JPH1064567A - Fuel cell hydrogen supply system and portable electrical machinery and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a fuel cell for a long period so as to down-size it and reduce its weight by providing a valve mechanism in a hydrogen flow passage between a fuel cell and a container for string a hydrogen storage alloy so as to control a hydrogen flow rate and a hydrogen pressure. SOLUTION: Between a high molecular electrolytic fuel cell main body 1 for generating electric energy by allowing chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and a tightly sealable hydrogen storage alloy container 2 in which the hydrogen storage alloy is stored, a connection part 3 is provided. A piping 6a, a pressure regulator 5 serving as a hydrogen pressure control machine, a valve mechanism 4 and a piping 6b are provided in this connection part so as to form a hydrogen flow passage. The connection part 3 can be detached from/attached to the fuel cell 1 and allows hydrogen recharging and exchange of the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 to be carried out easily. Meanwhile, instead of a pressure regulator 5 provided on the hydrangea flow passage 3, a hydrogen flow rate control mechanism of such a style, etc., as adjusting the diameter size of an orifice can be also used and constitution of providing both mechanisms can be also allowed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a small fuel cell hydrogen supply system using a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which can be used as a power source for portable electric equipment such as OA equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a fuel cell chemically reacts a fuel such as hydrogen and oxygen with oxygen to directly convert chemical energy into electric energy, so that high power generation efficiency can be obtained.
In addition, the noise is extremely low due to the small number of mechanical drive units,
There is a property that miniaturization is also possible. Since such a fuel cell is relatively easy to install and operate, it is used as a distributed power supply to a power supply for communication equipment. In recent years, a fuel cell system combining a fuel cell and a hydrogen storage alloy has been used as a portable power source, and various configurations of such a fuel cell system have been proposed (JP-A-6-76848, JP-A-6-76848). 6-60894
No.).

Here, a liquid fuel such as methanol or a gaseous fuel such as natural gas or hydrogen is mainly used as a fuel. Recently, particularly as a fuel for a small power source, a hydrogen storage which is relatively easy to handle is used. Hydrogen stored in a cylinder filled with the alloy is used. For example, in the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-150955, a cylinder filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell is housed in a power supply main body housing the fuel cell and an independently portable housing. , In this case,
An exhaust gas introduction section is provided so that exhaust gas generated from the fuel cell passes around the cylinder. With this configuration, since the housing has a portable structure independent of the power supply main body, it is possible to increase the size of the housing without being limited by the space for accommodating the cylinder. Furthermore, the temperature and pressure of the cylinder are increased by the exhaust gas from the fuel cell, so that the supply of hydrogen can be made smooth.

For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-181659, in order to enhance the safety of a fuel cell system, the hydrogen equilibrium pressure at the upper limit of the plateau region of a hydrogen storage alloy as a hydrogen storage means is increased. , 1 at normal pressure
There is a fuel cell system using a device of 0 atm or less.

[0005] On the other hand, portable OA equipment such as notebook personal computers are remarkably reduced in size and weight and improved in performance, and secondary batteries used for the power supply are also nickel-hydrogen because of their longer use and smaller size and weight. High performance batteries such as storage batteries and lithium ion secondary batteries have come to be mounted.

[0006]

However, it is difficult for the above-mentioned conventional secondary battery to be used for a longer time and to be smaller and lighter. Thus, it is conceivable to use a fuel cell as a power source for portable OA equipment. However, when hydrogen is used as a fuel and a cylinder filled with the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy is used, the cylinder is required to have a high pressure resistance, and thus has a cylindrical shape, etc. There is a problem that weight reduction is disadvantageous.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell which can be used for a long time and can be reduced in size and weight in consideration of such problems of a conventional fuel cell. .

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a solid polymer fuel cell, a rectangular parallelepiped sealable container for storing a hydrogen storage alloy for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, and a sealable container. A connecting portion provided in the hydrogen flow path between the container and the fuel cell and detachably connecting the sealable container and the fuel cell; a valve mechanism provided in the hydrogen flow path to open and close hydrogen gas; and a hydrogen flow path. And a hydrogen pressure control mechanism for controlling the flow rate of the hydrogen gas and / or a hydrogen pressure control mechanism for controlling the pressure of the hydrogen gas.

