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

Abstract

To provide a technology for regenerating lead-acid batteries while still in operation. [Solution] Electromagnetic waves having a frequency set so as to provide energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into lead cations and sulfate anions are irradiated from the outside of the lead-acid battery so as to reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for recovering the loss of battery capacity caused by the deposition of lead sulfate crystals on the electrodes of a lead-acid battery. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] However, in the methods of Patent Documents 1 to 7, a high-frequency voltage is applied between the electrodes, and therefore the high-frequency current sneaks in and affects existing electric circuits such as converters and inverters that are installed for charging and discharging. Therefore, in the methods of the prior art, it is necessary to disconnect the charging and discharging circuits such as the existing converters and inverters before carrying out the regeneration work of the lead-acid battery to remove sulfation, and there is a problem in that the regeneration work cannot be carried out while the lead-acid battery is operating in the existing charging and discharging circuits.

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

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

[0007] According to this method, it is possible to promote dissociation of lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrodes without affecting the operation of the existing electric circuit provided for charging and discharging the lead-acid battery, and to suppress the attachment of lead sulfate crystals to the electrodes, which results in the regeneration of the lead-acid battery while it is in operation, and also allows the life of the lead-acid battery to be extended.

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

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

[0010] According to such a configuration, the ultraviolet light used for regenerating the lead-acid battery can efficiently reach the electrodes, thereby improving the efficiency of regenerating the lead-acid battery.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure is a terahertz wave generating device comprising an inverse excitation radiation unit (71) and a heater unit (72). The inverse excitation radiation unit has an excitation material (711) which is a material that undergoes vibrational excitation when heated, transitioning to a higher vibrational energy level, and radiates terahertz waves when transitioning to a lower vibrational energy level. The heater unit is configured to irradiate the inverse excitation radiation unit with infrared rays to heat the excitation material. The terahertz waves generated by this method include electromagnetic waves that dissociate lead sulfate molecules.

[0012] According to such a configuration, it is possible to generate terahertz waves without using electronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and laser diodes, and it is possible to regenerate the lead-acid battery 110 using the generated terahertz waves. [Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

[0015] The electrode plate 111 serving as a cathode (hereinafter simply referred to as a cathode) is made of lead (i.e., Pb). The electrode plate 112 serving as an anode (hereinafter simply referred to as an anode) is made of lead dioxide (i.e., PbO 2 The electrolyte 113 that promotes the oxidation and reduction of the electrode plates 111 and 112 is diluted sulfuric acid (i.e., H 2 SO 4 +H 2 O) is used.

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

[0017]

number

[0018] As shown in the left and center of Figure 14, lead sulfate (i.e., PbSO 4 ) in the form of a single molecule, when charged, it is converted into metallic crystalline lead constituting the cathode 111, lead dioxide constituting the anode 112, and sulfate anions (i.e., SO 4 2- ) The lead sulfate molecules attached to the electrode plates 111, 112 crystallize due to repeated charging and discharging or over-discharging. In particular, the cathode 111 has a spongy structure with fine holes, so lead sulfate crystals are likely to adhere to it. The lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrode plates 111, 112 cannot return to lead, lead dioxide, and sulfate anions during charging, resulting in the state shown at the right end of FIG. 14. Furthermore, lead sulfate crystals are non-conductors, and the lead sulfate crystals attached to the electrode plates 111, 112 reduce the area of ​​the electrode plates 111, 112 involved in the reaction, thereby reducing the charge / discharge efficiency and battery capacity.

[0019] [Dissociation of lead sulfate molecule] The lead sulfate molecule consists of sulfate anions and lead cations (i.e., Pb 2+ ) are ionic bonds. Among them, the sulfate anion is a sulfur (i.e., S) atom and an oxygen (i.e., O) atom are covalently bonded. 2 ) is a bond formed by a covalent bond between a lead (i.e., Pb) atom and an oxygen atom. In the metallic lead that constitutes the cathode 111, the lead atoms are bonded metallically. However, ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and metallic bonds are not necessarily clearly distinguished, and the actual bonds are a mixture of the properties of each bond. Although the SO bond is a covalent bond, it also has an element of an ionic bond and has an electric dipole moment, which causes the absorption of electromagnetic waves due to vibration between atoms.

