JP5051049B2 - Power system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply system, and more particularly to a portable power supply system with high energy use efficiency.

  In recent years, various chemical batteries have been used in all fields for consumer and industrial use. For example, primary batteries such as alkaline dry batteries and manganese dry batteries are widely used in watches, cameras, toys, portable acoustic devices, etc. It is easy to obtain.

  On the other hand, secondary batteries such as nickel / cadmium storage batteries, nickel / hydrogen storage batteries, and lithium ion batteries are widely used in mobile devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital video cameras, and digital still cameras, which have been popular in recent years. In addition, since it can be repeatedly charged and discharged, it has a feature that is excellent in economic efficiency. Among secondary batteries, lead-acid batteries are used as power sources for starting vehicles and ships, or as emergency power sources for industrial facilities and medical facilities.

By the way, in recent years, with increasing interest in environmental problems and energy problems, the above-mentioned problems related to disposal after use of chemical batteries and the problem of energy conversion efficiency have been highlighted.
In particular, in the primary battery, as described above, the product price is inexpensive and easy to obtain, and many devices are used as a power source, and the battery capacity cannot be recovered basically once discharged. Since only one-time use (so-called disposable) is possible, the annual disposal amount is several million tons. Here, in the entire chemical battery, there are statistical materials that the rate of collection by recycling is only about 20%, and the remaining 80% is dumped or landfilled in nature. There are concerns about environmental destruction caused by heavy metals such as mercury and indium contained in unrecovered batteries, and deterioration of the aesthetics of the natural environment.

  In addition, when the above-described chemical battery is verified from the viewpoint of energy resource utilization efficiency, the primary battery is produced using approximately 300 times the energy that can be discharged, so that the energy utilization efficiency is less than 1%. Absent. On the other hand, even if it is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged repeatedly and has excellent economic efficiency, when it is charged from a household power source (outlet), etc., the energy usage depends on the power generation efficiency and transmission loss at the power plant. Since the efficiency is reduced to about 12%, it cannot be said that effective use of energy resources is necessarily achieved.

  Therefore, in recent years, so-called fuel cells have been attracting attention because they have little impact on the environment and can realize extremely high energy use efficiency of about 30 to 40%, and drive power supplies for vehicles and cogeneration for home use. Research and development for practical use have been actively conducted for the purpose of application to systems and the like, or for the purpose of replacing the above-described chemical battery. The specific configuration of the fuel cell will be described in detail in the detailed description of the invention.

  However, in the future, in order to reduce the size and weight of a power system with high energy use efficiency such as a fuel cell, and to apply it as a replacement (compatible product) of a portable or portable portable power source, for example, a chemical battery as described above Need to solve various problems.

Specifically, in a fuel cell or the like, by using an electrochemical reaction that directly converts chemical energy of fuel into electric energy, a by-product is generated and discharged along with the reaction. Such by-products are mostly water (H ₂ O), and in addition, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ), and the like may be generated.

  Here, when a fuel cell is applied as a portable power source, if the generated water (or moisture) is discharged to the outside or leakage occurs, the fuel cell is connected or attached. The main body and peripheral devices (hereinafter collectively referred to as “devices”) have problems such as electric leakage, deterioration of electrical components, poor contact, and the like. In addition, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and the like also have a problem of adversely affecting the environment such as global warming by being discharged to the outside in a small amount.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention suppresses the influence of by-products generated when electrical energy is generated on the device and the natural environment as much as possible when a power system such as a fuel cell is applied to a portable power source. An object is to provide a power supply system.

  A power supply system according to the present invention includes a fuel sealing portion having a predetermined volume in which power generation fuel is sealed, and the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel sealing portion, the sealing portion being configured to be detachable. A power generation system that generates electric energy using the power generation module, wherein the power generation module includes at least a reforming unit that generates hydrogen from the fuel, a fuel cell that generates power from the hydrogen, and the electric energy. A separation / recovery means for separating and recovering at least a specific component of the by-products generated from the reforming unit and the fuel cell when generated, and at least recovered by the separation / recovery means And holding means for holding a specific component in the fuel sealing portion.

That is, a power generation module (generator) that generates power using a power generation fuel (or a specific fuel component supplied from the power generation fuel) made of liquid or gas filled and sealed in a fuel sealing portion (fuel pack) ) By-products generated when generating electric energy by the power generation module, such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), water (H ₂ O), nitrogen oxides (NO _X) ), Sulfur oxide (SO _X ), oxygen (O ₂ ), etc., are held by holding means provided in the fuel enclosure.

  As a result, the by-product is held in the fuel enclosure, and discharge or leakage to the outside of the power supply system is suppressed, so that malfunction or deterioration of the device due to the by-product can be prevented. Further, since the fuel sealing part is configured to be detachable from the power generation module and replaceable, the power generation fuel sealed in the fuel sealing part is eliminated (or decreased). Sometimes, the fuel enclosure can be removed from the power generation module and replaced with a new fuel enclosure so that the fuel enclosure can be used simply as if it were a general-purpose chemical cell, Since the retained by-product can be appropriately processed in a method that does not give a burden to the natural environment, contamination of the natural environment by the by-product or global warming can be prevented.

  The power generation module includes a fuel electrode to which the fuel for power generation is directly or indirectly supplied, and an air electrode to which oxygen in the air is supplied, and an electrochemical reaction at the fuel electrode and the air electrode. The power generation means may be configured to generate electric energy, and the power generation fuel is supplied directly or indirectly, and the electric power is generated based on the combustion reaction of the power generation fuel. It may be configured to have a power generation means for generating energy.

  That is, the generation method (power generation method) of electric energy in the power generation module (power generation means) is based on an electrochemical reaction using the fuel for power generation, for example, for power generation supplied to the fuel electrode (cathode) constituting the power generation means. A fuel cell that generates electric energy by an electrochemical reaction between fuel (hydrogen) and oxygen supplied to an air electrode (anode) can be applied well, and is based on a combustion reaction using a fuel for power generation, for example, Further, a gas combustion type turbine generator or a temperature difference generator using the Seebeck effect can be favorably applied.

In this case, the power generation module is configured to control the generation amount of the electric energy by controlling the supply amount of the power generation fuel to the power generation means according to the driving state of the load to which the electric energy is supplied. It may be.
This makes it possible to apply power generation means such as a fuel cell or a gas combustion type turbine generator with extremely high energy utilization efficiency compared to general-purpose chemical batteries, and to reduce the amount of fuel for power generation supplied to the power generation means. By adjusting and controlling, it is possible to generate and output appropriate electrical energy according to the driving state of the load, so that efficient generation (power generation) of electrical energy can be performed, and energy resources such as fossil fuels can be generated. Effective consumption can be achieved by reducing consumption.

  Further, the power generation module may have a power generation means configured to generate electric energy using a specific component separated and recovered by the fuel for power generation and the separation / recovery means. The specific component may be at least water produced by an electrochemical reaction or a combustion reaction.

Thereby, a specific component, for example, water (H ₂ O) among the by-products is applied to the steam reforming reaction of the fuel for power generation and the water retention of the ion exchange membrane of the fuel cell, or oxygen gas (O ₂ ). Can be supplied as a reaction gas in an electrochemical reaction, or as an oxygen gas-rich fuel in a combustion reaction, and applied directly or indirectly when generating electric energy (power generation) in a power generation means ( In addition, the holding means for recovering a specific component of the by-product can be reduced in size. In addition, since a by-product such as water (H ₂ O) is not discharged to the outside of the power supply system but is held in the holding means provided in the fuel enclosure, malfunction of the device due to the by-product or Deterioration and the like can be prevented.

