Heat transfer medium storage vessel and hydrogen absorption / release system

Abstract

To provide a heat medium storage container capable of miniaturizing equipment, and properly controlling a temperature of a heat medium for heating and a heat medium for cooling.SOLUTION: A heat medium storage container includes: a first storage chamber for storing a heat medium for heating to heat a hydrogen storage alloy; a second storage chamber for storing a heat medium for cooling to cool the hydrogen storage alloy; and a reflux chamber disposed between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber so as to reflux the heat medium for heating supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy from the first storage chamber and the heat medium for cooling supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy from the second storage chamber. Partitioning walls partition between the first storage chamber and the reflux chamber, and between the second storage chamber and the reflux chamber, and one or a plurality of induction walls for inducing the refluxed heat medium for heating to the first storage chamber and inducing the refluxed heat medium for cooling to the second storage chamber, are disposed in the reflux chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat medium storage container and a hydrogen absorption / release system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, hydrogen supply equipment for supplying hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles, fuel cell forklifts, etc. has been developed. The use of hydrogen storage alloys for absorbing and releasing hydrogen in these hydrogen supply equipment has been considered. Hydrogen storage alloys absorb hydrogen through an exothermic reaction and release hydrogen through an endothermic reaction. Hydrogen storage alloys absorb and release hydrogen reversibly by repeating these exothermic and endothermic reactions.

[0003] Usually, the exothermic reaction of a hydrogen storage alloy proceeds by supplying a cooling heat medium such as cold water to the hydrogen storage alloy, and the endothermic reaction of a hydrogen storage alloy proceeds by supplying a heating heat medium such as hot water to the hydrogen storage alloy. Therefore, in a hydrogen supply facility using a hydrogen storage alloy, it is desirable to control the heating and cooling of the hydrogen storage alloy so as to stably absorb and release hydrogen.

[0004] A known hydrogen supply facility using a hydrogen storage alloy includes a hydrogen storage tank containing a hydrogen storage alloy, a hot water tank for storing a heat exchange medium for heating that can exchange heat with the hydrogen storage alloy, and a cold water tank for storing a heat exchange medium for cooling that can exchange heat with the hydrogen storage alloy (see JP 2003-254499 A). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-254499 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described in the above publication, in conventional hydrogen supply equipment, the heat medium for heating and the heat medium for cooling are stored in separate tanks. However, this configuration increases the size and cost of the equipment.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a heat medium storage container that can store a heating heat medium and a cooling heat medium in a single container, thereby making the equipment more compact and allowing the temperatures of the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium to be appropriately controlled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A heat medium storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention is a heat medium storage container in which a heat medium for heating and cooling a hydrogen storage alloy is stored, and the heat medium storage container comprises a first storage chamber in which a heating heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy is stored, a second storage chamber in which a cooling heat medium for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy is stored, and a reflux chamber arranged between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber in which the heating heat medium supplied from the first storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and the cooling heat medium supplied from the second storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy are refluxed, the first storage chamber and the reflux chamber, and the second storage chamber and the reflux chamber are each separated by a partition, and one or more guide walls are arranged in the reflux chamber to guide the refluxed heating heat medium to the first storage chamber and to guide the refluxed cooling heat medium to the second storage chamber.

[0009] The heat medium storage container can guide the returned heating heat medium to the first storage chamber and the returned cooling heat medium to the second storage chamber by arranging the one or more guide walls in the reflux chamber. Therefore, the heat medium storage container can suppress the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium from being mixed in the container while arranging the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the reflux chamber in a single container. Therefore, the heat medium storage container can appropriately control the temperatures of the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium, while achieving compact equipment.

[0010] The one or more guide walls divide the reflux chamber into a first reflux chamber through which the heating heat medium refluxes, a second reflux chamber through which the cooling heat medium refluxes, and a third reflux chamber disposed between the first reflux chamber and the second reflux chamber and through which the circulating heat medium discharged from the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber refluxes, and an opening communicating with the first reflux chamber and the third reflux chamber, and the second reflux chamber and the third reflux chamber may be provided at the lower part of the guide wall. In this way, by providing a third reflux chamber through which the circulating heat medium discharged from the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber refluxes in the reflux chamber, it is possible to reflux the circulating heat medium to the third reflux chamber by minimum flow operation. In addition, the reflux chamber is divided into the first reflux chamber, the second reflux chamber, and the third reflux chamber by the one or more guide walls, and openings communicating with the first reflux chamber and the third reflux chamber, and the second reflux chamber and the third reflux chamber are provided at the lower part of the guide wall, so that the heat medium for circulation returned to the third reflux chamber can be diffused little by little through the first reflux chamber to the first storage chamber, or through the second reflux chamber to the second storage chamber. This makes it possible to improve the safety of the equipment while suppressing temperature changes of the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber and the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber.

[0011] The heat medium storage container may have a pair of the guide walls, which traverse the heat medium storage container and are arranged in parallel to each other. In this way, the heat medium storage container has a pair of the guide walls, which traverse the heat medium storage container and are arranged in parallel to each other, so that the reflux chamber can be easily and reliably divided into the first reflux chamber, the second reflux chamber, and the third reflux chamber, and the circulating heat medium returned to the third reflux chamber can be easily sent to the first reflux chamber and the second reflux chamber.

