Hydrogen isotope separation system and control method for the hydrogen isotope separation system

Abstract

This invention provides a hydrogen isotope separation system that can suppress the decrease in separation capacity during startup. [Solution] The hydrogen isotope separation system 10 includes a separator 15 having an ion exchange membrane 15a, an anode 15b, and a cathode 15c. The hydrogen isotope separation system 10 includes an anode supply path 10a for supplying heavy water to the anode 15b and a cathode supply path 10b for supplying cathode gas to the cathode 15c. The hydrogen isotope separation system 10 includes a first heat transfer medium circuit 30, a second heat transfer medium circuit 40, and a control device 50. The control device 50 acquires the temperature of the separator 15 and each humidifier 14A, 14B after the heating of the separator 15 and each humidifier 14A, 14B by the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 begins when the system is started up. If the temperature of the separator 15 and each humidifier 14A, 14B is above a first predetermined temperature, the control device 50 cools each condenser 16A, 16B by the second heat transfer medium circuit 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen isotope separation system and a method for controlling the hydrogen isotope separation system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development on fuel cells that contribute to energy efficiency have been conducted in order to enable more people to access affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy. Conventionally, for example, a system is known in which raw water containing heavy water and tritium components is decomposed by a water electrolysis cell to obtain hydrogen and oxygen each having a low content of deuterium and tritium (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, hydrogen and oxygen obtained by the water electrolysis cell are each dehumidified and humidified and supplied to a fuel cell, and water (light water) having a low content of heavy water and tritium components is extracted by dehumidifying the gas discharged from the fuel cell.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the technology related to fuel cells, it is an issue to suppress a decrease in the separation ability of the entire system at the time of system startup. For example, in the case of a system using a fuel cell for hydrogen isotope separation as in the above conventional technology, if the temperature and operation of each of the humidifier, fuel cell, and condenser at startup are not properly controlled, the performance of isotope separation may decrease.

[0005] This invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by suppressing the decrease in performance during startup, and ultimately contributing to energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following embodiments. (1) A hydrogen isotope separation system according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 in the embodiment) includes an ion exchange membrane (for example, the ion exchange membrane 15a in the embodiment), an anode (for example, the anode 15b in the embodiment) and a cathode (for example, the cathode 15c in the embodiment) provided on both sides in the thickness direction of the ion exchange membrane, a separator (for example, the separator 15 in the embodiment) for separating hydrogen isotopes, and at least one or more types facing the anode. An anode supply path (for example, anode supply path 10a in the embodiment) that supplies light hydrogen containing hydrogen isotopes, a cathode supply path (for example, cathode supply path 10b in the embodiment) that supplies cathode gas toward the cathode, humidifiers provided in each of the anode supply path and the cathode supply path (for example, anode-side humidifier 14A and cathode-side humidifier 14B in the embodiment), and a first heat transfer medium circuit (for example, in the embodiment) that supplies the first heat transfer medium to the separator and the humidifier. The system comprises a first heat transfer medium circuit 30 in its configuration, a temperature sensor (for example, a first temperature sensor 32, a second temperature sensor 33, and a third temperature sensor 34 in the embodiment) that detects a temperature related to the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier, a condensing separator (for example, an anode-side condenser 16A and a cathode-side condenser 16B in the embodiment) provided on the discharge side of the anode and cathode of the separator, a second heat transfer medium circuit (for example, a second heat transfer medium circuit 40 in the embodiment) that supplies a second heat transfer medium to the condensing separator, and a control device (for example, a control device 50 in the embodiment). The control device cools the condensing separator with the second heat transfer medium circuit if, after the heating of at least one of the separator and the humidifier by the first heat transfer medium circuit begins at system startup, the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier is above a predetermined temperature (for example, a first predetermined temperature in the embodiment) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0007] (2) The hydrogen isotope separation system described in (1) above includes an outlet-side temperature sensor (for example, a fourth temperature sensor 42 in the embodiment) that detects a temperature related to the temperature of the condenser separator, and the control device may, after the cooling of the condenser separator by the second heat transfer medium circuit at system startup, supply the cathode gas to the cathode via the cathode supply path if the temperature of the condenser separator is below a predetermined determination temperature (for example, a second predetermined temperature in the embodiment) based on the temperature detected by the outlet-side temperature sensor.

