JP5161339B2 - Brown gas manufacturing apparatus and brown gas manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a brown gas manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly to a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method for generating a large amount of brown gas.

  Brown gas means a gas obtained by electrolyzing water. In the gas, hydrogen and oxygen are mixed in an equivalent ratio of 2: 1. When water is electrolyzed, hydrogen is obtained from the negative electrode and oxygen is obtained from the positive electrode. Brown gas is produced by collecting hydrogen and oxygen without collecting them separately. When brown gas is burned, only water is generated as a combustion product, so there is no fear of environmental pollution.

  However, in order to separately collect hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing water, a special design of the brown gas production apparatus is required, and at present, only a small and medium capacity brown gas production apparatus has been developed. Therefore, in order to expand the use of environmentally friendly brown gas, it is necessary to design a brown gas production apparatus that can produce a large amount of brown gas but minimizes its size.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a brown gas production method capable of producing a large amount of brown gas. Another object of the present invention is to provide a brown gas production apparatus capable of producing a large amount of brown gas even though its size is small.

  An apparatus for producing brown gas according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to i) producing brown gas, and a plurality of electrolytic cells arranged side by side along one direction while forming a pair of rows, ii) Connected to the lower part of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, a plurality of water supply lines adapted to supply the electrolyte to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, iii) connected to a plurality of water supply lines and extended along one direction And an electrically insulating water supply header located between a pair of rows, iv) connected to the upper part of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, and a plurality of drain lines for discharging the electrolyte from each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, v) a plurality of An electrically insulative drainage header connected to the drainage line and facing the water supply head; vi) a power supply that is electrically connected to the plurality of electrolytic cells and supplies a current for electrolyzing the electrolyte contained in the plurality of electrolytic cells And v i) connecting a plurality of electrolytic cells each upper end, it includes a brown gas discharge pipe for discharging the Brown gas produced by a plurality of electrolytic cells to the outside. The water supply header is i) formed inside the water supply header and extends in one direction, and ii) communicates with the plurality of water supply lines, and is formed on the side surface of the water supply header so that the plurality of water supply lines are screwed together. A plurality of water supply branch passages may be included. The water supply passage and the plurality of water supply branch passages may intersect each other at a right angle, and the water supply header may be manufactured from an integral resin. The drainage header is i) formed in the drainage header and extends along one direction, and ii) communicates with the plurality of drainage passages, and is formed on the side surface of the drainage header, and the plurality of drainage lines are screwed together. It may include a plurality of drainage branch passages adapted to do so. The drainage passage and the plurality of drainage branching passages may intersect each other at a right angle, and the drainage header may be manufactured from an integral resin.

  An apparatus for producing brown gas according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: i) a gas-liquid separator connected to a brown gas discharge pipe and adapted to store an electrolyte; ii) connected to a gas-liquid separator; A level measuring device for measuring the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator; and iii) an electrolyte supply pump connected to the gas-liquid separator and the feed water header and supplying the electrolyte to the feed header side But you can. The end of the brown gas discharge pipe is immersed in the electrolyte, the electrolyte discharged from the brown gas discharge pipe is applied to separate from the brown gas, and the level meter is applied to work with the electrolyte supply pump. Also good. When the level measuring device senses an increase in the height of the electrolytic solution stored in the gas-liquid separator, the level measuring device may transmit a drive signal for driving the electrolytic solution supply pump to the electrolytic solution supply pump.

The brown gas manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: i) a step of providing an electrically insulating water supply header that is elongated in one direction and is made of an integral resin ; ii) from the water supply header Supplying electrolyte to a plurality of water supply lines connected to an electrically insulating water supply header; iii) each of a plurality of electrolytic cells arranged side by side along one direction while forming a pair of rows from the plurality of water supply lines A step of supplying an electrolyte; iv) a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrolytic cells supplies a current to the plurality of electrolytic cells to electrolyze the electrolyte contained in the plurality of electrolytic cells; V) a step of discharging brown gas to the outside through a brown gas discharge pipe connected to the upper end of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells; vi) a plurality of drainage lines connected to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells. Step of discharging the electrolytic solution through, and vii) connected to the plurality of drain line, comprising the step of discharging the electrolytic solution through an electrically insulating drainage header facing the water head. In the step of supplying the electrolyte solution to the plurality of water supply lines, the electrolyte solution supplied to the water supply header along one direction branches in a direction intersecting at right angles to the one direction and branched to the plurality of water supply lines. May be supplied. In the step of discharging the electrolyte solution through the electrically insulating drain header, the electrolyte solution may be collected in a direction intersecting the drain header at a right angle to the one direction and discharged along the one direction.