[0012] A hydrogen absorption / release system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises the heat medium storage container, a hydrogen absorption / release tank in which the hydrogen storage alloy is mounted, a first line that supplies the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and returns the heating heat medium after supply to the reflux chamber, and a second line that supplies the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and returns the cooling heat medium after supply to the reflux chamber.

[0013] The hydrogen absorption / release system includes the heat medium storage container, and therefore the temperatures of the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium can be appropriately controlled, while the equipment can be made compact.

[0014] The hydrogen absorption / release system preferably includes the heat medium storage container, a hydrogen absorption / release tank in which the hydrogen storage alloy is mounted, a first line that supplies the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and returns the heating heat medium after supply to the first reflux chamber, a second line that supplies the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and returns the cooling heat medium after supply to the second reflux chamber, and a circulation line that circulates the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber or the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber to the third reflux chamber. In this way, the hydrogen absorption and release system is provided with a circulation line that circulates the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber or the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber to the third reflux chamber, thereby suppressing temperature changes of the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber and the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber, while ensuring a minimum flow rate at which the pump can be operated continuously, thereby preventing damage to the pump and increasing the safety of the equipment.

[0015] The first line may have a first discharge passage connected to the first storage chamber and a first connection passage connecting the first discharge passage and the hydrogen storage / release tank, and the second line may have a second discharge passage connected to the second storage chamber and a first connection passage common to the first line that connects the second discharge passage and the hydrogen storage / release tank. In this way, the first line has a first discharge passage connected to the first storage chamber and a first connection passage connecting the first discharge passage and the hydrogen storage / release tank, and the second line has a second discharge passage connected to the second storage chamber and a first connection passage common to the first line that connects the second discharge passage and the hydrogen storage / release tank, thereby simplifying the flow paths and reducing equipment costs, and easily supplying the heating medium and the cooling medium to the hydrogen storage alloy at a desired temperature.

[0016] The first line has a first discharge passage connected to the first storage chamber and a first connection passage connecting the first discharge passage and the hydrogen storage / release tank, the second line has a second discharge passage connected to the second storage chamber and the first connection passage common to the first line connecting the second discharge passage and the hydrogen storage / release tank, and the circulation line has a circulation passage branching off from the first connection passage and communicating with the third reflux chamber. In this way, the first line has a first discharge passage connected to the first storage chamber and a first connection passage connecting the first discharge passage and the hydrogen storage and release tank, the second line has a second discharge passage connected to the second storage chamber and the first connection passage common to the first line connecting the second discharge passage and the hydrogen storage and release tank, and the circulation line has a circulation passage branching off from the first connection passage and communicating with the third reflux chamber, thereby simplifying the flow path and reducing equipment costs, while easily supplying the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloy at the desired temperature, and by ensuring the minimum flow rate at which the pump can be operated continuously, damage to the pump can be prevented and the safety of the equipment can be increased.

[0017] The first line may have a second connection passage connected to the hydrogen storage / release tank, through which the heating heat medium is discharged after heating the hydrogen storage alloy, and a first return path connected to the second connection passage and communicating with a lower part of the first return chamber, and the second line may have the second connection passage common to the first line, through which the cooling heat medium is discharged after cooling the hydrogen storage alloy, and a second return path connected to the second connection passage and communicating with a lower part of the second return chamber. In this way, the first line has a second connection passage connected to the hydrogen storage / release tank, through which the heating heat medium is discharged after heating the hydrogen storage alloy, and a first return path connected to this second connection passage and communicating with the lower part of the first return chamber, and the second line has the second connection passage common to the first line, through which the cooling heat medium is discharged after cooling the hydrogen storage alloy, and a second return path connected to the second connection passage and communicating with the lower part of the second return chamber.By simplifying the flow paths, equipment costs can be reduced, while temperature changes in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber can be suppressed, and the costs required for temperature control of the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium can be reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0018] As described above, the heat medium storage container according to one aspect of the present invention can store a heating heat medium and a cooling heat medium in a single container, thereby making the equipment more compact and enabling appropriate control of the temperatures of the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen absorption / release system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a heat medium storage container in the hydrogen absorption / release system of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heat medium storage container shown in FIG. 2 taken along line III-III. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heat medium storage container taken along line IV-IV of FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heat medium storage container of FIG. 2 taken along line VV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the numerical values ​​described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined with the upper limit value and the lower limit value. In this specification, all numerical ranges from the upper limit value to the lower limit value that can be combined are described as suitable ranges.

[0021] [Hydrogen storage and release system] The hydrogen storage / release system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a hydrogen storage / release tank 1 in which a hydrogen storage alloy 1a is mounted, and a heat medium (heating heat medium M 1 and cooling medium M 2 ) is stored in a heat medium storage container 2, and a heating medium M 1 A first line 3 supplies the hydrogen storage alloy 1a with the heat medium for cooling M stored in the heat medium storage container 2 and returns the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 2 a second line 4 for supplying the hydrogen storage alloy 1a with the heat medium M stored in the heat medium storage container 2 and returning the hydrogen storage alloy 1a to the heat medium storage container 2; 1 Or cooling medium M 2 The circulation line 5 is provided with a heat transfer medium M 1 Or cooling medium M 2 The circulating heat medium (hereinafter referred to as "circulating heat medium M 3 By circulating the heat medium M as a heat transfer medium, a minimum flow rate at which the pump can be operated continuously is ensured, and damage to the pump caused by overheating, noise, vibration, etc. resulting from shut-off operation is suppressed. The heat medium storage container 2 is itself an embodiment of the present invention. The hydrogen absorbing and releasing system 10 is used, for example, in a hydrogen supply facility for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell. Examples of objects on which this fuel cell is mounted include a fuel cell vehicle and a fuel cell forklift. The heat medium M for heating 1 For example, hot water can be used as the cooling medium M2 For example, cold water can be used as the water.

