Hydrogen generation device and information management system

Abstract

The hydrogen generation unit (12) generates hydrogen by reacting a hydrogen carrier with a liquid containing water. The main body (10) has a hydrogen generation unit (12). The recovery container (14) is detachably attached to the main body part (10) and recovers a composition including by-products generated with hydrogen in the hydrogen generation part (12). The detection unit (13) detects the recovery amount of the composition recovered from the hydrogen generation unit (12) by the recovery container (14). A memory (17) is provided in the recovery container (14) and stores information on the recovery amount. Therefore, the recovery amount of the recovery container (14) for recovering a composition including by-products generated during hydrogen generation can be ascertained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hydrogen generation apparatus for producing hydrogen, and an information management system including the hydrogen generation apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As a hydrogen generation device, a hydrogen generation device including a removable fuel box has been proposed, the fuel box including a storage section for storing the remaining amount of supplied water or the remaining amount of hydrogen that can be generated (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: WO 2010 / 026945 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in hydrogen generation devices that use metal hydrides such as sodium borohydride as fuel, a composition (reaction product) containing byproducts such as sodium metaborate is also generated during hydrogen generation. This composition is recycled in a recovery container. Here, in the case of the structure described in Patent Document 1, the fuel cartridge replacement time can be determined from the remaining amount of supplied water or the remaining amount of hydrogen that can be generated, but the replacement time of the recovery container is unknown.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a structure that enables control over the recovery amount in a recovery container for recovering compositions containing byproducts generated during hydrogen production.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The hydrogen generation apparatus according to the present invention includes: a hydrogen generation section configured to generate hydrogen by reacting a hydrogen carrier with an aqueous liquid; a main body section including the hydrogen generation section; a recovery container detachably mounted to the main body section and configured to recover a composition containing a byproduct generated together with hydrogen in the hydrogen generation section; a detection section configured to detect the amount of composition recovered from the hydrogen generation section by the recovery container; and a storage section disposed on the recovery container and storing information about the amount of recovery.

[0011] Furthermore, the information management system according to the present invention is an information management system comprising: a hydrogen generating apparatus configured to generate hydrogen; and an information collection device communicatively connected to the hydrogen generating apparatus, wherein the hydrogen generating apparatus comprises: a hydrogen generating section configured to generate hydrogen by reacting a hydrogen carrier with an aqueous liquid; a main body including the hydrogen generating section; a recovery container detachably mounted to the main body and recovering a composition containing a byproduct generated together with hydrogen in the hydrogen generating section; an identification information section disposed on the recovery container, the identification information section being information about the identification of the recovery container; a detection section configured to detect the amount of composition recovered from the hydrogen generating section by the recovery container; and a transmission section configured to transmit information about the amount of recovery and information about the identification of the recovery container, and the information collection device comprises: a receiving section configured to receive information transmitted from the transmission section; and a storage section configured to store information about the recovery container and the amount of recovery in association based on the information received by the receiving section.

[0012] Advantages of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the recovery amount can be controlled in a recovery container used to recover compositions containing byproducts generated during hydrogen production. Attached Figure Description

[0014] [ Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the hydrogen generation apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] [ Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the information management system according to the second implementation plan. Detailed Implementation

[0016] <First Implementation Plan>

[0017] Reference Figure 1 The first implementation scheme is described. Firstly, hydrogen has attracted attention as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels. This is because, unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen does not produce carbon dioxide or other pollutants when burned; carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Fuel cell vehicles are one such system that uses hydrogen as an energy source and is already in practical use. A fuel cell vehicle is a car that uses hydrogen as a fuel to generate electricity and then operates an electric motor to drive it. In many fuel cell vehicles, the hydrogen used as energy is stored in a hydrogen tank, and hydrogen from the tank is fed into the fuel cell to generate electricity. The hydrogen tank compresses and stores the hydrogen at a high pressure, for example, 70 MPa (700 times atmospheric pressure).

[0018] The problem with using hydrogen as an energy source is its low energy density. Hydrogen's volumetric energy density is about 1 / 3000th that of gasoline, and even with a 70MPa hydrogen tank, only about 1 / 5 the energy can be extracted from the same volume of gasoline. Therefore, fuel cell vehicles using hydrogen tanks typically require refueling more frequently than vehicles using gasoline.

[0019] To this end, various substances have been investigated as hydrogen carriers capable of carrying hydrogen at a higher energy density than that of a hydrogen tank (i.e., hydrogen carriers). For example, ammonia, methylcyclohexane, and borohydrides such as sodium borohydride are known as hydrogen carriers, and these carriers transport hydrogen rather than hydrogen itself, and hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen carrier during use.

[0020] [Hydrogen carrier]

[0021] Among hydrogen supports, metal hydrides such as sodium borohydride are well known, from which hydrogen can be readily extracted by applying water. As a method for obtaining hydrogen by hydrolyzing sodium borohydride, a method in which sodium borohydride is dissolved in water and used as an aqueous solution is known. However, in this method, theoretically, a larger amount of water is required than that shown by the reaction formula, and there is a problem of a substantial reduction in volumetric energy density. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, an aqueous liquid is applied to a hydrogen support (specifically, an aqueous liquid is applied to a hydrogen support) in a hydrogen generation apparatus to generate hydrogen.

[0022] Examples of hydrogen supports that generate hydrogen by application of an aqueous liquid include the following. For example, one or more mixtures of solid metal hydrides such as sodium borohydride, potassium borohydride, lithium borohydride, zinc borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride, sodium aluminum hydride, magnesium aluminum hydride, calcium aluminum hydride, magnesium hydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, and calcium hydride, and metal powders such as aluminum, zinc, calcium, and magnesium can be used. Additives such as reaction promoters and desiccants can be used with the hydrogen support.