  The brown gas manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: i) a step in which a gas-liquid separator connected to the brown gas discharge pipe separates the brown gas and the electrolyte discharged from the brown gas discharge pipe from each other; ii) A level measuring device connected to the liquid separator measures the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator; and iii) an electrolyte supply pump connected to the gas-liquid separator and the water supply header is connected to the level measuring device. The method may further include operating in conjunction with each other. When the electrolyte supply pump operates in conjunction with the level meter, the level meter drives the electrolyte supply pump when the level meter senses the rise in the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator. A drive signal to be transmitted may be transmitted to the electrolyte supply pump. In the step of supplying the electrolytic solution to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the concentration of the electrolytic solution contained in each of the plurality of electrolytic cells may be kept uniform.

  While reducing the size of the brown gas production apparatus, it is possible to produce a large amount of brown gas. Therefore, since brown gas can be used as a heat source in all industrial fields that require a heat source, environmental pollution can be dramatically reduced, and the installation area can be minimized. Furthermore, since the capacity of the brown gas production apparatus can be diversified, the brown gas can be applied flexibly in all industrial fields.

It is a perspective view showing roughly the brown gas manufacturing device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows roughly the water supply header of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows schematically the drainage header of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the gas-liquid separation unit (UNIT) connected with the brown gas manufacturing apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the brown gas manufacturing method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention roughly.

  The terminology used herein is for the purpose of referring to particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular form includes the plural form unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. As used herein, the meaning of “comprising” embodies particular characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and other specific properties, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, It does not exclude the presence or addition of ingredients and / or groups.

  When a part is referred to as “on” another part, it may be directly above the other part, or there may be other parts in between. In contrast, when a part is referred to as “directly above” another part, there are no other parts in between.

  Although not specifically defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are additionally construed as having the meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the presently disclosed content, and are not interpreted as ideal or very formal meaning unless defined.

  The brown gas described below is interpreted to include all gases including hydrogen and oxygen. Therefore, the gas that contains both hydrogen and oxygen and can be used as a heat source by quantum reaction is interpreted as Brownian gas.

  The connection used below is interpreted as meaning including not only a physical connection but also a wireless connection, that is, an electrical connection. Therefore, the connection is interpreted as including all other objects affected by the movement of a specific object.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the embodiments. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described here.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a brown gas manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the brown gas production apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 is merely for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, the structure of the brown gas manufacturing apparatus 100 may be modified into various forms.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the brown gas manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a plurality of electrolytic cells 10, a water supply header 20, a plurality of water supply lines 22, a drainage header 40, a plurality of drainage lines 42, a power supply 60, and a brown gas discharge pipe 30. Including. In addition, the brown gas manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a heat exchanger 70, a cooling tower 80, and an electrolyte replenishment pipe 90. A part of the brown gas production apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 generate brown gas. The electrolytic cell 10 is arranged side by side along one direction, that is, the y-axis direction. The plurality of electrolytic cells 10 are arranged in pairs along the x-axis direction. Each electrolytic cell 10 is spaced apart from each other. An electrode bar 64 is located at the upper end of the electrolytic cell 10, and the electrode bar 64 is connected to the power source 60. Therefore, the electrolytic cell 10 is electrically connected to the power source 60. Inside the electrolytic cell 10, there are an electrode rod 64 and an electrode plate (not shown) arranged concentrically and spaced apart from each other while surrounding the electrode rod 64. Therefore, when supplying an electric current to the electrolytic cell 10, since the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell 10 is electrolyzed, a drop of Brown gas containing hydrogen and oxygen is generated on the surface of the electrode plate. A large amount of brown gas can be collected by sending the generated brown gas upward by raising the electrolyte in the + z-axis direction. Since the internal structure of the electrolytic cell 10 can be easily understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The power supply 60 includes a resistor therein. Therefore, the power source 60 can be electrically connected to the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 by the electric wires 62, and the current supplied to the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 can be variably adjusted. In FIG. 1, the electric wire 62 is shown as being cut, but this is shown for convenience of explanation, and the electric wire 62 actually connects the power source 60 and the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 to each other. To do. Since the power source 60 can variably adjust the current, it is possible to adjust the amount of brown gas generated by electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 10. For example, a desired amount of brown gas can be generated by optimally adjusting the amount of power supplied from the power supply 60 and the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The method for adjusting the power supply of the power supply 60 and the internal structure thereof can be easily understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water supply header 20 extends long in one direction, that is, in the y-axis direction. The water supply header 20 is located between the electrolytic cells 10 arranged while forming two rows in the y-axis direction. Here, the feed header 20 is made of an electrically insulating material. The electrolytic solution supplied to the brown gas manufacturing apparatus 100 branches via the water supply header 20 and is supplied to the electrolytic cell 10 via a plurality of water supply lines 22. Accordingly, when the polarities of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 are different from each other, the water supply header 20 communicates with the plurality of electrically connected electrolytic cells 10, and thus sparks may occur. Therefore, the water supply header 20 is formed of an electrically insulating material to prevent sparking and electrical leakage.

