Photolysis module, photolysis cell, decomposition system, living environment sustainability system, and supply adjustment system

Abstract

The present invention provides a photodecomposition module and a photodecomposition cell, having novel structures that are different from those in the prior art and capable of decomposing a decomposition solution more effectively compared to the prior art.　The module comprises a plurality of photodecomposition cells and an orientation holding unit for holding each of the photodecomposition cells in a predetermined orientation. Each of the photodecomposition cells is for decomposing a decomposition solution by being irradiated with a light and includes an anode electrode unit and a cathode electrode unit inside a housing unit, the anode electrode unit comprises a photocatalyst supported on an electrically conductive base material, the anode electrode unit and the cathode electrode unit are immersed in the decomposition solution inside the housing unit, and the housing unit has a cylindrical shape.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a photolysis module, a photolysis cell, a decomposition system, a living environment sustainability system, and a supply adjustment system that mainly decompose a decomposition solution to generate hydrogen gas. [Background technology]

[0002] Photolysis modules that receive sunlight and decompose water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas have been known for some time (for example, Patent Document 1). When this photolysis module is connected to a renewable energy source such as a solar cell as an auxiliary power source, it can produce hydrogen gas from water without using fossil fuels. For this reason, it is considered to be environmentally friendly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-196869 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To industrially produce and popularize photolysis modules, they must be simple in structure while maintaining durability. Furthermore, the photolysis modules must be large enough to accommodate demand for hydrogen gas, which is essential for energy supply. However, the photolysis module in Patent Document 1 is formed by stacking components in layers and crimping them with bolts, which means there are many joints between the components on the side surfaces. As a result, when the module is made larger, the side surfaces of the device housing become longer, which can lead to issues such as leakage of the decomposition liquid inside through the side joints, which can impair reliability. As a result, it is necessary to increase the number of bolts used in the fastening structure, which increases the manufacturing cost and the weight of the device. Therefore, although the photolysis module of Patent Document 1 can be operated on a trial basis, it has the problem of being difficult to use commercially. Furthermore, the photolysis module of Patent Document 1 generates oxygen gas on the anode side and stores the generated oxygen gas in an oxygen tank or releases it to the atmosphere. In other words, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any applications for utilizing the oxygen gas generated on the anode side as an oxidant gas. Furthermore, the photolysis module in Patent Document 1 generates hydrogen gas on the cathode side and stores the generated hydrogen gas directly in a hydrogen tank or supplies it to a fuel cell. As a result, the generated hydrogen gas contains a large amount of water vapor, which makes it difficult to obtain highly pure hydrogen gas.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a photolysis module or photolysis cell that has a new structure different from conventional ones and can decompose decomposition liquid more effectively than conventional ones and generate hydrogen gas from the decomposition liquid. Another object of the present invention is to provide a decomposition system, a living environment sustainability system, and a supply adjustment system that generate hydrogen gas by decomposing a decomposition liquid and that can more effectively utilize the decomposition of the decomposition liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a photolysis module comprising a plurality of photolysis cells and a position holding part for holding each photolysis cell in a predetermined position, wherein each photolysis cell decomposes a decomposition liquid when irradiated with light, and the photolysis module comprises an anode electrode part and a cathode electrode part within a storage part, the anode electrode part being a conductive substrate on which a photocatalyst is supported, the anode electrode part and the cathode electrode part being immersed in the decomposition liquid within the storage part, and the storage part being cylindrical.

[0007] The term "cylindrical" as used here refers to a hollow object that extends in a predetermined direction as a whole, and includes not only cases where the outer shape of the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) is circular, but also cases where it is polygonal or oval, such as elliptical or oval.

[0008] According to this aspect, multiple photolytic cells are provided and each photolytic cell can decompose the decomposition liquid, so the decomposition liquid can be decomposed more effectively than in Patent Document 1, which decomposes the decomposition liquid (e.g., water) using a single photolytic cell. According to this aspect, the housing portion that houses the anode electrode portion and the cathode electrode portion is cylindrical, so that the housing portion has high strength against bending and compression and is resistant to deformation. Therefore, the housing portion is resistant to damage by external forces and has high reliability.

[0009] In a preferred aspect, the anode electrode portion has a plurality of anode electrode pieces, which are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the housing portion and are electrically connected to each other.

[0010] In a preferred aspect, each photolytic cell is independently detachable from the position-maintaining portion.

[0011] In a preferred aspect, the storage section is capable of transmitting light in a direction intersecting the axial direction, the posture-maintaining section has a reflective section that reflects light, and the posture-maintaining section holds the photodegradation cell so that the photocatalyst side of the conductive substrate faces the reflective section.

[0012] In a preferred aspect, the photolytic cell decomposes the decomposition liquid to generate gas when irradiated with light, and further includes an ion exchange unit within the storage unit, the ion exchange unit being located between the anode electrode unit and the cathode electrode unit and arranged to divide the storage unit into a first gas generation space to which the anode electrode unit belongs and a second gas generation space to which the cathode electrode unit belongs, the storage unit being provided with a liquid level adjustment hole that connects the first gas generation space with the second gas generation space and adjusts the liquid level of the decomposition liquid, and being equipped with a first gas exhaust unit that connects the first gas generation space with the outside, and a second gas exhaust unit that connects the second gas generation space with the outside.

[0013] In a preferred aspect, the photolytic cells are electrically connected.

[0014] In a preferred aspect, the photolytic cell has a holding recess that holds the end of the anode electrode portion, the holding recess extending throughout the entire accommodating portion in the axial direction of the accommodating portion, and satisfies the following (1) or (2): (1) The holding recess is a recessed groove formed by cutting out a part of the inner wall of the accommodating portion. (2) The storage section has a pair of protrusions that protrude from the inner wall section of the storage section, and the holding recess is a recessed groove that is sandwiched between the pair of protrusions and has a depth toward the inner wall section of the storage section.

[0015] In a preferred aspect, the photolytic cell has a wiring portion and a holding recess, the anode electrode portion has a plurality of anode electrode pieces, the wiring portion electrically connects each of the anode electrode pieces, the holding recess extends in the axial direction of the storage portion and holds the end of each anode electrode piece, and the wiring portion is arranged between the bottom of the holding recess and the end face of each anode electrode piece.

[0016] In a preferred aspect, the position maintaining unit is capable of rotating the photolytic cell in a circumferential direction.

[0017] In a preferred aspect, the photolytic cell decomposes the decomposition liquid and generates gas when irradiated with light, the photolytic cell has a gas exhaust section at the axial end of the storage section, and the posture maintaining section holds the photolytic cell so that the axial direction of the storage section intersects with a horizontal plane.

[0018] In a preferred aspect, the device has a liquid supply unit that supplies the decomposition liquid, and the liquid supply unit supplies the decomposition liquid toward the photocatalyst of the anode electrode portion.

[0019] One aspect of the present invention is a photolysis module comprising a plurality of photolysis cells and a position holding part that holds each photolysis cell in a predetermined position, wherein the photolysis cells decompose a decomposition liquid when irradiated with light, and each photolysis cell comprises an anode electrode part and a cathode electrode part within a storage part, the anode electrode part being a conductive substrate carrying a photocatalyst, and each photolysis cell is independently attachable to and detachable from the position holding part.

[0020] According to this aspect, since a plurality of photolytic cells are provided and the decomposition liquid can be decomposed individually in each photolytic cell, the decomposition liquid can be decomposed more effectively. According to this aspect, since each photolytic cell is detachable from the position maintaining part, even if one photolytic cell breaks down, it can be replaced with a new photolytic cell, making maintenance easy.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention is a photolysis module comprising a plurality of photolysis cells and a position-maintaining unit that maintains each photolysis cell in a predetermined position, wherein the photolysis cells decompose a decomposition liquid when irradiated with light, and the photolysis cells comprise an anode electrode unit and a cathode electrode unit within a storage unit, the storage unit is light-transmitting, the anode electrode unit is a conductive substrate on which a photocatalyst is supported, the position-maintaining unit has a reflecting unit that reflects light, and the position-maintaining unit holds the photolysis cells so that the photocatalyst side of the conductive substrate faces the reflecting unit.

[0022] According to this aspect, since a plurality of photolytic cells are provided and the decomposition liquid can be decomposed in each photolytic cell, the decomposition liquid can be decomposed more effectively. According to this aspect, the reflecting portion of the position-maintaining portion faces the photocatalyst side of the conductive substrate, so that light reflected by the reflecting portion can also be used for the photocatalytic reaction, improving decomposition efficiency.

