JPH07286293A - Gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a gas generator capable of preventing the failure due to the freezing of water (or soln.) and with the water as the raw material. CONSTITUTION:This gas generator 1 is provided with a means 41 for measuring the water temp. in an electrolytic cell 11 and a control means 40. The pressures of the generated gases 81 and 82 are utilized either in a means for discharging the water 80 in the cell 11 or in a means for resupplying water. Otherwise, the negative pressure on the suction side of an engine is utilized either in the water discharge means or in the water resupply means. Further, freezing is detected from the resistance value of the cell 11, and heat is supplied to the cell 11 or the cell 11 is stopped.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas generator for generating gas (hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine gas, etc.) from water or an aqueous solution by using an electrolyte, and particularly to a gas generator for preventing troubles due to freezing. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various vehicles using hydrogen as fuel have been proposed. As a method for easily obtaining hydrogen, a solid polymer (SPE = Solid Polymer Elec) is used.
There is an SPE hydrogen generator that uses electrolyte as an electrolyte. The SPE hydrogen generator uses water as a raw material and simultaneously generates hydrogen and oxygen.

[0003]

The SPE hydrogen generator uses pure water as a raw material, and therefore has a problem that water freezes in an environment of 0 ° C. or lower. In addition, while the electrolysis cell tank is operating, there is heat generation in the cell, and it is difficult for water to freeze.
In addition, since the hydrogen generator for vehicles is also operated by the engine, freezing does not easily occur during operation of the engine. However, if the hydrogen generator is stopped at a low temperature for a long period of time, problems will occur due to freezing.

The first problem associated with freezing is a reduction in the performance of the hydrogen generator. SPE water electrolysis hydrogen generator is SP
The electrodes arranged on both sides of the E membrane (electrolyte) are sandwiched by porous current collectors on the outside to collect current. In order to obtain good water electrolysis characteristics, it is important that this current collector adheres well to the electrodes and has low resistance. If water freezes in this hydrogen generator, the current collector will be pressed and deformed due to volume expansion due to ice generation, and it will not be able to maintain sufficient contact with the electrodes, resulting in deterioration of electrolytic characteristics (due to increased resistance). Electrolytic voltage rises).

The second problem is the destruction of the hydrogen generator. Direct high pressure (2-5 kg / cm ² ) in hydrogen generator
However, if water freezes in the hydrogen generator, the volume expansion will cause a defective seal and it will be difficult to obtain high-pressure hydrogen. In severe cases, the electrolyzer itself will be destroyed. .

Further, even if the hydrogen generator itself is not broken during freezing, if electrolysis is carried out in the frozen state, the gas generated at the electrode portion will lose its place and the gas pressure will rise locally.
At this time, the hydrogen generator electrode may be damaged. A method of using a liquid pump as a means for discharging water from the electrolysis cell tank is conceivable, but when using a liquid pump, there is a problem that the water in the pump must be completely discharged at the time of discharging water.

If water remains in the pump, there is a risk that the water will freeze in the pump, damage the pump, or cause the pump to stop working when restarted. However, it is difficult to prevent water from remaining in the liquid pump only by normal operation. In addition, it is difficult to restart the normal liquid pump if the water is completely drained,
It is troublesome to supply priming water.

In view of the above conventional problems, the present invention is
A gas generator using water (or an aqueous solution) as a raw material,
An object of the present invention is to provide a gas generator capable of preventing problems caused by freezing of water (or an aqueous solution).

[0009]

A first invention of the present application is a gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas,
Electrolysis cell tank for generating gas, temperature measuring means for measuring water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank, water discharging means for discharging water from the electrolysis cell tank and maintaining the discharged state, and output of the temperature measuring means And a control means for receiving the signal to operate the water discharging means, detecting the amount of residual water in the electrolytic cell tank, and operating the water discharging means. A gas storage part for storing the gas storage part, a first connecting member for connecting the gas storage part to the electrolysis cell tank, a water storage part having means for opening to the atmosphere, and a first connection member for connecting the water storage part to the electrolysis cell tank. 2 connecting members, the control means opens the first and second connecting members and opens the water reservoir when the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank becomes a predetermined value T ₁ or less. After operating to open the water reservoir to the atmosphere and discharge the water in the electrolysis cell tank to the water reservoir The second connecting member is in the gas generator characterized in that it comprises a mechanism for closing operation.

What is most noticeable in the present invention is that the gas storage part for storing the gas generated in the electrolysis cell tank and the water storage part that can be opened to the atmosphere and the like are provided.
It has a connecting member, and the control means performs the following control operation. That is, the control means
When the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank reaches a predetermined value T ₁ , that is, the temperature at which water may freeze, the first and second connecting members are opened and the water reservoir is opened to the atmosphere, etc. After letting out the water, the second connecting member is closed.

The water reservoir may be a water tank for supplying water to the electrolytic cell tank during normal operation (see Example 1 and FIG. 1), or may be provided separately from the water tank (see FIG. 1). Example 2, see FIG. 2). Further, the gas storage portion can use the empty portion of the water tank (see Embodiment 2, FIG. 2, reference numeral 122) or can be configured as a member separate from the water tank.

On the other hand, the connecting member may be composed of an opening / closing valve and a piping member which are usually used.
In addition, in the above, "atmosphere, etc." where the water reservoir is opened
Is usually an atmosphere that is easy to realize, but is not limited to the atmosphere, and it is sufficient if it can be opened to a field of a low pressure relative to the pressure of the gas reservoir, and the opened field is The low pressure is effective.

As the temperature measuring means, that is, the method of measuring the water temperature of the electrolysis cell, an ordinary temperature sensor (thermocouple, resistance thermometer, thermistor, etc.) is installed in the electrolysis cell portion, water tank, water pipe, etc. You can In addition, a temperature actuator, such as a bimetal, that deforms according to the temperature is installed at the above-mentioned location such as the electrolytic cell part, and the on / off of the contact is directly controlled by the change of the temperature actuator based on the temperature change, and integrated with the control means. You can also do it. The predetermined value (set value) T ₁ is not a value of the freezing temperature of water itself, but is a value at which freezing does not actually occur in consideration of the delay time of water discharge control.

In addition to the above structure, a third connecting member for connecting the gas storage part and the water storage part, and first and second opening valves for opening the water storage part and the electrolytic cell tank to atmospheric pressure or the like are provided. The control means closes the first open valve and the first connecting member when the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined value T _{2 which is} higher than T ₁ , that is, when the water is not frozen. At the same time, it is preferable to open the second opening valve, the second connecting member and the third connecting member.

As will be described later in detail, since the water stored in the water storage section is again supplied to the electrolytic cell tank by the above operation of the control means, it is possible to restart the operation of the gas generator. Is. In addition, in the case of the above-mentioned water discharge operation for discharging water from the electrolysis cell tank, it is necessary to close the third connecting member and the second opening valve. This is because if the third connecting member and the second opening valve are opened, the flow of gas that discharges water from the electrolysis cell tank to the water storage section will not occur.

As another method for re-supplying water to the electrolytic cell tank, the water reservoir is arranged at a position higher than the electrolytic cell tank, and the control means controls the water temperature of the electrolytic cell tank to a predetermined value T ₂
When returning to the above, it is preferable to open the second connecting member and close the first connecting member. Since the water storage section is located higher than the electrolytic cell tank, the water storage section can descend from the water storage section into the electrolytic cell tank and re-supply the water in the water storage section to the electrolytic cell tank. is there.

Another method for re-supplying water to the electrolytic cell tank is to use the negative pressure of the engine. This method will be described in the third invention described later.
The predetermined value T ₂ is preferably slightly larger than the predetermined value T ₁ (T ₂ > T ₁ ) in order to avoid control hunting and the like.

