealed with an insulator. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, each of the rectangular and flat induction anode 11, drive anode 21, drive cathode 22, and induction cathode 12 is opposed to the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 6 that stores the electrolytic solution 4. Are separated into three containers for sealing and storing a part of the electrolyte solution 4 (in FIG. 3B, the drive anode 21 is illustrated, but the induction anode 11. Of course, the same applies to the drive cathode 22 and the drive anode 21.)

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes two electric circuits. The first power supply circuit includes a positive terminal of the first DC power supply PS1, a DC ammeter 71, an induction anode 11, an electrolyte solution 4, a driving anode 21, an electrolyte solution 4, a driving cathode 22, an electrolyte solution 4, an induction cathode 12, and a switch S. -It is the path of the negative terminal of the first DC power supply PS1. On the other hand, the second power supply circuit has a cycle of a plus terminal of the second DC power supply PS2, a DC ammeter 72, a drive anode 21, an electrolyte solution 4, a drive cathode 22, and a minus terminal of the second DC power supply PS2. or,
The potential difference between the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21 is measured by a DC voltmeter 82, the potential difference between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 is converted by a DC voltmeter 83, and the potential difference between the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12 is converted by a DC voltage. Measured with a pressure gauge 84. The electrolytic solution 4 is a 10% NaOH aqueous solution having a temperature of 25 ^° C., and the induction anode 11, the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12 immersed therein are made of nickel (Ni) -plated steel plates for preventing oxidation.
(A) In the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3, first, the switch S is opened, and the normal one-power supply electrolysis is performed between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 only by the second power supply circuit. The relationship between the potential difference E _J between 22 and the circuit current I ₂ is measured. As shown in FIG. 4 with an open circle, an example of the measurement result shows a typical single power source electrolysis behavior. Under the electrolysis conditions, the saturated electric double layer formation voltage E _D of water is 1 .80V was shown. It can be seen that the electrolysis reaction actually takes place at a fairly high voltage for the theoretical electrolysis voltage E _theory = 1.23 V of water at 25 ^° C. Region represented by substantially linear saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D above potential difference is 1 power electrolysis conditions in the actual steady state. The reciprocal of the slope of the voltage-current curve shown in FIG. 4 is resistance. This resistance is approximately the sum of the resistance due to the electric double layer at the electrode interface (polarization resistance) and the resistance of the electrolyte solution 4 in one power source electrolysis.

(B) Next, the switch S of the first power supply circuit in FIG. 3 is closed, the first DC power supply PS1 is boosted while the output voltage of the second DC power supply PS2 is kept at 0, and the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 The potential difference between them is once held at a voltage of just 1.80V. During this period, the current I ₁ and the second power circuit current I ₂ of the first power circuit remained 0. Further, when the potential difference between the electrodes at this time was measured with a DC voltmeter 82, 83, 84, the potential difference between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 was 5.44 V, and the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21 The voltage value was 1.83 V between the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12, and 1.80 V.

(C) Next, the second DC power source PS2 is used to superimpose on the driving electric force lines, and an electric potential difference is newly added on the initial potential difference 1.80 V between the driving anode 21 and the driving cathode 22 to perform an electrolysis reaction. The electrolysis current I ₂ is measured each time, and the potential difference between the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21 is also measured. Then, the relationship between the potential difference between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 and the electrolysis current is plotted superimposed on FIG.

As is clear from FIG. 4, the voltage-current relationship in the two-source electrolysis indicated by the black circle is in agreement with the voltage-current relationship in the one-source electrolysis indicated by the white circle. Yes. Further, the interelectrode voltage E _A between the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21 in the voltage region where the electrolysis reaction occurs is the interelectrode voltage E between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 as shown in FIG. Since it decreases as _J increases, when electrolysis occurs between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22, it is between the induction anode 11 and the drive anode 21, and between the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12. Then, electrolysis cannot occur theoretically as well as practically. Therefore, the current I ₁ of the first power supply circuit is zero. If the above measurement results are taken into consideration, in the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, it can be considered that the two-source electrolysis functions according to the principle.

