KR20100085336A - Hydrogen generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A hydrogen generator is provided to automatically control a hydrogen collecting rate with the movement of electrolyte by a structure to be easily collected. CONSTITUTION: A hydrogen generator comprises a hydrogen generation part(100) which comprises a space part wherein hydrogen is accepted, an electrode portion which generates hydrogen by an etching due to the connection of an anode and a cathode formed in the hydrogen generation part, and a storage(300) which stores electrolyte in the outside of the hydrogen generation part and is formed in order to move the electrolyte in the hydrogen generation part.

Description

Hydrogen Generator {HYDROGEN GENERATOR}

The present invention relates to a hydrogen generating device, and more particularly, in a corrosion couple in which a hydrogen generating unit is installed inside a storage unit, and a magnesium anode provided inside the hydrogen generating unit and a catalyst cathode made of metal foam are connected. The present invention relates to a hydrogen generating device that facilitates the collection of hydrogen by supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell and automatically adjusts the hydrogen collection rate by movement of an electrolyte during collection.

In general, the technology of using hydrogen as a fuel has made a lot of development to date, but the technology for safely producing, storing or moving hydrogen fuel still does not meet the performance required by the hydrogen fuel cell.

Therefore, a lot of efforts are focused on the technology of generating and storing hydrogen, and among them, many prior arts already exist in the technology of generating hydrogen using a corrosion reaction of metal. However, the technology to control or store the reaction of hydrogen generation is still difficult to develop due to difficulties in development.

Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly clean fuel, but due to the high pressures and safety measures it is necessary to pay special attention, it is expensive, and the weight of the container containing hydrogen is a problem.

In addition, it is generally known to use an unstable compound that generates hydrogen, such as sodium borohydride or hydrazine, as a method for generating hydrogen relatively safely.

Moreover, the apparatus which generate | occur | produces hydrogen by putting aluminum metal in alkaline solution, and the apparatus which generate | occur | produces hydrogen in a metal net coated with platinum in the container filled with electrolyte solution (salt water) are known.

However, this method also has the disadvantage that the method of controlling the generated hydrogen is not only easy and dangerous, but also increases the pressure of the cell itself, which makes the container bulky, heavy and complicated to withstand the pressure.

When aluminum or zinc is used as an electrode, hydrogen gas is generated by the corrosion reaction in some electrolytes (salts), but the reaction is slower than that of magnesium, and the corrosion reaction may be disturbed by the formation of some non-conductor coatings and may be inactivated. In this case, the addition of some alkali to the electrolyte is promoted, but sometimes the corrosion reaction is not controlled or an inert surface is formed again to stop the reaction.

In addition, when contacted with a hydrogen-producing cathode (cathode), this corrosion reaction may be accelerated to cause continuous hydrogen generation. In addition, it is more easily obtained by making the aluminum or zinc electrode porous or by using a strongly active form in which the powder is compressed.

Currently, hydrogen fuel cells are used as auxiliary power for some fuel cell vehicles, unmanned weapons, and diesel submarines, and they require a large amount of hydrogen and are filled with a large amount of high-pressure hydrogen vessels, thus increasing safety and filling time of hydrogen gas. There is a problem losing.

On the other hand, let's look at the prior art suggesting a hydrogen generator.

Japanese Patent JP5610981 proposes a device for generating hydrogen by putting pieces of magnesium metal into a mesh made of iron or nickel in a sealed container.

Japanese Patent JP2008 / 56551 proposes an apparatus for generating hydrogen by putting magnesium metal pieces in a platinum-plated titanium mesh.

US 2007/0237994 proposes an apparatus for extracting hydrogen generated by adding a corrosive electrolyte solution to a sealed container containing magnesium, zinc or aluminum powder.

Japanese Patent JP 2007/238383 proposed an apparatus for extracting hydrogen generated by introducing aluminum particles into a container filled with a corrosive electrolyte.

As such, in the case of using the metal powder, it is difficult to control the reaction rate, there are cases of clogging together with the oxide inside, and there is a disadvantage that a device for moving the powder should be provided.

Japanese Patent JP 2003-221202 proposes a method of promoting a corrosion reaction by dropping a magnesium metal mass embedded with catalytic metal particles in an electrolyte.

This method is useful as a material that reacts with an electrolyte to generate hydrogen, but has the disadvantage that it is expensive to manufacture a magnesium product containing precious metal particles and that a general magnesium alloy material cannot be used.

In addition, there is a problem in that the composition has to be complicated because a mechanism to adjust the input rate of magnesium agglomerates according to hydrogen demand and a mechanism for forcibly moving magnesium agglomerates in the cell must be provided.

US 2008/0245673 proposes a method of accelerating hydrogen generation rate by applying an external voltage to an electrode pair in which a cathode is connected to aluminum and an anode is connected to magnesium.

This method can increase speed but has the disadvantage of requiring a separate device to apply voltage using an external power source.

In addition, to capture the hydrogen generated by these reactions, all metals must be enclosed in a safe container. As a result, the container becomes large and a large amount of electrolyte is required.

Using magnesium requires about five times the weight of magnesium and the burden of carrying the resulting magnesium hydroxide sludge. Even if seawater is used, there is a problem that a separate complicated facility for injecting and discharging seawater in the system is required.

These problems are variously shown in the existing patents, and if the fluid or solid powder is forced to move in the cell, it means that energy consumption is added or complicated mechanisms are provided, thereby decreasing practicality.

In addition, when the metal powder is used, not only may cause ignition and explosion, but also may damage the container or the system due to overheating, and the metal oxide generated between the powders may be mixed to significantly lower the reactivity.

In addition, the conventional hydrogen generating apparatus has a disadvantage in that there is no mechanism for automatically adjusting the hydrogen generation amount to reduce the amount of hydrogen generated when the amount of generated hydrogen is high, and increase the amount of generated hydrogen when the amount of generated hydrogen is small.

Thus, there is a need for improvement.