The second invention of the present application is a gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas, wherein an electrolytic cell tank for generating the gas and a water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank are measured. Temperature measuring means, water discharging means for discharging water from the electrolysis cell tank and maintaining it in a discharged state, water resupplying means for resupplying water from the water discharging means to the electrolysis cell tank, and output of the temperature measuring means And a control means for receiving the signal to operate the water discharging means and the water resupplying means and detecting the residual water amount in the electrolytic cell tank to operate the water discharging means. The water re-supply means has a water storage portion arranged at a position lower than the electrolysis cell tank and a second connecting member for connecting the water storage portion to the electrolysis cell tank. Gas storage section for storing in a state, and connecting the gas storage section to the water storage section 3 and the electrolysis cell bath which has a coupling member having opening means for opening to the atmosphere or the like, the control means, when the water temperature of the electrolysis cell bath is equal to or less than a predetermined value T _1, the third connecting member When the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined value T _{2 which is} higher than the above T ₁ , the second, third
A mechanism is provided for opening the connecting member and operating the opening means of the water resupply means to open the electrolytic cell tank to the atmosphere or the like, and for closing the second connecting member after water is supplied again to the electrolytic cell tank. A gas generator characterized by the above.

The first point that is most noticeable in the second invention is that the water reservoir constituting the water discharging means is arranged at a lower position than the electrolytic cell tank, and the water reservoir is connected to the electrolytic cell tank. This means that it has a second connecting member, and further has a third connecting member that connects the gas reservoir to the water reservoir as water resupply means, and that the electrolytic cell tank can be opened to the atmosphere and the like.

And the second point that is most remarkable is
When the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank is equal to or lower than a predetermined value T ₁ , that is, a temperature below which water may be frozen, the control means sets the third value.
When the connection member is closed and the second connection member is opened, on the other hand, when the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank returns to the predetermined value T ₂ , that is, the temperature at which water does not freeze, the second and third connection members are opened. Is to open the electrolytic cell tank to the atmosphere and the like, and to close the second connecting member after water is re-supplied to the electrolytic cell tank.

A third invention of the present application is a gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate gas (hydrogen and oxygen), which is an electrolysis cell tank for producing gas, and an electrolysis cell tank of the electrolysis cell tank. Temperature measuring means for measuring the water temperature, water discharging means for discharging the water in the electrolysis cell tank and maintaining it in the discharged state, and operating the water discharging means on the basis of the output signal of the temperature measuring means, in the electrolysis cell tank And a control means for operating the water discharging means by detecting the residual water amount of
The control means includes a water storage part, a second connection member connecting the water storage part to the electrolytic cell tank, and a fourth connection member connecting the water storage part to the intake side of the engine. When the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank falls below a predetermined value T ₁ ,
A gas generator comprising a mechanism for opening the fourth connecting member, discharging water from the electrolytic cell tank, and then closing the second and fourth connecting members.

The first aspect of the present invention that is most noticeable in the third invention
The point is that the water discharging means has a water storage part, and has a second connection member that connects the water storage part to the electrolytic cell tank and a fourth connection member that connects the water storage part to the intake side of the engine. That is. The second point that is most noticeable is that the control means, when the water temperature of the electrolytic cell tank reaches a predetermined value T ₁ , that is, the temperature at which water may freeze, or when the operation is stopped for a long time, etc. First, the second and fourth connecting members are opened, and the second and fourth connecting members are closed after water is discharged from the electrolytic cell tank.

In addition to the above structure, it is preferable to provide a fifth connecting member for connecting oxygen in the electrolytic cell tank to the intake side of the engine. Then, when the water temperature of the electrolytic cell tank returns to a predetermined value T ₂ (greater than T ₁ ) or more, that is, a temperature at which there is no risk of freezing of water, the control means closes the fourth connecting member, and This is because by opening the second and fifth connecting members, the water in the water reservoir can be resupplied to the electrolytic cell tank.

That is, when the fourth connecting member is closed and the second and fifth connecting members are opened, the water storage portion and the electrolytic cell tank and the electrolytic cell tank and the negative pressure portion of the engine are connected in series. The water in the water reservoir is sucked into the electrolytic cell tank by the negative pressure. When the second and fourth connecting members are opened and water is discharged from the electrolytic cell tank, the fifth connecting member is closed.

Alternatively, in order to re-supply water to the electrolytic cell tank, it is preferable to arrange the water storage part at a position higher than the electrolytic cell tank. Another method of re-supplying water to the electrolysis cell tank is to use generated gas pressure.
The details are as described in the first invention. With this configuration, when the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value T ₂ , the control means closes the fourth connecting member and opens the second connecting member, so that the water storage part This is because water can be dropped into the electrolytic cell tank and supplied again.

A fourth invention of the present application is a gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate gas (hydrogen or oxygen), which is an electrolysis cell tank for generating gas, and an electrolysis cell tank in the electrolysis cell tank. Temperature measuring means for measuring the water temperature of water, and water discharging means for discharging the water in the electrolysis cell tank and maintaining the discharged state,
It has water re-supplying means for re-supplying water from the water discharging means to the electrolysis cell tank, and control means for receiving the output signal of the temperature measuring means and operating the water discharging means and the water re-supplying means. The water discharge means has a water storage portion arranged at a position lower than the electrolysis cell, and a second connection member for connecting the water storage portion to the electrolysis cell tank, and the water resupply The means has a fifth connecting member for connecting the oxygen generating portion of the electrolysis cell to the intake side of the engine, and the control means described above is provided when the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value T _1. The fifth connecting member is closed and the second connecting member is opened to discharge the water in the electrolytic cell tank to the water reservoir, while the water temperature in the electrolytic cell is a predetermined value T ₂ (greater than T ₁ ) or more. If it becomes, the second and fifth connecting members are opened to re-use the water in the water reservoir to the electrolytic cell. A gas generator having a supply mechanism.

First of most noteworthy in the present invention
The point is that the water reservoir is located lower than the electrolysis cell tank, and a second connecting member for connecting the two is provided, and the oxygen generating portion of the electrolysis cell tank is connected to the intake side of the engine. That is, the fifth connecting member is provided.
And the second point that is most noteworthy is that the control means
When the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank falls below a predetermined value T ₁ ,
The fifth connecting member is closed and the second connecting member is opened, while the second and fifth connecting members are opened when the water temperature of the electrolytic cell tank returns to a predetermined value T ₂ or higher. That is.

A fifth invention of the present application is a gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas, an electrolytic cell tank for generating the gas, and a resistance measuring means for measuring the resistance of the electrolytic cell. And a control means for receiving an output signal of the resistance measuring means, the control means judging the start of freezing of the electrolytic cell tank from the change of the resistance value of the electrolytic cell, and operating the electrolytic cell tank before freezing. The gas generator is characterized by having a mechanism for stopping.

What is most noticeable in the present invention is that the resistance measuring means for measuring the resistance of the electrolysis cell is provided and the output signal of the resistance measuring means is input to the control means. It is to judge the freezing condition of the electrolytic cell tank from the change and stop the operation of the electrolytic cell tank before freezing.

The resistance measuring means of the electrolytic cell is constructed, for example, as follows. Electrodes are attached to the electrolysis cell so that electrolysis current can flow. Therefore, if a voltage measurement terminal is provided on this electrode terminal, it is easy to measure the voltage when a predetermined current is applied.

Direct current is used for the electrolysis current in order to generate only a predetermined gas at a predetermined electrode. The voltage of the electrolysis cell at the time of applying the DC current is a value obtained by adding the overvoltage due to the electrode reaction of the gas generation and the resistance of the electrolysis cell to the theoretical voltage required to generate the predetermined gas. The theoretical voltage is constant regardless of the electrolysis current value, and the electrode overvoltage for gas generation is also extremely small in the electrolysis current range (approximately 100 mA).
/ Cm ² or less), it is almost constant regardless of the current density.

Therefore, the voltage change when the current density is changed is approximately proportional to the resistance of the electrolyte. Therefore, the electrolytic cell resistance can be obtained by providing a means for calculating the electrolytic voltage at each time by changing the electrolytic current density and calculating the change (gradient) of the electrolytic voltage with respect to the electrolytic current value.