[0022] (Hydrogen storage and release tank) The hydrogen absorbing / releasing tank 1 is configured to be capable of absorbing hydrogen by the hydrogen absorbing alloy 1a. The hydrogen absorbing / releasing tank 1 is also configured to be capable of supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell by releasing the hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen absorbing alloy 1a. The hydrogen absorbing alloy 1a absorbs the cooling heat medium M supplied from the heat medium storage container 2. 2 The hydrogen storage alloy 1a absorbs hydrogen introduced through the hydrogen introduction passage 1b by being cooled by heat exchange with the heat medium M supplied from the heat medium storage container 2. 1 The hydrogen is released by being heated through heat exchange with the hydrogen discharge passage 1c.

[0023] [Hydrogen storage alloy] The hydrogen storage alloy 1a is an alloy that can absorb and release hydrogen by controlling pressure or temperature. Known alloys can be used as the hydrogen storage alloy 1a, such as binary alloys, ternary alloys, quaternary alloys, and quinary alloys.

[0024] The binary alloy is, for example, LaNi 5 Examples of the alloy include LaNi-based alloys, TiFe-based alloys, MnNi-based alloys, CaNi-based alloys, TiMn-based alloys, TiZr-based alloys, and ZrMn-based alloys.

[0025] The above ternary alloys include, for example, Ti 25 Cr 50 V 25 , Ti 25 Cr 25 V 50 , Ti 20 Cr 45 V 35 TiCrV alloys, Ti 36 Cr 32 Mn 32 , or Ti 30 Cr 35 Mn 35and TiCrMn-based alloys such as TiCrMn and TiVMo-based alloys.

[0026] The above-mentioned quaternary alloys include, for example, Ti 30 Cr 45 V 10 Mo 15 , or Ti 25 Cr 50 V 20 Mo 5 TiCrVMo alloys, Ti 25 Cr 44 V 25 Fe 6 TiCrVFe alloys, etc., or Ti 25 Cr 50 V 20 Ni 5 and TiCrVNi-based alloys.

[0027] The above-mentioned 5-element alloys include, for example, Ti 11 Cr 12 V 71 Mo 5 Ni 1 and TiCrVMoNi alloys.

[0028] (Heat medium storage vessel) As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the heat medium storage container 2 contains a heating heat medium M for heating the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 1 A first storage chamber 11 in which the hydrogen storage alloy 1a is stored, and a cooling heat medium M 2 A second storage chamber 12 in which the heat medium M is stored is disposed between the first storage chamber 11 and the second storage chamber 12, and the heat medium M is supplied from the first storage chamber 11 to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 1 and the cooling heat medium M supplied from the second storage chamber 12 to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 2 The first storage chamber 11 and the reflux chamber 13, and the second storage chamber 12 and the reflux chamber 13 are each partitioned by a partition wall 14. A pair of guide walls 15 are arranged in the reflux chamber 13. The pair of guide walls 15 guide the heating medium M returned to the reflux chamber 13. 1 is guided to the first storage chamber 11, while the cooling heat medium M 2is guided to the second storage chamber 12. The heat medium storage container 2 may have a lid (not shown) that closes the upper opening.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat medium storage container 2 is rectangular in plan view. The heat medium storage container 2 has a pair of opposing side walls 2b, 2c. Between the pair of side walls 2b, 2c, a first storage chamber 11, a reflux chamber 13, and a second storage chamber 12 are provided in parallel in this order. That is, the heat medium storage container 2 is partitioned into three chambers, the first storage chamber 11, the reflux chamber 13, and the second storage chamber 12, from one side wall 2b to the other side wall 2c. Note that the term "rectangular" is not limited to a perfect rectangle, and includes, for example, a shape that is partially curved or bent, or a shape in which two opposing sides are not completely parallel.

[0030] [1st storage chamber] The first storage chamber 11 receives the heating medium M from the reflux chamber 13. 1 More specifically, the first storage chamber 11 receives the heating medium M from the reflux chamber 13. 1 In other words, the first storage chamber 11 is configured to selectively introduce the cooling heat medium M that has cooled the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 2 The first storage chamber 11 is configured to prevent the introduction of the cooling heat medium M 2 By preventing the introduction of the stored heating medium M 1 As a result, it is easy to reduce the energy required to heat the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 1 A first discharge passage 3a capable of discharging the above-mentioned gas is connected to the gas supply passage 3a.

[0031] The first storage chamber 11 contains a heating medium M 1 The heater 11a is arranged to maintain the temperature of the first storage chamber 11. The type of the heater 11a is not particularly limited, but for example, an electric heater can be used. 1The lower limit of the liquid temperature is preferably 40° C., more preferably 50° C. On the other hand, the upper limit of the liquid temperature is preferably 90° C., more preferably 80° C. If the liquid temperature is below the lower limit, the hydrogen release efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 1a may be insufficient. On the other hand, if the liquid temperature exceeds the upper limit, the heating medium M 1 There is a risk of increased heating costs due to changes in the type of heating.