<Principle of two-source electrolysis and its power consumption>
The principle of dual power source electrolysis and its power consumption in the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment will be described below using the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an equivalent circuit for the second power supply circuit, and includes a second DC power supply PS2 and an electrolysis unit. It does not matter whether the second DC power source PS2 is a diode rectifier circuit or a transistor rectifier circuit. In the figure, it is represented by a diode. As a characteristic of these rectifiers, current can flow in the forward direction, but not in the reverse direction. The components of the electrolysis part are the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22 and the electrolyte 4 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 have a saturated electric double layer forming voltage of the compound from the outside. since constant potential difference corresponding to E _D is given in a non-contact, an electric double layer is present at the interface with the electrolyte. Therefore the electrical properties of the interface is similar to components in a capacitor having a saturation electric double layer capacitor C _D. In addition, under a situation where the electrode reaction is actually progressing, there is a component called Faraday impedance Z _F which becomes a resistance of the electrode reaction progress, so that eventually the driving anode 21, the driving cathode 22 and the electrolyte 4 electrical properties of the interface between the model shorted saturated electric double layer capacitor C _D Faraday impedance Z _F is considered appropriate. The Faraday impedance Z _F is further composed of an ion movement resistance R _S at the interface and a capacity (electrolytic capacity) C _S based on the ion concentration gradient. In series with these electrical components, the resistance R _soln of the electrolyte 4 itself is connected. These electrical properties in the electrolysis system are factors that govern the electrolysis reaction rate. As shown in FIG. 4, there is no difference in the voltage-current curve between the electrolysis of one power source electrolysis and the two power source electrolysis. Therefore, the electrolysis mechanism of both is judged to be the same.
The rectifier circuit of the second DC power source PS2 is closely related to the principle of the electrolysis process of the present invention. That is, since the forward a diode as shown in Figure 6 is directly connected to the drive anode 21, giving a 3-fold difference 3E _D saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 When, electrons flow through the diode from the drive anode 21 to drive the cathode 22, a potential difference corresponding to the saturation electric double layer formed voltage E _D between the drive anode 21 as shown in FIG. 2 (b) and driving the cathode 22 Occurs. If the diodes are connected in the opposite direction, the saturated electric double layer forming voltage E _D does not appear between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22.
Next, the power consumed by the two-source electrolysis of the present invention is compared with the normal one-source electrolysis as follows. In general, the electric power consumed by the electrolysis is Joule heat due to the power efficiency of the first DC power source PS1, the resistance of the conductive wire from the first DC power source PS1 to the electrolytic cell 6, the contact resistance between the conductive wire and the electrode, the resistance of the electrode itself, and the like. The loss needs to be taken into account. However, here we will limit the power consumed by the elements essential to electrolysis.
In this case, the expression (6) is the ratio P ₂ / P ₁ of the power consumption of the two power source electrolysis to the one power source electrolysis, and the overvoltage ΔE used here is only between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22. The voltage that is given to and contributes to the electrolysis reaction. Equation (6) is a comparison of the same current value, that is, hydrogen production rate. Table 1 shows the theoretical values of the overvoltage ΔE and the power consumption ratio P ₂ / P ₁ ratio with respect to the saturated electric double layer formation voltage E _D = 1.80 V in the water electrolysis of 25 ^° C. according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As is clear from Table 1, the power consumption of the two power source electrolysis is greatly reduced as the applied overvoltage ΔE is reduced. In electrolysis, generally, when the overvoltage ΔE is reduced to reduce the current density, the power efficiency is improved. Therefore, theoretically, electrolysis with a low overvoltage ΔE is advantageous from the viewpoint of energy. However, on the other hand, a small overvoltage ΔE and a current density lead to an increase in the size of the electrolytic cell 6, so that an appropriate overvoltage ΔE must be adopted from an industrial viewpoint.
(Second Embodiment)
In the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, an example in which the induction anode 11, the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22, and the induction cathode 12 are configured by four rectangular parallel plates is shown. The shapes of the anode 21, the drive cathode 22, and the induction cathode 12 are not limited to flat plates. That is, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 7, the electrolysis system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an insulating electrolytic cell 6 having a cylindrical side wall for containing the electrolytic solution 4, and an electrolytic solution. 4, a cylindrical driving anode 21 inserted in the electrolytic solution 4 and performing an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte 4, and directly inside the driving anode 21, directly facing the driving anode 21 and mutually connected to the driving anode 21. A cylindrical driving cathode 22 that is inserted into the electrolyte solution 4 in a concentric parallel manner and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolyte solution 4 is the same as the driving electric force lines that run from the driving anode 21 toward the driving cathode 22. Inductive electric field lines generating means (11, 12) for superimposing the direction electric field lines on the driving electric field lines are provided. Here, the induction electric force line generating means (11, 12) includes a cylindrical induction anode 11 arranged so as to concentrically circulate around the outer side of the cylindrical drive anode 21, and a cylindrical drive cathode 22. A cylindrical induction cathode 12 is provided at a central position. The induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 are concentrically and parallelly opposed to each other so as to sandwich a drive electrode pair composed of the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 from both sides, and are inserted into the electrolytic solution 4. In FIG. 7, the induction anode 11 is provided with a plurality of slits 11S, but is not limited to the structure in which the slits 11S are provided.

  In the structure in which the plurality of slits 11S are provided in the induction anode 11, the electrolyte solution 4 is divided into three equal parts by the cylindrical drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22, in order to prevent leakage of electric lines of force. The periphery of the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 is completely sealed with an insulator so that there is no significant flow between the rooms. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottom sides of the cylindrical drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 are in contact with the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 6 that stores the electrolyte solution 4, thereby partly sealing the electrolyte solution 4. Are separated into three containers for storage.