In order to improve the above-described problems of the present invention, the hydrogen generating unit is installed inside the storage unit, and hydrogen is generated at the anode and the cathode provided inside the hydrogen generating unit to supply the hydrogen fuel cell to easily collect the hydrogen. In addition, the purpose of automatically adjusting the hydrogen collection rate by the movement of the electrolyte during collection.

It is also an object of the present invention to control galvanic corrosion couples by stopping and connecting galvanic corrosion couples by the combination of anodes and cathodes.

In addition, the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generating unit is continuously consumed by supplying the hydrogen fuel cell with the pressure of the salt solution or sea water, which is the electrolyte solution stored in the storage unit, if the supply is not required to reduce or stop the hydrogen generation by operation of the operation unit Therefore, the purpose is to ensure the stability by preventing explosion of the hydrogen generating unit or storage unit.

In addition, it is an object to efficiently remove the metal oxide generated by the corrosion reaction by continuously introducing the metal oxide generated in the hydrogen generating portion by the inlet and discharge the electrolyte to the outside.

In addition, since there is no unnecessary configuration around the hydrogen generating unit, the object is to ensure a simple configuration and ensure durability.

In addition, the hydrogen generator is equipped with a buoyancy member to be used in the sea, the purpose is to use as a hydrogen generator used in small marine equipment, emergency equipment and submersible detectors.

In order to achieve the above object, a hydrogen generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen generating unit having a space for accommodating hydrogen; An electrode unit generating hydrogen by causing a corrosion reaction (electrochemical reaction) due to the connection between the anode and the cathode installed in the hydrogen generator; And a storage unit in which an electrolyte is stored outside the hydrogen generator, and the electrolyte in the hydrogen generator is movable to each other.

In addition, the cover for covering the hydrogen generating unit and the storage is characterized in that it is further included.

In addition, the cover, characterized in that it further comprises a hydrogen transfer pipe for transferring the hydrogen contained in the hydrogen generating portion.

In addition, it is characterized in that it further comprises a filter for filtering the hydrogen transferred to the transport pipe.

In addition, the hydrogen transfer pipe is connected to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen using member, the hydrogen using member is any one selected from a hydrogen fuel cell, internal combustion engine, hydrogen vehicle, submersible, marine boat, marine small equipment, emergency equipment It is characterized by one.

In addition, the bottom portion of the hydrogen generating unit is characterized in that the opening is formed so as to communicate with the storage.

In addition, the anode of the electrode portion is any one metal selected from magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, characterized in that the shape of any one selected from cylindrical, square pillar, plate shape.

In addition, the cathode of the electrode is characterized in that at least one metal or metal foam selected from nickel, titanium, copper, silver, gold, rhodium, palladium, platinum.

In addition, the cathode is preferably a metal foam having a large specific surface area, characterized in that the metal foam has a porosity of 50 ~ 150 ppi.

The cathode may be plated (coated) with at least one metal selected from silver, gold, palladium, rhodium, platinum, and platinum group metals on any one selected metal foam.

In addition, the anode of the electrode portion is further provided with an anode terminal for connecting a wire to the upper end of the anode, the anode terminal is lower in electronegativity than the metal used in the anode, iron, copper, tin It is characterized in that any one metal selected.

In addition, the wires are connected to each terminal of the electrode portion, it characterized in that the switch is provided with a switch so that the anode and the cathode can be energized or insulated.

In addition, the anode is installed in a square plate shape by the anode support member supported by the storage unit, the cathode is installed so as to face each other with the anode in the center, the square having a plurality of through holes to move the electrolyte solution. It is characterized by being fixed by a pair of cathode support members having a plate shape.

In addition, a front surface of the cathode and the cathode support member, is provided in close proximity to the anode to equalize the distance between the anode and the cathode, and further comprising a spacer of an insulating material to maintain the shape of the anode for a long time It is done.

In addition, the distance between the anode and the cathode, has a range of 0.3 ~ 20mm, when using seawater as the electrolyte, it characterized in that the interval of 1 ~ 5mm range. The reason for the constant spacing is to allow the hydrogen gas and metal oxide particles generated between the two electrodes to move quickly and be removed.

In addition, the configuration of the hydrogen generating apparatus according to another embodiment is characterized in that the anode and the cathode, each of which is provided with a plurality of anode terminals and cathode terminals to cross each other repeatedly to increase the amount of hydrogen generated.

In addition, the level of the electrolyte solution inside the hydrogen generating unit is lowered due to the expansion of the hydrogen generated in the electrode portion, and the level of the storage unit is increased by the moved electrolyte, and thus transferred to the hydrogen stored in the space part due to the difference in water level. The pressure is applied to increase the transfer rate of hydrogen through the hydrogen transfer pipe, characterized in that for controlling the generation rate of hydrogen.

The storage unit may further include an inlet and outlet unit for supplying the electrolyte and discharging the metal oxide produced by the corrosion reaction therein.

In addition, the inlet discharge portion, the supply unit for supplying an electrolyte through the inlet pipe formed on one side of the storage; It characterized in that it further comprises a collecting unit for discharging and collecting the metal oxide on the inner bottom surface of the storage through the discharge pipe formed on the other side of the storage.

In addition, the hydrogen generating apparatus according to another embodiment, the hydrogen generating unit having a space for accommodating hydrogen, the seawater is introduced or discharged through the moving hole; An anode and a cathode are provided in the hydrogen generation unit, and an electrode unit generating hydrogen when seawater invades; A hydrogen fuel cell provided at an upper side of the hydrogen generator and using hydrogen generated from the electrode unit; And a compressed air cylinder for injecting air into a buoyancy member or a hydrogen fuel cell which floats the hydrogen generating unit, the electrode unit and the hydrogen fuel cell in seawater.

In addition, the electrode portion is formed by winding the anode and the cathode alternately in a circle between the porous and flexible insulating member, characterized in that to generate hydrogen by the corrosion reaction when seawater is introduced.

In addition, the buoyancy member, the impact detection sensor for detecting the impact when falling into the sea water; It is characterized in that it further comprises a gas supply unit for supplying a gas by expanding the control signal by applying a control signal by the detection of the impact sensor.

