Heating unit, heating device and heat utilization system

Abstract

This invention provides a heating unit with high durability and stable heat generation, a small and compact heating device with high output and high durability, and a heat utilization system that can efficiently recover and utilize the heat generated in the heating device. A multilayer film is formed on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical support, generating heat through the absorption and release of hydrogen, thus constituting the heating unit 1. Furthermore, within a sealed container 21, a plurality of heating units 1 are connected through a partition 22, with their axial ends opening towards a first space S1 and a second space S2, and heaters 2 are provided for heating each heating unit 1, thus constituting the heating device 20. Finally, the heat utilization system comprises the heating device 20, a hydrogen supply line, a hydrogen recovery line, a heat utilization device, a heat medium supply line, and a heat medium recovery line.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating unit that generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen, a heating device having a plurality of heating units and an integrated heat exchanger, and a heat utilization system that utilizes the heat generated by the heating device. [Previous Technology]

[0002] It is known that hydrogen-absorbing alloys have the characteristic of repeatedly absorbing and releasing large amounts of hydrogen under certain reaction conditions, and the absorption and release of hydrogen are accompanied by a large amount of heat of reaction. Heat utilization systems such as heat pump systems, heat transfer systems, and cooling (freezing) systems, as well as hydrogen storage systems that utilize this heat of reaction have been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] However, the applicants have discovered that in heating devices equipped with heating elements using hydrogen-absorbing alloys or the like, when the heating element is composed of a support and a multilayer film supported by the support, heat is generated when the heating element absorbs hydrogen and when hydrogen is released from the heating element. Therefore, the applicants have previously proposed a heat utilization system and heating device based on this understanding (see Patent Document 3).

[0004] Specifically, the support for the heating element of the heating device includes at least one of a porous material, a hydrogen-permeable membrane, or a proton dielectric. The multilayer film supported by the support is, for example, formed by alternating layers of a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a hydrogen-absorbing metal or a hydrogen-absorbing alloy and has a thickness of less than 1000 nm. The second layer includes a hydrogen-absorbing metal, hydrogen-absorbing alloy, or ceramic different from the first layer and has a thickness of less than 1000 nm. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 56-100276 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-022854 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6749035 [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, in the heating device proposed in Patent Document 3, the heating element that generates heat is not assembled in a high-density bulk state, so the heating element cannot generate heat efficiently, and there is still room for improvement.

[0008] Therefore, as shown in FIG17, it is considered that a first flow path 106 for introducing hydrogen into the heating element 105 and a second flow path 107 for receiving hydrogen passing through the heating element 105 are respectively arranged on both sides of the heating element 105. The heating element 105 is densely laminated with the first flow path 106 and the second flow path 107, thereby making the heating device 101 small and compact, and achieving high output for efficient heating. In the heating device 101 with this configuration, the heating element 105 is heated by allowing hydrogen introduced into the first flow path 106 to pass through the heating element 105. In this case, the hydrogen passing through the heating element 105 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "through hydrogen") flows into the second flow path 107, so the pressure of the second flow path 107 is lower than the pressure of the first flow path 106.

[0009] Here, the heating element 105 is made of a very thin plate containing hydrogen-absorbing metal or hydrogen-absorbing alloy. Therefore, as shown in FIG18, the heating element 105 will flex and deform in an arc-shaped manner by bulging towards the second flow path 107 with lower pressure. The flex and deformation will generate greater stress, so the multilayer film may peel off from the support of the heating element 105, resulting in reduced durability of the heating element 105 and the inability of the heating element 105 to stably perform the heating function.

[0010] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a heating unit with high durability and stable heat generation, a heating device that is small and compact yet has high output and high durability, and a heat utilization system that can efficiently recover and effectively utilize the heat generated by the heating device. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above objectives, the heating unit of the present invention is formed by forming a multilayer film on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical support body, which generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen.

[0012] Furthermore, the heating device of the present invention is configured to include a plurality of the above-mentioned heating units, and to divide the sealed container into a first space, a second space and a third space along the axial direction by a plurality of partitions, so that the plurality of the above-mentioned heating units pass through the partitions, and that the axial ends of the plurality of the above-mentioned heating units open into the first space and the second space at the axial ends of the sealed container respectively, and to provide a heater for heating each of the above-mentioned heating units.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat utilization system of the present invention includes: the aforementioned heating device; a hydrogen supply line supplying hydrogen to the aforementioned first space of the heating device; a hydrogen recovery line recovering hydrogen discharged from the aforementioned second space of the heating device and returning it to the aforementioned hydrogen supply line; a heat utilization device utilizing the heat generated by the aforementioned heating device; a heat medium supply line supplying heat medium discharged from the aforementioned third space of the heating device to the aforementioned heat utilization device; and a heat medium recovery line recovering heat medium discharged from the aforementioned heat utilization device and returning it to the aforementioned third space of the heating device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The heating unit of the present invention is constructed by forming a multilayer film on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical support with high rigidity. Therefore, it will not easily deform even when subjected to external force, and the multilayer film formed on the inner peripheral surface of the support will not peel off. As a result, the heating unit generates stable heat and its durability is improved.

[0015] Furthermore, the heating device of the present invention comprises a plurality of highly durable heating units packed within a sealed container, thus making it small and compact, increasing its heat output, achieving high output, and improving durability. Moreover, by exchanging heat between the hydrogen heated by the plurality of heating units and the heat medium flowing in the third space, the heat generated by the plurality of heating units is efficiently recovered through the heat medium. In other words, this heating device functions as an integrated heating and heat exchange device that combines the functions of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the heat utilization system of the present invention, the heat generated by the high-output heating device, which also functions as a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, is efficiently recovered by the heat medium, and thus the heat recovered by the heat medium can be effectively used to drive the heat utilization device.

Implementation Method

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [Heating Unit] Hereinafter, the structure of the heating unit of the present invention will be described based on FIG1 and FIG2.

[0020] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the heating unit of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view along line AA of Figure 1. The heating unit 1 shown is constructed by forming a multilayer film 1B on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical (tubular) support 1A, which generates heat by the absorption and release of hydrogen. The support 1A includes a porous metal sintered body, a porous ceramic sintered body, or a metal. Here, the porous metal sintered body or porous ceramic sintered body constituting the support 1A has multiple pores of a size that allow hydrogen to pass through. Moreover, the material of the porous metal sintered body or porous ceramic sintered body is chosen to not hinder the heating reaction between hydrogen and the multilayer film 1B. Specifically, the porous metal sintered body is, for example, Ti, SUS, Mo, etc., and the ceramic sintered body is, for example, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, etc. The metal constituting the support 1A is, for example, stainless steel (SUS).