  On the other hand, the water supply header 20 supplies the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell 10 through a plurality of water supply lines 22. Since the inside of the water supply header 20 is filled with the generated brown gas, the water supply header 20 is thereby subjected to extremely high pressure. Therefore, the water supply header 20 is manufactured integrally so as to withstand a large pressure. That is, the durability can be improved by manufacturing the feed header 20 integrally with a resin such as plastic.

  The plurality of water supply lines 22 are connected to the lower portions of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10. The plurality of water supply lines 22 are separated from each other and supply the electrolytic solution to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10. Since the plurality of water supply lines 22 are connected to the water supply header 20, the electrolytic solution can be uniformly supplied to the plurality of electrolytic cells 10.

  On the other hand, since the electrolytic solution is electrolyzed inside the electrolytic cell 10, the temperature of the electrolytic solution rises. When the temperature of the electrolytic solution exceeds about 50 ° C., moisture is frequently generated, and the quality and generation amount of the brown gas are remarkably reduced. Therefore, an appropriate amount of brown gas is continuously generated by cooling the heated electrolyte. For this purpose, the heated electrolyte is discharged to the outside through the plurality of drain lines 42. The plurality of drain lines 42 are connected to the upper portions of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10, and discharge the electrolytic solution from each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10. The heated electrolyte is combined at the drainage header 40 via a plurality of drainage lines 42 and then discharged to the outside. When the polarities of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 are different from each other, the drain header 40 communicates with the plurality of electrically connected electrolytic cells 10, and thus sparks may occur. Accordingly, the drain header 40 is formed of an electrically insulating material to prevent sparking and electrical leakage.

  The discharged electrolytic solution flows into the heat exchanger 70 along the direction of the arrow, is cooled, and is supplied again to the feed header 20. Since the drainage header 40 is positioned above the water supply header 20 while facing the water supply header 20, the electrolyte is smoothly circulated.

  Here, the heat exchanger 70 is connected to the cooling tower 80, and the cold water in the cooling tower 80 cools the heated electrolyte while circulating through the heat exchanger 70. Therefore, the electrolytic solution adjusted to the temperature necessary for generating the brown gas can be supplied again to the electrolytic cell 10. Further, since the electrolytic solution rises inside the electrolytic cell 10 due to the circulation of the electrolytic solution, the brown gas droplets generated on the surface of the electrode plate (not shown) inside the electrolytic cell 10 can be easily moved upward. . Therefore, the brown gas is appropriately discharged to the outside through the brown gas discharge pipe 30.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the brown gas discharge pipe 30 is connected to the upper ends of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10. The brown gas discharge pipe 30 discharges brown gas to the outside. The brown gas discharge pipe 30 includes a lower pipe 301 and an upper pipe 303. When brown gas is discharged from the electrolytic cell 10, an electrolyte may be mixed with the brown gas. Therefore, by forming the brown gas discharge pipe 30 with a double structure, the high-purity brown gas can be secondarily collected by the upper pipe 303 after the electrolytic solution is removed again by the lower pipe 301. The electrolyte remaining in the lower pipe 301 falls again into the electrolytic cell 10 due to gravity. As a result, the amount of the electrolyte flowing out to the outside can be minimized, so that the need for replenishing the brown gas production apparatus 10 with the electrolyte is reduced.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a partial cross-sectional structure of the water supply header 20 of FIG. The structure of the water supply header 20 of FIG. 2 is only for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, the structure of the water supply header 20 may be modified into various forms.