[0032] [Second storage chamber] The second storage chamber 12 receives the cooling heat medium M from the reflux chamber 13. 2 More specifically, the second storage chamber 12 receives the cooling heat medium M from the reflux chamber 13. 2 In other words, the second storage chamber 12 is configured to selectively introduce the heating medium M 1 The second storage chamber 12 is configured to prevent the introduction of the heating medium M 1 By preventing the introduction of the cooling heat medium M 2 As a result, it is easy to reduce the energy required for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 2 A second discharge path 4a capable of discharging the above-mentioned gas is connected to the gas outlet 4a.

[0033] The second storage chamber 12 contains a cooling medium M 2 The type of the cooler 12a is not particularly limited, but for example, a known heat exchanger can be used. 2 The liquid temperature of the heating medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11 is 1 The liquid temperature of the cooling heat medium M stored in the second storage chamber 12 is lower than that of the liquid 2 The lower limit of the liquid temperature is preferably 5° C., more preferably 10° C. On the other hand, the upper limit of the liquid temperature is preferably 40° C., more preferably 35° C. If the liquid temperature is below the lower limit, the cooling heat transfer medium M 2However, if the type of the liquid is changed, the cooling cost may increase. Conversely, if the liquid temperature exceeds the upper limit, the hydrogen storage efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 1a may decrease.

[0034] [Reflux chamber] The reflux chamber 13 contains a heating medium M 1 A first reflux chamber 13a through which the heat transfer medium M for cooling is refluxed. 2 a second reflux chamber 13b through which the circulating heat transfer medium M 3 The third reflux chamber 13c contains the circulating heat medium M 3 is returned by minimum flow operation. The first reflux chamber 13a is disposed adjacent to the first storage chamber 11, the second reflux chamber 13b is disposed adjacent to the second storage chamber 12, and the third reflux chamber 13c is disposed between the first reflux chamber 13a and the second reflux chamber 13b. Partition walls 14 are disposed between the first reflux chamber 13a and the first storage chamber 11, and between the second reflux chamber 13b and the second storage chamber 12. In addition, guide walls 15 are disposed between the first reflux chamber 13a and the third reflux chamber 13c, and between the second reflux chamber 13b and the third reflux chamber 13c. That is, the pair of guide walls 15 guide the reflux chamber 13 to the heating heat medium M 1 A first reflux chamber 13a through which the heat transfer medium M for cooling is refluxed. 2 A second reflux chamber 13b in which the heat medium for circulation (the heat medium for circulation M) discharged from the first storage chamber 11 and the second storage chamber 12 is disposed between the first reflux chamber 13a and the second reflux chamber 13b. 3 and a third reflux chamber 13c through which the heat exchanger 13a refluxes.

[0035] 1, 4 and 5, the partition wall 14 is provided on the bottom 2a of the heat medium storage container 2. The partition wall 14 is provided with a heating medium M in an area facing the guide wall 15 in the horizontal direction. 1 and cooling medium M 23, the lower part of the guide wall 15 is provided with a plurality of openings 15a communicating with the first reflux chamber 13a and the third reflux chamber 13c, and with the second reflux chamber 13b and the third reflux chamber 13c. Since the openings 15a are provided in the lower part of the guide wall 15, the heat medium storage container 2 is preferably provided with a plurality of openings 15a through which the circulating heat medium M returned to the third reflux chamber 13c can pass. 3 can be diffused little by little into the first storage chamber 11 via the first reflux chamber 13a, or into the second storage chamber 12 via the second reflux chamber 13b. 1 and the cooling heat medium M stored in the second storage chamber 12. 2 By suppressing sudden temperature changes while ensuring the minimum flow rate at which the pump can be operated continuously, damage to the pump can be prevented and the safety of the facility can be improved. Note that the "lower part of the guide wall" refers to an area within a range of 10 cm upward from the bottom end of the guide wall, and preferably an area within a range of 5 cm.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the heat medium storage container 2 stores a heat medium M 1 is sent to the first storage chamber 11 over the partition wall 14, and the cooling heat medium M 2 The heat medium storage container 2 is configured so that the heat medium M for heating is sent to the second storage chamber 12 over the partition wall 14. Therefore, it is preferable that the heat medium storage container 2 is configured so that at least a part of the upper end of the partition wall 14 is located below the liquid level. 1 , cooling heat medium M 2 and circulating heat transfer medium M 3 However, the guide wall 15 is configured so that the heating medium M cannot move beyond the upper part of the guide wall 15. In other words, the entire area of ​​the upper end of the guide wall 15 is disposed above the liquid surface. This allows the movement between the first reflux chamber 13a and the third reflux chamber 13c, and between the second reflux chamber 13b and the third reflux chamber 13c, only through the opening 15a. With this configuration, the heating medium M 1 The cooling medium M returned to the second return chamber 13b is easily and reliably prevented from flowing into the second storage chamber 12.2 Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably prevent the liquid from flowing into the first storage chamber 11.