Further, the present invention further provides at least one supporting member for supporting the two surfaces between at least two opposing surfaces of the sealable container having at least the largest area, so that the container has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The pressure resistance of the sealable container is improved.

[0010] The present invention is also a portable electric device using the power generated by any one of the hydrogen supply systems for a fuel cell according to the present invention as a drive power source.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a portable battery pack using a fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to the present embodiment includes a polymer electrolyte fuel cell main body 1 that generates electric energy by chemically reacting fuel hydrogen and oxidant oxygen, and stores fuel hydrogen. Alloy container 2 as a sealable container in which a hydrogen storage alloy to be stored is stored, a connection portion 3 attached to the hydrogen storage alloy container 2, a pipe 6a connected to the connection portion 3, and a pipe 6a
Pressure regulator 5 as a hydrogen pressure control mechanism connected to
The valve mechanism 4 connected to the pressure regulator 5 and a pipe 6b connected to the valve mechanism 4;
The other end of b is connected to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell main body 1. Here, the connection portion 3, the pipe 6a, the pressure regulator 5, the valve mechanism 4, and the pipe 6b constitute a hydrogen circulation path.
The connecting portion 3 is connected to the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 as described later.
Has a structure that can be detached from the pipe 6a, that is, the fuel cell 1, so that refilling of hydrogen or replacement of the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 can be easily performed.

Although not shown, if the electrolyte membrane in the fuel cell 1 dries, it does not cause a chemical reaction and cannot generate power. Therefore, in order to prevent the electrolyte membrane from drying, a humidifier is provided in the middle of a hydrogen flow path. Is provided. Furthermore, in order to provide a heat exchange function between the fuel cell 1 and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2, for example, one copper plate is brought into contact so as to cover the upper surfaces of both the fuel cell 1 and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2.
In this way, the heat generated in the fuel cell 1 is transmitted to the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 to increase the temperature and pressure in the container, so that hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 1 smoothly.

The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell constructed as described above is provided with a casing 1 provided with an inlet 8 for sucking in external air and an outlet 9 for exhausting exhaust gas.
0, and a fan 7 for efficiently supplying air as an oxidant to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell 1 is provided in the housing 10 of the fuel cell 1 to form a small portable battery pack. The casing 10 is preferably made of a material such as plastic having high heat insulation and excellent heat resistance so that the heat of the fuel cell 1 does not adversely affect the outside. The air that has entered the inlet 8 by the fan 7 exits the outlet 9 through the vicinity of the fuel cell 1 and the vicinity of the hydrogen storage alloy container 2. There is an auxiliary effect on heat exchange in that air warmed near the fuel cell 1 warms it when passing near the hydrogen storage alloy container 2.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view and a transverse sectional view of the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 of the present embodiment. The hydrogen storage alloy container 2 includes a hollow rectangular parallelepiped container body 201 and a stay 2 as a support member provided inside the container body 201.
02 and a valve mounting seat 203 fixed to the inlet / outlet of hydrogen for mounting the connecting portion 3, and the inside of the container body 201 is later filled with the hydrogen storage alloy powder.

Next, an example of how to determine the size of the container body 201 will be described. The hydrogen storage alloy used is AB2 type Laves alloy, and the hydrogen storage amount is 1.7mass
s%, 40 l / 1 container, hydrogen pressure about 0.3 MPa a
Assuming that t is 25 ° C., the normal pressure is <1.0 MPa, the hydrogen generation amount is 222 cc / min, the alloy specific gravity is 6.5, and the alloy filling rate is 55%, the alloy amount required for hydrogen absorption of 40 l is as follows.
Assuming that the volume of one mole of hydrogen at 25 ° C. is 24.45 l, the number of moles of hydrogen = 40 ÷ 24.45 = 1.636 (mole), and the weight of hydrogen = 1.636 × 2 = 3.272.
g.

Therefore, the weight of the alloy = 3.272 ÷ 0.0
17 = 192.5 g, that is, about 200 g.

