Lead-acid battery regeneration method, lead-acid battery regeneration device, and lead-acid battery

Abstract

To provide a technology for regenerating a lead-acid battery while being still in operation.SOLUTION: Electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy that dissociates lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions are emitted from outside the lead-acid battery so as to reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for recovering the capacity of a lead-acid battery that is reduced due to the deposition of lead sulfate crystals on the electrodes of the battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Repeated use and over-discharge of lead-acid batteries can cause sulfation, a phenomenon in which lead sulfate crystals adhere to the electrodes, reducing the battery capacity. Patent Documents 1 to 7 disclose methods for recovering the decrease in battery capacity caused by the adhesion of lead sulfate crystals to the electrodes of a lead-acid battery by applying a high-frequency voltage between the electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2000-156247 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2004-134139 [Patent Document 3] WO2004 / 030137 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2007-080552 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2011-171007 [Patent Document 6] Patent Publication No. 2019-057376 [Patent Document 7] Patent Publication No. 2002-190329 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the methods of Patent Documents 1 to 7 apply a high-frequency voltage between the electrodes, and therefore the high-frequency current sneaks in and affects existing electrical circuits such as converters and inverters that are installed for charging and discharging. For this reason, the conventional methods require that the charge / discharge circuits such as the existing converters and inverters be disconnected before carrying out the regeneration work of the lead-acid battery to remove sulfation, which poses a problem in that the regeneration work cannot be carried out while the lead-acid battery is operating in the existing charge / discharge circuits.

[0005] Furthermore, when applying a voltage to an electrode, there is a limit to the frequency that can be applied, and applying frequencies above the microwave band is difficult in view of the structure of the power supply line and electrodes. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a technique for regenerating a lead-acid battery while the lead-acid battery is in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for regenerating a lead-acid battery, in which electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy that dissociates lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions are irradiated from outside the lead-acid battery so as to reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery.

[0007] This method can promote the dissociation of lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrodes without affecting the operation of existing electrical circuits provided for charging and discharging the lead-acid battery, and can also suppress the attachment of lead sulfate crystals to the electrodes, thereby enabling the lead-acid battery to be regenerated while still in operation and extending its lifespan.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a lead-acid battery recycling device, comprising an irradiation unit (2) and a power supply circuit unit (3). The irradiation unit irradiates electromagnetic waves set at a frequency that provides energy to dissociate lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions, and includes a plurality of irradiation devices attached to the housing of the lead-acid battery so that the irradiated electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery. The power supply circuit unit is configured to drive the irradiation unit.

[0009] According to this configuration, the aforementioned method for regenerating a lead-acid battery can be implemented, and the same effects as those of the aforementioned method can be obtained. One aspect of the present disclosure is a lead-acid battery comprising a plurality of electrodes (111, 112), one or more separators (114), and a battery case (115). The separators are disposed between the plurality of electrodes and configured to prevent short circuits between the electrodes. The battery case is configured to house the plurality of electrodes and the one or more separators together with an electrolyte. The battery case also includes one or more windows (116) formed of a material that transmits ultraviolet light.

[0010] With this configuration, ultraviolet light used to regenerate the lead-acid battery can efficiently reach the electrodes, thereby improving the regeneration efficiency of the lead-acid battery.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure is a terahertz wave generator comprising a reverse excitation radiation unit (71) and a heater unit (72). The reverse excitation radiation unit has an excitation material (711) that is vibrationally excited when heated, transitioning to a higher vibrational energy level and emitting terahertz waves when transitioning to a lower vibrational energy level. The heater unit is configured to irradiate the reverse excitation radiation unit with infrared light to heat the excitation material. The terahertz waves generated in this manner include electromagnetic waves that dissociate lead sulfate molecules.

[0012] According to such a configuration, terahertz waves can be generated without using electronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and laser diodes, and the lead-acid battery 110 can be regenerated using the generated terahertz waves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lead-acid battery regeneration device according to first to fourth embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an attached state of the irradiation device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lead-acid battery regeneration device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the action of multiphoton transition. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a lead-acid battery. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a potential curve of a general ion-bonded molecule. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing that in a typical ion-bonded molecule, the shape of the potential curve changes depending on whether the outermost electron of either a cation or an anion is in the ground state or in the excited state. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing the potential curves for lead cations and sulfate anions, taking into account the influence of hydration enthalpy, along with the vibrational energy levels and the dissociation process of lead sulfate molecules in aqueous solution. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing the results of spectroscopic analysis performed to confirm the frequency at which the bond between the lead cation and sulfate anion that constitute a lead sulfate molecule transitions to a higher vibrational energy level. [Figure 10] This is a conceptual diagram of dielectric polarization occurring in a lead sulfate solution. [Figure 11] 1 is a graph showing the measurement results of a spectroscopic analysis performed to confirm the frequency at which the outermost electron of a lead cation transitions from the ground energy level to an excited energy level. [Figure 12] 1 is a graph showing the measurement results of a spectroscopic analysis carried out to confirm the frequency at which the bond between sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms constituting a sulfate anion vibrates. [Figure 13] 1 is a graph showing the measurement results of a spectroscopic analysis carried out to confirm the frequency at which the bond between sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms constituting a sulfate anion vibrates. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the states of molecules, ions, and atoms that constitute a lead-acid battery during charging and discharging, and when lead sulfate crystallization occurs. [Figure 15] 1 is a graph showing the measurement results of spectroscopic analysis performed to confirm the broadening of the absorption spectrum due to the crystallinity of the electron excitation resonance absorption frequency of lead sulfate. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a lead storage battery used in a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an irradiation unit in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of an irradiation unit in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a modified example of the irradiation unit. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing other methods of attaching the irradiation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [About lead-acid batteries] A lead-acid battery 110 to which the lead-acid battery regeneration device 1 is applied will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the lead-acid battery 110 is a so-called vented lead-acid battery, which is configured by inserting a plurality of electrode plates 111 and 112 into a battery case 115 containing an electrolyte 113.

[0015] Lead (i.e., Pb) is used for the electrode plate 111 that serves as the cathode (hereinafter simply referred to as the cathode). Lead dioxide (i.e., PbO2) is used for the electrode plate 112 that serves as the anode (hereinafter simply referred to as the anode). Dilute sulfuric acid (i.e., H2SO4 + H2O) is used for the electrolyte 113 that promotes the oxidation-reduction of these electrode plates 111 and 112.

