Hydrogen generating apparatus

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen generator capable of improving hydrogen production and producing clean energy.SOLUTION: The present disclosure provides a hydrogen generating apparatus. The hydrogen generation apparatus includes a plurality of cylinders, a plurality of combustion units disposed in the plurality of cylinders, respectively, and configured to combust fuel, a distribution unit configured to equally distribute fuel supplied from a fuel supply unit and transfer the fuel to the plurality of combustion units, respectively, a plurality of reaction units disposed in the plurality of cylinders, respectively, and configured to generate hydrogen by a reforming reaction of a feed supplied from a feed supply unit while being heated by combustion heat transferred from the combustion units, and a metering unit disposed between the distribution unit and the combustion unit and configured to adjust an amount of the fuel transferred from the distribution unit to the combustion unit to a constant amount. The metering unit may include: a connection pipe disposed between the distribution unit and the combustion unit; and an opening varying unit disposed in the connection pipe and varying an opening of the connection pipe according to a fluid pressure of the fuel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hydrogen generation devices. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of science and technology, including electrical and electronic technology, many types of energy sources have been developed and used, and the demand for energy sources has been increasing recently. Energy sources are produced using fossil fuels, nuclear power, hydroelectric power, wind power, and other energy production methods.

[0003] However, in order to address the problems of environmental pollution caused by exhaust gases generated by burning fossil fuels and the energy crisis caused by the depletion of fossil fuels, efforts are underway worldwide to develop non-polluting energy sources.

[0004] Hydrogen fuel is a type of non-polluting energy, and its significance lies in utilizing the infinite resources that exist on Earth. An example of a hydrogen energy application technology is a fuel cell that uses hydrogen fuel. Fuel cells generate electricity directly from hydrogen fuel, using hydrogen gas and air as fuel and generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction between a pair of electrodes. This fuel cell can be used in electric vehicles, households, power generation, and more.

[0005] Methods for producing hydrogen gas used in fuel cells include steam reforming, ammonia reforming, partial oxidation, autothermal reforming, and water electrolysis, with steam reforming being the most widely used.

[0006] In the case of the steam reforming method, hydrogen can be produced by a reforming reaction between methane and steam at high temperatures, for example, at temperatures of 800°C to 900°C.

[0007] In the case of the ammonia reforming method, hydrogen is produced by a reforming reaction of ammonia at high temperatures, for example, 800°C to 900°C.

[0008] A conventional hydrogen generator includes a cylinder, a combustion unit disposed in the cylinder for burning fuel, and a reaction unit disposed in the cylinder, heated by combustion heat transferred from the combustion unit, where a reforming reaction of a feed occurs to produce hydrogen. The feed can be methane and steam for a steam reforming reaction or ammonia for an ammonia reforming reaction.

[0009] To ensure a good feed reforming reaction, it is necessary to equalize the temperature distribution in each region inside the cylinder. However, as the scale of the cylinder increases, it becomes more difficult to equalize the temperature distribution in each region inside the cylinder.

[0010] Therefore, according to the prior art, in order to equalize the temperature distribution in the various regions inside the cylinder, the scale of the cylinder is limited, and the amount of hydrogen produced may also be limited. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a hydrogen generation device that can equalize the temperature distribution in the internal regions of a plurality of cylinders by supplying an equal amount of fuel to each of a plurality of combustion units provided for each of a plurality of cylinders, each of which has a size that allows the temperature distribution in the internal regions to be equalized, thereby improving hydrogen production and thereby contributing to the environment and enabling the production of clean energy.

[0012] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydrogen generation device that, in a structure in which multiple fuel supply pipes are present, can automatically reduce the flow rate of a specific pipe when the flow rate is concentrated in that pipe.

[0013] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydrogen generation device that can stably produce hydrogen even when the flow rate is uneven within one fuel supply pipe.