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cylindrical (circular tube) shape can be used as the support body 1A, or a polygonal cylindrical (corner tube) shape can also be used.

[0022] However, hydrogen includes hydrogen-based gases containing isotopes of hydrogen, and either deuterium or hydrogen is used as a hydrogen-based gas. Hydrogen includes naturally occurring mixtures of hydrogen and deuterium, i.e., mixtures with a hydrogen content of 99.985% and a deuterium content of 0.015%. Furthermore, in the following description, gases containing hydrogen-based gases will be collectively referred to as "hydrogen".

[0023] Here, the structure of the multilayer film 1B will be explained based on Figure 3.

[0024] <Composition of Multilayer Film> Figure 3 is an enlarged detailed view of part B of Figure 2. In this embodiment, the multilayer film 1B formed on the inner peripheral surface of the support 1A shown in the figure has a first layer 11 containing a hydrogen-absorbing metal or hydrogen-absorbing alloy, and a second layer 12 containing a hydrogen-absorbing metal or hydrogen-absorbing alloy or ceramic different from the first layer 11. A dissimilar material interface 13 is formed between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12. In the example shown in Figure 3, five layers of the first layer 11 and five layers of the second layer 12 are sequentially and alternately deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the support 1A to form a film structure of 10 layers in total, thereby forming the multilayer film 1B. Furthermore, the number of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 can be arbitrary, and it is also possible to form a multilayer film by sequentially and alternately depositing a plurality of second layers 12 and first layers 11 on the inner peripheral surface of the support 1A, which is different from the example shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the multilayer film 1B has at least one first layer 11 and one second layer 12, and one or more heterogeneous material interfaces 13 formed between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 are provided.

[0025] Here, the first layer 11 may include, for example, any one of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Co, and alloys thereof. Preferably, the alloy constituting the first layer 11 includes two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co. Furthermore, the alloy constituting the first layer 11 may also contain additives in Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co.

[0026] Furthermore, the second layer 12 may include, for example, any one of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Co, and their alloys or SiC. Here, the alloy constituting the second layer 12 is preferably composed of two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co. Also, the alloy constituting the second layer 12 may contain additives in Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co.

[0027] Furthermore, when the element types are represented in the form of "layer 1-layer 2" as a combination of layer 11 and layer 2, a combination of Pd-Ni, Ni-Cu, Ni-Cr, Ni-Fe, Ni-Mg, and Ni-Co is preferred. Moreover, when layer 2 is composed of ceramic, a combination of Ni-SiC is more ideal.

[0028] Here, the mechanism of heating (generating excess heat) of heating unit 1 will be explained based on Figure 4.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanism of excess heat generation in the heating unit. Hydrogen atoms permeate through the heterogeneous material interface 13 between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 of the multilayer film 1B formed in the heating unit 1. When hydrogen is supplied to the heating unit 1 from its inner peripheral surface, the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, i.e., the multilayer film 1B, which has a face-centered cubic structure, absorb hydrogen. Here, even if the hydrogen supply is stopped, the heating unit 1 maintains a state of hydrogen absorption through the multilayer film 1B.

[0030] Then, when heating begins by the heater (not shown) of the heating unit 1, as shown in FIG4, hydrogen atoms in the metal lattice of the first layer 11 move through the heterogeneous material interface 13 into the metal lattice of the second layer 12, and the hydrogen stored in the multilayer film 1B is released. The hydrogen undergoes quantum diffusion while jumping within the multilayer film 1B. Here, it is known that hydrogen is relatively light, and hydrogen atoms undergo quantum diffusion while jumping between hydrogen-occupied interstitial sites (octahedral or tetrahedral sites) in a certain substance A and substance B. Therefore, by heating the heating unit 1 with the heater, hydrogen diffuses through the heterogeneous material interface 13 via quantum diffusion, or hydrogen diffuses through the heterogeneous material interface 13, thereby heating the heating unit 1. The heat generated by the heater is excess heat.

[0031] However, ideally, the thickness of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 of the multilayer film constituting the heating unit 1 is less than 1000 nm. If the thickness of each of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 is less than 1000 nm, then the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 can maintain a nanostructure that does not exhibit bulk characteristics. Incidentally, when the thickness of each of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 is 1000 nm or more, hydrogen is difficult to pass through the multilayer film 1B. Furthermore, it is ideal that the thickness of each of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 is less than 500 nm. Thus, if the thickness of each of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 is less than 500 nm, then the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 can maintain a nanostructure that does not exhibit bulk characteristics at all.

[0032] <Manufacturing method of heating unit> Here, an example of the manufacturing method of heating unit 1 will be described.

[0033] A cylindrical (tube-shaped) support 1A is prepared and rotated around its axis. Simultaneously, a vapor deposition apparatus is used to deposit the hydrogen-absorbing metal or alloy used as the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 into a gaseous state. Through the condensation and adsorption of the gaseous hydrogen-absorbing metal or alloy, the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 are alternately deposited on the inner circumferential surface of the support 1A, thereby manufacturing the heating unit 1. In this case, it is preferable to deposit the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 continuously under vacuum conditions, thereby forming a heterogeneous material interface 13 between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 without forming a natural oxide film.

[0034] As a vapor deposition apparatus, a physical vapor deposition apparatus is used to vapor deposit hydrogen-absorbing metals or hydrogen-absorbing alloys using physical methods. This physical vapor deposition apparatus may include a sputtering apparatus, a vacuum vapor deposition apparatus, or a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) apparatus. Alternatively, hydrogen-absorbing metals or hydrogen-absorbing alloys may be deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the support 1A by electroplating, thereby alternately forming the first layer 11 and the second layer 12.

[0035] Here, variations 1 and 2 of the structure of the multilayer film of the heating unit are shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. Furthermore, Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing the layer structure of the multilayer films 60B and 70B in variations 1 and 2.

[0036] <Example 1 of variation in the layer structure of the multilayer film> In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG3, the multilayer film 1B of the heating unit 1 is formed by alternatingly stacking 5 layers of the first layer 11 and 5 layers of the second layer 12. However, in the heating unit 60 shown in FIG5, in addition to the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, a third layer 63 is also provided. Here, the third layer 63 contains a hydrogen-absorbing metal, hydrogen-absorbing alloy or ceramic that is different from the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, and its thickness is ideally less than 1000 nm.