In addition, the hydrogen generating unit, the acoustic sensor for detecting the position of the detection object in the sea using the electricity supplied to the hydrogen fuel cell; An antenna for transmitting a signal sensed by the acoustic sensor is characterized in that it is further provided.

As described above, when the hydrogen generating device according to the present invention is used, the hydrogen generating unit is installed inside the storage unit, and hydrogen is generated at the anode and the cathode provided inside the hydrogen generating unit and supplied to the hydrogen fuel cell. It facilitates the collection and has the effect of automatically adjusting the hydrogen collection rate by the movement of the electrolyte during collection.

In addition, the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generating unit is continuously consumed by supplying the hydrogen fuel cell with the pressure of the salt solution or sea water, which is the electrolyte stored in the storage unit. Since hydrogen generation is reduced or stopped, the hydrogen is prevented from accumulating excessively in the hydrogen generation unit or the storage unit, thereby securing the stability.

In addition, it is possible to efficiently remove the metal oxide generated by the corrosion reaction by continuously introducing the metal oxide generated in the hydrogen generator by the inlet and discharge the electrolyte to the outside.

In addition, since there is no unnecessary configuration around the hydrogen generating unit, the configuration is simple and has the effect of ensuring durability.

In addition, by using a buoyancy member in the hydrogen generating device used in the sea has the advantage of using as a hydrogen generating device used for small marine equipment, emergency equipment and submersible detection device.

Hereinafter, a hydrogen generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this process, the thickness of the lines or the size of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions of the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user, the operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

First, look at the basic chemical reactions occurring in the hydrogen generator,

[Scheme]

Mg + 2H ₂ O = Mg (OH) 2 + H ₂ (gas): The overall reaction, converting this equation into an electrochemical _half- edge equation,

Mg + 2OH- = Mg (OH) ₂ + 2e: anode reaction,

2H ₂ O + 2e = 2OH- + H ₂ (g): cathode reaction,

Divided into

Of these, the cathode reaction does not only occur at the cathode (catalytic electrode), but some occurs at the anode (magnesium electrode).

As described above, hydrogen is generated at the cathode 220, and hydrogen generated in the space 150 of the hydrogen generator 100 is stored.

1 to 5, the configuration of the hydrogen generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen generating unit 100 having a space portion 150 for receiving hydrogen; An electrode unit 200 generating hydrogen by causing a corrosion reaction (electrochemical reaction) due to the connection between the anode 210 and the cathode 220 installed in the hydrogen generator 100; And a storage unit 300 provided with an electrolyte solution 10 stored outside of the hydrogen generator 100, and in which the electrolyte solution 10 in the hydrogen generator 100 is movable to each other.

It is preferable that electrolyte solution 10 contains 3% or more salt (NaCl). Preferably, about 12% salt water may be used.

The hydrogen generating unit 100 and the storage unit 300 further includes a cover 110 covering the upper side.

The cover 110 further includes a hydrogen transfer pipe 120 for transferring hydrogen contained in the hydrogen generating unit 100.

Further comprising a filter 130 for filtering the hydrogen to be transported to the transport pipe 120, the filter 130 is provided on the bottom surface of the cover 110 of the hydrogen generating unit 100, space 150. . The filter is preferably hydrophobic and any of the porous Teflon, urethane sponges and Teflon-coated metal foams exhibit suitable properties.

The hydrogen transfer pipe 120 is connected to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen using member 140, and the hydrogen using member 140 is a hydrogen fuel cell, an internal combustion engine, a hydrogen vehicle, a submersible, a marine boat, a marine small apparatus, It is preferably one selected from the emergency equipment.

In addition, the bottom portion of the hydrogen generating unit 100 is preferably open to communicate with the storage unit 300.

The anode 210 of the electrode part 200 is any metal selected from magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy, and is preferably any shape selected from a cylinder, a square pillar, and a plate body shape.

Usually, it is preferable to mainly use magnesium extrusion, a rolled sheet, and a die casting product. As the most common materials, rolled products are cheap and reliable.

In the case of magnesium alloy, since none of them have a similar effect, it is not necessary to mention them separately, but it is preferable to use AZ31-based rolled products which are commonly available in the present invention.

The cathode 210 of the electrode portion 200 is preferably at least one metal selected from nickel, titanium, copper, silver, gold, rhodium, palladium, and platinum, and the cathode 210 is a metal having a large specific surface area. It is preferable that the foam (Metal foam), the metal foam preferably has a porosity of 50 ~ 150 ppi.

In addition, the cathode 210 is at least one selected from among silver, gold, palladium, rhodium, platinum, and platinum group metals in at least one metal foam selected from nickel, titanium, copper, silver, gold, rhodium, palladium, and platinum. It is preferable to plate (coating) the metal.

In the surface state of the electrode, having a coating having a rough or very large surface area than the polished surface has the effect of lowering the hydrogen generating overvoltage. Therefore, according to the pre-test in the present invention, it was confirmed that the porous metal foam having an excellent generating effect than the general plate-shaped foil (foil). That is, the metal foam not only provides a large surface area therein, but also has a complicated shape, so that the bubbles of hydrogen greatly lower the thermodynamic free energy required for initial formation, so that they are easily generated.

As metal foams, nickel, copper, aluminum, zinc, and the like are currently used, but nickel and copper having low electronegativity are more suitable, and nickel having better corrosion resistance in salt water is more preferable. However, nickel surfaces also do not have complete corrosion resistance, so it is necessary to plate them with noble metals with excellent corrosion resistance, and the reaction proceeds faster due to the high hydrogen evolution rate of the noble metal surfaces.

In this experiment (performed below), nickel foams with rhodium or platinum plating were found to be the best. Nickel foam has a variety of porosities, often expressed in terms of pores per inch (ppi), or how many pores there are in an inch. The nickel foam used in the present invention is mostly 100 ppi, but in the preliminary experiments, 20, 50, 150, and 200 ppi commercially available were used additionally. In the case of low ppi, the catalytic properties decreased, and in the case of high ppi, magnesium hydroxide particles tended to invade and accumulate therein. Thus, nickel foam having a value of 50 to 150 ppi showed desirable characteristics.