[0023] The hydrogen support in this embodiment can be solid or liquid, and there are no particular limitations. However, a solid hydrogen support is preferred. As a solid hydrogen support, powdered or granular solids are desirable, but sheet-like, pellet-like, or paste-like solids can also be used. As a powdered solid, a powdered solid with a particle size of about 10 μm or more and 10 mm or less can be used, with a particle size of about 10 μm or more and 3 mm or less being preferred, and a particle size of about 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less being more preferred. In addition, when using sheet-like or pellet-like solids, from the viewpoint of improving reactivity with aqueous liquids, it is preferable to increase the surface area by roughening the surface and performing porous treatments to increase the contact area with the aqueous liquid.

[0024] The hydrogen carrier in this embodiment is a hydrogen carrier that generates byproducts (reaction products) other than hydrogen, such as liquid byproducts, gel byproducts, or solid byproducts, after generating hydrogen through a chemical reaction.

[0025] In this embodiment, powdered sodium borohydride with an average particle size of 50 μm is used as a solid hydrogen carrier. The powdered sodium borohydride reacts with water to generate hydrogen. The reacted sodium borohydride is converted into sodium metaborate as a byproduct. The remaining water is not used in the reaction. The reaction is represented by the following chemical formula.

[0026] NaBH4 (sodium borohydride) + 2H2O (water)

[0027] →NaBO2 (sodium metaborate) + 4H2 (hydrogen)…(1)

[0028] It is known that the reaction is promoted by Raney catalysts made of metals such as nickel, cobalt, or copper, or by acidic solutions such as citric acid or acetic acid (Chemical Formula (1)). In this embodiment, in order to carry out the hydrolysis reaction efficiently throughout the hydrogen carrier, a larger amount of water than in Formula (1) is supplied, resulting in a liquid sodium metaborate solution as a byproduct.

[0029] [Aqueous liquid]

[0030] In this embodiment, the "aqueous liquid" simply needs to be a liquid that reacts with the hydrogen carrier to generate hydrogen when applied as a liquid, and there are no particular limitations. That is, the aqueous liquid can be water alone. Two or more aqueous liquids can be prepared. The hydrogen generation rate can be adjusted by preparing two or more aqueous liquids.

[0031] Aqueous liquids may contain water-soluble organic solvents. Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include alcohols, polyalkylene glycols, glycol ethers, nitrogen-containing compounds, and sulfur-containing compounds. Mixtures of two or more selected from these compounds may be used. Because aqueous liquids contain water-soluble organic solvents, the reaction with the hydrogen support can be optimized by adjusting the surface tension and by adjusting the boiling and melting points of the aqueous liquid.

[0032] Surfactants can be added to aqueous liquids. By using surfactants, the surface tension of the aqueous liquid can be reduced, increasing the contact area with the hydrogen support and thus enabling an effective reaction.

[0033] The aqueous liquid may contain water-soluble acidic substances. These acidic substances act as positive catalysts in the reaction between the aqueous liquid and the hydrogen carrier. The rate of hydrogen generation can be adjusted by regulating the amount of liquid containing the acidic substance. In particular, the rate of hydrogen generation can be increased by setting the pH obtained from the aqueous liquid and the hydrogen carrier to less than 9.0. Examples of acidic substances include, but are not limited to, various acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, boric acid, and organic acids.

[0034] The aqueous liquid may contain water-soluble alkaline substances. These alkaline substances act as negative catalysts in the reaction between the aqueous liquid and the hydrogen carrier. The rate of hydrogen generation can be adjusted by regulating the amount of liquid containing the alkaline substance. Specifically, the rate of hydrogen generation can be reduced by setting the pH obtained from the aqueous liquid and the hydrogen carrier to above 9.0. Examples of alkaline substances include, but are not limited to, various bases such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonia.

[0035] Aqueous liquids may contain buffer solutions. Buffer solutions are used to suppress pH changes during the reaction between the aqueous liquid and the hydrogen carrier. The rate of hydrogen generation can be adjusted by varying the amount of liquid containing the buffer solution. Examples of buffer solutions include, but are not limited to, various buffers such as phosphate buffer, glycine buffer, Good's buffer, Tris buffer, and ammonia buffer.

[0036] Depending on the requirements, in addition to the components mentioned above, aqueous liquids may also contain various additives, such as defoamers, pH adjusters, viscosity adjusters, rust inhibitors, preservatives, antifungals, antioxidants, and reduction inhibitors.

[0037] [Hydrogen generation device]

[0038] Reference Figure 1 Describe the hydrogen generation device 1 of this embodiment. Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the general structure of the hydrogen generation device 1 according to this embodiment. In the figure, solid lines represent the exchange of physical substances such as hydrogen carriers, water, or hydrogen, and dashed lines represent the exchange of intangible elements such as information or signals.

[0039] The hydrogen generation device 1 includes a main body 10, a hydrogen carrier supply unit 11, a hydrogen generation unit 12, a detection unit 13, a recovery container 14, a control unit 15, and a display unit 16. A water supply unit 21 and a fuel cell system 22 are connected to the hydrogen generation device 1 as external mechanisms. Hereinafter, the hydrogen generation device 1 using powdered sodium borohydride as fuel, which serves as a hydrogen carrier, will be described.