  Similarly to the electrolysis system according to the first embodiment, the electrolysis system according to the second embodiment also includes the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 formed by superimposing the drive electric field lines and the induction electric field lines. Due to the potential difference generated between them, the oxidation reaction at the drive anode 21 and the reduction reaction at the drive cathode 22 are started, and these oxidation reaction and reduction reaction are maintained for a necessary time. Therefore, a positive terminal is connected to the induction anode 11, a negative terminal is connected to the induction cathode 12, an induction electric field line is generated between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12, and the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode are connected. The first DC power source PS1 that generates a saturated electric double layer forming voltage and the positive terminal connected to the drive anode 21, the negative terminal connected to the drive cathode 22, and the saturated electric double layer induced In this state, a second DC power supply PS2 independent of the first DC power supply PS1 is further provided to increase the potential difference corresponding to the overvoltage between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22.

Also in the electrolysis system according to the second embodiment, the relationship P ₂ / P ₁ of the power consumption of the two power source electrolysis with respect to the one power source electrolysis shown in Expression (6) is established, and the first embodiment As in Table 1 of the embodiment, the power consumption of the two power source electrolysis is greatly reduced as the overvoltage ΔE applied between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 is reduced.

<First Modification of Second Embodiment>
As shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 8, the electrolysis system according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention includes an induction anode 11 having a cylindrical side wall that also serves as an electrolytic cell, and an induction anode 11. A cylindrical driving anode 21 that is inserted into the stored electrolyte 4 and that undergoes an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte 4, and directly faces the driving anode 21 inside the driving anode 21, and A cylindrical driving cathode 22 that is inserted into the electrolytic solution 4 concentrically and parallel to the driving anode 21 and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolytic solution 4, and driving from the driving anode 21 toward the driving cathode 22. Inductive electric force line generating means (11, 12) for superimposing the induced electric force lines in the same direction as the electric force lines on the driving electric force lines is provided. Here, the induction electric force line generating means (11, 12) includes a cylindrical induction anode 11 arranged so as to concentrically circulate around the outer side of the cylindrical drive anode 21, and a cylindrical drive cathode 22. A cylindrical induction cathode 12 is provided at a central position. The induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12 are concentrically and parallelly opposed to each other so as to sandwich a drive electrode pair composed of the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 from both sides, and are inserted into the electrolytic solution 4.

  In the electrolysis system according to the first modified example of the second embodiment, similarly to the electrolysis systems according to the first and second embodiments, the driving electric field lines and the induction electric field lines are superimposed. Due to the potential difference generated between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22, the oxidation reaction at the drive anode 21 and the reduction reaction at the drive cathode 22 are started, and these oxidation reaction and reduction reaction are maintained for a necessary time. Therefore, a positive terminal is connected to the induction anode 11, a negative terminal is connected to the induction cathode 12, an induction electric field line is generated between the induction anode 11 and the induction cathode 12, and the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode are connected. The first DC power source PS1 that generates a saturated electric double layer forming voltage and the positive terminal connected to the drive anode 21, the negative terminal connected to the drive cathode 22, and the saturated electric double layer induced In this state, a second DC power supply PS2 independent of the first DC power supply PS1 is further provided to increase the potential difference corresponding to the overvoltage between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22.

  In the structure of FIG. 8, the induction anode 11 also serves as an electrolytic cell, but only the cylindrical side wall may be made of metal and the bottom may be made of an insulator. Similarly to FIG. 7, in order to prevent leakage of electric lines of force, the bottoms of the cylindrical drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 contain the electrolyte solution 4 so that there is no significant flow between the rooms. In contact with the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 6, the container is separated into three containers for containing a part of the electrolytic solution 4 in a sealed manner.

Also in the electrolysis system according to the first modification of the second embodiment, the relationship of the power consumption ratio P ₂ / P ₁ of the _two power source electrolysis with respect to the one power source electrolysis shown in Expression (6) is established, Similar to Table 1 described in the first embodiment, the power consumption of the two power supply electrolysis is greatly reduced as the overvoltage ΔE applied between the drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 is reduced.

<Second Modification of Second Embodiment>
The electrolysis system according to the second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention includes an induction cathode 12 having a cylindrical side wall that also serves as an electrolytic cell, and an induction cathode 12 as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. A cylindrical induction cathode 22 which is inserted into the accommodated electrolyte solution 4 and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolyte solution 4; directly inside the induction cathode 22; directly opposite the induction cathode 22; A cylindrical driving anode 21 that is inserted into the electrolyte solution 4 concentrically and parallel to the induction cathode 22, and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte solution 4, and driving from the induction cathode 22 toward the drive anode 21. Inductive electric force line generating means (11, 12) for superimposing the induced electric force lines in the same direction as the electric force lines on the driving electric force lines is provided. Here, the induction electric field line generating means (11, 12) includes a cylindrical induction cathode 12 arranged so as to concentrically circulate around the outside of the cylindrical induction cathode 22, and a cylindrical drive anode 21. A cylindrical induction anode 11 is provided at the central position. The induction cathode 12 and the induction anode 11 are inserted into the electrolytic solution 4 so as to face each other concentrically in parallel so as to sandwich a drive electrode pair composed of the induction cathode 22 and the drive anode 21 from both sides.

