WO2010089872A1 - Alcohol concentration sensor - Google Patents
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- WO2010089872A1 WO2010089872A1 PCT/JP2009/051977 JP2009051977W WO2010089872A1 WO 2010089872 A1 WO2010089872 A1 WO 2010089872A1 JP 2009051977 W JP2009051977 W JP 2009051977W WO 2010089872 A1 WO2010089872 A1 WO 2010089872A1
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- G01N33/2852—Oils, i.e. hydrocarbon liquids specific substances contained in the oil or fuel alcohol/fuel mixtures
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- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
- H01M8/1009—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with one of the reactants being liquid, solid or liquid-charged
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- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/47—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
- G01N21/49—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid
- G01N21/53—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke
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Abstract
Provided is a small-seized and low-priced alcohol concentration sensor which can be used in a direct fuel cell to be mounted in a portable electronic device. The alcohol concentration sensor is provided with a scatterer (2) for scattering light transmitted through an alcohol aqueous solution, which is in contact with the alcohol aqueous solution, a light irradiation means (3) for irradiating the scatterer (2) with the light, and a light intensity detection means (4) for detecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the scatterer (2). The slight difference in the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution depending on the alcohol concentration is used. The scatterer (2) which is in contact with the alcohol aqueous solution is irradiated with light, and the intensity of the light transmitted through the scatterer (2) is detected. Even if the difference in the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution is slight, the difference in the intensity of the transmitted light is large, so that the alcohol concentration can be precisely calculated on the basis of the intensity of the transmitted light despite an extremely simple structure.
Description
本発明は、アルコール濃度センサに関し、特にダイレクト型燃料電池用のアルコール濃度センサに関する。
The present invention relates to an alcohol concentration sensor, and more particularly to an alcohol concentration sensor for a direct fuel cell.
携帯電子機器への搭載を目指して、ダイレクト型燃料電池の開発が進められている。ダイレクト型アルコール燃料電池では、燃料であるアルコールが電解質膜を透過して空気極側に漏れる現象であるクロスオーバーを防ぐため、アルコール濃度が１０～２０％程度になるように常に制御する必要がある。つまり、発電に伴いアルコール濃度が低下した場合には、それを検知して、貯蔵タンクのバルブを開けて濃度の高いアルコールを添加する必要がある。このため、ダイレクト型アルコール燃料電池を携帯電子機器への搭載するに際して、燃料水溶液中のアルコールの濃度測定は必須であり、そのためのセンサ素子の小型化、低価格化が求められている。
Development of direct fuel cells is being promoted with the aim of mounting on portable electronic devices. In a direct alcohol fuel cell, it is necessary to always control the alcohol concentration to be about 10 to 20% in order to prevent crossover, which is a phenomenon in which alcohol as fuel passes through the electrolyte membrane and leaks to the air electrode side. . In other words, when the alcohol concentration decreases with power generation, it is necessary to detect it and open the storage tank valve to add high-concentration alcohol. For this reason, when the direct alcohol fuel cell is mounted on a portable electronic device, it is essential to measure the concentration of alcohol in the aqueous fuel solution, and there is a demand for downsizing and cost reduction of the sensor element.
従来の溶液中のアルコール濃度の測定法としては、屈折率を利用する方法、水晶振動子を利用する方法（例えば、特許文献１を参照）、超音波の伝達速度を利用する方法（例えば、特許文献２を参照）、赤外線吸収の違いを利用する方法（例えば、特許文献３～５を参照）などが知られている。
特開平６－１８３９４号公報
特開平１１－２３５４１号公報
特開２００６－２９２４７４号公報
特開平５－２２３７３３号公報
特開平１－１１２１３７号公報
As a conventional method for measuring the alcohol concentration in a solution, a method using a refractive index, a method using a crystal resonator (see, for example, Patent Document 1), a method using a transmission speed of ultrasonic waves (eg, a patent) A method using a difference in infrared absorption (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 5) is known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-18394 JP 11-23541 A JP 2006-292474 A JP-A-5-223733 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-112137
屈折率を利用する方法は、被検溶液を少量採取して屈折率計でアルコール濃度を測定する方法であり、最も精度が高い方法であるが、連続測定は困難である。
The method using the refractive index is a method of collecting a small amount of a test solution and measuring the alcohol concentration with a refractometer, and is the most accurate method, but continuous measurement is difficult.