[0040] In the hydrogen generation apparatus 1, the hydrogen generation unit 12 mixes an aqueous liquid supplied from the water supply unit 21 (which serves as an external mechanism) with a hydrogen carrier supplied from the hydrogen carrier supply unit 11, and initiates a hydrolysis reaction to generate hydrogen and byproducts. The control unit 15 controls conditions such as the amount of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit 12, the amount of hydrogen carrier supplied from the hydrogen carrier supply unit 11, the amount of aqueous solution, and the reaction rate. In this embodiment, the supply amounts of the hydrogen carrier and the aqueous solution can be adjusted by the hydrogen generation unit 12 via the control unit 15.

[0041] The hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation unit 12 is sent to the fuel cell system 22, which serves as an external mechanism. The fuel cell system 22 generates electricity using the hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation unit 12, and an apparatus using hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation device 1 is also illustrated. The composition containing byproducts (reaction products) generated during hydrogen generation (in this embodiment, a liquid containing byproducts and unreacted water) is recovered in the recovery container 14.

[0042] The detection unit 13 detects the amount of the composition containing by-products in the recovery container 14. Specifically, the amount of liquid containing by-products and unreacted water sent to the recovery container 14 is measured by the detection unit 13 as part of the composition containing by-products, and this amount, along with the reaction ratio between the hydrogen carrier in the hydrogen generation unit 12 and the aqueous solution, is sent to the control unit 15 as information. This information is calculated by the control unit 15 and stored in a memory 17, which is a non-volatile memory attached to the recovery container 14, along with information such as the amount recovered and the amount of by-products in the recovery container 14.

[0043] Furthermore, the display unit 16 displays information about the amount of recyclables in the recycling container 14, such as the remaining recycling capacity in the recycling container 14 and an over-recycling status. In this embodiment, considering the storage capacity of the recycling container 14, the amount of recyclables and information indicating that the amount of recyclables is approaching an over-recycling status are sent to and displayed on the display unit 16. Hereinafter, based on... Figure 1 The block diagram describes the various structures and functions of the hydrogen generation device 1 in more detail.

[0044] [Main Body Section]

[0045] The main body 10 houses the aforementioned hydrogen carrier supply unit 11, hydrogen generation unit 12, detection unit 13, recovery container 14, control unit 15, and display unit 16. As described below, the recovery container 14 is detachably mounted to the main body 10. The hydrogen carrier supply unit 11 is also detachably mounted to the main body 10.

[0046] [Hydrogen Carrier Supply Department]

[0047] The hydrogen carrier supply unit 11 is a container capable of storing hydrogen carriers and is detachably mounted to the hydrogen generation device 1. The hydrogen carrier is fed from the hydrogen carrier supply unit 11 to the hydrogen generation unit 12 by its own weight, and the supply amount of hydrogen carriers can be adjusted by an on / off valve attached to the hydrogen generation unit 12. From the viewpoint of preventing static electricity, the storage container is preferably made of metal, but there is no particular problem even if the storage container is made of resin with static electricity protection.

[0048] [Water Supply Department]

[0049] The water supply unit 21 has the function of supplying "aqueous liquid" from a tap or water tank, and a filter or the like is installed in the flow path to remove foreign matter. Furthermore, for the purpose of promoting or stabilizing the hydrolysis reaction, the water supply unit 21 may have a function such as a heater or cooler to regulate the temperature of the supplied aqueous liquid. The supply amount of aqueous liquid can be regulated by an on / off valve attached to the hydrogen generation unit 12.

[0050] [Hydrogen Generation Section]

[0051] The hydrogen generation unit 12 has the function of generating hydrogen through a hydrolysis reaction between a hydrogen carrier and an aqueous solution. The hydrogen generation unit 12 includes a reaction section (e.g., a container) 12a in which the hydrogen carrier and the aqueous solution react. In the case of hydrogen generation, firstly, the hydrogen carrier is supplied to the reaction section 12a from the hydrogen carrier supply section 11, and the aqueous liquid is also supplied to the reaction section 12a from the water supply section 21. Next, the hydrogen carrier and water are mixed in the reaction section 12a. Stirring blades or the like are attached to the reaction section 12a to facilitate mixing, allowing for smooth mixing of the hydrogen carrier and the aqueous liquid.

[0052] As the hydrogen carrier and aqueous liquid mix in reaction section 12a, a hydrolysis reaction occurs, generating hydrogen. Since the hydrogen generated in reaction section 12a rises, a hydrogen outlet is positioned above 12 of reaction section 12a. The hydrogen outlet is connected to an external fuel cell system 22, and the hydrogen generated in reaction section 12a is delivered to the fuel cell system 22.

[0053] On the other hand, a discharge port for discharging liquid containing byproducts and water generated by the hydrolysis reaction is provided below the reaction section 12a. An on / off valve is provided at the discharge port, and the liquid containing byproducts and water generated in the reaction section 12a accumulates at the bottom. When the on / off valve is open, the byproducts and water-containing liquid are sent to the recovery container 14 through the discharge port.

[0054] The valve closes during hydrogen generation and opens when hydrogen generation is stable. The appropriate opening / closing time of the valve can be determined by measuring factors such as the supply rate of the hydrogen carrier and the amount of hydrogen generated.

[0055] Considering the heat generated by the hydrolysis reaction, the reaction section 12a of the hydrogen generation section 12 needs to be heat-resistant. Furthermore, to prevent the ignition of the generated hydrogen, it needs to be able to prevent static electricity. Therefore, the inner wall of the reaction section 12a is preferably made of metal.