  Also in the electrolysis system according to the second modification of the second embodiment, the driving electric field lines and the induction electric field lines are superimposed, as in the electrolysis systems according to the first and second embodiments. Due to the potential difference generated between the induction cathode 22 and the drive anode 21, the oxidation reaction at the induction cathode 22 and the reduction reaction at the drive anode 21 are started, and these oxidation reaction and reduction reaction are maintained for a necessary time. Therefore, a positive terminal is connected to the induction cathode 12, a negative terminal is connected to the induction anode 11, an induction electric field line is generated between the induction cathode 12 and the induction anode 11, and the induction cathode 22 and the driving anode are generated. The first DC power source PS1 that generates a saturated electric double layer forming voltage and the induction cathode 22 are connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal is connected to the drive anode 21, and the saturated electric double layer is induced. In this state, a second DC power supply PS2 independent of the first DC power supply PS1 is further provided between the induction cathode 22 and the drive anode 21 to increase the potential difference corresponding to the overvoltage.

  In the structure of FIG. 9, the induction anode 11 also serves as an electrolytic cell. However, like the structure of FIG. 8, only the cylindrical side wall is made of metal and the bottom is made of an insulator. 7 and 8, in order to prevent leakage of electric lines of force, the bottoms of the cylindrical drive anode 21 and the drive cathode 22 are formed on the electrolyte solution 4 so that there is no significant flow between the rooms. In contact with the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 6, thereby separating a part of the electrolytic solution 4 into three containers for hermetically storing.

Also in the electrolysis system according to the second modification of the second embodiment, the relationship of the power consumption ratio P ₂ / P ₁ of the _two power source electrolysis with respect to the one power source electrolysis shown in Expression (6) is established, Similar to Table 1 described in the first embodiment, the power consumption of the two power source electrolysis is greatly reduced as the overvoltage ΔE applied between the induction cathode 22 and the drive anode 21 is reduced.

(Third embodiment)
The electrolysis system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is a drive anode that is inserted into the electrolyte solution 4 and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte solution 4 as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 21 _r (r = 1 to 2n + 1) and a driving cathode 22 which is directly opposed to the driving anode 21 _r and inserted in the electrolytic solution 4 in parallel with each other, and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolytic solution 4. _r and induced electric field lines generating means (11 _s , 12 _s : s = 1) that superimposes the induced electric field lines in the same direction as the driving electric field lines directed from the driving anode 21 _r toward the driving cathode 22 _r on the driving electric field lines. ˜n + 1) and a plurality (2n + 1) of electrolysis units (11 _s , 12 _s ; 21 _r , 22 _r ). Here, n is a positive integer of 1 or more. In each electrolysis unit (11 _s , 12 _s ; 21 _r , 22 _r ), oxidation is caused by a potential difference generated between the driving anode 21 _r and the driving cathode 22 _r due to the superposition of the driving electric field lines and the induction electric field lines. reaction and to drive the reduction reaction, and, as shown in FIG. 10, each of the electrolysis unit _{(11 s, 12 s; 21} r, 22 r) drive electrode comprising a driving anode 21 _r and drive the cathode 22 _r of The pair (21 _r , 22 _r ) is electrically connected to each other in series. Here, in each electrolysis unit (11 _s , 12 _s ; 21 _r , 22 _r ), the induction electric field line generating means (11 _s , 12 _s ) is the electrolysis unit (11 _s , 12 _s ; 21 _r). , 22 _r ), and an induction anode 11 _s and an induction cathode 12 _s which are inserted into the electrolytic solution 4 so as to face each other and sandwich the drive electrode pair (21 _r , 22 _r ).