[0037] The openings 15a are aligned at intervals in the horizontal direction on the lower portion of the guide wall 15. By arranging the openings 15a at intervals, the flow rate between the first reflux chamber 13a and the third reflux chamber 13c, and between the second reflux chamber 13b and the third reflux chamber 13c can be made relatively small. As a result, the circulating heat transfer medium M 3 The heat medium M for heating can be sent little by little to the first reflux chamber 13a and the second reflux chamber 13b through the opening 15a, and the heat medium M for heating can be sent little by little to the third reflux chamber 13c from the first reflux chamber 13a. 1 and the flow of the cooling heat medium M from the second reflux chamber 13b to the third reflux chamber 13c. 2 This makes it easier to suppress the inflow of

[0038] The lower limit of the ratio of the total area of ​​the openings 15a provided in the guide wall 15 separating the first reflux chamber 13a and the third reflux chamber 13c to the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first discharge passage 3a and the ratio of the total area of ​​the openings 15a provided in the guide wall 15 separating the second reflux chamber 13b and the third reflux chamber 13c to the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the second discharge passage 4a is preferably 2. On the other hand, the upper limit of the ratio is preferably 4. If the ratio does not reach the lower limit, the circulating heat transfer medium M returned to the third reflux chamber 13c may be reduced. 3 It may be difficult to deliver the reflux fluid from the third reflux chamber 13c to the first reflux chamber 13a or the second reflux chamber 13b through the opening 15a. Conversely, if the ratio exceeds the upper limit, the flow rate from the third reflux chamber 13c to the first reflux chamber 13a or the second reflux chamber 13b may become too large.

[0039] The pair of guide walls 15 are arranged in parallel to each other across the heat medium storage container 2. With this configuration, the reflux chamber 13 is easily and reliably divided into the first reflux chamber 13a, the second reflux chamber 13b, and the third reflux chamber 13c, and the circulating heat medium M 3 This makes it easier for the gas to be appropriately diffused into the first reflux chamber 13a and the second reflux chamber 13b.

[0040] The reflux chamber 13 includes a first reflux chamber 13a, a third reflux chamber 13c, and a second reflux chamber 13b arranged in parallel in this order from the first storage chamber 11 side to the second storage chamber 12 side. With this configuration, the heating medium M between the first storage chamber 11 and the second storage chamber 12 is 1 and cooling medium M 2 The movement of the heating medium M returned to the first reflux chamber 13a is suppressed. 1 The cooling heat medium M 2 is easily sent to the second storage chamber 12.

[0041] (First line) The first line 3 is a heat transfer medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11. 1 The first line 3 supplies the heating medium M 1 In more detail, the first line 3 returns the heating medium M after being supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a to the return chamber 13. 1 is returned to the first return chamber 13a.

[0042] The first line 3 has a first discharge passage 3a connected to the first storage chamber 11, and a first connection passage 3b connecting the first discharge passage 3a and the hydrogen absorbing / releasing tank 1. The first line 3 is also connected to the hydrogen absorbing / releasing tank 1, and is used to convey the heating medium M 1 The partition wall has a second connection path 3c through which the liquid is discharged, and a first reflux path 3d connected to the second connection path 3c and communicating with the lower part of the first reflux chamber 13a. A first valve 16a is disposed in the first discharge path 3a. A pump 17 is disposed in the first connection path 3b. A second valve 16b is disposed in the first reflux path 3d. Note that the "lower part of the first reflux chamber" refers to, for example, an area located below the center position in the vertical direction of the partition wall.

[0043] (2nd line) The second line 4 is connected to the second storage chamber 12 through the cooling medium M 2 The second line 4 supplies the cooling medium M2 In more detail, the second line 4 is used to return the cooling heat medium M after it is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 2 is returned to the second reflux chamber 13b.

[0044] The second line 4 has a second discharge passage 4a connected to the second storage chamber 12, and a first connection passage 3b that connects the second discharge passage 4a and the hydrogen occlusion / release tank 1 and is shared with the first line 3. In this way, the second line 4 has the second discharge passage 4a connected to the second storage chamber 12, and the first connection passage 3b that is shared with the first line 3, thereby simplifying the flow path and reducing equipment costs, while increasing the flow rate of the heating medium M 1 and cooling medium M 2 can be easily supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a at a desired temperature.

[0045] The second line 4 is connected to the hydrogen storage / release tank 1 and is used to carry the cooling heat medium M after cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 2 The second line 4 has a second connection path 3c shared with the first line 3, through which the heating medium M is discharged, and a second return path 4d connected to the second connection path 3c and communicating with the lower part of the second return chamber 13b. In this way, the second line 4 has the second connection path 3c shared with the first line 3, and the second return path 4d communicating with the lower part of the second return chamber 13b, and thus the flow paths are simplified to reduce equipment costs, while suppressing temperature changes in the first storage chamber 11 and the second storage chamber 12, and the heating medium M is discharged. 1 and cooling medium M 2 It is possible to reduce the cost required for controlling the temperature. Note that the "lower part of the second reflux chamber" means, for example, a region located below the center position in the vertical direction of the partition wall.

[0046] A third valve 16c is disposed in the second discharge path 4a. A fourth valve 16d is disposed in the second return path 4d.

[0047] (Circulation Line) The circulation line 5 is for circulating the heating medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11. 1 Or the cooling heat medium M stored in the second storage chamber 12 2The circulating heat medium M 3 The circulation line 5 has a circulation path 5a that branches off from the first connection path 3b and communicates with the third reflux chamber 13c. By having the circulation path 5a, the circulation line 5 can simplify the flow path and reduce equipment costs, while ensuring a minimum flow rate at which the pump can be continuously operated, thereby preventing damage to the pump and improving the safety of the equipment.

[0048] A fifth valve 16e is disposed in the circulation path 5a. Note that an orifice (not shown) for controlling the flow rate may be disposed in the circulation path 5a together with the fifth valve 16e or in place of the fifth valve 16e.