[0056] To facilitate the hydrolysis reaction, a device for heating the mixed solution of hydrogen carrier and water can be added to the hydrogen generation unit 12. Additionally, the hydrogen generation unit 12 may have a conveying section, such as a screw conveyor or conveyor belt, for transporting the hydrogen carrier therein, and may be configured to supply an aqueous liquid to the hydrogen carrier transported by the conveying section.

[0057] [Testing Department]

[0058] The detection unit 13 is a sensor installed in the recovery container 14, and has the function of detecting the amount of the composition containing by-products (in this embodiment, a liquid containing by-products and water) accumulated in the recovery container 14, that is, the amount of composition recovered from the hydrogen generation unit 12. Specifically, the sensor used as the detection unit 13 is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a radio wave sensor, a laser sensor, or a capacitive sensor, which senses the position of the liquid level of the composition inside the recovery container 14. The detection unit 13 sends information about the detected amount of recovery to the control unit 15.

[0059] In the control unit 15, as described below, this information is used for processing such as calculating by-products, determining remaining storage capacity, and issuing warnings indicating an excessive recovery amount (storage amount). That is, the control unit 15 calculates the volume of the composition containing by-products based on the information detected by the detection unit 13 combined with information such as container information.

[0060] Furthermore, the detection unit 13 can be of the weight-based type, which measures the weight of the recovery container 14 containing its contents. This type calculates the weight of the composition containing byproducts based on the increase or decrease in weight. In any sensor, information such as the amount of the composition containing byproducts, the amount of byproducts, and the remaining storage capacity can be calculated by combining the measured capacity or weight information with the reaction information of the hydrogen carrier and the aqueous liquid in the hydrogen generation unit 12.

[0061] Furthermore, a digital counting type can also be used as the detection unit 13. The digital counting type predicts the amount of the composition containing byproducts obtained by removing hydrogen from the reaction information of the hydrogen carrier and the aqueous liquid in the hydrogen generation unit 12. The amount of hydrogen generated can be predicted from the amount of hydrogen carrier, and the amount of aqueous liquid can also be determined, allowing for the prediction of the amount of the composition containing byproducts. However, this method cannot supplement information such as water evaporation after recovery; therefore, it is less accurate than the method described above using a sensor.

[0062] [Recycling Container]

[0063] The recovery container 14 is a container capable of storing a composition containing byproducts, such as a liquid containing byproducts and unreacted water, delivered from the hydrogen generation unit 12, and is a container detachably mounted to the main body 10 of the hydrogen generation apparatus 1. That is, the recovery container 14 is detachably mounted to the main body 10 and recovers the composition containing byproducts generated together with hydrogen in the hydrogen generation unit 12.

[0064] Furthermore, the recycling container 14 includes a memory 17 that serves as a storage unit for storing information about the amount of recycling in the recycling container 14. The memory 17 is disposed on the recycling container 14. The information about the amount of recycling includes information such as the amount of composition containing by-products, the amount of by-products, or the remaining storage capacity. In addition, such information may include unique identification information for each recycling container 14, which is necessary when storing information such as the amount of composition containing by-products, the amount of by-products, or the remaining storage capacity in an information collection machine.

[0065] Memory 17 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include semiconductor memory such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory, magnetically rewritable magnetic tape media, and ferroelectric memory such as ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), and any of them can be used. Memory 17 is preferably readable from an external source, and more preferably readable by a reading device such as a commonly used radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, for example, an RFID tag.

[0066] A reader / writer 18 for reading from and writing to the memory 17 is mounted to the main body 10. The reader / writer 18 is connected to the control unit 15, and information about the recycling container measured by the detection unit 13 is sent to the control unit 15, and the control unit 15 can store the information in the memory 17 via the reader / writer 18.

[0067] The unique identification information for each of the 14 recycling containers refers to, for example, the batch number of each container. Any method can be used to indicate the identification information, including numbers, letters, symbols, barcodes, or QR codes. The identification information is sent to the control unit 15 using a light-receiving device such as an image recognition or laser system, or via input through a keyboard, etc.

[0068] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the recycling container 14, and either a metal recycling container or a resin recycling container can be used without any particular problem. However, depending on the type of hydrogen carrier used, the byproducts may be flammable. In this case, from the viewpoint of electrostatic protection, it is preferable to use a metal container or a resin container with electrostatic protection. If the hydrolysis reaction between the hydrogen carrier and the aqueous liquid is an exothermic reaction, a heat-resistant container is preferred. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the shape of the recycling container 14, as long as the sensor used in the detection unit 13 functions without any problems.

[0069] [Control Department]

[0070] The control unit 15 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 15a, random access memory (RAM), a memory, a communication interface, a signal transmitting unit, and a signal receiving unit. The control unit 15 has the following functions: receiving information such as the reaction ratio obtained from the hydrogen generation device 1 and information such as the required amount of hydrogen from the fuel cell system, etc.; sending control commands to the entire hydrogen generation device; and sending calculated information to the display unit 16 and the fuel cell system 22. Based on the information sent from the control unit 15, the remaining storage capacity of the recovery container 14 and a warning indicating an over-recovery status are displayed on the display unit 16. The memory 17 of the recovery container 14 stores information such as the amount of the composition containing by-products and the amount of by-products based on the information sent from the control unit 15.