[0014] The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A hydrogen generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cylinders, a plurality of combustion units disposed in the plurality of cylinders, respectively, for combusting fuel, a distribution unit for equally distributing fuel supplied from a fuel supply unit and transmitting the fuel to the plurality of combustion units, a plurality of reaction units disposed in the plurality of cylinders, respectively, for generating hydrogen through a reforming reaction of a feed supplied from a feed supply unit in a state heated by combustion heat transmitted from the combustion units, and a metering unit disposed between the distribution unit and the combustion units and for adjusting the amount of the fuel transmitted from the distribution unit to a fixed amount. The metering unit includes a connecting pipe disposed between the distribution unit and the combustion units, and an opening variable portion disposed in the connecting pipe, for varying the opening of the connecting pipe according to the flow pressure of the fuel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aperture varying portion may include a valve seat extending from an inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe and having a seat hole formed therein through which the fuel passes, a valve disc that moves relative to the seat hole in response to a flow pressure of the fuel to vary the aperture of the connecting pipe, and a connector that connects the valve disc to the valve seat so that the valve disc can move relatively.

[0017] In one embodiment, the connector may include a resilient member that moves the valve disc away from the valve seat.

[0018] In one embodiment, the valve disc may have at least one disc hole formed therein.

[0019] In one embodiment, the valve seat may have a shape in which a plurality of tubes having a diameter that decreases in a direction of fuel flow are connected to each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, the hydrogen generation apparatus according to the present disclosure may further include an auxiliary distribution unit that distributes the feed supplied from the feed supply unit into equal amounts and delivers the equal amounts to the plurality of reaction units, respectively, and auxiliary metering units that are disposed in the plurality of reaction units, respectively, and adjust the amounts of the feed supplied to the reaction units to a fixed amount.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aperture varying unit may further include an auxiliary valve seat located upstream of the valve seat based on the fuel flow, extending from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe, and having a seat hole through which the fuel passes; and an auxiliary connector connecting the auxiliary valve seat and the valve disc.

[0022] In one embodiment, the connector includes a resilient member that generates a resilient force to move the valve disc away from the valve seat, and the auxiliary connector includes a resilient member that generates a resilient force to move the valve disc toward the auxiliary valve seat.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the elastic member included in the auxiliary connector may be smaller than the elastic modulus of the elastic member included in the connector.

[0024] In one embodiment, the opening degree varying unit may further include a guide ring that is in close contact with an inner wall of the connecting pipe and is arranged to move along the inner wall of the connecting pipe, and a guide ring connecting unit that connects the guide ring to the valve disc.

[0025] Other specific details of the present disclosure are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] In a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a uniform amount of fuel can be supplied to each of a plurality of combustion units arranged in each of a plurality of cylinders each having a size sufficient to equalize the temperature distribution in each of the internal regions, thereby equalizing the temperature distribution in each of the internal regions of the plurality of cylinders and improving hydrogen production.

[0027] In a hydrogen generation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if variations in flow rate occur within a single cylinder, hydrogen can be produced stably by stably controlling the flow rate of that cylinder.

[0028] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hydrogen generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a distribution unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a metering unit, a combustion unit, and a reaction unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a metering unit, a combustion unit, and a reaction unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which flow rate variations occur in a metering unit of a hydrogen generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. However, the present embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present disclosure of the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0031] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In this specification, the singular includes the plural unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements in addition to the elements referenced. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification, and "and / or" includes each and every combination of one or more of the referenced elements. Although "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, the first element referred to below may of course be the second element within the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein can be used as meanings that can be commonly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a distribution unit of the hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , a hydrogen generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include a plurality of cylinders 100 , a plurality of combustion units 200 , a fuel supply unit 300 , a distribution unit 400 , and a plurality of reaction units 500 .

[0036] A plurality of cylinders 100 can function as the basic body of a hydrogen generation apparatus. The cylinders 100 can be provided with a combustion unit 200 and a reaction unit 500. In one embodiment, the cylinders 100 can have a shape that surrounds the combustion unit 200 and the reaction unit 500.

[0037] Each of the plurality of combustion units 200 may be provided for each of the plurality of cylinders 100 and may serve to combust fuel. Each combustion unit 200 may receive an equal amount of fuel via a fuel supply unit 300 and a distribution unit 400. In one embodiment, the fuel may include hydrogen and nitrogen.

[0038] In one embodiment, a burner can be used as the combustion unit 200. The burner can ignite a fuel to create heat of combustion.