[0049] <Heating procedure for hydrogen storage alloy> 1 and 5, a procedure for heating the hydrogen storage alloy 1a in the hydrogen storage / release system 10 will be described. When the hydrogen storage alloy 1a is heated, the first valve 16a is opened while the third valve 16c is closed. This causes the heating medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11 to flow through the first storage chamber 11. 1 The heating medium M sent to the first connecting passage 3b passes through the first discharge passage 3a. 1 is pumped by the pump 17 to the hydrogen storage / release tank 1, where it heats the hydrogen storage alloy 1a by heat exchange. When the hydrogen storage alloy 1a is heated, the second valve 16b is opened and the fourth valve 16d is closed. As a result, the heating medium M after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 1a is 1 The heating medium M returns to the lower part of the first return chamber 13a through the second connection path 3c and the first return path 3d. 1 As it accumulates, it moves the liquid level upward, passes over the upper end of the partition wall 14, and is sent from above the partition wall 14 to the first storage chamber 11. At this time, since the entire upper end of the guide wall 15 is located above the liquid level and the total area of ​​the opening 15a is small, the heating medium M 1 The outflow of the heating medium M returned to the first return chamber 13a is suppressed. 1The temperature of the heating medium M circulating in the first reflux chamber 13a is lower than that at the time of being discharged from the first storage chamber 11 due to heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 1 The temperature change is due to the heat transfer medium being sent to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a. 2 and heating medium M 1 However, when the heat medium storage container 2 is used, the heat medium M 1 The heat transfer medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11 moves upward in the first reflux chamber 13a and is gradually diffused into the first storage chamber 11. 1 As a result, the temperature change of the heating medium M 1 In particular, the heat medium sent to the hydrogen storage alloy 1a is a cooling heat medium M 2 and heating medium M 1 The cost reduction effect is large when switching between the above. The hydrogen storage alloy 1a may be heated at a time other than when hydrogen is released. For example, by heating the hydrogen storage alloy 1a to a certain degree before releasing hydrogen, it is possible to increase the efficiency of hydrogen release by the hydrogen storage alloy 1a.

[0050] <Method for cooling hydrogen storage alloy> Next, a procedure for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 1a in the hydrogen storage / release system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 5. When cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 1a, first, the third valve 16c is opened while the first valve 16a is closed. As a result, the cooling heat medium M stored in the second storage chamber 12 is cooled. 2 The cooling heat medium M sent to the first connecting passage 3b through the second discharge passage 4a. 2 is pumped by the pump 17 to the hydrogen storage / release tank 1, where it cools the hydrogen storage alloy 1a by heat exchange. When cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 1a, the second valve 16b is closed and the fourth valve 16d is opened. In this way, the cooling heat medium M after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 1a is 2 The cooling medium M returns to the lower part of the second return flow chamber 13b through the second connection path 3c and the second return flow path 4d.2 As it accumulates, it moves the liquid level upward, passes over the upper end of the partition wall 14, and is sent from above the partition wall 14 to the second storage chamber 12. At this time, since the entire upper end of the guide wall 15 is located above the liquid level and the total area of ​​the opening 15a is small, the cooling heat medium M 2 The outflow of the cooling heat medium M returned to the second reflux chamber 13b is suppressed. 2 The temperature of the cooling medium M circulated to the second reflux chamber 13b has increased due to heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 1a compared to when it was discharged from the second storage chamber 12. 2 The temperature change is due to the heat transfer medium M 1 and cooling medium M 2 However, when the heat medium storage container 2 is used, the heat medium M 2 The cooling medium M stored in the second storage chamber 12 moves upward in the second reflux chamber 13b and is gradually diffused into the second storage chamber 12. 2 As a result, the temperature change of the cooling heat transfer medium M 2 In particular, the cost required for temperature control of the hydrogen storage alloy 1a can be reduced by using the heating medium M 1 and cooling medium M 2 The cost reduction effect is large when switching between the above. The hydrogen storage alloy 1a may be cooled at any time other than when hydrogen is absorbed. For example, by cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 1a to a certain degree before storing hydrogen, it is possible to increase the hydrogen absorption efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 1a.

[0051] <Circulation procedure for circulating heat transfer medium> 1 and 5, the circulating heat medium M in the hydrogen absorption and release system 10 3 The circulation procedure of the circulating heat medium M 3 The circulation of the heat transfer medium M is intended to protect the pump 17 from mechanical damage. 3 The circulation of the heating medium M discharged from the first storage chamber 11 1 Or the cooling heat medium M discharged from the second storage chamber 12 2The heating medium M is returned to the third reflux chamber 13c by the minimum flow operation. 1 Or cooling medium M 2 The fifth valve 16e is opened so that the hydrogen occlusion / release system 10 can be operated at a minimum flow rate to return the heat medium M to the third reflux chamber 13c. The fifth valve 16e may be always open during operation of the hydrogen occlusion / release system 10. In addition, when operating at a minimum flow rate, the fifth valve 16e is controlled to control the flow rate of the heat medium M depending on the discharge state of the pump 17. 1 Or cooling medium M 2 The flow rate of the heat medium M discharged from the first storage chamber 11 may be adjusted. The hydrogen absorption / release system 10 is provided with the circulation line 5, which protects the pump 17 and enhances the safety of the equipment. 1 Or the cooling heat medium M discharged from the second storage chamber 12 2 The heating medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11 is returned to the third return chamber 13c. 1 and the cooling heat medium M stored in the second storage chamber 12. 2 The temperature change can be suppressed.