Therefore, the container internal volume X required for storing 40 l of hydrogen is X = 200Ｘ (0.55 × 6.5) = 56c
c. An example of the inner dimensions of the container in this case is 5
cm × 7 cm × 1.6 cm is 56 cc. here,
The AB2 type Ti (Zr) -Mn alloy hydrogen storage alloy can change the hydrogen equilibrium pressure continuously depending on the composition (mainly Ti: Zr ratio).
0 kg / cm ² g can be below, it is selected an optimum hydrogen storage alloy, while smooth supply of hydrogen, can improve the safety of the fuel cell system.

In the above description, AB is used as the hydrogen storage alloy.
Although the type 2 Laves alloy is taken as an example, other hydrogen storage alloys such as a hexagonal AB5 type alloy may be used. or,
FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the hydrogen equilibrium pressure and the hydrogen storage amount in the AB2 type Laves alloy, and FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the hydrogen equilibrium pressure and the hydrogen storage amount in the hexagonal AB5 type alloy.
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are graphs showing the relationship between the hydrogen equilibrium pressure and the hydrogen storage amount at a certain temperature.
This is called a diagram. Further, the hydrogen equilibrium pressure of the hydrogen storage alloy is desirably 1.1 MPa or less at 35 ° C. The reason is that in the High Pressure Gas Control Law, the limit pressure of a movable gas pressure vessel is 10 kg at 35 ° C during use (during gas release).
/ Cm ² g, and an abnormally high pressure at 45 ° C. in the temperature range of normal use (that is, 0 ° C. to 45 ° C.), causing a leak in the fuel cell and lowering the fuel cell use efficiency. Also, the battery housing may be broken. Therefore, it is appropriate that the pressure is 1.1 MPa or less at 35 ° C. and the atmospheric pressure or more at a normal use temperature.

Next, as the material of the container body 201, a copper-based metal, an iron-based alloy, an aluminum-based metal, stainless steel, or the like can be used. From the viewpoint of durability, stainless steel is preferred, and cost and strength are reduced. From the viewpoint of heat conduction and weldability, a copper-based metal is preferred, and from the viewpoint of weight reduction, an aluminum-based metal is preferred. Also, stay 202
Is for compensating for the lack of pressure resistance due to the rectangular parallelepiped shape of the container, and is attached in the direction of the weakest pressure resistance, that is, the direction of the shortest side of the rectangular parallelepiped (the surfaces having the largest areas). Due to this rectangular parallelepiped shape, dead space as a cylinder is almost eliminated, and miniaturization becomes possible. In addition, in the example of FIG. 2, the number of the stays 202 is two, but an arbitrary number may be used so that the pressure resistance of the container body 201 is sufficient. Further, if the cross-sectional shape of the container is a square prism and the pressure resistance is sufficient, it is not necessary to use a stay. Further, the valve mounting seat 203 is
It is fixed by fitting welding into a circular hole formed on one side surface. For this welding and the welding of the container body 201, for example, Tig welding, argon welding, brazing welding, or the like may be used.

FIG. 3 shows the valve mounting seat 2 of the container body 201.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view when an insect valve connector as a connection unit is attached to a connector 03; This insect valve connector is composed of a valve body 301 on the container body 201 side and a push fitting 302 on the pressure reducing valve (pressure regulator) 303 side. FIG. 4 shows details of the insect valve connector. In FIG. 4, the valve body 301 has a cylindrical shape having a different inner diameter, and is provided with a thread groove 408 on the inner surface on the connection port side. The spring 402 biasing the side and the insect 403 are the spring 4
In the state of being urged by 02, the hole 405 is closed to prevent the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 and the insect packing 406 and the push fitting 302 are connected to prevent the outflow of hydrogen to the outside. It is composed of a sheet packing 407 and the like. The push fitting 302 has a tapered cylindrical end portion 401 on the connection side of the hole, and a nut portion 410 and a screw groove 409 provided on the outside.