In addition, the specific component separated and recovered by the separation and recovery unit and held in the holding unit may be at least a global warming substance generated by an electrochemical reaction or the combustion reaction.
As a result, byproducts that are regarded as global warming substances such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), nitrogen oxide (NO _X ), and sulfur oxide (SO _X ) are not discharged outside the power supply system. Since it is held by the holding means provided in the fuel enclosure, the above global warming can be performed by using a treatment method that does not place a burden on the natural environment by removing and collecting only the fuel enclosure after using the fuel for power generation. Substances can be treated appropriately, and pollution of the natural environment and global warming can be suppressed.

Here, the fuel sealing portion may be made of a material exhibiting decomposability that can be converted into one or more substances constituting nature at least in nature.
That is, the fuel encapsulating part holding the by-product generated along with the generation of electric energy in the power generation means is made of a polymer material (plastic) or the like that exhibits degradability such as biodegradability and photodegradability in nature. It is configured.

Thereby, the fuel enclosure part in which the by-products such as water (H ₂ O) and oxygen gas (O ₂ ) are held, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), nitrogen oxide (NO _X ), sulfur One or more substances that originally constitute the natural world even if the fuel enclosure after the by-products such as oxides (SO _X ) have been appropriately treated is disposed of or disposed of in the natural world Since it is decomposed into natural substances and does not discharge substances harmful to the natural world, and it does not impair the natural beauty over a long period of time, the burden on the natural environment can be greatly reduced.

  Furthermore, the fuel sealing portion has a first space in which the fuel for power generation is sealed and a second space in which a specific component is held by the holding means, and a specific space held in the second space. Depending on the amount of the component, the power generation fuel sealed in the first space may be pressed at a predetermined pressure.

  As a result, among the by-products generated when generating electric energy in the power generation means, specific components are separated and recovered and held in the holding means, and the fuel enclosure has a predetermined (constant) volume. Therefore, the power generation fuel can be pushed out at a predetermined pressure corresponding to the amount of the specific component held, and the power generation fuel can be appropriately supplied to the power generation means.

  In addition, at least one of the fuel enclosing unit and the power generation module is separated while the fuel encapsulating unit and the power generation module are coupled and the power generation fuel sealed in the fuel encapsulation unit is supplied to the power generation module. The specific component separated and recovered by the recovery means may be configured to be held by the holding means.

That is, only in a state where the fuel enclosure part is coupled to the power generation module, the fuel enclosure part is unsealed (breached), and the power generation fuel is supplied from the first space to the power generation module to generate electrical energy. Is done. In addition, only in the combined state, a by-product (specific component) generated upon generation of electrical energy in the power generation module is supplied to the holding unit and held in the second space.
As a result, in the state where the coupling between the fuel enclosing unit and the power generation module is released, the fuel encapsulating unit and the specific component are not leaked from the fuel enclosing unit. And by-product recovery can be performed.

  The power supply system according to the present invention is configured such that the electrical energy generated by the power generation module exhibits electrical characteristics equivalent to one of various general-purpose chemical cells, and further includes a fuel sealing unit and a power generation unit. The physical outer shape combining the modules may be configured to be equivalent to the shape and size of one kind of general-purpose chemical batteries. According to this, in the electrical characteristics and outer shape, Since it is compatible with a general-purpose chemical battery, a power supply system with extremely high energy conversion efficiency can be widely used in the existing battery market.

According to the present invention, power generation is performed by using power generation fuel (or a specific fuel component supplied from the power generation fuel) made of liquid or gas filled and sealed in a fuel sealing portion (fuel pack). In a portable power supply system equipped with a module (generator), by-products generated when generating electric energy by the power generation module, such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), water (H ₂ O), and nitrogen oxidation Among the substances (NO _X ), sulfur oxides (SO _X ), oxygen (O ₂ ), etc., at least one component is held by the holding means provided in the fuel enclosure.

  As a result, the by-product is held in the fuel enclosure, and discharge or leakage to the outside of the power supply system is suppressed, so that malfunction or deterioration of peripheral devices due to the by-product can be prevented. Further, since the fuel sealing part is configured to be detachable from the power generation module and replaceable, the power generation fuel sealed in the fuel sealing part is eliminated (or decreased). Sometimes, the fuel enclosure can be removed from the power generation module and replaced with a new fuel enclosure so that the fuel enclosure can be used simply as if it were a general-purpose chemical cell, Since the retained by-product can be appropriately processed in a method that does not give a burden to the natural environment, contamination of the natural environment by the by-product or global warming can be prevented.

  Further, the power generation module may be configured to have a power generation means for generating electric energy using a specific component separated and recovered by the fuel for power generation and the separation and recovery means. The specific component may be at least water produced by an electrochemical reaction or a combustion reaction.

Thereby, a specific component, for example, water (H ₂ O) among the by-products is applied to the steam reforming reaction of the fuel for power generation and the water retention of the ion exchange membrane of the fuel cell, or oxygen gas (O ₂ ). Can be supplied as a reaction gas in an electrochemical reaction, or as an oxygen gas-rich fuel in a combustion reaction, and applied directly or indirectly when generating electric energy (power generation) in a power generation means ( In addition, the holding means for recovering a specific component of the by-product can be reduced in size. Also, by-products such as water (H ₂ O) are held in the holding means provided in the fuel enclosure without being discharged to the outside of the power supply system. And deterioration can be prevented.

Furthermore, the fuel sealing portion has a first space in which the fuel for power generation is sealed and a second space in which a specific component is held by the holding means, and a specific space held in the second space. Depending on the amount of the component, the power generation fuel sealed in the first space may be pressed at a predetermined pressure.
As a result, among the by-products generated when generating electric energy in the power generation means, specific components are separated and recovered and held in the holding means, and the fuel enclosure has a predetermined (constant) volume. Therefore, the power generation fuel is pushed out at a predetermined pressure corresponding to the amount of the specific component held, so that the power generation fuel can be appropriately supplied to the power generation means.

  In addition, at least one of the fuel enclosing unit and the power generation module is separated while the fuel encapsulating unit and the power generation module are coupled and the power generation fuel sealed in the fuel encapsulation unit is supplied to the power generation module. The specific component separated and recovered by the recovery means may be configured to be held by the holding means.

That is, only in a state where the fuel enclosure part is coupled to the power generation module, the fuel enclosure part is unsealed (breached), and the power generation fuel is supplied from the first space to the power generation module to generate electrical energy. Is done. In addition, only in the combined state, a by-product (specific component) generated upon generation of electrical energy in the power generation module is supplied to the holding unit and held in the second space.
As a result, in the state where the coupling between the fuel enclosing unit and the power generation module is released, the fuel encapsulating unit and the specific component are not leaked from the fuel enclosing unit. And by-product recovery can be performed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a battery system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a power supply system according to the present invention. Here, in the power supply system according to the present embodiment, as an example of the power generation unit constituting the power generation module, a description will be given assuming that a solid polymer fuel cell adopting a fuel reforming method is included.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system according to the present embodiment is broadly divided into a fuel pack 10 (fuel sealing portion) in which fuel for power generation is sealed, and the fuel pack 10 are detachably coupled. And a power generation module 20 that generates (power generation) electric energy based on the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 10, the fuel pack 10 is provided with a collection holding unit 11 (holding means), The power generation module 20 includes a power generation unit 21 (power generation unit), an operation control unit 22, an output control unit 23, and a separation and recovery unit 24 (separation and recovery unit).

Each configuration will be specifically described below.
(A) Fuel pack 10
The fuel pack 10 is a fuel storage container having a high hermeticity and filled with a liquid (or liquefied) fuel or gaseous fuel containing hydrogen in its composition, and having a fixed volume. , And has a configuration that is detachably coupled. The power generation fuel sealed in the fuel pack 10 generates electrical energy output to the load by the power generation unit 21 via the output control unit 23 only when the fuel pack 10 is coupled to the power generation module 20. A predetermined supply amount required for the operation is taken in.