[0052] The circulation line 5 supplies the heating medium M 1 When the heating medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11 is returned to the third return chamber 13c, the first valve 16a and the fifth valve 16e are opened and the third valve 16c is closed. 1 The heating medium M is returned to the third return chamber 13c through the first discharge passage 3a, the first connection passage 3b, and the circulation passage 5a. This causes the liquid level in the third return chamber 13c to be higher than the liquid level in the first storage chamber 11. As a result, the heating medium M 1 The cooling medium M is diffused into the first storage chamber 11 through the first reflux chamber 13a. 2 When the cooling medium M stored in the second storage chamber 12 is returned to the third return chamber 13c, the third valve 16c and the fifth valve 16e are opened and the first valve 16a is closed. 2The cooling heat medium M is returned to the third return chamber 13c through the second discharge passage 4a, the first connection passage 3b, and the circulation passage 5a. This causes the liquid level in the third return chamber 13c to be higher than the liquid level in the second storage chamber 12. As a result, the cooling heat medium M returned to the third return chamber 13c due to the water pressure difference is 2 is diffused into the second storage chamber 12 via the second reflux chamber 13b.

[0053] <Advantages> The heat medium storage container 2 has a pair of guide walls 15 arranged in the reflux chamber 13, so that the refluxed heating heat medium M 1 The cooling medium M 2 The heat medium storage container 2 can guide the heat medium M to the second storage chamber 12. Therefore, the heat medium storage container 2 can guide the heat medium M to the second storage chamber 12 while arranging the first storage chamber 11, the second storage chamber 12, and the reflux chamber 13 in a single container. 1 and cooling medium M 2 Therefore, the heat medium storage container 2 can prevent the heat medium M from being mixed with the heat medium M. 1 and cooling medium M 2 This makes it possible to appropriately control the temperature while making the equipment more compact.

[0054] The advantages of the heat medium storage container 2 over a conventional device in which a hot water tank for storing a heat medium for heating and a cold water tank for storing a heat medium for cooling are separately provided will be described in detail.

[0055] In the case where the hot water tank and the cold water tank are provided separately, for example, when switching from a cooling heat medium to a heating heat medium, the cooling heat medium that has exchanged heat with the hydrogen storage alloy flows into the hot water tank. In order to alleviate the sudden drop in temperature caused by the inflow of the cooling heat medium, it is necessary to enlarge the hot water tank. On the other hand, after switching, it is also possible to return the cooling heat medium to the cold water tank until the heat medium returning from the MH tank containing the hydrogen storage alloy is replaced by the heating heat medium, but even when this configuration is adopted, it is necessary to enlarge the cold water tank so that it can store the additional capacity of the MH tank. In contrast, the heat medium storage container 2 stores the heating heat medium M stored in the first storage chamber 11.1 Even if the heating medium M is returned to the second return chamber 13b, 1 flows into the first storage chamber 11 through the third reflux chamber 13c and the first reflux chamber 13a. Therefore, the heat medium storage container 2 can mitigate a sudden temperature change of the heat medium. Furthermore, since the guide wall 15 has the opening 15a, the heat medium storage container 2 does not need to increase the overall volume because the liquid levels in the second storage chamber 12 and the reflux chamber 13 are at the same level. As a result, it is possible to achieve a compact size. In addition, the heat medium storage container 2 can share piping, valves, etc. by integrating the first storage chamber 11 and the second storage chamber 12, thereby reducing the equipment cost and the equipment installation area.

[0056] The hydrogen absorption and release system 10 includes the heat medium storage container 2, so that the heat medium M 1 and cooling medium M 2 This makes it possible to appropriately control the temperature while making the equipment more compact.

[0057] [Other embodiments] The above-mentioned embodiment does not limit the configuration of the present invention. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiment may omit, replace or add components of each part of the above-mentioned embodiment based on the description in this specification and common general technical knowledge, and it should be understood that all of these are within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] For example, the reflux chamber may not be provided with a third reflux chamber through which the circulating heat medium is refluxed. In this case, the reflux chamber may be provided with only one guide wall that separates the first reflux chamber through which the heating heat medium is refluxed and the second reflux chamber through which the cooling heat medium is refluxed. In addition, when only one guide wall is provided in the reflux chamber, the guide wall may not have an opening.

[0059] The heat medium storage container may be configured to directly return the circulating heat medium to the first storage chamber or the second storage chamber, but from the viewpoint of simplifying the flow path of the circulating heat medium and reducing the operating costs such as opening and closing of the valve, it is preferable to return the circulating heat medium to the third return chamber.

[0060] The arrangement of the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the reflux chamber in the heat medium storage container is not particularly limited. For example, when the reflux chamber is divided into the first reflux chamber, the second reflux chamber, and the third reflux chamber, the third reflux chamber may be configured to have a circular shape in a plan view, and the first reflux chamber and the second reflux chamber may be arranged outside the third reflux chamber. In this case, the reflux chamber may be provided with three or more guide walls that divide the first reflux chamber, the second reflux chamber, and the third reflux chamber.