水晶振動子を利用する方法（例えば、特許文献１を参照）は、被検液に浸漬した水晶振動子の共振周波数が、水晶振動子を取り巻く被検液の密度や粘度の違いに応じて変化することを利用した方法である。この方法では、水晶振動子部分の加工に専門技術を要し、容易に作成することが困難であり、計測部も高精度で高価なものが必要であるという欠点があった。
In a method using a crystal resonator (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the resonance frequency of the crystal resonator immersed in the test solution changes depending on the density or viscosity of the test solution surrounding the crystal resonator. It is a method that uses to do. This method has the disadvantages that it requires specialized technology for processing the quartz crystal part, is difficult to produce easily, and the measurement part also requires a high precision and an expensive one.
超音波の伝達速度を利用する方法（例えば、特許文献２を参照）は、液体中の超音波の伝達速度が液体の組成により異なることを利用した方法である。この方法では、超音波の発振・受信素子及び計測回路が特殊であり、高価であるという欠点があった。
The method using the transmission speed of ultrasonic waves (see, for example, Patent Document 2) is a method using the fact that the transmission speed of ultrasonic waves in a liquid differs depending on the composition of the liquid. This method has a disadvantage that the ultrasonic oscillation / reception element and the measurement circuit are special and expensive.
赤外線吸収の違いを利用する方法（例えば、特許文献３～５を参照）は、水とメタノールの赤外線の吸収の違いを利用した方法である。この方法では、メタノールの赤外線吸収は波長が数マイクロメートルの領域にあるため、その波長域での光学素子が高価なものとなり、計測のための電子回路も高精度を要するという欠点があった。
The method using the difference in infrared absorption (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 5) is a method using the difference in infrared absorption between water and methanol. In this method, since the infrared absorption of methanol is in the region of several micrometers, the optical element in that wavelength region becomes expensive, and the electronic circuit for measurement also has a drawback of requiring high accuracy.
そこで、本発明は、携帯電子機器搭載用のダイレクト型燃料電池に用いることができる、小型かつ低価格のアルコール濃度センサを提供することを目的とする。
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a small and low-priced alcohol concentration sensor that can be used in a direct fuel cell for mounting on a portable electronic device.
本発明のアルコール濃度センサは、アルコール水溶液に接し、アルコール水溶液を透過する光を散乱させる光散乱手段と、この光散乱手段に光を照射する光照射手段と、前記光散乱手段を透過又は反射した光の強度を検出する光強度検出手段を備えたことを特徴とする。
The alcohol concentration sensor according to the present invention is in contact with an alcohol aqueous solution, scatters light that passes through the alcohol aqueous solution, scatters light, irradiates light to the light scatterer, and transmits or reflects the light scatterer. A light intensity detecting means for detecting the light intensity is provided.
また、前記光散乱手段は、透光性を有する多孔質体であることを特徴とする。
The light scattering means is a porous body having translucency.
また、前記光散乱手段は、ガラス粉末焼結体であることを特徴とする。
Further, the light scattering means is a glass powder sintered body.
本発明のアルコール濃度センサによれば、アルコール濃度によってアルコール水溶液の屈折率が僅かに異なることを利用するものであり、アルコール水溶液に接する光散乱手段に光を照射して、光散乱手段を透過又は反射した光の強度を検出する。アルコール水溶液の屈折率が僅かな差であっても、透過又は反射した光の強度は大きな差として現れるため、極めて簡単な構成にもかかわらず、透過又は反射した光の強度に基づいて正確にアルコール濃度を算出することができる。
According to the alcohol concentration sensor of the present invention, it utilizes the fact that the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution is slightly different depending on the alcohol concentration, and the light scattering means in contact with the alcohol aqueous solution is irradiated with light and transmitted through the light scattering means. The intensity of the reflected light is detected. Even if the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution is a slight difference, the intensity of the transmitted or reflected light appears as a large difference, so that the alcohol is accurately based on the intensity of the transmitted or reflected light in spite of a very simple configuration. The concentration can be calculated.
したがって、携帯電子機器搭載用のダイレクト型燃料電池に用いることができる、小型かつ低価格のアルコール濃度センサを提供することができる。
Therefore, it is possible to provide a small and low-priced alcohol concentration sensor that can be used for a direct fuel cell mounted on a portable electronic device.
以下、本発明のアルコール濃度センサの実施例について、添付した図面を参照しながら説明する。
Hereinafter, embodiments of the alcohol concentration sensor of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.