When the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 is connected to the fuel cell side, the push fitting 302 is connected to the valve body 301.
, The tip 401 of the push fitting 302 hits the end 404 of the insect 403. When further screwed, the insect 403 is pushed in against the urging force of the spring 402, a gap is formed between the insect packing 406 and the valve body 301, and hydrogen gas flows out of a hole 405 formed in the insect 403, At the same time, the tip 401 of the push fitting 302
Presses against the sheet packing 407 to prevent the outflow to the outside. Conversely, when removing the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 from the fuel cell side, by loosening the screw of the push fitting 302, the tip 401 of the push fitting 302 is separated from the end 404 of the bug 403, and the bias of the spring 402 causes the bug 4.
03 is returned to the original position, and the insect packing 406 becomes the insect 40.
The third hole 405 is closed. As described above, the connection portion is provided with the automatic opening / closing function for automatically opening / closing in response to connection / disconnection of the hydrogen storage alloy container.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example in which a quick connector is used in place of the insect valve connector as the connecting portion in the above-described embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 and the pressure regulator 5, etc. Also, the upper figure shows a plan view, and the lower figure shows a side view. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing details of the quick connector. The basic structure of the quick connector is almost the same as that of a screw-type connector such as an insect valve connector. In FIG. 6, when connecting the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 to the fuel cell side, the push fitting 601 is moved until its tip 603 lightly hits an insect 604 in the valve body 602 (in this case, the valve body 602 is moved. Of course it is good). Then, it is fixed to the position of the stopper 607 by a clamper (not shown). Due to the operation of the clamper, the insect 604 is pushed in against the urging force of the spring 608, a gap is formed between the insect packing 606 and the valve body 602, and hydrogen gas flows out of the hole 605 formed in the insect 604. At the same time, the O-ring 609 of the push fitting 601 is pressed against the inner wall of the valve body 602 to prevent the outflow to the outside. Conversely, when the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 is to be detached from the fuel cell side, when the clamper is operated in the releasing direction, the insect 604 is returned to the original position by the urging force of the spring 608, and the insect packing 6 is removed.
06 closes the hole 605 and the outflow of hydrogen gas stops.
The valve body 602 and the push fitting 601 may be separated as they are.

In addition to the above, there are a ratchet type, an O-ring type, a spring type, a ball bearing type and the like as connection types of the connection part. In short, the connection part has an automatic opening / closing function in which the hydrogen inlet / outlet is automatically closed when the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 is removed, and the hydrogen inlet / outlet is automatically opened when the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 is attached. Any configuration may be used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cotton core as a hydrogen introduction porous body provided inside the hydrogen storage alloy container in the present embodiment, and the upper diagram shows a side view with a partial cross section. The lower figure shows a plan view with a partial cross section. FIG.
, The connection is made between the push joint 705 and the valve 704
A filter 703 is provided at the end of the valve 704 as an alloy powder outflow prevention mechanism. Further, a cotton core 701 is provided as a hydrogen-introducing porous body from the filter 703 to the inside of the container body 201 so that hydrogen can enter and exit smoothly. The main part of the above-mentioned filter 703 uses a porous sintered alloy having a pore diameter of about 0.2 to 2 μm, and this alloy powder outflow prevention mechanism may be provided inside the container body 201.

Next, FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the pressure regulator (eg, 303 in FIG. 3) in the present embodiment. The pressure regulator is controlled by the balance between the displacement of the piston 803 and the biasing force of the spring 804.
The hydrogen pressure on the outlet 802 side is maintained at a constant pressure lower than the inlet 801 side with respect to the change in the hydrogen pressure on the inlet side. Here, the hydrogen outflow side pressure of the hydrogen pressure control mechanism is atmospheric pressure to 0.4MPa.
a is desirable. The reason is that unless the pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure, hydrogen as fuel cannot be supplied to the fuel cell. On the other hand, if the pressure is 0.4 MPa or more, a pressure-resistant structure is required for the fuel cell electrode, which is disadvantageous in weight and cost, and also lowers the fuel cell efficiency. Further, the fluctuation of the hydrogen flow rate is large, and the fluctuation of the electric output is difficult to be stabilized. Therefore, the above range is appropriate.