[0016] In the lead-acid battery 110, the chemical reaction occurring at the anode 112 is expressed by formula (1), and the chemical reaction occurring at the cathode 111 is expressed by formula (2). Both the chemical reactions of formulas (1) and (2) proceed from left to right when the lead-acid battery 110 is discharged, and proceed from right to left when the lead-acid battery 110 is charged. In other words, the lead-acid battery 110 is a secondary battery that can be used repeatedly by charging and discharging.

[0017]

number

[0018] As shown in the left and center of Figure 14, lead sulfate (i.e., PbSO4) generated during discharge, if it is in the form of a single molecule, will be mixed with metallic crystalline lead that constitutes the cathode 111, lead dioxide that constitutes the anode 112, and sulfate anions (i.e., SO4 2- ) Lead sulfate molecules that adhere to the electrode plates 111 and 112 crystallize due to repeated charge / discharge cycles or overdischarge. In particular, the cathode 111 has a porous, spongy structure, making it easy for lead sulfate crystals to adhere to it. The lead sulfate crystals that adhere to the electrode plates 111 and 112 cannot return to lead, lead dioxide, and sulfate anions during charging, resulting in the state shown on the right side of Figure 14. Furthermore, lead sulfate crystals are non-conductors, and lead sulfate crystals that adhere to the electrode plates 111 and 112 reduce the area of ​​the electrode plates 111 and 112 that participates in the reaction, thereby reducing charge / discharge efficiency and battery capacity.

[0019] [Dissociation of lead sulfate molecules] The lead sulfate molecule consists of sulfate anions and lead cations (i.e., Pb 2+ ) are ionic bonds. Of these, sulfate anions are covalently bonded between sulfur (i.e., S) and oxygen (i.e., O) atoms. Lead dioxide (i.e., PbO2) that makes up the anode 112 is covalently bonded between lead (i.e., Pb) and oxygen atoms. Metallic lead that makes up the cathode 111 has lead atoms metallically bonded. However, ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and metallic bonds are not necessarily clearly distinguishable, and actual bonds combine the properties of each bond. Although the SO bond is a covalent bond, it also has elements of an ionic bond and has an electric dipole moment, which causes the absorption of electromagnetic waves due to vibration between atoms.

[0020] The lead sulfate molecules attached to the electrode plates 111 and 112 are in a low-energy state and are stable. When these lead sulfate molecules absorb energy, they transition to a higher-energy state, and sulfate anions dissolve (dissociate) in the solution as hydrated ions. In other words, the chemical reactions shown in (1) and (2) proceed from the right side to the left side. When the lead-acid battery 110 is in a discharged state, the dissolved sulfate anions return to low-energy lead sulfate molecules and attach to the electrode plates 111 and 112 again. However, when the lead-acid battery 110 is in a charged state, they are retained in the solution as sulfate anions.

[0021] Dissociation using photon energy is called photodissociation, dissociation using infrared absorption is called infrared multiphoton dissociation, and dissociation using thermal energy due to molecular vibrations, etc. is called thermal dissociation. Hereinafter, the frequency of photons (i.e., electromagnetic waves) that cause photodissociation is called the electronic excitation resonance absorption frequency, and the absorption frequency of electromagnetic waves that matches the quantized vibrational energy level of a polarized ion pair is called the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency. Furthermore, the frequency of electromagnetic waves that vibrates a polarized ion pair and is lower than the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency is called the following vibrational absorption frequency. The process by which an ion pair that absorbs electromagnetic waves (infrared rays) at the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency undergoes repeated transitions to higher vibrational energy levels is called infrared multiphoton dissociation. The process by which an ion pair that is heated by vibration undergoes repeated transitions to higher vibrational energy levels due to thermal energy is called thermal dissociation. Methods for heating ion pairs by vibration include irradiating them with electromagnetic waves at the frequency of the ion pair's vibrational absorption, and irradiating them with the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency of one of the ions constituting the ion pair.

[0022] When the battery is in a discharging state, the dissociated lead cations and sulfate anions return to lead sulfate molecules in a lower energy state. In other words, the chemical reactions shown in (1) and (2) proceed from the left side to the right side. However, in a lead-acid battery 110 during charging, lead sulfate becomes the ionic state shown on the left side of the chemical reactions shown in (1) and (2), with the lead cations fixed to the cathode and anode and the sulfate anions dissolving into the solution. Note that this state remains stable when the electrodes are disconnected from the charge / discharge circuit.

[0023] The relationship between the interionic distance of an ionic molecule and the level of its energy state is expressed by a potential curve. As shown in Figure 6, the potential energy PE of an ionic molecule is a combination of the nearby repulsive force P1 due to the Pauli exclusion principle and the electrostatic attractive force P2 due to electromagnetic interaction, forming a curve with a minimum value. The position of this minimum value is the most stable interionic distance. The interionic distance represents, for example, the distance to the anion based on the position of the cation.

[0024] As shown in Figure 7, the shape of the potential curve changes depending on the excited state of the outermost electron of the anion. When the outermost electrons of both the cation and anion are in the ground state, the potential curve PE0 has a minimum value, and a so-called potential well always appears. When the outermost electron of the anion is in an excited state, the potential well becomes shallow as shown in potential curve PE1, and when it is excited to a higher energy level, the potential well disappears as shown in potential curve PE2. Note that, depending on the ion pair, an excited state such that the potential curve becomes PE1 does not necessarily exist, and in some cases only an excited state such that the potential curve becomes PE2 may occur.

[0025] Figures 6 and 7 show potential curves for typical ionic molecules when they dissociate into a gaseous state. When an ionic molecule dissociates, i.e., dissolves, in an aqueous solution, the energy required for dissociation is reduced due to the enthalpy of hydration.

[0026] In addition, ionic molecules have vibrational energy like harmonic oscillators, and this vibrational energy takes on discrete values ​​called vibrational energy levels. When ionic molecules receive external energy and are excited to a higher vibrational energy level, the potential energy increases, and the amplitude of the vibration of the interionic distance increases.

[0027] Figure 8 is a graph showing the potential curves PE0 and PE2 of a lead sulfate molecule in which a lead cation and a sulfate anion are ionic-bonded. Note that the potential curves PE0 and PE2 shown in Figure 8 reflect the influence of hydration enthalpy (i.e., in an aqueous solution), and also show the vibrational energy levels in the potential curve PE0. The dotted lines represent the potential curves PE0 and PE2 when the influence of hydration enthalpy is not reflected.

[0028] The vibrational energy is expressed by equation (3), and the vibrational energy level is identified by v.

[0029]

number

[0030] Four methods for dissociating lead sulfate molecules in an aqueous solution are explained using Figure 8. The horizontal axis in Figure 8 represents the position of either lead cations or sulfate anions relative to the position of the other.