[0008] (3) The hydrogen isotope separation system described in (2) above comprises an electrolytic unit (e.g., electrolytic unit 12 in the embodiment) for electrolyzing heavy water containing light water, and a detector (e.g., impedance detector 20 in the embodiment) for detecting a state quantity related to the wet state of the separator, wherein the control device may electrolyze the heavy water with the electrolytic unit after the supply of the cathode gas to the cathode via the cathode supply path at system startup has started, and the wet state corresponding to the state quantity detected by the detector has reached a predetermined wet state.

[0009] (4) In the hydrogen isotope separation system described in (3) above, the detector may detect the impedance of the separator.

[0010] (5): A control method for a hydrogen isotope separation system according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 in the embodiment) includes an ion exchange membrane (for example, the ion exchange membrane 15a in the embodiment), an anode (for example, the anode 15b in the embodiment) and a cathode (for example, the cathode 15c in the embodiment) provided on both sides in the thickness direction of the ion exchange membrane, and a separator (for example, the separator 15 in the embodiment) for separating hydrogen isotopes, and at least one type of hydrogen directed toward the anode. An anode supply path for supplying light hydrogen containing isotopes (for example, anode supply path 10a in the embodiment), a cathode supply path for supplying cathode gas toward the cathode (for example, cathode supply path 10b in the embodiment), humidifiers provided in each of the anode supply path and the cathode supply path (for example, anode-side humidifier 14A and cathode-side humidifier 14B in the embodiment), and a first heat transfer medium circuit for supplying the first heat transfer medium to the separator and the humidifier (for example, first heat transfer medium circuit 3 in the embodiment) A control method performed by an electronic device (e.g., a control device 50 in an embodiment) that controls a hydrogen isotope separation system comprising: 0) a temperature sensor (e.g., a first temperature sensor 32, a second temperature sensor 33, and a third temperature sensor 34 in the embodiment) that detects a temperature related to the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier; a condensing separator (e.g., an anode-side condenser 16A and a cathode-side condenser 16B in the embodiment) provided on the discharge side of the anode and cathode of the separator; and a second heat transfer medium circuit (e.g., a second heat transfer medium circuit 40 in the embodiment) that supplies a second heat transfer medium to the condensing separator, the control method being performed by an electronic device (e.g., a control device 50 in the embodiment) that controls a hydrogen isotope separation system comprising: 0) a temperature sensor (e.g., a first temperature sensor 32, a second temperature sensor 33, and a third temperature sensor 34 in the embodiment) that detects a temperature related to the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier; 0) a temperature sensor (e.g., a first predetermined temperature in the embodiment) that detects a temperature related to the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier; 0) a temperature sensor (e.g., a first predetermined [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to (1) above, by providing a control device that cools the condensing separator with a second heat transfer medium circuit when the temperature of at least one of the separator and humidifier is above a predetermined temperature, it is possible to suppress unnecessary cooling of the condensing separator when the temperature state of the separator and humidifier is not appropriate.

[0012] In the case of (2) above, when the temperature of the condenser separator is below a predetermined determination temperature, cathode gas is supplied toward the cathode, thereby suppressing the unnecessary supply of cathode gas to the cathode when the temperature state of the condenser separator is not appropriate. This also suppresses the increase in the concentration of deuterium and tritium on the discharge side of the condenser separator due to the temperature state of the condenser separator.

[0013] In the case of (3) above, heavy water is electrolyzed by the electrolytic unit when it reaches a predetermined wet state required to ensure the desired operation of the separator. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the supply of gas containing hydrogen isotopes from the electrolytic unit to the anode when the wet state of the separator is not appropriate. It is also possible to suppress the increase in the concentration of deuterium and tritium on the discharge side of the separator due to the wet state of the separator.

[0014] In the case of (4) above, the humidity state of the separator can be properly obtained without the need to provide, for example, a humidity sensor.

