Hydrogen Power Generation System

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen power generating system capable of efficiently executing hydrogen storage and power generation utilizing hydrogen by use of a cartridge type hydrogen storage device.SOLUTION: A hydrogen power generating system (1) includes: a water electrolysis stack (2) for reacting water to generate hydrogen; a fuel cell (4) for executing power generation using hydrogen; and an MH unit (3) which is connected with the water electrolysis stack (2) or the fuel cell (4) to be separatable, stores hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis stack (2) and which can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell (4).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, stand-alone hydrogen power generation systems that supply power without requiring a commercial power source in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake have been known.

[0003] As such a hydrogen power generation system, Patent Document 1 discloses an integrally connected hydrogen generation device (b) equipped with a hydrogen production device 3, and a drinking water supply device (a) equipped with a hydrogen storage alloy 7 that stores hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 3, and a fuel cell 8 that generates electricity using hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy 7. Note that the reference numerals are those in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-103198 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-described configuration, the hydrogen storage alloy 7 is always connected to the hydrogen production device 3 and the fuel cell 8, so there was a problem that it was not possible to simultaneously store hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 3 and generate electricity by the fuel cell 8.

[0006] Therefore, a technical problem arises that must be solved in order to provide a hydrogen power generation system that can efficiently store hydrogen and generate power using hydrogen, and an object of the present invention is to solve this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the hydrogen power generation system of the present invention is a hydrogen power generation system comprising a hydrogen generation device that generates hydrogen by reacting water, a power generation device that generates electricity using the hydrogen, and a cartridge-type hydrogen storage device that can be detachably connected to the hydrogen generation device or the power generation device, stores hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation device, and supplies hydrogen to the power generation device.

[0008] According to this configuration, the cartridge-type hydrogen storage device can be appropriately disconnected from the hydrogen generation device or the power generation device, and hydrogen can be efficiently stored and power generated using hydrogen.

[0009] In addition, in the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the cartridge-type hydrogen storage device comprises a tank for storing the hydrogen, a metal jacket in contact with the tank, and a casing for accommodating the jacket.

[0010] In the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the jacket is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to be in contact with an outer periphery and a bottom surface of the tank.

[0011] In the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the cartridge-type hydrogen storage device further includes a temperature control block joined to the jacket for controlling the temperature of the jacket.

[0012] Moreover, it is preferable that the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention further includes a cooling device that supplies cold water to a cold water path formed in the temperature adjustment block to cool the jacket.

[0013] In the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the cartridge-type hydrogen storage device further includes a heater embedded in the temperature adjustment block for heating the jacket.

[0014] In the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention, it is preferable that a hydrogen storage alloy is accommodated in the tank.

[0015] In the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention, the hydrogen generation device is preferably a water electrolysis stack that generates hydrogen by electrolysis of water.

[0016] In addition, in the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the hydrogen generation apparatus further includes a renewable energy power generation apparatus and a secondary battery that stores electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation apparatus.

[0017] In addition, it is preferable that the hydrogen power generation system according to the present invention is such that the power generation device is a fuel cell, and further includes a heat exhaust recycling mechanism that uses exhaust heat from the fuel cell to warm outside air that is taken into the fuel cell.

[0018] Furthermore, in the hydrogen power generation system of the present invention, it is preferable that the housing that accommodates the fuel cell is connected to a return duct via an exhaust side opening provided on the exhaust side of the fuel cell in the flow direction of air flowing within the housing and an intake side opening provided on the intake side of the fuel cell, and the exhaust heat recycling mechanism comprises a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the outside air taken into the fuel cell, a shutter that can open and close the exhaust side opening to allow or block the flow of air from the housing to the return duct via the exhaust side opening, a fan that sends air in the return duct to the housing via the intake side opening, and a controller that opens the shutter and drives the fan when the temperature of the outside air is below a predetermined temperature so as to return the air warmed by the exhaust heat of the fuel cell to the outside air. Effect of the Invention

[0019] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention allows the cartridge-type hydrogen storage device to be appropriately disconnected from the hydrogen generation device or the power generation device, and allows efficient storage of hydrogen and power generation using hydrogen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a heat recovery mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the MH unit. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3. [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of line B-B in Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, when the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc. of components are mentioned, the number is not limited to the specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0022] In addition, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., this includes things that are substantially similar or approximate to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly different in principle.