The anode 210 of the electrode portion 200 is further provided with an anode terminal 210 for connecting electric wires to the upper portion of the anode 210, and the anode terminal 210 is used for the anode 210. It is preferable that the metal is any one selected from aluminum, iron, copper, and tin having lower electronegativity than the metal. In this case, the reason why the terminal is connected to the upper part of the anode is to prevent the terminal from being broken before the magnesium anode is sufficiently consumed by galvanic corrosion with the terminal.

An electric wire is connected to the anode terminal 210 and the cathode 220, respectively, and an operation unit 230 for supplying or cutting off power is further provided.

The anode 210 is provided in a square plate shape by the anode support member 212 supported by the storage unit 30, and the cathode 220 is two (pair) facing each other with the anode 210 in the center. ) Can be installed.

The two cathodes 220 are configured to be electrically connected to each other by a wire.

It is preferable that the electrolyte solution 10 is fixed by a pair of cathode support members 212 having a rectangular plate shape having a plurality of through holes 224.

In addition, the front surface of the cathode 220 and the cathode support member 212 is installed in close proximity to the anode 210 to equalize the distance between the anode 210 and the cathode 220, and the shape of the anode 210. It is preferable to further include a spacer 214 of an insulating material to maintain the for a long time.

The spacer 214 is not limited to the number formed. This spacer should be a material that will not impede the flow of the fluid. When using a 50 ppi urethane sponge initially, it is much simpler than a sponge because it shows much higher hydrogen production rate when using a plastic workpiece than (Experimental Example 1). Spacers are used. This is because the rate of escape of hydrogen gas and metal hydroxide particles from the urethane sponge was slow.

The distance between the anode 210 and the cathode 220 has a range of 0.3 to 20 mm, and when seawater is used as the electrolyte, it is preferable to have a distance of 1 to 5 mm.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an anode 210 is positioned between the cathode 220 and the spacer 214 facing each other provided on the cathode support member 212, and the spacer 214 is substantially the anode 210. ) Is located close enough to contact.

When the electrical connection is made through the wires 232 by the operation of the operation unit 230, a corrosion pair of the anode and the cathode is formed, and the magnesium of the anode (the sacrificial electrode 210) is gradually corroded by an electrochemical reaction. Hydrogen is generated at the cathode (catalytic electrode) 220 and in part at the magnesium electrode.

As the electrochemical reaction (corrosion reaction) is performed for a long time, the anode 210 is not corroded at all as shown in FIG. Since it is made to be left as a skeleton shape as shown in Figure 4 (b).

After using all of the anodes 210, the cover 110 is opened to take out and discard the anode 210 remaining only in the skeleton, and install and use a new anode 210.

The outer side of the storage unit 300 further includes an inlet / outlet unit 310 for supplying the electrolyte solution 10 and discharging the metal oxide 340 generated by the electrochemical reaction therein.

The inlet discharge part 310 may include: a supply part 320 supplying an electrolyte solution 10 through an inlet pipe 322 formed at one side of the storage part 300; Further comprising a collecting unit 330 for discharging and collecting the metal oxide 340 on the inner bottom surface of the storage unit 300 through the discharge pipe 332 formed on the other side of the storage unit 300.

As the electrochemical reaction proceeds, metal oxides 340 such as magnesium hydroxide accumulate on the bottom surface of the storage unit 300. At this time, while supplying the electrolyte solution 10 from the supply unit 320 to the storage unit 300 through the inlet pipe 322, the metal oxide 340 is discharged along with a part of the electrolyte solution 10 through the discharge pipe 332. And is collected by the collecting unit 330.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, the level of the electrolyte solution 10 inside the hydrogen generator 200 is lowered by the expansion of hydrogen generated in the electrode part 200, and the storage part is moved by the transferred electrolyte solution 10. Since the water level of 300 is increased, due to the water level difference (Hp), by applying a transfer pressure to the hydrogen stored in the space portion 150 to increase the transfer rate of hydrogen through the hydrogen transfer pipe 120, and adjusts the generation rate of hydrogen do.

That is, when a large amount of hydrogen is generated in the hydrogen generating unit 200 and the amount of hydrogen stored in the space unit 150 increases compared to the rate of discharge of hydrogen to the hydrogen transfer pipe 120, the electrolyte solution stored in the hydrogen generating unit 100 ( At the same time as the water level of 10) is lowered and the electrolyte moves through the bottom open portion of the hydrogen generator 100, the water level of the storage unit 300 is increased. As shown in FIG. 5, the water level difference Hp is increased. Will be maintained. At this time, the electrolyte of the storage unit 300 pressurizes the hydrogen stored in the space unit 150 to the hydrogen generating unit 100 to promote the transfer of hydrogen to the hydrogen transfer pipe 120.

In this state, since the area in which the anode 210 and the cathode 220 of the electrode part 200 provided in the hydrogen generating unit 100 are in contact with the electrolyte is reduced, the amount of hydrogen generated is significantly reduced. As the water level of the 100 increases and the water level of the storage unit 300 decreases, the effective area of the anode 210 and the cathode 220 in contact with the electrolyte increases, so that generation of hydrogen increases again. By repeatedly performing such a state, the amount of hydrogen generated is automatically adjusted.

And, as shown in Figure 6, showing a hydrogen generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the anode 210 and the cathode 220, the anode terminal 216 and the cathode terminal 226 facing each other ) Are each provided in plurality so as to repeatedly cross each other, thereby increasing the amount of hydrogen generated.

The configuration of this other embodiment, compared with the hydrogen generating device according to one embodiment, the number of the anode 210 and the cathode 220, and the cathode 220 is further provided with a cathode terminal 226 to facilitate fixing In addition, the anode terminal 216 is fixed to the state in which the anode 210 is maintained at a constant interval as a whole, and is used directly in the sea water 50 of the inlet and discharge portion 310, so that the electrolyte solution 10 and the metal oxide Since the 340 is automatically discharged, the supply part 320 and the collecting part 330 are different from each other.