[0015] According to (5) above, when the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier is above a predetermined temperature, the condensing separator is cooled by the second heat transfer medium circuit, thereby preventing unnecessary cooling of the condensing separator when the temperature conditions of the separator and humidifier are not appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a hydrogen isotope separation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A figure showing an example of an isotope exchange reaction in the separator of a hydrogen isotope separation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the operation of the hydrogen isotope separation system at startup according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a hydrogen isotope separation system and a control method for the hydrogen isotope separation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hydrogen isotope separation system 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 according to the embodiment includes, for example, an anode supply path 10a and a cathode supply path 10b, an anode discharge path 10c and a cathode discharge path 10d, a raw material tank 11, an electrolyzer 12, a nitrogen tank 13, an anode side humidifier 14A and a cathode side humidifier 14B, a separator 15, an anode side condenser 16A and a cathode side condenser 16B, an anode side on-off valve 17A and a cathode side on-off valve 17B, and an anode side tank 18A and a cathode side tank 18B.

[0018] The raw material tank 11 stores, for example, water containing heavy water and light water. The raw material tank 11 is connected to the anode supply path 10a. The raw material tank 11 supplies water containing heavy water and light water to the electrolyzer 12 via the anode supply path 10a. Note that light water is ( 1 H2 16 O), and heavy water is water containing at least one of hydrogen isotopes such as deuterium (D) and tritium (T).

[0019] The electrolyzer 12 includes, for example, an electrolytic cell or an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water containing heavy water supplied from the raw material tank 11. For example, the electrolyzer 12 is an electrolytic cell. The electrolyzer 12 is connected to the anode supply path 10a. In the electrolyzer 12, for example, an electrolytic reaction shown in the following mathematical formula (Equation 1) occurs. The electrolytic reaction in the electrolyzer 12 includes an electrolytic reaction for electrolyzing heavy water (D2O) and semi-heavy water (HDO) in the following mathematical formula (Equation 1).

[0020]

Number

[0021] For example, the electrolyzer 12 discharges hydrogen (H2), deuterium (D2), hydrogen deuteride (HD), hydrogen tritide (HT), etc. obtained by the electrolytic reaction into the anode supply path 10a. The electrolyzer 12 discharges oxygen (O2) obtained by the electrolytic reaction to the outside other than the anode supply path 10a. For example, the electrolyzer 12 may supply oxygen (O2) obtained by the electrolytic reaction to a coupler (not shown) such as an external fuel cell. For example, the coupler (not shown) may generate water (H2O) by recombining hydrogen (H2) supplied from the separator 15 described later and oxygen (O2) supplied from the electrolyzer 12 through a catalytic reaction.

[0022] The nitrogen tank 13 stores a gas such as air containing nitrogen (N2), for example. The nitrogen tank 13 is connected to the cathode supply path 10b. The nitrogen tank 13 supplies a gas such as air containing nitrogen (N2) to the cathode supply path 10b.

[0023] The anode-side humidifier 14A is provided between the electrolyzer 12 and the separator 15 in the anode supply path 10a. The anode-side humidifier 14A humidifies hydrogen (H2), deuterium (D2), hydrogen deuteride (HD), hydrogen tritide (HT), etc. supplied from the electrolyzer 12 with water such as water vapor and liquid. The cathode-side humidifier 14B is provided in the cathode supply path 10b. The cathode-side humidifier 14B humidifies a gas such as air containing nitrogen (N2) supplied from the nitrogen tank 13 with water such as water vapor and liquid.

[0024] The separator 15 includes, for example, a catalyst or a fuel cell that separates hydrogen isotopes from hydrogen (H2), deuterium (Dx), hydrogen deuteride (HD), hydrogen tritide (HT), etc. supplied from the electrolyzer 12 by an isotope exchange reaction. For example, the separator 15 is a fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of stacked fuel cell cells. A fuel cell cell comprises, for example, an ion exchange membrane (electrolyte membrane) 15a, an anode 15b and a cathode 15c provided on both sides of the thickness direction of the ion exchange membrane 15a, and an anode-side flow path 15d and a cathode-side flow path 15e.