[0023] In addition, the drawings may exaggerate characteristic parts to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios of the components may not be the same as the actual ones. In addition, in cross-sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted to make the cross-sectional structure of the components easier to understand.

[0024] In this embodiment, expressions indicating directions such as up / down and left / right are not absolute, but are appropriate when each component is in the position depicted in the drawing, but if the position changes, they should be interpreted differently in accordance with the change in position.

[0025] The hydrogen power generation system 1 according to the present invention efficiently generates hydrogen and generates electricity from hydrogen. The hydrogen power generation system 1 includes a hydrogen generation device 2, an MH unit 3 as a hydrogen storage device, and a fuel cell 4 as a power generation device.

[0026] The hydrogen generator 2 includes a water electrolysis stack 21 and a pure water purification device 22. The water electrolysis stack 21 generates hydrogen by causing the pure water purified by the pure water purification device 22 to react at the cathode by passing electricity between the electrodes. The decomposed oxygen is discharged into the atmosphere. After the hydrogen generator 2 generates hydrogen, water is automatically drained from the piping in the water electrolysis stack 21 and the pure water purification device 22, as well as from the piping connecting these, thereby preventing water remaining in the piping from freezing.

[0027] The water electrolysis stack 21 has a known configuration, and it is preferable to use a solid polymer water electrolysis device. For example, an electrolysis stack QL-500 (manufactured by Shandong Saikesaisi Hydrogen Energy) may be used as the water electrolysis stack 21. The water electrolysis stack 21 requires 400 to 600 W of power supplied from a solar cell 23 described later, and generates hydrogen at a rate of 1.0 L / min (0.35 MPa Max).

[0028] In addition, the water used when the water electrolysis stack 21 generates hydrogen is preferably purified water, but drinking water or tap water available on the market may be used as long as it is water from which hydrogen can be generated.

[0029] The hydrogen generator 2 preferably includes a solar cell 23 as a renewable energy power generation device, and a secondary battery 24. This allows electricity used in the water electrolysis stack 21 to be supplied by electricity generated by the solar cell 23 and stored in the secondary battery 24.

[0030] The renewable energy power generation device may be any power generation device that generates electricity based on energy resources that are constantly or repeatedly replenished by using solar power, wind power, wave power, small hydroelectric power, running water, tides, geothermal power, biomass, or a combination of these natural forces. For the solar cell 23, for example, a solar cell of CS6P-250P (manufactured by Canadian Solar) may be used.

[0031] It is preferable to use a lead battery or a lithium ion battery as the secondary battery 24. For example, the secondary battery 24 may be a YT-B24R (manufactured by Optima).

[0032] Hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis stack 21 passes through the cooling tank 25, the water-steam separator 26, and the dehumidifier 27 in this order. The cooling tank 25 cools the hydrogen, and the water-steam separator 26 removes moisture contained in the hydrogen. The cooling tank 25 cools the hydrogen, allowing the water-steam separator 26 to efficiently remove moisture. The dehumidifier 27 dehumidifies the hydrogen by passing it through silica gel filled therein. The dehumidifier 27 is passed by hydrogen from which moisture has been removed via the cooling tank 25 and the water-steam separator 26, so that accumulation of water in the dehumidifier 27 can be suppressed. In this way, accumulation of water in the MH unit 3 described below can be suppressed.

[0033] The MH unit 3 is a cartridge-type hydrogen storage device capable of storing and releasing hydrogen, and is detachably connected to the hydrogen generation device 2 or the fuel cell 4. The configuration of the MH unit 3 will be described later.