[0071] The CPU 15a, which serves as the calculation unit, calculates the amount of byproducts contained in the composition recovered in the recovery container 14 based on the amount of composition recovered, and the amount of recovery is detected by the detection unit 13. Specifically, the CPU 15a calculates the amount of byproducts based on the reaction ratio between the hydrogen support and the aqueous liquid and the amount of composition recovered, and the amount of recovery is detected by the detection unit 13. The control unit 15 stores the amount of byproducts calculated by the CPU 15a in a memory 17 provided in the recovery container 14. That is, the information about the amount of recovery stored in the memory 17 includes the amount of byproducts calculated by the CPU 15a.

[0072] [Display Department]

[0073] The display unit 16 has the function of receiving and displaying information about the hydrogen generation unit 12, the detection unit 13, and the recovery container 14 via the control unit 15. Specifically, in this embodiment, the display unit 16 can display information about the storage capacity of the recovery container 14. This storage capacity information includes at least one of the amount of recyclable composition in the recovery container 14 at a corresponding time point and information indicating that the amount of composition recovered in the recovery container 14 has exceeded a predetermined amount (a warning indicating an over-recovery state). Furthermore, the storage capacity information can also be information about the replacement time of the recovery container 14 at a corresponding time point (remaining storage capacity).

[0074] That is, there are no particular limitations on the display unit 16, as long as it can display information such as the amount of the composition containing by-products recovered in the recovery container 14, the amount of by-products, the remaining storage capacity, and warnings indicating an over-recovery status. Furthermore, all of this information can be displayed, or any one of the information can be displayed. The remaining storage capacity indicator can also show the amount of composition stored in the recovery container 14. Furthermore, the amount of composition, the amount of by-products, and the remaining storage capacity can be indicated numerically, or can be represented graphically, such as bar graphs and pie charts.

[0075] Furthermore, the "predetermined amount" in the information indicating that the amount of composition recovered in the recovery container 14 has exceeded the predetermined amount is, for example, preset to be less than the full capacity, so that the recovered composition will not overflow from the recovery container 14. The control unit 15 stops the operation of the hydrogen generation device 1 at the time when it issues a warning indicating an excessive collection amount.

[0076] The aforementioned "predetermined amount" can be, for example, a pre-set amount considering the time period from when the information is displayed until it is assumed that the next recycling container 14 can be prepared. In this way, the downtime of the hydrogen generation unit 1 until it is replaced by the next recycling container 14 can be shortened. In this case, after the information is displayed when the predetermined amount is exceeded, the information indicating that the recycling container 14 is full is displayed again when the recycling amount approaches full capacity, and at that time, it is preferable to stop the operation of the hydrogen generation unit 1.

[0077] In addition to the aforementioned remaining storage capacity, information regarding the replacement time of the recycling container 14 can also be obtained, for example, by estimating the replacement time of the recycling container based on past usage history and remaining storage capacity, and this time can be expressed as, for example, the replacement date or the remaining time before replacement. Furthermore, in the case of warning messages, a method of notification via sound can be used instead of a display unit, or in addition to a display unit.

[0078] If the display method of the display unit 16 is based on an indicator such as a liquid crystal display or an LED display, or at least one of a simple indicator such as a fluorescent display tube, a liquid crystal indicator, or an LED indicator, it is sufficient. Furthermore, the display unit 16 can be capable of displaying quantities via an instrument or the like. Additionally, in the case of a warning indicator, an LED light that emits a warning sound, a rotating indicator, or a speaker can be used without any particular problem.

[0079] [Example]

[0080] Next, an example (embodiment) of a specific embodiment of the above-described scheme will be described. In this embodiment, a weight sensor is used as the detection unit 13, and a readable and writable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is used as the memory 17 incorporated into the recycling container 14. The hydrogen carrier is sodium borohydride. In this embodiment, the operation of displaying the excess state of the recovered composition containing byproducts of the hydrogen generation apparatus 1 having this structure on the display unit 16 is described in detail.

[0081] First, sodium borohydride is supplied from the hydrogen carrier supply unit 11, and water is supplied from the water supply unit 21. At this time, the supply amounts of sodium borohydride and water are determined based on a predetermined ratio. This information is sent to the control unit 15. Next, in the hydrogen generation unit 12, sodium borohydride and water are stirred to induce a hydrolysis reaction, resulting in the generation of hydrogen. Once the reaction is complete, a solution of sodium metaborate and water, as byproducts, is sent to the recovery container 14.

[0082] Since the weight sensor used as the detection unit 13 measures the weight of each recovery container 14, the measured weight change (measured value - container weight) is sent as the amount of sodium metaborate solution to the control unit 15. The amount of sodium metaborate (the amount of byproduct) and water are calculated based on the reaction ratio between the amount of sodium borohydride and the amount of water. The calculation method is described with reference to Tables 1 and 2.

[0083] Table 1

[0084]

[0085] Table 2

[0086]

[0087] Table 1 shows the weight ratios of the components calculated from the molecular weights of the components in the reaction of the above chemical formula (1) and the volume ratios obtained by dividing the weight ratios by the specific gravities of each component. In the actual hydrogen generation device 1, a large amount of water is usually added to promote the hydrolysis reaction, and Table 2 shows the weight ratios of the components under the assumption of such a reaction. Here, the supply amount of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) is set as A, and the supply amount of water (H2O) is set as B.

[0088] That is, as shown in Table 2, if the ratio between the supplied sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and the supplied water (H2O) is known, the weights of sodium metaborate (NaBO2) and water (H2O) can be calculated from the amount of sodium metaborate solution measured by the detection unit 13. Sodium metaborate and water are the components in the recovered composition (sodium metaborate solution). Furthermore, since the specific gravity of each component is also approximately known, the volumes of sodium metaborate and water can also be calculated. Moreover, if the supplied sodium borohydride or water contains additives such as catalysts or pH adjusters, it is sufficient to perform the calculations separately from the above formula. And if the additives change the reaction formula, it is sufficient to perform the same calculations as above using the new formula.

