Hydrogen Gas Generator

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen gas generator.SOLUTION: A hydrogen gas generator comprises: a water storage tank having an opening on the upper part; a separation film connected to the water storage tank and having an anode side and a cathode side, in which the inner wall of the water storage tank separates the anode side from a first liquid storage space; an anode arranged on the anode side of the separation film; a cathode arranged on the cathode side of the separation film; and a hydrogen gas guiding device connected to the separation film so that the inner wall separates the cathode side of the separation film from a hydrogen gas storage space. The hydrogen gas guiding device has a first gas discharge hole for discharging a hydrogen gas. The separation film directly and fluidly connected to the water storage tank. The hydrogen gas generator, having a simple structure and small volume, is used for generating the hydrogen gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen gas generator, and more particularly to a hydrogen gas generator having a simple structure and a small volume. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen gas can be generated by electrolyzing water. The health benefits of hydrogen gas itself and hydrogen-rich water are gradually gaining attention. Therefore, there is a need in the related industry for a compact home hydrogen gas generator that allows consumers to produce hydrogen water on their own.

[0003] However, conventional household hydrogen gas generators have a structure in which a water tank and an electrolytic component are connected by a long pipe, and the structure is complicated, which makes it difficult to manufacture and maintain, makes it difficult to discharge gas from the pipe, and has drawbacks such as being too large in volume. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In view of the drawbacks of the conventional hydrogen gas generators, the present invention provides a hydrogen gas generator that has a simpler structure and a smaller volume than conventional home hydrogen gas generators by improving its internal structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the above and other objects, the present invention provides a water storage tank having an opening at the top; an isolation film connected to the water storage tank, having an anode side and a cathode side, the anode side and an inner wall of the water storage tank defining a first liquid receiving space; an anode electrode provided on the anode side of the separator film; a cathode electrode provided on the cathode side of the separator film; a hydrogen gas guide device connected to the separator film, the cathode side of the separator film and an inner wall of the separator film defining a hydrogen gas receiving space; the hydrogen gas guide device is provided with a first gas exhaust hole for exhausting hydrogen gas; The isolation film is directly connected to the water storage tank so as to be in fluid communication with the water storage tank; the hydrogen gas generation device further includes a cover that is provided on an upper portion of the water storage tank to cover the opening of the water storage tank; the water tank has a first gas inlet hole that receives hydrogen gas discharged from the first gas outlet hole through a communication pipe and extends upward into the water tank; the cover has a second gas exhaust hole and a third gas exhaust hole, the water tank and the cover have a first isolation plate and a second isolation plate, respectively, which are used to isolate a first liquid accommodating space that directly communicates with the second gas discharge hole but does not directly communicate with the first gas inlet hole from a second liquid accommodating space that directly communicates with the third gas discharge hole and the first gas inlet hole; The present invention provides a hydrogen gas generating device, characterized in that the first isolation plate has a communication hole that fluidly connects the first liquid storage space and the second liquid storage space and is located at a position lower than the upper edge of the first gas inlet hole.

[0006] In the hydrogen gas generating apparatus, the separator film is installed vertically.

[0007] In the hydrogen gas generating apparatus, the separator film is disposed horizontally.

[0008] The hydrogen gas generating device has at least one fastening device that penetrates the water tank and the hydrogen gas guiding device to fix the water tank and the hydrogen gas guiding device.

[0009] In the hydrogen gas generating device, the fastening device is a combination of a plurality of screws and bolts.

[0010] The separator film in the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention is directly fluidly connected to the water tank, and therefore has a simple structure and a small volume. Furthermore, the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention can smoothly discharge oxygen gas and prevent excessive accumulation of heat generated during the electrolysis process.

[0011] For clarity, the size of each element in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or drawn in a schematic manner, and the size of each element may not reflect its actual size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a hydrogen gas generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a hydrogen gas generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hydrogen gas generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hydrogen gas generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a hydrogen gas generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hydrogen gas generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In the specification of the present invention, "connection" includes "direct connection" and "indirect connection" between two members. For example, when connecting member A and member B, it includes a configuration in which member A and member B are directly connected, and a configuration in which member A and member B are connected by member C.