[0039] The fuel supply unit 300 serves to supply fuel to the distribution unit 400. In one embodiment, the fuel supply unit 300 may pump fuel stored in a fuel storage tank (not shown) using a fuel pump (not shown) and transfer the fuel to the distribution unit 400.

[0040] The distribution unit 400 can distribute fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit 300 equally and transfer the fuel to each of the combustion units 200. As a result, the combustion units 200 burn an equal amount of fuel, thereby equalizing the temperature distribution among the internal regions of the cylinders 100 to which combustion heat is transferred from each of the combustion units 200. This allows the feed reforming reaction to occur in all of the reaction units 500 installed in each of the cylinders 100. For example, if the temperature distribution among the internal regions of the cylinders 100 is different, a certain cylinder 100 may have an excessively high reference temperature and another certain cylinder 100 may have an excessively low reference temperature, preventing all of the feed reforming reaction from occurring. The reference temperature may be between 800°C and 900°C.

[0041] In one embodiment, the feed may include methane and steam for a steam reforming reaction.

[0042] In one embodiment, the feed may include ammonia for an ammonia reforming reaction.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution unit 400 can include an inlet pipe 410 , a tether pipe 420 , and a number of distribution pipes 430 .

[0044] The inlet pipe 410 may receive fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit 300. In one embodiment, the inlet pipe 410 may have the form of a bent pipe.

[0045] The fuel transported from the inlet pipe 410 may flow through the mooring pipe 420. Referring to Fig. 2, the mooring pipe 420 may be connected to the lower side of the inlet pipe 410. As a result, the fuel flowing into the inlet pipe 410 may be transported to the mooring pipe 420 by a head.

[0046] In one embodiment, the mooring tube 420 may have the form of a vertical tube.

[0047] The plurality of distribution pipes 430 can distribute the fuel flowing through the mooring pipe 420 equally and transmit it to the plurality of combustion units 200, respectively.

[0048] In one embodiment, the plurality of distribution pipes 430 may be connected to the underside of the mooring pipe 420 at predetermined intervals, so that the fuel flowing in the mooring pipe 420 may be distributed to the plurality of distribution pipes 430 by head.

[0049] In one embodiment, the fuel flowing through the mooring pipe 420 can be distributed equally to the plurality of distribution pipes 430 via a distribution valve, which can be a solenoid valve.

[0050] Each of the plurality of reaction units 500 may be provided in the cylinder 100. When the reaction unit 500 is heated by combustion heat transferred from the combustion unit 200, hydrogen may be generated by a reforming reaction of a feed supplied from the feed supply unit 700. For example, the reaction unit 500 may include a feed supply part 510 that receives a feed from an external source, a reaction part 520 that generates hydrogen by a reforming reaction of the feed, and a discharge part 530 that discharges the hydrogen generated in the reaction part 520.

[0051] In one embodiment, the feed supply unit 510 may have a shape surrounding the reaction unit 520. The feed input to the feed supply unit 510 may be preheated by a preheating device. The reaction unit 520 may have a shape surrounding the combustion unit 200. The feed may flow in a zigzag pattern inside the feed supply unit 510 and inside the reaction unit 520, forming a reaction flow path connecting the feed supply unit 510 and the reaction unit 520. As shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later, the discharge unit 530 may be connected to the reaction unit 520 and protrude to the other side of the reaction unit 520.

[0052] In one embodiment, a catalyst may be provided in the reaction section 520. For example, nickel, potassium, potassium oxide, calcium, magnesium oxide, or the like may be used as the catalyst. In one embodiment, the temperature of the reaction section 520 may be adjusted to 800°C to 900°C by the combustion heat transferred from the combustion unit 200. In one embodiment, the feed supply unit 700 may pump the feed stored in a feed storage tank (not shown) using a feed pump (not shown) and transfer the feed to the auxiliary distribution unit 800 (described below).

[0053] Meanwhile, even if the distribution unit 400 distributes the fuel supplied to the fuel supply unit 300 equally and delivers it to each of the combustion units 200, the amount of fuel flowing into the combustion units 200 may vary depending on the flow pressure of the fuel delivered to the combustion units 200. Therefore, the hydrogen generating apparatus may further include a metering unit 600 that adjusts the amount of fuel delivered from the distribution unit 400 to a fixed amount.