[0037] In the heating unit 60 shown in FIG. 5, a first layer 61, a second layer 62, a third layer 63 constituting a multilayer film 60B are sequentially deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the support 60A. In this heating unit 60, a dissimilar material interface 64 is formed between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, and a dissimilar material interface 65 is formed between the first layer 61 and the third layer 63, allowing hydrogen atoms to pass through. Furthermore, the first layer 61, the second layer 62, and the third layer 63 can also be deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the support 60A in the order of first layer 61, third layer 63, first layer 61, second layer 62. That is, the multilayer film 60B has a stacked structure in which the first layer 61 is disposed between the second layer 62 and the third layer 63. Furthermore, the multilayer film 60B may have one or more third layers 63.

[0038] Here, the third layer 63 comprises Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Co, or alloys thereof, or any one of SiC, CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO. Ideally, the alloy constituting the third layer 63 should contain two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co. Furthermore, the alloy constituting the third layer 63 may also be composed of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co with added elements.

[0039] Ideally, the third layer 63 contains any one of CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO. When the heating unit 60 has a third layer 63 containing any one of CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO, the amount of hydrogen absorbed increases, and the amount of hydrogen passing through the heterogeneous material interfaces 64 and 65 increases, thereby achieving high output of excess heat.

[0040] Ideally, the third layer 63, comprising any one of CaO, Y₂O₃, TiC, LaB₆, SrO, or BaO, has a thickness of 10 nm or less. This allows hydrogen atoms to easily permeate through the multilayer film 60B. Furthermore, the third layer 63, comprising any one of CaO, Y₂O₃, TiC, LaB₆, SrO, or BaO, may not be formed as a complete film but rather as an island. Furthermore, the first layer 61 and the third layer 63 are ideally formed continuously under vacuum conditions. This ensures that only a heterogeneous material interface 65 is formed between the first layer 61 and the third layer 63, without the formation of a natural oxide film.

[0041] As a combination of layer 1 61, layer 2 62, and layer 3 63, when the types of elements are represented in the form of "layer 1 - layer 3 - layer 2", the more ideal representations are Pd-CaO-Ni, Pd-Y2O3-Ni, Pd-TiC-Ni, Pd-LaB6-Ni, Ni-CaO-Cu, Ni-Y2O3-Cu, Ni-TiC-Cu, Ni-LaB6-Cu, Ni-Co-Cu, Ni-CaO-Cr, Ni-Y2O3-Cr, Ni-TiC-Cr, Ni-LaB6-Cu, etc. 6-Cr, Ni-CaO-Fe, Ni-Y2O3-Fe, Ni-TiC-Fe, Ni-LaB6-Fe, Ni-Cr-Fe, Ni-CaO-Mg, Ni-Y2O3-Mg, Ni-TiC-Mg, Ni-LaB6- Any of Mg, Ni-CaO-Co, Ni-Y2O3-Co, Ni-TiC-Co, Ni-LaB6-Co, Ni-CaO-SiC, Ni-Y2O3-SiC, Ni-TiC-SiC, and Ni-LaB6-SiC.

[0042] <Example 2 of variation in the layer structure of the multilayer film> As shown in FIG6, in addition to having a first layer 71, a second layer 72, and a third layer 73, the multilayer film 70B of the heating unit 70 in this embodiment also has a fourth layer 74. Here, the fourth layer 74 contains a hydrogen-absorbing metal, hydrogen-absorbing alloy, or ceramic that is different from the first layer 71, the second layer 72, and the third layer 73, and its thickness is ideally less than 1000 nm.

[0043] In Figure 6, layer 1 71, layer 2 72, layer 1 71, layer 3 73, layer 1 71, and layer 4 74 are sequentially deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the support 70A. Alternatively, layer 1 71, layer 4 74, layer 1 71, layer 3 73, layer 1 71, and layer 2 72 may be sequentially deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the support 70A. That is, the multilayer film 70B is a laminated structure formed by depositing layer 2 72, layer 3 73, and layer 4 74 in any order, with layer 1 71 disposed between each of layer 2 72, layer 3 73, and layer 4 74. Here, hydrogen atoms permeate through the heterogeneous material interface 75 formed between the first layer 71 and the second layer 72, the heterogeneous material interface 76 formed between the first layer 71 and the third layer 73, and the heterogeneous material interface 77 formed between the first layer 71 and the fourth layer 74. Furthermore, the multilayer film 70B may have one or more fourth layers 74.

[0044] However, the fourth layer 74 comprises Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Co, or alloys thereof, or any one of SiC, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO. Ideally, the alloy constituting the fourth layer 74 comprises two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co. Furthermore, alloys constituting the fourth layer 74 may also be those containing additive elements in Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co.

[0045] Particularly ideally, the fourth layer 74 comprises any one of CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO. Here, when the heating unit 70 has a fourth layer 74 comprising any one of CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO, the amount of hydrogen absorbed increases, and the amount of hydrogen passing through the heterogeneous material interfaces 75, 76, and 77 increases, thus achieving high output of excess heat generated by the heating unit 70. Furthermore, in order to facilitate the passage of hydrogen atoms, the thickness of the fourth layer 74 comprising any one of CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO is ideally less than 10 nm.

[0046] Furthermore, the fourth layer 74, which contains any one of CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, or BaO, may not be formed as a complete film, but rather as an island. Ideally, the first layer 71 and the fourth layer 74 are formed continuously under vacuum, thereby forming only a heterogeneous material interface 77 between the first layer 71 and the fourth layer 74 without forming a natural oxide film.

[0047] As a combination of layer 1 71, layer 2 72, layer 3 73 and layer 4 74, when the element types are represented in the form of "layer 1-layer 4-layer 3-layer 2", the ideal combinations are Ni-CaO-Cr-Fe, Ni-Y2O3-Cr-Fe, Ni-TiC-Cr-Fe, and Ni-LaB6-Cr-Fe. Furthermore, the composition of the multilayer film 70B, such as the thickness ratio of each layer, the number of each layer, and the material, can be appropriately and arbitrarily set according to the heating temperature.