図１に本実施例におけるアルコール濃度センサの構成を示す。１は測定対象となるアルコール水溶液が流れる流路であり、この流路１の内部には、光散乱手段としての散乱体２が配置されている。また、流路１の外部には、散乱体２の両側を挟むようにして、散乱体２に光を照射する光照射手段３と、散乱体２を透過した光の強度を検出する光強度検出手段４が配置されている。また、流路１にアルコール溶液を供給するために、図示しないポンプが流路１に接続して設けられている。
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the alcohol concentration sensor in this embodiment. Reference numeral 1 denotes a flow path through which an aqueous alcohol solution to be measured flows, and a scatterer 2 as a light scattering means is disposed inside the flow path 1. In addition, outside the flow path 1, light irradiation means 3 for irradiating light to the scatterer 2 so as to sandwich both sides of the scatterer 2, and light intensity detection means 4 for detecting the intensity of light transmitted through the scatterer 2. Is arranged. Further, in order to supply the alcohol solution to the flow path 1, a pump (not shown) is provided connected to the flow path 1.
流路１は、例えば、透明なガラス管から構成されている。この流路１をガラス管から構成する場合は、光強度検出手段４における検出精度を高くするために、光照射手段３と光強度検出手段４が面した部分が平坦なガラス管、すなわち、向かい合う二面が平行なガラス板からなるガラス管を用いるのが好ましい。なお、これらの二面が平坦でないガラス管を用いてもよいが、その場合は、曲面の影響を受けて、光照射手段３から入射する光の強度と、光強度検出手段４において検出される光の強度が低下して、光強度検出手段４における検出精度が低下する。
The flow path 1 is composed of, for example, a transparent glass tube. When this flow path 1 is formed of a glass tube, in order to increase the detection accuracy in the light intensity detection means 4, the portions facing the light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 are flat glass tubes, that is, face each other. It is preferable to use a glass tube made of a glass plate having two parallel surfaces. Note that a glass tube whose two surfaces are not flat may be used, but in that case, the light intensity incident from the light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 are detected by the influence of the curved surface. The intensity of light decreases, and the detection accuracy in the light intensity detection means 4 decreases.
散乱体２は、透光性を有する多孔質体として、透明なガラス粉末焼結体から構成されている。この散乱体２をガラス粉末焼結体から構成する場合は、例えば、粒子径は１０～１００μｍのガラス粒子を孔が潰れない程度に焼き固めたものを用いることができ、この粒子径は、必要に応じて、適宜変更することができる。市販のガラス粉末焼結体を用いる場合は、例えば、ガラスフィルターに用いられるものを加工して使用することができる。
The scatterer 2 is formed of a transparent glass powder sintered body as a porous body having translucency. When the scatterer 2 is composed of a glass powder sintered body, for example, glass particles having a particle diameter of 10 to 100 μm, which are baked and hardened so as not to crush the pores, can be used. Depending on the situation, it can be changed appropriately. In the case of using a commercially available glass powder sintered body, for example, one used for a glass filter can be processed and used.
光照射手段３と光強度検出手段４は、それぞれ発光ダイオードやフォトトランジスタなどを用いて別々に構成してもよいが、例えば、透過型のフォトインタラプタにより一体に構成することができる。フォトインタラプタを用いることによって、アルコール濃度センサの小型化が容易となる。なお、フォトインタラプタは、光照射手段３に相当する発光部と、光強度検出手段４に相当する受光部から構成され、物体の有無や位置を判定するために用いられる電子部品であって、発光部と受光部が対向し、発光部からの光を受光部で検出するように構成されている。発光部の発光素子としては、外乱光対策として、赤外発光型の発光ダイオードが好ましく用いられる。受光部の受光素子としては、フォトトランジスタやフォトＩＣが用いられる。このフォトインタラプタの発光部と受光部の間に流路１の散乱体２が設けられた部分を配置することによって、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサを構成することができる。
The light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 may be separately configured using a light emitting diode, a phototransistor, or the like, but can be integrally configured by, for example, a transmissive photo interrupter. By using a photo interrupter, the alcohol concentration sensor can be easily downsized. The photo interrupter is an electronic component that is composed of a light emitting unit corresponding to the light irradiating unit 3 and a light receiving unit corresponding to the light intensity detecting unit 4, and is used to determine the presence or absence and position of an object. The light-receiving unit is configured so that the light-receiving unit detects light from the light-emitting unit. As the light emitting element of the light emitting unit, an infrared light emitting diode is preferably used as a measure against disturbance light. A phototransistor or a photo IC is used as the light receiving element of the light receiving unit. The alcohol concentration sensor of the present embodiment can be configured by arranging a portion where the scatterer 2 of the flow path 1 is provided between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the photo interrupter.
