KR20050093607A - Hydrogen gas producing device having chemical hydride solution fuel - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen generating apparatus having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material. It includes a container for receiving an aqueous solution of chemical hydride and to discharge the hydrogen gas generated from the aqueous solution to the outside; A hydrogen generation catalyst located inside the container and generating a hydrogen gas from the aqueous solution by causing a chemical reaction upon contact with the aqueous chemical hydride solution; The hydrogen generating catalyst is accommodated therein and is configured to include a reaction control unit which controls the generation of hydrogen by being opened or blocked according to the pressure increase or decrease in the container.

The hydrogen generating apparatus having the aqueous chemical hydride solution of the present invention as described above as a raw material allows hydrogen gas to be generated by a chemical reaction from the aqueous chemical hydride solution contained in a low pressure container. No power is required, and the pressure in the container is atmospheric, so it is not dangerous. In addition, its structure is simple and especially portable so that it can be fully loaded in a hydrogen fueled car and used as a supply device for supplying hydrogen to fuel cells in small electronic products such as camcorders, notebook computers or mobile phones. In addition, the rate of hydrogen generation is automatically adjusted and operates regardless of the installation direction, so it is convenient to use and the hydrogen supply is stable.

Description

Hydrogen gas producing device having chemical hydride solution fuel

The present invention relates to a hydrogen generating apparatus having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material.

A fuel cell is a battery that directly converts chemical energy generated by oxidation of fuel into electrical energy. It is basically the same as a normal chemical cell in that it uses oxidation and reduction reactions. However, unlike chemical cells that perform cell reactions in closed systems, the reactants are continuously supplied from the outside into the system and the reaction products are continuously removed out of the system. The most typical of such a fuel cell is a fuel cell using hydrogen and oxygen as reactants.

On the other hand, a device for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell or other hydrogen that requires hydrogen as a device for storing hydrogen in a gaseous state in a high-pressure tank, and then extracts and supplies as much hydrogen as desired through a valve. For example, a device for liquefying hydrogen to be stored in a liquid state and vaporizing and supplying the stored hydrogen in a liquid state as needed, and a device for adsorbing hydrogen to a hydrogen storage alloy and then supplying the hydrogen is known.

However, the first device requires a hydrogen storage pressure vessel capable of withstanding high pressures of 120 to 150 atm and various peripheral devices for pressure regulation, so that the overall configuration is complicated and large, and the device cannot be compacted, such as a car. Can not be mounted on. In addition, when hydrogen is consumed, it is necessary to refill the hydrogen at the pressure, so a separate filling device is necessary, inconvenient, and requires a lot of operating costs.

In addition, the second device is a device that cools the gaseous hydrogen to less than 250 degrees Celsius below the liquefaction, as well as a special container with excellent thermal insulation so that the liquefied liquid hydrogen can maintain the liquid state, and also the appropriate pressure to liquefied hydrogen And a vaporization device for vaporizing at a temperature, so that the device is complicated, inconvenient to move, expensive to maintain, and always carries the risk of a large explosion.

In addition, the third device has a problem in that when the adsorption and discharge of hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy is repeated, a local stress occurs in the hydrogen storage alloy, causing physical deformation or cracks, thereby causing abnormal hydrogen leakage.

As a result, the conventional hydrogen supplying device is essential in the pressure resistance or thermal insulation of a storage tank that stores hydrogen, and includes a peripheral device that injects hydrogen or supplies it to a demand source in addition to the storage tank, so that the device is large, complex, explosive, and maintenance costs are high. There is a problem.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, so that the hydrogen gas is generated by the chemical reaction from the chemical hydride aqueous solution contained in the low-pressure container, there is no need for a separate power for generating hydrogen and pressure in the container As it is about atmospheric pressure, it is not dangerous, its structure is simple and it is portable, so it can be loaded on a hydrogen fuel car enough to supply hydrogen to fuel cells in small electronic products such as camcorders, notebook computers or mobile phones. Of course, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen generating apparatus having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material, which is convenient to use and stable in hydrogen supply since the rate of hydrogen generation is automatically adjusted and operates regardless of the installation direction.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a container for receiving a chemical hydride aqueous solution and to discharge the hydrogen gas generated from the aqueous solution to the outside; A hydrogen generation catalyst located inside the container and generating a hydrogen gas from the aqueous solution by causing a chemical reaction upon contact with the aqueous chemical hydride solution; It is characterized in that it comprises a reaction control unit for accommodating the hydrogen generating catalyst therein and is opened or blocked in accordance with the pressure increase or decrease inside the container to control the generation of hydrogen.