Further, by using an AC resistance measuring method in which an alternating current is applied to the electrolysis cell and the voltage change at this time is measured to measure the resistance, the resistance of the electrolysis cell can be immediately obtained. This is because the above theoretical voltage and the overvoltage of the electrode reaction do not exist when an alternating current is applied. This AC resistance measurement can be performed during the electrolysis pause time or by superimposing an AC component on the electrolysis current.

In the case of the SPE electrolysis cell, since the SPE electrolysis cell resistance changes by two digits or more due to freezing as described later, it can be dealt with by monitoring the electrolysis voltage itself and comparing it with the normal electrolysis voltage. is there. That is, in the SPE water electrolysis cell, it is usually 200 mA / cm ^{2 to} 1000 mA /
The operation is performed at a current density up to about cm ^{2, and} the electrolysis voltage at this time is about 2V to 2.5V. And in the normal case where it is not frozen, the resistance of the electrolysis cell is 400 mΩ
Since the value is about / cm ² , the resistance of the electrolysis cell that affects the electrolysis voltage is about 0.08V to 0.4V.

On the other hand, when the electrolysis cell freezes, the electrolysis cell resistance increases by two digits or more, so that the electrolysis cell resistance is 40 Ω / cm ² or more, and if the same electrolysis current is applied, the electrolysis cell resistance that affects the electrolysis voltage is 8 V to It will be 40V. Therefore, if electrolysis is performed at 200 mA / cm ² , it is 1
If electrolysis is performed at 0 V or more and 1000 mA / cm ² , a voltage of 42 V or more is required. That is, when the current is controlled and electrolysis is performed, the increase in the electrolytic cell resistance can be understood by the increase in the terminal voltage. When electrolysis is performed at a constant voltage, the resistance increases by 2 digits due to freezing as described above, and the electrolytic current value decreases by 2 digits. Therefore, by monitoring this current value, the increase in the electrolytic cell resistance can be understood. it can.

The sixth invention of the present application is a gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas, and an electrolytic cell tank for generating the gas, and a resistance measuring means for measuring the resistance of the electrolytic cell. And an anti-freezing means for supplying heat to the electrolytic cell tank, and a control means for receiving the output signal of the resistance measuring means and operating the anti-freezing means. A gas generator characterized in that it has a mechanism for activating the above-mentioned antifreezing means by judging the freezing condition of the electrolytic cell tank from the change in the value.

What is most noticeable in the present invention is that the resistance measuring means for measuring the resistance of the electrolysis cell and the anti-freezing means for supplying heat to the electrolysis cell tank are provided, and the electrolysis cell tank is output from the output signal of the resistance measuring means. It is necessary to have a control means for deciding the freezing condition and activating the antifreezing means. The method of configuring the resistance measuring means is the same as that of the fifth invention.

The antifreezing means is constructed as follows, for example. For example, if a heater is installed in a portion such as an electrolysis cell, a pipe, and a water tank that is desired to prevent freezing, and if the control means detects freezing by monitoring the resistance of the electrolysis cell, the electrolytic current is switched to the heater side so that the Shed. Alternatively, the electrolytic current is stopped and the heater is energized by a separate power supply. Alternatively, it is possible to leave the electrolytic current as it is and supply a new current to the heater.

Further, in the case of a gas generator used on a vehicle, cooling water, fuel return and exhaust heat are other heat sources. In either case, a jacket, piping, etc. are installed so that the heat of the heat source can be transmitted to the portion to be protected from freezing, and the electrolysis cell can be heated by the heat of these heat sources. Normally, the heat source fluid (cooling water, fuel for fuel return, and exhaust gas) is not allowed to flow through the antifreezing portion of the water electrolysis cell, but when a freeze detection signal is input, the flow paths are switched to generate heat from these heat sources. Allow the medium to flow through the electrolytic cell jacket section.

[0040]

[Operation and effect] First, the operation and effect of the first invention will be described. The gas generator of the present invention can measure the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank by the temperature measuring means. Then, the control means opens the first and second connecting members when the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank measured by the temperature measurement means becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value T ₁ , and the gas storage section, the electrolysis cell tank, and the The electrolytic cell tank and the water reservoir are connected in series, and the water reservoir is opened to the atmosphere. Then, the water in the electrolytic cell tank is pressure-fed to the water storage portion by the gas pressure of the gas storage portion and discharged.

That is, the gas storage portion, the electrolytic cell tank, and the water storage portion are brought into communication with each other by the first and second connecting members, while the water storage portion is open to the atmosphere or the like, so that the gas pressure of the gas storage portion is increased. As a result, the water in the electrolytic cell tank flows and flows out to the water reservoir. The predetermined value T ₁ is the freezing start temperature of water determined in consideration of factors such as the delay time of water discharge control (the same applies to the second to fourth inventions described below).

Therefore, the gas generator can discharge the water from the electrolytic cell tank before the water freezes. Further, since the second connecting member is closed after the water is discharged, the backflow of water can be suppressed. The water discharge means uses the gas pressure of the generated gas as a drive source, and does not use a drive member such as a liquid pump that may freeze. In addition, a gas reservoir that stores the generated gas in a positive pressure state and a valve member (connecting member)
The configuration is simple because it is configured by such as, and does not use a separate power source.

As described above, according to the present invention, a gas generator using water or an aqueous solution as a raw material, which has a simple structure and does not use a drive member driven by another power source such as a liquid pump, has a simple structure. A device can be provided. As described above, in addition to the above configuration, a third connecting member that connects the gas storage part and the water storage part, a first opening valve that opens the water storage part to the atmosphere, an electrolytic cell tank to the atmosphere, and the like. A second opening valve is provided to open the first opening valve and the first connecting member when the electrolytic cell bath water temperature returns to a predetermined value T ₂ or more, and the second opening valve, the second connecting member, and the third connecting member are closed. Water can be re-supplied to the electrolytic cell tank by opening the member.

That is, since the gas reservoir and the water reservoir are connected in series, and the water reservoir and the electrolytic cell tank are connected in series, and the electrolytic cell tank is opened to the atmosphere or the like, the gas pressure of the gas reservoir causes the water reservoir. Water flows into the electrolytic cell tank. In addition, as described above, as another method, the water storage part is arranged at a higher position than the electrolysis cell tank, and the first connection member is closed and the second connection member is opened to transfer the water in the water storage part to the electrolysis cell tank. It can also be lowered and supplied again.

Next, the function and effect of the second invention will be described.
The gas generator of the present invention is a gas generator that discharges water by the action of gravity and re-supplies water by the gas pressure of the generated gas. That is, since the water storage part is located at a lower position than the electrolytic cell tank, if the second connecting member is opened and the third connecting member is closed, the water in the electrolytic cell tank will drop to the water storage part. ， Is discharged. Since the above operation is performed when the water in the electrolytic cell tank becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value T ₁ , freezing of the electrolytic cell tank can be suppressed in advance.

On the other hand, when the electrolysis cell tank is opened to the atmosphere by opening the second and third connecting members, the gas storage part and the water storage part, and the water storage part and the electrolysis cell tank are connected in series to form an electrolysis cell. Since the tank is opened to the atmosphere, the water pressure in the gas reservoir causes the water in the water reservoir to be delivered to the electrolytic cell tank.

Since the above-mentioned operation is performed when the water in the electrolytic cell tank returns to the predetermined value T ₂ or more, the water in the water reservoir is automatically supplied when the fear of freezing of the electrolytic cell tank disappears. Are re-supplied to the electrolytic cell tank. Others are the same as those of the first invention, and according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas generator with a freezing preventing means having a simple structure that does not use a driving member such as a liquid pump driven by another power.

Next, the function and effect of the third invention will be described.
The present invention is a gas generator that discharges water by utilizing the negative pressure of the engine. That is, when the second and fourth connecting members are opened, the electrolysis cell tank and the water storage part, and the water storage part and the negative pressure part (intake side) of the engine are connected in series, and the electrolytic cell is generated by the negative pressure of the engine. The water in the tank flows out to the water reservoir.