FIG. 13 shows another example of the pressure regulator.
2 shows a piston type two stage pressure regulator. In FIG. 13, hydrogen gas flows in through an inlet 1204 and exits 120
5, the pressure regulator then operates as follows. When gas flows into the valve seat 1202 pressed by the spring 1203 of the piston 1201, the gas passes through the inside of the piston 1201 and enters the piston having a large cross-sectional area near the secondary side. Then, the entire piston 1201 presses the valve seat 1202 and moves so that the primary gas does not flow. When the large piston-side gas comes out of the outlet and the pressure drops, the primary-side gas pushes the valve seat 1202 again and flows in. By repeating this operation in a very short time, the secondary pressure is adjusted to be constant. Each O-ring 12 provided on the piston 1201
06 prevents gas outflow. Here, the balance between the primary pressure and the secondary pressure is determined by the strength of the spring 1203 and the sectional area ratio of the piston 1201. The number of stages (the number of stages) is determined by the difference between the primary pressure and the secondary pressure and the adjustment accuracy. As the number of stages increases, the adjustment accuracy of the secondary pressure improves.

Next, FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a mini-valve (for example, 4 in FIG. 1) which is a valve mechanism in the present embodiment. In this mini valve, the spindle 9 is operated by operating a handle 902 outside the valve body 901.
06 rotates to open and close the flow path between the inlet 904 and the outlet 905. The open / close state of this flow path is determined by the open / close instruction plate 9.
03.

FIG. 14 shows a straight valve as another example of the valve mechanism. Referring to FIG.
3, the opening / closing stem 1304 is rotated by operating the lever 1305 as shown in the right figure. By this operation, the hole 1306 of the fixed stem 1303 and the opening / closing stem 130
The fourth hole 1307 communicates or closes, and gas flows out of the inlet 1301 to the outlet 1302 or stops. Further, the O-ring 1308 prevents the gas from flowing out to the outside.

Next, a method for manufacturing the hydrogen storage alloy container in the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, after cutting a metal plate used for a container body into a desired size, pressing is performed to form two upper and lower U-shaped members 10.
01 and 1002 are formed, and a hole is formed at a position where the stay 1005 is provided. Here, the stay 1005 has a cylindrical shape in which one end has a diameter smaller than the other portion by a length corresponding to the thickness of the member 1001. The hole 1003 of the member 1001 has a size capable of inserting the small diameter portion of the stay 1005, and the other member 1
The hole 1004 of 002 has a size that allows the thick portion of the stay 1005 to be inserted.

Next, the ends of the two members 1001 and 1002 are brought into contact with each other, a stay 1005 is inserted from the hole 1004, and the small diameter portion is inserted into the hole 1003. Thereafter, contact portions 1006 of members 1001 and 1002 and contact portions 10 of holes 1003 and 1004 and stay 1005
06 is welded by, for example, Tig welding. The sealed container is completed by subjecting the rectangular tube having both ends opened in this way to a metal plate cut in accordance with the opening to each opening and performing Tig welding. Although the method of attaching the inlet / outlet of the hydrogen gas has not been described here, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. After insertion, the contact portion between the member and the valve mounting seat 203 may be welded by Tig welding.

In the present embodiment, the fuel cell 1 generates heat when reacting, and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 absorbs heat when the hydrogen gas flows out and is cooled. If the temperature is too low, hydrogen will not be released.
Therefore, in order to perform heat exchange between the fuel cell 1 and the hydrogen storage alloy 2, a heat conductive plate, a heat pipe, and the like are provided between the fuel cell 1 and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 so as to contact both of them. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that heat generated from the fuel cell 1 is conducted to the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 is heated. Further, a configuration in which the fuel cell 1 and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 are stacked and brought into contact with each other so as to be able to exchange heat may be used. Further, in this case, the heating may be performed by direct contact, radiation, or blowing by a fan or the like instead of conduction. The above-mentioned heat conductive plate may be an aluminum plate or the like in addition to the above-described copper plate. Further, when the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 is replaced, the heat conductive plate can be vertically opened and closed so that the container can be easily attached and detached. Good to do. Also,
When a heat pipe is used to realize a heat exchange function, the heat pipe can transfer heat even with a small temperature gradient. Therefore, when the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 operates at a temperature higher than room temperature, it is almost the same as the fuel cell 1. The effect increases when operating at the same temperature.