Viewed another way, the electrolysis system according to a third embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is inserted in the electrolyte 4, the drive anode 21 _p performing oxidation reaction via the negative ions in the electrolyte solution 4 (p = 1~2n + 1) opposite the drive anode 21 _p directly, and is inserted parallel to the electrolyte solution 4 from each other, a driving cathode 22 _p to perform a reduction reaction through the positive ions in the electrolyte solution 4 drive In the (2n + 1) -stage multi-stage drive electrode structure in which a plurality of electrode pairs (21 _p , 22 _p ) are electrically connected in series, and in each drive electrode pair (21 _p , 22 _p ), the drive anode 21 _p to the drive cathode Inductive electric force line generating means (11 _q , 12 _q ) for superimposing the induced electric force lines in the same direction as the driving electric force lines toward 22 _p on the driving electric force lines (as described above, n is 1 or more) Is a positive integer.) In each drive electrode pair (21 _p , 22 _p ), an oxidation reaction and a reduction reaction are caused by a potential difference generated between the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p due to the superposition of the drive electric field lines and the induction electric field lines. To start. As shown in FIG. 10, the induction electric field lines generating means (11 _q , 12 _q ) are inserted into the electrolyte solution 4 with the respective drive electrode pairs (21 _p , 22 _p ) sandwiched therebetween and facing each other in parallel. An induction electrode pair (11 _q , 12 _q ) including an induction anode 11 _q (q = 1 to n + 1) and an induction cathode 12 _q is provided, and the induction electrode pair (11 _q , 12 _q ) is electrically connected in parallel. ing. In FIG. 10, each of the drive cathodes 22 _2j-1 ; 22 _2j of the drive electrode pairs (21 _2j-1 , 22 _2j-1 ; 21 _2j , 22 _2j ) adjacent to each other is _replaced with one induction cathode 12 _j-1. As an induction cathode 12 _j common to adjacent drive electrode pairs (21 _2j-1 , 22 _2j-1 ; 21 _2j , 22 _2j ), one of the sandwiched induction cathodes 12 _j-1 is opposed to each other. Yes. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the drive cathodes 22 ₁ ; 22 ₂ of the drive electrode pairs (21 ₁ , 22 ₁ ; 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ ) adjacent to each other are opposed to each other across the induction cathode 12 _1. , driving electrode pairs adjacent the induction cathode 12 ₁ sandwiched between (21 _1, 22 _1; 21 _2, 22 ₂₎ to a common inductive cathode 12 _1, the driving electrode pairs adjacent to each other (21 _3, 22 _3; 21 ₄ , 22 ₄ ) of the drive cathodes 22 ₃ ; 22 ₄ are opposed to each other with the induction cathode 12 ₂ interposed therebetween, and the sandwiched induction cathode 12 ₂ is adjacent to the adjacent drive electrode pair (21 ₃ , 22 ₃ ; 21 ₄ , 22 ₄ ) is a common induction cathode 12 ₂ .

Further, the drive anodes 21 _2j ; 21 _{2j + 1} of the drive electrode pairs (21 _2j , 22 _2j ; 21 _{2j + 1} , 22 _{2j + 1} ) adjacent to each other are sandwiched between one induction anode 11 _{j + 1} . Each of the induction anodes 11 _{j + 1} that are opposed to each other in FIG. 11 is used as an induction anode 11 _{j + 1} that is common to adjacent drive electrode pairs (21 _i , 22 _i ). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the drive anodes 21 ₂ ; 21 ₃ of the drive electrode pairs (21 ₂ , 22 ₂ ; 21 ₃ , 22 ₃ ) adjacent to each other are opposed to each other across the induction anode 11 _2. The induction anode 11 ₂ sandwiched between the adjacent drive electrode pairs (21 _i , 22 _i ) is a common induction anode 11 _2, and the drive electrode pairs (21 ₄ , 22 ₄ ; 21 ₅ , 22 ₅ ) are adjacent to each other. The drive anodes 21 ₄ ; 21 ₅ are opposed to each other across the induction anode 11 ₃ , and the sandwiched induction anode 11 ₃ is shared by the adjacent drive electrode pair (21 _i , 22 _i ). ₃ and so on.

In FIG. 10, the plate-like drive anode 21 _p , drive cathode 22 _p , induction anode 11 _q and induction cathode 12 _q are arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 6 that stores the electrolyte 4. Accordingly, the driving anode 21 _p , the driving cathode 22 _p , the induction anode 11 _q and the induction cathode 12 _q are in contact with the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 6 and the two opposite side walls, thereby the electrolyte solution. A plurality of independent containers for hermetically sealing a part of 4 are formed. The electrolytic cell 6 is made of an insulator. By constituting a plurality of independent containers that are sealed and housed, leakage of electric lines of force from the drive anode 21 _p , drive cathode 22 _p , induction anode 11 _q and induction cathode 12 _q is prevented.

In the electrolysis system according to the third embodiment, as in the electrolysis systems according to the first and second embodiments, the drive electric lines of force are generated in the respective drive electrode pairs (21 _p , 22 _p ). Is caused by the potential difference between the driving anode 21 _p and the driving cathode 22 _p due to the superimposition of the electric field lines and the induced electric field lines, and the oxidation reaction at the driving anode 21 _p and the reduction reaction at the driving cathode 22 _p are started. The reduction reaction is maintained for the required time. Therefore, a positive terminal is connected to the induction anode 11 _q corresponding to each drive electrode pair (21 _p , 22 _p ), a negative terminal is connected to the induction cathode 12 _q , and the induction anode 11 _q and the induction cathode are connected. The first direct current power source PS1 that generates an induction electric field line between 12 _q and a saturated electric double layer forming voltage between the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p is connected to each drive electrode pair ( 21 _p , 22 _p ). On the other hand, to connect the positive terminal to the drive anode 21 _p, connect the negative terminal to the drive the cathode 22 _p, while the saturation electric double layer is induced overvoltage between the driving anode 21 _p and the driving cathode 22 _p The second DC power supply PS2 that is independent of the first DC power supply PS1 and increases the potential difference is connected in series to a closed circuit that electrically connects the drive electrode pairs (21 _p , 22 _p ) in series. ing.