[0031] (1) Irradiate the sample with electromagnetic waves of vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa. The vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa is a frequency that has the effect of transitioning the bond between the lead cation and sulfate anion that make up the lead sulfate molecule to a higher vibrational energy level.

[0032] In this case, as shown by path R1 in Figure 8, the bond between the lead cation and sulfate anion absorbs the light energy obtained by irradiation with electromagnetic waves and transitions to successively higher vibrational energy levels as shown by path R3 in Figure 8. As the vibrational energy level rises, the amplitude of the vibration of the bond between the lead cation and sulfate anion increases, and when it overcomes the well in the potential curve, it reaches dissociation (i.e., infrared multiphoton dissociation).

[0033] Figure 9 shows the results of spectroscopic analysis performed to confirm the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa of lead sulfate. In the spectroscopic analysis, powder measurement on a Di-ATR was used to determine absorbance in the range from 37,500 nm (i.e., 8.0 THz) to 130,000 nm (i.e., 2.3 THz). In powder measurement, the measurement target is measured in powder form. In addition to lead sulfate, strontium sulfate (i.e., SrSO4), barium sulfate (i.e., BaSO4), and silver sulfate (i.e., Ag2SO4) were used for comparison. The measurement targets were the same as those used in the other spectroscopic analyses described below.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, lead sulfate exhibits absorption at 66,660 [nm] (i.e., 4.5 [THz]). Absorption at this frequency is not observed in sulfates other than lead sulfate. Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram of the dielectric polarization that occurs in lead sulfate aqueous solution. From Figure 10, it is estimated that the absorption that occurs in lead sulfate around 4 [THz] is caused by ionic polarization of lead sulfate. From these results, the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa is set to fa = 4.5 [THz].

[0035] (2) Irradiate electromagnetic waves with an electronic excitation resonance absorption frequency fb. The electronic excitation resonance absorption frequency fb is a frequency that causes the outermost electron of the lead cation to transition from a state in which the outermost electron is at the ground energy level and the vibrational energy level of the lead cation is at zero-point energy to a state in which the outermost electron of the lead cation is at an excited energy level. The excited energy level to which the transition occurs is, for example, a state corresponding to a potential curve PE2 that does not have a minimum value.

[0036] In this case, the lead cation absorbs the light energy obtained by the irradiation of the electromagnetic wave, transitions to an excited energy level, and causes the dissociation of the lead sulfate molecule, as shown by path R2 in Figure 8. Furthermore, due to the action of photons with energy lower than R2 by the vibrational energy level ν=1, the cation transitions to the vibrational energy level ν=1, which corresponds to the difference frequency, as shown by path R4 in Figure 8.

[0037] Figures 11 and 15 show the results of spectroscopic analysis performed to confirm the electronic excitation resonance absorption frequency fb of lead sulfate. In the spectroscopic analysis that yielded the results in Figure 11, the transmittance was measured using an integrating sphere in the wavelength range of 185 nm (i.e., 1621 THz) to 900 nm (i.e., 333 THz) for a lead sulfate suspension and a suspension of two types of sulfates (i.e., strontium sulfate and barium sulfate). In the spectroscopic analysis that yielded the results in Figure 15, the absorbance was measured using an integrating sphere in the wavelength range of 185 nm to 900 nm for a lead sulfate suspension, lead sulfate powder, and lead sulfate crystals.

[0038] As shown in Figure 11, lead sulfate exhibits absorption at 208 nm. Electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 208 nm are ultraviolet, equivalent to a frequency of 1441 THz. Absorption at this wavelength does not occur in sulfates other than lead sulfate. Therefore, the absorption measured at 208 nm is specific to lead sulfate. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, lead sulfate suspension exhibits a steep absorption spectrum at 208 nm, lead sulfate powder exhibits a broad absorption spectrum from 208 nm to 226 nm, and lead sulfate crystal exhibits a broad absorption spectrum from 208 nm to 290 nm. Based on these results, the resonant frequency fb is determined to be in the range of fb = 1441 THz (i.e., 208 nm) to 1034 THz (i.e., 290 nm).

[0039] (3) Irradiating electromagnetic waves with a vibration-following absorption frequency fc. The vibration-following absorption frequency fc is a frequency lower than the vibration excitation resonance absorption frequency fa and is set in a frequency band that vibrates the ionically bonded lead sulfate molecules, i.e., the bonds between lead cations and sulfate anions that constitute the lead sulfate molecules.

[0040] In this case, the lead sulfate molecules vibrate in response to the vibrations of the electromagnetic field generated by the irradiated electromagnetic waves, generating heat. The thermal energy gained by the vibration causes the sulfate anions to transition to successively higher vibrational energy levels, as shown by path R3 in Figure 8. As the vibrational energy level rises, the amplitude of the sulfate anions' vibrations increases, and once they overcome the well in the potential curve, the lead sulfate molecules dissociate (i.e., thermal dissociation).

[0041] The frequency band that produces this effect is the far-infrared to millimeter-wave frequency band, which is lower than the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa. However, in frequency bands lower than 0.1 [THz], absorption occurs due to the orientation polarization of water, and in frequency bands higher than 1 [THz], the transmittance of water decreases. For these reasons, the vibrational absorption frequency fc is set within the range of 0.1 [THz] to 1 [THz], for example, fc = 0.3 [THz].

[0042] (4) Irradiate with electromagnetic waves of vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd. The vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd is the frequency that causes SO vibration in sulfate anions. SO vibration refers to the vibration of covalently bonded sulfur and oxygen atoms. Note that Figure 8 depicts lead cations and sulfate anions, but in the case of SO vibration, it should be interpreted as oxygen anions and sulfur anions. The oxygen and sulfur that make up sulfate anions are covalently bonded, but as explained above, they also have an element of ionic bonding, making this interpretation possible.

[0043] In this case, heat is generated as the vibration of the sulfate anions increases when they absorb electromagnetic waves at the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd. The thermal energy obtained from the vibration of the sulfate anions causes the lead sulfate molecules to transition to successively higher vibrational energy levels, as shown by path R3 in Figure 8. As the vibrational energy level increases, the amplitude of the vibration of the sulfate anions increases, and once they overcome the well in the potential curve, the lead sulfate molecules dissociate (i.e., thermal dissociation).