[0048] As described above, the heating unit 1 shown in FIG1 of this embodiment is constructed by forming a multilayer film 1B on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical (tube-shaped) support 1A with high rigidity. Therefore, it will not easily deform even when subjected to external force, and the multilayer film 1B formed on the inner circumferential surface of the support 1A will not peel off. Therefore, the heating unit 1 generates heat stably, and its durability is improved.

[0049] Furthermore, the heating unit 1 is not limited to including a support 1A and a multilayer film 1B, and may also include a platform comprising a hydrogen-absorbing metal, a hydrogen-absorbing alloy, or a proton dielectric. For example, a platform can be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the support 1A, and a multilayer film 1B can be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the platform to form a heating unit with a platform. The multilayer film 1B is not limited to being formed only on the inner peripheral surface of the platform, but may also be formed only on the inner peripheral surface of the platform, i.e., between the support 1A and the platform. Also, the multilayer film 1B may be formed on both the inner peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the platform. A plurality of platforms and multilayer films 1B may be alternately deposited on the support 1A. As the hydrogen-absorbing metal used as the platform, for example, Ni, Pd, V, Nb, Ta, Ti, etc. are used. Examples of hydrogen-absorbing alloys used as pedestals include LaNi5, CaCu5, MgZn2, ZrNi2, ZrCr2, TiFe, TiCo, Mg2Ni, and Mg2Cu. Examples of proton dielectrics used as pedestals include BaCeO3-based alloys (e.g., Ba(Ce0.95Y0.05)O3-6), SrCeO3-based alloys (e.g., Sr(Ce0.95Y0.05)O3-6), CaZrO3-based alloys (e.g., Ca(Zr0.95Y0.05)O3-α), SrZrO3-based alloys (e.g., Sr(Zr0.9Y0.1)O3-α), βAl2O3, and βGa2O3. The pedestal may also comprise a porous body or a hydrogen-permeable membrane. A porous body has multiple pores of varying sizes that allow hydrogen gases to pass through. Porous bodies may include materials such as metals, non-metals, and ceramics. The porous material is preferably a material that does not impede the thermal reaction between hydrogen and the multilayer membrane 1B. The hydrogen permeable membrane includes a material that allows hydrogen to permeate. Preferably, the material for the hydrogen permeable membrane is a hydrogen-absorbing metal or a hydrogen-absorbing alloy. Hydrogen permeable membranes also include those with a mesh-like structure.

[0050] [Heating Device] Next, the heating device of the present invention will be described.

[0051] <First Embodiment> FIG7 is a side sectional view of the heating device 20 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG8 is a sectional view along the CC line of FIG7. The heating device 20 shown in the figure is an integrated heating device that combines the functions of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and a heating device for heat exchange.

[0052] Specifically, the heating device 20 includes a hollow cylindrical sealed container (shell) 21 arranged in the transverse (horizontal direction), and two partitions (tube plates) 22 arranged in the longitudinal direction divide the sealed container 21 into three spaces in the axial direction (left and right direction in FIG. 7), namely, a first space S1, a second space S2, and a third space S3. That is, the sealed container 21 is divided into the first space S1 and the second space S2 at both ends in the axial direction, and the third space S3 between the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0053] Furthermore, on the upper part of the sealed container 21, a hydrogen supply port 21a opening to the first space S1 and a heat medium discharge port 21b opening to the third space S3 are respectively provided. A hydrogen supply nozzle 23 and a heat medium discharge nozzle 24 are respectively connected to the hydrogen supply port 21a and the heat medium discharge port 21b. Also, on the lower part of the sealed container 21, a hydrogen discharge port 21c opening to the second space S2 and a heat medium supply port 21d opening to the third space S3 are respectively provided. A hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 and a heat medium supply nozzle 26 are respectively connected to the hydrogen discharge port 21c and the heat medium supply port 21d. Here, a switching valve 27 is provided at the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25.

[0054] Furthermore, the sealed container 21, the partition 22, the hydrogen supply nozzle 23, the heat medium discharge nozzle 24, the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25, and the heat medium supply nozzle 26 described above are made of stainless steel (SUS) with high pressure resistance, corrosion resistance, and low thermal conductivity. Also, in this embodiment, the interior of the sealed container 21 is divided into three spaces: the first space S1, the second space S2, and the third space S3. However, the interior of the sealed container 21 may also be divided into four or more spaces.

[0055] However, within the sealed container 21, the plurality of heating units 1 shown in FIG. 1, passing through the two partitions 22, are supported horizontally and parallel to each other, with their axial ends opening into the first space S1 and the second space S2, respectively. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of heating units 1 are neatly arranged at equal intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support body 1A used as the heating unit 1 is made of stainless steel (SUS).

[0056] Furthermore, at the center of each heating unit 1, a heater 2 serving as a heating mechanism is provided. Both ends of these heaters 2 are supported by conductive booth bars 3 and 4, which serve as support members. Additionally, one booth bar 3 (left side of Figure 7) is electrically connected to a power source (not shown) via a wire 5, and a wire 6 extending from the other booth bar 4 (right side of Figure 7) is grounded. Moreover, in this embodiment, the heater 2 includes heating wires made of molybdenum, tungsten, or similar materials with high resistance.

[0057] Furthermore, in the third space S3 within the sealed container 21, a labyrinth-shaped flow path 29 is formed by a plurality of baffles 28.

[0058] Next, the function of the heating device 20 configured as described above will be explained.

[0059] First, with the switch valve 27 set on the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 open, a vacuum pump (not shown) connected to the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 is driven to reduce the pressure inside the sealed container 21 to a specific pressure, and then the switch valve 27 is closed.

[0060] Next, hydrogen gas is supplied to the sealed container 21 from the hydrogen supply nozzle 23. The hydrogen gas is introduced into the first space S1 inside the sealed container 21 from the hydrogen supply nozzle 23, and flows into the second space S2 through the interior of each heating unit 1. Thus, during the process of passing through each heating unit 1, the hydrogen gas is absorbed by the multilayer film 1B (see Figure 1) formed on the inner peripheral surface of each heating unit 1. At this time, hydrogen molecules are adsorbed on the inner peripheral surface of the multilayer film 1B. Then, the hydrogen molecules adsorbed on the inner peripheral surface of the multilayer film 1B dissociate into two hydrogen atoms. The dissociated hydrogen atoms penetrate into the interior of the multilayer film 1B. The hydrogen atoms pass through the heterogeneous material interface 13 (see Figure 3) by quantum diffusion, or the hydrogen atoms pass through the heterogeneous material interface 13 by diffusion.