  FIG. 2 shows an internal structure in which the water supply header 20 is cut in the xy plane direction while viewing the water supply header 20 in the −z-axis direction in FIG. 1. The water supply header 20 includes a water supply passage 202 and a plurality of water supply branch passages 204. Since the water supply header 20 is integrally formed, the water supply passage 202 and the plurality of water supply branch passages 204 are formed in a hollow space inside the water supply header 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water supply passage 202 is formed inside the water supply header 20 and extends in one direction, that is, the y-axis direction. The electrolytic solution supplied via the water supply header 20 branches toward each electrolytic cell 10 (shown in FIG. 1) in the direction of the arrow via a plurality of water supply branch passages 204. The plurality of water supply branch passages 204 communicate with the plurality of water supply lines 22. The plurality of water supply branch passages 204 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the water supply header 20. Here, the plurality of water supply lines 22 are screwed to the plurality of water supply branch passages 204. That is, since the screw lines 221 are formed in the plurality of water supply lines 22, they are firmly coupled to the plurality of water supply branch passages 204. As a result, even if a high-pressure electrolyte is supplied, the plurality of water supply lines 22 can appropriately withstand the pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the angle (θ) between the water supply passage 202 and the plurality of water supply branch passages 204 is substantially a right angle. Therefore, the electrolytic solution supplied along the water supply passage 202 branches in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the water supply passage 202 extends substantially at right angles. As a result, the electrolytic solution is uniformly distributed to the plurality of water supply branch passages 204 located on both sides of the water supply passage 202.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a partial cross-sectional structure of the drainage header 40 of FIG. Since the structure of the drainage header 40 in FIG. 3 is the same as the structure of the water supply header 20 in FIG. 2, detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  FIG. 3 shows an internal structure in which the drain header 40 is cut in the xy plane direction while viewing the drain header 40 in the −z-axis direction in FIG. 1. The drainage header 40 includes a drainage passage 402 and a plurality of drainage branch passages 404. Since the drainage header 40 is integrally formed, the drainage passage 402 and the plurality of drainage branch passages 404 are formed in a hollow space inside the drainage header 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the drainage passage 402 is formed inside the drainage header 40 and extends in one direction, that is, the y-axis direction. The electrolytic solution is collected in the drainage header 40 from each electrolytic cell 10 (shown in FIG. 1) via a plurality of drainage branch paths 404 along the direction of the arrow. The collected electrolyte is discharged to the outside through the + y axis direction. The plurality of drainage branch passages 404 communicate with the plurality of drainage lines 42. A plurality of drainage branch passages 404 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the drainage header 40. Here, the plurality of drainage lines 42 are screwed to the plurality of drainage branch passages 404. That is, since the screw lines 421 are formed in the plurality of drainage lines 42, they are firmly coupled to the plurality of drainage branch passages 404. As a result, even if the high-pressure electrolyte is drained, the plurality of drain lines 42 can appropriately withstand the pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the angle (θ) formed between the drainage passage 402 and the plurality of drainage branch passages 404 is substantially a right angle. Therefore, the electrolytic solution supplied along the drainage passage 402 branches in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the drainage passage 402 extends substantially at right angles. As a result, the electrolytic solution is uniformly distributed to the plurality of drainage branch paths 404 located on both sides of the drainage path 402.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the gas-liquid separator 900 connected to the brown gas production apparatus 100 of FIG. The structure of the gas-liquid separator 900 in FIG. 4 is merely for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, the structure of the gas-liquid separator 900 may be modified into various forms.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the gas-liquid separation device 900 separates the electrolytic solution that may be present in the brown gas produced in the electrolytic cell 10 (shown in FIG. 1). For this purpose, the gas-liquid separator 900 includes a gas-liquid separator 92, a level measuring device 94, and an electrolyte supply pump 96. The gas-liquid separator 92 is connected to the brown gas discharge pipe 30 and stores the electrolyte. Since the end portion 305 of the brown gas discharge pipe 30 is immersed in the electrolytic solution, the electrolytic solution discharged through the brown gas discharge pipe 30 is mixed with the electrolytic solution stored in the gas-liquid separator 92. Since the specific gravity of the brown gas discharged through the brown gas discharge pipe 30 is lower than the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution, it rises above the electrolytic solution and is supplied to the place of use through the brown gas supply pipe 32. As a result, the brown gas and the electrolyte can be appropriately separated from each other via the gas-liquid separator 92.