Since the opening operation of the second and fourth connecting members is carried out when the water in the electrolysis cell tank falls below the predetermined value T ₁ , it is possible to prevent the freezing of the electrolysis cell tank in advance. it can. Then, if the second and fourth connecting members are closed after the water is discharged from the electrolytic cell tank, the water is stored in the water storage section and does not flow back into the electrolytic cell tank. Others are the same as those of the first invention, and according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas generator with an antifreezing means having a simple structure that does not use a driving member such as a liquid pump driven by another power.

Next, the function and effect of the fourth invention will be described.
The gas generator of the fourth aspect of the invention is a gas generator that drains water from the electrolysis cell tank by the action of gravity and recharges the water to the electrolysis cell tank by using the negative pressure of the engine. That is, when the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value T ₁ , the fifth connecting member is closed and the second connecting member is opened. Then, since the water storage portion is located below the electrolytic cell tank, water drops from the electrolytic cell tank to the water storage portion.

On the other hand, when the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank returns to the predetermined value T ₂ or higher, the second connecting member and the fifth connecting member are opened. As a result, the water storage part and the electrolysis cell tank, the oxygen generation part of the electrolysis cell tank and the negative pressure part (intake side) of the engine are connected in series, and the negative pressure of the engine causes the water in the water storage part to enter the electrolysis cell tank. Sucked.

Others are the same as the second invention,
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the gas generator which has a freezing prevention means of a simple structure which does not use the drive member by another power, such as a liquid pump, can be provided.

Next, the function and effect of the fifth invention will be described.
The control means can measure the resistance of the electrolysis cell and detect the start of freezing of the electrolysis cell. The reason is as follows. The resistance of the electrolysis cell changes slightly during normal operation due to changes in the contact state of the current collector, contamination by impurities, and the like.
However, the change is about double at best. On the other hand, changes in the resistance of electrolytic cells such as SPE due to freezing are more than two digits. Therefore, the freezing of the electrolytic cell can be monitored by monitoring the resistance of the electrolytic cell. For example, the case where the resistance is increased by one digit or more from the normal resistance can be used as the freeze detection resistance.

When electrolysis is performed at a constant current, the electrolysis voltage value changes 5 to 15 times as the electrolysis cell resistance increases. Therefore, for example, the time when the voltage required to flow the predetermined current changes to several times (2 to 5 times) the normal voltage may be used as the reference for freezing. Further, when electrolysis is performed at a constant voltage, the resistance rapidly increases due to freezing as described above, so that the electrolysis current value decreases by two digits or more. Therefore, when electrolysis is performed in the constant voltage mode, the current value is monitored, and when the electrolysis current value becomes, for example, one digit smaller than a predetermined value, it is possible to know the freezing.

When the start of freezing of the electrolytic cell is determined as described above, the control means stops the operation of the electrolytic cell tank. If the electrolysis cell tank is stopped, the generation of gas also stops, so that the electrolysis cell tank can be prevented from being damaged.
This is because, as described above, if current is generated in the frozen state to generate gas, the electrolytic cell tank may be damaged by the excessive pressure of the gas that has lost its place of departure.

As described above, according to the present invention, the gas generation device using water or an aqueous solution as a raw material can prevent the problem of freezing with a simple structure which does not use a driving member driven by another power such as a liquid pump. It is possible to provide a gas generator capable of doing the above.

Next, the function and effect of the sixth invention of the present application will be described. In the gas generator of the present invention, in the gas generator of the fifth invention, the control means does not stop the operation of the apparatus when detecting the freezing of the electrolytic cell tank, but operates the antifreezing means. Since the antifreezing means can supply heat to the electrolytic cell tank, it is possible to avoid freezing of the gas generator. If cooling water, fuel return, exhaust gas, etc. are used as the heat source of the antifreezing means,
No separate power source is needed. Others are the same as those of the gas generator of the fifth invention. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas generator that uses water or an aqueous solution as a raw material and that can prevent freezing of the water or the aqueous solution.

[0058]

【Example】

Embodiment 1 A gas generator according to an embodiment of the first invention (claim 2) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, this example is a gas generator 1 that decomposes water 80 to generate gas (hydrogen 81 and oxygen 82), and includes an electrolytic cell tank 11 for generating gas 81 and 82. , A temperature measuring means 41 for measuring the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank 11, a water discharging means for discharging the water in the electrolysis cell tank 11 and maintaining the discharged state, and an output signal of the temperature measuring means 41 for receiving the water discharging means. And a control means 40 for operating.

The water discharge means includes a gas storage section 121 (hydrogen tank 16) for storing the generated hydrogen 81 in a high pressure state,
A first connecting member 311 for connecting the gas storage portion 121 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, a water storage portion 131, a second connecting member 321 for connecting the water storage portion 131 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, and the water storage portion 131 to the atmosphere or the like. And a first opening valve 361 that opens or closes.

Further, the gas storage section 121 and the water storage section 131
And a second opening valve 371 for opening the electrolysis cell tank 11 to the atmosphere.
Then, when the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank 11 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value T ₁ , the control means 40 closes the third connecting member 331 and the second opening valve 371, and also controls the first and second connecting members 311 and 311. 321 and the 1st opening valve 361 are opened, the water 80 of the electrolysis cell tank 11 is made to flow out to the water storage part 131, and then the 2nd connection member 321 is closed.

When the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 returns to a predetermined value T ₂ or higher, the control means 40 controls the first opening valve 3
61 and the first connecting member 311 are closed, and the second opening valve 371, the second connecting member 321, and the third connecting member 331.
Is opened to re-supply the water 80 from the water reservoir 131 to the electrolytic cell tank 11.

The electrolytic cell tank 11 is a reaction tank in which electrodes are arranged on both sides of a fixed polymer (SPE) which is an electrolyte, and the outside of the electrodes is sandwiched by a porous current collector. Then, electric power is supplied to the electrodes from a DC power source (not shown). The hydrogen generation part 112 of the electrolysis cell tank 11 is connected to the gas storage part 121 via the check valve 381, and the gas storage part 12
Hydrogen 81 is stored in 1.

The gas storage section 121 (hydrogen tank 16)
Supplies hydrogen 81 to a hydrogen consuming part (not shown) via the on-off valve 382. The water reservoir 131 is also used by the water tank 15 that supplies water 80 to the electrolytic cell tank 11 at a normal time, and is arranged at a higher position than the electrolytic cell tank 11. The water reservoir 131 is connected to the buffer tank 141 that is open to the atmosphere via the first open valve 361.
Each connecting member 311, 321, 331 and open valve 361
Reference numeral 371 is a solenoid valve, which is connected to the control means 40, and the control means 40 is an electronic control device.

Next, the function and effect of the gas generator 1 of this example will be described. During normal operation, the control means 40 closes the first connecting member 311, the third connecting member 331, and opens the second connecting member 321, the first and second opening valves 361, 371. The water reservoir 131 is located above the electrolytic cell tank 11,
An empty space of the water reservoir 131 and the oxygen generator 1 of the electrolytic cell tank 11
Since 13 is opened to the atmosphere through the buffer tank 141, the water 80 flows into the electrolytic cell tank 11 by gravity,
Oxygen 82 is released to the atmosphere.

Then, a part of the water is returned to the water reservoir 131 through the first and second open valves 361 and 371 by the air lift action of the oxygen 82. On the other hand, the hydrogen 81 generated in the electrolysis cell tank 11 flows into the gas storage section 121 and enters the gas storage section 12
1 is filled with high pressure hydrogen 81.

Next, when the output signal of the temperature measuring means 41 exceeds a value corresponding to a predetermined value T ₁ (for example, 2 to 5 ° C.),
The control means 40 includes the third connecting member 331 and the second opening valve 37.
After closing 1, the first and second connecting members 311 and 321 and the first opening valve 361 are opened. Then, the gas reservoir 121
High-pressure hydrogen 81 pushes out the water 80 in the electrolytic cell tank 11,
The water 80 flows into the water reservoir 131 through the second connecting member 321. Then, after the water 80 is discharged from the electrolysis cell tank 11, the second connecting member 321 is closed to maintain this water discharge state.