[0023] One aspect of the present invention is a photolytic cell that decomposes a decomposition liquid by irradiation with light, the photolytic cell having an anode electrode portion and a cathode electrode portion within a cylindrical container, the anode electrode portion and the cathode electrode portion being immersed in the decomposition liquid within the container, the anode electrode portion having a photocatalyst supported on a conductive substrate and having a plurality of anode electrode pieces that are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the container and are electrically connected.

[0024] According to this aspect, the anode electrode portion is composed of multiple anode electrode pieces, and each anode electrode piece is electrically connected, so that the reaction area of ​​the electrode carrying the photocatalyst can be easily increased, and the decomposition liquid can be decomposed more effectively.

[0025] One aspect of the present invention is a photolytic cell that decomposes a decomposition solution by irradiation with light, the photolytic cell having an anode electrode section and a cathode electrode section within a storage section, the storage section having a light-transmitting section that transmits light and a reflective section that reflects light, the anode electrode section having a photocatalyst supported on a transparent conductive substrate, the anode electrode section being between the light-transmitting section and the reflective section, and the photocatalyst side of the transparent conductive substrate facing the reflective section.

[0026] According to this aspect, the light reflected by the reflecting portion can also be used for the photocatalytic reaction, improving the decomposition efficiency, and therefore the decomposition liquid can be decomposed more effectively.

[0027] One aspect of the present invention is a decomposition system comprising a decomposition unit, an anode collection unit, and a booth unit, wherein the decomposition unit decomposes a decomposition liquid and has an anode electrode unit and a cathode electrode unit, and wherein the cathode electrode unit produces hydrogen gas and an anode product, the anode electrode unit and the cathode electrode unit are immersed in the decomposition liquid, the anode collection unit collects the decomposition liquid containing the anode product and supplies it to the booth unit as an oxidant liquid, and the booth unit is equipped with a spray unit capable of spraying the oxidant liquid.

[0028] According to this aspect, since hydrogen gas can be generated by decomposing the decomposition liquid, the generated hydrogen gas can be used as fuel gas for a fuel cell, for example. According to this aspect, for example, by placing an object to be disinfected in the booth, the oxidizing agent liquid can be sprayed from the spray unit inside the booth, thereby disinfecting viruses and bacteria on the object to be disinfected.

[0029] One aspect of the present invention is a decomposition system comprising a decomposition unit, an anode collection unit, and a booth unit, wherein the decomposition unit decomposes a decomposition liquid and has an anode electrode unit and a cathode electrode unit, wherein the cathode electrode unit generates hydrogen gas and the anode electrode unit generates an anode product, the anode electrode unit and the cathode electrode unit are immersed in the decomposition liquid, and the anode collection unit collects the anode product and oxidizes the anode product to produce an oxidant gas, which is supplied to the booth unit.

[0030] According to this aspect, since hydrogen gas can be generated by decomposing the decomposition liquid, the generated hydrogen gas can be used as fuel gas for a fuel cell, for example. According to this aspect, for example, by placing an object to be disinfected in the booth and exposing the object to the oxidizing gas, viruses and bacteria on the object can be disinfected.

[0031] One aspect of the present invention is a decomposition system having a decomposition unit, a cathode collection unit, and a supply unit, wherein the decomposition unit decomposes a decomposition liquid, has an anode electrode unit and a cathode electrode unit, and generates hydrogen gas at the cathode electrode unit, the anode electrode unit and the cathode electrode unit are immersed in the decomposition liquid, the cathode collection unit collects the hydrogen gas generated at the cathode electrode unit, deliquesces the hydrogen gas, and supplies it to the supply unit, and the supply unit is capable of attaching and detaching a hydrogen tank, and is capable of supplying the deliquesced hydrogen gas to the hydrogen tank when the hydrogen tank is attached.

[0032] A preferred aspect is that the device has a cathode collection section and a supply section, the cathode collection section collects hydrogen gas produced in the cathode electrode section, deliquesces the hydrogen gas, and supplies it to the supply section, and the supply section is capable of attaching and detaching a hydrogen tank and supplying hydrogen gas to the hydrogen tank when the hydrogen tank is attached.

[0033] According to the above aspect, the generated hydrogen gas can be supplied to a hydrogen tank, and since the hydrogen tank is detachable from the cathode collection unit, for example, by replacing a hydrogen tank that has accumulated a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas with an empty hydrogen tank, the generated hydrogen gas can be put into the hydrogen tank and used with almost no waste. Furthermore, according to the above aspect, since the decomposition liquid is removed from the hydrogen gas, highly pure hydrogen gas can be stored in the hydrogen tank.

[0034] One aspect of the present invention is a living environment sustaining system having the decomposition system described above and a power generation device that generates electricity using hydrogen gas.

[0035] According to this aspect, hydrogen gas can be produced by the decomposition system, and the hydrogen gas produced by the power generation device can be used to generate electricity, so that a certain standard of living can be sustained.

[0036] One aspect of the present invention is a supply amount adjustment system that includes the above-described decomposition system, has a deterioration prediction means that predicts a deterioration state of the decomposition section, and adjusts the supply amount of the oxidizer liquid to the booth section based on the deterioration state of the decomposition section predicted by the deterioration prediction means.

[0037] One aspect of the present invention is a supply amount adjustment system that includes the above-mentioned decomposition system, has a deterioration prediction means for predicting the deterioration state of the decomposition section, and adjusts the supply amount of the oxidant gas to the booth section based on the deterioration state of the decomposition section predicted by the deterioration prediction means.

[0038] According to the above aspect, the supply amount to the booth can be adjusted based on the deterioration state of the decomposition section, so that the decomposition section is less likely to be overloaded.

[0039] One aspect of the present invention is a supply amount adjustment system that includes the above-mentioned decomposition system, has a deterioration prediction means for predicting the deterioration state of the decomposition section, and adjusts the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen tank based on the deterioration state of the decomposition section predicted by the deterioration prediction means.

[0040] According to this aspect, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank can be adjusted based on the deterioration state of the decomposition section, so that the decomposition section is less likely to be overloaded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] According to the present invention, the decomposition liquid can be decomposed more effectively than in the past, and hydrogen gas can be produced from the decomposition liquid. According to the present invention, hydrogen gas is generated by decomposing a decomposition liquid, and the decomposition of the decomposition liquid can be utilized more effectively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an installation state of a hydrogen production device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the hydrogen production device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the photolysis module of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the photolysis module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the photolytic cell of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the photolytic cell of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is an end view of a longitudinal section of the photolytic cell of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the photolytic cell of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part of the photolytic cell of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cylindrical portion of FIG. 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the piping configuration diagram of FIG. 5. [Figure 12] 4 is an explanatory diagram of the photolysis module of FIG. 3, where (a) is a piping diagram and (b) is an electrical circuit diagram. [Figure 13] 3A and 3B are explanatory views of the cathode collection section of FIG. 2, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view of the cathode collection section in a closed position, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the cathode collection section in an open position. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the photolysis module of FIG. 3, with arrows indicating the main light flow. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is an end view of the longitudinal section of the photolytic cell of FIG. 4, with gas flow indicated by arrows. [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a hydrogen production device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 17A and 17B are explanatory views of the cathode collection section of FIG. 16, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view of the cathode collection section in a closed position, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the cathode collection section in an open position. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a photolytic cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical portion according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a photolytic cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of a photolytic cell according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a case where the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion is square, (b) shows a case where the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion is regular hexagonal, and (c) shows a case where the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion is elliptical. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a photolysis module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a front view of a photolytic cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional end view of a photolytic cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional end view of a photolytic cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a photolytic cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that up, down, left, right, front, and rear are based on the vertical position in FIG.

[0044] The hydrogen production device 1 (decomposition system, supply amount adjustment system) of the first embodiment of the present invention is installed mainly on the ground of vacant land or on the ground within the premises of buildings such as public facilities, hospitals, welfare facilities, and evacuation shelters (for example, the ground of a parking lot), as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hydrogen production device 1 comprises a photolysis module 2 (decomposition section) and an auxiliary power supply 3. The photolysis module 2 generates photovoltaic power when it receives light such as sunlight, and the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply 3 is used to decompose water, which serves as the decomposition liquid, within the photolysis module 2 to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. As shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen production device 1 includes an anode collection section 201 that collects oxygen gas, which is the anode generated gas, a cathode collection section 202 that collects hydrogen gas, which is the cathode generated gas, and a booth section 203 that can accommodate the object to be disinfected 180, and the cathode side storage section 205 is detachable from the cathode collection section 202. The hydrogen production device 1 has a disinfection function, and can disinfect the object to be disinfected 180 stored in the booth section 203 by converting oxygen gas into an oxidizing gas in the anode collection section 201 and supplying it to the booth section 203. From the standpoint of hygiene and power generation, it is preferable that the hydrogen production device 1 be installed together with a power generation device that uses hydrogen gas as fuel, such as a fuel cell, and that the disinfection and fuel generation functions be used to ensure life in public facilities, schools, hospitals, welfare facilities, evacuation shelters, etc., and to form a living environment sustainability system that maintains a certain standard of living or above.