[0089] At this point, even if the sensor in the detection unit 13 does not measure weight but instead measures volume indirectly like a liquid level sensor, there is no problem. The weight can be calculated by using the specific gravity of each component based on the volume calculated using the shape information and measurement value of the storage container.

[0090] Next, the weight of sodium metaborate, the weight of water, the weight of the sodium metaborate solution, and the volume of the sodium metaborate solution, calculated by the CPU 15a of the control unit 15, are stored in the memory 17 introduced into the recovery container 14. At this time, if the volume of the sodium metaborate solution exceeds a certain amount relative to the volume of the recovery container 14, a warning indicating an over-recovery status can be displayed on the display unit 16. Based on information about the volume of the recovery container 14 and the volume of the sodium metaborate solution, the remaining recovery capacity of the recovery container 14 can also always be displayed on the display unit 16.

[0091] In this embodiment, there is no problem even if some of the water in the recovery container 14 evaporates during a prolonged shutdown of the hydrogen generation device 1. Since the information indicating the last operation of the hydrogen generation device 1 is stored in the memory 17 of the recovery container 14, the difference between the newly measured amount of sodium metaborate solution and the amount of sodium metaborate solution in the memory 17 is counted as a reduction in the amount of water, and the current weight of sodium metaborate, the current weight of water, the current weight of sodium metaborate solution, and the current volume of sodium metaborate solution can be recalculated.

[0092] Even if the recycling container 14 is replaced by another recycling container 14 in use, such as when the hydrogen generation device 1 is shut down for an extended period of time, the current weight of sodium metaborate, the current weight of water, the current weight of the sodium metaborate solution, and the current volume of the sodium metaborate solution can be calculated based on the information in the memory 17.

[0093] In this embodiment, the amount of composition recovered in the recovery container 14, which is used to recover the composition containing byproducts generated during hydrogen production, can be monitored. Specifically, the amount of composition recovered in the recovery container 14 is detected by the detection unit 13 and stored in the memory 17. Therefore, the amount of composition stored in the recovery container 14 can be monitored by reading the information stored in the memory 17. Thus, the replacement time of the recovery container 14 can be monitored, and, for example, spillage of the composition from the recovery container 14 can be prevented. Furthermore, even if the recovery container 14, in which some of the composition has been recovered, is used in another device, the information in the memory 17 can be used to monitor how much composition is stored in the recovery container 14, thus preventing spillage of the composition from the recovery container 14 even if it is used in another device midway through its operation.

[0094] Furthermore, if the control unit 15 calculates the amount of byproducts from the composition and stores the information in the memory 17 of the recycling container 14, this information is useful in the case of reusing the byproducts. For example, if the byproduct is sodium metaborate, and the amount of sodium metaborate stored in the recycling container 14 is known, it is possible to determine how much sodium borohydride can be regenerated when it is recycled into sodium borohydride. Moreover, sodium metaborate can not only be used to regenerate sodium borohydride, but also for other purposes and can be commercially traded. In this case, if the amount of sodium metaborate stored in the recycling container 14 is known, the amount of sodium metaborate can be used to calculate the amount in commercial transactions.

[0095] <Second Implementation Plan>

[0096] Reference Figure 2 The second embodiment is described. In the first embodiment described above, information regarding the amount of composition recovered is stored in the memory 17 of the recovery container 14. In this embodiment, however, information regarding the identification of the recovery container 14 and information regarding the amount of recovery detected by the detection unit 13 are sent to an information collection device 23 located outside the hydrogen generation device 1A, and the information collection device 23 manages the amount of composition recovered stored in the recovery container 14. Other constructions and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above; therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same constructions to omit or simplify the description, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described primarily below.

[0097] Similar to the construction of the first embodiment, the hydrogen generation device 1A of this embodiment includes a main body 10, a hydrogen carrier supply unit 11, a hydrogen generation unit 12, a detection unit 13, a recovery container 14, a control unit 15, and a display unit 16. A water supply unit 21 and a fuel cell system 22 are connected to the hydrogen generation device 1A as external mechanisms. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an information collection device 23 is communicatively connected to the hydrogen generation device 1A. That is, in this embodiment, the information management system 100 is implemented by communicatively connecting the hydrogen generation device 1A and the information collection device 23.

[0098] The information collection device 23 may be an external terminal, such as a personal computer, connected to the hydrogen generation device 1A, or an external server installed in a location different from that of the hydrogen generation device 1A, which is connected via an Internet cable or the like. This information collection device 23 has the functions of acquiring information from the hydrogen generation device 1A, storing the acquired information, and performing calculations based on the acquired information.

[0099] The recycling container 14 is provided with an identification information section 14a, which contains information about the identification of the recycling container 14 (i.e., unique identification information for each solid in the recycling container 14). In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, information about the amount of composition recovered in the recycling container 14 is not stored in the recycling container 14. Therefore, the identification information section 14a only needs to be able to identify the recycling container 14, and can be, for example, a number assigned to each container. In this case, for example, a sheet with numbers printed on it can be attached to the recycling container 14, or the numbers can be printed directly on the surface of the recycling container 14.