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

[0021] Dissociation using photon energy is called photodissociation, dissociation using infrared absorption is called infrared multiphoton dissociation, and dissociation using thermal energy from molecular vibrations, etc. is called thermal dissociation. Hereinafter, the frequency of photons (i.e., electromagnetic waves) that cause photodissociation is called the electronic excitation resonance absorption frequency, and the absorption frequency of electromagnetic waves that matches the quantized vibrational energy level of the polarized ion pair is called the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency. In addition, the frequency of electromagnetic waves that is lower than the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency and causes the polarized ion pair to vibrate is called the following vibrational absorption frequency. When an ion pair absorbs electromagnetic waves (infrared rays) of the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency and dissociates by making multiple transitions to a higher vibrational energy level, this is called infrared multiphoton dissociation. When an ion pair heated by vibration makes multiple transitions to a higher vibrational energy level by thermal energy, this is called thermal dissociation. Methods for heating an ion pair by vibration include a method of irradiating it with electromagnetic waves having a frequency of the following vibrational absorption of the ion pair, and a method of irradiating it with a vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency of one of the ions constituting the ion pair.

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

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

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

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

[0026] In addition, ionic molecules have vibrational energy like harmonic oscillators, and this vibrational energy has discrete values ​​called vibrational energy levels. When an ionic molecule receives energy from an external source and is excited to a higher vibrational energy level, the potential energy increases and the amplitude of the vibration of the interionic distance becomes larger.

[0027] Fig. 8 is a graph showing potential curves PE0 and PE2 of a lead sulfate molecule in which a lead cation and a sulfate anion are ionic-bonded. Note that the potential curves PE0 and PE2 shown in Fig. 8 show characteristics reflecting the influence of hydration enthalpy (i.e., in an aqueous solution), and further show the vibrational energy level in the potential curve PE0. The dotted lines are the potential curves PE0 and PE2 in the case where the influence of hydration enthalpy is not reflected.

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

[0029]

number

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

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

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

[0033] Figure 9 shows the measurement results of spectroscopic analysis carried out to confirm the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa of lead sulfate. In the spectroscopic analysis, the absorbance was obtained in the range of 37,500 [nm] (i.e., 8.0 [THz]) to 130,000 [nm] (i.e., 2.3 [THz]) by powder measurement on a Di-ATR. In the powder measurement, the measurement target is measured in a powder state. In addition to lead sulfate, strontium sulfate (i.e., SrSO) was also measured for comparison. 4 ), barium sulfate (i.e., BaSO 4 ), silver sulfate (i.e., Ag 2 SO 4 The measurement targets are the same as those of the other spectroscopic analyses described below.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, lead sulfate exhibits absorption at 66,660 [nm] (i.e., 4.5 [THz]). No absorption at this frequency has been confirmed in sulfates other than lead sulfate. Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram of the dielectric polarization that occurs in an aqueous lead sulfate solution. From Figure 10, it is estimated that the absorption that occurs in lead sulfate at around 4 [THz] is caused by ionic polarization of lead sulfate. From these results, the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fa is set to fa = 4.5 [THz].

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

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

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

[0038] As shown in FIG. 11, lead sulfate absorbs at 208 [nm]. Electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 208 [nm] are ultraviolet rays, and are equivalent to a frequency of 1441 [THz]. Absorption at this wavelength does not occur in sulfates other than lead sulfate. Therefore, the absorption measured at 208 [nm] is unique to lead sulfate. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, lead sulfate suspension has a steep absorption spectrum at 208 [nm], lead sulfate powder has a wide absorption spectrum band from 208 [nm] to 226 [nm], and lead sulfate crystal has a wide absorption spectrum band from 208 [nm] to 290 [nm]. From these results, the resonant frequency fb is set to the range of fb = 1441 [THz] (i.e., 208 [nm]) to 1034 [THz] (i.e., 290 [nm]).

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

[0040] In this case, the lead sulfate molecules generate heat by vibrating in response to the vibration of the electromagnetic field generated by the irradiated electromagnetic waves. The sulfate anions transition to successively higher vibrational energy levels due to the thermal energy gained by the vibration, as shown by route R3 in Figure 8. The higher the vibrational energy level, the larger the amplitude of the vibration of the sulfate anions becomes, and when they overcome the well of the potential curve, the lead sulfate molecules are dissociated (i.e., thermally dissociated).