図２に本実施例におけるアルコール濃度センサの電気回路例を示す。光照射手段３の発光ダイオード５には、定電流電源６が接続しており、一定の強度の光が照射されるようになっている。また、光強度検出手段４のフォトトランジスタ７には、抵抗器８と定電圧電源９が直列に接続している。抵抗器８の両端の出力電圧Ｖｏｕｔは、フォトトランジスタ７の電流の変化、すなわちフォトトランジスタ７により検出された光の強度に応じて変化するため、出力電圧Ｖｏｕｔを検出することにより散乱体２を透過した光の強度を測定することができる。
FIG. 2 shows an example of an electric circuit of the alcohol concentration sensor in the present embodiment. A constant current power source 6 is connected to the light emitting diode 5 of the light irradiation means 3 so that light of a certain intensity is irradiated. Further, a resistor 8 and a constant voltage power source 9 are connected in series to the phototransistor 7 of the light intensity detection means 4. Since the output voltage Vout across the resistor 8 changes in accordance with the change in the current of the phototransistor 7, that is, the intensity of light detected by the phototransistor 7, the scatterer 2 is detected by detecting the output voltage Vout. The intensity of the light transmitted through can be measured.
つぎに、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサの動作について説明する。
Next, the operation of the alcohol concentration sensor of this embodiment will be described.
図示しないポンプによって、流路１に測定対象としてのアルコール水溶液を供給すると、流路１に配置された散乱体２の内部をアルコール水溶液が流れる。光照射手段３から散乱体２に照射された光は、散乱体２とアルコール水溶液の界面で屈折と反射を多重に繰り返して進み、その一部は散乱体２を透過して反対側の光強度検出手段４に到達する。アルコール水溶液と散乱体２の屈折率の違いが大きいほど、散乱体２とアルコール水溶液の界面で屈折、反射して散乱する光の量が大きくなるため、光強度検出手段４に到達する光の強度は減少する。つまり、アルコール水溶液の屈折率の変化に対応して、光強度検出手段４に到達する光の強度が変化する。したがって、アルコール濃度によってアルコール水溶液の屈折率が異なることに基づいて、光強度検出手段４に到達する光の強度を測定することによって、アルコール水溶液のアルコール濃度を求めることができる。
When an aqueous alcohol solution as a measurement target is supplied to the flow channel 1 by a pump (not shown), the aqueous alcohol solution flows inside the scatterer 2 disposed in the flow channel 1. The light irradiated to the scatterer 2 from the light irradiating means 3 is repeatedly refracted and reflected repeatedly at the interface between the scatterer 2 and the alcohol aqueous solution, and a part of the light passes through the scatterer 2 and the light intensity on the opposite side. The detection means 4 is reached. The greater the difference in refractive index between the alcohol aqueous solution and the scatterer 2, the greater the amount of light that is refracted, reflected and scattered at the interface between the scatterer 2 and the alcohol aqueous solution, so the intensity of the light reaching the light intensity detecting means 4 Decrease. That is, the intensity of the light reaching the light intensity detecting means 4 changes corresponding to the change in the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution. Therefore, the alcohol concentration of the alcohol aqueous solution can be obtained by measuring the intensity of the light reaching the light intensity detecting means 4 based on the fact that the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution varies depending on the alcohol concentration.
表１に水、メタノール、エタノール、ダイレクト型燃料電池の発電時の副生成物であるギ酸、アセトアルデヒド、及び散乱体２の材料として用いることのできる代表的な透明材料の屈折率を示した。
Table 1 shows refractive indexes of water, methanol, ethanol, representative transparent materials that can be used as materials of formic acid, acetaldehyde, and scatterer 2 which are by-products during power generation of the direct fuel cell.
つぎに、実際の測定例について説明する。
Next, actual measurement examples will be described.
