JP4655355B2 - Power generation device and hydrogen cartridge used therefor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power generation device and a hydrogen cartridge used therefor, and more particularly, to a power generation device that ensures safety in handling and a hydrogen cartridge used therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Since the industrial revolution, fossil fuels such as gasoline and light oil have been widely used as energy sources for electric power production as well as energy sources for automobiles. By using this fossil fuel, mankind has been able to enjoy benefits such as dramatic improvement in living standards and industrial development, but on the other hand, the earth is under serious threat of environmental destruction, The danger of fuel depletion has arisen, and there is a situation that raises questions about its long-term stable supply.
[0003]
Therefore, hydrogen is contained in water and is present inexhaustiblely on the earth, and the amount of chemical energy contained per substance amount is large, and when used as an energy source, harmful substances and global warming gases are used. In recent years, it has attracted a great deal of attention as a clean and inexhaustible energy source to replace fossil fuels.
[0004]
In particular, research and development of electrical energy generators that can extract electrical energy from hydrogen energy has been actively conducted in recent years. From large-scale power generation to on-site private power generation, as well as automotive power sources. Application is expected.
[0005]
An electric energy generator for extracting electric energy from hydrogen energy, that is, a fuel cell, has a hydrogen electrode to which hydrogen is supplied and an oxygen electrode to which oxygen is supplied. The hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen electrode is dissociated into protons (protons) and electrons by the action of the catalyst, and the electrons are collected by the current collector of the hydrogen electrode, while the protons are carried to the oxygen electrode. The electrons collected at the hydrogen electrode are carried to the oxygen electrode via the load. On the other hand, oxygen supplied to the oxygen electrode is combined with protons and electrons carried from the hydrogen electrode by the action of the catalyst to generate water. In this way, an electromotive force is generated between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode, and a current flows through the load.
[0006]
Since such a fuel cell can generate power with hydrogen and oxygen, it is also suitable as a power source for portable equipment.
[0007]
That is, currently used as a power source for portable devices is typically a primary battery represented by an alkaline battery or a manganese battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, or a lithium ion battery. These are secondary batteries, all of which are chemical batteries in which a chemical reaction is completed in a closed space. Therefore, various elements constituting the battery, such as positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, separators, electrolytes, safety The device and the airtight container that seals them are inseparably configured.
[0008]
Therefore, when a chemical battery is used as the power source of a portable device, it is necessary to replace the battery itself when the remaining battery power is exhausted, and only a part of it cannot be replenished. The user needs to carry many batteries.
[0009]
In contrast, when a fuel cell is used as the power source of a portable device, it is possible to generate electricity simply by supplying hydrogen and oxygen as fuel from the outside. By providing hydrogen at any time on the equipment side, the user does not have to carry all of the fuel cells, and only needs to carry one main body of the fuel cell. Therefore, the convenience for the user is very high.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, although the fuel cell is suitable as a power source for portable devices, since hydrogen as a fuel is a combustible gas, it is required that the user can safely handle it.
[0011]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation apparatus that ensures safety in handling and a hydrogen cartridge used therefor.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  This object of the present invention is toA main body having a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to the power generation device, and a lid that can be opened and closed having a flow path connecting the hydrogen storage material and the gas supply end.From hydrogen cartridge and hydrogen cartridgeA regulator for adjusting the pressure of the supplied hydrogen gas and a power generation unit main body for generating power using the hydrogen gas whose pressure is adjusted by the regulatorPower generation unit and power generation unitBodyA backflow prevention means for preventing the backflow of gas from the hydrogen cartridge to the hydrogen cartridge;The check flow preventing means includes a nozzle with a check valve provided at a gas supply end, a first check valve provided between the regulator and the hydrogen cartridge, and between the regulator and the power generation unit main body. And a second check valve for preventing the backflow of gas from the power generation unit main body to the regulator. When the hydrogen cartridge is mounted, the nozzle with the check valve and the first check valve are connected to each other. HaveAchieved by power generator.