Also in the electrolysis system according to the third embodiment, the relationship of the power consumption ratio P ₂ / P ₁ of the _two- power-source electrolysis to the one-power-source electrolysis shown in Expression (6) is established, and the first embodiment Similar to Table 1 described in the embodiment, the power consumption of the two power supply electrolysis is greatly reduced as the overvoltage ΔE applied between the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of electrolysis units are arranged as a sequence in the length direction, are configured in multiple stages, and the induction anode 11 _q and the induction cathode 12 _q are driven in parallel to the first DC power source PS1. If the anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p are configured to be connected in series to the second DC power source PS2, an electrolysis system suitable for an industrial production apparatus can be provided.

<Modification of Third Embodiment>
An electrolysis system according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the electrolytic solution 4 and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolytic solution 4 as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. Driving anode 21 _{p to be} performed (p = 1 to 2n + 1) Driving cathode 21 _{p which} is directly opposed to the driving anode 21 _p and is inserted into the electrolytic solution 4 in parallel with each other, and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolytic solution 4 22 _p a driving electrode pair (21 _p, 22 _p) a plurality, in electrically connected in series (2n + 1) and the multi-stage drive electrode structure of stage, each of the drive electrodes pair (21 _p, 22 _p), the drive anode Inductive electric force line generating means (11 _q , 12 _q ) for superimposing the induced electric force lines in the same direction as the driving electric force lines directed from 21 _p to the driving cathode 22 _p on the driving electric force lines (as described above) , N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.) In each drive electrode pair (21 _p , 22 _p ), an oxidation reaction and a reduction reaction are caused by a potential difference generated between the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p due to the superposition of the drive electric field lines and the induction electric field lines. In addition, these oxidation and reduction reactions are maintained for the necessary time. As shown in FIG. 11, the induction electric field lines generating means (11 _q , 12 _q ) are inserted into the electrolytic solution 4 so as to face each other in parallel with the drive electrode pairs (21 _p , 22 _p ) interposed therebetween. An induction electrode pair (11 _q , 12 _q ) including an induction anode 11 _q (q = 1 to n + 1) and an induction cathode 12 _q is provided, and the induction electrode pair (11 _q , 12 _q ) is electrically connected in parallel. ing. In FIG. 11, each of the drive cathodes 22 _2j-1 ; 22 _2j of the drive electrode pair (21 _2j-1 , 22 _2j-1 ; 21 _2j , 22 _2j ) adjacent to each other is _replaced with one induction cathode 12 _j-1. And one of the sandwiched induction cathodes 12 _j-1 is used as an induction cathode 12 _j common to adjacent drive electrode pairs (21 _2j-1 , 22 _2j-1 ; 21 _2j , 22 _2j ). The drive anodes 21 _2j ; 21 _{2j + 1} of the drive electrode pairs (21 _2j , 22 _2j ; 21 _{2j + 1} , 22 _{2j + 1} ) adjacent to each other sandwiching one induction anode 11 _{j + 1} . together not face to the induction anode one 11 j _{+ 1} sandwiched, as with in terms that the induction anode 11 j _{+ 1} common to the adjacent drive electrodes pair (21 _i, 22 _i) of FIG. 10 structure It is.

Also in the electrolysis system according to the modification of the third embodiment, each drive electrode pair (21 _p , 22 _p ) is driven similarly to the electrolysis system according to the first and second embodiments. The oxidation reaction at the drive anode 21 _p and the reduction reaction at the drive cathode 22 _p are started by the potential difference generated between the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p due to the superposition of the electric field lines and the induction electric field lines. Oxidation and reduction reactions are maintained for the required time. Therefore, a positive terminal is connected to the induction anode 11 _q corresponding to each drive electrode pair (21 _p , 22 _p ), a negative terminal is connected to the induction cathode 12 _q , and the induction anode 11 _q and the induction cathode are connected. The first direct current power source PS1 that generates an induction electric field line between 12 _q and a saturated electric double layer forming voltage between the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p is connected to each drive electrode pair ( 21 _p , 22 _p ) as in FIG. However, unlike FIG. 10, connect the positive terminal to the drive anode 21 _p, connect the negative terminal to the drive the cathode 22 _p, while the saturation electric double layer is induced, the driving cathode and driving anode 21 _p 22 _p increases the potential difference between the overvoltage periods during, the second DC power source PS2 that is independent of the first DC power source PS1 is connected in parallel with each of the drive electrodes pair (21 _p, 22 _p).