[0045] The photolysis module 2 is a hydrogen generation module that generates hydrogen gas, and also an oxygen generation module that generates oxygen gas. The photolysis module 2 is a planar panel that receives light from one main surface, as shown in Fig. 3. The photolysis module 2 of this embodiment is a rectangular panel that extends in the vertical direction Y and the horizontal direction X. The photolysis module 2 comprises an attitude holding unit 5, a plurality of photolysis cells 6, and a piping configuration unit 7, and each photolysis cell 6 can be attached and detached independently from the attitude holding unit 5 and the piping configuration unit 7.

[0046] The position-holding unit 5 is a part that holds each photolytic cell 6 in a predetermined position. As shown in Figure 4, the posture holding unit 5 is composed of a first holding unit 10, a second holding unit 11, and a reflecting unit 12, and the first holding unit 10 and the second holding unit 11 are detachable from each other.

[0047] The first holding part 10 covers a portion of each photolytic cell 6 and is a frame body shaped like the letter "C" when viewed from the front, and as shown in Figure 4, has a light-transmitting hole 18 and multiple first recesses 20. The light transmission hole 18 has a rectangular opening when viewed from the front, and is a through-hole that penetrates the first holding portion 10 in the thickness direction. The first recess 20 is a recessed groove that has a depth in the thickness direction from the other main surface (the surface on the second holding part 11 side) of the first holding part 10 and extends linearly in the vertical direction Y. The first recess 20 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the photolytic cell 6, and in this embodiment, is a notched groove with a semicircular opening.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the second holding portion 11 is a portion that holds each photolytic cell 6 together with the first holding portion 10, and is translucent, allowing light to pass through in the thickness direction. The second holding part 11 has a plurality of second recesses 30 at positions corresponding to the first recesses 20 on the surface facing the first holding part 10 when the attitude holding part 5 is assembled. The second recess 30, together with the first recess 20, is a portion that houses the photolytic cell 6, and is a recessed groove that has a depth in the thickness direction from the main surface of the second holding part 11 facing the first holding part 10 and extends linearly in the vertical direction Y. The second recess 30 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the photolytic cell 6, and in this embodiment is a semicircular notched groove.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the reflecting section 12 forms the back surface of the photolysis module 2 and is a part that reflects light that enters from the front surface (the surface on the first holding section 10 side) and passes through the photolysis cell 6 back toward the photolysis cell 6. The reflecting portion 12 is not particularly limited as long as it has a light reflecting function. For example, it can be made of a material that forms a mirror surface, such as a metal foil or metal sheet of silver, aluminum, gold, copper, nickel, platinum, tin, or the like. The reflecting portion 12 covers at least most of the surface on the rear side of the second holding portion 11, and in this embodiment, covers the entire surface on the rear side of the second holding portion 11.

[0050] The photolytic cell 6 is irradiated with light to decompose water, which is a decomposition liquid, into hydrogen gas, which is a cathode product gas, and oxygen gas, which is an anode product gas. As shown in FIG. 5, the photolytic cell 6 includes an anode electrode section 51, a cathode electrode section 52, and an ion exchange section 53 in a housing section 50.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing section 50 is a section that houses an anode electrode section 51, a cathode electrode section 52, and an ion exchange section 53. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the storage section 50 is composed of a cylindrical section 55 (light-transmitting section) extending in the axial direction L, an upper blocking section 56 that blocks the upper end of the cylindrical section 55, and a lower blocking section 57 that blocks the lower end of the cylindrical section 55, and is provided with a liquid discharge section 88 on the side.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, the cylindrical portion 55 is a cylindrical portion whose internal space is open in the axial direction L, and is transparent so that light can pass through in the radial direction. The cylindrical portion 55 includes a main body wall portion 58 and rails 60 to 63 on the inner surface of the main body wall portion 58.

[0053] 8, the first rails 60, 61 (retaining recesses) are retaining rails that retain the anode electrode unit 51. Specifically, the first rails 60, 61 are formed by a pair of ridges (a pair of ridges) extending parallel to the axial direction L of the housing unit 50, and are groove-shaped retaining recesses whose bottom is the main body wall unit 58 or the connecting wall unit with the main body wall unit 58. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one rail 61 of the first rails 60, 61 is provided with a first wiring member 70 (wiring portion) at the bottom. The first wiring member 70 is a wire that electrically connects the anode electrode portion 51 and the first terminal portion 83 of the upper blocking portion 56. Specifically, the first wiring member 70 is a conductive foil, which is a metal foil in this embodiment.

[0054] The second rails 62, 63 are holding rails that sandwich and hold the cathode electrode unit 52 and the ion exchange unit 53, as shown in Fig. 8. Specifically, like the first rails 60, 61, the second rails 62, 63 are formed of a pair of ridges (a pair of ridges) extending parallel to the axial direction L of the storage unit 50, as shown in Fig. 10, and are groove-shaped holding recesses whose bottom is the main body wall unit 58 or the connecting wall unit with the main body wall unit 58. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one rail 63 of the second rails 62, 63 is provided with a second wiring member 75 at the bottom. The second wiring member 75 is a wire that electrically connects the cathode electrode portion 52 and the second terminal portion 85 of the upper blocking portion 56. Specifically, the second wiring member 75 is a conductive foil, which is a metal foil in this embodiment.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the upper blocking portion 56 includes a main body lid portion 80, a first gas exhaust portion 81, a second gas exhaust portion 82, a first terminal portion 83, a second terminal portion 85, a cell side engagement portion 86, and a liquid supply portion 87. The main body lid 80 is a lid body that closes the upper end of the cylindrical portion 55 and closes the internal space of the cylindrical portion 55 . The first gas discharge section 81 is provided at the upper end of the axial direction L of the accommodation section 50, and is a section that discharges the anode generated gas (oxygen gas, anode products) generated in the anode electrode section 51 to the outside of the accommodation section 50. The second gas discharge section 82 is provided at the upper end of the accommodating section 50 in the axial direction L, and is a section that discharges the cathode produced gas (hydrogen gas, cathode products) generated in the cathode electrode section 52 to the outside of the accommodating section 50. The first terminal portion 83 is electrically connected to the first wiring member 70 and is a terminal for connection to the piping configuration portion 7. The second terminal portion 85 is electrically connected to the second wiring member 75 and is a terminal for connection to the piping configuration portion 7. The cell-side engaging portion 86 is a convex portion that protrudes radially outward from the main body lid portion 80 and extends in the circumferential direction. The liquid supply unit 87 is connected to the liquid supply pipe 133 and supplies the decomposition liquid into the storage unit 50 .

[0056] The lower blocking portion 57 is configured with a main body lid portion 90 as shown in FIG. The main body lid 90 is a lid body that closes the lower end of the cylindrical portion 55 and closes the internal space of the cylindrical portion 55 . As shown in FIG. 7, the main body lid 90 includes an anode side holding part 91 that holds the lower end of the anode electrode part 51, and a cathode side holding part 92 that holds the lower end of the cathode electrode part 52. The holders 91, 92 are provided at a position lower than the electrode parts 51, 52 to be held, and are provided with one or more liquid level adjustment holes 95, 96 for adjusting the liquid level of the decomposition liquid. The liquid level adjustment hole 96 is a liquid mixing hole that mixes the decomposition liquid in the space 110 and the decomposition liquid in the space 111, and is a pH adjustment hole that adjusts the pH of the decomposition liquid.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the anode electrode section 51 is formed by arranging a plurality of anode electrode pieces 100 side by side, and the anode electrode pieces 100 are electrically connected in parallel. As shown in FIG. 7, the anode electrode piece 100 is a photocatalytic electrode in which a photocatalyst 102 is supported on a transparent conductive substrate 101 (conductive substrate).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the transparent conductive substrate 101 is a plate body in which a transparent conductive layer 105 is laminated on at least one main surface of a transparent substrate 103, and is capable of transmitting light in the thickness direction. The transparent substrate 103 is a light-transmitting substrate that is transparent and allows light to pass through in the thickness direction, and may be, for example, a transparent insulating substrate such as a glass substrate. The transparent conductive layer 105 is a layer that has transparency and conductivity, and is a substrate that allows light to pass through in the thickness direction. The transparent conductive layer 105 may be made of a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the cathode electrode section 52 is a conductive mesh and has a plurality of through-holes 108 penetrating in the thickness direction, allowing gas to pass through in the thickness direction. For example, metals with a lower ionization tendency than water, such as platinum, gold, and silver, can be used for the cathode electrode portion 52. Also, a base material plated with these metals can be used. For example, titanium coated with platinum. Furthermore, the cathode electrode section 52 is configured so that a portion of light can pass through the through-holes 108 .