[0044] Figures 12 and 13 show the results of spectroscopic analysis performed to confirm the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd. For the measurements, lead sulfate powder and three types of sulfate powder (i.e., strontium sulfate, barium sulfate, and silver sulfate) were used. In the spectroscopic analysis that yielded the results in Figure 12, the absorbance was measured in the wavelength range of 2500 nm (i.e., 120 THz) to 100,000 nm (i.e., 3 THz) using powder measurement on a Di-ATR. In the spectroscopic analysis that yielded the results in Figure 13, the reflectance was measured in the wavelength range of 240 nm (i.e., 1249 THz) to 2600 nm (i.e., 115 THz) using an integrating sphere.

[0045] Lead sulfate exhibits absorption at 18 [THz], 31.5 [THz], and 135 [THz] (i.e., 2215 [nm]). Other sulfates besides lead sulfate also exhibit absorption at approximately the same frequencies. From this, it is presumed that the absorption is due to the bond between sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms, a structure common to lead sulfate and other sulfates. From these results, the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd is set to fd = 18 [THz], 31.5 [THz], or 135 [THz].

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] The lead-acid battery recycling device (hereinafter referred to as the recycling device) 1 is attached to a lead-acid battery 110 that constitutes an uninterruptible power supply, and regenerates the lead-acid battery 110 that has deteriorated due to sulfation, and also suppresses deterioration of the lead-acid battery 110 due to sulfation. Note that the lead-acid battery 110 to which the recycling device 1 is applied is not limited to that for uninterruptible power supplies, and may be, for example, a lead-acid battery mounted in an automobile.

[0047] 1, a lead-acid battery 110, together with a converter 120 and an inverter 130, constitutes a charging / discharging facility 100. The charging / discharging facility 100 is inserted into a power line that supplies power from an AC power source 200 to a load facility 300, and constitutes an uninterruptible power supply that can continue to supply power to the load facility 300 even if the supply of AC power from the AC power source 200 is temporarily interrupted.

[0048] The AC power source 200 may be, for example, a commercial power source or a power generation facility such as a generator. The load facility 300 is an electrical facility that needs to continue operating even during a power outage. The lead storage battery 110 is connected to an AC power source 200 via a converter 120 and is also connected to a load facility 300 via an inverter 130 .

[0049] The converter 120 converts AC power supplied from the AC power source 200 into DC power (that is, AC / DC conversion) and charges the lead storage battery 110. The inverter 130 converts the DC power supplied from the lead storage battery 110 into AC power (that is, DC / AC conversion), and supplies it to the load equipment 300.

[0050] As described with reference to FIG. 5, the lead-acid battery 110 is a so-called vented lead-acid battery (also called a liquid battery) configured by inserting multiple electrode plates 111, 112 into a battery case 115 containing an electrolyte 113. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the lead-acid battery 110 includes multiple separators 114. The separators 114 are components that prevent short circuits between the electrode plates 111, 112 and retain the electrolyte 113 to ensure ionic conductivity between the electrode plates 111, 112. The battery case 115 is configured using, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (hereinafter, ABS) resin or polypropylene (hereinafter, PP) resin. The separators 114 are configured using, for example, polyethylene, fine silica powder, or the like.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 1, the reproducing device 1 includes an irradiation unit 2, a power supply circuit unit 3, and a power supply unit 4. The irradiation unit 2 includes a plurality of irradiation devices 21 attached to the housing of the lead storage battery 110. The irradiation devices 21 may be, for example, light-emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs), laser diodes (hereinafter referred to as LDs), solid-state lasers, discharge lamps, or the like.

[0052] 2, the irradiation device 21 is arranged so that the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device 21 reach the cathode 111 and the anode 112 immersed in the electrolyte 113 of the lead-acid battery 110. Specifically, the irradiation device 21 is arranged so that the electromagnetic waves are incident on each gap between the plurality of cathodes 111 and anodes 112 stacked with separators 114 interposed therebetween.

[0053] The power supply circuit unit 3 converts the power supplied from the power supply unit 4 into power for driving the irradiation unit 2 and supplies it to the irradiation unit 2. The power supply unit 4 supplies power to the power supply circuit unit 3. However, the power supply unit 4 may be a power supply that supplies AC power or a power supply that supplies DC power. When supplying AC power, the power supply unit 4 may be integrated with the AC power supply 200. When supplying DC power, the power supply unit 4 may be a battery provided separately from the lead storage battery 110.

[0054] Furthermore, the irradiation device 21 may be, for example, a device that requires driving with a DC voltage, such as a light-emitting diode or a laser diode, or may be a device that requires driving with a high frequency and high voltage, such as an excimer lamp.

[0055] In other words, the power supply circuit unit 3 may be an AC / DC converter, an AC / AC converter, a DC / DC converter, or a DC / AC converter, depending on whether the power supply unit 4 supplies AC power or DC power, and whether the irradiation device 21 is driven by a DC voltage or an AC voltage.

[0056] In this embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the irradiation device 21 is set to a vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa=4.5 [THz], which transitions the bond between the lead cation and sulfate anion constituting the lead sulfate molecule to a higher vibrational energy level.

[0057] [1-2. Effect] When irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the irradiation device 21, the lead sulfate molecules in the lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrode plates 111 and 112 undergo dissociation (i.e., infrared multiphoton dissociation) as the bonds between the lead cations and sulfate anions that make up the lead sulfate molecules undergo a stepwise transition to higher vibrational energy levels. At this time, as shown on the left side of equations (1) and (2), the lead cations generated by the dissociation chemically change into lead dioxide in the anode 112 or lead in the metallic crystals in the cathode 111. The sulfate anions generated by the dissociation dissolve in the aqueous solution.

[0058] This reaction occurs while the lead-acid battery 110 is being charged, and therefore the reactions that proceed on the right-hand sides of equations (1) and (2) due to the dissociated ions are suppressed, allowing for efficient dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules and charging of the lead-acid battery 110. In addition, the lead sulfate molecules that have transitioned to a high vibrational energy level experience increased vibration of the inter-ionic distance between the lead cations and sulfate anions, and this vibration deforms the lead sulfate crystals at high frequency.

[0059] [1-3.Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects are achieved. (1a) The regeneration device 1 irradiates the electrode plates 111, 112 with electromagnetic waves to promote dissociation of lead sulfate crystals that have adhered to the electrode plates 111, 112, which are the cause of reduced capacity in lead-acid batteries. Therefore, the regeneration device 1 can regenerate electrode plates 111, 112 that have deteriorated due to the adhesion of lead sulfate crystals, which are non-conductors, i.e., whose effective area for causing a chemical reaction has become narrow. Furthermore, the regeneration device 1 can prevent lead sulfate crystals from adhering to the electrode plates 111, 112, thereby extending the life of the lead-acid battery 110.