アルコール水溶液としてメタノール水溶液を用い、メタノール濃度を０％から１００％まで１０質量％ごとに段階的に変化させて出力電圧Ｖｏｕｔの応答特性を測定した。その結果を図３に示す。メタノール濃度の変化に応じて出力電圧が速やかに応答することが確認された。
A methanol aqueous solution was used as the alcohol aqueous solution, and the methanol concentration was gradually changed from 0% to 100% every 10% by mass to measure the response characteristics of the output voltage Vout . The result is shown in FIG. It was confirmed that the output voltage responded promptly according to the change in methanol concentration.
この結果を基に、メタノール濃度と出力電圧の関係を図４にまとめた。また、屈折率計で測定したメタノール濃度と屈折率の関係を図６に示す。図４に示す出力電圧の曲線と図６に示す屈折率の曲線がよく似た形状を示し、メタノール水溶液の屈折率の変化に応じて出力電圧が変化することが確認された。また、メタノール濃度が１０質量％から２０質量％に変化したときに、出力電圧は９１ｍＶの変化を示した。したがって、０．１質量％程度のメタノールの濃度変化を十分検出できることが確認された。
Based on this result, the relationship between methanol concentration and output voltage is summarized in FIG. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the methanol concentration measured with a refractometer and the refractive index. The output voltage curve shown in FIG. 4 and the refractive index curve shown in FIG. 6 have similar shapes, and it was confirmed that the output voltage changes according to the change in the refractive index of the aqueous methanol solution. When the methanol concentration was changed from 10% by mass to 20% by mass, the output voltage showed a change of 91 mV. Therefore, it was confirmed that a change in the concentration of methanol of about 0.1% by mass can be detected sufficiently.
なお、比較例として、散乱体２を設けずに同様に測定したところ、出力電圧の変化は３５ｍＶであり、本実施例の場合よりも小さい値であった。
As a comparative example, when the same measurement was performed without providing the scatterer 2, the change in the output voltage was 35 mV, which was a smaller value than in the present example.
また、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサをダイレクト型燃料電池に用いる場合は、発電時の副生成物による影響が問題となる。そこで、ダイレクト型燃料電池の発電時の副生成物として考えられるギ酸の影響を検討した。
Also, when the alcohol concentration sensor of this embodiment is used for a direct fuel cell, the influence of by-products during power generation becomes a problem. Therefore, the influence of formic acid considered as a by-product during power generation of the direct fuel cell was examined.
２０質量％のメタノール溶液において、ギ酸濃度を０．１質量％（１０００ｐｐｍ）、１質量％（１００００ｐｐｍ）と段階的に変化させて出力電圧へのギ酸濃度依存性を測定した。その結果を図５に示す。ギ酸濃度が０．１質量％のときまでは、出力電圧の変化はほとんど見られず、ギ酸の影響はほとんどなく、ダイレクト型燃料電池のアルコールセンサとして、問題なく使用できることを確認した。なお、ギ酸濃度を１質量％としたときは出力電圧の上昇が見られたが、実際のダイレクト型燃料電池ではこのような高濃度のギ酸の生成は考えられないので、実用上は問題にはならない。
In a 20% by mass methanol solution, the formic acid concentration dependency on the output voltage was measured by changing the formic acid concentration stepwise from 0.1% by mass (1000 ppm) to 1% by mass (10000 ppm). The result is shown in FIG. Until the formic acid concentration was 0.1% by mass, there was almost no change in the output voltage, and there was almost no influence of formic acid, and it was confirmed that it could be used without any problem as an alcohol sensor for a direct fuel cell. When the formic acid concentration was 1% by mass, an increase in output voltage was observed. However, in an actual direct fuel cell, such a high concentration of formic acid cannot be generated. Don't be.
以上のように、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサは、アルコール水溶液に接し、アルコール水溶液を透過する光を散乱させる散乱体２と、この散乱体２に光を照射する光照射手段３と、前記散乱体２を透過した光の強度を検出する光強度検出手段４を備えている。本実施例のアルコール濃度センサによれば、アルコール濃度によってアルコール水溶液の屈折率が僅かに異なることを利用するものであり、アルコール水溶液に接する散乱体２に光を照射して、散乱体２を透過した光の強度を検出する。アルコール水溶液の屈折率が僅かな差であっても、透過した光の強度は大きな差として現れるため、極めて簡単な構成にもかかわらず、透過した光の強度に基づいて正確にアルコール濃度を算出することができる。したがって、携帯電子機器搭載用のダイレクト型燃料電池に用いることができる、小型かつ低価格のアルコール濃度センサを提供することができる。
As described above, the alcohol concentration sensor of the present embodiment includes the scatterer 2 that contacts the aqueous alcohol solution and scatters the light that passes through the aqueous alcohol solution, the light irradiation means 3 that irradiates the scatterer 2 with light, and the scattering. Light intensity detecting means 4 for detecting the intensity of light transmitted through the body 2 is provided. According to the alcohol concentration sensor of the present embodiment, the fact that the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution is slightly different depending on the alcohol concentration is utilized, and the scatterer 2 in contact with the alcohol aqueous solution is irradiated with light and transmitted through the scatterer 2. The intensity of the light is detected. Even if the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution is a slight difference, the intensity of the transmitted light appears as a large difference, so that the alcohol concentration is accurately calculated based on the intensity of the transmitted light, despite an extremely simple configuration. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small and low-priced alcohol concentration sensor that can be used in a direct fuel cell for mounting on a portable electronic device.