In addition, the container; It is characterized in that it comprises a porous container having a predetermined volume and having a plurality of through holes, and a gas-liquid separation membrane installed in close contact with the porous container to block the through holes.

In addition, the outside of the container is characterized in that the housing is provided with a container for hermetically receiving the container and collect the hydrogen gas discharged from the container to supply to the external demand.

In addition, the reaction control unit; A fixed casing fixedly installed in the housing and partially extending into the receiving space of the container, the fixed casing being movable in the fixed casing while accommodating the hydrogen generating catalyst, Relatively move relative to and characterized in that it comprises a moving casing to be opened and closed.

In addition, the outer casing is formed with an outer through hole for inducing the chemical hydride aqueous solution to the inner casing side, and the inner casing leads the aqueous solution of the chemical hydride passed through the outer through hole to the hydrogen-producing catalyst side. An inner through hole is formed, and the inner through hole is blocked from the outer through hole as the inner pressure of the container increases to move the inner casing.

In addition, the inside of the outer casing is characterized in that the elastic support means for opening the inner casing by restoring the position of the inner casing when the pressure in the container is reduced is further provided.

In addition, the inner space of the outer casing is opened to the outside of the housing through the air hole, the elastic support means, support the inner casing with its own elastic force, one end of which is fixed to the inner casing, the inner space through the air hole It is characterized in that it comprises a bellows is opened to the outside to apply atmospheric pressure to the inner casing.

In addition, the elastic support means is characterized in that the spring is further provided for supporting the inner casing in the support direction of the bellows.

Hereinafter, one embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Basically, a hydrogen generating apparatus having a chemical hydride aqueous solution according to the present embodiment as a raw material includes a hydrogen generating catalyst and a chemical hydride aqueous solution in a container, and the hydrogen generating catalyst reacts with the aqueous solution under a predetermined condition to produce hydrogen gas. It is a device that generates.

1 and 2 are cross-sectional views for explaining the overall configuration and operation of the hydrogen generator having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the hydrogen generator 11 having a chemical hydride aqueous solution according to the present embodiment as a raw material, the housing 21 has a predetermined volume and one side is sealed by a cap 23, and the housing A container 55 installed inside the container 21 and one side thereof is sealed by the cap 23, and fixedly mounted at the center of the cap 23 to accommodate the aqueous solution of chemical hydride 27. It comprises a reaction unit 35 connecting the inner space of the 55 and the outside of the housing 21 and having a hydrogen generating catalyst 37 therein.

The chemical hydride solution 27 may be a metal hydride of any one of LiBH 4, LiH, NaBH 4, LiAlH 4, MgH 2, NaAlH 4, CaH 2, KH, KBH 4, Ca (BH 4) 2, Mg (BH 4) 2 and KAlH 4. As an aqueous solution containing solutes, hydrogen gas is generated by chemical reaction with the hydrogen generating catalyst 37.

The housing 21 is an outer case of the hydrogen generator 11 and has a gate 29 at one side thereof. As described later, the gate 29 is a passage for discharging hydrogen gas generated from the container 55 to an accommodation destination. The gate 29 is provided with a valve 61 to control the supply of hydrogen gas.

In addition, although the cap 23 is screwed to the housing 21 in the present embodiment, it may be completely sealed by welding.

The container 55 includes a second porous container 17 which is screwed to the inner surface of the cap 23, a gas-liquid separation membrane 15 which is tightly coupled to the inner wall surface of the second porous container 17, and the It is composed of a first porous container 13 which is located on the inner side of the gas-liquid separation membrane 15 and is coupled to the second porous container 17. The container 55 is open at one side of the container 55 as a whole, but the open part is coupled to the cap 23, and as a result, the inner space is sealed to the outside.

In addition, the container 55 may be screwed to the cap 23, but may be completely welded in some cases. However, for replenishment of the aqueous chemical hydride solution 27, detachable screw coupling is preferred. The same is true of the coupling of the cap 23 to the housing 21.

The first porous container 13 is a container having a predetermined thickness having a plurality of through holes 13a. The through hole 13a is a passage of hydrogen gas provided to discharge hydrogen gas generated from the chemical hydride aqueous solution 27 to the outside. The first porous container 13 may be made of synthetic resin or metals, or may be made of another material as long as it can provide a constant volume.

The gas-liquid separation membrane 15 is a known membrane that allows gas to pass but liquid does not pass through. The gas-liquid separation membrane 15 discharges only the hydrogen gas generated from the aqueous solution 27 while confining the aqueous solution of chemical hydride contained in the first porous container 13 in the container 55 so that the hydrogen gas passes through the hydrogen transfer passage ( 31).