In addition, the by-product generated and discharged when generating electric energy in the power generation module 20 to be described later or in a part of the fuel pack 10 is identified and collected by the separation and recovery unit 24. A recovery holding unit 11 is provided for holding only the components or substances. Specifically, as will be described later, it is generated when electric energy is generated by an electrochemical reaction or a combustion reaction in the power generation unit 21 of the power generation module 10 only when the fuel pack 10 is coupled to the power generation module 20. All or part of by-products (specific components or substances) such as water (H ₂ O), nitrogen oxides (NO _X ), sulfur oxides (SO _X ), or a part of them are collected and held by the recovery holding unit 11 ( Alternatively, the fuel pack 10) is irreversibly held so as not to leak or discharge outside the fuel pack 10).

Here, since water (H ₂ O) is a liquid at normal temperature and normal pressure, a means for increasing the pressure in the collection holding unit 11 and the fuel pack 10 to liquefy is not particularly necessary, but generates electric energy. The vaporization points of nitrogen oxides (NO _X ) and sulfur oxides (SO _X ) that may be generated at the time are usually below normal temperature at normal pressure, and the amount of these by-product gases is large, and they are recovered and retained. If there is a risk that the amount of water that cannot be dissolved in the water recovered in the part 11 may exceed the volume of the recovery holding part 11, it is liquefied by increasing the atmospheric pressure in the recovery holding part 11 and the separation / recovery part 24, and a by-product The volume is reduced and accommodated in the collection holding unit 11.

  Accordingly, the configuration applied to the collection holding unit 11 includes an absorption polymer, a check valve, and the like so that the specific component or substance can be irreversibly absorbed, adsorbed, fixed, or fixed. Is preferred. Note that specific configuration examples and operations of the fuel pack 10 and the collection holding unit 11 will be described later.

  In addition, the fuel pack 10 can be subjected to organic chlorine compounds (dioxins; polychlorinated dibenzopararadixins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans) or hydrogen chloride gas even when subjected to artificial heating / incineration treatment, chemical / chemical treatment, etc. Further, it may be composed of a material that generates little or no harmful substances such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants.

  In addition, as the power generation fuel used in the power supply system according to the present embodiment, at least the fuel pack 10 in which the power generation fuel is sealed is dumped or landfilled in the natural world to be in the atmosphere, soil, or water. Even if it is leaked into the fuel, it does not become a pollutant to the natural environment, and in the main power generation unit 21A of the power generation module 20 described later, a fuel that can generate electrical energy with high energy conversion efficiency, Specifically, liquid fuel composed of alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, butanol, etc., liquefied gas composed of hydrocarbons such as dimethyl ether, isobutane, natural gas (CNG), and gaseous fuel such as hydrogen gas should be applied well. Can do.

According to the fuel pack 10 and the fuel for power generation having such a configuration, a by-product generated when generating electric energy in the power supply system according to the present embodiment is recovered and held in the fuel pack 10. Since it is irreversibly held in the unit 11, by-products (NO _X , SO _X , H ₂ O, etc.) harmful to the natural environment and the device to which the power supply system is connected or attached are generated. Even if this is the case, the by-products are not discharged outside the power supply system, so air pollution, global warming and other environmental impacts, device leakage, electrical component deterioration, poor contact, etc. Can be suppressed.

Further, by configuring the fuel pack 10 so as to be detachable from the power generation module 20, when the remaining amount of the enclosed power generation fuel decreases or disappears, the power generation fuel to the fuel pack 10 is reduced. Since replenishment and reuse (recycling) of the fuel pack 10 can be performed, the amount of disposal of the fuel pack 10 and the power generation module 20 can be greatly reduced. Here, since a new fuel pack can be replaced and attached to the single power generation module 20, a simple usage pattern can be provided in the same manner as a general-purpose chemical battery.
Further, by collecting the fuel pack 10 in which the power generation fuel is exhausted, the by-product held in the collection holding unit 11 can be appropriately processed in a method that does not place a burden on the natural environment. Can prevent pollution of the natural environment and global warming.

(B) Power generation module 20
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of the power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of the power generation section applied to the power generation module according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a 1st structural example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation module 20 uses at least a load (not shown) connected to the power supply system by an electrochemical reaction, a combustion reaction, or the like using the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 10. On the other hand, based on the power generation unit 21 that generates electrical energy serving as a driving power source (voltage / current) and the driving state of the load (load driving information), an operation control signal is output to change the operating state of the power generation unit 21. An operation control unit 22 for controlling, an output control unit 23 for controlling a power generation state such as a start-up operation in the power generation unit 21 and an amount of generated electric energy (power generation amount) based on an operation control signal from the operation control unit 22; Among the by-products generated during the generation of electrical energy in the power generation unit 21, a specific component or substance is separated, and only the specific component or substance is provided in the fuel pack 10. Irreversibly recovered holder 11 is configured to have a separate recovery unit 24 for holding the.

  The operation control unit 22 operates by electric energy (operation power supply) generated inside the power generation module 20 or supplied from the outside of the power generation module 20, and is connected to the power supply system according to the present embodiment (not shown). The power generation state of the power generation unit 21, which will be described later, is controlled based on the information on the driving state (omitted) (load drive information). Specifically, when a command for starting a load is detected in a state where the power generation unit 21 is not driven, an operation control signal for starting the power generation unit 21 is sent to the output control unit 23 described later. When an instruction to stop the load is detected while the power generation unit 21 is driven, an operation control signal for stopping the power generation unit 21 is output to the output control unit 23. .

  On the other hand, when a change in the driving state of the load is detected while the power generation unit 21 is driving, the electric energy supplied from the power generation unit 21 to the load is output to the output control unit 23 by the load driving state. An operation control signal for adjusting the amount of electric energy generated (power generation amount) in the power generation unit 21 is output so as to be an appropriate value corresponding to the above.

  Here, the information (load drive information) relating to the drive state of the load such as a command detected by the operation control unit 22 is output from the peripheral device serving as the load according to the drive state (startup / variation). A specific information signal may be used, and in a configuration in which a positive (+) pole and a negative (-) pole are electrically connected to each other only as in a general-purpose chemical battery, for example, a standby mode described later In the state, a monitor voltage is constantly supplied to the load via the positive (+) pole and the negative (−) pole, and the fluctuation is constantly monitored to detect the start-up state of the load. In the steady state, the fluctuation state of the load is constantly monitored by monitoring the fluctuation of the electric energy (particularly, the driving voltage) serving as the driving power supplied to the load via the positive (+) pole and the negative (−) pole. May be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the output control unit 23 includes an activation unit 23 a that performs control to shift (activate) the power generation unit 21 to a drive state based on the operation control signal from the operation control unit 22, and the power generation unit 21. A fuel control unit 23b for controlling the supply amount of power generation fuel (hydrogen gas) to the air, an air control unit 23c for controlling the supply amount of air (oxygen gas) to the power generation unit 21, and reforming the power generation fuel And a reforming section 23d for gasifying and supplying hydrogen contained in the power generation fuel.

Here, when the activation unit 23a receives an operation control signal for activating the power generation unit 21 from the operation control unit 22 in a state where the power generation unit 21 is not driven, at least the fuel control unit 23b and the air control unit 23c. By controlling the fuel control unit 23b (which may be only the fuel control unit 23b) and supplying hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) and oxygen gas (O ₂ ) to the power generation unit 21, the power generation unit 21 is started and predetermined electric power is supplied. Transition to an operating state (steady state) that generates energy.

When the operation control signal for stopping the power generation unit 21 is received from the operation control unit 22 while the power generation unit 21 is driven, at least the fuel control unit 23b (of the fuel control unit 23b and the air control unit 23c). In some cases, the supply of hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) to the power generation unit 21 is stopped to stop the generation of electric energy (power generation) in the power generation unit 21 and shift to a standby state.