また、前記散乱体２は、透光性を有する多孔質体であるので、光照射手段３から照射された光が散乱体２を透過するまでに、アルコール水溶液と散乱体２の界面で屈折、反射する回数を極めて多くすることができ、その結果、正確にアルコール濃度を算出することができる。
Further, since the scatterer 2 is a porous body having translucency, the light irradiated from the light irradiating means 3 is refracted at the interface between the aqueous alcohol solution and the scatterer 2 before passing through the scatterer 2. The number of reflections can be extremely increased, and as a result, the alcohol concentration can be accurately calculated.
また、前記散乱体２は、ガラス粉末焼結体であるので、散乱体２を形成する材料の入手が容易であり、散乱体２の製造も容易であるので、低価格でアルコール濃度センサを提供することができる。
In addition, since the scatterer 2 is a glass powder sintered body, it is easy to obtain materials for forming the scatterer 2, and the manufacture of the scatterer 2 is easy, so an alcohol concentration sensor is provided at a low price. can do.
また、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサをダイレクト型燃料電池の燃料供給流路に取り付けることにより、常時、供給される燃料中のアルコール濃度をモニターしながら、アルコール濃度を一定に保つことが可能となる。つまり、発電の進行によりアルコールが消費されて濃度が低下したときには、それを検出して濃度の高いアルコールの入った貯蔵タンクのバルブを開け、目的濃度に達したらバルブを閉じるように構成することにより、アルコール濃度を一定の範囲内に保つことができる。
Further, by attaching the alcohol concentration sensor of this embodiment to the fuel supply flow path of the direct type fuel cell, it becomes possible to keep the alcohol concentration constant while constantly monitoring the alcohol concentration in the supplied fuel. . In other words, when alcohol is consumed due to the progress of power generation and the concentration drops, it is detected and the valve of the storage tank containing high concentration alcohol is opened, and when the target concentration is reached, the valve is closed. The alcohol concentration can be kept within a certain range.
なお、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサは、ダイレクト型燃料電池のほか、アルコールを燃料とする燃料電池や内燃機関全般にも用いることができる。
The alcohol concentration sensor of this embodiment can be used not only for direct fuel cells but also for fuel cells using alcohol as fuel and internal combustion engines in general.
図７に本実施例におけるアルコール濃度センサの構成を示す。なお、実施例１と同様の部分には同じ符号を付し、その詳細な説明を省略する。
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the alcohol concentration sensor in this embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to Example 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
本実施例では、光照射手段３と光強度検出手段４の配置が実施例１と異なる。流路１の外部には、散乱体２の片側に、散乱体２に光を照射する光照射手段３と、散乱体２を反射した光の強度を検出する光強度検出手段４が配置されている。
In this embodiment, the arrangement of the light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 is different from that in the first embodiment. Outside the flow path 1, light irradiation means 3 for irradiating the scatterer 2 with light and light intensity detection means 4 for detecting the intensity of the light reflected from the scatterer 2 are arranged on one side of the scatterer 2. Yes.
流路１をガラス管から構成する場合は、光強度検出手段４における検出精度を高くするために、光照射手段３と光強度検出手段４が面した部分が平坦なガラス管を用いるのが好ましい。なお、この部分が平坦でないガラス管を用いてもよいが、その場合は、曲面の影響を受けて、光照射手段３から入射する光の強度と、光強度検出手段４において検出される光の強度が低下して、光強度検出手段４における検出精度が低下する。
When the flow path 1 is formed of a glass tube, it is preferable to use a glass tube having a flat portion facing the light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 in order to increase the detection accuracy of the light intensity detection means 4. . Note that a glass tube having a non-flat portion may be used. In this case, the intensity of light incident from the light irradiation means 3 and the light detected by the light intensity detection means 4 are affected by the curved surface. The intensity decreases, and the detection accuracy in the light intensity detection means 4 decreases.