The gas-liquid separation membrane 15 is a Teflon-based Goretex (GORETEX) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or PVDF (polyvinyldifluoride) or PFA (tedra fluoroethylene- perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) or It can be produced from a polysulfone-based polymer and mixtures thereof.

The second porous container 17 covering the outer surface of the gas-liquid separation membrane 15 closely supports the gas-liquid separation membrane 15 toward the first porous container 13 side. Like the first porous container 13, the second porous container 17 has a plurality of through holes 17a. The through hole 17a is a hole through which hydrogen gas passed through the gas-liquid separation membrane 15 passes. In particular, the second porous container 17 is spaced apart from the inner wall surface of the housing 21 to provide a hydrogen flow passage 31 between the inner wall surface.

The hydrogen movement passage 31 is a path leading to the gate 29 side after the hydrogen gas generated from the container 55 is collected.

On the other hand, the reaction control unit 25, the fixed casing 33 for communicating the inner space of the container 55 to the outside of the housing 21 through the central portion of the cap 23 and the fixed casing 33 It is installed therein to accommodate the hydrogen generating catalyst 37 and move along the arrow a direction or move in the opposite direction to the original moving casing 35 and the support means for supporting the moving casing 35 in the direction of the arrow b It is configured to include.

Since the reaction control unit 25 is shown in detail in FIG. 3, its detailed configuration will be described first with reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed casing 33 is a cylindrical member having an inner space 39. An end portion (hereinafter, referred to as a front end portion) facing the inner space of the container 55 extends at a right angle to the support surface 33b. Has The support surface 33b is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer casing 33 and has a groove 49 having a predetermined width and depth therein. A packing 49a is provided inside the groove 49.

In addition, an outer through hole 33a is formed at the front end of the fixed casing 33. The outer through hole 33a is a hole for introducing the aqueous solution 27 in the direction of the central axis of the fixed casing 33.

The movable casing 35 is inserted and mounted inside the front end side of the fixed casing 33 and is pushed in the direction of arrow P in accordance with the increase in pressure inside the container 55 or by the elastic force of the spring 43 and the bellows 41. It returns to the direction of arrow b by force.

Basically, the outer circumferential surface of the movable casing 35 is interviewed with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the fixed casing 33 and linear movement is guided. Since the inner circumferential surface of the fixed casing 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the mobile casing 35 are not completely in contact with each other, the aqueous solution may penetrate through the gap, but the aqueous solution penetrates by the bellows 41 and the gasket 51 (FIG. 1). 23) There is no fear of outflow.

The hydrogen generating catalyst 37 is built in the mobile casing 35. The hydrogen generating catalyst 37 is a known substance that comes into contact with the aqueous chemical hydride solution 27 to generate hydrogen gas from the aqueous solution.

An inner through hole 35a is formed in the mobile casing 35 so that the aqueous solution 27 flows into the mobile casing 35 and comes into contact with the hydrogen generating catalyst 37. The inner through hole 35a is a passage connecting the inside and the outside of the mobile casing 35. The inner through hole 35a is opened to the outside of the fixed casing 33 through the outer through hole 33a while the moving casing 35 moves in the direction of the arrow b.

In addition, the moving casing 35 is provided with a contact surface 35c. As for the contact surface 35c, the projection 35b is integrally formed as an opposing surface which opposes the said support surface 33b. The projection 35b is inserted into the groove 49 while the moving casing 35 moves in the direction of the arrow a and is completely in contact with the packing 49a in the groove 49 as shown in FIG.

As such, when the projection 35b is inserted into the groove 49, the inner space of the mobile casing 35 is sealed to the outside of the fixed casing 33, and the hydrogen gas generated from the inside of the mobile casing 35 moves. It is trapped in the casing 35 and cannot escape to the container 55.

On the other hand, a gasket 51 is fixed to the rear end of the fixed casing 33. The gasket 51 and the fixed casing 33 should be completely in contact with each other so that a gap does not occur. The gasket 51 is preferably made of stainless steel.

The bellows 41 is known, and one end thereof is hermetically fixed to the movable casing 35 and the other end thereof is coupled to the gasket 51. Both ends of the bellows 41 and the coupling portion of the mobile casing 35 and the gasket 51 are completely sealed so that the bellows 41 may be infiltrated into the gap between the fixed casing 33 and the mobile casing 35. It does not flow inside of.