[0054] Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing a first embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of a metering unit, a combustion unit, and a reaction unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, in the first embodiment, the metering unit 600 is provided between the distribution unit 400 and the combustion unit 200, and can adjust the amount of fuel transmitted from the distribution unit 400 to the combustion unit 200 to a fixed amount.

[0056] The metering unit 600 can include a connecting pipe 610 and an opening degree variable section 620 .

[0057] The connecting pipe 610 may be provided between the distribution unit 400 and the combustion unit 200. In one embodiment, the distribution unit 400 may be connected to the upper side of the connecting pipe 610, and the combustion unit 200 may be connected to the lower side of the connecting pipe 610. This allows the fuel transported from the distribution unit 400 to be transferred between the connecting pipe 610 and the combustion unit 200 by a head difference.

[0058] The opening degree varying unit 620 is provided in the connecting pipe 610 and can vary the opening degree of the connecting pipe 610 according to the flow pressure of the fuel flowing into the connecting pipe 610. As shown in FIG. 3 , the opening degree varying unit 620 can include a valve seat 621, a valve disc 622, and a connector 623.

[0059] The valve seat 621 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe 610, and a seat hole 621a through which fuel passes may be formed in the valve seat 621. In one embodiment, the seat hole 621a may be formed along the central axis of the valve seat 621. In one embodiment, the valve seat 621 may have an annular shape.

[0060] Valve disc 622 moves toward or away from seat hole 621a depending on the flow pressure of fuel flowing into and transmitted through connecting pipe 610, thereby varying the opening of connecting pipe 610. The movement of valve disc 622 will be described in detail later.

[0061] The connector 623 can connect the valve seat 621 and the valve disc 622. The connector 623 can connect the valve disc 622 to the valve seat 621 so that the valve disc 622 can move relative to the valve seat 621. For example, the valve seat 621 can be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe 610, and the valve disc 622 can be moved by the connector 623.

[0062] In one embodiment, the connector 623 may include an elastic member that generates an elastic force to move the valve disc 622. The elastic member may generate an elastic force that moves the valve disc 622 in a direction away from the valve seat 621.

[0063] Therefore, when the flow pressure of the fuel transmitted to the valve disc 622 becomes relatively greater than the elastic force of the elastic member, the elastic member is compressed, and the valve disc 622 can move in a direction toward the seat hole 621a, thereby decreasing the opening of the connecting pipe 610, as shown in FIG.

[0064] Furthermore, when the flow pressure of the fuel transmitted to the valve disc 622 becomes relatively smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member, the elastic member elastically restores its original shape and expands, allowing the valve disc 622 to move in a direction away from the seat hole 621a, thereby increasing the opening of the connecting pipe 610 as shown in FIG.

[0065] On the other hand, if the valve disc 622 completely blocks the opening of the connecting pipe 610, the flow of fuel may be stagnate in the connecting pipe 610. Therefore, by forming at least one disc hole 622a penetrating the valve disc 622, it is possible to prevent the flow of fuel in the connecting pipe 610 from being stagnate even when the valve disc 622 completely blocks the opening of the connecting pipe 610.

[0066] 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing a second embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment of a metering unit, a combustion unit, and a reaction unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] 6 to 8, in the second embodiment of the metering unit 600, unlike the first embodiment of the metering unit 600, the valve seat 621′ may have a shape in which a plurality of tubes having a diameter that becomes smaller toward the direction of fuel flow in the connecting pipe 610 are connected to each other. For example, the valve seat 621′ may have a multi-step cross-sectional shape.

[0068] In the second embodiment, the diameter of the valve disc 622 can correspond to the diameter of the smallest diameter of the plurality of tubes.

[0069] As a result, in the second embodiment of the proportioning unit 600, the movement distance of the valve disc 622 can be made relatively greater than in the first embodiment of the proportioning unit 600.

[0070] A hydrogen generation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an auxiliary distribution unit 800 and an auxiliary metering unit 900 .

[0071] The auxiliary distribution unit 800 can distribute the feed supplied from the feed supply unit 700 equally and deliver the distributed feed to each of the reaction units 500. For example, the auxiliary distribution unit 800 can deliver the feed supplied from the feed supply unit 700 to the feed supply section 510 of the reaction unit 500.