[0060] (1b) The regeneration device 1 uses irradiation of electromagnetic waves and can be operated without affecting the operation of existing electrical circuits such as the converter 120 and inverter 130 that are provided for charging and discharging the lead-acid battery 110. Therefore, the regeneration device 1 can regenerate the lead-acid battery 110 while operating the lead-acid battery 110.

[0061] (1c) In the regeneration device 1, when electromagnetic waves for regeneration are applied to the lead-acid battery 110 while the battery is being charged, lead cations and lead sulfate ions dissociated by the application of electromagnetic waves can be prevented from returning to lead sulfate molecules, thereby enabling efficient charging and regeneration of the lead-acid battery 110.

[0062] (1d) The regeneration device 1 irradiates only electromagnetic waves having a frequency necessary for dissociating lead sulfate, thereby preventing damage to the electrode plates 111, 112 caused by molecular vibrations due to unnecessary photon absorption that do not contribute to the dissociation of lead sulfate.

[0063] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1. Differences from the first embodiment] The second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference will be made to the preceding description.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic wave irradiated by the irradiation device 21 is different from that in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the irradiation device 21 is set to a frequency lower than the vibration excitation resonance absorption frequency fa=4.5 [THz] used in the first embodiment, and is set to a vibration absorption frequency fc in the range of 0.1 [THz] to 1 [THz] that has the effect of vibrating the bonds of ionically polarized lead sulfate molecules, i.e., lead cations and sulfate anions that constitute the lead sulfate molecules. For example, fc=0.3 [THz] is used.

[0065] [2-2. Effect] The lead sulfate molecules in the lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrode plates 111 and 112 generate heat by vibrating in response to the vibration of the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation device 21. This heat generation causes the bonds between the lead cations and sulfate anions that constitute the lead sulfate molecules to gradually transition to higher vibrational energy levels, resulting in dissociation (i.e., thermal dissociation). Except for the type of vibration generated in the lead sulfate molecules, this embodiment operates in the same way as the first embodiment.

[0066] [2-3. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the effects (1a) to (1d) of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are also achieved.

[0067] (2a) In this embodiment, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the electrode plates 111 and 112 is a vibration-following absorption frequency fc, which is higher than the absorption frequency due to the orientation polarization of water molecules and lower than the vibration absorption frequency fa of ionically polarized lead sulfate molecules. Electromagnetic waves with such a vibration-following absorption frequency fc are not attenuated by the absorption due to the orientation polarization of water molecules, and the energy of the electromagnetic waves can be used efficiently for the vibration of lead sulfate molecules.

[0068] 3. Third Embodiment [3-1. Differences from the first embodiment] The third embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference will be made to the preceding description.

[0069] In the third embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the irradiation device 21 is different from those of the first and second embodiments. Also, the structure of the battery case 115 of the lead storage battery 110 and the material of the separator 114 are different.

[0070] In this embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the irradiation device 21 is set to an electron excitation resonance absorption frequency fb, which has the effect of transitioning the outermost electron of the lead cation from the ground energy level to the excited energy level. Specifically, fb=1441 [THz] to 1034 [THz]. These frequencies belong to the ultraviolet light known as UV-C.

[0071] 16, the battery case 115a of the lead-acid battery 110a has a window 116 at a location where the irradiation device 21 is attached. The window 116 is made of a material that transmits the electromagnetic waves emitted by the irradiation device 21, such as quartz glass. The separator 114, like the window portion 116, is made of a material that transmits the electromagnetic waves emitted by the irradiation device 21, such as quartz wool.

[0072] [3-2. Effect] In the battery case 115a, materials such as ABS resin or PP resin are used for the portions other than the window portion 116, and these materials have low transmittance of ultraviolet light. In addition, the separator 114 is located in the path of ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation device 21 toward the electrode plates 111 and 112 through the window portion 116. In other words, because the window portion 116 and the separator 114 are made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation device 21 efficiently reaches the electrodes.

[0073] When ultraviolet light is irradiated by the irradiation device 21, the lead cations in the lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrode plates 111 and 112 transition to an energy level where the outermost electron is excited, causing the lead sulfate molecules to dissociate (i.e., photodissociate).

[0074] [3-3. Effects] According to the third embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the effects (1a) to (1d) of the first embodiment described above, the following effect is also achieved.

[0075] (3a) Unlike the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa used in the first embodiment, the electronic excitation resonance absorption frequency fb, which has high water permeability, is used, so that dissociation of lead sulfate molecules and, ultimately, regeneration of the lead-acid battery 110 can be performed efficiently.

[0076] (3b) Since the components along the path from the irradiation device 21 to the electrode plates 111, 112 are made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays can efficiently reach the electrode plates 111, 112, thereby improving the regeneration efficiency of the lead-acid battery 110.

[0077] [4. Fourth Embodiment] [4-1. Differences from the first embodiment] The fourth embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference is made to the preceding description.

[0078] In the fourth embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the irradiation device 21 is different from that in the first to third embodiments. In the first to third embodiments, the frequency is set to a frequency that acts on ionically bonded lead sulfate molecules. In the fourth embodiment, the frequency is set to a frequency that acts on the bond between sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms that constitute sulfate anions.

[0079] In this embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic wave irradiated by the irradiation device 21 is set to a vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd that vibrates the bond between sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms that constitute sulfate anions. Specifically, fd=18 [THz], 31.5 [THz], or 135 [THz].

[0080] [4-2. Effect] When the irradiation device 21 irradiates electromagnetic waves, the sulfate anions in the lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrode plates 111 and 112 absorb the irradiated electromagnetic waves and are excited to vibrate, which generates heat. This heat causes the lead sulfate molecules to transition to a higher vibrational energy level and dissociate (i.e., thermally dissociate).

[0081] [4-3. Effects] According to the fourth embodiment described above in detail, the effects (1a) to (1d) of the first embodiment described above are achieved.

[0082] [5. Fifth Embodiment] [5-1. Differences from the first embodiment] The fifth embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference is made to the preceding description.

[0083] In the fifth embodiment, the irradiation unit 2 irradiates two types of electromagnetic waves with different frequencies, which is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that it irradiates one type of electromagnetic wave. Also, in the fifth embodiment, the battery case 115a and the separator 114 of the lead-acid battery are configured similarly to the third embodiment. That is, the battery case 115a has a window 116, and the window 116 and the separator 114 are made of a material that transmits the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the irradiation devices 21, 51.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 3, the reproducing device 1a of the fifth embodiment includes an irradiation unit 5 and a power supply circuit unit 6 in addition to an irradiation unit 2, a power supply circuit unit 3, and a power supply unit 4. The irradiation unit 5 includes a plurality of irradiation devices 51 that irradiate electromagnetic waves having a frequency different from that of the irradiation unit 2. The irradiation devices 51 may be arranged in pairs with the irradiation devices 21, for example, at each of the installation positions of the irradiation devices 21 shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the irradiation devices 21 and 51 may be arranged in such a direction that the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the respective irradiation devices 21 and 51 intersect on the surfaces of the electrode plates 111 and 112 to which the lead sulfate crystals are attached.