[0014] Example 1 Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of Example 1 of the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of Example 1 of the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Example 1 of the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention. 1 to 3, the hydrogen gas generator 10 of the first embodiment includes a water tank 11 having an opening 111 at the top, an isolation film 12 connected to the water tank 11 and having an anode side 121 and a cathode side 122, the anode side 121 and the inner wall 112 of the water tank 11 defining a first liquid accommodating space 113, an anode electrode 13 provided on the anode side 121 of the isolation film 12, a cathode electrode 14 provided on the cathode side 122 of the isolation film 12, and a hydrogen gas guide device 15 connected to the isolation film 12, whereby the cathode side 122 of the isolation film 12 and its inner wall 151 define a hydrogen gas accommodating space 152. The hydrogen gas guide device 15 is provided with a first gas outlet hole 16 for discharging hydrogen gas, and the isolation film 12 is connected to the water tank 11 so as to be able to directly communicate with the water tank 11.

[0015] 1 to 3, the isolating film 12 in the hydrogen gas generator 10 of Example 1 is directly fluidly connected to the water storage tank 11, i.e., the isolating film 12 is connected to the water storage tank without a long pipe. Due to this improvement in the internal structure, the hydrogen gas generator 10 of Example 1 can have a simple structure and a small volume.

[0016] In the hydrogen gas generator 10 of Example 1, the separator film 12 is made of a proton-exchange membrane (PEM). However, those skilled in the art can easily select other conventional materials to form the separator film 12.

[0017] In the hydrogen gas generator 10 of Example 1, a fastening device consisting of four sets of screws and bolts penetrates the water storage tank 11 and the hydrogen gas guiding device 15 to fix the water storage tank 11 and the hydrogen gas guiding device 15, but the present invention is not limited to this. The water storage tank 11 and the hydrogen gas guiding device 15 can be fixed by adhesive or other means without using a fastening device.

[0018] In the hydrogen gas generator 10 of the first embodiment, the separator 12 is indirectly connected to the water tank 11 via the anode electrode 13 and the separator, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the anode electrode 13 of the separator 12 and the inner wall of the water tank 11 define the first liquid containing space of the bottom seal, and the separator 12 is directly connected to the water tank 11, any configuration is possible. In another embodiment, the separator 12 is directly connected to the hydrogen gas containing space.

[0019] In the hydrogen gas generating device 10 of the first embodiment, the isolating film 12 is installed vertically, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the isolating film 12 is installed horizontally.

[0020] When the hydrogen gas generator 10 of Example 1 is used, water is poured into the water storage tank 11 through the opening 111 at the top thereof, and the poured water is received in the first liquid receiving space 113 and contacts the anode electrode 13 and the anode side 121 of the separator film 12. Then, a direct current is applied to the anode electrode 13 and the cathode electrode 14 to electrolyze the water.

[0021] After water is electrolyzed, hydrogen gas generated at the cathode electrode 14 enters the hydrogen gas containing space 152 and is discharged from the first gas discharge hole 16 for use by the user.

[0022] Furthermore, oxygen gas generated at the anode electrode 13 is discharged to the atmosphere from the opening 111 at the top of the water storage tank 11 via the first liquid storage space 113. Furthermore, heat generated by electrolysis at the anode electrode 13 can be dissipated by water convection in the first liquid storage space 113, preventing excessive accumulation of heat.

[0023] As can be seen from this, the hydrogen gas generator 10 of Example 1 can smoothly discharge oxygen gas due to such an improvement in the internal structure, and can also prevent excessive accumulation of heat generated during the electrolysis process.