Other than that, since the configuration is similar to that of the hydrogen generator of one embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The hydrogen generator of another embodiment is preferably applied mainly to a submersible or a marine boat among the hydrogen using members 140. Of course, this does not limit the scope of use.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7 to 10, the configuration of the hydrogen generating apparatus according to another embodiment, has a space portion 420 for receiving hydrogen, the sea water 50 through the moving portion 410 Hydrogen generator 400 is introduced or discharged; An electrode unit 500 generating hydrogen by applying an electric power to the anode 510 and the cathode 520 installed in the hydrogen generator 400 to generate an electrochemical reaction; A hydrogen fuel cell 430 provided above the hydrogen generator 400 and using hydrogen generated from the electrode 500; And a buoyancy member 600 for floating the hydrogen generating unit 400, the electrode unit 500, and the hydrogen fuel cell 430 in the sea water 50.

The electrode unit 500 is formed by alternately winding the anode 510 and the cathode 520 alternately between the porous and flexible insulating members 530, and the anode 510 and the cathode ( The anode terminal 512 and the cathode terminal 522 are respectively provided at 520 to allow a short circuit as necessary, and the hydrogen generated when the seawater 50 is introduced is supplied to the hydrogen fuel cell 430. desirable.

The hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen fuel cell 430 generates an electrochemical reaction (corrosion reaction) together with the sea water 50 and the positive electrode.

 As shown in FIG. 8, between the anode 510 and the cathode 520, since there is an insulating member 530, the anode 510 and the cathode 520 are not in contact with each other. 530, the anode terminal 512 and the cathode terminal 522 are connected to one portion of the anode 510 and the cathode 520, respectively, and are electrically connected to the entire portion of the anode 510 and the cathode 520. Are energized respectively.

As the insulating member 530, a textile material, a porous synthetic resin material or other insulating material is preferably used. Any material can be used as long as it has insulation properties.

The anode terminal 512 and the cathode terminal 522 are preferably connected to the upper side of the anode 510 and the cathode 520 of the electrode unit 500 so as to be connected to the switch.

The buoyancy member 600, the impact sensor 610 for detecting the impact when falling into the sea water (50); It is preferable to further include a gas supply unit 620 to apply a control signal in response to the detection of the impact sensor 620 to quickly supply and expand gas.

The buoyancy member 600 may be configured to float in the seawater 50 by supplying gas to the buoyancy member 600 by using a timer to expand the gas or by using various other general methods.

Seawater 50 is known to contain about 3% of salt (NaCl).

The expansion of the impact sensor 610 and the gas supply unit 620 may be configured to be supplied from a hydrogen fuel cell 430 having a constant electricity or from a separate power source.

And, the hydrogen generating unit 400, the acoustic sensor 700 for identifying the position of the detection object in the sea by using the electricity supplied to the hydrogen fuel cell 430; Preferably, the antenna 800 is further provided to transmit a signal sensed by the acoustic sensor 700 to a predetermined destination (artificial satellite, trap receiver, communication base, etc.).

The acoustic sensor 700 is continuously operated by receiving electricity from the hydrogen fuel cell 430 by a wire not shown.

The antenna 800 may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal.

Detection objects may be applied to military, academic, or meteorological use, and may be applied to enemy submarines, submersibles, or scientific explorations (whales, sharks, rare animals, etc.).

Or less, on the basis of the accompanying drawings to look at the operation of the hydrogen generating device of the present invention according to an embodiment.

First, as shown in Figure 5, looks at the state of use of the hydrogen generating apparatus according to an embodiment, at this time, the anode 210 will be described based on the state using magnesium.

When operating the operation unit 230 through the wire 232, the corrosion current flows while the magnesium anode 210 and the cathode 220 contained in the electrolyte 10 causes an electrical chemical reaction.

As shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 5, the level of the electrolyte solution 10 inside the hydrogen generating unit 200 is lowered and moved by the expansion of hydrogen generated in the electrode unit 200. Since the water level of the storage unit 300 is increased by the electrolyte solution 10, due to the water level difference Hp, a transfer pressure is applied to the hydrogen stored in the space unit 150 to increase the transfer speed of hydrogen through the hydrogen transfer pipe 120. And control the rate of hydrogen evolution.

That is, when a large amount of hydrogen is generated in the hydrogen generating unit 200 and the amount of hydrogen stored in the space unit 150 is greater than the rate of discharge of the hydrogen transfer pipe 120, the electrolyte solution 10 stored in the hydrogen generating unit 100 is increased. At the same time as the water level is lowered, the electrolyte moves through the bottom open portion of the hydrogen generating unit 100 to raise the water level of the storage unit 300, as shown in FIG. 5, to maintain the water level difference Hp. Done.

At this time, the electrolyte of the storage unit 300 pressurizes the hydrogen stored in the space unit 150 to the hydrogen generating unit 100 to promote the transfer of hydrogen to the hydrogen transfer pipe 120.

In such a state, since the area in which the anode 210 and the cathode 220 of the electrode part 200 provided in the hydrogen generating unit 100 are in contact with the electrolyte is reduced, the amount of hydrogen generation is significantly reduced.

As the water level of the hydrogen storage unit 100 increases and the water level of the storage unit 300 decreases, the area in which the anode 210 and the cathode 220 contact with the electrolyte increases, so that generation of hydrogen increases. . By repeatedly performing such a state, the amount of hydrogen generated is automatically adjusted.

On the other hand, when used for a long time, while the metal oxide (particularly, magnesium hydroxide, 340) is accumulated on the bottom surface of the storage unit 300, the progress of the electrochemical reaction may be lowered, but on one side of the storage unit 300 Since the supplied supply unit 220 supplies the electrolyte solution to the storage unit 300, it is discharged to the outside through the discharge pipe 332 such as the metal oxide 340 and a part of the electrolyte therein, and collected by the collecting unit 330. It is done.

Therefore, since the electrolyte storage 10 stored in the hydrogen storage unit 100 and the storage unit 300 is always maintained in a clean state, the hydrogen generation rate is not lowered.

After a predetermined time, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the anode 210 is corroded to all parts except the portion where the spacer 214 is located, and thus the hydrogen generation amount is lowered. Replace with a new anode 210.