Based on the operation control signal output from the operation control unit 22 via the starting unit 23a, the fuel control unit 23b generates hydrogen gas in an amount necessary for generating and outputting predetermined electric energy in the power generation unit 21. Fuel, water, and the like corresponding to (H ₂ ) are supplied from the fuel pack 10, reformed to hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) by the reforming unit 23 d, and fuel for the power generation unit 21 (see FIG. 3) described later. The supply to the electrode 31 is performed, and the air control unit 23c controls the amount of oxygen gas (O ₂ ) supplied to the air electrode 32 of the power generation unit 21 (see FIG. 3). The progress of the electrochemical reaction in the power generation unit (fuel cell main body) 21 by adjusting the amount of hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) and oxygen gas (O ₂ ) supplied to the power generation unit 21 by the control units 23b and 23c. Is controlled, and the amount of electric energy generated (power generation amount) is controlled.

  Here, as long as the air control unit 23c can supply air (atmosphere) corresponding to the maximum consumption of oxygen per unit time in the power generation unit 21, the oxygen control unit 23c supplies oxygen gas to the air electrode 32 of the power generation unit 21. You may set so that it may always supply at the time of a drive (steady state), without controlling quantity. That is, the output control unit 23 controls the progress of the electrochemical reaction only by the fuel control unit 23b, and provides a vent hole instead of the air control unit 23c. It may be configured such that an amount of air is constantly supplied via the vent hole.

Further, as described above, the reforming unit 23 d extracts and gasifies the hydrogen component contained in the power generation fuel sealed in the fuel pack 10 and supplies the hydrogen component to the power generation unit 21. Specifically, the fuel for power generation in the fuel pack 10 is a fuel in which methanol and equimolar water (H ₂ O) are mixed in addition to methanol (CH ₃ OH) and uniformly mixed with methanol. The mixture of liquid fuel (alcohols) containing hydrogen such as methanol and water supplied from the pack 10 to the output control unit 23 performs a steam reforming reaction as shown in the following chemical reaction formula (1). To generate hydrogen gas (H ₂ ). Note that a small amount of product (mainly CO ₂ ) other than hydrogen generated by this reforming reaction is discharged into the atmosphere.
CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → 3H ₂ + CO ₂ (1)

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the power generation unit 21 is roughly divided, for example, a fuel electrode (cathode) 31 composed of a carbon electrode to which catalyst fine particles such as platinum and platinum / ruthenium are adhered, and catalyst fine particles such as platinum are adhered. The air electrode (anode) 32 made of the carbon electrode and the film-like ion conductive film (exchange membrane) 33 interposed between the fuel electrode 31 and the air electrode 32 are configured. Here, the fuel electrode 31 is supplied with hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) extracted through the above-described reforming unit 23 d, while the air electrode 32 is supplied with atmospheric oxygen gas (O ₂ ). As a result, electric power is generated by an electrochemical reaction, and electric energy to be a predetermined driving power source (voltage / current) is supplied to the load 34.

Specifically, when the hydrogen gas to the fuel electrode 31 (H ₂₎ is supplied, as shown in the following chemical equation (2), electrons by the catalyst (e ^-) is separated hydrogen ions (protons; H ⁺ ) is generated and passes through the ion conductive film 33 toward the air electrode 32, and electrons (e ⁻ ) are taken out by the carbon electrode constituting the fuel electrode 31 and supplied to the load 34.
3H ₂ → 6H ++ 6e ⁻ (2)

On the other hand, when air is supplied to the air electrode 32, as shown in the following chemical reaction formula (3), electrons (e ⁻ ) passing through the load 34 by the catalyst and hydrogen ions ( H ⁺ ) and oxygen gas (O ₂ ) in the air react to produce water (H ₂ O).
6H ⁺ + 3 / 2O ₂ + 6e ⁻ → 3H ₂ O (3)
Such a series of electrochemical reactions (formulas (2) and (3)) proceed in a relatively low temperature environment of approximately 60 to 80 ° C. Although not described in the chemical reaction formulas (1) to (3), nitrogen oxides (NO) synthesized from a small amount of nitrogen and sulfur components present in the fuel in addition to water as by-products. _X ), sulfur oxide (SO _X ) may be generated.

The driving power supply (voltage / current) supplied to the load 34 by the electrochemical reaction as described above depends on the amount of hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) supplied to the fuel electrode 31 of the power generation unit 21. Therefore, the electric energy supplied to the load can be arbitrarily adjusted by controlling the amount of hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) supplied to the fuel electrode 31 of the power generation unit 21 by the fuel control unit 23b.

  And in the output control part 23 and the electric power generation part 21 which were mentioned above, the separation-and-recovery part 24 is at least 1 type or more among the by-products produced | generated with a series of chemical reactions for generating an electrical energy. Then, a specific component or substance is separated and sent to the collection holding unit 11 provided in the fuel pack 10.

Specifically, in the power supply system according to the present embodiment, carbon dioxide (generated with hydrogen gas) accompanying the steam reforming reaction (chemical reaction formula (1)) in the reforming unit 23d of the output control unit 23 ( CO ₂ ) and water (H ₂ O) generated along with the generation of electrical energy in association with the electrochemical reaction (chemical reaction formulas (2) and (3)) in the power generation unit 21 are converted into the reforming unit 23d and Although it is discharged from the power generation unit 21, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) is extremely small and has almost no influence on the device. Therefore, it is discharged out of the power supply system as a non-recovered substance, while water (H ₂ O), etc. Is collected by the separation and collection unit 24 and sent to the collection and holding unit 11 to be irreversibly held.

Here, since the electrochemical reaction (chemical reaction formulas (2) and (3)) in the power generation unit 21 proceeds at approximately 60 to 90 ° C., the water (H ₂ O) generated in the power generation unit 21 is It is discharged almost in the state of water vapor (gas). Therefore, the separation / recovery unit 24 liquefies only the water (H ₂ O) component, for example, by cooling the steam discharged from the power generation unit 21 or by applying pressure, and from other components. Separate and collect.

In the present embodiment, since shows the case of application methanol (CH 3 _OH) as a power generation fuel, by-products due to the generation of electrical energy, mostly a water (H 2 _O), By adopting a mode in which a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) is discharged outside the power supply system, separation and recovery of a specific component or substance (that is, water) in the separation / recovery unit 24 is realized with a relatively simple configuration. However, when another substance is applied as a fuel for power generation, a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) or the like may be generated together with water (H ₂ O).

In such a case, for example, water (H ₂ O) and other specific components or substances (carbon dioxide) produced in large quantities are separated by the separation / recovery unit 24 and then provided in the fuel pack 10. You may comprise so that it may hold | maintain in the single or several collection | recovery holding | maintenance part 11 integrally or separately.

Thus, according to the power supply system according to the present embodiment, by-products generated when generating electric energy by the power generation module 20, such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), water (H ₂ O), and the like. Among these, by-products are held irreversibly in the fuel pack 10 by holding at least one component in the collection holding unit 11 provided in the fuel pack 10, and discharge or leakage to the outside of the power supply system is prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and deterioration of the device due to by-products (water) and to properly handle the by-products held in the fuel enclosure in a way that does not place a burden on the natural environment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent pollution of the natural environment and global warming due to by-products (carbon dioxide). Further, nitrogen oxide (NO _X ) and sulfur oxide (SO _X ) may also be recovered in the recovery holding unit 11 different from water (H ₂ O).

  Further, in the power supply system according to the present embodiment, supply of electric energy to be a predetermined drive power supply, stop control, and control according to a drive state (load drive information) of a load (device) connected to the power supply system, and Since adjustment control of the generation amount of electric energy can be performed, the fuel for power generation can be consumed efficiently. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power supply system that achieves predetermined electrical characteristics and has extremely high energy use efficiency.