  On the other hand, the level measuring device 94 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 92. The level measuring device 94 measures the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92. Therefore, when the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92 increases, the electrolyte is supplied through the electrolyte replenishment pipe 90 according to the signal from the level measuring device 94 connected to the electrolyte supply pump 96. It can be supplied to the header 20 (shown in FIG. 1) side. That is, since the level measuring device 94 is interlocked with the electrolytic solution supply pump 96, when the level measuring device 94 senses the height increase of the electrolytic solution stored in the gas-liquid separator 92, the level measuring device 94 supplies the electrolytic solution. A drive signal for driving the pump 96 is transmitted to the electrolyte supply pump 96. Therefore, since the electrolyte supply pump 96 connected to the feed water header 20 (shown in FIG. 1) supplies the electrolyte through the electrolyte replenishment pipe 90, the electrolyte concentration in the brown gas manufacturing apparatus 100 is kept constant. Can be maintained.

  When brown gas is burned in a state where the electrolyte is contained in the brown gas, a backfire phenomenon or the like may occur and the combustor may be melted. Therefore, it is necessary to completely separate the brown gas and the electrolytic solution. Therefore, when the gas-liquid separator 900 is used, the electrolytic solution can be easily separated from the brown gas. Moreover, when electrolyte solution is discharge | released outside, the density | concentration of the electrolyte solution used for electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 10 becomes low. Therefore, the electrolyte must be further replenished, but in one embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte mixed with the brown gas is recovered by the gas-liquid separator 900 and supplied again. As a result, the concentration of the electrolytic solution can be continuously maintained constant.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing a brown gas manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method for producing brown gas in FIG. 5 is merely for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, the brown gas production method may be modified into various forms. Hereinafter, the brown gas production method will be described in order with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the brown gas manufacturing method includes: i) providing an electrically insulating water supply header 20 (shown in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter) (ii), and ii) a plurality of water supplies connected to the water supply header 20. A step of supplying an electrolytic solution to the side of the line 22 (shown in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter) (S20), iii) A step of supplying an electrolytic solution to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 (shown in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter) (S30) Iv) Electrolyzing the electrolyte contained in the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 to produce brown gas (S40), v) Brown through the brown gas discharge pipe 30 (shown in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter) A step of discharging the gas to the outside (S50), vi) a step of separating the brown gas discharged from the brown gas discharge pipe 30 and the electrolytic solution from each other by a gas-liquid separator 92 (shown in FIG. 4, the same applies hereinafter) (S60), vii) Level 4. Measuring instrument 94 (shown in FIG. 4, same below) measures the height of the electrolyte stored in gas-liquid separator 92 (S70), viii) electrolyte supply pump 96 (shown in FIG. 4, same below) ) Is operated in conjunction with the level measuring instrument 94 (S80), ix) the electrolyte is discharged through a plurality of drain lines 42 (shown in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter) (S90), and x) a plurality of A step (S100) of discharging the electrolytic solution through an electrically insulating drainage header 40 (illustrated in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter) connected to the drainage line 42. In addition, if necessary, the method for producing brown gas may further include other steps. Further, the above-described steps (S60) to (S80) may be omitted.

  First, in step (S10), an electrically insulating water supply header 20 is provided. Since the water supply header 20 extends long along one direction, the electrolytic solution can be supplied efficiently.

  Next, in a step (S20), the electrolytic solution is supplied to the plurality of water supply lines 22 connected to the water supply header 20. The electrolytic solution obtained by the water supply header 20 is uniformly distributed to the plurality of water supply lines 22 side. As the electrolytic solution, for example, a solution obtained by dissolving KOH or NaOH in water may be used.