When the output signal of the temperature measuring means 41 exceeds a value corresponding to the predetermined value T ₂ , the control means 40 closes the open / close valve 382, the first connecting member 311, and the first open valve 361, and the second , Third connecting members 321, 331, and second
The open valve 371 is opened. Then, the gas reservoir 121
The gas pressure of the hydrogen 81 is applied to the empty portion of the water reservoir 131 via the third connecting member 331, and the water 80 is pushed out to the electrolytic cell tank 11.

After supplying the required amount of water,
The third connecting members 311 and 331 are closed, and the second connecting member 32
If the first and the first and second opening valves 361 and 371 are opened,
Restore normal operating conditions. In the above, control of the amount of water to be re-supplied is performed by, for example, valves 331, 321, 371.
In addition to the method depending on the operation time, the electrolytic cell tank 11 may be provided with a water level sensor or the like.

As described above, according to this example, the water 8 in the electrolytic cell tank 11 is kept at the low temperature (T ₁ ) before freezing in the electrolytic cell tank 11.
Temperature T _{2 at which} 0 is automatically discharged and there is no fear of freezing
Thus, the water 80 can be supplied to the electrolytic cell tank 11 again, and the operation can be safely continued. The power of the water 80 for discharging and re-supplying water can be a simple structure using the pressure of the generated hydrogen gas 81 and not using another power. As described above, according to the present example, it is possible to provide a gas generator that uses water as a raw material and that can prevent problems due to freezing of water.

Embodiment 2 This embodiment is another embodiment of the first invention (claim 2) in which the gas pressure of the generated oxygen is used and the water reservoir is provided separately from the water tank. As shown in FIG. 2, the present example is a gas generator 1 that decomposes water 80 to generate hydrogen 81 and oxygen 82, and includes an electrolysis cell tank 11 for generating gases 81 and 82, and an electrolysis cell. Temperature measuring means 41 for measuring the water temperature of the tank 11, water discharging means for discharging the water 80 in the electrolysis cell tank 11 and maintaining the discharged state, and control for receiving the output signal of the temperature measuring means 41 and operating the water discharging means And means 40.

The water discharging means includes a gas storage part 122 for storing oxygen 82 in a high pressure state, a first connecting member 312 for connecting the gas storage part 122 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, and a water storage part 1.
32, a second connecting member 322 that connects the water reservoir 132 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, and a first opening valve 362 that opens or shuts off the water reservoir 132 to the atmosphere. In addition, the third connection member 33 that connects the gas storage portion 122 and the water storage portion 132.
2 having 2 and opening the electrolysis cell tank 11 to the atmosphere
It has an open valve 372.

The control means 40 is used for the electrolytic cell tank 11
When the water temperature of the water falls below a predetermined value T ₁ , the electrolytic cell tank 1
1 and the bottom portion of the water tank 15 are operated to close the second opening / closing valve 383, the second opening valve 372 and the third connecting member 332, and the first and second connecting members 312 and 322 and the first opening valve 362.
To open the water 80 of the electrolysis cell tank 11
And then the second connecting member 322 is closed.
Further, the control means 40 closes the first opening valve 362 and the first connecting member 312 and also opens the second opening valve 372, the second opening valve 372, and the second opening valve 372 when the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 becomes a predetermined value T ₂ or more. The third connecting members 322 and 332 are opened to re-supply the water 80 from the water reservoir 132 to the electrolytic cell tank 11.
Further, the water tank 15 is arranged at a position higher than the electrolytic cell tank 11.

During normal operation, the second and third connecting members 32
2, 332, the second opening valve 372 is closed, and the second opening / closing valve 38
3, The first connecting member 312 is opened. As a result, 80
Flows down from the water tank 15 into the electrolytic cell tank 11. The oxygen 82 generated in the electrolytic cell tank 11 is the water tank 15
Part of the water stored in the gas storage section 122 above the water is returned to the water tank 15 by the air lift action of the oxygen 82. The first opening / closing valve 382 is opened / closed appropriately according to the usage status of hydrogen.

When the water 80 in the electrolytic cell tank 11 becomes less than the predetermined value T ₁ , the control means 40 closes the second opening valve 372, the second opening / closing valve 383, and the third connecting member 332, and the first connecting member 312. , The second connecting member 322 and the first opening valve 362
Open the circuit. Then, due to the pressure of the oxygen 82 in the gas reservoir 122, the water 80 in the electrolysis cell tank 11 will be absorbed by the second connecting member 32.
It is pushed out to the water storage part 132 through 2. Then, when the second connecting member 322 is closed at the time when the water 80 is discharged from the electrolytic cell tank 11, the electrolytic cell tank 11 is maintained in the state of discharging water.

After that, the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is set to a predetermined value T.
_When it becomes ₂ , the control means 40 causes the second on-off valve 383, the first
The connection member 312 and the first opening valve 362 are closed,
The third connecting members 322, 332 and the second opening valve 372 are opened. Then, the pressure of oxygen 81 in the gas storage portion 122 acts on the water storage portion 132 via the third connecting member 332, and the pressed water 80 passes through the second connecting member 322 and the electrolytic cell tank 1
Flow into 1.

After the refilling is completed, the first opening / closing valve 382, the second and third connecting members 322, 332, the second opening valve 372 are closed, and the second opening valve 383, the first connecting member 31.
Open 2 to return to normal operation. For others,
This is the same as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 This embodiment is another embodiment of the gas generator according to the first invention (claim 3) in which the gas pressure of hydrogen is used for waste water and the gravity is used for re-supply water. That is, in this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the water tank 15 also serving as the water storage portion 131 is arranged at a higher position than the electrolytic cell tank 11, and the water storage portion 131 is opened to the atmospheric pressure by the opening (oxygen releasing port) 151. ing.

Further, a gas storage section 121 for storing hydrogen 81
It has a first connecting member 311 for connecting the (hydrogen tank 16) to the electrolytic cell tank 11 and a second connecting member 321 for connecting the water reservoir 131 to the electrolytic cell tank. The first opening / closing valve 382 interposed between the hydrogen consuming portion and the gas storage portion 121.
And a second opening valve 372 inserted in a pipe line that can connect the oxygen generating portion 113 of the electrolytic cell tank 11 to the atmosphere.

Then, the control means 40 closes the first connecting member 311 during the normal operation, and the second connecting member 321 and the second connecting member 321 are closed.
The open valve 372 is opened to drop water from the water tank 15 located at a high place into the electrolytic cell tank 11. And the electrolytic cell tank 11
When the water temperature of the water drops below a predetermined value T ₁ , the control means 40 causes the second
The open valve 372 is closed and the first and second connecting members 31 are
1, 321 are opened, and the water 80 in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is returned to the water tank 15 by the pressure of hydrogen 81 in the gas storage section 121. When the water is returned to the water reservoir, the second connection member 321 is closed to keep the water discharged from the electrolytic cell tank 11.

Then, the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank 11 is set to a predetermined value T.
_When it becomes ₂ , the control means 40 again closes the first connecting member 311 and the second connecting member 321 and the second opening valve 372.
The water is opened from the water tank 15 to the electrolytic cell tank 11 to restart the operation. Others are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 4 This embodiment is another embodiment of the first invention (claim 3) in which the gas pressure of oxygen is used instead of the gas pressure of hydrogen in the second embodiment. That is, in this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the water 4 tank 15 and the water storage portion 132 are arranged at a position higher than the electrolytic cell tank 11, and the water storage portion 132 is opened to the atmosphere through the opening 135. Further, the gas storage portion 122 that stores the oxygen 82 is formed in the upper portion of the water tank 15.