[0085] The irradiation devices 21 and 51 are set such that the difference or sum of the frequencies f1 and f2 of the electromagnetic waves they irradiate respectively matches the vibration-excitation resonance absorption frequency fa = 4.5 [THz], and each of the frequencies f1 and f2 is included in a frequency band with high water transmittance. For example, one of the frequencies f1 and f2, f1, is set to f1 = fb = 1441 [THz] (wavelength 208 [nm]), and the other frequency f2 is set to f2 = f1 - fa = 1436.5 [THz] (wavelength 209 [nm]).

[0086] The reason for setting f1 = fb is to use the energy level excited by the outermost shell electrons of lead cations as an intermediate level. The reason for setting f2 = f1 - fa is to cause a transition corresponding to the energy of the vibration-excitation resonance absorption frequency fa in the bond between lead cations and sulfate anions that make up lead sulfate molecules due to the action of multi-photon transition. Note that multi-photon transition is a phenomenon in which a plurality of photons are simultaneously absorbed or emitted and transition to an eigenstate corresponding to the sum or difference of photon energies.

[0087] In this embodiment, the frequency f2 is set such that f1 > f2, but it may also be set such that f1 < f2. [5-2. Action] The two types of electromagnetic waves with frequencies f1 and f2 irradiated from the irradiation devices 21 and 51 cause a transition corresponding to the energy of the frequency fa (= f1 - f2) of the difference between the two frequencies f1 and f2 in the bond between lead cations and sulfate anions that make up lead sulfate molecules due to the action of multi-photon transition, as shown in FIG. 4. In the figure, the case where an LD is used as the irradiation device 21 that irradiates the electromagnetic wave with frequency f1 and an LED is used as the irradiation device 51 that irradiates the electromagnetic wave with frequency f2 is illustrated.

[0088] When the lead sulfate molecules in the lead sulfate crystal are irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the irradiation devices 21 and 51, the same action occurs as when electromagnetic waves with the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa (=f1-f2) and the electronic excitation resonance absorption frequency fb (=f1), causing the lead sulfate molecules to dissociate (i.e., infrared multiphoton dissociation and photodissociation). Moreover, the transition to the ν=1 vibrational excitation level by two photons with different frequencies (i.e., the transition of path R4 in Figure 8) is a nonlinear optical phenomenon, and the probability of the transition of path R4 occurring increases dramatically when the optical output is increased.

[0089] [5-3.Effects] The fifth embodiment described above provides the effects (1a) to (1d) of the first embodiment and the effects (3a) and (3b) of the third embodiment, and further provides the following effects.

[0090] (5a) To achieve infrared multiphoton dissociation using electromagnetic waves with a vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa by utilizing multiphoton transitions, two types of electromagnetic waves with frequencies f1 and f2 are used, which are in a frequency band with high water transmittance. Therefore, compared to the case of irradiating electromagnetic waves with the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa, the desired effect can be obtained more efficiently.

[0091] (5b) One of the two types of electromagnetic waves to be irradiated, frequency f1, is set to the photoexcitation resonance absorption frequency fb, which transitions sulfate anions to an excited energy level. Therefore, photodissociation can also occur at the photoexcitation resonance absorption frequency fb. Furthermore, frequency f1 acts as an intermediate energy level (also called an intermediate level) passed through during the multiphoton transition process, thereby improving the probability of occurrence of multiphoton transitions.

[0092] [6. Sixth Embodiment] [6-1. Differences from the first embodiment] The sixth embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference is made to the preceding description.

[0093] The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a terahertz wave generating device using a new technique is used as the irradiation device 21 constituting the irradiation unit 2, in that a light emitting diode, a laser diode, an excimer lamp, or the like is used.

[0094] In the sixth embodiment, the reproducing device 1 of the first embodiment includes an irradiation unit 7 instead of the irradiation unit 2. As shown in FIG. 17, the irradiation unit 7 includes a reverse excitation radiation unit 71 and a heater unit 72.

[0095] The reverse excitation radiation unit 71 has a plate-like structure and is attached to the battery case 115 of the lead-acid battery 110 in the first embodiment so as to cover the entire surface on which the irradiation device 21 is attached. Here, an example is shown in which the reverse excitation radiation unit 71 is attached to only one surface of the battery case 115, but the reverse excitation radiation unit 71 may be attached to any surface along the stacking direction in which the electrode plates 111, 112 and the separator 114 are stacked, or may be attached to multiple surfaces.

[0096] The inverse excitation radiation unit 71 has a structure in which an excitation material 711 is sandwiched between two holding plates 712 and 713. The excitation material 711 is excited and vibrates when heated, transitioning to a higher vibrational energy level, and then radiates terahertz waves when transitioning to a lower vibrational energy level. Terahertz waves include far-infrared rays, submillimeter waves, and some millimeter waves. In this embodiment, lead sulfate powder is used as the excitation material 711, and the material is configured to radiate terahertz waves (i.e., far-infrared rays) in the range of 1.5 THz to 5.4 THz, including 4.5 THz. The holding plates 712 and 713 are made of a material, such as quartz glass, that transmits both the far-infrared rays emitted from the excitation material 711 and the near-to-far-infrared rays irradiated from the heater unit 72, which will be described later. The inverse excitation radiation section 71 is set so that the thickness of the excitation material 711 sandwiched between the holding plates 712 and 713 is greater than the wavelength of the near-infrared rays irradiated from the heater section 72 and is equal to or less than the wavelength of the far-infrared rays radiated from the excitation material 711.

[0097] The heater unit 72 is, for example, a halogen heater. Specifically, a halogen heater that emits light of approximately 1000 to 10,000 nm with a peak at 2300 nm (i.e., 130 THz) is used. The heater unit 72 includes an element unit 721 and a reflector 722. The element unit 721 radiates near, medium, and far infrared rays when power is applied. The reflector 722 reflects the near, medium, and far infrared rays radiated from the element unit 721 so that the near, medium, and far infrared rays are directed toward the reverse excitation radiation unit 71. The heater unit 72 is disposed opposite the reverse excitation radiation unit 71 so that the near, medium, and far infrared rays are radiated across the entire surface of the reverse excitation radiation unit 71.