  In the step (S30), an electrolytic solution is supplied to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10. As described above, each of the plurality of water supply lines 22 is connected to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10. Therefore, the electrolytic solution is supplied to the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 from the plurality of water supply lines 22.

  Next, in step (S40), the electrolyte contained in the plurality of electrolytic cells 10 is electrolyzed to produce brown gas. That is, since the power source 60 electrically connected to the electrolytic cell 10 supplies current to the electrolytic cell 10, the electrolytic solution is electrolyzed into brown gas containing oxygen and hydrogen. As a result, brown gas can be produced in the electrolytic cell 10.

  In the step (S50), the brown gas is discharged to the outside through the brown gas discharge pipe 30. The brown gas discharge pipe 30 is connected to the upper ends of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10. Therefore, the brown gas is discharged from each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 10.

  Next, in step (S60), the electrolytic solution is discharged from the electrolytic cell 10 through the plurality of drain lines 42. Since the electrolytic solution contained in the electrolytic cell 10 is electrolyzed, it is continuously heated. Therefore, the temperature of the electrolytic solution rises, which makes it difficult to generate brown gas. Therefore, after discharging the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic cell 10, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the electrolytic solution and supply it again to the electrolytic cell 10.

  Further, in step (S70), the electrolyte is discharged through the drainage header 40 connected to the plurality of drainage lines. The electrolytic solution is collected in the drainage header 40 and then discharged to the outside. Therefore, the electrolytic solution discharge line can be easily configured.

  On the other hand, since the discharged brown gas may contain a very minute amount of the electrolytic solution, it is necessary to selectively separate the electrolytic solution from the brown gas. In the case where the electrolytic solution is not separated, the concentration of the electrolyte contained in the electrolytic solution used for brown gas production is continuously lowered.

  Therefore, in step (S80), the brown gas discharged from the brown gas discharge pipe 30 and the electrolyte are separated from each other using the gas-liquid separator 92. Here, the gas-liquid separator 92 is connected to the brown gas discharge pipe 30. When the brown gas is introduced into the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92, the gaseous brown gas rises onto the electrolyte without being mixed with the electrolyte. On the other hand, the electrolytic solution mixed with the brown gas is mixed with the electrolytic solution stored in the gas-liquid separator 92. By such a method, the electrolytic solution mixed with the brown gas can be removed.

  On the other hand, in the step (S90), the level measuring device 94 measures the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92. When the electrolyte mixed with the brown gas is continuously stored in the gas-liquid separator 92, the amount of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92 increases. Therefore, in order to prevent overflow, it is necessary to discharge the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92 to the outside. In order to monitor this time, the height of the electrolyte is measured using a level measuring device 94.

  In the step (S100), the electrolyte supply pump 96 operates in conjunction with the level measuring device 94. The electrolyte supply pump 96 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 92 and the feed water header 20. Therefore, the level measuring device 94 senses an increase in the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92 and supplies a drive signal for driving the electrolyte supply pump 96 in accordance with the increase in the height of the electrolyte. Transmit to pump 96. As a result, the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92 is lowered while the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator 92 is discharged to the outside by driving the electrolyte supply pump 96. Since the electrolytic solution discharged to the outside is supplied to the electrolytic cell 10 again, the concentration of the electrolytic solution contained in each electrolytic cell 10 can be maintained substantially uniform. As a result, an appropriate amount of brown gas can be produced continuously.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to experimental examples. Such experimental examples are only for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
<Experimental example>