[0100] That is, the unique identification information of each recycling container 14 in this embodiment refers to, for example, the type of batch number of each container. Any method can be used to indicate the identification information, including numbers, letters, symbols, barcodes, or QR codes. The identification information is sent to the control unit 15 using a light-receiving device such as an image recognition or laser system, or via input such as a keyboard, and further to the information collection device 23. The identification information unit 14a may include a memory storing information about the identification of the recycling container 14. In this case, for example, the memory is preferably readable from an external source, such as an RFID tag.

[0101] Similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 15 includes a CPU 15a and RAM, which serve as a computing unit, and has the following functions: receiving information such as the reaction ratio obtained from the hydrogen generation device 1 and information such as the required amount of hydrogen from the fuel cell system, sending control commands to the entire hydrogen generation device, and sending the calculated information to the display unit 16, the fuel cell system 22, and the information collection device 23.

[0102] Figure 2 The diagram shows a signal transmitting unit 15b serving as a transmitting unit and a first transmitting unit, and a signal receiving unit 15c serving as a second receiving unit. The signal transmitting unit 15b transmits to the information collecting device 23 information detected by the detection unit 13 regarding the amount of the recovered composition in the recovery container 14, as well as identification information about the recovery container 14 described in the identification information unit 14a of the recovery container 14. The signal receiving unit 15c can receive information transmitted from the information collecting device 23.

[0103] The information collection device 23 includes a CPU 23a, a memory 23b serving as a storage unit, a signal transmitting unit 23c serving as a second transmitting unit, and a signal receiving unit 23d serving as both a receiving unit and a first receiving unit. The CPU 23a controls the entire information collection device 23. The signal receiving unit 23d receives information transmitted from the signal transmitting unit 15b of the hydrogen generation device 1A. Based on the information received by the signal receiving unit 23d, the memory 23b stores information about the amount of composition recovered in the recovery container 14 in association with the recovery container 14. Furthermore, when the recovery container 14 is replaced, the information collection device 23 stores the information about the amount of recovery received by the signal receiving unit 23d after the replacement as information about the replaced recovery container 14 in the memory 23b based on the identification information about the recovery container 14.

[0104] The CPU 15a of the hydrogen generation device 1A calculates the amount of byproducts contained in the composition recovered in the recovery container 14 based on information about the amount recovered in the recovery container 14 detected by the detection unit 13 and information about the identification of the recovery container 14. The calculation method in this case is the same as the calculation method performed by the CPU 15a of the control unit 15 in the first embodiment. The calculation result of the CPU 15a is transmitted to the information collection device 23 via the signal transmission unit 15b and stored in the memory 23b of the information collection device 23.

[0105] The amount of byproducts contained in the composition can be calculated by the CPU 23a of the information collection device 23. That is, the CPU 23a can calculate the amount of byproducts contained in the composition recovered in the recovery container 14 based on information about the amount recovered in the recovery container 14 sent from the hydrogen generation device 1A and information about the identification of the recovery container 14. In this case, the CPU 23a stores the calculated amount of byproducts in the memory 23b.

[0106] In any case, the memory 23b of the information collection device 23 stores information about the amount of recovery, including the amount of byproducts contained in the composition recovered in the recovery container 14. The signal transmission unit 23c of the information collection device 23 can transmit information about the amount of recovery stored in the memory 23b and information about the identification of the recovery container 14 to the signal receiving unit 15c of the hydrogen generation device 1A.

[0107] The display unit 16 of the hydrogen generation device 1A displays information about the storage capacity of the recovery container 14 based on information received by the signal receiving unit 15c. That is, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 16 can display information such as the amount of the composition containing by-products recovered in the recovery container 14, the amount of by-products, the remaining storage capacity, and a warning indicating an over-recovery status. The storage capacity can be calculated by the CPU 15a of the hydrogen generation device 1A as in the first embodiment, or by the CPU 23a of the information collection device 23.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the information displayed on the display unit 16 regarding storage capacity is at least one of the amount of recyclable composition in the recycling container 14 at a corresponding time point and information indicating that the amount of composition recycled in the recycling container 14 has exceeded a predetermined amount, or information regarding the replacement time of the recycling container at a corresponding time point. Other content related to the display unit 16 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0109] Next, a specific example of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, firstly, the control unit 15 identifies the individual recycling containers by reading the identification information of the recycling containers 14. Then, the hydrogen generation unit 1 starts operating and supplies sodium borohydride and water to the hydrogen generation unit 12, whereby a hydrolysis reaction occurs, and the resulting waste fuel (a composition containing byproducts, such as the sodium metaborate solution in this embodiment) is sent to the recycling container 14.

[0110] Here, similar to the first embodiment, information regarding the reaction ratio and the weight of the sodium metaborate solution is sent to the control unit 15. Then, the CPU 15a calculates the weight of the sodium metaborate, the weight of the water, the weight of the sodium metaborate solution, and the volume of the sodium metaborate solution. This information is then associated with the identification information of the recovery container 14, transmitted via the Internet or the like to the information collection device 23, and stored.