The bellows 41 may be manufactured by combining a rubber-based material having elasticity, Teflon-based, plastic-based, metal-based, or a combination thereof, and contract or relax by the elasticity of the bellows 41 itself. Examples of the rubber series include chloroprene rubber, silicone rubber, acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoro rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butylene rubber, butadiene rubber, and ethylene-propylene rubber. In addition, Teflon series includes PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PFA (tetra fluoroethylene- perfluoro alkyl vinyl ether copolymer), FEP (tetra fluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer) ), ETFE (ethylenetetrafluoroethylene), CTFE (chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVF (polyvinyl fluorine) can be used.

The bellows 41 provides the bearing force in the direction of the arrow b so that the movable casing 35 is in the state of FIG. For example, when the pressure P is removed while the moving casing 35 is pushed in the direction of arrow a by the pressure P applied to the moving casing 35, the moving casing 35 is returned to its original position in the direction of arrow b. .

Meanwhile, the cap 45 is coupled to the rear end of the fixed casing 33. The cap 45 has an air hole 47 in its center and is screwed against the fixed casing 33. In some cases, the cap 45 may be completely coupled to the fixed casing 33 by welding.

The air hole 47 formed in the cap 45 is a hole for opening the inner space of the bellows 41 to the outside. That is, when the moving casing 35 reciprocates, air is introduced into and out of the hole. In particular, since the air hole 47 is formed in the cap 45, the pressure inside the bellows is always maintained at atmospheric pressure.

Reference numeral 53 is a packing.

1 and 2 again, the overall operation of the hydrogen generator will be described.

Referring to Fig. 1, the movable casing 35 is kept in a state in which the movable casing 35 is moved to the maximum in the arrow b direction in the fixed casing 33. This is a state where the elastic force provided by the spring 43 and the bellows 41 and the static pressure in the aqueous solution 27 are in equilibrium.

Anyway, the inner space of the mobile casing 35 waiting for the balance of power is opened through the inner through hole 35a and the outer through hole 33a.

As described above, while the inside of the mobile casing 35 is opened, the chemical hydride aqueous solution 27 passes through the outer through hole 33a and the inner through hole 35a and moves inside the mobile casing 35. In contact with the hydrogen generating catalyst 37 and chemically reacted to generate hydrogen gas.

Hydrogen gas generated from the inside of the mobile casing 35 is collected in the hydrogen flow passage 31 through the gas-liquid separation membrane 15 of the container 55. At this time, the gate 29 is blocked by the valve 61, the hydrogen gas of the predetermined pressure is collected in the hydrogen passage (31).

As the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen generation catalyst 37 gradually fills the hydrogen movement passage 31, the pressure of the hydrogen movement passage 31 gradually increases, and the increased pressure is increased through the wall surface of the container 55. (55) Increase the pressure inside.

As such, the positive pressure of the aqueous solution applied to the mobile casing 35 increases as the pressure in the container 55 increases, and the mobile casing 35 is pushed as shown in FIG. 2 to the fixed casing 33. It will slowly move inside.

Referring to FIG. 2, the moving casing 35 is completely inserted into the fixed casing 33 by the pressure in the arrow P direction applied to the outward surface of the moving casing 35. The moving distance or moving speed of the moving casing 35 is proportional to the pressure inside the hydrogen moving passage 31. However, since the pressure in the hydrogen movement passage 31 increases gradually rather than suddenly, the movement of the moving casing 35 is made slowly.

Anyway, as the moving casing 35 completely moves into the inside of the fixed casing 33 as shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 35b is inserted into the groove 49, and the inner space of the moving casing 35 is external. Is sealed against. When the inner through-hole 35a is sealed, the hydrogen gas generated from the inside of the mobile casing 35 may not escape into the aqueous solution 27 as described above.

While the movable casing 35 is closed, the gate 29 is opened to supply hydrogen gas to an external demand destination. When the hydrogen gas escapes through the gate 29, the pressure inside the hydrogen passage 31 decreases, and thus the pressure inside the container 55 also drops. When the pressure in the container 55 drops, the force applied to the moving casing 35 gradually decreases, and the moving casing 35 moves in the opposite direction due to atmospheric pressure and elastic restoring force of the bellows 41 and the spring 43. In the meantime, air is inserted into the air hole 47.

While the moving casing 35 moves in the opposite direction, the projection 35b is released from the groove 49 and the inner space of the moving casing 35 is opened.

As the inner space of the mobile casing 35 is opened, the chemical reaction between the hydrogen generating catalyst 37 and the aqueous solution 27 is continued and hydrogen gas is generated again. The generated hydrogen gas fills the hydrogen movement passage 31 and increases the internal pressure of the container 55 to repeat the above operation.