[0025] The ion exchange membrane 15a includes, for example, a proton exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane. The anode 15b includes, for example, a platinum-based anode catalyst and a gas diffusion layer. The cathode 15c includes, for example, a platinum-based cathode catalyst and a gas diffusion layer.

[0026] The anode-side channel 15d is formed between the anode 15b and the separator 15, for example, by an anode-side separator. The anode-side channel 15d is connected to the anode-side humidifier 14A by an anode supply channel 10a outside the separator 15. Hydrogen (H2), deuterium (HD), and tritiated hydrogen (HT), humidified with water such as water vapor and liquid, are supplied to the anode-side channel 15d from the anode-side humidifier 14A.

[0027] The cathode-side channel 15e is formed between the cathode 15c and the cathode 15c by, for example, a cathode-side separator. The cathode-side channel 15e is connected to the cathode-side humidifier 14B by a cathode supply channel 10b outside the separator 15. A gas, such as air containing nitrogen (N2) humidified with water, such as water vapor and liquid water, is supplied to the cathode-side channel 15e from the cathode-side humidifier 14B.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example of an isotope exchange reaction in the separator 15 of the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in the separator 15, isotope exchange reactions occur between water and hydrogen at the anode 15b and cathode 15c. Hydrogen isotopes such as deuterium (D) and tritium (T) move to the oxide side, and also move from the anode 15b side to the cathode 15c side through the ion exchange membrane 15a. For example, the exchange reaction shown in equation (Equation 2) below occurs at anode 15b, and the exchange reaction shown in equation (Equation 3) below occurs at cathode 15c. Note that the exchange reactions at anode 15b and cathode 15c include the exchange reactions obtained by replacing deuterium (D) with tritium (T) in hydrogen deuteride (HD) and semi-heavy water (HDO) in equations (Equation 2) and (Equation 3) below. Also, (g) in equations (Equation 2) and (Equation 3) below indicates the state of gas and vapor, etc.

[0029]

number

[0030]

number

[0031] In separator 15, for example, semi-heavy water (HDO), hydrogen deuteride (HD), tritiated water (HTO), and tritiated hydrogen (HT) move from the anode 15b side to the cathode 15c side via the ion exchange membrane 15a. In separator 15, for example, water (H2O) moves from the cathode 15c side to the anode 15b side via the ion exchange membrane 15a. At the anode 15b of the separator 15, for example, water (H2O), semi-heavy water (HDO), and tritiated water (HTO) are discharged to the external anode discharge channel 10c along with hydrogen (H2). At the cathode 15c of the separator 15, for example, water (H2O) carried by nitrogen (N2) gas is discharged to the external cathode discharge channel 10d along with semi-heavy water (HDO) and tritiated water (HTO).

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the anode condenser 16A is provided in the anode discharge channel 10c. The cathode condenser 16B is provided in the cathode discharge channel 10d. The anode condenser 16A and the cathode condenser 16B each separate the fluid discharged from the anode channel 15d and the cathode channel 15e of the separator 15 into a gaseous component and a liquid component. The liquid component is, for example, light water and heavy water separated from the fluid by condensation.

[0033] For example, the gaseous component separated in the anode condenser 16A is hydrogen (H2), and the liquid components are light water (H2O) and heavy water (HDO, HTO). For example, the gaseous component separated by the anode condenser 16A is discharged to the outside via the anode valve 17A. The liquid components are discharged, for example, to the anode tank 18A. As mentioned above, the hydrogen (H2) discharged from the anode condenser 16A may be supplied to an external fuel cell or other coupling device (not shown) and used for power generation by catalytic reaction and water (H2O) production. For example, the gaseous component separated in the cathode-side condenser 16B is nitrogen (N2) or air, and the liquid components are light water (H2O) and heavy water (HDO, HTO). For example, the gaseous component separated by the cathode-side condenser 16B is discharged to the outside via the cathode-side on / off valve 17B. The liquid component is discharged, for example, to the cathode-side tank 18B.

[0034] The hydrogen isotope separation system 10 includes, for example, an impedance detector 20, a first heat transfer medium circuit 30, a second heat transfer medium circuit 40, and a control device 50. The impedance detector 20 is connected, for example, to the anode 15b and cathode 15c of the separator 15 to detect the impedance of the separator 15. The impedance of the separator 15 is a state variable related to the wet state or water content of the separator 15. For example, as the water content of the separator 15 increases, the impedance tends to decrease.