  Furthermore, in the power supply system according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the power supply system (power generation module) according to the present embodiment is reduced in size and weight by applying a semiconductor manufacturing technology, and has the same shape as a general-purpose chemical battery. By configuring as described above, it is possible to realize high compatibility with general-purpose chemical batteries in any of the external shape and electrical characteristics (voltage / current characteristics), and it is easier to spread in the existing battery market. Can be. As a result, it is possible to easily disseminate power supply systems using fuel cells in place of existing chemical cells that have many problems in terms of environmental problems and energy utilization efficiency, etc., while suppressing the impact on the environment, High energy use efficiency can be realized.

Next, the specific configuration of the fuel pack according to the present embodiment and the relationship between the fuel pack and the collection holding unit will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the fuel pack and the collection holding unit according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the fuel pack 10 according to the present embodiment is made of a polymer material (plastic) having a certain volume and having the decomposability as described above. A space 12A (first space) filled with fuel for power generation such as methanol and a space 12B (second component) in which by-products (specific components or substances) such as water sent from the separation and recovery unit 24 are held. ), And the volume of the space 12B is relatively variable, as will be described later, the recovery bag 13 that isolates the space 12B from the space 12A, and the fuel for power generation sealed in the space 12A is supplied to the fuel control unit 23b. And a by-product intake valve 14B for taking a by-product sent from the separation and recovery unit 24 into the space 12B.

  Here, the fuel supply valve 14 </ b> A and the by-product intake valve 14 </ b> B can supply fuel for power generation and take in by-products only when the fuel pack 10 is coupled to the power generation module 20. As such, a check valve is provided. Thereby, in the state where the fuel pack 10 is removed from the power generation module 20, the fuel for power generation sealed in the space 12A and the by-product held in the space 12B do not leak out of the fuel pack 10. . Instead of providing the function of the check valve in the by-product intake valve 14B, the space 12B may have a configuration in which an absorption (water absorption) polymer or the like is filled.

  In the fuel pack 10 having such a configuration, the power generation fuel sealed in the space 12A is supplied to the power generation module 20 (power generation unit 21) via the fuel supply valve 14A, thereby generating predetermined electric energy. Is executed, and only a specific component or substance (for example, water) is recovered from the by-products generated by the separation and recovery unit 24 along with the generation of electric energy, and the by-product intake valve is recovered. It is taken in and held in the space 12B via 14B.

  As a result, the volume of the power generation fuel sealed in the space 12A decreases, and the volume of the specific component or substance held in the space 12B relatively increases. At this time, by applying a configuration in which the space 12B is filled with an absorbing polymer or the like, the volume of the space 12B is set so as to have a larger volume than the substantial volume of the by-product collected and taken in. Can be controlled.

  Therefore, the relationship between the spaces 12A and 12B not only increases or decreases relatively with the generation (power generation) operation of the electric energy in the power generation module 20, but also according to the amount of by-products held in the space 12B. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, by pressing the collection bag 13 at a predetermined pressure, pressure is applied to the power generation fuel sealed in the space 12A. The power generation fuel can be appropriately supplied, and as shown in FIG. 4C, the power generation fuel sealed in the space 12A is supplied almost completely due to the by-product held in the space 12B. can do.

Here, according to the formulas (1) to (3), water (H ₂ O) is generated at a ratio of 3 mol with respect to 1 mol of methanol (CH ₃ OH) and 1 mol of water (H ₂ O). However, 1 mol of methanol (CH ₃ OH) in the liquid state is about 40.56 cm ³ , whereas 1 mol of water (H ₂ O) is about 18.02 cm ³ , so that the fuel pack 10 When methanol (CH ₃ OH) sealed in the initial state in the space 12A is Mcm ³ , the space 12A has a volume of 1.444 Mcm ³ including water.

When all the methanol (CH ₃ OH) reacts, the by-product water (H ₂ O) becomes 1.333 Mcm ³ , and the liquid fuel in the initial state (methanol (CH ₃ OH) and water (H ₂ O)) Therefore, when water accounts for most of the volume of the by-product, power generation in the space 12A of the fuel pack 10 is generated as the by-product is generated. Since the sum of the volume of the fuel for use and the volume of the by-product in the space 12B is reduced, there is no need to provide a large by-product space 12B in which liquid fuel does not enter in advance. Most of them can be filled with liquid fuel.

Next, another configuration example of the power generation unit applied to the power generation module according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the power generation unit applied to the power generation module according to the present embodiment. Here, it demonstrates, referring to the structure (FIGS. 1 thru | or FIG. 3) of the power supply system mentioned above as needed.

  In the above-described first configuration example (FIG. 3), as the power generation unit 21 applied to the power generation module 20, a solid polymer fuel cell using a fuel reforming method is shown and described. In the configuration example, as an example of the power generation unit, there is a configuration of a solid polymer fuel cell adopting a direct fuel supply system.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power generation unit 21X according to the second configuration example includes a fuel electrode 41 made of a carbon electrode to which predetermined catalyst fine particles are attached, and an air electrode 42 made of a carbon electrode to which predetermined catalyst fine particles are attached. , And an ion conductive film 43 interposed between the fuel electrode 41 and the air electrode 42. Here, the fuel electrode 41 directly receives power generation fuel (for example, alcohol such as methanol) sealed in the fuel pack 10 without passing through the reforming portion 23d as shown in the first configuration example. On the other hand, oxygen gas (O ₂ ) in the atmosphere is supplied to the air electrode 42.

Specifically, when the methanol (CH ₃ OH), which is a fuel for power generation, is directly supplied to the fuel electrode 41, the electrochemical reaction in the power generation unit (fuel cell) 21X is expressed by the following chemical reaction formula (4). As shown, electrons (e ⁻ ) are separated by a catalytic reaction to generate hydrogen ions (protons; H ⁺ ), which pass through the ion conductive film 43 to the air electrode 42 side and constitute the fuel electrode 41. Electrons (e ⁻ ) are taken out by the carbon electrode and supplied to the load 44. A very small amount of product (mainly CO ₂ ) other than hydrogen generated by this catalytic reaction is discharged into the atmosphere from the fuel electrode 41 side.
CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ + CO ₂ (4)

On the other hand, when air is supplied to the air electrode 42, as in the chemical reaction formula (3) described above, electrons (e ⁻ ) passing through the load 44 by the catalyst and hydrogen ions ( H ⁺ ) and oxygen gas (O ₂ ) in the air react to produce water (H ₂ O).
Such a series of electrochemical reactions (formulas (4) and (3)) proceeds in a relatively low temperature environment of about room temperature.

  According to the power generation unit 21X having such a configuration, since the reforming unit is not required as compared with the power generation module including the fuel reforming type fuel cell described above, the device configuration is extremely simplified and downsized. In addition, since it is possible to generate electric energy by electrochemical reaction continuously, it is necessary to constantly generate standby power, such as a mobile phone, in a configuration that needs to generate and supply electric energy at all times. It can be applied well to the equipment.