A brown gas production apparatus having the same structure as the brown gas production apparatus of FIG. 1 was produced. The number of electrolytic cells contained in the brown gas production apparatus was 18. The cross-sectional area of the electrode plate included in the electrolytic cell was about 1047.1 × 460π. Nine electrolytic cells were arranged apart from each other so as to form a pair. The brown gas production apparatus had a horizontal length of about 2400 mm, a vertical length of about 550 mm, and a height of 1840 mm. Furthermore, a water supply header and a drainage header were positioned between the pair of electrolytic cells. The feed header was located below the drain header. The water supply header and the drainage header were manufactured from an electrically insulating polyethylene resin. The plurality of water supply lines were connected to the water supply header and the electrolytic cell, and the plurality of drainage lines were connected to the drainage header and the electrolytic cell. On the other hand, the brown gas discharge pipe was connected to an electrolytic cell, and the brown gas produced in the electrolytic cell was discharged to the outside. The discharge pressure of the brown gas discharged to the outside was maintained at 1 atmosphere. The temperature inside the electrolytic cell was adjusted to 45 ° C. to 50 ° C., and the inside of the electrolytic cell was maintained at 2 atm. A KOH solution was used as the electrolytic solution. While adjusting the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution, the amount of brown gas produced by the brown gas production apparatus was kept constant at 43 m ³ / h, and the change in the power amount of the power source due to the change in the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution was measured. Other detailed experimental conditions can be easily understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.
<Experimental example 1>
The specific gravity of the electrolyte was maintained at 1.15. The remaining experimental conditions were the same as the experimental examples described above.
<Experimental example 2>
The specific gravity of the electrolyte was maintained at 1.18. The remaining experimental conditions were the same as in Experimental Example 1 described above.
<Experimental example 3>
The specific gravity of the electrolyte was maintained at 1.20. The remaining experimental conditions were the same as in Experimental Example 2 described above.
<Experimental example 4>
The specific gravity of the electrolyte was maintained at 1.26. The remaining experimental conditions were the same as in Experimental Example 3 described above.
<Experimental result>
The amount of electric power supplied from the power source measured in Experimental Examples 1 to 4 described above was measured. Table 1 below shows changes in the amount of power supplied from the power sources according to Experimental Examples 1 to 4.

Regression analysis was performed in order to derive the relationship between the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution and the amount of generated brown gas from Experimental Example 1 to Experimental Example 4 described above. The detailed process of the regression analysis can be easily understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only the result will be described below.
As a result of regression analysis of the specific gravity and brown gas generation amount of the electrolytic solution shown in Table 1, the following mathematical formula (1) was derived.

y−0.749x = 1.568 (1)
Here, x is the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution, and y is the supplied power (kW / m ³ ). The unit of 0.749 and 1.568 is kW / m ³ .

  According to the above formula (1), when the brown gas generation amount is set to a specific value, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution and the power supply corresponding to this can be predicted to some extent. On the other hand, when based on the mathematical formula (1) described above, Experimental Example 1 to Experimental Example 4 satisfied the inequality described in the following mathematical formula (2).

  1.296 ≦ y−0.749x ≦ 2.021 (2)

  According to the above formula (2), the specific gravity of the electrolyte and the power supply of the corresponding power source could be adjusted more flexibly. When the specific gravity of the electrolyte and the supplied power deviate from the above ranges, it is impossible to produce a large amount of brown gas. Based on the results described above, the specific gravity of the electrolyte and the power supply power required could be predicted by increasing the capacity of the Brown gas production apparatus.

Although the experimental examples 1 to 4 described above are performed under the assumption that a brown gas of 43 m ³ / h is manufactured, the production amount of the brown gas is not limited to this value. Therefore, even when the production amount of brown gas is further increased, the above-described specific gravity of the electrolytic solution and power supply power can be predicted. Therefore, when designing the brown gas production apparatus, the specific gravity of the necessary electrolyte and the power supply power can be predicted to some extent, so that the brown gas production apparatus can be designed more easily. As a result, a large-capacity brown gas production apparatus can be easily produced.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention, and the attached drawings. Of course, this is also within the scope of the present invention.

10: Electrolysis tank 20: Water supply header 22: Water supply line 30: Brown gas discharge pipe 32: Brown gas supply pipe 40: Drainage header 42: Drainage line 60: Power supply 62: Electric wire 70: Heat exchanger 80: Cooling tower 90: Electrolyte Replenishment pipe 92: Gas-liquid separator 94: Level measuring device 96: Electrolyte supply pump 100: Brown gas manufacturing apparatus 202: Water supply passage 204: Water supply branch passage 221, 421: Screw wire 301: Lower pipe 303: Upper pipe 402 : Drainage passage 404: Drainage branch passage 900: Gas-liquid separation device

Claims (9)