[0013]
  According to the present invention, the backflow preventing means for preventing the backflow of gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge.As a nozzle with a check valve provided at the gas supply end, a first check valve provided in a flow path between the regulator and the hydrogen cartridge, and between the regulator and the power generation unit main body, A second check valve that prevents backflow of gas from the main body to the regulator;Therefore, the hydrogen gas that originally flows to the power generation unit is prevented from flowing back, and the safety of handling is ensured.
[0014]
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen cartridge is configured to be detachable from the power generation unit.
[0015]
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to continue power generation by simply replacing the hydrogen cartridge. Therefore, when using such a power generation device as a power source for a portable device, the user does not need to carry a plurality of power generation units themselves, and can carry the portable device for a long time by carrying only a few hydrogen cartridges. . In addition, since the backflow prevention means is provided, even when the user removes the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation unit, the hydrogen gas remaining in the power generation unit is not released to the outside. , Safety of handling is ensured.
[0018]
  The present inventionFavorAccording to the preferred embodiment, since the regulator for adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge is provided, it is possible to supply the hydrogen gas having the optimum pressure to the power generation unit main body.
[0020]
  The present inventionFavorAccording to a preferred embodiment, since the backflow prevention means is provided between the regulator and the power generation unit body, it is possible to reliably prevent the hydrogen gas remaining in the power generation unit body from flowing back to the regulator. Is possible.
[0022]
  The present inventionFavorAccording to a preferred embodiment, when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the power generation unit, the inside and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge are blocked, so even if the user removes the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation unit, the hydrogen cartridge Hydrogen gas does not leak from the air, and conversely, air or the like does not enter the interior of the hydrogen cartridge.
[0024]
  The present inventionFavorAccording to a preferred embodiment, since the backflow prevention means is provided at the gas supply end, the backflow of gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge is more reliably prevented.
[0025]
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation unit is provided integrally with a portable device.
[0026]
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen storage material is made of a hydrogen storage alloy.
[0027]
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen storage material comprises a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material.
[0028]
  The object of the invention is alsoA hydrogen cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a power generation unit that has a power generation unit body that generates power using a regulator that adjusts the pressure of hydrogen gas and the pressure of the hydrogen gas adjusted by the regulator, and has a built-in hydrogen storage material, A main body having a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to the power generation unit, and an openable / closable lid having a flow path connecting the hydrogen storage material and the gas supply end,At the gas supply endPower generation unitWhen removed from, the inside of the hydrogen cartridge is shut off from the outside of the hydrogen cartridgeAnd a nozzle with a check valve that prevents gas from entering the hydrogen cartridgeThis is accomplished with a hydrogen cartridge.
[0029]
  According to the present invention, when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the power generation device, the inside and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge are disconnected.By a check valve nozzleTherefore, when the user removes the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation device, hydrogen gas does not leak from the hydrogen cartridge, and air or the like does not enter the inside of the hydrogen cartridge. Therefore, the safety of handling by the user is ensured.
[0033]
In the present invention, the hydrogen storage material is not particularly limited, but a hydrogen storage alloy or a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material can be preferably used as the hydrogen storage material. The material of the hydrogen storage alloy is not particularly limited, but LaNi₅The carbonaceous hydrogen storage material is not particularly limited, but fullerenes, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, carbon soot, nanocapsules, bucky onions, carbon fibers, etc. are preferably used. it can.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0035]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 1, a power generation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is supplied from a power generation unit main body 2 that actually generates power, a hydrogen cartridge 3 that encloses hydrogen as fuel, and a hydrogen cartridge 3. A regulator 4 that adjusts the pressure of hydrogen and supplies it to the power generation unit main body 2, a check valve 5 and a valve 6 provided in a hydrogen supply path between the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the regulator 4, and a regulator 4 and a power generation unit main body 2 and a check valve 7 provided in the hydrogen supply path between the two. The check valve 5 is a valve that blocks the flow of gas from the valve 6 toward the hydrogen cartridge 3, and the check valve 7 is a valve that blocks the flow of gas from the power generation unit body 2 toward the regulator 4. The valve 6 has a control valve that can be manually operated, and the gas supply can be stopped by closing the control valve.