Next, still another configuration example of the power generation unit applied to the power generation module according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of another embodiment of the power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present embodiment. Here, about the structure equivalent to embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a third configuration example of the power generation unit applied to the power generation module according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a power generation unit applied to the power generation module according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 4th structural example of this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fuel cell is applied is shown as the power generation units 21 and 21X. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the fuel control unit 23b is controlled by the activation unit 23a to generate the power generation units 21 and 21X. The operation state of the power generation unit 21 can be controlled by controlling the supply of fuel for power generation to the engine. However, when the power generation unit such as the internal combustion engine type or the external combustion engine type according to this configuration example is applied. As shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the fuel control unit 23b, the power generation unit 21 may be controlled to be started / stopped (combustion start / stop) by the starter 23a.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the power generation unit 21Y according to the third configuration example includes a movable blade 52a in which a plurality of blades are arranged along the circumference and rotates freely, and a movable blade 52a. Generator 55 directly connected to the rotation center of the motor, a stationary blade 52b having a plurality of blades arranged on the outer peripheral side of the movable blade 52a, and a vaporized power generation to the gas turbine 52 including the movable blade 52a and the fixed blade 52b. An intake control unit 53 that controls the supply of fuel for fuel (fuel gas) and an exhaust control unit 54 that controls the discharge of exhaust gas after combustion are configured. Here, the configuration of the power generation unit 21Y including the gas turbine 52, the intake control unit 53, and the exhaust control unit 54 is formed finely on, for example, a single silicon chip 51 by applying semiconductor manufacturing technology. Can do.

  In such a power generation unit 21Y, the fuel gas is taken into the combustion chamber of the gas turbine 52 via the intake control unit 53, and the fuel gas is ignited and burned at a predetermined timing, whereby the pressure in the combustion chamber increases. Converted into dynamic energy, the movable blade 52a is rotated to drive the power generator 55 to generate electrical energy. The exhaust gas after combustion is discharged by the exhaust control unit 54 at a predetermined timing. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the start-up operation of the power generation unit 21Y is controlled by the above-described start-up unit 23a together with the fuel gas supply operation, and the fuel gas intake operation, the ignition operation, and the exhaust gas discharge operation are performed. Control is performed by an intake control unit 53, a gas turbine 52, and an exhaust control unit 54 that operate based on a predetermined operating power source.

That is, the power generation module in this configuration example is configured by rotating the power generator with dynamic energy based on thermal expansion (pressure difference) generated by the combustion reaction of the fuel gas, instead of the fuel cell as shown in each configuration example described above. It has the structure provided with the gas combustion type turbine generator which produces | generates an electrical energy. In this case, by-products such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), water (H ₂ O), nitrogen oxide (NO _X ), and sulfur oxide (SO _X ) are generated with the generation of electric energy in the power generation unit 21Y. Generated in large quantities.

  Therefore, also in the power supply system to which the power generation module in the present configuration example is applied, at least of the by-products generated by the generation and generation of electric energy in the power generation unit 21Y by the separation recovery unit 24 provided in the power generation module 20 One or more specific components or substances are separated and collected, and are irreversibly held in the collection holding unit 11 provided in the fuel pack 10.

Thereby, in particular, specific components or substances regarded as global warming substances and air pollutants, specifically, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), nitrogen oxides (NO _X ), sulfur oxides (SO _X ) Since these components or substances are prevented or suppressed from being discharged to the outside of the power supply system by collecting and holding the etc., a method that does not place a burden on the natural environment by-products held in the fuel enclosure In this case, it is possible to prevent natural environment pollution or global warming due to by-products. In addition, by collecting and holding specific components or substances such as water (H ₂ O) that affect the device, these components or substances are prevented or suppressed from being discharged outside the power supply system. It is possible to prevent device malfunction and deterioration.

  Further, in the power supply system to which the power generation module in the present configuration example is applied, similarly to the power supply system described above, the output control unit 23 adjusts the start and stop of the gas turbine 52 and the supply amount of the fuel gas. Since it is possible to generate and supply appropriate electrical energy according to the driving state of the load, it is possible to efficiently consume fuel for power generation and to provide a power supply system with high energy use efficiency.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the power generation unit 21Z according to the fourth configuration example has a catalyst combustor 61 that generates heat by catalytic combustion of the fuel gas, and a substantially constant temperature. Heat based on the Seebeck effect due to the temperature difference generated between the first and second temperature ends, with the constant temperature portion 62 to be held and the catalytic combustor 61 as the first temperature end and the constant temperature portion 62 as the second temperature end. And a temperature difference power generator 63 that generates electric energy by emitting electrons. Here, the configuration of the power generation unit 21Z composed of the catalytic combustor 61, the constant temperature unit 62, and the temperature difference power generator 63 is formed finely by applying a semiconductor manufacturing technique, similarly to each of the configuration examples described above. Can do.

In such a power generation unit 21Z, when fuel gas is supplied to the catalytic combustor 61 via the output control unit 23 (fuel control unit 23b) described above, the fuel gas generates heat due to the catalytic combustion reaction, and catalytic combustion occurs. The temperature of the vessel 61 rises. On the other hand, since the temperature of the constant temperature unit 62 is set to be substantially constant, a temperature gradient (thermal gradient) is generated between the catalytic combustor 61 and the constant temperature unit 62. Then, the thermal energy moves through the temperature difference power generator 63 by this temperature gradient, so that thermoelectrons based on the Seebeck effect are emitted and electric energy is generated. Also in this case, with the generation of electric energy in the power generation unit 21Z, by-products such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), water (H ₂ O), nitrogen oxide (NO _X ), and sulfur oxide (SO _X ) are generated. Things are generated.

Therefore, also in the power supply system to which the power generation module in the present configuration example is applied, similar to the power supply system described above, the separation recovery unit 24 provided in the power generation module 20 generates the electrical energy in the power generation unit 21Z. Carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) because at least one or more types of specific components or substances are separated and collected from the by-products generated and are irreversibly held in the collection holding unit 11 provided in the fuel pack 10. Prevent or suppress the discharge of specific components or substances that are regarded as global warming substances and air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NO _X ) and sulfur oxides (SO _X ) to the outside of the power supply system, Natural environment pollution and global warming can be prevented.

  Further, in the power supply system to which the power generation module in the present configuration example is applied, similarly to the power supply system described above, the output control unit 23 adjusts the supply amount of the fuel gas supplied to the catalytic combustor 61 to thereby adjust the temperature. By controlling the temperature difference generated in the differential generator 63 and generating and supplying appropriate electrical energy according to the driving state of the load, it is possible to efficiently consume fuel for power generation and use energy A power supply system with high efficiency can be provided.

  In addition, each structure mentioned above only showed an example of the electric power generation part applied to the electric power generation module 20, and does not limit the structure of the power supply system which concerns on this invention at all. In short, the power generation unit 21 applied to the present invention is directly or indirectly supplied with liquid fuel or gaseous fuel sealed in the fuel pack 10, so that electricity is generated by an electrochemical reaction, a combustion reaction, or the like inside the power generation unit. As long as it can generate energy, it may have other configurations, for example, an internal combustion engine such as a rotary engine, a Stirling engine, a pulse combustion engine, or an external combustion engine instead of a gas combustion turbine. (Engine) combined with a generator using electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion, combination of external force generation means using thermoacoustic effect and generator using electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion, or magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator Etc. can be applied satisfactorily.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the power supply system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the power supply system according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows a main configuration of one embodiment of the power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of another embodiment of the power generation module applied to the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, about the structure equivalent to embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply system according to the present embodiment broadly generates electric energy based on the fuel pack 10 in which the fuel for power generation is sealed and the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 10. The fuel pack 10 is provided with a recovery holding unit 11, and the power generation module 20 includes a main power generation unit 21A (power generation means), a sub power generation unit 21B, and an operation control unit. 22, an output control unit 23, and a separation and recovery unit 24 are provided.

  Here, the fuel pack 10 has a configuration equivalent to that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 4) described above, and the main power generation unit 21A provided in the power generation module 20 includes the first power generation unit described above. Since it has the same configuration as the power generation unit 21 (see FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 8) shown in the embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. However, when water is required for the chemical reaction as shown in the chemical reaction formulas (1) to (3) and water is generated as a by-product, as described later, equimolar to the liquid fuel as the fuel for power generation. This water is not necessary, and it is sufficient that only the necessary amount of water is contained at the beginning of the reaction. Also in the present embodiment, a case where a solid polymer fuel cell employing a fuel reforming method is applied as the main power generation unit 21A will be described.