[0034] The multiple MH units 3 connected in parallel to the water electrolysis stack 21 via the storage hydrogen line L1 each store hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis stack 21. Multiple MH units 3 can be connected simultaneously to the water electrolysis stack 21. The multiple MH units 3 are housed in a partitioned space isolated from the outside, and a sensor (not shown) for detecting hydrogen leakage is provided in this space. Reference numeral 24 denotes an explosion-proof solenoid valve provided on the storage hydrogen line L1.

[0035] The hydrogen power generation system 1 is equipped with a cooling device 5 that cools the MH unit 3 during hydrogen storage. The cooling device 5 is equipped with a cold water tank 51 that is connected to the MH unit 3 via a cold water line L2 and stores cold water to be provided to the MH unit 3, a chiller 52 that cools the cold water in the cold water tank 51, and a pump 53 that sends cold water from the cold water tank 51 to the MH unit 3.

[0036] The fuel cell 4 is usually installed at a location away from the hydrogen generator 2. The fuel cell 4 is a power generation device that can continuously extract electric power by supplying hydrogen to an anode and oxygen to a cathode and reacting the hydrogen and oxygen at room temperature or in a high temperature environment.

[0037] As the fuel cell 4, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is known which generates electricity by sandwiching an ion exchange membrane and supplying an oxidant and hydrogen as a reducing agent to the positive electrode.

[0038] The electricity obtained by the fuel cell 4 can be used as electricity supplied to a household AC power source. The electricity supplied by a household AC power source is 100 to 200 V. Such a household AC power source can be used as a power source for mobile terminals that are necessary in the event of a disaster, and for home appliances such as a household television.

[0039] A plurality of MH units 3 are connected to the fuel cell 4 via a hydrogen release line L3. The fuel cell 4 generates electricity by releasing hydrogen from the MH units 3 that have stored hydrogen. The plurality of MH units 3 are housed in a partitioned space that is isolated from the outside. Reference numeral 41 denotes an explosion-proof solenoid valve provided on the hydrogen release line L3.

[0040] Furthermore, the fuel cell 4 generates electricity by reacting oxygen contained in the outside air with hydrogen supplied from the MH unit 3, and when the temperature of the outside air taken in by the multiple cells 4a is low (for example, 15°C or lower), there is a risk of flooding occurring, which may cause the cells 4a to fail. Therefore, as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), it is preferable to provide an exhaust heat recycling mechanism 42 that returns at least a portion of the exhaust gas during power generation to the intake side when the intake air temperature is low, thereby warming the outside air. This makes it possible to suppress flooding.

[0041] The exhaust heat recycling mechanism 42 includes a temperature sensor 43 that measures the temperature (intake temperature) of the outside air taken into the fuel cell 4, a shutter 44 that can be freely opened and closed to an exhaust side opening h1 that connects the housing c to a return duct d provided on the top of the housing c, a fan 45 that returns the air in the return duct d to the housing c via an intake side opening h2 that connects the housing c to the return duct d, and a controller 46 that controls the operation of these.

[0042] The exhaust side opening h1 is provided on the exhaust side of the fuel cell 4 in the direction of air flow through the housing c, and the intake side opening h2 is provided on the intake side of the fuel cell 4 in the direction of air flow through the housing c. Reference numeral 44a denotes a drive motor that moves the shutter 44 back and forth.

[0043] When the outside air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 43 is below a predetermined temperature, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the shutter 44 is opened and the fan 45 is driven, so that the air heated by the exhaust heat from the fuel cell 4 passes through the exhaust side opening h1, the return duct d, and the intake side opening h2 and mixes with the outside air, thereby heating the outside air.

[0044] On the other hand, when the outside air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 43 is higher than a predetermined temperature, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the shutter 44 is closed and the fan 45 is stopped, so that the air warmed by the exhaust heat from the fuel cell 4 is directly exhausted to the outside.

[0045] In this way, by heating the outside air with the exhaust heat from the fuel cell 4, flooding can be easily suppressed without the need to install large-scale additional piping or the like.

[0046] Next, the structure of the MH unit 3 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The MH unit 3 comprises two tanks 31, a jacket 32, a temperature adjustment block 33, and a casing .