[0037]
Among these elements constituting the power generation device 1, the power generation unit body 2, the regulator 4, the check valve 5, the valve 6 and the check valve 7 constitute a power generation unit 8, and the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit 8 are attached and detached. It is configured to be possible. The power generation unit 8 can be provided integrally with a device that uses power supplied from the power generation unit main body 2, for example, a portable device such as a portable radio, a headphone stereo, a mobile phone, or a portable personal computer. Hereinafter, a device that uses power supplied from the power generation device 1 according to the present embodiment is referred to as a “used device”.
[0038]
The power generation unit main body 2 includes a hydrogen gas inlet 9 to which hydrogen gas is supplied and an air inlet 10 to which oxygen gas (air) is supplied. The hydrogen introduced from the hydrogen gas inlet 9 and the air inlet 10 A desired electromotive force is generated between the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12 by combining with oxygen contained in the introduced air. The electric power generated between the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12 is supplied to the utilization device.
[0039]
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the power generation unit main body 2.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 2, the power generation unit main body 2 includes a hydrogen electrode 13 that is a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode 14, a proton conductor portion 15 that is an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the hydrogen electrode 13 and the oxygen electrode 14, The fixed block 16 which is a housing, the first movable block 17 provided on the hydrogen electrode 13 side, the second movable block 18 provided on the oxygen electrode 14 side, and the first movable block 17 are illustrated in FIG. And a spring 19 for biasing to the position shown in FIG.
[0041]
The hydrogen electrode 13 is composed of an electrode base 20 made of fibrous carbon aggregates and a catalyst layer 21 formed on the surface thereof. Similarly, the oxygen electrode 14 is made of an electrode base 22 made of fibrous carbon aggregates and the surface thereof. It is comprised by the catalyst layer 23 formed in this. Examples of the catalyst include platinum, platinum alloy, palladium, magnesium, titanium, manganese, lanthanum, vanadium, zirconium, nickel-lanthanum alloy, titanium-iron alloy, iridium, rhodium, and gold. Preferred is platinum. And platinum alloys.
[0042]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the positive electrode lead 11 is led out from the electrode base 22 of the oxygen electrode 14, and the negative electrode lead 12 is led out from the electrode base 20 of the hydrogen electrode 13. The lead 12 is connected to the power source of the device used.
[0043]
A flow path 24 for supplying hydrogen gas to the hydrogen electrode 13 and a flow path 25 for supplying oxygen to the oxygen electrode 14 are formed in the fixed block 16, and the hydrogen introduced from the hydrogen gas inlet 9 is formed. The gas flows through the flow path 24 and reaches the hydrogen electrode 13, and the air introduced from the air introduction port 10 flows through the flow path 25, and the oxygen gas contained therein reaches the oxygen electrode 14. The gas flowing through the flow paths 24 and 25 is configured to be discharged from the discharge ports 26 and 27, respectively. That is, the hydrogen gas flowing through the flow path 24 is blocked or allowed to be discharged from the discharge port 26 according to the position of the first movable block 17, and the air flowing through the flow path 25 is transferred to the second movable block 18. Depending on the position, venting through the air inlet 10 and the outlet 27 is prevented or enabled. The operation of the first movable block 17 and the second movable block 18 will be described later.