[0035] The first heat medium circuit 30 is connected to, for example, heat medium flow paths (not shown) provided in each of the anode-side humidifier 14A, the cathode-side humidifier 14B, and the separator 15. The first heat medium circuit 30 includes, for example, a heater 31 that heats the first heat medium, a first temperature sensor 32, a second temperature sensor 33, and a third temperature sensor 34. The first heat medium circuit 30 forms a circulation circuit that circulates the first heat medium heated by the heater 31.

[0036] The first heat medium circuit 30 is connected in series, for example, to the heater 31, the separator 15, the cathode-side humidifier 14B, and the anode-side humidifier 14A in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow direction of the first heat medium. The first heat medium heated by the heater 31 is first supplied to the separator 15 to heat the separator 15 to a predetermined operating temperature. Next, the first heat medium at the first temperature T1 after heating the separator 15 is supplied to the cathode-side humidifier 14B to heat the cathode-side humidifier 14B. The first temperature sensor 32 is disposed, for example, between the separator 15 and the cathode-side humidifier 14B and detects the first temperature T1 of the first heat medium.

[0037] Next, the first heat medium at the second temperature T2 (<T1) after heating the cathode-side humidifier 14B is supplied to the anode-side humidifier 14A to heat the anode-side humidifier 14A. The second temperature sensor 33 is disposed, for example, between the cathode-side humidifier 14B and the anode-side humidifier 14A and detects the second temperature T2 of the first heat medium. Then, the first heat medium at the third temperature T3 (<T2) after heating the anode-side humidifier 14A is returned to the heater 31. The third temperature sensor 34 is disposed, for example, between the anode-side humidifier 14A and the heater 31 and detects the third temperature T3 of the first heat medium.

[0038] The second heat transfer medium circuit 40 is connected, for example, to heat transfer medium flow paths (not shown) provided in the anode-side condenser 16A and the cathode-side condenser 16B, respectively. The second heat transfer medium circuit 40 includes, for example, a cooler 41 for cooling the second heat transfer medium and a fourth temperature sensor 42. The second heat transfer medium circuit 40 forms a circulation circuit that circulates the second heat transfer medium cooled by the cooler 41.

[0039] The second heat transfer medium circuit 40 connects, for example, the cooler 41, the anode-side condenser 16A, and the cathode-side condenser 16B in series sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side along the flow direction of the second heat transfer medium. The second heat transfer medium, cooled by the cooler 41, is first supplied to the anode condenser 16A, thereby cooling the anode condenser 16A. Next, the second heat transfer medium, after cooling the anode condenser 16A, is supplied to the cathode condenser 16B to cool the cathode condenser 16B. Then, the second heat transfer medium at a fourth temperature T4 after cooling the cathode-side condenser 16B is returned to the cooler 41. The fourth temperature sensor 42 is placed, for example, between the cathode-side condenser 16B and the cooler 41 to detect the fourth temperature T4 of the second heat transfer medium.

[0040] The control device 50 comprehensively controls the operation of the hydrogen isotope separation system 10, for example. For example, the control device 50 is a software function unit that functions when a predetermined program is executed by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The software function unit is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) equipped with a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, and electronic circuits such as a timer. At least a part of the control device 50 may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0041] (Operation of the hydrogen isotope separation system) The operation of the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 of the embodiment during startup. As shown in Figure 3, first, when the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 is started up, the control device 50 starts heating the separator 15, the cathode-side humidifier 14B, and the anode-side humidifier 14A using the first heat transfer medium circuit 30 (step S01).

[0042] Next, the control device 50 determines, for example, whether the temperatures of the separator 15, cathode-side humidifier 14B, and anode-side humidifier 14A are above a first predetermined temperature based on the temperature detection values ​​output from each of the first temperature sensor 32, second temperature sensor 33, and third temperature sensor 34 (step S02). The first predetermined temperature is, for example, the lower limit temperature required to ensure the desired operation of each of the separator 15, cathode-side humidifier 14B, and anode-side humidifier 14A by heating with the first heat transfer medium. If the result of this determination is "NO", the control device 50 repeatedly executes the determination process in step S02. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is "YES", the control device 50 proceeds to step S03. Then, the control device 50 starts cooling the anode condenser 16A and the cathode condenser 16B using the second heat transfer medium circuit 40 (step S03).