  The sub power generation unit 21 </ b> B provided in the power generation module 20 always independently generates predetermined electric energy inside the power supply system without depending on fuel supply from the outside of the power supply system. Electric energy to be an operation power supply (voltage / current) is supplied to each of the components (in the present embodiment, the operation control unit 22 and the output control unit 23).

  Here, the generation method of the electrical energy in the sub power generation unit 21B is, for example, an electrochemical reaction using the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 10 in the same manner as the power generation unit 21 shown in the first embodiment described above. In addition to being able to satisfactorily be applied to those caused by combustion reactions (see FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 8), the charging pressure (or discharge pressure) of the power generation fuel enclosed in the fuel pack 10 is used. By a mechanical energy conversion function that generates electrical energy by rotating the turbine (generator), and also includes solar cells, biological cells, vibration generators, etc. in the power generation module. Some of the generated electric energy is generated by the main power generation unit 21A having the same configuration as that of the power generation unit 21 described above. Stored in the storage means constantly autonomously electrical energy release may be such that so as to (discharge).

  Therefore, in the case of applying a configuration in which electric energy is generated by the electrochemical reaction, the combustion reaction, the dynamic energy conversion action, or the like, using the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 10 as the auxiliary power generation unit 21B. The minimum amount of power generation fuel necessary for generating electrical energy to be an operation power source for each configuration of the power generation module 20 (the operation control unit 22 and the output control unit 23) is supplied from the fuel pack 10 to the sub power generation unit 21B. Always supplied.

  Further, the operation control unit 22 is operated by the electric energy (operation power supply) supplied from the sub power generation unit 21B described above, and relates to the drive state of the load connected to the power supply system, as in the first embodiment described above. Based on the information (load drive information), the power generation state of the main power generation unit 21A described later is controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the output control unit 23 shifts (starts) the main power generation unit 21A to the drive state based on the operation control signal from the operation control unit 22 as in the first embodiment described above. A starting unit 23a that performs control, a fuel control unit 23b that controls the supply amount of power generation fuel (hydrogen gas) to the main power generation unit 21A, and a supply amount of air (oxygen gas) to the main power generation unit 21A And a reforming unit 23d for reforming the power generation fuel and gasifying and supplying hydrogen contained in the power generation fuel. Here, at least the starting unit 23a and the fuel control unit 23b are supplied with electric energy from the sub power generation unit 21B as an operating power source.

  The separation / recovery unit 24 is generated along with a series of chemical reactions for generating electric energy in the output control unit 23 and the main power generation unit 21A (which may further include the sub power generation unit 21B). At least one or more specific components or substances among the by-products generated are separated and sent to the recovery holding unit 11 provided in the fuel pack 10, and the recovered specific components Alternatively, a part of the substance is supplied to the fuel control unit 23b.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, since the polymer electrolyte fuel cell adopting the fuel reforming method is applied as the main power generation unit 21A, the first embodiment described above at the initial stage of the chemical reaction. In the same manner as shown in FIG. 5, water (H ₂ O) and methanol (CH ₃ OH) contained in the fuel pack 10 in association with the steam reforming reaction (chemical reaction formula (1)) in the reforming unit 23d. Carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) is generated from the water, and water (H ₂ O) is generated along with the electrochemical reaction (chemical reaction formulas (2) and (3)) in the main power generation unit 21A. Among these by-products, for example, water (H ₂ O) is recovered by the separation and recovery unit 24 and sent to the recovery and holding unit 11 to be irreversibly held. Then, after the initial stage of the chemical reaction, a part of the water (H ₂ O) recovered by the separation / recovery unit 24 is used as H ₂ O on the left side of the chemical reaction formula (1), via the fuel control unit 23b. The steam reforming reaction (chemical reaction formula (1)) of the fuel for power generation in the reforming unit 23d and the humidification of hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) are used.

In the electrochemical reaction (chemical reaction formulas (2) and (3)) in the main power generation unit 21A, the oxygen gas (O ₂ ) remaining after being supplied to the air electrode 32 is recovered as the by-product. Further, it may be reused as a reactive gas for the electrochemical reaction in the main power generation unit 21A (or the sub power generation unit 21B).

Further, 3 mol of water (H ₂ O) is generated from 1 mol of water (H ₂ O) and 1 mol of methanol (CH ₃ OH), and about _{1/3 of} the generated water (H ₂ O) is chemically reacted. Since it becomes H ₂ O on the left side of the formula (1), it is sent from the separation / collection unit 24 to the fuel control unit 23b, and the remaining 2/3 is sent from the separation / collection unit 24 to the collection holding unit 11. Therefore, since the liquid fuel does not require equimolar water with the liquid fuel, the filling rate of the liquid fuel per volume of the fuel pack 10 can be increased.

Thus, according to the power supply system according to the present embodiment, by-products generated when generating electric energy by the power generation module 20, such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), water (H ₂ O), and the like. Among them, at least one component is irreversibly held in the collection holding unit 11 provided in the fuel pack 10 to suppress discharge or leakage to the outside of the power supply system, and a part of the collected by-product is When electrical energy is generated (power generation), it is reused directly or indirectly. Therefore, a by-product circulation type power supply system can be realized while suppressing adverse effects of the by-products on the natural environment and devices.

In the present embodiment, a configuration in which a fuel cell is applied is shown as the main power generation unit 21A. However, a power generation unit such as an internal combustion engine type or an external combustion engine type as shown in each configuration example described above (FIG. 7). , FIG. 8), as shown in FIG. 11, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), water (H ₂ O), nitrogen oxides generated with the generation of electrical energy in the main power generation unit 21A Among the by-products such as (NO _X ), sulfur oxide (SO _X ), and residual oxygen gas (O ₂ ), at least one or more specific components or substances are separated and recovered to form the fuel pack 10. For example, by supplying the residual oxygen gas (O ₂ ) to the fuel control unit 23b, the fuel for power generation supplied from the fuel pack 10 can be oxygenated. Reforming to gas rich fuel Can be supplied to the main power generation unit 21A which generates electrical energy by combustion reaction, it is possible to achieve more energy efficiency is high power systems.

Next, the outer shape applied to the power supply system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a specific example of an outer shape applied to the power supply system according to the present invention. FIG. 13 shows an outer shape applied to the power supply system according to the present invention and a general-purpose chemical battery. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the correspondence with an external shape.

  In the power supply system having the above-described configuration, the outer shape in a state in which the fuel pack 10 is coupled to the power generation module 20 or a state in which the fuel pack 10 is integrally formed is, for example, a general-purpose chemical battery as illustrated in FIG. In accordance with the standards of the circular batteries 71, 72, 73 that are frequently used and the batteries (non-circular batteries) 81, 82, 83 of special shapes, they are formed to have the same shape and dimensions as any of these. In addition, for example, the fuel electrodes 31 and 41 and the air electrodes 32 and 42 of the power generation units 21 and 21X of the power generation module 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the positive (+) electrode and the negative (+) of each battery shape illustrated in FIG. -) It is electrically configured to correspond to each pole.

  Here, the circular batteries 71, 72, 73 are specifically used in commercially available manganese dry batteries, alkaline dry batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium batteries, etc., and are cylinder type (cylindrical type: figure) with many corresponding devices. 12 (a)), a button type used for a wristwatch or the like (FIG. 12B), and a coin type used for a camera or an electronic notebook (FIG. 12C). .

  On the other hand, the non-circular batteries 81, 82, 83 are specifically shaped (customized) designed (customized) corresponding to the shape of the equipment used, such as a compact camera or a digital still camera (FIG. 12D). ), A rectangular shape (FIG. 12 (e)), a flat shape (FIG. 12 (f)), and the like corresponding to miniaturization and thinning of portable audio equipment and mobile phones.