[0044]
The hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen gas inlet 9 to the flow path 24 reaches the catalyst layer 21 formed on the surface via the electrode base 20 made of a fibrous carbon aggregate, and is converted into protons and electrons by the catalytic action. Dissociated. Among these, electrons move to the negative electrode lead 12 via the electrode substrate 20 and are supplied to a utilization device (not shown), and protons move to the oxygen electrode 14 side via the proton conductor portion 15. On the other hand, the oxygen gas contained in the air supplied from the air inlet 10 to the flow path 25 reaches the catalyst layer 23 formed on the surface via the electrode base 22 made of a fibrous carbon aggregate, and is caused by the catalytic action. The water is combined with protons supplied from the proton conductor portion 15 and electrons supplied from the load via the positive electrode lead 11. In this way, a desired electromotive force is taken out.
[0045]
Here, the proton conductor portion 15 is a membrane that prevents the permeation of hydrogen gas and allows the permeation of protons. The material of the proton conductor portion 15 is not particularly limited, but a carbonaceous material containing carbon as a main component is used as a base material. It is preferable to use a material into which a dissociable group is introduced. The “proton dissociable group” means “a functional group from which protons can be separated by ionization”.
[0046]
Any material can be used as the carbonaceous material as the base material of the proton conductor portion 15 as long as it is mainly composed of carbon. However, after introducing a proton dissociable group, The conductivity needs to be greater than the electron conductivity. Here, specific examples of the carbonaceous material serving as a base include carbon clusters that are aggregates of carbon atoms and carbonaceous materials including carbon tubes.
[0047]
There are various types of carbon clusters, and fullerenes, fullerene structures having at least one open end, diamond structures, and the like are preferable. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any material may be used as long as the ion conductivity is greater than the electron conductivity after the introduction of a proton dissociable group.
[0048]
As the carbonaceous material serving as a base material of the proton conductor portion 15, it is most preferable to select fullerene, which includes a proton dissociable group such as an —OH group, —OSO, and the like.₃H group, -COOH group, -SO₃H group, -OPO (OH)₂It is preferable to use a material into which a group is introduced as the material of the proton conductor portion 3.
[0049]
Next, the hydrogen cartridge 3 will be described.
[0050]
FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the hydrogen cartridge 3, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the hydrogen cartridge 3.
[0051]
3A and 3B, the hydrogen cartridge 3 includes a main body 28, a lid 29, a hinge 30 that fixes the main body 28 and the lid 29 so as to be openable and closable, and hydrogen gas from the power generation unit 8. And a nozzle 31 with a check valve for supplying to the nozzle.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 3B, the main body 28 is filled with a hydrogen storage material 32. As the type of the hydrogen storage material, a hydrogen storage alloy or a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material can be used, and the hydrogen storage alloy is not particularly limited, but LaNi₅The carbonaceous hydrogen storage material is not particularly limited, and fullerene, carbon nanofiber, carbon nanotube, carbon soot, nanocapsule, bucky onion, carbon fiber, and the like can be used.
[0053]
Such a hydrogen storage material 32 can be stored by supplying hydrogen gas having a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure that differs depending on the type of material used, and the stored hydrogen gas is used. When the pressure falls below a predetermined pressure (hydrogen release equilibrium pressure) that differs depending on the type of material, the material is released. In general, the hydrogen release equilibrium pressure is often 1 atm or more, typically 5 to 10 atm.
[0054]
The main body 28 further has a flow path 33 for hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32, and the flow path 33 is terminated by a nozzle 31 with a check valve. Further, a cup-shaped filter member 34 is disposed in the flow path 33.
[0055]
On the other hand, the lid 29 is provided with a flow path 35 for guiding the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32 to the flow path 33, so that the hydrogen storage material is closed when the lid 29 is closed. The hydrogen gas released from 32 is supplied to the flow path 33 without leaking outside.
[0056]
When replenishing the hydrogen storage material 32 with hydrogen gas, the lid 29 is opened, and the hydrogen storage material 32 is made to store hydrogen gas in this state.