[0061] Next, with the switch valve 27 of the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 open, a vacuum pump (not shown) connected to the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 is driven to vent the sealed container 21. Current flows from a power source (not shown) through wires 5 and grooves 3 into each heater 2, thereby heating each heater 2 and heating each heating unit 1 from the inner periphery. In this way, the hydrogen absorbed by the multilayer film 1B of each heating unit 1 is released. At this time, the hydrogen atoms that have penetrated into the interior of the multilayer film 1B return to the inner periphery of the multilayer film 1B and re-bond, and are released as hydrogen molecules. During the process of hydrogen atoms returning to the inner periphery of the multilayer film 1B, hydrogen atoms pass through the heterogeneous material interface 13 (see Figure 3) by quantum diffusion, or hydrogen atoms pass through the heterogeneous material interface 13 by diffusion.

[0062] In each heating unit 1, during the process of hydrogen absorption, hydrogen atoms generate heat by passing through the interface 13 of the different substances via quantum diffusion, or by diffusion through the interface 13 of the different substances. Similarly, during the process of hydrogen release, hydrogen atoms generate heat by passing through the interface 13 of the different substances via quantum diffusion, or by diffusion through the interface 13 of the different substances. The method of intermittently supplying and discharging hydrogen into the sealed container 21, thereby heating the heating unit 1 through hydrogen absorption and release, is called batch heating. In the batch heating device 20, the supply of hydrogen gas to the sealed container 21, the vacuum exhaust of the sealed container 21, and the heating of each heating unit 1 can be repeatedly performed, thereby repeatedly performing hydrogen absorption and release in each heating unit 1.

[0063] On the other hand, a heat medium is supplied to the third space S3 of the sealed container 21 from the heat medium supply nozzle 26. As the heat medium flows through the labyrinthine flow path 29 formed in the third space S3, it is heated by the heat generated by each heating unit 1, thereby increasing its temperature. That is, the heat medium is heated through heat exchange with each heating unit 1 during its flow through each heating unit 1, thereby efficiently recovering the heat generated by each heating unit 1. At this time, the heat medium flows along the labyrinthine flow path 29 formed in the third space S3 within the sealed container 21, alternating between up and down directions, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat medium and each heating unit 1. In this way, the heat medium flowing in the third space S3 of the sealed container 21 is heated through heat exchange with each heating unit 1, and the heat recovered by the heat medium is used in the heat utilization system described later. Furthermore, as a heat transfer medium, it is preferable to use those with excellent thermal conductivity and chemical stability, such as rare gases like helium and argon, hydrogen, nitrogen, water vapor, air, carbon dioxide, and gases that form hydrides.

[0064] As described above, the heating device 20 of this embodiment has a plurality of highly durable heating units 1 compacted within a sealed container 21, which increases the heat output, achieves high output, and improves durability. Furthermore, the heat medium is heated through heat exchange between the plurality of heating units 1 and the heat medium flowing in the third space S3, thus the heat generated by the plurality of heating units 1 is efficiently recovered by the heat medium. In other words, the heating device 20 is configured as a heating and heat exchange integrated heating device that combines the functions of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0065] Here, based on Figures 9 to 13, the changes in heat dissipation (heat generation) when the specifications of the heating device 20 (outer diameter and inner diameter of the support body 1A (hereinafter referred to as "tube body" or "stainless steel tube body")) are changed will be explained below. Furthermore, Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between 1 / tube body filling ratio and heat dissipation (heat generation), Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of tubes used to obtain a specific tube body filling ratio and the inner diameter of the shell, Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between 1 / tube body filling ratio and the ratio of Di (inner diameter of the shell) / L (tube body length), Figure 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the Di / L ratio and the pressure loss of the fluid on the shell side (pressure loss of the heat medium), and Figure 13 is a graph showing the relationship between 1 / tube body filling ratio and the baffle leakage / crossflow ratio.

[0066] However, for various specifications of the heating device 20, cases where the outer diameter and inner diameter of the stainless steel tube (support 1A) vary as shown in Table 1 are respectively set as Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3, and various studies are conducted. Specifically, Case 1 is set as the case where the outer diameter and inner diameter of the stainless steel tube are 27.2 mm and 23.2 mm, Case 2 is set as the case where the outer diameter and inner diameter are 34 mm and 30 mm, and Case 3 is set as the case where the outer diameter and inner diameter are 45 mm and 41 mm. In any case, the length of the stainless steel tube is set to 1000 mm (fixed).

[0067] [Table 1] Example Stainless steel pipe dimensions [mm] Tube arrangement pattern spacing [-] outer diameter inner diameter length 1 27.2 23.2 1000 Equilateral triangle arrangement 1.25 2 34 30 1000 3 45 41 1000

[0068] Furthermore, regarding the tube filling ratio and the Di / L ratio, when the outer diameter of the tube is set as do, the number of tubes is set as Nt, and the inner diameter of the shell (closed container) is set as Di, the tube filling ratio is calculated by the following formula: Tube filling ratio = Total tube cross-sectional area / Inner cross-sectional area of ​​the shell = Nt × do2 / Di2 (1)

[0069] Figure 9 shows the variation of heat dissipation (heat generation) (kW) relative to 1 / tube filling ratio in each of the three examples 1, 2, and 3 of the heating device 20. For each example 1, 2, and 3, the ideal region with lower shell-side pressure loss and higher heat exchange efficiency is a range where 1 / tube filling ratio ≤ 1.8. Furthermore, when calculating the heat dissipation (heat generation) (kW) shown in Figure 9, the inflow temperature of the heat transfer medium (argon) is set to 650°C, and the temperature of the heating element (temperature inside the tube) is set to 800°C.

[0070] Here, Figure 10 shows the relationship between the number of tubes used to maintain the tube filling ratio obtained by equation (1) above at a specific value and the inner diameter of the shell. The result shown in Figure 10 shows the relationship between the inner diameter of the shell and the number of tubes when the outer diameter do of the tube (support 1A) is set to a fixed (27.2) mm.