A plurality of electrolytic cells applied to produce brown gas and arranged side by side along one direction in a pair of rows;
A plurality of water supply lines connected to the lower portions of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells and applied to supply an electrolytic solution to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells;
An electrically insulating water supply header connected to the plurality of water supply lines, extending long along the one direction, and positioned between the pair of rows;
A plurality of drain lines connected to the upper portions of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, and for discharging the electrolytic solution from each of the plurality of electrolytic cells;
An electrically insulating drainage header connected to the plurality of drainage lines and facing the water supply head;
A power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrolytic cells, and supplying a current for electrolyzing an electrolyte contained in the plurality of electrolytic cells; and connected to an upper end of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells; Brown gas discharge pipe that discharges the brown gas produced in the electrolytic cell to the outside,
Including
The water supply header is
A water supply passage formed inside the water supply header and extending along the one direction, and communicated with the plurality of water supply lines, and formed on a side surface of the water supply header so that the plurality of water supply lines are screwed together. Applied multiple water supply branch passages,
Including
The brown water manufacturing apparatus, wherein the water supply passage and the plurality of water supply branch passages intersect each other at right angles, and the water supply header is made of an integral resin. The drainage header is
A drainage passage formed inside the drainage header and extending along the one direction, and communicated with the plurality of drainage passages, and formed on a side surface of the drainage header so that the plurality of drainage lines are screwed together. Applied multiple drainage branch passages,
Including
2. The brown gas manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drainage passage and the plurality of drainage branching passages intersect each other at a right angle, and the drainage header is made of an integral resin. A gas-liquid separator connected to the brown gas discharge pipe and adapted to store an electrolyte,
A level measuring device connected to the gas-liquid separator and measuring the height of the electrolytic solution stored in the gas-liquid separator; and connected to the gas-liquid separator and the water supply header; Electrolyte supply pump to supply to the feed header side,
Further including
The end of the brown gas discharge pipe is immersed in the electrolyte, and the electrolyte discharged from the brown gas discharge pipe is applied to be separated from the brown gas, and the level measuring device is linked with the electrolyte supply pump. The brown gas manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is applied as described above.  When the level meter senses an increase in the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator, the level meter transmits a drive signal for driving the electrolyte supply pump to the electrolyte supply pump. The brown gas manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3. Providing an electrically insulating water supply header that extends long along one direction and is made of an integral resin ;
Supplying an electrolyte from the feed header to a plurality of feed lines connected to the electrically insulating feed header;
Supplying the electrolytic solution to each of a plurality of electrolytic cells arranged side by side along one direction while forming a pair of rows from the plurality of water supply lines;
A step of producing a brown gas by electrolyzing an electrolyte contained in the plurality of electrolytic cells by supplying a current to the plurality of electrolytic cells by a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrolytic cells;
Discharging the brown gas to the outside through a brown gas discharge pipe connected to the upper ends of the plurality of electrolytic cells;
Discharging the electrolyte solution through a plurality of drain lines connected to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells; and connecting the plurality of drain lines and facing the water supply head through the electrically insulating drain header. Discharging the liquid,
Including
In the step of supplying the electrolyte solution to the plurality of water supply lines, the electrolyte solution supplied to the water header along the one direction branches in a direction intersecting at right angles to the one direction and the plurality of water supplies A brown gas manufacturing method for supplying the electrolytic solution to the line side.  In the step of discharging the electrolytic solution through the electrically insulating drainage header, the electrolytic solution is collected in a direction intersecting the drainage header at right angles to the one direction and discharged along the one direction. The brown gas manufacturing method according to claim 5. A gas-liquid separator connected to the brown gas discharge pipe separates the brown gas and the electrolyte discharged from the brown gas discharge pipe from each other;
A level measuring device connected to the gas-liquid separator measures the height of the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator, and an electrolyte supply pump connected to the gas-liquid separator and the feed header Operating in conjunction with the level meter,
The brown gas production method according to claim 5, further comprising:  In the stage where the electrolyte supply pump operates in conjunction with the measuring instrument, when the level measuring instrument senses a rise in the electrolyte stored in the gas-liquid separator, the level measuring instrument The brown gas manufacturing method of Claim 7 which transmits the drive signal which drives a liquid supply pump to the said electrolyte supply pump.  The brown gas manufacturing method according to claim 8, wherein in the step of supplying the electrolytic solution to each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the concentration of the electrolytic solution contained in each of the plurality of electrolytic cells is uniformly maintained.

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