[0057]
When the hydrogen cartridge 3 having such a configuration is attached to the power generation unit 8, the nozzle 31 with a check valve that configures the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the check valve 5 that configures the power generation unit 8 are connected. Hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32 is sent to the power generation unit 8 through the nozzle 31 with a check valve. On the other hand, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8, the nozzle 31 with a check valve completely shuts off the flow path 33 and the outside, thereby preventing the release of hydrogen gas existing in the flow path 33. At the same time, the inflow of gas into the flow path 33 is blocked.
[0058]
Here, the hydrogen storage material 32 is LaNi₅In the case of a hydrogen storage alloy such as the one described above, the alloy is gradually pulverized and scattered by repeatedly storing and releasing hydrogen gas. In addition, when the hydrogen storage material 32 is made of a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material made of fullerene, carbon nanofiber, or the like, it is very fine and therefore easily scatters. If the pulverized alloy or carbonaceous hydrogen storage material scatters to the outside of the hydrogen cartridge 3, various elements existing in the hydrogen gas flow path, such as the regulator 4 and the check valve 5, may be contaminated. If the hydrogen electrode 13 is reached, there is a risk of reducing the power generation efficiency. However, since the hydrogen cartridge 3 is provided with the filter member 34 in the hydrogen gas flow path 33, the pulverized alloy and the carbonaceous hydrogen storage material are not scattered outside the hydrogen cartridge 3.
[0059]
As described above, the regulator 4 functions to adjust the pressure of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 7 and supply it to the hydrogen gas inlet 9 of the power generation unit main body 2. That is, as described above, the hydrogen release equilibrium pressure of the hydrogen storage material 32 is often 1 atm or higher, and typically 5 to 10 atm. If it is introduced to 2, the power generation unit main body 2 may be damaged. For this reason, such high-pressure hydrogen gas is adjusted to a pressure close to atmospheric pressure, for example, about 1.3 atmospheric pressure by the regulator 4, and the hydrogen gas whose pressure is adjusted is supplied to the hydrogen gas inlet 9 of the power generation unit main body 2. Supplied to.
[0060]
Next, the function of the power generator 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0061]
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the hydrogen cartridge 3 is detached from the power generation unit 8 (non-attached state).
[0062]
In a state where the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8 (non-attached state), the second movable block 18 is set to the position shown in FIG. When the second movable block 18 is set to the position shown in FIG. 4, the air inlet 10 and the outlet 27 are closed, whereby the flow path 25 is sealed. For this reason, in such a state, not only new air is not supplied to the oxygen electrode 14, but also intrusion of foreign matters such as dust and dust is prevented.
[0063]
Next, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 in a state where hydrogen gas is sufficiently stored in the hydrogen storage material 32 is attached to the power generation unit 8 from this state, the nozzle 31 with a check valve provided in the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit 8 is connected to the check valve 5 so that the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32 can flow into the power generation unit 8 (mounted state). At this time, if the valve 6 is in a closed state, the control valve is opened and hydrogen gas is allowed to flow into the regulator 4.
[0064]
The hydrogen gas sent to the regulator 4 is adjusted to a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure by the function of the regulator 4. For example, if the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 3 is 5 to 10 atm, the regulator 4 reduces the pressure to about 1.3 atm.
[0065]
The hydrogen gas whose pressure is adjusted in this way is supplied to the power generation unit main body 2 via the check valve 7 and reaches the hydrogen electrode 13 provided in the power generation unit main body 2.
[0066]
During this time, the user operates the second movable block 18 and sets it to the position shown in FIG. When the second movable block 18 is set to the position shown in FIG. 2, the air inlet 10 and the outlet 27 are opened, whereby new air flows into the flow path 25. The oxygen gas contained in the air flowing into the flow path 25 reaches the oxygen electrode 14.
[0067]
As a result, the power generation unit main body 2 enters a power generation state, and a predetermined electromotive force is generated between the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12. As described above, since the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12 are connected to the power source of the utilization device, it is possible to operate the utilization device.