As shown in Figure 6, looks at the operation of the hydrogen generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

The configuration of this other embodiment, compared with the hydrogen generating device according to one embodiment, the number of the anode 210 and the cathode 220, and the cathode 220 is further provided with a cathode terminal 226 to facilitate fixing The anode terminal 216 is fixed in a state in which the anode 210 is maintained at a predetermined interval as a whole from above, since the present embodiment is directly used in the seawater 50, the electrolyte solution 10 and the metal oxide 340 are used. Since there is no need to discharge the supply unit 320 and the collecting unit 330 is different from each other.

Other than that, the configuration of the hydrogen generator of the embodiment and the operation derived therefrom are also similar, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. The hydrogen generator of another embodiment is preferably applied to a submersible or a marine boat mainly used in sea water 50 among the hydrogen using members 140. In the case of submersibles, compressed air is inherent, and thus, the compressed air and hydrogen obtained from the hydrogen generator can steal a long time.

As shown in Figure 7 to 10, looks at the action of the use state of the hydrogen generating device according to another embodiment.

In the hydrogen generating device according to the present embodiment, when the device is dropped into the sea for the purpose of detection on an airplane, a transporter, a ship or a ship, the shock detection sensor 610 mounted in place of the hydrogen generating unit 400 impacts. By detecting the signal, the gas supply unit 620 provided at a predetermined position generates an instantaneous expansion gas to expand the folded buoyancy member 600 to float in the sea.

When the hydrogen generating unit 400 is locked to the sea water 50, the sea water 50 is introduced into the hydrogen generating unit 400 through the moving hole 410, respectively, on both sides of the insulating member 530. Hydrogen is generated while causing an electrochemical reaction (corrosion reaction) in the provided anode 510 and cathode 520.

The buoyancy member 430 is preferably buoy (buoy).

At this time, the generated hydrogen is collected in the space 450, is continuously provided as a fuel used in the hydrogen fuel cell 430.

On the other hand, when the sea water 50 is in contact with the anode 510 and the cathode 520 as a whole, the amount of hydrogen generated increases, the electrolyte solution 10 is discharged to the sea through the moving hole 410, the hydrogen compared to the water level of the sea Since the level of the space 450 of the generator 400 is lowered, pressure is applied to the hydrogen stored in the space 450 to provide a transfer force.

When the area in which the electrolyte is in contact with the anode 510 and the cathode 520 is reduced to reduce the amount of hydrogen generated, the level of the hydrogen in the hydrogen generating unit 400 is increased, so that the amount of hydrogen is increased. By repeating this process, the hydrogen generation amount is automatically adjusted.

On the other hand, since the hydrogen is automatically moved by the pressure of the sea water 50 has the advantage that does not have to provide a separate hydrogen transfer means.

By supplying the hydrogen generated in this way, while the hydrogen fuel cell 430 is floating in the sea for a long time, it can continuously detect enemy submarines, submersibles or scientific expeditions (whales, sharks, rare animals, etc.).

On the other hand, in the hydrogen generating apparatus according to an embodiment and another embodiment, the experiment was performed to measure the amount of hydrogen generated by selecting the anode 210 as magnesium, the cathode 220 to a variety of metals, to see about this do.

Experimental Example 1

To measure the rate of hydrogen evolution, a 1,000 ml volume of a measuring cylinder is placed upside down in a water bath containing 3% sodium chloride solution, filled with electrolyte (10) in the bottom, and 50 x 100 mm (width x length) at the bottom. And a 1.5 mm thick electrode was placed therein, and the amount of hydrogen generated after waiting for a predetermined time was measured.

First, in order to obtain a basic experimental result, the anode 210 of the magnesium metal AZ31 plate (Al 3%, Zn 1% remaining magnesium) was added to measure the amount of hydrogen generated after 24 hours.

In addition, electrode pairs connected with copper plates of the same size were made, and the gaps were made with a sponge having a thickness of 3 mm, tied together using adhesive tape, and the amount of generation was measured.

In this manner, the amount of hydrogen generated in various cathodes 220, that is, electrode pairs with the catalyst electrodes, was measured. The results of the measured hydrogen generation amount are shown in Table 1. The spacing between electrodes was similarly maintained by inserting a urethane sponge (50 ppi) having a thickness of 3 mm.

And the volume of the hydrogen gas generated at the comparison temperature of 5 ℃ was measured. These conditions offer the possibility and direction when extended to other electrolytes.

TABLE 1

Experiment number Anode Cathode Electrolyte Hydrogen Generation Rate (ml / min) One Magnesium AZ31 none Brine NaCl 3% 0.02 2 Magnesium AZ31 Copper plate Brine NaCl 3% 1.4 3 Magnesium AZ31 Nickel Foam Brine NaCl 3% 8.1 4 Magnesium AZ31 Nickel Foam Silver Coating (AgNO3) Brine NaCl 3% 9.3 5 Magnesium AZ31 Nickel Foam Silver Electroplating (Ag) Brine NaCl 3% 8.9 6 Magnesium AZ31 Nickel Foam Rhodium Electroplating (Rh) Brine NaCl 3% 8.4 7 Magnesium AZ31 Platinum Plating (Pt-Ti) on Titanium Plate Brine NaCl 3% 3.4 8 Magnesium AZ31 Nickel Foam Platinum Coating (H2PtCl6) Brine NaCl 3% 10.4 9 Magnesium AZ31 Nickel mesh activated carbon. PTFE-Cobalt Oxide (C-Co2O3) PTFE 40% Brine NaCl 3% 4.2 10 Magnesium AZ31 Nickel foam activated carbon. PTFE, Manganese Dioxide (C-MnO2), PTFE 40% Brine NaCl 3% 1.3

Experimental Example 2

In order to make and compare various cathodes (catalyst electrodes 220), the following process was carried out.

Most of the cathodes 220 used in the experiments were coated or adhered to nickel foam, and the nickel foam used was 100 ppi porous and 2 mm thick.