[0071] Furthermore, Figure 11 shows the variation of the Di / L ratio relative to the 1 / pipe filling ratio in Examples 1, 2, and 3, and Figure 12 shows the variation of the fluid pressure loss (pressure loss of the heat medium) on the shell side relative to the Di / L ratio. When the Di / L ratio exceeds 0.4, that is, when multiple baffles 28 are arranged in a short interval within the shell (closed container) 21, there is a tendency for the pressure loss of the heat medium to increase. Therefore, in order to suppress the pressure loss of the heat medium below a fixed value, the Di / L ratio must be suppressed to below 0.4. Assuming that an axial fan is used for the circulation of the heat medium, the ideal pressure loss of the heat medium is below 3000 Pa (305 mmHg). Conversely, when the Di / L ratio is below 0.15, the flow resistance of the heat medium may cause vibration of the piping. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the problem can be solved by placing an anti-intrusion plate 28A near the heat medium supply port 21d inside the sealed container (shell) 21.

[0072] Therefore, considering the results shown in Figures 9 to 12, the ideal range is the range shown in Figure 11 where the 1 / tube filling ratio is 1.8 or less and the Di / L ratio is 0.4 or less.

[0073] However, when the 1 / tube filling ratio exceeds 1.8, the heat medium will flow through the radial gap between the baffle 28 and the tube (support 1A) within the shell (closed container) 21 (this flow is referred to as "baffle leakage flow" or "ineffective flow"). When the flow rate of this baffle leakage flow exceeds 40% of the flow rate of the effective flow (hereinafter referred to as "cross flow") of the heat medium in the labyrinthine flow path 29 within the shell 21, the heat exchange efficiency will be significantly reduced. Here, Figure 13 shows the relationship between the baffle leakage flow / cross flow ratio and the 1 / tube filling ratio in each of Examples 1, 2, and 3.

[0074] Therefore, in order to ensure high heat exchange efficiency and suppress the pressure loss of the heat medium to below 3000 Pa, it is ideal to have a 1 / tube filling ratio of 1.8 or less and a baffle leakage / crossflow ratio of 0.4 or less, as shown in Figure 13.

[0075] <Second Embodiment> Next, based on FIG14, the heating device 20A of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0076] Figure 14 is a side sectional view of the heating device 20A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same elements as those shown in Figure 7 are labeled with the same symbols. Hereinafter, repeated descriptions of the same elements will be omitted.

[0077] The basic structure of the heating device 20A in this embodiment is the same as that of the heating device 20 in the first embodiment described above, except that the heater 2 is spirally wound around the outer periphery of each heating unit 1. The heating device 20A, like the heating device 20, is a batch heating device that intermittently supplies and discharges hydrogen relative to the sealed container 21.

[0078] In the heating device 20A of this embodiment, each heating unit 1 is heated from the outer periphery by the heater 2, but its function is the same as that of the heating device 20 of the above embodiment 1, and the same effect as that obtained by the heating device 20 can be obtained.

[0079] <Third Embodiment> Next, based on FIG15, the heating device 20B of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0080] Figure 15 is a side sectional view of the heating device 20B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same symbols are used to mark the same elements as those shown in Figure 7. Hereinafter, repeated descriptions of the same elements will be omitted.

[0081] The heating device 20B of this embodiment differs from the heating device 20 of the first embodiment in that: the support 1A (see Figure 1) contains a porous metal sintered body or a porous ceramic sintered body that allows hydrogen to pass through as the heating unit 1.

[0082] Next, the function of the heating device 20B will be explained.

[0083] First, with the switch valve 27 located at the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 open, a vacuum pump (not shown) connected to the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 is driven to reduce the pressure inside the sealed container 21 to a specific pressure. Next, hydrogen gas is supplied to the first space S1 of the sealed container 21 from the hydrogen supply nozzle 23, and a heat medium is supplied to the third space S3 of the sealed container 21 from the heat medium supply nozzle 26. In the heating device 20B, hydrogen gas flows inside each heating unit 1, and the heat medium flows outside each heating unit 1. This creates a hydrogen partial pressure difference between the inside and outside of each heating unit 1. Through this hydrogen partial pressure difference, hydrogen permeates through the multilayer membrane 1B of each heating unit 1 (see Figure 3), and the permeation of hydrogen causes each heating unit 1 to heat up. Specifically, hydrogen molecules are adsorbed on the inner peripheral surface of the multilayer membrane 1B of each heating unit 1, and the hydrogen molecules dissociate into two hydrogen atoms. Then, the dissociated hydrogen atoms enter (are absorbed) into the interior of the multilayer film 1B, and rebond on the outer peripheral surface of the multilayer film 1B (the surface in contact with the support 1A), and are released as hydrogen molecules. Thus, as the hydrogen atoms move from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface of the multilayer film 1B, they diffuse through the heterogeneous material interface 13 (see Figure 3) via quantum diffusion, or diffuse through the heterogeneous material interface 13, thereby heating each heating unit 1. The method of heating the heating unit 1 by utilizing the difference in hydrogen partial pressure to allow hydrogen to pass through is called permeation heating. In the permeation heating device 20B, hydrogen continuously passes through each heating unit 1, thus efficiently generating excess heat.

[0084] High-temperature hydrogen (permeable hydrogen) from each heating unit 1 flows into the third space S3 and is supplied to the third space S3 through the heat medium supply nozzle 26, where it exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the labyrinthine flow path 29 of the third space S3. The mixture of hydrogen and heat medium is discharged from the heat medium discharge nozzle 24 to the outside of the sealed container 21. Hydrogen that has not permeated through each heating unit 1 (non-permeable hydrogen) is discharged from the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 to the outside of the sealed container 21.

[0085] In the heating device 20B of this embodiment, similarly to the heating device 20 of the first embodiment, each heating unit 1 is heated from the inner periphery by the heater 2, and its function is the same as that of the heating device 20 of the first embodiment, achieving the same effect as that obtained by the heating device 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switch valve 27 is opened to discharge non-permeable hydrogen, but considering the need to generate a hydrogen pressure difference, it is also preferable to close the switch valve 27.

[0086] [Heat Utilization System] Next, the heat utilization system of the present invention will be described below based on FIG16.

[0087] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the heat utilization system of the present invention. The heat utilization system 30 shown in the figure includes the batch heating device 20, the heat utilization device 50, the temperature adjustment unit T, the hydrogen supply line L1, the hydrogen recovery line L2, the heat medium supply line L3, and the heat medium recovery line L4 shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the batch heating device 20 is used, but the batch heating device 20A or the permeable heating device 20B can also be used.

[0088] Hereinafter, the temperature adjustment unit T, hydrogen supply pipeline L1, hydrogen recovery pipeline L2, heat medium supply pipeline L3 and heat medium recovery pipeline L4 will be described respectively.