[0068]
When the utilization device is operated in this manner, naturally, the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material 32 of the hydrogen cartridge 3 gradually decreases and eventually becomes zero. Therefore, when the user wants to continue operating the user device, the user removes the hydrogen cartridge 3 from the power generation unit 8 before the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material 32 becomes zero, and stores the hydrogen storage material 32 in the hydrogen storage material 32. What is necessary is just to mount another hydrogen cartridge 3 in which sufficient hydrogen gas was occluded.
[0069]
Here, even if the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8, the nozzle 31 with a check valve is provided on the hydrogen cartridge 3 side, and the flow path 33 in the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the outside are completely shut off. Therefore, hydrogen gas existing in the flow path 33 is not released to the outside, and air or the like does not flow into the flow path 33 from the outside.
[0070]
On the other hand, since the check valve 5 is also provided on the power generation unit 8 side, the hydrogen gas remaining inside the regulator 4 is not released to the outside. That is, if the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 3 is 5 to 10 atm, the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the vicinity of the inlet of the regulator 4 becomes the same high pressure, but the valve 6 is closed. Even if the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed without being removed, the presence of the check valve 5 does not release such high-pressure hydrogen gas to the outside.
[0071]
Furthermore, since the check valve 7 is provided, the hydrogen gas remaining inside the power generation unit main body 2 does not flow back to the regulator 4.
[0072]
Next, an operation for stopping power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 will be described.
[0073]
In order to stop the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2, the supply of hydrogen gas to the hydrogen electrode 13 may be stopped or the supply of air to the oxygen electrode 14 may be stopped. In the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment, power generation can be stopped by any method.
[0074]
That is, when power generation is stopped by stopping the supply of hydrogen gas to the hydrogen electrode 13, the control valve provided in the valve 6 may be closed by a user operation. When the valve 6 is closed, the supply of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen cartridge 3 is stopped, so that power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 is stopped.
[0075]
Further, by removing the hydrogen cartridge 3 from the power generation unit 8 by the user's operation, the supply of hydrogen gas can be cut off, thereby stopping the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2.
[0076]
On the other hand, when power generation is stopped by stopping the supply of air to the oxygen electrode 14, the second movable block 18 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 4 by the user's operation. Just do it. When the second movable block 18 is set at the position shown in FIG. 4, the flow path 25 is in a sealed state, and thus power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 is stopped.
[0077]
When power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 is stopped, the power generation may be stopped using both of the method of cutting off the supply of hydrogen gas and the method of cutting off the supply of air. .
[0078]
Next, an operation for discharging the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 will be described.
[0079]
Although high purity hydrogen gas is supplied to the flow path 24 from the hydrogen gas inlet 9, when the hydrogen gas is consumed by power generation, the concentration of the impurity gas in the flow path 24 gradually increases. The impurity gas in the flow path 24 hinders the hydrogen gas from reaching the hydrogen electrode 13, thereby reducing the power generation efficiency. For this reason, it is necessary to discharge the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 to the outside.
[0080]
In order to release the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 to the outside, the first movable block 17 may be pushed in by a user operation while the hydrogen cartridge 3 is mounted on the power generation unit 8.
[0081]
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the first movable block 17 is pushed.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the first movable block 17 is pushed in, the flow path 24 is in a state where it can be vented to the outside through the discharge port 26. In this state, when high-purity hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen gas inlet 9, the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 is pushed out by the hydrogen gas and exhausted from the outlet 26. After that, when the user stops pushing the first movable block 17, the first movable block 17 is automatically returned to the position shown in FIG.
[0083]
If such an operation is performed periodically, the purity of the hydrogen gas in the flow path 24 can always be kept high, whereby the power generation efficiency can be kept high. Further, since the first movable block 17 is urged by the spring 19, the airtightness of the flow path 24 during normal operation is ensured.