  As described above, the power generation module 20 (power generation unit 21, main power generation unit 21A, sub power generation unit 21B, operation control unit 22, output control unit 23, separation and recovery unit 24) mounted in the power supply system according to the present invention. By applying existing semiconductor technology, for example, microchips or microplants can be formed on the order of several microns. Moreover, it is necessary to realize a battery capacity equivalent to (or more than) an existing chemical battery by applying a fuel cell capable of realizing high energy use efficiency as the power generation unit of the power generation module 20. Therefore, the amount of the power generating fuel can be suppressed to a relatively small amount.

  Therefore, in the power supply system according to the present embodiment, the existing battery shape shown in FIG. 12 can be satisfactorily realized. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), the fuel pack 10A can generate power. The external dimensions (for example, length La and diameter Da) in a state of being coupled to the module 20A are substantially the same as the external dimensions (for example, length Lp and diameter Dp) of the general-purpose chemical battery 91 as shown in FIG. It can be configured to be equivalent.

  As a result, it is possible to supply electrical energy having the same or equivalent electrical characteristics as a general-purpose chemical battery, and it is possible to realize a fully compatible power supply system having the same shape and dimensions in the outer shape. Therefore, it can be applied to an existing device such as a portable device as an operation power source just like a general-purpose chemical battery. In particular, a configuration comprising a fuel cell as a power generation module and a means for collecting and holding a by-product associated with the generation of electrical energy as a fuel pack, and comprising a material such as the degradable plastic described above. By applying it, it is possible to achieve high energy utilization efficiency while suppressing adverse effects on the natural environment and devices, so it is good for environmental problems and energy utilization efficiency problems caused by disposal or landfill disposal of existing chemical batteries. Can be solved.

  Note that each of the external shapes shown in FIG. 12 is an example of a chemical battery that is commercially available in Japan, or that is distributed and sold with a device, and is an example of a configuration that can be applied to the present invention. It is only a part of it. That is, the outer shape applicable to the power supply system according to the present invention may be other than the above-described specific examples. For example, chemical batteries that are distributed and sold all over the world, or are planned for practical use in the future. It goes without saying that it can be designed to match the shape of the chemical battery and also to match the electrical characteristics.

  In the above-described embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, a remaining amount detecting means for monitoring the amount (remaining amount) of power generation fuel remaining in the fuel pack 10 is provided, and the remaining amount of power generation fuel is calculated. Based on this, the electric energy (particularly the drive voltage) generated by the power generation unit 21 or the main power generation unit 21A may be gradually changed (decreased). According to such a configuration, the electrical energy (driving voltage) output from the power supply system according to the present invention can be changed in accordance with the temporal voltage change in the chemical battery. The battery remaining capacity notification function that is normally installed in various devices can be operated satisfactorily, and the compatibility with chemical batteries can be further enhanced.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration for recovering nitrogen oxide (NO _X ) and sulfur oxide (SO _X ) generated by a chemical reaction has been described. However, nitrogen oxide (NO _X ) and sulfur are recovered. The generation amount of oxide (SO _X ) is very small, or the power generation module 20 is provided with a catalyst for decomposing or reforming nitrogen oxide (NO _X ) and sulfur oxide (SO _X ) into nontoxic substances. In this case, the gas may be exhausted as it is outside the power supply system without being held in the collection holding unit 11.

  In this case, the fuel pack 10 (including the collection holding unit 11) has a function as the fuel storage container, and in a specific environment, naturally exists in the natural world, and is used for substances that constitute nature. It is preferable that it is made of a material that can be converted. That is, the fuel pack 10 is harmless to nature due to the action of microorganisms, enzymes, etc. in the soil, irradiation with sunlight, rainwater, the atmosphere, etc., even when dumped or landfilled in nature. Various decomposition reactions that are converted into substances (naturally existing and natural substances such as water and carbon dioxide), such as biodegradability, photodegradability, hydrolyzability, oxidative degradation It can be decomposed at least in a short period due to contact with the enclosed fuel, and the enclosed fuel cannot be used as a fuel in at least a short period. However, it can be made of a polymer material (plastic) having a characteristic that has sufficient strength against external physical adaptability.

  In addition, as mentioned above, the recovery rate by recycling of the chemical battery is only about 20%, and in view of the current situation that the remaining 80% is dumped or landfilled in nature, as a material of the fuel pack 10 It is desirable to apply biodegradable plastics, specifically, polymer materials (polylactic acid, aliphatic polyester, copolymer polyester) containing chemically synthesized organic compounds synthesized from petroleum-based or plant-based raw materials. Etc.), bio-polyesters produced by microorganisms, and natural product-based polymer materials made from starch, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, etc. extracted from plant-based raw materials such as corn and sugarcane. .

  In addition, the fuel pack 10 is made of a polymer material having decomposability, and a substance that easily decomposes into a harmless substance that naturally exists in nature, such as alcohol or hydrocarbon, is used as a fuel for power generation. Therefore, even if it is dumped or landfilled in the natural world, or if it is subjected to artificial incineration or chemical treatment, the environment is contaminated with air, soil, water, or the human environment. It is possible to greatly suppress adverse effects such as production of hormones.

1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a power supply system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of one Embodiment of the electric power generation module applied to the power supply system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 1st structural example of the electric power generation part applied to the electric power generation module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between the fuel pack which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and a collection | recovery holding part. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 2nd structural example of the electric power generation part applied to the electric power generation module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of other embodiment of the electric power generation module applied to the power supply system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 3rd structural example of the electric power generation part applied to the electric power generation module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 4th structural example of the electric power generation part applied to the electric power generation module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the power supply system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of one Embodiment of the electric power generation module applied to the power supply system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of other embodiment of the electric power generation module applied to the power supply system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the specific example of the external shape applied to the power supply system which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the correspondence of the external shape applied to the power supply system which concerns on this invention, and the external shape of a general purpose chemical battery.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10A Fuel pack 11 Collection holding unit 20, 20A Power generation module 21 Power generation unit 21A Main power generation unit 21B Sub power generation unit 22 Operation control unit 23 Output control unit 23a Start-up unit 23b Fuel control unit 23c Air control unit 23d Reformation unit 24 Separation Recovery unit 31, 41 Fuel electrode 32, 42 Air electrode 33, 43 Ion conductive film 34, 44 Load

Claims (5)

A fuel sealing portion having a predetermined volume in which power generation fuel is sealed;
A power generation module configured such that the enclosing portion is detachable and generates electric energy using the power generating fuel supplied from the fuel enclosing portion;
A power supply system comprising:
The power generation module includes at least a reforming unit that generates hydrogen from the fuel, a fuel cell that generates power from the hydrogen, and a byproduct generated from the reforming unit and the fuel cell when generating the electric energy. Separation and recovery means for separating and recovering at least a specific component,
Have
A power supply system comprising: holding means for holding at least the specific component recovered by the separation and recovery means in the fuel sealing portion.   2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power generation module includes a power generation unit that generates the electrical energy using the specific component separated and recovered by the power generation fuel and the separation and recovery unit. .   The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific component separated and collected by the separation and collection unit and held by the holding unit is at least water generated by the power generation module. The fuel sealing portion has a first space in which the power generation fuel is sealed, and a second space in which the specific component is held by the holding means,
4. The power generation fuel sealed in the first space is pressed at a predetermined pressure according to the amount of the specific component held in the second space. The power supply system in any one.   At least one of the fuel sealing part and the power generation module is supplied with the power generation fuel sealed in the fuel sealing part in a state where the fuel sealing part and the power generation module are coupled. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the specific component separated and collected by the separation and collection unit is held by the holding unit.

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