[0089] (Temperature Adjustment Unit) The temperature adjustment unit T adjusts the temperature of the heating unit 1 built into the heating device 20, maintaining the heating unit 1 at the most suitable heating temperature (e.g., 50°C to 1500°C). It includes a plurality of heaters 2 inserted into the interior of each heating unit 1, a power supply 31 that supplies power to the heaters 2, a temperature sensor 32 such as a thermocouple that detects the temperature of the heaters 2, and a control unit 33 that controls the output of the power supply 31 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32. Furthermore, the control unit 33 includes memory units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU uses programs and data stored in the ROM and RAM to perform various arithmetic operations.

[0090] (Hydrogen Supply Line) The hydrogen supply line L1 supplies cryogenic hydrogen to the first space S1 within the sealed container 21 via the hydrogen supply nozzle 23 through the supply pipe 34. The supply pipe 34 extends from the ejection side of the circulation pump 35, and a buffer tank 36, an electrically operated pressure regulating valve (pressure reducing valve) 37, and a filter 38 are installed along the middle of the supply pipe 34. Furthermore, the circulation pump 35 and the pressure regulating valve 37 are electrically connected to the control unit 33, and the operation of the circulation pump 35 and the pressure regulating valve 37 is controlled by the control signal output from the control unit 33. Moreover, a metal telescopic pump may be used as the circulation pump 35, for example.

[0091] The buffer tank 36 is used to temporarily store hydrogen and absorb fluctuations in the hydrogen flow rate. In addition, the pressure regulating valve 37 receives a control signal from the control unit 33 and adjusts its opening, thereby adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen supplied from the buffer tank 36 to the heating device 20.

[0092] Furthermore, the filter 38 is used to remove impurities contained in the hydrogen. Here, the amount of hydrogen passing through the multilayer membrane 1B of the heating unit 1 (hydrogen permeation) depends on the temperature of the heating unit 1, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the heating unit 1, and the surface condition of the inner peripheral surface of the heating unit 1. When the hydrogen contains impurities, sometimes the impurities will adhere to the inner peripheral surface of the heating unit 1, causing the surface condition of the heating unit 1 to deteriorate. When the surface condition of the heating unit 1 deteriorates, it will hinder the adsorption and dissociation of hydrogen molecules on the inner peripheral surface of the multilayer membrane 1B of the heating unit 1, resulting in a decrease in hydrogen permeation. Examples of substances that hinder the adsorption and dissociation of hydrogen molecules on the inner peripheral surface of the multilayer membrane 1B of the heating unit 1 include water (including water vapor), hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, methanol, ethanol, etc.), C, S, Si, etc.

[0093] The filter 38 removes water (including water vapor), hydrocarbons, C, S, Si and other impurities contained in hydrogen and heat medium, thereby suppressing the reduction of hydrogen permeation in the heating unit 1.

[0094] (Hydrogen recovery pipeline) The hydrogen recovery pipeline L2 is used to recover the hydrogen that flows into the second space S2 from the first space S1 of the self-heating device 20 through each heating unit 1 and send it back to the hydrogen supply pipeline L1. The recovery pipe 39 extending from the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 of the sealed container 21 is connected to the suction side of the circulation pump 35.

[0095] (Heat medium supply line) The heat medium supply line L3 supplies the heat medium discharged from the third space S3 of the self-heating device 20 to the heat utilization device 50. It extends from the heat medium discharge nozzle 24 of the sealed container 21 and is connected to the supply pipe 40 at the inlet side of the heat utilization device 50. Furthermore, a circulation pump 41 and a flow control valve 42 are installed along the supply pipe 40. Moreover, a metal telescopic pump or the like is used as the circulation pump 41, and a variable leakage valve or the like is used as the flow control valve 42.

[0096] (Heat medium recovery pipeline) The heat medium recovery pipeline L4 recovers the heat medium that has been supplied with heat to the heat utilization device 50 and sends it back to the third space S3 of the heating device 20. It has a recovery pipe 43, which extends from the outlet side of the heat utilization device 50 that utilizes the heat generated by the heating device 20 and is connected to the heat medium supply nozzle 26 of the sealed container 21.

[0097] Furthermore, as a heat utilization device 50, examples include a power generation device that converts heat energy into electrical energy. In addition, examples include heating devices for preheating combustion air to be supplied to a boiler, heating absorbent liquid for absorbing CO2 by chemical absorption, heating raw material gas containing CO2 and H2 in a methane manufacturing device, heat pump systems, heat transfer systems, and cooling (refrigeration) systems.

[0098] (Function of the heat utilization system) Next, the function of the heat utilization system 30 configured as described above will be explained.

[0099] When the circulation pump 35 is driven by the control signal from the control unit 33, the hydrogen ejected from the circulation pump 35 is introduced into the first space S1 of the heating device 20 through the supply pipe 34 of the supply pipeline L1 from the hydrogen supply nozzle 23. Furthermore, during the flow of hydrogen in the supply pipe 34, its pressure fluctuation is suppressed by the buffer tank 36, and its pressure is reduced to a specific value by the pressure regulating valve 37.

[0100] Furthermore, the plurality of heaters 2 installed in the heating device 20 heat each heating unit 1 to a specific temperature (e.g., 50°C to 1500°C) from the inner periphery by the electricity supplied from the power source 31. Moreover, as described above, the temperature of the heating unit 1 is adjusted to a specific temperature by the temperature adjustment unit T. Specifically, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32, the output of the power source 31 is controlled by the control unit 33, thereby adjusting the temperature of each heating unit 1 to an appropriate value.