[0047] The tank 31 is a hydrogen storage cylinder that contains a hydrogen storage alloy. The capacity of the tank 31 is, for example, 500 NL. Known hydrogen storage alloys include, for example, AB2 type, AB5 type, BCC solid solution type, Ti-Fe type, V type, Mg alloy, Pd type, Ca type alloy, etc., but are not limited to these. The hydrogen storage device may be, for example, an organic hydride, a liquid hydrogen tank, a high-pressure hydrogen tank, etc., in addition to the above-mentioned MH unit 3, but the hydrogen storage alloy is preferable in that it requires few auxiliary equipment and is easy to handle.

[0048] The jacket 32 ​​is made of a metal having excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper. The jacket 32 ​​is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to contact the outer periphery and bottom surface of the tank 31, and houses the tank 31. Note that the jacket 32 ​​may have any shape as long as it contacts at least a part of the tank 31, and may be in contact with, for example, only the outer periphery of the jacket 32.

[0049] The temperature control block 33 is disposed between the two tanks 31 and is joined to the jacket 32. The temperature control block 33 is preferably made of a metal having excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel.

[0050] The temperature adjustment block 33 is formed with a cold water passage 33a that is U-shaped when viewed from the side.

[0051] Furthermore, two cartridge heaters 33b are embedded in the temperature control block 33 to heat the tank 31 when hydrogen is released.

[0052] The casing 34 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A pair of heat insulating materials 35a, 35b split in half vertically is provided inside the casing 34. The heat insulating materials 35a, 35b accommodate the tank 31 therebetween. In addition, a handle (not shown) suitable for transporting the casing 34 is attached to the casing 34.

[0053] The upper lid of the casing 34 is provided with a hydrogen joint 34a, a cold water input side joint 34b, a cold water output side joint 34c, and a heater power supply joint 34d.

[0054] The hydrogen joint 34a is connected to the storage hydrogen line L1 or the release hydrogen line L3, and is also connected to the two tanks 31 via tubes (not shown). In addition, by replacing the hydrogen line connected to the hydrogen joint 34a, the connection between the tank 31 and the hydrogen generation device 2 or the fuel cell 4 can be switched.

[0055] The cold water input side joint 34b is connected to a cold water line L2 to which cold water is supplied from a cold water tank 51, and is connected to the inlet end of the cold water path 33a via a tube (not shown).

[0056] The cold water output side joint 34c is connected to the outlet end of the cold water path 33a via a tube (not shown), and is also connected to a cold water line L2 that returns cold water to the cold water tank 51.

[0057] The cold water input side joint 34b and the cold water output side joint 34c are connected to the cold water line L2 during hydrogen storage, and are disconnected from the cold water line L2 during hydrogen release.

[0058] When hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator 2 is absorbed, cold water flows through the cold water path 33a, thereby directly cooling the tank 31 in contact with the temperature adjustment block 33. Furthermore, the tank 31 is indirectly cooled via the jacket 32 ​​by cooling the temperature adjustment block 33. The temperature of the cold water is set so that the tank 31 is at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 15°C) during hydrogen absorption.

[0059] The heater power supply joint 34d is connected to the heater power supply 6 via a power cable 61, and is also connected to the cartridge heater 33b via a cable (not shown). The heater power supply joint 34d is disconnected from the heater power supply 6 during hydrogen absorption, and is connected to the heater power supply 6 during hydrogen release.

[0060] When the cartridge heater 33b is activated, the temperature adjustment block 33 is heated, and the tank 31 in contact with the temperature adjustment block 33 is heated directly. Furthermore, the tank 31 is heated indirectly via the jacket 32. The heating temperature of the cartridge heater 33b is set so that the temperature of the tank 31 when the MH unit 3 releases hydrogen is a predetermined temperature (e.g., 30°C). The heating of the temperature adjustment block 33 is not limited to the above-mentioned cartridge heater 33b, and may be, for example, a configuration in which hot water is caused to flow through the cold water path 33a. By using the cartridge heater 33b to heat the tank 31, auxiliary equipment such as piping and pumps for flowing hot water or the like is not required, and the tank 31 can be heated more efficiently than hot water or the like.