[0060] The ion exchange section 53 is a film-like body that allows only specific ions to move in the thickness direction and restricts the movement of the remaining ions and electrons. The ion exchange section 53 of this embodiment is a cation exchange membrane that restricts or disables the movement of anions and electrons, while allowing only cations to move. The ion exchange section 53 also functions as a blocking membrane that blocks the flow of gas in the thickness direction. The material of the ion exchange unit 53 is not particularly limited as long as the generated cathode product gas (hydrogen gas) and anode product gas (oxygen gas) do not move (crossover) between the gas generation spaces 110 and 111 described below. The material of the ion exchange unit 53 may be a porous membrane or glass frit. For example, a membrane of a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymer such as Nafion (registered trademark) can be used as the ion exchange unit 53. These membranes may be reinforced with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) fibers such as Teflon (registered trademark).

[0061] 8, the ion exchange unit 53 is positioned between the anode electrode unit 51 and the cathode electrode unit 52 while overlapping with the cathode electrode unit 52, and divides the interior of the accommodating unit 50 into a first gas generation space 110 and a second gas generation space 111. In other words, the ion exchange unit 53 blocks the passage of gas between the first gas generation space 110 and the second gas generation space 111. The first gas generation space 110 is a space to which the anode electrode part 51 belongs, and in this embodiment, is a space in which oxygen gas is generated. The second gas generation space 111 is a space to which the cathode electrode section 52 belongs, and in this embodiment, is a space in which hydrogen gas is generated.

[0062] The liquid discharge part 88 is connected to a liquid discharge pipe (not shown) and serves to maintain the liquid level of the decomposition liquid below a certain level. That is, when the liquid level of the decomposition liquid reaches the liquid discharge part 88, the decomposition liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge part 88 to the outside of the photolytic cell 6.

[0063] Here, the positional relationship of each part of the photolytic cell 6 will be described.

[0064] 8, the anode electrode unit 51 is supported by inserting both radial ends of the housing unit 50 into the first rails 60, 61. The space between the anode electrode unit 51 and the first rails 60, 61 is sealed with a sealing material (not shown). Note that a sealing material may be provided across the boundary between the anode electrode unit 51 and the first rails 60, 61. The transparent conductive layer 105 of each anode electrode piece 100 of the anode electrode unit 51 is in contact with the first wiring member 70 in the first rail 61, and each anode electrode piece 100 is electrically connected via the first wiring member 70. Furthermore, each anode electrode piece 100 of the anode electrode unit 51 is electrically connected to the first terminal unit 83 via the first wiring member 70. 7, the upper end of the anode electrode part 51 in the axial direction L is separated downward from the upper blocking part 56. That is, the first gas generating space 110 is divided into two spaces 115, 116 by the anode electrode part 51, and the two spaces 115, 116 are communicated with each other via a communication part 117. The spaces 115 and 116 are also in communication with each other via the liquid level adjustment hole 95, and the decomposition liquid in the spaces 115 and 116 can alternately move back and forth via the liquid level adjustment hole 95. Therefore, the liquid levels of the decomposition liquid in the spaces 115 and 116 are approximately equal.

[0065] 8, the cathode electrode unit 52 and the ion exchange unit 53 are stacked in their respective thickness directions, and both ends in the radial direction of the housing unit 50 are inserted into and supported by the second rails 62, 63. The spaces between the cathode electrode unit 52 and the ion exchange unit 53 and the second rails 62, 63 are sealed with a sealant (not shown). Note that a sealant may be provided across the boundary between the cathode electrode unit 52 and the ion exchange unit 53 and the second rails 62, 63. The cathode electrode portion 52 contacts the second wiring member 75 in the second rail 63 and is electrically connected to the second terminal portion 85 via the second wiring member 75 . The ion exchange section 53 is located on the anode electrode section 51 side with respect to the cathode electrode section 52 .

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the first gas discharge part 81 communicates the first gas generation space 110 with the outside space, and the second gas discharge part 82 communicates the second gas generation space 111 with the outside space. That is, the photolytic cell 6 is capable of discharging the anode product gas (oxygen gas) generated in the first gas generation space 110 to the outside from the first gas exhaust section 81, and is capable of discharging the cathode product gas (hydrogen gas) generated in the second gas generation space 111 to the outside from the second gas exhaust section 82.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11, the piping configuration section 7 includes a first piping 121, a second piping 122, a first wiring 123, a second wiring 125, and a liquid supply piping 133 within a housing section 120, and an attachment section 126 is provided on the underside of the housing section 120.

[0068] The first pipe 121 is a pipe for circulating the anode generated gas (oxygen gas), and as shown in Figures 11 and 12(a), it is equipped with a main pipe 130 and a branch pipe 131 branching off from the main pipe 130, and a pressure reducing means 134 is connected to the middle or end of the main pipe 130. The main pipe 130 is a pipe connected to an external anode-side recovery section 210 or a gas storage device. The branch pipe 131 is an inlet pipe that is connected to the main pipe 130 and guides the gas discharged from the first gas discharge section 81 of each photolytic cell 6 to the main pipe 130, and is a connecting pipe that connects the first gas discharge section 81 and the main pipe 130. 12(a), the branch pipe 131 is provided with a valve 132 at an intermediate portion in the gas flow direction, and the flow of gas can be adjusted by opening and closing the valve 132. That is, the branch pipe 131 allows gas to flow by opening the valve 132, and can block gas flow by closing the valve 132. The pressure reducing means 134 is a member that reduces the pressure inside the housing portion 50 of each photolytic cell 6 via the first pipe 121 . For example, a diaphragm pump can be used as the pressure reducing means 134. The pressure reducing means 134 may be driven by an auxiliary power supply, or may be driven by a separate power supply. The pressure reducing means 134 of this embodiment also serves as a gas transfer means for transferring gas from each photolytic cell 6 .

[0069] The second pipe 122 is a pipe for circulating the cathode generated gas (hydrogen gas), and as shown in Figures 11 and 12(a), it is equipped with a main pipe 140 and a branch pipe 141 branching off from the main pipe 140, and a pressure reducing means 144 is connected to the middle or end of the main pipe 140. The main pipe 140 is a pipe connected to an external cathode-side recovery unit 215 . The branch pipe 141 is a connecting pipe that connects the second gas discharge part 82 of each photolytic cell 6 to the main pipe 140 . 12(a), the branch pipe 141 is provided with a valve 142 at an intermediate portion in the gas flow direction, and the flow of gas can be adjusted by opening and closing the valve 142. That is, the branch pipe 141 allows gas to flow by opening the valve 142, and can block gas flow by closing the valve 142. The pressure reducing means 144 is a member that reduces the pressure inside the housing portion 50 of each photolytic cell 6 via the second pipe 122 . For example, a diaphragm pump can be used as the pressure reducing means 144. The pressure reducing means 144 may be driven by an auxiliary power supply, or may be driven by a separate power supply. The pressure reducing means 144 of this embodiment also serves as a gas transferring means for transferring gas from each photolytic cell 6 .

[0070] The first wiring 123 is a wiring that electrically connects the auxiliary power supply 3 and the first terminal portion 83 of each photolytic cell 6, as shown in FIG. 12(b). The second wiring 125 is a wiring that electrically connects the auxiliary power supply 3 and the second terminal portion 85 of each photolytic cell 6 . At least one of the first wiring 123 and the second wiring 125 is provided with a switch 128, and by turning the switch 128 on and off, it is possible to electrically connect and disconnect the photolysis module 2 and the auxiliary power supply 3. Furthermore, a power conversion device (e.g., a DC / DC converter) may be appropriately inserted between the auxiliary power supply 3 and each photolytic cell 6, which optimizes the current-voltage characteristics of the auxiliary power supply 3 and converts them into the current-voltage characteristics required by each photolytic cell 6. This can improve energy transmission efficiency.

[0071] The liquid supply pipe 133 is a pipe for supplying a decomposition liquid to each photolysis cell 6 from the outside.