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

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

[0043] In this case, heat is generated as the vibration of the sulfate anions that absorb the electromagnetic waves of the vibrational excitation resonance absorption frequency fd increases. The lead sulfate molecule transitions to successively higher vibrational energy levels due to the thermal energy obtained from the vibration of the sulfate anions, as shown by route R3 in Figure 8. The higher the vibrational energy level, the larger the amplitude of the vibration of the sulfate anions becomes, and when the well of the potential curve is overcome, the lead sulfate molecule dissociates (i.e., undergoes thermal dissociation).

[0044] Figures 12 and 13 show the measurement results of spectroscopic analysis carried out to confirm the vibration excitation resonance absorption frequency fd. For the measurements, lead sulfate powder and three types of sulfate powder (i.e., strontium sulfate, barium sulfate, and silver sulfate) were used. In the spectroscopic analysis which gave the results in Figure 12, the absorbance was obtained in the range of 2500 [nm] (i.e., 120 [THz]) to 100000 [nm] (i.e., 3 [THz]) by powder measurement on a Di-ATR. In the spectroscopic analysis which gave the results in Figure 13, the reflectance was obtained in the wavelength range of 240 [nm] (i.e., 1249 [THz]) to 2600 [nm] (i.e., 115 [THz]) by an integrating sphere.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0058] This reaction takes place while the lead-acid battery 110 is being charged, and therefore the reactions that proceed to the right-hand sides of the formulas (1) and (2) caused by the dissociated ions are suppressed, and the dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules and the charging of the lead-acid battery 110 proceed efficiently. In addition, the lead sulfate molecules that have transitioned to a high vibrational energy level experience large vibrations in the inter-ionic distance between the positive lead ions and the negative sulfate ions, and these vibrations deform the lead sulfate crystals at high frequency.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0091] (5b) One of the two types of electromagnetic waves to be irradiated, frequency f1, is set to the optical excitation resonance absorption frequency fb that transitions sulfate anions to an excited energy level. Therefore, photodissociation can be caused by the optical excitation resonance absorption frequency fb. In addition, frequency f1 acts as an intermediate energy level (also called an intermediate level) to be passed through in the process of multiphoton transition, so that the probability of occurrence of multiphoton transition can be improved.

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

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

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

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

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

[0097] The heater section 72 is, for example, a halogen heater. Specifically, a halogen heater that emits light of about 1000 [nm] to 10000 [nm] with a peak at 2300 [nm] (i.e., 130 [THz]) is used. The heater section 72 includes an element section 721 and a reflector 722. The element section 721 irradiates near, medium, and far infrared rays when energized. The reflector 722 reflects the near, medium, and far infrared rays irradiated from the element section 721 so that the near, medium, and far infrared rays are directed toward the inverse excitation radiation section 71. The heater section 72 is disposed opposite the inverse excitation radiation section 71, and disposed so that the near, medium, and far infrared rays are irradiated over the entire surface of the inverse excitation radiation section 71.

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

[0099] [6-3. Effects] According to the fifth embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the effects (1a) to (1d) of the first embodiment described above, the following effect is also obtained.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0110] [8. Technical Concepts Disclosed in This Specification] [Item 1] Irradiating the lead-acid battery with electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions from outside the battery so that the electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

[0111] [Item 2] A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to item 1, The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that transitions an outermost electron of either the lead cation or the sulfate anion from a ground energy level to an excited energy level. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

[0112] [Item 3] A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to item 1, The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that causes thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules by imparting thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules and gradually transitioning them to a higher vibrational energy level. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

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

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

[0115] [Item 6] Item 5. A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 4, The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that causes the bond to vibrate in accordance with the vibration of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic wave. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

[0116] [Item 7] Item 3. A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 3, The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that vibrates the bonds between sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms that constitute the sulfate anions. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

[0117] [Item 8] A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to item 1, Irradiating the two types of electromagnetic waves whose difference or sum in frequency is set to a frequency that provides thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules and gradually transitions them to a higher vibrational energy level, thereby causing thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

[0118] [Item 9] Item 9. A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to item 8, comprising: At least one of the two types of electromagnetic waves is irradiated in an ultrashort pulse. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A method of irradiating a lead-acid battery with electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions from the outside of the battery so that the electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the battery, The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that transitions an outermost electron of either the lead cation or the sulfate anion from a ground energy level to an excited energy level. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

2. A method of irradiating a lead-acid battery with electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions from the outside of the battery so that the electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery; The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that causes thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules by imparting thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules and gradually transitioning them to a higher vibrational energy level. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