As a result, the hydrogen generator 11 having the chemical hydride aqueous solution according to the present embodiment as a raw material is automatically operated without the need for a separate power or device for generating hydrogen gas, and the pressure inside the container 55. It is not high, so it is safe. Especially, the aqueous solution of chemical hydride 27 is contained in the container 55 in a sealed manner, and hydrogen is generated because the through holes 13a and 17a of the first and second porous containers 13 and 17 are distributed throughout. Normal operation is possible regardless of the installation orientation of the device 11.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail through the specific Example, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various deformation | transformation is possible for a person with ordinary knowledge within the scope of the technical idea of this invention.

The hydrogen generating apparatus having the aqueous chemical hydride solution of the present invention as described above as a raw material allows hydrogen gas to be generated by a chemical reaction from the aqueous chemical hydride solution contained in a low pressure container. No power is required, and the pressure in the container is atmospheric, so it is not dangerous. In addition, its structure is simple and especially portable so that it can be fully loaded in a hydrogen fueled car and used as a supply device for supplying hydrogen to fuel cells in small electronic products such as camcorders, notebook computers or mobile phones. In addition, the rate of hydrogen generation is automatically adjusted and operates regardless of the installation direction, so it is convenient to use and the hydrogen supply is stable.

1 and 2 are cross-sectional views for explaining the overall configuration and operation of the hydrogen generator having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view showing in more detail the reaction control unit of FIG.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

11: Hydrogen generator 13: First porous container

13a: through hole 15: gas-liquid separation membrane

17: 2nd porous container 17a: through hole

21: housing 23: cap

25: reaction control unit 27: chemical hydride aqueous solution

29: Gate 31: Hydrogen transport passage

33: fixed casing 33a: external through hole

33b: Ground 35: mobile casing

35a: internal through hole 35b: protrusion

35c: adhesion surface 37: hydrogen generation catalyst

39: inside space 41: bellows

43: Spring 45: Cap

The air hole 49: Home

49a: Packing 51: Gascat

53: packing 55: container

61: valve

Claims (9)

A container accommodating an aqueous chemical hydride solution and discharging hydrogen gas generated from the aqueous solution to the outside; A hydrogen generation catalyst located inside the container and generating a hydrogen gas from the aqueous solution by causing a chemical reaction upon contact with the aqueous chemical hydride solution; Receiving the hydrogen generating catalyst therein and the hydrogen generating device having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material comprising a reaction control unit for controlling the generation of hydrogen is opened or blocked in accordance with the pressure increase or decrease inside the container. The method of claim 1, The container; A porous container having a predetermined volume and having a plurality of through holes, Hydrogen generating device having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material characterized in that it comprises a gas-liquid separation membrane which is installed in close contact with the porous container to block the through hole. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Hydrogen generating device having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material, characterized in that the housing is provided in the outside of the container to seal the container and collect the hydrogen gas discharged from the container to supply to the external demand destination. The method of claim 3, wherein The reaction control unit; A fixed casing fixedly installed in the housing and a part of which is fixed into the receiving space of the container; A chemical hydride aqueous solution comprising a mobile casing which is mounted to the inside of the fixed casing in a state in which the hydrogen generation catalyst is accommodated, the movable casing being opened and closed relative to the fixed casing according to the pressure increase in the container. Hydrogen generator as raw materials. The method of claim 4, wherein The outer casing is formed with an external through-hole for inducing the chemical hydride aqueous solution to the inner casing side, The inner casing has an inner through hole which guides the aqueous solution of chemical hydride that has passed through the outer through hole to the hydrogen-producing catalyst. The inner through hole is a hydrogen generating apparatus having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material, characterized in that the internal pressure of the container is increased to be blocked from the outer through hole as the inner casing is moved. The method of claim 5, The inside of the outer casing hydrogen generating device having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material, characterized in that the elastic support means for restoring the position of the inner casing to open the inner casing further when the pressure inside the container is reduced. The method of claim 6, The inner space of the outer casing is opened to the outside of the housing through the air hole, The elastic support means includes a bellows for supporting the inner casing with its own elastic force, one end of which is fixed to the inner casing, and an inner space of which is opened to the outside through the air hole to apply atmospheric pressure to the inner casing. A hydrogen generating device having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material. The method of claim 7, wherein The elastic support means is a hydrogen generating device having a chemical hydride aqueous solution as a raw material characterized in that the spring is further provided for supporting the inner casing in the support direction of the bellows. The method of claim 2, The gas-liquid separation membrane is a Teflon-based Goretex (GORETEX) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or PVDF (polyvinyldifluoride) or PFA (tedra fluoroethylene- perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) or polysulfone-based Hydrogen generator having as a raw material an aqueous solution of a chemical hydride, characterized in that any one of a polymer and a mixture thereof.