[0043] Next, the control device 50 determines, for example, whether the temperatures of the anode condenser 16A and the cathode condenser 16B are below a second predetermined temperature based on the temperature detection value output from the fourth temperature sensor 42 (step S04). The second predetermined temperature is, for example, the upper limit temperature required to ensure the desired operation of the anode condenser 16A and the cathode condenser 16B by cooling with the second heat transfer medium. If the result of this determination is "NO", the control device 50 repeatedly executes the determination process in step S04. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is "YES", the control device 50 proceeds to step S05. Then, the control device 50 starts supplying humidified gas (cathode gas), such as air containing nitrogen (N2), from the nitrogen tank 13 to the cathode 15c of the separator 15 via the cathode-side humidifier 14B (step S05).

[0044] Next, the control device 50 determines, for example, whether the impedance of the separator 15 detected by the impedance detector 20 is below a predetermined value (step S06). The predetermined value of the impedance is, for example, the upper impedance corresponding to the lower moisture content required to ensure the desired operation of the separator by humidification with cathode gas. If the result of this determination is "NO", the control device 50 repeatedly performs the determination process in step S06. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is "YES", the control device 50 proceeds to step S07. The control device 50 then starts supplying water containing heavy water and light water from the raw material tank 11 to the electrolytic unit 12, and starts operating the electrolytic unit 12 (step S06). As a result, humidified gases (anode gas) such as hydrogen (H2), hydrogen deuteride (HD), and hydrogen tritiate (HT) are supplied from the electrolytic unit 12 to the anode 15b of the separator 15 via the anode-side humidifier 14A. The control device 50 then proceeds to the end of the process.

[0045] As described above, according to the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 and the control method for the hydrogen isotope separation system 10 of the embodiment, when the temperature of at least one of the separator 15 and each humidifier 14A, 14B is above a first predetermined temperature, the second heat transfer medium circuit 40 cools each condenser 16A, 16B. This prevents unnecessary cooling of each condenser 16A, 16B when the temperature state of the separator 15 and each humidifier 14A, 14B is not appropriate. For example, if each condenser 16A, 16B is cooled before the separator 15 and each humidifier 14A, 14B warm up, the amount of water vapor in the exhaust will be small, resulting in low separation efficiency, which may cause losses due to the operation of the second heat transfer medium circuit 40. By operating the second heat transfer medium circuit 40 after the separator 15 and each humidifier 14A, 14B have warmed up, the occurrence of losses can be suppressed.

[0046] When the temperature of each condenser 16A, 16B is below the second predetermined temperature, cathode gas is supplied toward the cathode 15c, thereby suppressing the unnecessary supply of cathode gas to the cathode 15c when the temperature conditions of each condenser 16A, 16B are not appropriate. This also suppresses the increase in the concentration of deuterium and tritium on the discharge side of the anode-side condenser 16A due to the temperature condition of the anode-side condenser 16A.

[0047] Since heavy water is electrolyzed by the electrolytic unit 12 when a predetermined humid state is reached, which is necessary to ensure the desired operation of the separator 15, it is possible to suppress the supply of gas containing hydrogen isotopes from the electrolytic unit 12 to the anode 15b when the humid state of the separator 15 is not appropriate. It is also possible to suppress the increase in the concentration of deuterium and tritium on the discharge side of the separator 15 due to the humid state of the separator 15. By providing the impedance detector 20, the moisture state of the separator 15 can be properly obtained without the need to provide, for example, a humidity sensor.

[0048] (modified version) Modified examples of the embodiments are described below. Note that parts identical to those in the embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified. In the embodiment described above, the control device 50 starts cooling the anode condenser 16A and cathode condenser 16B using the second heat transfer medium circuit 40 when the temperatures of the separator 15, cathode humidifier 14B, and anode humidifier 14A are at or above a first predetermined temperature, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control device 50 may start cooling each condenser 16A, 16B when the temperature of at least one of the separator 15, cathode humidifier 14B, and anode humidifier 14A is at or above a first predetermined temperature.