[0072] The mounting portion 126 is a portion where each photolytic cell 6 is mounted, and is a recessed portion recessed upward from the lower surface of the housing portion 120 as shown in FIG. The mounting portion 126 includes one or more mounting side engagement portions 127 . The attachment-side engaging portion 127 is a portion that can engage with the cell-side engaging portion 86 of each photolytic cell 6, and is biased toward the center of the attachment portion 126 by a biasing member (not shown).

[0073] The auxiliary power supply 3 is an auxiliary power supply that applies voltage to the photolysis module 2 and assists in the decomposition of the decomposition liquid (water) in the photolysis module 2. The auxiliary power supply 3 of this embodiment is a photoelectric conversion device that converts light energy into electrical energy, and more specifically, a solar cell module.

[0074] The anode collection section 201 is a section that collects the anode generated gas (oxygen gas) discharged from the first gas discharge section 81 of the photolysis module 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the anode collection section 201 includes an anode-side recovery section 210, an oxidant gas generation section 211, and an anode-side adjustment section 212, and is capable of generating an oxidant gas from the anode generated gas and discharging it to the booth section 203.

[0075] The anode-side recovery section 210 is a section that recovers the anode generated gas from the first gas discharge section 81. The oxidant gas generator 211 is a component that generates an oxidant gas by oxidizing the anode generated gas. For example, when the anode generated gas is oxygen gas, the oxidant gas generator 211 can be configured as an ozone generator that generates ozone gas from oxygen gas, such as an ozonizer. The anode-side adjusting section 212 is a section that adjusts the amount of oxidant gas supplied to the booth section 203 . The anode side adjustment unit 212 of this embodiment monitors each photolytic cell 6 of the photolytic module 2 (not shown) and works in conjunction with a deterioration prediction device (deterioration prediction means) that predicts the deterioration state of each photolytic cell 6, and is able to adjust the supply amount of oxidant gas according to the predicted deterioration state of each photolytic cell 6 of the photolytic module 2.

[0076] The cathode collection section 202 is a section that collects the cathode generated gas (hydrogen gas) discharged from the second gas discharge section 82 of the photolysis module 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the cathode collection unit 202 includes a cathode recovery unit 215, a drainage unit 216, and a cathode adjustment unit 217, and is capable of draining the cathode generated gas and discharging it into the cathode reservoir 205.

[0077] The cathode-side recovery section 215 is a section that recovers the cathode produced gas from the second gas discharge section . The liquid removal section 216 is a section that removes (dehydrates) the decomposition liquid from the cathode product gas. The cathode-side adjusting section 217 is a section that adjusts the amount of cathode produced gas supplied to the cathode-side reservoir 205 . The cathode side adjustment unit 217 of this embodiment monitors each photolytic cell 6 of the photolytic module 2 (not shown) and works in conjunction with a deterioration prediction device (deterioration prediction means) that predicts the deterioration state of each photolytic cell 6, and is able to adjust the supply amount of cathode generated gas according to the predicted deterioration state of each photolytic cell 6 of the photolytic module 2.

[0078] The booth section 203 is a box-shaped body that can accommodate items 180 to be disinfected, such as clothes, shoes, medical instruments, barber tools, and food handling tools. As shown in FIG. 13, the booth section 203 includes a housing section 230 and a closing section 231, and the closing section 231 allows an internal space 232 of the housing section 230 to be opened and closed. That is, the booth section 203 can be changed between a closed position shown in Figure 13(a) in which the internal space 232 of the housing section 230 is blocked by the blocking section 231, and an open position shown in Figure 13(b) in which the blocking section 231 is open and the internal space 232 of the housing section 230 is connected to the external space.

[0079] The cathode-side reservoir 205 is a portion for storing hydrogen gas, which is the cathode-produced gas, and for example, a hydrogen tank such as a hydrogen storage alloy canister can be used.

[0080] Next, the positional relationship between the various parts of the photolysis module 2 will be described.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the photolysis module 2 is installed on a stand in an inclined position such that the axial direction L of each photolysis cell 6 intersects with the horizontal plane. 3, each photolytic cell 6 is in a vertical position with its axial direction L extending in the vertical direction Y of the photolytic module 2. The photolytic cells 6 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction X, with their central axes parallel to each other. The posture holder 5 holds each photolytic cell 6. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the photolytic cell 6 is sandwiched between the first recess 20 of the first holder 10 and the second recess 30 of the second holder 11, and its end is inserted into the mounting portion 126 of the piping configuration 7. The cell-side engaging portion 86 of the photolytic cell 6 engages with the mounting-side engaging portion 127 of the piping configuration 7 in the axial direction L. As shown in FIG. 14, the first gas exhaust unit 81 is connected to a branch pipe 131 of the first pipe 121, and the second gas exhaust unit 82 is connected to a branch pipe 141 of the second pipe 122. The first terminal 83 is connected to the first wiring 123 , and the second terminal 85 is connected to the second wiring 125 .

[0082] Next, the operation of the hydrogen production device 1 when producing hydrogen gas will be described.

[0083] First, water is introduced into the container 50 of each photolytic cell 6 as a decomposition liquid. Then, switch 128 is turned on to electrically connect the photolysis module 2 and the auxiliary power supply 3. When light is irradiated onto the photolysis module 2 and the solar cell module of the auxiliary power supply 3 in this state, an electric potential is generated between the anode electrode portion 51 and the cathode electrode portion 52, and the voltage generated in the solar cell module decomposes water into hydrogen gas (cathode generated gas) and oxygen gas (anode generated gas). Specifically, around the anode electrode part 51, as shown in FIG. 15, the water as the decomposition liquid is oxidized by the holes generated by photoexcitation in the photocatalyst 102 of the anode electrode part 51 to produce oxygen gas and protons (H +) is generated around the cathode electrode section 52, and protons (H + ) accepts electrons and reduces water to produce hydrogen gas. The generated oxygen gas is restricted by the ion exchange unit 53 from moving toward the cathode electrode unit 52, and is therefore discharged to the outside from the first gas discharge unit 81 at the top via the communication unit 117. On the other hand, the hydrogen gas is restricted by the ion exchange unit 53 from moving toward the anode electrode unit 51, and is therefore passed through the cathode electrode unit 52 and discharged to the outside from the second gas discharge unit 82.

[0084] Next, the optical path when light is irradiated onto the photolysis module 2 from the first holding unit 10 side will be described.

[0085] When light is incident from the first holding unit 10 side, it passes through the first holding unit 10 and reaches the photolytic cell 6 as shown in Figure 14. Part of the light is absorbed by the photolytic cell 6, and the light that passes through the photolytic cell 6 passes through the second holding unit 11 and is reflected by the reflecting unit 12. Part of the light reflected by the reflecting unit 12 passes through the second holding unit 11 again and is absorbed by the photolytic cell 6. Thus, according to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, a portion of the light that has passed through the photolysis cell 6 is also absorbed by the photolysis cell 6 as reflected light at the reflecting portion 12, thereby enabling hydrogen gas to be generated more effectively.

[0086] Next, a case where the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment is used to disinfect the object to be disinfected 180 will be described.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, first, the closing section 231 is opened to place the booth section 203 in the open position, and the object to be disinfected 180 is placed in the internal space 232, and then the closing section 231 is closed to place the booth section 203 in the closed position. The oxidant gas generator 211 generates an oxidant gas using the anode generated gas, and the oxidant gas is supplied to the booth section 203 from the anode side adjusting section 212 .

[0088] At this time, the anode-side adjusting unit 212 adjusts the supply amount of the oxidant gas based on the deterioration state predicted by the deterioration predicting device. Note that the anode-side adjusting unit 212 may adjust the supply amount of the oxidant gas depending on the purpose of use.

[0089] After a predetermined time has passed since the booth section 203 was filled with the oxidizing gas, the closing section 231 is opened to place the booth section 203 in an open position, and the object to be disinfected 180 is removed from the booth section 203 .

[0090] Next, a case where hydrogen gas is replenished to the cathode reservoir 205 using the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0091] First, the cathode-side reservoir 205 is connected to the cathode-side adjustment unit 217 , hydrogen gas is deliquesced in the deliquescing unit 216 , and the deliquesced hydrogen gas is supplied from the cathode-side adjustment unit 217 to the cathode-side reservoir 205 .

[0092] At this time, the cathode-side adjusting unit 217 adjusts the supply amount of hydrogen gas based on the deterioration state predicted by the deterioration predicting device. Note that the cathode-side adjusting unit 217 may adjust the supply amount of hydrogen gas depending on the purpose of use.

[0093] When the cathode-side reservoir 205 is filled with a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas, it is replaced with a new cathode-side reservoir 205 as necessary.