During normal operation, the control means 40 closes the second connecting member 322 and the second opening valve 372, opens the first connecting member 312 and the second opening / closing valve 383, and opens the water tank 15 to the electrolysis cell tank 11. 80 water is supplied to. Then, when the water temperature becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value T ₁ , the control means 40 closes the second opening / closing valve 383 and the second opening valve 372 and opens the first and second connecting members 312 and 322, so that the oxygen in the gas storage portion 122 is oxygenated. Water 8 in the electrolysis cell tank 11 due to the gas pressure of 82
0 is pushed out to the water reservoir 132. If the second connecting member 322 is closed when the water in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is transferred to the water reservoir 132, the electrolysis cell tank 11 is maintained in the discharged state.

When the water temperature becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value T ₂ , the second opening / closing valve 383 and the first connecting member 312 are closed, and the second connecting member 322 and the second opening valve 372 are opened to the high position. From the water reservoir 132 in the electrolytic cell tank 11
Then, the water 80 is dropped to restore the normal operating state when the water 80 is re-supplied to the electrolytic cell tank 11. Others are the same as those in the second embodiment.

Embodiment 5 This embodiment is an embodiment of the second invention (claim 4) in which gravity is used for draining water and hydrogen gas pressure is used for re-supply water. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, an electrolytic cell tank 11, a temperature measuring means 41, a water discharging means for discharging water in the electrolytic cell tank 11, and a water re-supply for re-supplying water to the electrolytic cell tank 11. It is the gas generator 1 which has a means and a control means 40.

The water discharging means is composed of a water reservoir 133 arranged at a lower position than the electrolytic cell tank 11 and a water reservoir 133.
Has a second connecting member 323 for connecting the electrolytic cell tank 11 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, and the water re-supplying means stores the hydrogen 81 in a high pressure state in the gas storage portion 121 (hydrogen tank 16) and the gas storage portion 121 in water. Third connecting member 33 connected to the reservoir 133
3 and the empty portion of the electrolytic cell tank 11 (oxygen generating portion 1
13) is open to the atmosphere from above the water tank 15.

Further, during normal operation, water 8 is placed in the electrolytic cell tank 11.
A water tank 15 for supplying 0 is arranged at a higher position than the electrolytic cell tank 11, and an upper portion of the water tank 15 is open to the atmosphere through an opening (oxygen releasing port) 151 and an oxygen generating portion of the electrolytic cell tank 11 is provided. It communicates with 113. And
A second opening / closing valve 383 is provided in the water pipeline connecting the bottom of the water tank 15 and the electrolytic cell tank 11.

At the time of normal operation, the control means 40 is
The third connecting members 323 and 333 are closed and the second opening / closing valve 383 is opened to supply water from the water tank 15 at the high position to the electrolytic cell tank 11. Then, when the water temperature becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value T ₁ , the control means 40 causes the third connecting member 33.
3 and the second opening / closing valve 383 and the second connecting member 3
23 is opened, and water 80 is dropped from the electrolysis cell tank 11 to the water storage portion 133 at the low position.

Then, when the water temperature becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value T ₂ , the second opening / closing valve 383 is closed and the second and third connecting members 323, 333 are opened, and the gas pressure of hydrogen 81 in the gas storage section 121 is increased. Thus, the water 80 in the water reservoir 133 is pressure-fed to the electrolytic cell tank 11. Then, after the water in the water storage section 133 is re-supplied to the electrolytic cell tank 11, the above-mentioned normal operation state is switched again. Others are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 6 This embodiment is another embodiment of the second invention (claim 4) in which the gas pressure of oxygen is used instead of the gas pressure of hydrogen in the fifth embodiment. In this example, as shown in FIG. 6, electrolytic cell tank 11, temperature measuring means 41, water discharging means for discharging water from electrolytic cell tank 11, and water re-supply for re-supplying water to electrolytic cell tank 11. It is the gas generator 1 which has a means and a control means 40.

The water discharging means is composed of a water reservoir 133 arranged at a lower position than the electrolytic cell tank 11 and a water reservoir 133.
Has a second connecting member 323 for connecting the electrolytic cell tank 11 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, and the water re-supplying means stores the gas 82 in a high pressure state, and the gas reservoir 122 into the water reservoir 133. It has a third connecting member 333 to be connected, and also has a second opening valve 372 for opening the oxygen generating part 113 of the electrolytic cell tank 11 to the atmosphere.

Also, water 8 is placed in the electrolytic cell tank 11 during normal operation.
A water tank 15 for supplying 0 is arranged at a position higher than the electrolytic cell tank 11, and the upper part of the water tank 15 serves as the gas storage section 122. A second opening / closing valve 383 is arranged in the water pipe connecting the gas storage section 122 and the electrolytic cell tank 11, and a second opening / closing valve 383 is installed in the oxygen passage connecting the gas storage section 122 and the oxygen generating section 113 of the electrolytic cell tank 11. One connecting member 312 is provided.

At the time of normal operation, the control means 40 is
The third connecting members 323, 333 and the second opening valve 372 are closed, and the first connecting member 312 and the second opening / closing valve 383 are opened to move the water tank 15 in the high position to the electrolytic cell tank 11
80 water is supplied to. Then, when the water temperature becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value T ₁ , the first and third connecting members 312 and 333 and the second opening / closing valve 383 are closed and the second opening valve 372 and the second connecting member 323 are opened, so that the electrolytic cell tank 11 The water 80 is dropped into the water reservoir 133.

Further, when the water temperature becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value T ₂ , the control means 40 closes the first connecting member 312 and the second opening / closing valve 383, and the second opening valve 372 and the second opening valve 372.
The third connection members 323, 333 are opened to open the gas storage portion 12
The water 80 in the water reservoir 133 is pressure-fed to the electrolytic cell tank 11 by the gas pressure of oxygen 82 of 2. Then, when the water is re-supplied to the electrolysis cell tank 11, it is switched to the normal operation state again. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

Example 7 This example is an example of the gas generator according to the third invention (claim 6) of discharging and re-supplying the water in the electrolytic cell tank by utilizing the negative pressure of the engine. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7, the electrolytic cell tank 11, the temperature measuring means 41, and the electrolytic cell tank 11 are used.
The water reservoir 131 (water tank 1 located at a higher position)
5), a second connecting member 321 for connecting the water storage portion 131 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, a fourth connecting member 341 for connecting the empty portion of the water storage portion 131 to the intake side of the engine 17, and the electrolytic cell tank 11 The gas generating device 1 includes a fifth connecting member 351 that connects the oxygen generating unit 113 to the intake side of the engine 17, and the control unit 40.

Further, a first opening valve 363 for opening the empty part of the water storage part 131 to the atmosphere and a second opening valve 373 for opening the oxygen generating part 113 of the electrolysis cell tank 11 to the atmosphere are provided. ing. Then, the oxygen generation part 1 of the electrolytic cell tank 11
A second opening / closing valve 383 is arranged in an oxygen passage connecting 13 and the upper part of the water reservoir 131.

During normal operation, the control means 40
Closes the fourth and fifth connecting members 341, 351 and the second opening valve 373, and opens the second connecting member 321, the first opening valve 363 and the second opening / closing valve 383. Then, the water 80 is supplied to the electrolytic cell tank 11 from the water reservoir 131 located at the high position. Also, oxygen 82 is the second on-off valve 383.
And is released to the atmosphere through the first opening valve 363.

Then, the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is a predetermined value T.
_When it becomes ₁ or less, the control means 40 causes the second opening / closing valve 383,
The first opening valve 363 and the fifth connecting member 351 are closed, and the second, fourth connecting members 321, 341, and the second opening valve 373 are opened. Then, the water 80 in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is sucked by the negative pressure of the engine 17 and the water reservoir 1
It flows into 31. Then, when the discharging is completed, the second connecting member 321 is closed.