[0084]
As described above, in the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment, the check valve 5 is provided between the removable hydrogen cartridge 3 and the regulator 4, so that even if the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed, the regulator The hydrogen gas remaining in 4 does not flow backward and is released to the outside. Similarly, since the check valve 7 is provided between the regulator 4 and the power generation unit main body 2, hydrogen gas remaining in the power generation unit main body 2 does not flow back to the regulator 4.
[0085]
Further, in the power generation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the valve 6 is provided between the removable hydrogen cartridge 3 and the regulator 4, so that the power generation unit main body is closed by closing the valve 6 and stopping the supply of hydrogen gas. Power generation by 2 can be stopped.
[0086]
Furthermore, in the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment, the first movable block 17 is provided in the power generation unit main body 2, so that the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 is exhausted by operating this. be able to.
[0087]
Moreover, in the electric power generating apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment, since the 2nd movable block 18 is provided in the electric power generation part main body 2, and supply of air can be stopped by operating this, by operating this, Power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 can be stopped. Further, if the flow path 25 is sealed by operating the second movable block 18, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust and dust from entering the power generation unit main body 2.
[0088]
Furthermore, in the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment, since the filter member 34 is provided inside the hydrogen cartridge 3, the pulverized alloy or carbonaceous hydrogen storage material does not scatter outside the hydrogen cartridge 3. .
[0089]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.
[0090]
For example, in the above embodiment, the operation of the first movable block 17 is entrusted to the user, but this may be configured to be performed automatically. For example, the first movable block 17 may be moved to the position shown in FIG. 5 for a certain time in response to the start of power generation so that the impurity gas is exhausted every time power generation is started. The first movable block 17 may be moved to the position shown in FIG.
[0091]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although operation of the 2nd movable block 18 is entrusted to the user, you may comprise so that this may be performed automatically. For example, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is attached to the power generation unit 8, the second movable block 18 is mechanically moved to the position shown in FIG. 2 in conjunction with this, and the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8. In conjunction with this, the second movable block 18 may be mechanically moved to the position shown in FIG.
[0092]
Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although operation of the valve | bulb 6 is left to the user, you may comprise so that this may be performed automatically. For example, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is attached to the power generation unit 8, the valve 6 is mechanically opened in conjunction with this, and when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8, the valve 6 is mechanically interlocked with this. May be configured to close. However, in order to freely stop the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the hydrogen cartridge 3 is mounted on the power generation unit 8, at least one of the second movable block 18 and the valve 6 can be freely operated by the user. Need to be possible.
[0093]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the material which has as a base the carbonaceous material which has carbon as a main component is used as the material of the proton conductor part 15, different materials, for example, perfluorosulfonic acid resin etc. May be used.
[0094]
Furthermore, although the electric power generating apparatus 1 concerning the said embodiment is provided with the valve | bulb 6 and this can interrupt | block hydrogen gas, in this invention, it is not essential to provide the electric power generating apparatus with the valve | bulb 6, and this is abbreviate | omitted. It doesn't matter.
[0095]
Moreover, although the electric power generating apparatus 1 concerning the said embodiment is equipped with the regulator 4 and this adjusts the pressure of hydrogen gas, in this invention, it is not essential to provide the electric power generating apparatus with the regulator 4, and this is abbreviate | omitted. It doesn't matter.
[0096]
Furthermore, the power generation device 1 according to the above embodiment includes two check valves 5 and 7 between the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit main body 2, thereby preventing the backflow of hydrogen gas. In addition, it is not essential to provide two check valves between the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit main body 2, and this may be one.
[0097]
In addition, the power generation device 1 according to the above embodiment includes the first movable block 17, thereby allowing the impurity gas in the flow path 24 to be discharged. In the present invention, the power generation device includes a means for discharging the impurity gas. It is not indispensable to provide, and this may be omitted.
[0098]
Furthermore, although the electric power generating apparatus 1 concerning the said embodiment is equipped with the 2nd movable block 18, and this can interrupt | block air, in this invention, it is not essential to provide the electric power generating apparatus with the air interruption | blocking means, This may be omitted.