[0111] In the event that the hydrogen generation device 1A is shut down for an extended period of time or the recovery container 14 is replaced by another recovery container 14 in use, the control unit 15 of the hydrogen generation device 1A obtains information from the information collection device 23 based on the identification information of the recovery container 14, so that the current weight of sodium metaborate, the current weight of water, the current weight of sodium metaborate solution, and the current volume of sodium metaborate solution can be recalculated as in the first embodiment.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by sending the installation location information of each hydrogen generation device 1A, etc., to the information collection device 23, the replacement time of the recycling container 14 of the hydrogen generation device 1A at multiple locations can be known. Therefore, for example, the replacement time can be used to assume the optimal route for distributing the replacement recycling container 14 or the used recycling container 14.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of material recovered in the recovery container 14, which is used to recover the composition containing byproducts generated during hydrogen production, can be accurately monitored. That is, in this embodiment, information regarding the amount of material recovered in the recovery container 14, along with identification information of the recovery container 14, is sent to the information collection device 23, enabling the information collection device 23 to manage each recovery container 14. Therefore, for example, the control unit 15 of the hydrogen production apparatus 1A can appropriately obtain information about the recovery container 14 by appropriately acquiring information from the information collection device 23, and can appropriately monitor the amount of material recovered in the recovery container 14 even when it is replaced.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple hydrogen generation devices 1A located in different locations can be centrally managed by the information collection device 23, and, for example, by real-time monitoring of information about the recycling containers 14 used in each hydrogen generation device 1A, it becomes easy to appropriately determine the replacement time and delivery rules for each recycling container 14.

[0115] Industrial availability

[0116] The hydrogen generation apparatus according to the present invention is applicable to hydrogen generation apparatuses that produce hydrogen. Furthermore, the information management system according to the present invention is applicable to information management systems that include hydrogen generation apparatuses.

[0117] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0118] 1.1A Hydrogen Generation Unit

[0119] 10 Main body

[0120] 12 Hydrogen generation section

[0121] 13 Testing Department

[0122] 14 Recycling Containers

[0123] 14a Identification Information Department

[0124] 15 Control Department

[0125] 15a CPU (Computing Unit)

[0126] 15b Signal Transmitting Unit (Transmitting Unit or First Transmitting Unit)

[0127] 15C signal receiving unit (second receiving unit)

[0128] 16 Display Section

[0129] 17. Memory (Storage Section)

[0130] 23 Information Collection Devices

[0131] 23b memory (storage section)

[0132] 23C signal transmitting unit (second transmitting unit)

[0133] 23d signal receiving unit (first receiving unit)

[0134] 100 Information Management System

Claims

1. A hydrogen generation apparatus, comprising: A hydrogen generation unit is constructed to generate hydrogen by reacting a hydrogen carrier with an aqueous liquid; The main body includes the hydrogen generation section; A recovery container that is detachably mounted to the main body and configured to recover a composition containing byproducts generated together with hydrogen in the hydrogen generation section; A detection unit configured to detect the amount of composition recovered by the recovery container from the hydrogen generation unit; and A storage unit is provided on the recycling container and configured to store information about the amount of recycling.

2. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the recovery amount detected by the detection unit, the amount of the byproduct contained in the composition recovered in the recovery container. in, Information regarding the recovery amount includes the amount of the byproducts calculated by the calculation unit.

3. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The calculation unit calculates the amount of the byproduct based on the reaction ratio between the hydrogen carrier and the aqueous liquid and the amount of recovery detected by the detection unit.

4. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display unit configured to display information about the storage capacity of the recovery container.

5. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information regarding the storage capacity is at least one of the amount of the composition recoverable in the recovery container at a corresponding time point and information indicating that the amount of composition recovered in the recovery container has exceeded a predetermined amount.

6. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The information regarding the storage capacity pertains to the replacement time of the recycling container at the corresponding point in time.

7. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The hydrogen support is sodium borohydride, and The byproduct is sodium metaborate.

8. An information management system, comprising: A hydrogen generation device constructed to produce hydrogen; and An information collection device communicatively connected to the hydrogen generation apparatus, wherein The hydrogen generation device includes: A hydrogen generation unit is constructed to generate hydrogen by reacting a hydrogen carrier with an aqueous liquid; The main body includes the hydrogen generation section; A recovery container that is detachably mounted to the main body and configured to recover a composition containing byproducts generated together with hydrogen in the hydrogen generation section; An identification information section is provided on the recycling container, the identification information section containing information about the identification of the recycling container; A detection unit configured to detect the amount of composition recovered by the recovery container from the hydrogen generation unit; and A transmitting unit is configured to send information about the amount of recycling and information about the identification of the recycling container. The information collection device includes: A receiving unit configured to receive information transmitted from the transmitting unit; and A storage unit is configured to store information about the recycling container and the amount of recycling in association based on the information received by the receiving unit.

9. The information management system according to claim 8, wherein when the recycling container is replaced, the information collection device stores information about the amount of recycling received by the receiving unit after the replacement as information about the replaced recycling container in the storage unit based on information about the identification of the recycling container.

10. The information management system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The hydrogen generation device further includes a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on information about the recovery amount and information about the identification of the recovery container, the amount of the byproduct contained in the composition recovered in the recovery container, and Information regarding the recovery amount includes the amount of the byproducts calculated by the calculation unit.

11. The information management system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The transmitting unit is the first transmitting unit. The receiving unit is a first receiving unit. The information collection device further includes a second transmitting unit configured to transmit information stored in the storage unit regarding the amount of recycling and information regarding the identification of the recycling container. The hydrogen generation apparatus further includes: A second receiving unit configured to receive information transmitted from the second transmitting unit; as well as A display unit is configured to display information about the storage capacity of the recycling container based on information received by the second receiving unit.

12. The information management system of claim 11, wherein the information regarding the storage capacity is at least one of the amount of the composition recyclable in the recycling container at a corresponding time point and information indicating that the amount of composition recycled in the recycling container has exceeded a predetermined amount.

13. The information management system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The information regarding the storage capacity pertains to the replacement time of the recycling container at the corresponding point in time.

14. The information management system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein The hydrogen support is sodium borohydride, and The byproduct is sodium metaborate.

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