As another heat exchange method, a pipe for a heat medium passing through both the fuel cell 1 and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 is disposed in contact with the pipe, and water and a fluorine-based inert liquid are provided in the pipe. (Fluorinert), a heat medium such as silicone oil or the like may be filled and circulated by a pump or the like. In this case, the circulation speed of the heat medium is increased when the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 operates at a temperature higher than room temperature, and conversely, when the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 operates at a temperature lower than room temperature. By adjusting the circulation speed of the heat medium according to the operating temperature in this way, heat exchange suitable for the operating temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 can be performed.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a portable battery pack using a fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, the hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to the present embodiment includes a polymer electrolyte fuel cell main body 1 for generating electric energy by chemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen in fuel, and a hydrogen storage for storing hydrogen in fuel. A hydrogen storage alloy container 2 as a sealable container in which the alloy is stored,
A connecting portion 3 attached to the hydrogen storage alloy container 2, a pipe 6a connected to the connecting portion 3, a pressure regulator 5 as a hydrogen pressure control mechanism connected to the piping 6a, and a connection to the pressure regulator 5. And a pipe 6b connected to the valve mechanism 4. The other end of the pipe 6b is connected to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell body 1.
This embodiment is different from the embodiment of FIG.
The fuel cell 1 and the hydrogen storage alloy container 2 are not arranged on the same surface, but are stacked one on top of another and arranged in contact with each other. The basic configuration is the same as that of FIG. With this configuration, as described above, heat exchange is possible with each other, and in the case of the configuration arranged above and below, the efficiency of heat exchange is higher than in the case of arranging side by side according to the above-described embodiment. Become.

As described above, the hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to the present embodiment is safe in terms of operating temperature and container pressure, is small in size and has a small dead space, and can be used for a long time. (For example, continuous 3
From 5 hours to 5 hours), high energy density can be achieved, response to load fluctuations is faster than that of phosphoric acid type fuel cells, and the operating temperature range is wide (even at 0 ° C or less), applicable electrical equipment It does not matter whether the size is large or small.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a portable battery pack using a fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 shows an example of a structure in which two opposing surfaces of a rectangular parallelepiped hydrogen storage alloy storage container 2 are supported by (plate-like) stays 202 that are continuous in the long axis (long side) direction. In the above example, the inside is separated into two chambers. The continuous stay 202 may be an integrated structure using the same material as the container wall 204, or may be a separate member. As a forming method, there is a deep cutting method, a method of forming a mold and casting. Each of the two separated chambers has a gap between the container wall 204 and the stay 202, that is, the hydrogen passage hole 2
Connected by 05. Of course, three or more rooms may be formed by two or more stays 202. In that case, those rooms are still connected.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a portable battery pack using a hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17, the present embodiment is an improved type of the previous embodiment, and is an example in which a filter 206 for passing only hydrogen through the hydrogen passage hole 205 is arranged. Thereby, the flow of the hydrogen storage alloy powder between the chambers can be suppressed. When three or more chambers are formed, the filter 206 may be attached to each of the stays 202, or may be attached only to the stay 202 that forms a room facing the inlet / outlet of hydrogen.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of a portable battery pack using a hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 18, two opposing surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped hydrogen storage alloy storage container 2 have a (plate-like) stay 20 continuous in the short axis (short side) direction.
2 is an example of the structure supported by FIG. In the above example, the inside is divided into three chambers. In the present embodiment, the above gap is not provided, and instead, a sintered alloy filter capable of conducting hydrogen gas is used for at least a part of each stay 202. By arranging a net having excellent thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum in each room, the generated heat can be positively conducted.

Accordingly, the hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to the present invention has a wide range of applications, and is typified by portable electric equipment which is increasingly required to be miniaturized and used for a long time, especially notebook computers, notebook word processors and the like. Most suitable as a power source for portable or portable OA equipment. Fuel cell 1
The heat generated is absorbed by the endothermic reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy releases hydrogen, so that extra heat exhausted outside is reduced, so when it is used as a built-in power supply for various electric devices, Thermal adverse effects on electrical equipment can be prevented.