[0072] In one embodiment, the auxiliary dispensing unit 800 can have substantially the same structure as the dispensing unit 400 .

[0073] The auxiliary metering unit 900 may be provided in the reaction unit 500 and may serve to quantitatively adjust the amount of feed supplied to the reaction unit 500. In one embodiment, the auxiliary metering unit 700 may be provided in the feed supply section 510 of the reaction unit 500.

[0074] In one embodiment, the auxiliary proportioning unit 900 may have substantially the same structure as the first embodiment of the proportioning unit 600 .

[0075] In one embodiment, the auxiliary proportioning unit 900 may have substantially the same structure as the second embodiment of the proportioning unit 600 .

[0076] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a variation in flow rate occurs in a metering unit of a hydrogen generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing a third embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] 9, variations in flow rate may occur within the metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, variations may occur between the first flow rate F1 and the second flow rate F2 of the metering unit.

[0078] In this case, the magnitude of the force applied to the first connector 623′ and the second connector 623″ may differ, resulting in different degrees of compression of each connector. This causes the valve disc 622 to tilt, and the opening degree variable section 620 may temporarily be unable to adjust the flow rate.

[0079] The opening degree variable unit 620 included in the hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include an auxiliary valve seat 631 and an auxiliary connector 633. This can prevent the valve disc 622 from tilting due to variations in the flow rate.

[0080] 10 , the auxiliary valve seat 631 is disposed above the valve seat 621 in terms of the fuel flow, and is fixed to the inner wall of the connecting pipe 610. One end of each of the plurality of auxiliary connectors 633 is connected to the auxiliary valve seat 631, and the other end is connected to the valve disc 622. The auxiliary connector 633 may be connected to one of the two surfaces of the valve disc 622 opposite to the surface to which the connector 623 is connected. The auxiliary connector 623 may include an elastic member that generates an elastic force that moves the valve disc 622 toward the auxiliary valve seat 631.

[0081] In one embodiment, the auxiliary valve seat 631 may extend from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe 610, similar to the valve seat, and a seat hole through which the fuel passes may be formed in the auxiliary valve seat 631. In one embodiment, the auxiliary valve seat 631 may be annular.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 11, if there is a variation between the first flow rate F1 and the second flow rate F2 of the metering unit, the magnitude of the force applied to the first connector 623' and the second connector 623" may differ, and the first connector 623' may be compressed more than the second connector 623".

[0083] A greater force may be applied to the first auxiliary connector 633' than to the second auxiliary connector 633". This allows the first auxiliary connector 633' to generate a relatively greater elastic force than the second auxiliary connector 633". The elastic force generated by the first auxiliary connector 633' and the second auxiliary connector 633" is an elastic force that moves the valve disc 622 in a direction approaching the auxiliary valve seat 631.

[0084] The first auxiliary connector 633' provides an elastic force in the opposite direction to the force applied to the first connector 623'. The second auxiliary connector 633" provides an elastic force in the opposite direction to the force applied to the second connector 623". The first auxiliary connector 633' generates a relatively larger elastic force than the second auxiliary connector 633", so it can alleviate the imbalance in the forces applied to the first connector 623' and the second connector 623". This makes it possible to significantly reduce the degree of tilt of the valve disc 622 despite variations in flow rate within the metering unit.

[0085] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the elastic member included in the auxiliary connector 633 may be smaller than the elastic modulus of the elastic member included in the connector 623. This allows the auxiliary connector 633 to be used to prevent the valve disc 622 from tilting.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of a metering unit of a hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12, the opening degree varying unit 620 included in the hydrogen generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a guide ring 641 and a plurality of guide ring connectors 642.

[0088] The guide ring 641 is tightly attached to the inner wall of the connecting pipe 610 and is arranged to move up and down along the inner wall of the connecting pipe 610. The up and down direction means a direction parallel to the extension direction of the connecting pipe 610, and the upstream direction in the fuel flow is the top and the downstream direction is the bottom.

[0089] In one embodiment, the guide ring 641 can have an annular shape.