[0094] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, the anode electrode unit 51 and the cathode electrode unit 52 are housed in a cylindrical housing unit 50, and a voltage difference is generated between the anode electrode unit 51 and the cathode electrode unit 52, thereby decomposing water, which serves as a decomposition liquid, within the housing unit 50. In other words, the use of a cylindrical housing unit 50 allows the housing unit 50 to be formed without any seams between the components on its side, resulting in good sealing properties, high strength, and excellent durability. Furthermore, the cylindrical structure of the photolysis cell 6 improves the strength of the photolysis cell 6 and simplifies the use of auxiliary components such as seals. According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, the module can be easily made larger by integrating the photolysis cells 6 having a detachable cylindrical cell structure.

[0095] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, the anode electrode section 51 is configured by arranging multiple anode electrode pieces 100 in parallel in the axial direction L and electrically connecting them, thereby making it possible to increase the reaction area of ​​the photocatalyst 102.

[0096] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, each photolysis cell 6 can be independently attached and detached to the attitude holding unit 5, so that a photolysis cell 6 that has broken down due to an initial defect or the like or that has reached the end of its product life can be individually replaced with a new photolysis cell 6. In other words, when the photocatalyst 102 has deteriorated, the photolysis cell 6 can be replaced as a consumable item.

[0097] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, each photolysis cell 6 is electrically connected in parallel to the auxiliary power supply 3, and further, valves 132, 142 are provided at the middle of the branch pipes 131, 141 in the gas flow direction. Therefore, even if one photolysis cell 6 breaks down, it can be replaced while the other photolysis cells 6 are still operating.

[0098] In the photolytic cell 6 of this embodiment, the anode electrode unit 51 is located between the first holding unit 10 and the reflecting unit 12, and the photocatalyst 102 side of the transparent conductive substrate 101 faces the reflecting unit 12. Therefore, part of the light that passes through the photolytic cell 6 is reflected by the reflecting unit 12 and returns to the photolytic cell 6 to be absorbed by the photocatalyst 102, thereby promoting the water-splitting reaction more than when the reflecting unit 12 is not provided.

[0099] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, the ion exchange unit 53 divides the space into a first gas generation space 110 and a second gas generation space 111, and gas exhaust units 81, 82 are provided corresponding to the gas generation spaces 110, 111. This allows hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to be discharged to the outside without mixing, ensuring high safety. Furthermore, hydrogen gas as the cathode generated gas and oxygen gas as the anode generated gas are easily discharged, and gases are less likely to remain on the cathode electrode unit 52 or the photocatalyst 102.

[0100] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, both ends of the anode electrode unit 51 are held by rails 60, 61 that extend over the entire housing unit 50 in the axial direction L of the housing unit 50, thereby enabling stable holding of the anode electrode unit 51. Similarly, according to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, both ends of the cathode electrode unit 52 and the ion exchange unit 53 are held by rails 62, 63 that extend over the entire housing unit 50 in the axial direction L of the housing unit 50. Therefore, the cathode electrode unit 52 and the ion exchange unit 53 can be held stably.

[0101] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, the first wiring member 70 is provided on the bottom of the rail 61 and is disposed between the bottom of the rail 61 and each anode electrode piece 100. This prevents the first wiring member 70 from being exposed to water, which is the decomposition liquid, and provides high safety. Similarly, the second wiring member 75 is provided at the bottom of the rail 63, and is disposed between the bottom of the rail 63 and each of the cathode electrode sections 52 and the ion exchange section 53. This prevents the second wiring member 75 from being exposed to water, which is the decomposition liquid, and provides a high level of safety.

[0102] According to the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment, the photolysis module 2 is fixed by the stand in an inclined position relative to the horizontal plane, so that the time for receiving sunlight can be extended and the photolysis module 2 can decompose water more effectively.

[0103] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, the anode electrode unit 51 receives light mainly from the transparent conductive substrate 101 side. In other words, since the anode electrode unit 51 is irradiated with light from a surface other than the surface that generates gas (the surface on the photocatalyst 102 side), scattering of light by the generated gas can be avoided, and the photolysis efficiency can be improved.

[0104] According to the photolysis module 2 of this embodiment, the liquid discharge part 88 is disposed at a position (on the lower blocking part 57 side) lower than the gas discharge parts 81 and 82. Therefore, the decomposition liquid remains at a liquid level below the liquid discharge part 88, and the decomposition liquid can be prevented from spilling out via the gas discharge parts 81 and 82.

[0105] According to the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment, by driving the pressure reducing means 134, 144 and controlling the pressure reduction inside the storage section 50 of the photolytic cell 6 from the gas exhaust sections 81, 82, it is possible to easily remove the bubbles of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated on the surfaces of each electrode section 51, 52, and to effectively extract hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from the photolytic cell 6. Furthermore, according to the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment, the housing 50 of the photolytic cell 6 is cylindrical and strong, so even if the pressure inside the housing 50 is reduced by the pressure reducing means 134, 144, it is less likely to deform and is highly reliable.

[0106] According to the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment, the cathode-side storage section 205 that stores hydrogen gas is detachable from the cathode collection section 202, so that the cathode-side storage section 205 is portable and the stored hydrogen gas can be used as fuel gas for portable fuel cells, etc.

[0107] The hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment can simultaneously generate hydrogen gas and oxidant gas, and the supply amounts of hydrogen gas and oxidant gas can be adjusted according to the purpose. That is, hydrogen gas can be used as fuel for power generation devices such as fuel cells, and oxidant gas can be used for disinfection, making it possible to maintain a certain level of living in evacuation shelters and the like.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the case where water is used as the decomposition liquid is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A different type of decomposition liquid may be used as long as it contains hydrogen element and generates hydrogen gas upon decomposition. For example, by using a chloride aqueous solution such as a sodium chloride aqueous solution or a potassium chloride aqueous solution or seawater as the decomposition liquid, the decomposition liquid can be decomposed at the anode electrode portion 51 to produce hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ions. Furthermore, by using an aqueous potassium hydrogen carbonate solution as the decomposition liquid, the decomposition liquid can be decomposed at the anode electrode section 51 to produce hydrogen peroxide. In addition, by using sulfuric acid as the decomposition liquid, the decomposition liquid can be decomposed at the anode electrode unit 51 to produce persulfuric acid, and by using iodine as the decomposition liquid, periodate can be produced. Furthermore, by using trivalent cerium as the decomposition liquid, the decomposition liquid can be decomposed at the anode electrode unit 51 to produce tetravalent cerium, and by using cyclohexane as the decomposition liquid, cyclohexane / cyclohexal can be produced.

[0109] Here, when a sodium chloride aqueous solution is used as the decomposition liquid, hypochlorite ions or hypochlorous acid generated when the decomposition liquid is decomposed are dissolved in the decomposition liquid, and therefore cannot be extracted as anode generated gas. Therefore, a hydrogen production device 300 suitable for use when a sodium chloride aqueous solution is used as the decomposition liquid will be described as a second embodiment. Note that components similar to those of the hydrogen production device 1 of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The same applies hereinafter.

[0110] As shown in Figure 16, the hydrogen production device 300 of the second embodiment includes a photolysis module 2, an auxiliary power supply 3, an anode collection section 301, a cathode collection section 202, a booth section 303, and a cathode-side storage section 205, and the cathode-side storage section 205 is detachable from the cathode collection section 202. The hydrogen production device 300 can suitably use an aqueous chloride solution such as an aqueous sodium chloride solution or an aqueous potassium chloride solution as the decomposition liquid. That is, the photolytic cell 6 decomposes the decomposition liquid to generate an anode product (hypochlorite ions or hypochlorous acid) at the anode electrode unit 51, and generates hydrogen gas at the cathode electrode unit 52.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 16, the anode collection section 301 includes an anode-side recovery section 310 and an anode-side adjustment section 212. The anode-side recovery section 310 is connected to the liquid discharge section 88 of the photolysis module 2 via a liquid discharge pipe not shown, and is a section that recovers the decomposition liquid containing the anode product discharged from the liquid discharge section 88 of the photolysis module 2. The anode-side adjusting section 212 is a section that supplies the decomposition liquid recovered in the anode-side recovering section 310 to the booth section 303 as an oxidizing agent liquid. The anode side adjusting section 212 is capable of adjusting the amount of oxidant liquid supplied to the booth section 303 .

[0112] As shown in FIG. 17, the booth section 303 includes a housing section 230, a blocking section 231, and a spray section 332. More specifically, spray unit 332 is a nebulizer, and is capable of spraying the oxidant liquid into internal space 232 of casing 230 in the form of a mist.