Further, the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is a predetermined value T ₂
In the case of the above, the control means 40 causes the second on-off valve 3
83, the fourth connecting member 341, and the second opening valve 373 are closed, and the second, fifth connecting members 321, 351 and the first
The open valve 363 is opened. Then, the oxygen 82 in the electrolytic cell tank 11 is sucked into the negative pressure of the engine 17, so that the water 80 in the water reservoir 131 flows into the electrolytic cell tank 11 via the second connecting member 321. Then, at the stage where the re-water supply is completed, the control means 40 performs the restoring operation to the state of the normal operation. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 8 This embodiment is an embodiment of the gas generator according to the third invention (Claim 7) of performing drainage by negative pressure of the engine and resupplying water by utilizing gravity. In this example, as shown in FIG. 8, the electrolysis cell tank 11, the temperature detecting means 41, the water storage section 131 arranged at a higher position than the electrolysis cell tank 11, and the water storage section 131 are installed in the electrolysis cell tank 11. Second connecting member 3 to be connected
21, a fourth connecting member 341 that connects the water reservoir 131 to the intake side of the engine 17, and a control unit 40.

Further, the oxygen generating section 113 of the electrolytic cell tank 11
A second opening / closing valve 383 is arranged in an oxygen passage connecting the upper part of the water storage part 131, and a second opening valve 373 for opening the oxygen generation part 113 of the electrolysis cell tank 11 to the atmosphere,
A first opening valve 36 that opens the upper part of the water reservoir 131 to the atmosphere
3 are provided.

During normal operation, the control means 40 closes the fourth connecting member 341 and the second opening valve 373, and at the same time
Open valve 363, second opening / closing valve 383, and second connecting member 32
1 is opened, and the water 80 in the water reservoir 131 flows into the electrolytic cell tank 11 by the action of gravity. And the electrolytic cell tank 11
When the water temperature of the water falls below a predetermined value T ₁ , the control means 40 causes the first
The opening valve 363 and the second opening / closing valve 383 are closed, and the second and fourth connecting members 321, 341 and the second opening valve 373 are closed.
Open the circuit.

Then, the negative pressure of the engine 17 is sucked and the water 80 in the electrolytic cell tank 11 flows into the water reservoir 131 through the second connecting member 321. Then, the control means 40
When the water in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is discharged, the second connecting member 3
21 is closed. When the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 reaches the predetermined value T ₂ , the control means 40 closes the fourth connecting member 341 and the second opening valve 373, and also opens the first opening valve 363 and the second opening / closing valve 383. And, the second connecting member 321 is opened to return to the normal operating state. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 9 In this embodiment, the gas generator according to the fourth invention (claim 8) uses gravity to discharge water from the electrolysis cell tank and uses negative pressure of the engine to re-supply water to the electrolysis cell tank. It is an example of. In this example, as shown in FIG.
The temperature measuring means 41, the water storage part 133 arranged at a position lower than the electrolytic cell tank 11, the second connecting member 323 connecting the water storage part 133 to the electrolytic cell tank 11, and the electrolytic cell tank 11
The gas generating device 1 includes a fifth connecting member 351 that connects the oxygen generating unit 113 to the intake side of the engine 17, and the control unit 40.

In addition to the water reservoir 133, the water tank 15 for supplying water to the electrolysis cell tank 11 at a normal time is the electrolysis cell tank 1
It is located higher than 1. The upper portion of the water tank 15 has an oxygen release port (opening) 151 which is in communication with the oxygen generation unit 113 of the electrolytic cell tank 11 via the second opening / closing valve 383 and is open to the atmosphere. Also, the water tank 1
The bottom of 5 is connected to the electrolytic cell tank 1 via the first connecting member 312.
It communicates with 1.

During normal operation, the control means 40
The second and fifth connecting members 323 and 351 are closed and the second
The on-off valve 383 and the first connecting member 312 are opened, and the water 80 in the water tank 15 is supplied to the electrolytic cell tank 11 by the action of gravity. The water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is the predetermined value T ₁
In the following cases, the control means 40 causes the first and fifth connecting members 3
12, 351 are closed, the second connecting member 323 and the second opening / closing valve 383 are opened, and the water 80 in the electrolytic cell tank 11 is dropped to the water reservoir 133 by the action of gravity.

Then, the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank 11 is set to a predetermined value T.
If the number is ₂ or more, the first connecting member 312 and the second
The on-off valve 383 is closed and the second and fifth connecting members 32 are closed.
3,351 is opened. Then, the oxygen 82 in the electrolytic cell tank 11 is sucked out by the negative pressure of the engine 17 and flows out, and the water 80 in the water reservoir 133 is also sucked in and flows into the electrolytic cell tank 11. Then, the water 80 in the water reservoir 133 is converted into the electrolytic cell tank 11
The second connecting member 323 is closed when the second connecting member 323 is re-supplied. After that, the control means 40 restores the normal operation state and restarts the operation. Others are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Example 10 In this example, as shown in FIG.
1 and a gas generator 1 for generating oxygen 82,
Electrolytic cell tank 110 for generating gas 81, 82
And a resistance measuring means 42 for measuring the resistance of the electrolysis cell (SPE) 111, and a control means 40 for receiving the output signal of the resistance measuring means 42.

The control means 40 predicts the start of freezing of the electrolysis cell tank 110 from the change in the resistance value of the electrolysis cell 111, and operates the heater 43 as the antifreezing means. Note that Fig. 1
At 0, the solid line shows the fluid path and the broken line shows the electrical wiring.

The electrolysis cell tank 110 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 15, and the hydrogen generation part 11 of the electrolysis cell tank 110 is connected.
2 is the hydrogen tank 16, and the oxygen generator 113 is the water tank 1.
It is connected to the upper part of 5. In the figure, reference numeral 381
Is a check valve for preventing the backflow of hydrogen 81, and the reference numeral 44
Is a power supply device. In addition, the SPE1 of the electrolytic cell tank 110
The periphery of 11 is covered with a heater 43, and the heater 43 is connected to the control means 40.

The resistance measuring means 42 measures the resistance of the SPE 111 and outputs the output value R to the control means 40. When the resistance value R exceeds a predetermined value (set value) R ₁ , the control means 40 stops energizing the SPE 111 and the heater 43.
To prevent the electrolytic cell bath 110 from freezing.

Then, the resistance of the SPE 111 has a predetermined value R ₂
When (R ₂ <R ₁ ) or less, the energization of the heater 43 is stopped, the SPE 111 is energized again, and the gas generator 1 is operated. In this example, the predetermined value R ₁ is set to 10 times the normal value, and the predetermined value R ₂ is set to 4 times.

According to this example, if the electrolytic cell tank 110 starts freezing and the resistance value R of the SPE 111 increases rapidly (R> R ₁ ), the heater 43 is immediately energized.
Freezing of 10 can be prevented. Further, if there is no fear of freezing (R ≦ R ₂ ), the operation can be automatically restarted.

Embodiment 11 As shown in FIG. 11, this embodiment is another embodiment in which the jacket 45 using the cooling water 83 of the engine radiator 18 is used as the anti-freezing means in the embodiment 10. That is, the jacket 45 is provided around the electrolytic cell tank 110.
The jacket 45 is connected to the engine radiator 18 via a control valve 39.

When the control valve 39 is opened, the cooling water 83 of the radiator 18 flows into the jacket 45. The control valve 39 is a solenoid valve and is connected to the control means 40. When the measured resistance value R of the resistance measuring means 42 exceeds a predetermined value R ₁ , the control means 40 opens the control valve 39 and causes the cooling water 83 to flow into the jacket 45 to prevent the electrolytic cell tank 110 from freezing. To do. Then, when the resistance value R becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value R ₂ , the normal operation is resumed. Others are the same as in the tenth embodiment.

Example 12 In this example, a fuel return is used instead of the cooling water as the heat source of the jacket 45.
Two examples. EFI (Electronic F
In a vehicle equipped with a fuel injection engine, an excess of the fuel supplied to the fuel injection system is returned to the fuel tank. Since the temperature of this return fuel is close to 80 ° C., this return fuel can be used as a heat source. Others are the same as in the eleventh embodiment.