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10...Hydrogen isotope separation system, 10a...Anode supply path, 10b...Cathode supply path, 10c...Anode discharge path, 10d...Cathode discharge path, 11...Raw material tank, 12...Electrolyzer, 13...Nitrogen tank, 14A...Anode-side humidifier (humidifier), 14B...Cathode-side humidifier (humidifier), 15...Separator, 15a...Ion exchange membrane, 15b...Anode, 15c...Cathode, 16A...Anode-side condenser (condensation separator), 16B...Cathode-side condenser (condensation separator) Separator), 17A... Anode-side shut-off valve, 17B... Cathode-side shut-off valve, 18A... Anode-side tank, 18B... Cathode-side tank, 20... Impedance detector (detector), 30... First heat transfer fluid circuit, 31... Heater, 32... First temperature sensor (temperature sensor), 33... Second temperature sensor (temperature sensor), 34... Third temperature sensor (temperature sensor), 40... Second heat transfer fluid circuit, 41... Cooler, 42... Fourth temperature sensor (discharge-side temperature sensor), 50... Control device.

Claims

1. A separator for separating hydrogen isotopes, comprising an ion exchange membrane and an anode and a cathode provided on both sides of the ion exchange membrane in the thickness direction, an anode supply path that supplies light hydrogen containing at least one type of hydrogen isotope toward the anode, A cathode supply path for supplying cathode gas toward the cathode, A humidifier provided in each of the anode supply path and the cathode supply path, A first heat transfer medium circuit that supplies the first heat transfer medium to the separator and the humidifier, A temperature sensor that detects a temperature related to the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier, A condensation separator provided on the discharge side of the anode and cathode of the separator, A second heat transfer medium circuit that supplies a second heat transfer medium to the condenser separator, Control device and Equipped with, The control device is After the heating of at least one of the separator and the humidifier by the first heat transfer circuit at system startup, if the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier is above a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the condensing separator is cooled by the second heat transfer circuit. Hydrogen isotope separation system.

2. The system includes an outlet-side temperature sensor that detects a temperature related to the temperature of the condenser separator, The control device is After the cooling of the condenser separator by the second heat transfer fluid circuit begins at system startup, if the temperature of the condenser separator is below a predetermined determination temperature based on the temperature detected by the discharge-side temperature sensor, the cathode gas is supplied to the cathode via the cathode supply path. The hydrogen isotope separation system according to claim 1.

3. An electrolytic device for electrolyzing heavy water containing light water, A detector for detecting a state quantity related to the wet state of the separator and Equipped with, The control device is After the supply of cathode gas to the cathode via the cathode supply path begins during system startup, when the wet state, according to the state quantity detected by the detector, reaches a predetermined wet state, the heavy water is electrolyzed by the electrolytic device. The hydrogen isotope separation system according to claim 2.

4. The detector detects the impedance of the separator. The hydrogen isotope separation system according to claim 3.

5. A separator for separating hydrogen isotopes, comprising an ion exchange membrane and an anode and a cathode provided on both sides of the ion exchange membrane in the thickness direction, an anode supply path that supplies light hydrogen containing at least one type of hydrogen isotope toward the anode, A cathode supply path for supplying cathode gas toward the cathode, A humidifier provided in each of the anode supply path and the cathode supply path, A first heat transfer medium circuit that supplies the first heat transfer medium to the separator and the humidifier, A temperature sensor that detects a temperature related to the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier, A condensation separator provided on the discharge side of the anode and cathode of the separator, A second heat transfer medium circuit that supplies a second heat transfer medium to the condenser separator and A control method performed by an electronic device that controls a hydrogen isotope separation system comprising: The system includes a step of cooling the condensing separator with the second heat transfer circuit if, after the heating of at least one of the separator and the humidifier by the first heat transfer circuit at system startup, the temperature of at least one of the separator and the humidifier is above a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A method for controlling a hydrogen isotope separation system.

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