[0113] When disinfecting the object 180 to be disinfected using the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment, first, as shown in Figure 17(b), the closing part 231 is opened to put the booth part 303 in the open position, and then, as shown in Figure 17(a), the object 180 to be disinfected is placed in the internal space 232 and the closing part 231 is closed to put the booth part 303 in the closed position. Then, the decomposition liquid collected in the anode-side collection part 310 is sprayed as an oxidizing agent liquid from the spray part 332 onto the object 180 to be disinfected. After the oxidizing agent liquid has been sufficiently sprayed onto the object to be disinfected 180 and a predetermined time has elapsed, the blocking section 231 is opened again as shown in Figure 17(b), the booth section 303 is placed in an open position, and the object to be disinfected 180 is removed from the booth section 203.

[0114] In the second embodiment, an aqueous sodium chloride solution is used as the decomposition liquid, and when the decomposition liquid is decomposed, the decomposition liquid becomes a mixed solution of hypochlorous acid water, sodium hypochlorite, and an aqueous sodium chloride solution. In the space 110 on the anode electrode part 51 side of the photolytic cell 6, hypochlorite ions or hypochlorous acid are generated from the decomposition liquid, the pH value of the decomposition liquid in the space 110 decreases, and strongly acidic hypochlorous acid water with a pH of 2.2 to 2.7 is generated. On the other hand, in the space 111 on the cathode electrode part 52 side, hydrogen gas is generated from the decomposition liquid, and the pH value of the decomposition liquid increases. In the hydrogen production device 1 of the second embodiment, the decomposition liquid flows back and forth between the space 110 and the space 111, and is neutralized because the space 110 and the space 111 are connected by the liquid level adjustment hole 96. As a result, weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water with a pH of 2.7 to 5 is generated, and the weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water is discharged from the liquid discharge part 88 to the anode-side recovery part 310 as an oxidizing agent liquid. As described above, according to the hydrogen production device 1 of this embodiment, the object to be disinfected 180 can be disinfected with weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water that has antibacterial and antiviral activity and is also highly safe.

[0115] According to the hydrogen production device 300 of the second embodiment, the decomposition liquid in the storage unit 50, which is discharged from the liquid discharge unit 88 of the photolysis module 2, is collected in the anode-side recovery unit 310, while the decomposition liquid is replenished from the liquid supply unit 87 into the storage unit 50 to achieve a steady state. Therefore, hydrogen gas can be generated stably at all times.

[0116] According to the hydrogen production device 300 of the second embodiment, an oxidizing agent liquid containing hypochlorite ions or hypochlorous acid, which are unstable and easily decomposed, is generated on the spot and can be sprayed quantitatively onto the object to be disinfected 180. Therefore, the hypochlorite ions or hypochlorous acid are less likely to turn into chlorine gas and disappear, resulting in a high disinfection function.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the rails 60 to 63 are each formed by a pair of continuously extending ridges, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rails 60 to 63 may also be formed by ridges formed by intermittently arranging ridges.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the photolytic cell 6 is attached to the mounting portion 126 by engaging the cell-side engaging portion 86 with the mounting-side engaging portion 127 of the piping component 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. The photolytic cell 6 may also be attached to the mounting portion 126 by threading the cell-side engaging portion 86 with the mounting-side engaging portion 127 of the piping component 7. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18 , it is preferable that the first gas discharge portion 81, the second gas discharge portion 82, the first terminal portion 83, and the second terminal portion 85 are each provided coaxially.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the photolytic cell 6 cannot rotate in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the storage unit 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The photolytic cell 6 may also be rotatable in the circumferential direction. For example, by connecting a rotating means such as a motor to the end of the photolytic cell 6 in the axial direction L, the photolytic cell 6 can be rotated individually at the desired timing, thereby removing air bubbles adsorbed near the cathode electrode unit 52 and the anode electrode unit 51. Furthermore, a detecting means for detecting the position of sunlight or a predicting means for predicting the position of sunlight may be provided to control the rotation of the photolytic cell 6 so that the photocatalyst 102 faces sunlight at all times. Note that, in this case, as in the above, it is preferable that the first gas exhaust unit 81, the second gas exhaust unit 82, the first terminal unit 83, and the second terminal unit 85 are each coaxially arranged, as shown in FIG. 18 .

[0120] In the above embodiment, the rails 60 to 63 of the cylindrical portion 55 are configured as two ridges that protrude radially toward the center of the main body wall portion 58, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 19, the rails 60 to 63 may be configured as recessed grooves that are formed by cutting out a portion of the main body wall portion 58 in the thickness direction and that have a depth that extends radially outward.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, the reflector 12 is provided on the back surface of the attitude-maintaining unit 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reflector 12 may be provided on the inner surface of the first recess 20 of the first holding unit 10. Alternatively, the reflector 12 may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 50 of the photolytic cell 6, as shown in FIG. 20. In this way, the reflector 12 is provided on the side of each photolytic cell 6, making the reflector 12 less susceptible to contamination and easier to maintain.

[0122] In the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion 55 is circular, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outer shape of a cross section of the cylindrical portion 55 perpendicular to the axial direction L may be a regular polygon such as a square (FIG. 21(a)) or a regular hexagon (FIG. 21(b)). The cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion 55 may also be an ellipse (FIG. 21(c)).

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, the photolysis module 2 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane by the mount to increase the time it receives sunlight, but the present invention is not limited to this. The photolysis cell 6 may also be tilted relative to the horizontal plane within the position-maintaining unit 5, as shown in FIG. 22 . That is, the position-maintaining unit 5 may be configured to hold the photolysis cell 6 so that the axial direction L of the housing 50 for the photolysis cell 6 intersects with the horizontal plane. This allows the photolysis cell 6 to be tilted toward the sun, even when used in building materials that do not tilt, such as windows, thereby improving the amount of light received.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, both the gas exhaust portions 81, 82 and the terminal portions 83, 85 are provided in the upper blocking portion 56, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 23 , the gas exhaust portions 81, 82 may be provided in the upper blocking portion 56, and the terminal portions 83, 85 may be provided in the lower blocking portion 57.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, the photolysis module 2 and the auxiliary power supply 3 are installed on the ground of unused land or on the grounds of a building such as a shelter, but the present invention is not limited to this. They may also be installed on the roof, wall, or floor of a fixed structure such as a building.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, a reflector 12 is provided to reflect the light that has passed through the photolytic cell 6 toward the first holder 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reflector 12 does not have to be provided. It is also possible to use a flat plate or reflector placed on the back side of the photolytic module 2 without providing the reflector 12. The reflector may be made of a mirror-finished material with high reflectivity, such as a silver mirror-plated metal plate.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the anode electrode unit 51 is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of anode electrode pieces 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. The anode electrode unit 51 may also be configured by a single anode electrode piece 100.

[0128] In the first embodiment described above, the case where water is used as the decomposition liquid is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. An electrolyte solution whose pH is adjusted by adding sodium bicarbonate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or the like may also be used.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the same decomposition liquid is used in each photolytic cell 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. Different decomposition liquids may be used for each photolytic cell 6.

[0130] In the above embodiment, a solar cell module is used as the auxiliary power supply 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a geothermal power generation device, a wind power generation device, or the like may be used as the auxiliary power supply 3.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Fig. 24, liquid supply units 150a, 150b for the decomposition liquid may be provided in the lower blocking unit 57 to supply the decomposition liquid from outside into each photolytic cell 6 and constantly replenish the decomposition liquid to a constant liquid level. In this case, it is preferable that the tip nozzle of the liquid supply unit 150b supplies the liquid toward the photocatalyst 102 of the anode electrode unit 51. This makes it easier to peel off the gas generated on the surface of the photocatalyst 102 from the photocatalyst 102, improving the photolysis efficiency. Furthermore, the upper blocking portion 56 and the cylindrical portion 55 may be provided with liquid supply portions 150a and 150b for the decomposition liquid.

[0132] In the above embodiment, a conductive mesh is used as the cathode electrode portion 52, but the present invention is not limited to this. A conductive wire may be used as the cathode electrode portion 52. The conductive wire may be made of the same material as the conductive mesh.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, the liquid discharge portion 88 is provided across the cylindrical portion 55 and the upper closing portion 56 in the photolytic cell 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 25, the liquid discharge portion 88 may be provided only in the upper closing portion 56 in the photolytic cell 6.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, the first wiring member 70 is a separate member from the anode electrode section 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first wiring member 70 may be incorporated into the anode electrode section 51. For example, as shown in FIG. 26 , a metal layer 160 may be formed on the transparent conductive layer 105 by plating, sputtering, or the like, and the metal layer 160 may be used as the first wiring member 70. In this case, it is preferable that the metal layer 160 be buried in a sealing material 161. This prevents the metal layer 160 from being directly exposed to the decomposition solution, improving durability. Furthermore, with this configuration, the metal layer 160 can be brought into contact with the transparent conductive layer 105 over a certain width, thereby further reducing resistance loss.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the cathode-side reservoir 205 is configured as a hydrogen tank, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cathode-side reservoir 205 may be configured as a hydrogen capsule.