Also in the electrolysis system according to the modification of the third embodiment, the relationship P ₂ / P ₁ of the power consumption of the two power source electrolysis with respect to the one power source electrolysis shown in Expression (6) is established, and the first As in Table 1 described in the above embodiment, the power consumption of the two power source electrolysis is greatly reduced as the overvoltage ΔE applied between the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of electrolysis units are arranged as a sequence in the length direction and are configured in multiple stages. The induction anode 11 _q and the induction cathode 12 _q are driven in parallel to the first DC power source PS1. Even when the anode 21 _p and the driving cathode 22 _p are connected in parallel to the second DC power source PS2, an electrolysis system suitable for an industrial production apparatus can be provided.

Furthermore, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 10 and the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 11 are combined to form a plurality of electrolysis units in multiple stages, and the induction anode 11 _q and the induction cathode 12 _q are connected in parallel to the first DC power supply. If the drive anode 21 _p and the drive cathode 22 _p are connected to the PS 1 in combination with a series connection and a parallel connection and are directed to the second DC power source PS2, an electrolysis system suitable for a large industrial production apparatus. Can be provided.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the present invention has been described according to the first to third embodiments. However, it should not be understood that the description and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, the case where Ni plated steel plates are used for the induction anode 11, the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12 is illustrated, but the drive anode 21 has platinum (Pt), ruthenium ( Ru (Ru), rhodium (Rh), tantalum (Ta), iridium (Ir), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os), etc. coated (coated) with titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), niobium A metal electrode such as (Nb) or zirconium (Zr) can be used as the insoluble anode. The induction anode 11, the drive cathode 22, and the drive anode 21 may be metal electrodes coated (coated) with a thin film of these metal oxides, but stainless steel or the like is used for electrolysis of water or the like. May be.

  Moreover, in 1st-3rd Embodiment, although demonstrated by the conceptual schematic diagram, the electrolytic vessel 6 may be equipped with the stirring apparatus, for example, is heating which controls the temperature of the electrolyte solution 4 Of course, a device, a temperature control device, and the like may be included.

  In the description of the first embodiment, in order to prevent the leakage of electric lines of force from the electrodes of the induction anode 11, the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12, the flow between the rooms is not easy. As described above, the periphery of the electrode plate is completely sealed with an insulator. However, the induction anode 11, the drive anode 21, the drive cathode 22 and the induction cathode 12 are each 1/10 or less of the distance between the electrodes. Even if there is an opening having a diameter, the leakage of electric lines of force can be shielded (shielded) electrostatically, so that it is not necessarily limited to a completely sealed structure. In short, any electrode structure that can prevent leakage of lines of electric force from each electrode is sufficient. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  As described above, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described herein. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the invention specifying matters according to the scope of claims reasonable from the above description.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the composition of the electrolysis system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. In the electrolysis system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, it is a figure which expressed qualitatively electrode potential distribution at the time of 2 power supply electrolysis operating. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circuit structure for performing the electrolysis of water, measuring the electric potential between each electrode in the electrolysis system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which compares the electrolysis current which flows with respect to the voltage between electrodes in the water electrolysis of 25 ^{oC in} the case of 1 power source electrolysis and the case of 2 power source electrolysis. In order to explain that no current flows in the closed circuit connected to the induction anode and the induction cathode when the electrolysis is performed in the drive anode and the drive cathode in the two-source electrolysis, the induction anode and the drive anode and inter-electrode voltage E _a between a diagram showing the relationship between inter-electrode voltage E _J between the driving anode and driving cathode. It is a figure which shows the electrochemical equivalent circuit of the closed circuit containing the drive anode and drive cathode in 2 power supply electrolysis. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrolysis system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrolysis system which concerns on the 1st modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrolysis system which concerns on the 2nd modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrolysis system based on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrolysis system which concerns on the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the principle of one-power-source electrolysis, and shows an electric double layer formed at the interface between an electrode and an electrolytic solution, which is peculiar to electrolysis intended to decompose a compound. It is the figure which drew qualitatively the relationship between the electrode voltage peculiar to the electrolysis for the purpose of decomposition | disassembly of a compound, and an electrolysis current. In electrolysis for the purpose of decomposition of the compound, there are inherent saturation electric double layer formed voltage E _D compounds, first electrolysis current at a voltage E _E plus overvoltage ΔE saturated electric double layer formed voltage E _D is It is a figure for demonstrating starting to flow.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... DC power source 2a, 2b ... conductor 3a ... anode 3b ... cathode 4 ... electrolyte 6 ... electrolyzer _{11,11 j, 11 q, 11 s} ... induction anode 11S ... slit _{12,12 j, 12 q, 12 s} ... Induction cathode 21, 21 _p , 21 _r ... driving anode 22, 22 _p , 22 _r ... driving cathode 71, 72 ... DC ammeter 82, 83, 84 ... DC voltmeter R _L ... load R _S ... movement resistance R _soln ... resistance S ... switch Z _F ... Faraday impedance PS1 ... first DC power source PS2 ... second DC power supply