In addition, it was tested by making a nickel foam coated with silver (Ag) and gold (Au) or rhodium (Rh) by coating a thickness of about 5 micrometers when calculating the area considered to be flat in the electroplating bath. Copper foam (100 ppi) did the same experiment, but no peculiarity with nickel foam was found and showed the same effect, but the corrosion progressed faster, revealing the problem of durability. However, the silver, gold, and rhodium plated examples did not undergo corrosion.

Other tests were conducted using a titanium electrode coated with platinum and a coated product of activated carbon and Teflon resin.

The platinum catalyst layer was coated by adding nickel foam to 10% platinum acid solution (H 2 PtCl 6) to form a coating layer called black platinum. The task was simple: immersing the nickel foam in this solution for 1 to 10 minutes immediately formed a highly active platinum catalyst.

The effect of the catalyst was confirmed as compared with the case of using copper plates of the same size. As a result of confirming the catalytic effect, the effect of the electrode having a large specific surface area and the electrode having no hydrophobic Teflon or organic binder was superior. Nickel foams with a large specific surface area and good hydrophilicity were plated with noble metals.

Experimental Example 3

The distance between the cathode and the anode was maintained at 0.3 -10 mm, and the amount of hydrogen was measured after varying the distance between the electrodes to determine the amount of hydrogen generated by the gap. Under the same conditions as in Experiment No. 3, the hydrogen generation rate was measured according to the difference in intervals.

[Table 2] Hydrogen generation rate according to distance between electrodes (ml / min) Electrode size 50 x 100 (mm), 3% sodium chloride solution, gas collection time 30 minutes each.

Distance between electrodes (mm) 0.3 One 3 5 Hydrogen generation rate (ml / min) 7.0 9.7 8.1 6.0 Distance between electrodes (mm) 8 10 15 20 Hydrogen generation rate (ml / min) 3.5 3.1 2.7 2.2

As shown in the table, it can be seen that as the distance increases, the rate of occurrence decreases. This is due to the greater contribution of the solution's electrical resistance to hydrogen-generating overvoltages. The reason why the hydrogen generation rate is higher than that of Table 1 is that the gap between the electrodes is maintained using a rigid plastic material rather than a urethane sponge. As such, mass transfer between the two electrodes was important.

However, even in such a case, the removal of the generated hydrogen gas and the metal hydroxide is not easy between the electrodes, but decreases. If the distance between the electrodes is less than 1 mm, the amount of generation is reduced when testing for a long time.

Experimental Example 4

The polycarbonate plate was processed to produce a cell as shown in FIG. 1. When the anode 210 is applied to the magnesium plate, the upper portion was processed into a shape with a handle capable of riveting the 50 x 100 x 1.5 mm size.

The cathode (catalytic electrode) 220 was prepared by attaching two sheets of the same size and attaching them to the polycarbonate plates standing in the center, and then connecting holes by soldering the wires.

The wire was then pulled out and connected to the switch. The amount of hydrogen generated was doubled as in the case of [Experimental Example 2], and the amount of generated hydrogen was measured in a measuring cylinder in a water tank. The generation of hydrogen was up to 49 ml / min in 3% sodium chloride solution when using only unplated nickel foam electrodes.

In addition, this time, a cell using rhodium-plated nickel foam was constructed and tested in a 12% sodium chloride solution to obtain a production rate of 148 ml / min. This rate of hydrogen generation is a very practical value that yields 20 watts of output in small portable hydrogen fuel cells. In other words, if it is miniaturized by a portable hydrogen generator, it is possible to obtain a high hydrogen generation rate by artificially increasing the salt concentration.

When the gas discharge valve of the hydrogen generator was closed, the internal space of the gas generator was filled with hydrogen gas, and no further hydrogen was generated. This is because the hydrogen gas atmosphere prevented oxidation of the magnesium electrode. In addition, when hydrogen gas was generated, the switch of the operation unit was cut off, and the generation rate dropped to an extremely low level, and even after 48 hours, only half of the hydrogen generation unit was stopped. This has proven to be a safe and convenient way to produce, store and manage hydrogen.

[Result analysis]

Hydrogen generation rate is greatly affected by the type and the cathode 220, it can be seen that controlled by the connection. Magnesium itself is extremely low in hydrogen generation by 0.02 ml / min due to the corrosion reaction, and if the required production rate is required, a geometrical shape having a very large area is required and the rate of generation cannot be controlled.

When the copper plate is connected here, the hydrogen generation rate increases by 70 times. And when it is connected with nickel foam, it can generate over 400 times.

Comparing the test cases, the best pairs in seawater-like brine 3% are magnesium and platinum catalyst electrode pairs, which are five times faster than hydrogen pairs.

However, when platinum is coated on the titanium plate, it shows a low value, that is, 3.4 ml / min, because the surface area is smaller than that of nickel foam. Therefore, it can be seen that coating the catalyst layer on the porous metal having a large surface area has the highest effect.

The distance between the anode and the electrode of the cathode should be kept to a minimum with a gap that is desired for the flow of the fluid. According to the experiment, it is possible to be 0.3mm or more and 20mm or more, but it is judged that the interval of 1-10mm is suitable from a practical point of view.

Since platinum catalysts are expensive, palladium, rhodium, silver, and the like are shown as inexpensive metals. These electrodes also have practical values, and the rate of hydrogen generation is high, so a system can achieve the desired purpose.

In addition, if the salt concentration is increased or the temperature is increased, the rate of occurrence can be significantly increased. Only nickel foam has been found to have sufficient catalytic effect, and it is necessary to plate with precious metals for the purpose of further improving corrosion resistance and catalytic properties. In addition to nickel foam or copper foam, fabrics woven from copper wire plated with precious metals may also be used.

[Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, 4], etc. according to the present invention merely show what kind of hydrogen is generated most when the conditions in the specification of the present invention are exemplified only to limit the scope of the present invention. It doesn't.

Since the hydrogen generating device described in various embodiments according to the present invention is manufactured in a small size, the hydrogen generating device can be manufactured to be portable so that users can carry and use it.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the art belongs can make various modifications and other equivalent embodiments therefrom. I will understand.

Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the claims below.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a hydrogen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of a hydrogen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a plan sectional view of a hydrogen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a view showing an anode of the hydrogen generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a state diagram before using the anode, (b) is a state diagram after using the anode.

5 is a view showing a state of use of the hydrogen generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a view showing a state in which a large capacity in the sea water as a hydrogen generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a view showing a hydrogen generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a view showing an electrode of the hydrogen generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.

10 is a cross-sectional view of a hydrogen generating apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: electrolyte 100,400: hydrogen generating unit

110: cover 120: hydrogen transfer pipe

130 filter 140 hydrogen using member

200, 500: electrode portion 210,510: anode

212 anode support member 214 spacer

220,520 cathode 222 cathode support member

230: operation unit 300: storage unit

310: inlet and outlet 320: supply

322: inlet pipe 330: collecting unit

332: discharge pipe 430: hydrogen fuel cell

530: insulation member 600: buoyancy member

610: shock sensor 620: gas supply unit

700: detector 800: antenna

Claims (22)

A hydrogen generator having a space for accommodating hydrogen; An electrode part generating hydrogen by causing a corrosion reaction due to the connection between the anode and the cathode installed in the hydrogen generating part; And And a storage unit provided with an electrolyte stored outside of the hydrogen generating unit and configured to move the electrolyte in the hydrogen generating unit. The method of claim 1, Hydrogen generating device further comprises a cover for covering the hydrogen generating unit and the storage. The method of claim 2, The cover, the hydrogen generating apparatus further comprises a hydrogen transfer pipe for transferring the hydrogen contained in the hydrogen generating portion. The method of claim 3, wherein Hydrogen generator characterized in that it further comprises a filter for filtering the hydrogen to be transported to the transport pipe. The method of claim 3, wherein The hydrogen transfer pipe is connected to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen using member, The hydrogen using member is any one selected from among a hydrogen fuel cell, an internal combustion engine, a hydrogen vehicle, a submersible, a marine boat, a marine small apparatus, and an emergency apparatus. The method of claim 1, The bottom portion of the hydrogen generating unit, the hydrogen generating apparatus characterized in that the opening is formed so as to communicate with the storage. The method of claim 1, The anode of the electrode portion is any one metal selected from magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum and aluminum alloy, the hydrogen generating apparatus characterized in that the shape of any one selected from the shape of a cylinder, a square column, a plate body. The method of claim 1, The cathode of the electrode unit is at least one metal or metal foam selected from nickel, titanium, copper, silver, gold, rhodium, palladium and platinum. The hydrogen generator of claim 8, wherein the metal foam is a metal foam having a large specific surface area, and the metal foam has a porosity of 50 to 150 ppi. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cathode, the at least one metal foam selected, at least one metal selected from silver, gold, palladium, rhodium, platinum, platinum group metal, characterized in that the plated Hydrogen generator. The method of claim 1, The anode of the electrode portion is further provided with an anode terminal for connecting a wire on the upper portion of the anode, the anode terminal, any one selected from aluminum, iron, copper, tin having a lower electronegativity than the metal used for the anode Hydrogen generator, characterized in that one metal. The method of claim 1, The anode is installed in a rectangular plate body shape by the anode support member supported by the storage unit, The cathode is installed so as to face each other with the anode in the center, and the hydrogen generating device, characterized in that fixed by a pair of cathode support member in the shape of a square plate body having a plurality of through holes for moving the electrolyte. 13. The method of claim 12, On the front surface of the cathode and the cathode support member, is provided in close proximity to the anode to equalize the distance between the anode and the cathode, characterized in that further comprising a spacer of an insulating material to maintain the shape of the anode for a long time Hydrogen generator. 13. The method of claim 12, The distance between the anode and the cathode, has a range of 0.3 ~ 20mm, when using seawater as the electrolyte, the hydrogen generator, characterized in that the interval of the range of 1 ~ 5mm. The hydrogen generator of claim 1, wherein an anode and a cathode are connected to each other by a wire, and the wire is coupled to an operation unit which is a switch capable of opening and closing, so that the hydrogen generation reaction can be started or terminated. The method of claim 1, And a plurality of anodes and cathodes, each of which is disposed on the anode terminal and the cathode terminal facing each other repeatedly so as to repeatedly cross each other, thereby increasing the amount of hydrogen generated. The method of claim 1, Due to the expansion of the hydrogen generated in the electrode portion, the level of the electrolyte solution inside the hydrogen generation unit is lowered, and the level of the storage unit is increased by the moved electrolyte solution, due to the difference in water level, the transfer pressure to the hydrogen stored in the space portion Adding a hydrogen generating device to increase the transfer rate of hydrogen through the hydrogen transfer pipe, and to control the generation rate of hydrogen. The method of claim 1, The hydrogen generator of the outside of the storage unit, characterized in that it further comprises an inlet discharge portion for supplying the electrolyte solution, and to discharge the metal oxide generated by the corrosion reaction inside. The method of claim 18, The inlet discharge portion, the supply unit for supplying an electrolyte through the inlet pipe formed on one side of the storage; And a collecting unit for discharging and collecting the metal oxide sludge in the inner bottom surface of the storage unit through a discharge pipe formed at the other side of the storage unit. Hydrogen generating unit having a space for accommodating hydrogen, the seawater is introduced or discharged through the moving hole; An anode and a cathode are provided in the hydrogen generation unit, and an electrode unit generating hydrogen when seawater invades; A hydrogen fuel cell provided at an upper side of the hydrogen generator and using hydrogen generated from the electrode unit; And And a buoyancy member to float the hydrogen generating unit, the electrode unit and the hydrogen fuel cell in seawater. The method of claim 20, The electrode unit is formed by winding the anode and the cathode alternately in a circular shape between the porous and flexible insulating member, and generates hydrogen by a corrosion reaction when seawater is introduced. The method of claim 20, The buoyancy member, the impact detection sensor for detecting an impact when falling into the sea water; And a gas supply unit configured to apply a control signal by detecting the impact sensor to rapidly supply and expand a gas.

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