[0061] In this way, by cooling or heating the tank 31 while the MH unit 3 is insulated from the outside by the insulation materials 35a, 35b, hydrogen can be efficiently absorbed and released without being affected by the external environment (for example, when the outside air temperature is significantly higher than the cooling temperature, or when the outside air temperature is significantly lower than the heating temperature).

[0062] Furthermore, the MH unit 3 is preferably provided with a temperature sensor (not shown) for monitoring the temperature of the tank 31. As a result, for example, when the temperature of the tank 31 is below 29°C, heating is performed by the cartridge heater 33b, and when the temperature of the tank 31 reaches 30°C, heating by the cartridge heater 33b is stopped, etc., so that the temperature of the tank 31 can be maintained at approximately 30°C.

[0063] In this way, the hydrogen power generation system 1 of this embodiment can appropriately disconnect the MH unit 3 from the hydrogen generation device 2 or the fuel cell 4, allowing efficient storage of hydrogen and power generation using hydrogen.

[0064] The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention also covers such modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1: Hydrogen power generation system 2: Hydrogen generator 21: Water electrolysis stack 22: Pure water purification equipment 23: Solar cells (renewable energy generation equipment) 24: Secondary battery 3: MH unit (cartridge-type hydrogen storage device) 31: Tank 32: Jacket 33: Temperature control block 33a: Cold water route 33b: Cartridge heater 34: Casing 34a: Hydrogen fittings 34b: Cold water input side fitting 34c: Chilled water output side fitting 34d: Heater power supply joint 35a, 35b: Insulation material 4 : Fuel cell 42: Waste heat recycling mechanism 5 : Cooling device 51: Cold water tank 52: Chiller 53: Pump 6: Heater power supply 61: Power cable L1: Hydrogen storage line L2: Cold water line L3: Hydrogen discharge line

Claims

1. A hydrogen power generation system, comprising: A hydrogen generating device that generates hydrogen by reacting with water; A power generation device that generates power using the hydrogen; a cartridge-type hydrogen storage device that is detachably connected to the hydrogen generation device or the power generation device, stores hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation device, and can supply hydrogen to the power generation device; Equipped with the power generating device is a fuel cell, a heat recovery mechanism for heating the outside air taken into the fuel cell by using the heat exhausted from the fuel cell; a housing that accommodates the fuel cell is connected to a return duct via an exhaust side opening provided on an exhaust side of the fuel cell in a flow direction of air flowing through the housing and an intake side opening provided on an intake side of the fuel cell; The waste heat reuse mechanism is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the outside air taken into the fuel cell; a shutter capable of opening and closing the exhaust side opening to allow or block the inflow of air from the housing to the return duct through the exhaust side opening; a fan that sends air in the return duct to the housing through the intake side opening; a controller that opens the shutter and drives the fan when the temperature of the outside air is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature so as to return air that has been heated by the exhaust heat of the fuel cell to the outside air; A hydrogen power generation system comprising:

2. The cartridge-type hydrogen storage device is A tank for storing the hydrogen; A metal jacket in contact with the tank; A casing that houses the jacket; 2. The hydrogen power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The hydrogen power generation system according to claim 2, wherein the jacket is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to be in contact with an outer periphery and a bottom surface of the tank.

4. 4. The hydrogen power generation system according to claim 2, wherein the cartridge-type hydrogen storage device further comprises a temperature control block joined to the jacket for controlling the temperature of the jacket.

5. 5. The hydrogen power generation system according to claim 4, further comprising a cooling device that supplies cold water to a cold water path formed in the temperature adjustment block to cool the jacket.

6. 6. The hydrogen power generation system according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge-type hydrogen storage device further comprises a heater embedded in the temperature control block for heating the jacket.

7. 7. The hydrogen power generation system according to claim 2, wherein a hydrogen storage alloy is accommodated in the tank.

8. 8. The hydrogen power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen generation device is a water electrolysis stack that generates hydrogen by electrolysis of water.

9. The hydrogen generation device includes: A renewable energy power generation device; A secondary battery that stores electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation device; The hydrogen power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

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