Next, a notebook personal computer will be described as an example of a portable electric device according to another embodiment of the present invention in which a portable battery pack incorporating the above-described hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell is used as a power supply. When a fuel cell is used as a power source for a notebook computer, particularly as a battery pack for a built-in power source, the following points are required as in the case of a conventional secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride storage battery. (A) The exhaust gas is clean. Since hydrogen is used as fuel and electricity is generated by reacting hydrogen and oxygen, the reaction product is only water and no harmful gases such as CO ₂ and NO _X are generated. (B) Easy handling. Since a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used, it does not require a high temperature unlike a phosphoric acid fuel cell and can be used at room temperature. In addition, it is equipped with an automatic control device, and the operation is fully automatic only by pressing a start button (which may be linked with a power button of a personal computer).
That is, the handling is not different from a normal secondary battery. (C) No noise. Since the fuel cell itself generates power by a chemical reaction, there is no noise, but noise is generated because a fan is used to send oxygen to the fuel cell. However, if a low-noise fan is used, there is no practical problem. (D) Be secure. Since hydrogen is used by storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy, the operating pressure can be kept low and the safety is high. (E) The size is compact. Since the shape of the hydrogen storage alloy container is a rectangular parallelepiped shape, there is almost no dead space unlike a conventional cylindrical shape, and the space can be used effectively. Further, the use time can be extended as compared with the conventional secondary battery. (F) It can be used repeatedly. Since the hydrogen storage alloy container can be easily attached and detached at the connection portion, it may be replaced with a spare hydrogen storage alloy container in which hydrogen has been stored, or an empty hydrogen storage alloy container may be refilled with hydrogen before use. (G) Good electrical characteristics. Like the other cells, the fuel cell itself causes a voltage change due to a load change, a change with time, and the like. This can be achieved by stabilizing the voltage using a DC / DC converter or the like.

From the above, if a portable battery pack incorporating a fuel cell hydrogen supply system having the same size and shape as a battery pack using a secondary battery such as a conventional nickel-metal hydride storage battery is manufactured, It can be used as a built-in power supply for ordinary notebook computers.

In the above embodiment, the hydrogen pressure control mechanism by the pressure regulator is provided in the hydrogen flow path. However, instead of this, a hydrogen flow control mechanism such as a method of adjusting the diameter size of the orifice is used. May be provided. Alternatively, both the hydrogen pressure control mechanism and the hydrogen flow rate control mechanism may be provided.

In the above-described embodiment, the stay as the support member is formed in a round bar shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may have a shape having.

In the above-described embodiment, the inner surface and the outer surface of the sealable container are formed of flat metal plates. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inner surface or the outer surface, or both surfaces may be provided with irregularities or the like. The heat exchange function and the mechanical strength may be improved. Alternatively, fins may be provided on the inner surface, the outer surface, or both surfaces to improve the heat exchange function.

Further, in the above embodiment, the O-ring is mainly used as the sealing method at the connection portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a general packing may be used. In this case, the portion where the O-ring or the packing is provided may be formed with a groove, or may be formed as a flat surface.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the side surface on which the O-ring is provided is cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a conical side surface.

In the above embodiment, a notebook personal computer has been described as an example of a portable electric device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other electric devices such as a television, a hand lamp, and a radio. In this case, it may be used as a built-in power supply or may be used as a separate power supply.
When used as a separate power supply, the restriction on the overall size of the hydrogen supply system for fuel cells is relaxed, which allows for a large capacity, outdoor shooting lighting, construction power supply, emergency power supply, and outdoor life. The size of the power generation device can be reduced as compared with a device using a conventional fuel cell system.