[Embodiment 13] This embodiment is another embodiment of Embodiment 11 in which the heat source of the jacket 45 is the exhaust gas of the engine. The engine exhaust has a high temperature near 100 ° C, so jacket 4
5 can be used as a good heat source. Others are the same as in the eleventh embodiment.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator of Example 7.

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator of Example 8.

FIG. 9 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator of Example 9.

FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator of Example 10.

FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram of a gas generator of Example 11.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1. ． ． Gas generator, 11. ． ． Electrolysis cell tank, 40. ． ． Control means, 41. ． ． Temperature measuring means, 80. ． ． Water, 81. ． ． Hydrogen, 82. ． ． oxygen,

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Tohru Saeki, Tohru Saeki, Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun, Aichi Prefecture 1 No. 41 Yokomichi, Toyota Central Research Institute Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor, Katsuji Abe, Nagakute, Aichi-gun, Aichi-gun 1 in 41 Chuo-dori, Toyota Central Research Institute Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yujiro Oshima Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun, Aichi Pref. 1 in 41 Chuo-dori Toyota Central Research Institute (72) Inventor Soichi Matsushita Aichi 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Japan Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas, an electrolytic cell tank for generating the gas, a temperature measuring means for measuring a water temperature of the electrolytic cell tank, and Water discharging means for discharging the water in the electrolytic cell tank and maintaining the discharged state, and operating the water discharging means by receiving the output signal of the temperature measuring means, detecting the residual water amount in the electrolytic cell tank and discharging the water. The water discharge means includes a gas storage section for storing the generated gas in a positive pressure state, a first connection member for connecting the gas storage section to the electrolytic cell tank, the atmosphere, etc. And a second connecting member for connecting the water storage part to the electrolysis cell tank, and the control means controls the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank to a predetermined value T ₁ or less. If it becomes necessary to open the first and second connecting members, The by operating the water reservoir open to the atmosphere or the like, after the water electrolysis cell bath was discharged to the water reservoir, the second
A gas generator having a mechanism for closing the connecting member. 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, further comprising a third connecting member for connecting the gas reservoir and the water reservoir, and opening and closing the water reservoir and the electrolytic cell tank to the atmosphere or the like. the first has a second open valve, the control means, when the water temperature of the electrolysis cell bath has reached a predetermined value T ₂ or more greater than the T _1, the first open valve and the first connecting member Is closed and the second opening valve and the second and third connecting members are opened to re-supply water from the water reservoir to the electrolytic cell tank, while the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank is below a predetermined value T _1. In such a case, as described above, a mechanism for opening the first and second connecting members and closing the third connecting member and the second opening valve to discharge water from the electrolytic cell tank to the water reservoir. A gas generator comprising: 3. The water storage section according to claim 1, wherein the water storage portion is arranged at a higher position than the electrolytic cell tank, and the control means controls the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank to be a predetermined value T higher than T _{1.
When the number is 2} or more, the gas generating device is characterized by having a mechanism for opening the second connecting member and closing the first connecting member to drop the water in the water reservoir into the electrolytic cell tank. apparatus. 4. A gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas, an electrolytic cell tank for generating the gas, and a temperature measuring means for measuring the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank. Water discharging means for discharging water from the electrolytic cell tank and holding it in a discharged state, water resupplying means for resupplying water from the water discharging means to the electrolytic cell tank, and receiving the output signal of the temperature measuring means, Operate the water discharge means and water resupply means,
And a control means for operating the water discharging means by detecting the amount of residual water in the electrolytic cell tank, wherein the water discharging means includes a water storage portion arranged at a lower position than the electrolytic cell tank, The water resupply means has a second connecting member for connecting the water storage part to the electrolysis cell tank, and the water resupply means stores the generated gas in a positive pressure state and the gas storage part is the water storage part. And an opening means for opening the electrolytic cell tank to the atmosphere and the like, and the control means described above is provided when the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value T _1. The third connecting member is closed and the second connecting member is opened, while the water temperature in the electrolysis cell tank is greater than the predetermined value T ₁ by a predetermined value T.
_When it becomes ₂ or more, the second and third connecting members are opened and the opening means of the water resupply means is operated to open the electrolytic cell tank to the atmosphere and the like, and water is resupplied to the electrolytic cell tank. A gas generator having a mechanism for closing the second connecting member after being closed. 5. A gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas, an electrolytic cell tank for generating the gas, a temperature measuring means for measuring a water temperature of the electrolytic cell tank, and Water discharging means for discharging the water in the electrolytic cell tank and maintaining it in the discharged state, and operating the water discharging means on the basis of the output signal of the temperature measuring means to detect the residual water amount in the electrolytic cell tank to discharge the water. And a control means for operating
The water discharge means has a water storage part, a second connection member connecting the water storage part to the electrolytic cell tank, and a fourth connection member connecting the water storage part to the intake side of the engine. When the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank becomes a predetermined value T ₁ or less, the control means opens the second and fourth connection members to discharge water from the electrolysis cell tank, and then the second and fourth connection members. A gas generator having a mechanism for closing the fourth connecting member. 6. The gas generator according to claim 5, further comprising a fifth connecting member that connects the oxygen generating portion of the electrolytic cell tank to the intake side of the engine, and the control means includes:
When the water temperature of the electrolysis cell tank becomes a predetermined value T _{2 which is} higher than T ₁ or more, the fourth connecting member is closed and the second and fifth connecting members are opened to set the water storage part. When the water temperature of the electrolytic cell tank becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value T ₁ , the above second, second,
A gas generator comprising a mechanism for opening the fourth connecting member and closing the fifth connecting member to discharge water from the electrolytic cell tank to the water reservoir. 7. The water storage section according to claim 5, wherein the water storage section is arranged at a position higher than the electrolytic cell tank, and the control means controls the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank to a predetermined value T which is higher than T _{1.
When the number is 2} or more, the fourth connecting member is closed and the second connecting member is opened, and the water in the water reservoir is re-supplied to the electrolytic cell tank. Gas generator. 8. A gas generator for electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution to generate gas, an electrolytic cell tank for generating gas, and temperature measuring means for measuring the water temperature in the electrolytic cell tank. Water discharging means for discharging water from the electrolytic cell tank and holding it in a discharged state, water resupplying means for resupplying water from the water discharging means to the electrolytic cell tank, and receiving the output signal of the temperature measuring means, The water discharge means has a control means for operating the water discharge means and the water resupply means, and the water discharge means has a water storage portion arranged at a lower position than the electrolysis cell and the water storage portion in an electrolytic cell tank. The water re-supplying means has a fifth connecting member for connecting the oxygen generating part of the electrolysis cell to the intake side of the engine, and the control means has , when the water temperature of the electrolysis cell bath is equal to or less than a predetermined value T _1, the first The connecting member of water opening operation and the electrolysis cell bath the second coupling member thereby closing operation to discharge the water reservoir, while the temperature of the electrolytic cell reaches a predetermined value T ₂ or more greater than the T ₁ In this case, the gas generator is characterized by having a mechanism for opening the second and fifth connecting members to re-supply the water in the water storage section to the electrolytic cell. 9. A gas generator for decomposing water or an aqueous solution to generate gas, an electrolytic cell tank for generating gas, resistance measuring means for measuring resistance of the electrolytic cell, and output of the resistance measuring means. And a control means for receiving a signal, the control means having a mechanism for judging the start of freezing of the electrolytic cell tank from the change in the resistance value of the electrolytic cell and stopping the operation of the electrolytic cell tank before freezing. A gas generator characterized in that. 10. A gas generator for decomposing water or an aqueous solution to generate a gas, wherein an electrolytic cell tank for generating a gas, resistance measuring means for measuring the resistance of the electrolytic cell, and an electrolytic cell tank are provided. The anti-freezing means for supplying heat and the control means for receiving the output signal of the resistance measuring means and operating the anti-freezing means are provided. A gas generator comprising a mechanism for determining the freezing condition of a tank and activating the antifreezing means.