[0101] As described above, in the batch heating device 20, excess heat is generated by absorbing and releasing hydrogen in each heating unit 1. The heating mechanism of the heating unit 1 has been described above (see Figure 4). Hydrogen gas is supplied to the sealed container 21 from the hydrogen supply nozzle 23. Hydrogen molecules are adsorbed on the inner peripheral surface of the multilayer film 1B of each heating unit 1. The hydrogen molecules dissociate into two hydrogen atoms, and the dissociated hydrogen atoms penetrate into the interior of the multilayer film 1B. The hydrogen atoms diffuse through the heterogeneous material interface 13 via quantum diffusion (see Figure 3), or diffuse through the heterogeneous material interface 13. That is, hydrogen is absorbed in the heating unit 1. Then, with the switch valve 27 connected to the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 open, a vacuum pump (not shown) connected to the hydrogen discharge nozzle 25 is driven to vent the sealed container 21. Each heater 2 heats each heating unit 1, thereby causing hydrogen atoms that have penetrated the interior of the multilayer film 1B to return to the inner periphery of the multilayer film 1B and re-bond, being released as hydrogen molecules. That is, hydrogen is released from the heating unit 1. During the process of hydrogen atoms returning to the inner periphery of the multilayer film 1B, hydrogen atoms diffuse through the heterogeneous material interface 13 (see Figure 3), or hydrogen atoms diffuse through the heterogeneous material interface 13. Therefore, the heating unit 1 generates heat by absorbing hydrogen and also by releasing hydrogen.

[0102] As described above, in the heating device 20, the hydrogen supplied to each heating unit 1 by means of absorption and release flows into the second space S2 in the sealed container 21. From the second space S2, it is sent back to the suction side of the circulation pump 35 through the recovery pipe 39 of the hydrogen recovery pipeline L2. After the circulation pump 35 pressurizes it to a certain pressure, it is sent out to the supply pipe 34 of the hydrogen supply pipeline L1. Thereafter, it circulates through the same path for the heating of multiple heating units 1 and heat exchange with the heat medium.

[0103] On the other hand, when the circulation pump 41 installed in the supply pipe 40 of the heat medium supply line L3 is driven, the heat medium continuously circulates in a closed loop formed by the supply pipe 40, the heat utilization device 50, the recovery pipe 43, and the labyrinthine flow path 29 formed in the third space S3 of the heating device 20. That is, the heat medium introduced from the heat medium supply nozzle 26 through the recovery pipe 43 into the third space S3 of the sealed container 21 flows in the labyrinthine flow path 29 of the third space S3 and is heated by heat exchange with the plurality of heating units 1, thereby efficiently recovering the heat generated by the plurality of heating units 1.

[0104] As described above, the heat medium that has recovered the heat generated by the plurality of heating units 1 is discharged from the heat medium discharge nozzle 24 to the supply pipe 40, and then supplied to the heat utilization device 50 via the circulation pump 41 and flow control valve 42 installed in the supply pipe 40, thus supplying the recovered heat to the heat utilization device 50. In this way, the heat supplied by the heat medium is used as a heat source to drive the heat utilization device 50 to perform the functions required for power generation, etc. Then, the heat medium used to drive the heat utilization device 50 and whose temperature drops is discharged from the heat utilization device 50 to the recovery pipe 43, and then introduced into the third space S3 of the heating device 20 via the heat medium supply nozzle 26 through the recovery pipe 43. After that, the same function is repeatedly performed to continuously recover the heat generated by the plurality of heating units 1 and supply it to the heat utilization device 50.

[0105] Furthermore, the hydrogen used for heating the heating unit 1 by absorption and release in the heating device 20 is discharged from the second space S2 of the sealed container 21, sent back to the hydrogen supply line L1 through the hydrogen recovery line L2, and supplied to the first space S1 of the sealed container 21 again for heating the heating unit 1 and heat exchange between the heat generated by the heating unit 1 and the heat medium. Afterward, it repeatedly performs the same function.

[0106] According to the heat utilization system 30 of the present invention, which functions as described above, the heat generated by the high-output heating device 20, which also functions as a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, is efficiently recovered by the heat medium, thereby achieving the effect of effectively utilizing the heat recovered by the heat medium to drive the heat utilization device 50.

[0107] Furthermore, the heat utilization system 30 having the batch heating device 20 of the first embodiment shown in FIG7 has been described above. However, the heat utilization system of the present invention can also achieve the same effect as described above by including the batch heating device 20A of the second embodiment shown in FIG14 or the through heating device 20B of the third embodiment shown in FIG15.

[0108] Undoubtedly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and variations can be made within the scope of the patent application, the specification and the drawings. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0017] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the heating unit of the present invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view along line AA of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged detailed view of part B of Figure 2 showing the structure of the multilayer film of the heating unit of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanism of excess heat generation in the multilayer film of the heating unit of the present invention. Figure 5 is a sectional view showing a variation 1 of the multilayer film of the heating unit of the present invention. Figure 6 is a sectional view showing a variation 2 of the multilayer film of the heating unit of the present invention. Figure 7 is a side sectional view of the heating device of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a sectional view along line CC of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the 1 / tube filling ratio and the heat dissipation (heat generation). Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of tubes used to obtain a specific tube filling ratio and the inner diameter of the shell. Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the 1 / tube filling ratio and the ratio Di (inner diameter of the shell) / L (tube length). Figure 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the Di / L ratio and the fluid pressure loss on the shell side. Figure 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the 1 / pipe filling ratio and the baffle leakage / crossflow ratio. Figure 14 is a side sectional view of the heating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a side sectional view of the heating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the structure of the heat utilization system of the present invention. Figure 17 is a sectional view showing the basic structure of the heating device having a flat heating element. Figure 18 is a schematic sectional view showing variations of the heating element of the heating device shown in Figure 17.

Claims

1. A heating device comprising: a plurality of heating units, wherein the heating units are formed by forming a multilayer film on the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical support body to generate heat by the absorption and release of hydrogen; wherein a plurality of partitions divide a sealed container into a first space, a second space and a third space along the axial direction; wherein the plurality of heating units pass through the partitions; wherein the axial ends of the plurality of heating units open into the first space and the second space at the axial ends of the sealed container, respectively; and wherein a heater for heating each heating unit is provided; wherein the support body is made of stainless steel (SUS) and does not allow hydrogen to pass through.

2. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heater is constituted by a heating wire, and the heating wire is disposed inside the heating unit.

3. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heater is constituted by a heating wire, and the heating wire is wound around the outer periphery of the support of the heating unit.

4. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a labyrinthine flow path is formed in the aforementioned third space by means of a plurality of baffles.

5. A heat utilization system comprising: a heating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4; a hydrogen supply line supplying hydrogen to the first space of the heating device; a hydrogen recovery line recovering hydrogen discharged from the second space of the heating device and returning it to the hydrogen supply line; a heat utilization device utilizing heat generated in the heating device; a heat medium supply line supplying heat medium discharged from the third space of the heating device to the heat utilization device; and a heat medium recovery line recovering heat medium discharged from the heat utilization device and returning it to the third space of the heating device.

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