3. A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to claim 2, comprising: The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that vibrates the bonds between the lead cations and the sulfate anions that constitute the lead sulfate molecules. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

4. A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to claim 3, comprising: The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that causes the bond to vibrate by resonance absorption. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

5. A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to claim 3, comprising: The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that causes the bond to vibrate in accordance with the vibration of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic wave. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

6. A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to claim 2, comprising: The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that vibrates the bonds between sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms that constitute the sulfate anions. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

7. A method of irradiating a lead-acid battery with electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions from the outside of the battery so that the electromagnetic waves reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery; Irradiating the two types of electromagnetic waves whose difference or sum in frequency is set to a frequency that provides thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules and gradually transitions them to a higher vibrational energy level, thereby causing thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

8. A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to claim 7, comprising: At least one of the two types of electromagnetic waves is irradiated in an ultrashort pulse. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

9. A method for regenerating the lead-acid battery according to claim 7, comprising: One of the two types of electromagnetic waves is set to a frequency that transitions the outermost electron of the sulfate anion from the ground energy level to an excited energy level. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

10. An electromagnetic wave having a frequency set to provide energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions is irradiated from the inside of a quartz glass tube inserted into an electrolyte refill port provided in a battery case of the lead acid battery so as to reach the electrodes of the lead acid battery from the outside of the lead acid battery. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

11. A method for regenerating a lead-acid battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: The electromagnetic waves are irradiated while the lead-acid battery is being charged. How to regenerate lead acid batteries.

12. an irradiation unit (2) having a plurality of irradiation devices attached to a housing of the lead-acid battery, which irradiates electromagnetic waves set to a frequency that provides energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions, and the irradiated electromagnetic waves reach electrodes of the lead-acid battery; A power supply circuit unit (3) configured to drive the irradiation unit; Equipped with The electromagnetic wave is set to a frequency that transitions an outermost electron of either the lead cation or the sulfate anion from a ground energy level to an excited energy level. Lead-acid battery regeneration equipment.

13. An irradiation unit (2) having a plurality of irradiation devices attached to a housing of a lead-acid battery, which irradiates electromagnetic waves set at a frequency that provides energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions, and the irradiated electromagnetic waves reach electrodes of the lead-acid battery; A power supply circuit unit (3) configured to drive the irradiation unit; Equipped with The electromagnetic waves are set to a frequency that causes thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules by imparting thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules and gradually transitioning them to a higher vibrational energy level. Lead-acid battery regeneration equipment.

14. An irradiation unit (2) having a plurality of irradiation devices attached to a housing of a lead-acid battery, which irradiates electromagnetic waves set at a frequency that provides energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions, and the irradiated electromagnetic waves reach electrodes of the lead-acid battery; A power supply circuit unit (3) configured to drive the irradiation unit; Equipped with The irradiation unit irradiates the two types of electromagnetic waves whose difference or sum in frequency is set to a frequency that causes thermal dissociation of the lead sulfate molecules by imparting thermal energy to the lead sulfate molecules and gradually transitioning them to a higher vibrational energy level. Lead-acid battery regeneration equipment.

15. An irradiation unit (2) having a plurality of irradiation devices attached to a housing of a lead-acid battery, which irradiates electromagnetic waves set at a frequency that provides energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions, and the irradiated electromagnetic waves reach electrodes of the lead-acid battery; A power supply circuit unit (3) configured to drive the irradiation unit; Equipped with The irradiation unit irradiates the electromagnetic waves from inside a quartz glass tube inserted into an electrolyte refill port provided in a battery case of the lead-acid battery. Lead-acid battery regeneration equipment.

16. A lead-acid battery, A plurality of electrodes (111, 112); one or more separators (114) disposed between the electrodes and configured to inhibit shorting between the electrodes; a cell container (115) configured to contain the plurality of electrodes and the one or more separators together with an electrolyte; Equipped with The battery case includes one or more windows (116) made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light, so that electromagnetic waves having a frequency set to provide energy for dissociating lead sulfate molecules into positive lead ions and negative sulfate ions can be irradiated from the outside of the lead-acid battery to reach the electrodes of the lead-acid battery. Lead acid battery.

17. The lead-acid battery of claim 16, The separator is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. Lead acid battery.

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