[0098] [6-2. Operation] As shown in FIG. 18 , the activated heater unit 72 irradiates the inverse excitation radiation unit 71 with near-infrared rays. The excited material 711 constituting the inverse excitation radiation unit 71 is heated and vibrationally excited by the irradiation of near-, mid-, and far-infrared rays, thereby transitioning to a higher vibrational energy level. The excited material 711 transitioning to a higher vibrational energy level transitions to a lower vibrational energy level, which is a more stable state, and upon this transition, emits terahertz waves (e.g., 4.5 THz) with a wavelength corresponding to the energy gap. The far-infrared terahertz waves emitted from the inverse excitation radiation unit 71 pass through the battery case 115 and separator 114 of the lead-acid battery 110 and reach the electrode plates 111 and 112. The near-infrared terahertz waves reaching the electrode plates 111 and 112 promote dissociation of lead sulfate molecules attached to the electrodes (i.e., infrared multiphoton dissociation).

[0099] [6-3.Effects] According to the fifth embodiment described above in detail, the effects (1a) to (1d) of the first embodiment described above are achieved, and further, the following effects are achieved.

[0100] (6a) The terahertz wave generating device composed of the reverse excitation radiation unit 71 and the heater unit 72 can generate terahertz waves without using electronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and laser diodes, and can regenerate the lead-acid battery 110 using the generated terahertz waves.

[0101] [6-4. Modifications] In the sixth embodiment, lead sulfate powder is used as the excitation material 711, but the lead sulfate powder may be mixed with strontium sulfate powder, barium sulfate powder, etc. In this case, the emission spectrum of the terahertz wave can be broadened, and infrared multiphoton dissociation of lead sulfate molecules on the electrode plates 111 and 112 can be promoted.

[0102] In the sixth embodiment, the inverse excitation radiation section 71 and the heater section 72 are configured separately. However, for example, as in the irradiation section 7b shown in FIG. 19, the inverse excitation radiation section 71 may be provided on the reflecting surface of the reflector 722 of the heater section 72, thereby forming a structure in which the inverse excitation radiation section 71 and the heater section 72 are integrated.

[0103] The heater section 72 is not limited to a halogen heater for far infrared rays, and may be, for example, a ceramic heater or the like as long as it can heat the inverse excitation radiation section 71 . 7. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications.

[0104] (7a) In the third embodiment, the frequency f of the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the irradiation device 21 is set to an electron excitation resonance absorption frequency fb that causes the outermost electron of the lead cation to transition from the ground energy level to the excited energy level. In other embodiments, the frequency f may be set to a resonance absorption frequency that causes the outermost electron of the sulfate anion, instead of the lead cation, to transition from the ground energy level to the excited energy level.

[0105] (7b) In the fifth embodiment, the difference between the two frequencies f1 and f2 is set to coincide with the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa of ionically bonded lead sulfate molecules. However, it may also be set to coincide with the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd of covalently bonded sulfate anions. In this case, if f1 is set to 1441 [THz], and the difference frequency fd is 18 [THz], f2 should be set to 1423 [THz]; if the difference frequency fd is 31.5 [THz], f2 should be set to 1409.5 [THz]; and if the difference frequency fd is 135 [THz], f2 should be set to 1306 [THz].

[0106] (7c) In the above embodiment, the irradiation unit 2 continuously irradiates electromagnetic waves while the lead-acid battery 110 is charging. However, the method of irradiating electromagnetic waves is not limited to this. For example, an ultrashort pulse laser, such as a picosecond pulse or a femtosecond pulse, may be used to irradiate electromagnetic waves intermittently. In particular, when using a multiphoton transition reaction, as in the fifth embodiment, increasing the light intensity and creating a high photon density increases the reaction probability in proportion to the square of the light intensity, thereby enabling the reaction to occur efficiently. On the other hand, increasing the light intensity increases the risk of damage to the electrodes due to temperature rise. Therefore, by narrowing the pulse width to increase the peak output while suppressing the average output, the reaction probability can be increased while avoiding the risk of electrode damage.

[0107] (7d) When two types of electromagnetic waves with different frequencies are irradiated from the irradiation unit 2 as in the fifth embodiment, if both frequencies are ultrashort pulse lasers, it becomes difficult to adjust the timing so that the two electromagnetic waves reach the lead sulfate crystals simultaneously. For this reason, one of the two types of electromagnetic waves may be an ultrashort pulse laser, and the other may be a continuous output.

[0108] (7e) In the above embodiment, the irradiating unit 2 is attached to the outer wall of the battery case 115 of the lead-acid battery 110, and is configured to irradiate electromagnetic waves from outside the battery case 115. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , if the battery case 115 of the lead-acid battery 110 has an electrolyte refill port 117, a quartz glass tube 118 with a bottom may be inserted into the electrolyte refill port 117, and the irradiating unit 2 may be disposed at the tip of the quartz glass tube 118 inserted into the battery case 115, thereby irradiating electromagnetic waves. In this case, the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiating unit 2 are not attenuated by the battery case 115, and the regeneration efficiency of the lead-acid battery 110 can be improved.

[0109] (7f) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0110] [8. Technical Ideas Disclosed in This Specification] [Item 1] irradiating the lead-acid battery with electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy that dissociates lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions from the outside of the battery so that the electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery; How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0111] [Item 2] Item 1 is a method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 1, the electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that causes an outermost electron of either the lead cation or the sulfate anion to transition from a ground energy level to an excited energy level; How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0112] [Item 3] Item 1 is a method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 1, The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that provides thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules, causing a stepwise transition to a higher vibrational energy level, thereby causing thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0113] [Item 4] Item 3. The regeneration method for the lead-acid battery according to item 3, the electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that vibrates the bonds between the lead cations and the sulfate anions that constitute the lead sulfate molecules; How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0114] [Item 5] Item 4. A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 4, The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that causes vibration of the bond by resonance absorption. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0115] [Item 6] Item 4. A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 4, The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that causes the bond to vibrate in accordance with the vibration of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic wave. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0116] [Item 7] Item 3. The regeneration method for the lead-acid battery according to item 3, The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that vibrates the bond between the sulfur atom and the oxygen atom that constitute the sulfate anion. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0117] [Item 8] Item 1 is a method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 1, The two types of electromagnetic waves are irradiated so that the difference or sum of the frequencies is set to a frequency that provides thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules, causing a stepwise transition to a higher vibrational energy level, thereby causing thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0118] [Item 9] Item 8. The regeneration method for the lead-acid battery according to item 8, At least one of the two types of electromagnetic waves is irradiated in an ultrashort pulse. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0119] [Item 10] Item 8 or Item 9, a regeneration method for a lead-acid battery, One of the two types of electromagnetic waves is set to a frequency that causes the outermost electron of the sulfate anion to transition from the ground energy level to an excited energy level. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0120] [Item 11] A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to any one of items 1 to 10, The electromagnetic waves are irradiated while the lead-acid battery is being charged. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0121] [Item 12] A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to any one of items 1 to 11, The electromagnetic waves are irradiated from inside a quartz glass tube inserted into an electrolyte refill port provided in a battery case container of the lead-acid battery. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