[0048]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention relates to a rectangular parallelepiped sealable container for storing a hydrogen storage alloy for storing hydrogen to be supplied to a fuel cell, and a method for sealing between the sealable container and the fuel cell. Provided in the hydrogen distribution channel of
A connecting portion for detachably connecting the sealable container and the fuel cell, a valve mechanism provided in the hydrogen flow path for opening and closing hydrogen gas, and a hydrogen flow rate provided in the hydrogen flow path and controlling the flow rate of the hydrogen gas Since it has a control mechanism and / or a hydrogen pressure control mechanism for controlling the pressure of hydrogen gas, it has advantages in that it can be used for a long time and can be reduced in size and weight.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a portable battery pack using a fuel cell hydrogen supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view of the hydrogen storage alloy container according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a transverse sectional view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection portion attached to the hydrogen storage alloy container in the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a function of the connection unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where the hydrogen storage alloy container in the embodiment is separated at a connection portion.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state where the hydrogen storage alloy container in the embodiment is connected by a connection portion.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of a cotton core provided inside the hydrogen storage alloy container in the same embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the inside of the hydrogen pressure control mechanism in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a mini-valve in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an assembly view showing a method for processing a stay of the hydrogen storage alloy container in the same embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a relationship between a hydrogen equilibrium pressure of a hydrogen storage alloy and a hydrogen storage amount in AB2 type Laves alloy.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the hydrogen equilibrium pressure and the hydrogen storage amount of a hydrogen storage alloy in a hexagonal AB5 type alloy.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a piston type two-stage pressure regulator as another example of the pressure regulator in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a straight valve as another example of the valve mechanism according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing a hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a hydrogen storage alloy container according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 16 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the hydrogen storage alloy container according to the embodiment, and FIG. )
FIG.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a hydrogen storage alloy container according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 17 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the hydrogen storage alloy container according to the embodiment, and FIG. )
FIG.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a hydrogen storage alloy container according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 18 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the hydrogen storage alloy container according to the embodiment, and FIG. )
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Polymer electrolyte fuel cell main body 2 Hydrogen storage alloy container 3 Connection part 4 Mini valve 5 Pressure regulator 7 Fan 202 Stay (support member) 205 Gap 301, 602 Valve main body 302, 601 Push fitting 402, 608 Spring 403, 604 Insect 406, 606 Insect packing 701 Cotton core 703 Filter 705 Push joint 803, 1201 Piston 902 Handle 903 Open / close indication plate 1202 Valve seat 1303 Fixed stem 1304 Open / close stem 1305 Lever

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshio Morita 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Joe Suzuki 3-1, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Suzuki Trading Co. (72) Inventor Mamoru Hamanishi 3-1-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Suzuki Shosha Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sadao Nagai 3-1-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Suzuki Shosha Co., Ltd.

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A solid polymer fuel cell, a rectangular parallelepiped sealable container for storing a hydrogen storage alloy for storing hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, and a sealable container between the sealable container and the fuel cell A connection portion provided in the hydrogen flow path and detachably connecting the sealable container and the fuel cell; a valve mechanism provided in the hydrogen flow path to open and close hydrogen gas; and a valve mechanism provided in the hydrogen flow path. A hydrogen flow control mechanism for controlling the flow rate of hydrogen gas and / or a hydrogen pressure control mechanism for controlling the pressure of hydrogen gas. 2. The sealable container according to claim 1, wherein the sealable container has at least one supporting member between at least two opposing surfaces having the largest area for supporting the two surfaces. Hydrogen supply system for fuel cells. 3. A valve mechanism, a hydrogen flow control mechanism, and / or
Alternatively, the hydrogen pressure control mechanism is provided on the fuel cell side from the connection part.
The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to the above. 4. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the support member has a shape that increases a surface area such as unevenness so as to have a heat exchange function. 5. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the sealable container have an unevenness or a fin mechanism. 6. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a heat exchange mechanism for heating the sealable container using heat generated from the fuel cell. 7. An alloy powder outflow prevention mechanism for preventing the hydrogen storage alloy from flowing out of the sealable container is provided inside the sealable container. Hydrogen supply system for fuel cells. 8. An alloy powder outflow prevention mechanism for preventing a hydrogen storage alloy from flowing out of the sealable container is provided in a hydrogen flow path between the sealable container and the connection portion. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 9. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a hydrogen introduction porous body communicating with the hydrogen circulation path inside the sealable container. 10. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a hydrogen equilibrium pressure at the time of release of the hydrogen storage alloy is 1.1 MPa or less at 35 ° C. 11. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the valve mechanism has an automatic opening / closing function that opens when connected at the connection portion and closes when removed at the connection portion. Hydrogen supply system. 12. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein a connection portion includes the valve mechanism. 13. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the valve mechanism comprises a push-in valve. 14. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen outflow side pressure of the hydrogen pressure control mechanism is from atmospheric pressure to 0.4 MPa. 15. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the sealable container is manufactured by any one of TIG welding, argon welding, and brazing welding. 16. The hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the support member has a plate shape. 17. A portable electric device, wherein the electric power generated by the hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell according to claim 1 is used as a drive power supply.