[0090] The guide ring connecting portion 642 can connect the guide ring 641 and the valve disc 622. This allows the guide ring 641 to move up and down together with the valve disc 622.

[0091] Guide ring 641 can be formed with a minimum thickness so as not to impede the flow of fuel. Guide ring 641 can prevent valve disc 622 from tilting within the metering unit due to variations in the flow rate within the metering unit. For example, guide ring 641 moves vertically while adhering to the inner wall of connecting pipe 610, so it will not tilt even if different forces of different magnitudes are applied to different areas of guide ring 641. Therefore, even if variations in the flow rate occur within the metering unit, guide ring 641 will not tilt and can only move vertically. Guide ring 641 allows valve disc 622 to move only vertically even if variations in the flow rate occur within the metering unit.

[0092] The guide ring 641 and guide ring connector 642 can be used in conjunction with the auxiliary valve seat 631 and auxiliary connector 633 described in FIG.

[0093] In the hydrogen generating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an equal amount of fuel can be supplied to each of the plurality of combustion units 200 provided for each of the plurality of cylinders 100, each having a size that can equalize the temperature distribution among the internal regions. This makes it possible to equalize the temperature distribution among the internal regions of the plurality of cylinders 100, thereby improving the amount of hydrogen produced.

[0094] Furthermore, in the hydrogen generation device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, even if variations in the flow rate occur within a single cylinder, hydrogen can be produced stably by stably controlling the flow rate of that cylinder.

[0095] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting.

Claims

1. Multiple cylinders and a plurality of combustion units disposed in the plurality of cylinders, respectively, for combusting fuel; a distribution unit that distributes the fuel supplied from the fuel supply unit equally and transmits the fuel to each of the plurality of combustion units; a plurality of reaction units arranged in the plurality of cylinders, each reaction unit being heated by combustion heat transferred from the combustion unit, and generating hydrogen through a reforming reaction of the feed supplied from the feed supply unit; a metering unit disposed between the distribution unit and the combustion unit, for adjusting the amount of fuel transferred from the distribution unit to the combustion unit at a fixed amount; The metering unit comprises: a connecting pipe disposed between the distribution unit and the combustion unit; an opening degree varying unit disposed in the connecting pipe and varying an opening degree of the connecting pipe depending on the flow pressure of the fuel.

2. The opening degree variable unit is a valve seat extending from the connecting pipe and having a seat hole through which the fuel passes; a valve disc that moves relative to the seat hole in response to the flow pressure of the fuel to vary the opening of the connecting pipe; 2. The hydrogen generation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connector that connects the valve disc to the valve seat so that the valve disc is movable relative to the valve seat.

3. 3. The hydrogen generation apparatus of claim 2, wherein the connector includes a resilient member that moves the valve disc away from the valve seat.

4. The hydrogen generation apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the valve disc has at least one disc hole formed therein.

5. 3. The hydrogen generating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the valve seat has a shape in which a plurality of tubes, each having a diameter that decreases in a direction of the fuel flow, are connected to each other.

6. The opening degree variable unit is an auxiliary valve seat located upstream of the valve seat with respect to the flow of the fuel, extending from an inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe and having a seat hole through which the fuel passes; 3. The hydrogen generation apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an auxiliary connector connecting said auxiliary valve seat and said valve disc.

7. the connector includes an elastic member that generates an elastic force that moves the valve disc in a direction away from the valve seat, 7. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the auxiliary connector includes an elastic member that generates an elastic force that moves the valve disc in a direction toward the auxiliary valve seat.

8. 8. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic member included in the auxiliary connector is smaller than the elastic modulus of the elastic member included in the connector.

9. The opening degree variable unit is a guide ring that is in close contact with an inner wall of the connecting pipe and that is arranged to move along the inner wall of the connecting pipe; The hydrogen generation apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a guide ring connector that connects the guide ring and the valve disc.

10. an auxiliary distribution unit for equally distributing the feed supplied from the feed supply unit and delivering the feed to each of the plurality of reaction units; 2. The hydrogen generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an auxiliary metering unit disposed in each of the plurality of reaction units, the auxiliary metering unit regulating the amount of the feed supplied to the reaction unit to a fixed amount.

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