[0136] In the second embodiment described above, the decomposition liquid in the space 110 on the anode electrode portion 51 side of the photolytic cell 6 and the decomposition liquid in the space 111 on the cathode electrode portion 52 side are mixed by the liquid level adjustment hole 96 to form an oxidizer liquid of weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid level adjustment hole 96 may not be provided, and the decomposition liquid in the space 110 on the anode electrode unit 51 side of the photolytic cell 6 and the decomposition liquid in the space 111 on the cathode electrode unit 52 side may not be mixed, and the decomposition liquid in the space 110 on the anode electrode unit 51 side may be collected in the anode collection unit 301 as an oxidizing agent liquid of strongly acidic hypochlorous acid water having a pH of 2.2 to 2.7. Alternatively, the decomposition liquid may be decomposed without providing the ion exchange unit 53, and the decomposition liquid in the space 110 on the anode electrode unit 51 side of the photolytic cell 6 and the decomposition liquid in the space 111 on the cathode electrode unit 52 side may be completely mixed to form an oxidizing agent liquid of slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water having a pH of 5 to 6.5, which is collected in the anode collection unit 301.

[0137] In the second embodiment described above, the pH of the oxidant liquid is adjusted by mixing the decomposition liquid inside the photolytic cell 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. The pH concentration of the oxidant liquid may also be adjusted by neutralizing the decomposition liquid outside the photolytic cell 6.

[0138] As an application example of the above-described embodiment, the first holding unit 10 may be formed in a plate shape without providing the light transmission holes 18, and an anti-glare function or a light containment function may be added by providing a surface irregularity or an anti-reflection sheet. The method for forming the surface irregularity is not particularly limited. For example, the irregularity may be formed directly on the surface of the first holding unit 10, or the irregularity may be formed on the surface of the first holding unit 10 by solidifying silica or the like with a binder. Alternatively, a sheet with a surface irregularity formed in advance may be attached to the surface of the first holding unit 10.

[0139] As in the above-described embodiment, by connecting a hydrogen storage tank such as a hydrogen storage tank or a hydrogen storage unit made of a hydrogen storage alloy, a renewable energy-derived hydrogen supply system can be constructed. Furthermore, by combining this hydrogen supply system with a stationary fuel cell or micro gas turbine, it is possible to provide a net-zero energy solution that reduces energy consumption in buildings. Furthermore, by combining this hydrogen supply system with a hydrogen compression device, it can be used as a hydrogen supply base for mobile vehicles such as fuel cell vehicles and fuel cell forklifts. It can also be used as a small-scale, distributed hydrogen supply system for fuel cell UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles / Drones), which are expected to have increased flight time and payload.

[0140] As an application example of the photolysis module 2 of the above embodiment, it may be used as part of an artificial photosynthesis device that produces organic compounds from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

[0141] In the above-described embodiments, each component can be freely substituted or added between the respective embodiments as long as it falls within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1,300 Hydrogen production equipment (decomposition system, evacuation shelter support system, living environment sustainability system) 2 Photolysis module (decomposition section) 5 Posture holding part 6. Photolysis Cell 10 1st holding part 11 Second holding part 12 Reflector 50 Storage section 51 Anode electrode part 52 Cathode electrode part 53 Ion exchange unit 55 Cylindrical part (light transmitting part) 60,61 First rail (retaining recess) 70 First wiring member (wiring portion) 81 First gas exhaust section 82 Second gas exhaust section 87,150a,150b Liquid supply section 95,96 Liquid level adjustment hole 100 anode electrode strips 101 Transparent conductive substrate 102 Photocatalyst 110 First gas generation space 111 Second gas generation space 180 Items to be disinfected 201,301 Anode collection section 202 Cathode collection section 203,303 Booth Section 205 Cathode side reservoir 211 Oxidant gas generator 212 Anode side adjustment unit 216 Deliquid section 217 Cathode side adjustment unit 332 Spray section

Claims

1. A decomposition system comprising a photodecomposition module and an auxiliary power supply, the photolysis module includes a plurality of photolysis cells, a position holding unit that holds each of the photolysis cells in a predetermined position, and a piping configuration unit; Each photolytic cell decomposes a decomposition solution and generates gas when irradiated with light, and includes an anode electrode portion, a cathode electrode portion, and an ion exchange portion within its housing portion; the anode electrode portion is a conductive substrate having a photocatalyst supported thereon, the ion exchange unit is located between the anode electrode unit and the cathode electrode unit so as to divide the interior of the accommodation unit into a first gas generation space to which the anode electrode unit belongs and a second gas generation space to which the cathode electrode unit belongs, the anode electrode unit and the cathode electrode unit are immersed in the decomposition liquid in the container unit, the accommodating portion is cylindrical, and has a first terminal portion electrically connected to the anode electrode portion and a second terminal portion electrically connected to the cathode electrode portion, and further includes a first gas exhaust portion that connects the first gas generation space to the outside, and a second gas exhaust portion that connects the second gas generation space to the outside, The piping configuration unit includes: a first wiring electrically connecting the auxiliary power supply device to the first terminal portion of each decomposition cell; a second wiring electrically connecting the auxiliary power supply device to the second terminal portion of each decomposition cell; a first pipe including first gas branch pipes connected to the first gas discharge units and first gas main pipes connected to the first gas branch pipes; a second pipe including second gas branch pipes connected to the second gas discharge units, and second gas trunk pipes connected to the second gas branch pipes; It is equipped with Furthermore, the decomposition system a first gas pressure reducing means connected to the first pipe, and an anode-side recovery section connected to the first gas pressure reducing means; a second gas pressure reducing means connected to the second pipe, and a cathode-side recovery unit connected to the second gas pressure reducing means; It is equipped with each photolytic cell is independently attachable to and detachable from the piping configuration and is electrically connected in parallel to an auxiliary power supply; and each of the first gas branch pipes and each of the second gas branch pipes is provided with a valve that can be closed to block the flow of gas; Decomposition system.

2. the anode electrode portion has a plurality of anode electrode pieces, The decomposition system according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of anode electrode pieces are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the housing portion and are electrically connected to each other.

3. The decomposition system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each photolytic cell is independently detachable from the attitude maintaining unit.

4. the housing portion is capable of transmitting light in a direction intersecting an axial direction, the attitude maintaining unit has a reflecting unit that reflects light, The decomposition system according to claim 1 , wherein the position-holding unit holds the photodecomposition cell so that the photocatalyst side of the conductive substrate faces the reflecting unit.

5. The decomposition system according to claim 1 , wherein the container is provided with a liquid level adjustment hole that connects the first gas generation space and the second gas generation space and adjusts the liquid level of the decomposition liquid.

6. the photolytic cell has a holding recess for holding an end of the anode electrode part, The disassembly system according to claim 1 , wherein the holding recess extends over the entire accommodating portion in the axial direction of the accommodating portion and satisfies the following (1) or (2): (1) The holding recess is a recessed groove formed by cutting out a part of the inner wall of the accommodating portion. (2) The storage section has a pair of protrusions that protrude from the inner wall of the storage section, and the holding recess is a recessed groove that is sandwiched between the pair of protrusions and has a depth toward the inner wall of the storage section.

7. the photolytic cell has a wiring portion and a holding recess; the anode electrode portion has a plurality of anode electrode pieces, the wiring portion electrically connects the anode electrode pieces, the holding recess extends in the axial direction of the housing portion and holds an end portion of each anode electrode piece; The decomposition system according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring portion is disposed between a bottom of the holding recess and an end face of each anode electrode piece.

8. The decomposition system according to claim 1 , wherein the attitude maintaining unit is capable of rotating the photolytic cell in a circumferential direction.

9. the photolytic cell decomposes the decomposition solution by being irradiated with light, and generates gas; the photolytic cell has a gas exhaust port at an axial end of the container, The decomposition system according to claim 1 , wherein the attitude maintaining unit maintains the photolytic cell such that an axial direction of the container unit intersects with a horizontal plane.

10. a liquid supply unit that supplies the decomposition liquid, The decomposition system according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid supply unit supplies the decomposition liquid toward the photocatalyst of the anode electrode unit.

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