[0099]
Further, the power generation apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment includes the filter member 34 in the hydrogen cartridge 3, thereby preventing the pulverized alloy and the carbonaceous hydrogen storage material from being scattered outside the hydrogen cartridge 3. In the present invention, it is not essential to provide a filter member in the hydrogen cartridge, and this may be omitted.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, in the present invention, the removable hydrogen cartridge.Between the regulator and the regulator and between the regulator and the generatorCheckValveBecause it was provided,BodyHydrogen cartridgeToThe back flow of hydrogen gas is prevented. For this reason, the hydrogen cartridgeThePower generationPartEven if it is removedPartPower generation department book includedBody andRegularWithinThe hydrogen gas remaining in is not released to the outside.In addition, since a supply end having a nozzle with a check valve for supplying hydrogen gas to the power generation device is provided to the hydrogen cartridge, hydrogen gas may leak from the hydrogen cartridge when the user removes the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation device. On the contrary, air or the like does not enter the inside of the hydrogen cartridge. Therefore, the safety of handling by the user is ensured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the power generation unit main body 2;
FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the hydrogen cartridge 3, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the hydrogen cartridge 3. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the hydrogen cartridge 3 is detached from the power generation unit 8 (non-attached state).
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state in which the first movable block 17 is pushed in.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Power generator
2 Power generation unit body
3 Hydrogen cartridge
4 Regulator
5, 7 Check valve
6 Valve
8 Power generation part
9 Hydrogen gas inlet
10 Air inlet
11 Positive lead
12 Negative lead
13 Hydrogen electrode
14 Oxygen electrode
15 Proton conductor
16 fixed blocks
17 First movable block
18 Second movable block
19 Spring
20, 22 electrode base
21,23 Catalyst layer
24, 25 flow path
26, 27 outlet
28 body
29 lid
30 Hinge
31 Nozzle with check valve
32 Hydrogen storage materials
33, 35 channel
34 Filter members

Claims (9)

A hydrogen cartridge including a main body having a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to a power generation device, and a lid capable of being opened and closed having a flow path connecting the hydrogen storage material and the gas supply end. A regulator for adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge , a power generation unit having a power generation unit main body for generating power using the hydrogen gas whose pressure is adjusted by the regulator, and the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation unit main body and a reverse flow preventing means for preventing the backflow of gas into,
The backflow prevention means includes
A nozzle with a check valve provided at the gas supply end;
A first check valve provided between the regulator and the hydrogen cartridge;
A second check valve that is provided between the regulator and the power generation unit main body and prevents a backflow of gas from the power generation unit main body to the regulator;
The nozzle with check valve and the first check valve are connected when the hydrogen cartridge is mounted.
Power generation equipment. The hydrogen cartridge, with respect to the power generation unit is configured to be detachable, power generator according to claim 1. Before SL gas supply end, when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the power generation unit, which is arranged in operation to shut off the interior of the hydrogen cartridge and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge, power generator according to claim 1 or 2 . The power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the power generation unit is provided integrally with a portable device. The power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a hydrogen storage alloy. The power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material. A hydrogen cartridge that is detachable from a power generation unit having a regulator that adjusts the pressure of hydrogen gas and a power generation unit main body that generates power using the hydrogen gas whose pressure is adjusted by the regulator,
A body containing a hydrogen storage material and having a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to the power generation unit;
An openable / closable lid having a flow path connecting the hydrogen storage material and the gas supply end;
Hydrogen having a check valve-equipped nozzle that shuts off the interior of the hydrogen cartridge and the exterior of the hydrogen cartridge and prevents gas from entering the interior of the hydrogen cartridge when removed from the power generation unit at the gas supply end cartridge. The hydrogen cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a hydrogen storage alloy. The hydrogen cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material.

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