光照射手段３と光強度検出手段４は、それぞれ発光ダイオードやフォトトランジスタなどを用いて別々に構成してもよいが、例えば、反射型のフォトインタラプタ、すなわちフォトリフレクタにより一体に構成することができる。フォトリフレクタを用いることによって、アルコール濃度センサの小型化が容易となる。なお、フォトリフレクタは、光照射手段３に相当する発光部と、光強度検出手段４に相当する受光部から構成され、物体の有無や位置を判定するために用いられる電子部品であって、発光部と受光部が隣接して同じ向きに配置され、発光部からの光を物体に当てて、反射してきた光を受光部で検出するように構成されている。
The light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 may be separately configured using light emitting diodes, phototransistors, or the like. For example, the light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 can be integrally configured by a reflective photo interrupter, that is, a photo reflector. . By using a photo reflector, the alcohol concentration sensor can be easily downsized. The photo reflector is an electronic component that is composed of a light emitting unit corresponding to the light irradiating unit 3 and a light receiving unit corresponding to the light intensity detecting unit 4, and is used to determine the presence or absence and position of an object. The light receiving unit is arranged adjacent to each other in the same direction, and is configured such that light from the light emitting unit is applied to the object and the reflected light is detected by the light receiving unit.
本実施例における電気回路は、実施例１と同様に構成することができる。そして、本実施例においては、出力電圧Ｖｏｕｔを検出することにより散乱体２を反射した光の強度を測定することができる。
The electric circuit in the present embodiment can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the intensity of the light reflected from the scatterer 2 can be measured by detecting the output voltage Vout .
つぎに、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサの動作について説明する。
Next, the operation of the alcohol concentration sensor of this embodiment will be described.
光照射手段３から散乱体２に照射された光は、散乱体２とアルコール水溶液の界面で屈折と反射を多重に繰り返して進み、その一部は散乱体２を反射して光強度検出手段４に到達する。アルコール水溶液と散乱体２の屈折率の違いが大きいほど、散乱体２とアルコール水溶液の界面で屈折、反射して散乱する光の量が大きくなるため、光強度検出手段４に到達する光の強度は増大する。したがって、アルコール濃度によってアルコール水溶液の屈折率が異なることに基づいて、光強度検出手段４に到達する光の強度を測定することによって、アルコール水溶液のアルコール濃度を求めることができる。
The light irradiated to the scatterer 2 from the light irradiating means 3 advances in a repetitive manner by refraction and reflection at the interface between the scatterer 2 and the alcohol aqueous solution, and a part of the light is reflected from the scatterer 2 and the light intensity detecting means 4. To reach. The greater the difference in refractive index between the alcohol aqueous solution and the scatterer 2, the greater the amount of light that is refracted, reflected and scattered at the interface between the scatterer 2 and the alcohol aqueous solution, so the intensity of the light reaching the light intensity detecting means 4 Will increase. Therefore, the alcohol concentration of the alcohol aqueous solution can be obtained by measuring the intensity of the light reaching the light intensity detecting means 4 based on the fact that the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution varies depending on the alcohol concentration.
つぎに、実際の測定例について説明する。
Next, actual measurement examples will be described.
アルコール水溶液としてメタノール水溶液を用い、メタノール濃度を０％から１００％まで１０質量％ごとに段階的に変化させて出力電圧Ｖｏｕｔを測定し、メタノール濃度と出力電圧の関係を図８にまとめた。メタノール水溶液の屈折率の変化に応じて出力電圧が変化することが確認された。なお、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサは、実施例１と比較すると出力電圧が小さいものの、光照射手段３と光強度検出手段４を流路１の片側に一体に形成できるため小型化が容易であるという利点を有する。
An aqueous methanol solution was used as the alcohol aqueous solution, and the output voltage Vout was measured by changing the methanol concentration stepwise from 0% to 100% every 10% by mass. The relationship between the methanol concentration and the output voltage is summarized in FIG. It was confirmed that the output voltage changed according to the change in the refractive index of the aqueous methanol solution. The alcohol concentration sensor of the present embodiment has a smaller output voltage than that of the first embodiment, but the light irradiation means 3 and the light intensity detection means 4 can be integrally formed on one side of the flow path 1 and thus can be easily downsized. Has the advantage of being.