[0122] [Item 13] an irradiation unit (2) having a plurality of irradiation devices attached to a housing of the lead-acid battery, which irradiates electromagnetic waves set to a frequency that provides energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions, and which irradiates the lead-acid battery with electromagnetic waves set to a frequency that provides energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions, so that the irradiated electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery; a power supply circuit unit (3) configured to drive the irradiation unit; A lead-acid battery regeneration device comprising:

[0123] [Item 14] A lead-acid battery, A plurality of electrodes (111, 112); one or more separators (114) disposed between the plurality of electrodes and configured to inhibit short circuits between the electrodes; a battery container (115) configured to contain the plurality of electrodes and the one or more separators together with an electrolyte; Equipped with The battery case includes one or more windows (116) formed from a material that transmits ultraviolet light. Lead acid battery.

[0124] [Item 15] Item 15. The lead-acid battery according to item 14, The separator is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. Lead acid battery.

[0125] [Item 16] a back-excitation radiation unit (71) having an excitation material (711) that is a material that is vibrationally excited when heated to transition to a higher vibrational energy level and radiates terahertz waves when transitioning to a lower vibrational energy level; a heater section (72) configured to irradiate the inverse excitation radiation section with infrared light to heat the excitation material; Equipped with The terahertz waves include electromagnetic waves that dissociate lead sulfate molecules. Terahertz wave generator.

[0126] [Item 17] Item 17. The terahertz wave generator according to item 16, The excitation material includes lead sulfate powder. Terahertz wave generator.

[0127] [Item 18] Item 17: The terahertz wave generator according to item 17, the excitation material is a mixture of the lead sulfate powder and powders of one or more sulfates other than the lead sulfate; Terahertz wave generator.

[0128] [Item 19] Item 16 to Item 18: The terahertz wave generator according to any one of items 16 to 18, The inverse excitation radiation unit has a structure in which the excitation material is held in a layered state by two plate-like members (712, 713) made of a material that transmits the terahertz wave and infrared rays irradiated from the heater unit. Terahertz wave generator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1,1a...lead-acid battery regeneration device, 2,5,7,7b...irradiation unit, 3,6...power supply circuit unit, 4...power supply unit, 21,51...irradiation device, 71...reverse excitation radiation unit, 72...heater unit, 110,110a...lead-acid battery, 111...electrode plate / cathode, 112...electrode plate / anode, 113...electrolyte, 114...separator, 115,115a...battery case container, 116...window unit, 117...electrolyte refill port, 118...quartz glass tube, 711...excitation material, 712,713...holding plate, 721...element unit, 722...reflector.

Claims

1. irradiating the lead-acid battery with electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy that dissociates lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions from the outside of the battery so that the electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery; How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

2. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 1, the electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that causes an outermost electron of either the lead cation or the sulfate anion to transition from a ground energy level to an excited energy level; How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

3. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 1, The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that provides thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules, causing a stepwise transition to a higher vibrational energy level, thereby causing thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

4. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 3, the electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that vibrates the bonds between the lead cations and the sulfate anions that constitute the lead sulfate molecules; How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

5. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 4, The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that causes vibration of the bond by resonance absorption. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

6. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 4, The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that causes the bond to vibrate in accordance with the vibration of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic wave. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

7. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 3, The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that vibrates the bond between the sulfur atom and the oxygen atom that constitute the sulfate anion. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

8. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 1, The two types of electromagnetic waves are irradiated so that the difference or sum of the frequencies is set to a frequency that provides thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules, causing a stepwise transition to a higher vibrational energy level, thereby causing thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

9. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 8, At least one of the two types of electromagnetic waves is irradiated in an ultrashort pulse. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

10. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 8 or 9, One of the two types of electromagnetic waves is set to a frequency that causes an outermost electron of the sulfate anion to transition from a ground energy level to an excited energy level. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

11. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 1, The electromagnetic waves are irradiated while the lead-acid battery is being charged. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

12. The method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to claim 1, The electromagnetic waves are irradiated from inside a quartz glass tube inserted into an electrolyte refill port provided in a battery case container of the lead-acid battery. How to refurbish lead acid batteries.

13. an irradiation unit (2) having a plurality of irradiation devices attached to a housing of the lead-acid battery, which irradiates electromagnetic waves set at a frequency that provides energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions, and which irradiates the electromagnetic waves so that the irradiated electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery; a power supply circuit unit (3) configured to drive the irradiation unit; A lead-acid battery regeneration device comprising:

14. A lead-acid battery, A plurality of electrodes (111, 112); one or more separators (114) disposed between the plurality of electrodes and configured to inhibit short circuits between the electrodes; a battery container (115) configured to contain the plurality of electrodes and the one or more separators together with an electrolyte; Equipped with The battery case includes one or more windows (116) formed from a material that transmits ultraviolet light. Lead acid battery.

15. 15. The lead acid battery according to claim 14, The separator is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. Lead acid battery.

16. an inverse excitation radiation unit (71) having an excitation material (711) that is a material that is vibrationally excited when heated to transition to a higher vibrational energy level and radiates terahertz waves when transitioning to a lower vibrational energy level; a heater section (72) configured to irradiate the inverse excitation radiation section with infrared light to heat the excitation material; Equipped with The terahertz waves include electromagnetic waves that dissociate lead sulfate molecules. Terahertz wave generator.

17. 17. The terahertz wave generating device according to claim 16, The excitation material includes lead sulfate powder. Terahertz wave generator.

18. 18. The terahertz wave generating device according to claim 17, the excitation material is a mixture of the lead sulfate powder and powders of one or more sulfates other than the lead sulfate; Terahertz wave generator.

19. 17. The terahertz wave generating device according to claim 16, The inverse excitation radiation unit has a structure in which the excitation material is held in a layered state by two plate-like members (712, 713) made of a material that transmits the terahertz wave and infrared rays irradiated from the heater unit. Terahertz wave generator.

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