[0061] When the reflux chamber is not provided with a third reflux chamber, the hydrogen absorption / release system may not include a circulation line for circulating the circulating heat medium. When the circulation line is not included, the hydrogen absorption / release system preferably controls the switching of the second valve and the fourth valve so as to ensure a minimum flow rate of the pump. For example, it is preferable to close one valve after confirming that the other valve is open so that both the second valve and the fourth valve are not closed. As an example of such a control procedure, a limit switch is placed in one valve, and the other valve is closed after confirming a signal sent from the limit switch. In addition, even if the hydrogen absorption / release system includes a circulation line, the circulation line may not branch off from the first connection path. In this case, the hydrogen absorption / release system may include a plurality of pumps. For example, the hydrogen absorption / release system may include a first pump for pumping the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber, and a second pump for pumping the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber.

[0062] The first line and the second line do not have to have a common first connecting passage. However, from the viewpoint of simplifying the flow path and promoting compactness of the equipment, it is preferable that the first line and the second line have a common first connecting passage.

[0063] The first line and the second line do not have to have a common second connecting passage. However, from the viewpoint of simplifying the flow path and promoting compactness of the equipment, it is preferable that the first line and the second line have a common second connecting passage. [Industrial Applicability]

[0064] As described above, the heat medium storage container according to one aspect of the present invention is suitable for making the equipment compact and for appropriately controlling the temperatures of the heating heat medium and the cooling heat medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Hydrogen storage and release tank 1a Hydrogen storage alloy 1b Hydrogen inlet 1c Hydrogen release path 2 Heat transfer medium storage vessel 2a bottom 2b, 2c side wall 3. First Line 3a 1st discharge channel 3b 1st connection path 3c Second Connection 3d 1st return path 4. Second Line 4a 2nd discharge path 4d 2nd reflux path 5 Circulation Line 5a Circulation route 10 Hydrogen storage and release system 11 1st storage chamber 11a Heater 12 Second storage chamber 12a Cooler 13 Reflux chamber 13a First reflux chamber 13b Second reflux chamber 13c Third Circulation Chamber 14 Bulkhead 15 Guidance wall 15a opening 16a First valve 16b Second valve 16c 3rd valve 16d 4th valve 16e 5th valve 17 Pump M 1 Heating medium M 2 Cooling heat medium M 3 Circulating heat medium

Claims

1. A heat medium storage container for storing a heat medium for heating and cooling a hydrogen storage alloy, a first storage chamber for storing a heating medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy; a second storage chamber for storing a cooling heat medium for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy; a reflux chamber disposed between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, through which the heating heat medium supplied from the first storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and the cooling heat medium supplied from the second storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy are refluxed; Equipped with The first storage chamber and the reflux chamber, and the second storage chamber and the reflux chamber are each separated by a partition wall, The reflux chamber is provided with one or more guide walls for guiding the refluxed heating medium to the first storage chamber and for guiding the refluxed cooling medium to the second storage chamber; The reflux chamber includes a first reflux chamber through which the heating heat medium refluxes and a second reflux chamber through which the cooling heat medium refluxes, The first reflux chamber and the second reflux chamber are partitioned by the one or more guide walls, The one or more guide walls divide the reflux chamber into the first reflux chamber, the second reflux chamber, and a third reflux chamber disposed between the first reflux chamber and the second reflux chamber and into which the heat medium for circulation discharged from the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is returned; The heat medium storage container has openings in a lower portion of the guide wall, the openings communicating with the first reflux chamber and the third reflux chamber, and the openings communicating with the second reflux chamber and the third reflux chamber.

2. A pair of the guide walls is provided, The heat medium storage container according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of guide walls extend across the heat medium storage container and are arranged in parallel with each other.

3. A heat medium storage container according to claim 1 or 2; a hydrogen storage / release tank in which the hydrogen storage alloy is mounted; a first line for supplying the heating medium stored in the first storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and for returning the heating medium to the first return chamber after the supply; a second line for supplying the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and for returning the cooling heat medium after the supply to the second return chamber; A hydrogen absorption and release system comprising:

4. A heat medium storage container according to claim 1 or 2; a hydrogen storage / release tank in which the hydrogen storage alloy is mounted; a first line for supplying the heating medium stored in the first storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and for returning the heating medium to the first return chamber after the supply; a second line for supplying the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber to the hydrogen storage alloy and for returning the cooling heat medium after the supply to the second return chamber; a circulation line for circulating the heating heat medium stored in the first storage chamber or the cooling heat medium stored in the second storage chamber to the third reflux chamber; A hydrogen absorption and release system comprising:

5. the first line has a first discharge passage connected to the first storage chamber and a first connection passage connecting the first discharge passage and the hydrogen absorption and release tank, A hydrogen storage and release system as described in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the second line has a second discharge passage connected to the second storage chamber, and a first connection passage common to the first line, which connects the second discharge passage to the hydrogen storage and release tank.

6. the first line has a first discharge passage connected to the first storage chamber and a first connection passage connecting the first discharge passage and the hydrogen absorption and release tank, the second line has a second discharge passage connected to the second storage chamber, and the first connection passage, which is common to the first line and connects the second discharge passage to the hydrogen occlusion and release tank, 5. The hydrogen absorption / release system according to claim 4, wherein the circulation line has a circulation path branched off from the first connection path and communicating with the third reflux chamber.

7. the first line has a second connection passage connected to the hydrogen absorbing / releasing tank and through which the heating medium is discharged after heating the hydrogen absorbing alloy, and a first return passage connected to the second connection passage and communicating with a lower portion of the first return chamber; A hydrogen storage and release system as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second line has a second connection passage common to the first line, through which the cooling heat medium is discharged after cooling the hydrogen storage alloy, and a second return passage connected to the second connection passage and communicating with the lower part of the second return chamber.

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