以上のように、本実施例のアルコール濃度センサは、アルコール水溶液に接し、アルコール水溶液を透過する光を散乱させる散乱体２と、この散乱体２に光を照射する光照射手段３と、前記散乱体２を反射した光の強度を検出する光強度検出手段４を備えている。本実施例のアルコール濃度センサによれば、アルコール濃度によってアルコール水溶液の屈折率が僅かに異なることを利用するものであり、アルコール水溶液に接する散乱体２に光を照射して、散乱体２を反射した光の強度を検出する。アルコール水溶液の屈折率が僅かな差であっても、反射した光の強度は大きな差として現れるため、極めて簡単な構成にもかかわらず、反射した光の強度に基づいて正確にアルコール濃度を算出することができる。
As described above, the alcohol concentration sensor of the present embodiment includes the scatterer 2 that contacts the aqueous alcohol solution and scatters the light that passes through the aqueous alcohol solution, the light irradiation means 3 that irradiates the scatterer 2 with light, and the scattering. A light intensity detecting means 4 for detecting the intensity of light reflected from the body 2 is provided. According to the alcohol concentration sensor of the present embodiment, the fact that the refractive index of the alcohol aqueous solution is slightly different depending on the alcohol concentration is utilized. Light is applied to the scatterer 2 in contact with the alcohol aqueous solution, and the scatterer 2 is reflected. The intensity of the light is detected. Even if the refractive index of the aqueous alcohol solution is a slight difference, the intensity of the reflected light appears as a large difference, so that the alcohol concentration is accurately calculated based on the intensity of the reflected light, despite the extremely simple configuration. be able to.
なお、本発明は上記各実施例に限定されるものではなく、種々の変形実施が可能である。
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.
例えば、散乱体２の材質としては、ガラスのほかにも、透光性のある各種プラスチックを用いることができる。また、その形態も粉末焼結体だけではなく、チップ状や板状、棒状の材料も用いることができる。板状の場合は、光路に対する板の角度を調整することにより、光の屈折、反射を調整することができる。さらに、流路１の内面を粗面、例えば、すりガラス状にすることにより、散乱体２の代用とすることができる。
For example, as the material of the scatterer 2, various transparent plastics can be used in addition to glass. Further, not only the powder sintered body but also a chip-like, plate-like, or rod-like material can be used. In the case of a plate shape, the refraction and reflection of light can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the plate with respect to the optical path. Furthermore, the scatterer 2 can be substituted by making the inner surface of the flow channel 1 rough, for example, ground glass.
また、光照射手段３の発光素子としては、赤外発光型の発光ダイオードのほかにも、赤や青色などの可視発光型の発光ダイオードやレーザーダイオードを用いることができる。
As the light emitting element of the light irradiation means 3, in addition to the infrared light emitting diode, a visible light emitting diode such as red or blue or a laser diode can be used.
Claims (3)
- アルコール水溶液に接し、アルコール水溶液を透過する光を散乱させる光散乱手段と、この光散乱手段に光を照射する光照射手段と、前記光散乱手段を透過又は反射した光の強度を検出する光強度検出手段を備えたことを特徴とするアルコール濃度センサ。 A light scattering means for scattering light passing through the alcohol aqueous solution in contact with the alcohol aqueous solution, a light irradiation means for irradiating the light scattering means with light, and a light intensity for detecting the intensity of the light transmitted or reflected by the light scattering means An alcohol concentration sensor comprising a detecting means.
- 前記光散乱手段は、透光性を有する多孔質体であることを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項記載のアルコール濃度センサ。 2. The alcohol concentration sensor according to claim 1, wherein the light scattering means is a porous body having translucency.
- 前記光散乱手段は、ガラス粉末焼結体であることを特徴とする請求の範囲第１項又は第２項に記載のアルコール濃度センサ。 The alcohol concentration sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light scattering means is a glass powder sintered body.
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103630513A (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2014-03-12 | 刘星铄 | Device for measuring alcohol concentration of bottled wine |
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Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103630513A (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2014-03-12 | 刘星铄 | Device for measuring alcohol concentration of bottled wine |
| CN103630513B (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2017-02-01 | 刘星铄 | Device for measuring alcohol concentration of bottled wine |
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