Claims (9)

A drive anode that is inserted in the electrolyte so as to have a floating potential, and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte;
A driving cathode that is directly opposed to the driving anode and parallel to each other so as to have a floating potential in the electrolyte, and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolyte;
A drive electrode pair comprising the drive anode and the drive cathode is sandwiched between the drive anode and the drive cathode. An induced electric field line generating means for generating an electric potential difference and superimposing an induced electric field line in the same direction as a driving electric field line directed from the driving anode toward the driving cathode on the driving electric field line, and the driving electric field line The oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are started by a superimposed potential difference generated between the driving anode and the driving cathode due to superimposition of the electric field lines and the induced electric field lines. Saturated electricity that causes the electric double layer composed of negative ions on the surface of the driving anode and positive ions on the surface of the driving cathode to be in a saturated state immediately before the start of the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction by the induced electric field lines. A double layer forming voltage is generated between the drive anode and the drive cathode;
The oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are started by superimposing an overvoltage generated between the drive anode and the drive cathode on the saturation electric double layer formation voltage by the drive electric lines of force. The electrolysis system according to claim 1. A positive terminal is connected to the induction anode, a negative terminal is connected to the induction cathode, the induction electric lines of force are generated between the induction anode and the induction cathode, and the drive anode and the drive cathode A first DC power source for generating the saturated electric double layer forming voltage,
A positive terminal is connected to the driving anode, a negative terminal is connected to the driving cathode, and a potential difference corresponding to the overvoltage is generated between the driving anode and the driving cathode in a state where the saturated electric double layer is induced. increasing, electrolysis system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second DC power source that is independent of the said first direct current power source.   Each of the plate-like driving anode and the driving cathode is in contact with the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell for storing the electrolytic solution and the two opposing side walls, whereby one part of the electrolytic solution is sealed and stored. The electrolysis system according to claim 1, wherein the electrolysis system is a container. A drive anode that is inserted in the electrolyte so as to have a floating potential, and performs an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte;
A driving cathode that is directly opposed to the driving anode and parallel to each other so as to have a floating potential in the electrolyte, and performs a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolyte;
An induction anode and an induction cathode that are inserted into the electrolyte solution in parallel across the drive electrode pair that constitutes the electrolysis unit, and an induced potential difference is provided between the drive anode and the drive cathode. A plurality of electrolysis units comprising: an induced electric force line generating means that superimposes an induced electric force line in the same direction as a driving electric force line directed from the driving anode toward the driving cathode;
In each electrolysis unit, the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are driven by a superimposed potential difference generated between the drive anode and the drive cathode due to the overlap of the drive electric force lines and the induction electric force lines, and
An electrolysis system, wherein a drive electrode pair including the drive anode and the drive cathode of each electrolysis unit is electrically connected in series with each other. A drive anode inserted in the electrolyte so as to have a floating potential, and performing an oxidation reaction via negative ions in the electrolyte, directly opposed to the drive anode, and parallel to each other with the floating potential in the electrolyte A multi-stage drive electrode structure in which a plurality of drive electrode pairs consisting of drive cathodes that are inserted so as to perform a reduction reaction via positive ions in the electrolyte solution are electrically connected in series;
In each of the drive electrode pairs, an induced potential difference is generated between the drive anode and the drive cathode, and an induced electric force line in the same direction as a drive electric force line directed from the drive anode toward the drive cathode is applied to the drive electric field. Induction electric field lines generating means for superimposing on the force lines, the induction electric field lines generating means sandwiching each of the drive electrode pairs and in parallel with the induction anode inserted into the electrolytic solution and induction An induction electrode pair composed of a cathode, and the induction electrode pair is electrically connected in parallel, and in each of the drive electrode pairs, the drive anode and the induction electric force lines are overlapped with each other. An electrolysis system, wherein the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction are started by a superimposed potential difference generated between driving cathodes. The drive cathodes of the drive electrode pairs adjacent to each other are made to face each other with the induction cathode 1 interposed therebetween, and the sandwiched induction cathode 1 is set as an induction cathode common to the adjacent drive electrode pairs. The electrolysis system according to claim 6 . The drive anodes of the drive electrode pairs adjacent to each other are made to face each other with the induction anode 1 interposed therebetween, and the sandwiched front induction anode is set as an induction anode common to the adjacent drive electrode pairs. The electrolysis system according to claim 6 . The plate-like drive anode, the drive cathode, the induction anode and the induction cathode are arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell containing the electrolytic solution, respectively, and are parallel to each other, and
Each of the driving anode, the driving cathode, the induction anode, and the induction cathode is in contact with the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell and the two opposing side walls, thereby independently storing a plurality of the electrolyte solutions. The electrolysis system according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein said electrolysis system is formed.

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