[0024] Example 2 Please refer to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a perspective view of Example 2 of the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of Example 2 of the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Example 2 of the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention. 4 to 6, the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2 includes a water storage tank 21 having an opening 211 at the top, an isolation film 22 connected to the water storage tank 21 and having an anode side 221 and a cathode side 222, the anode side 221 and an inner wall 212 of the water storage tank 21 defining a first liquid accommodating space 213, an anode electrode 23 provided on the anode side 221 of the isolation film 22, a cathode electrode 24 provided on the cathode side 222 of the isolation film 22, and a hydrogen gas guide device 25 connected to the isolation film 22, whereby the cathode side 222 of the isolation film 22 and its inner wall 251 define a hydrogen gas accommodating space 252. The hydrogen gas guide device 25 is provided with a first gas outlet hole 26 for discharging hydrogen gas, and the isolation film 22 is connected to the water storage tank 21 so as to be able to directly communicate with the water storage tank 21.

[0025] Unlike Example 1, the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2 further includes a cover that is provided on top of the water tank 21 to cover the opening 211 of the water tank 21. The water tank 21 has a first gas inlet 28 that receives hydrogen gas discharged from the first gas outlet 26 via a communication pipe 29 (shown in FIG. 6 but not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) and extends upward into the water tank 21. The cover 27 has a second gas outlet 271 and a third gas outlet 272. The water storage tank 21 and the cover 27 have a first isolation plate 214 and a second isolation plate 273, respectively, and the position of the first isolation plate 214 corresponds to the position of the second isolation plate 273, so that the first isolation plate 214 and the second isolation plate 273 isolate the internal spaces of the water storage tank 21 and the cover 27 into a first liquid accommodating space 213 that directly communicates with the second gas discharge hole 271 but does not directly communicate with the first gas inlet hole 28, and a second liquid accommodating space 213' that directly communicates with the third gas discharge hole 272 and the first gas inlet hole 28. The first isolation plate 214 has a communication hole 215 that fluidly connects the first liquid accommodating space 213 and the second liquid accommodating space 213' and is located at a position lower than the upper edge of the first gas inlet hole 28.

[0026] In the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2, a fastening device consisting of four sets of screws and bolts penetrates the water storage tank 21 and the hydrogen gas guiding device 25 to fix the water storage tank 21 and the hydrogen gas guiding device 25, but the present invention is not limited to this. The water storage tank 21 and the hydrogen gas guiding device 25 can be fixed by adhesive or other means without using a fastening device.

[0027] In the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2, the separator 22 is indirectly connected to the water tank 21 via the anode electrode 23 and an isolating member, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any configuration is possible as long as the anode electrode 23 of the separator 22 and the inner wall of the water tank 21 define the first liquid containing space of the bottom seal, and the separator 22 can be directly connected to the water tank 21. In another embodiment, the separator 22 is directly connected to the hydrogen gas containing space.

[0028] In the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2, the separator film 22 is indirectly connected to the hydrogen gas guide device 25 via the cathode electrode 24 and the separator member, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any configuration is possible as long as the cathode side of the separator film and the inner wall of the hydrogen gas guide device can define a hydrogen gas storage space. In other examples, the separator film is directly connected to the hydrogen gas generator.

[0029] When the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2 is used, water is injected through the opening 211 at the top of the water storage tank 21. The injected water is contained in the first liquid accommodating space 213 and the second liquid accommodating space 213' and contacts the anode electrode 23 and the anode side 221 of the separator film 22. The liquid level of the injected water is higher than the liquid level of the communication hole 215 but lower than the upper edge of the first gas inlet hole 28. As a result, the injected water flows through the communication hole 215, causing the first liquid accommodating space 213 and the second liquid accommodating space 213' to have the same liquid level, but does not flow into the first gas inlet hole 28. Thereafter, a direct current is applied to the anode electrode 23 and the cathode electrode 24 to electrolyze the water.

[0030] After water is electrolyzed, hydrogen gas generated at the cathode electrode 24 enters the hydrogen gas accommodating space 252 and is discharged from the first gas discharge hole 26. The hydrogen gas discharged from the first gas discharge hole 26 is guided to the first gas inlet hole 28 through the communication pipe 29, enters the second liquid accommodating space 213′, and is further discharged from the third gas discharge hole 272 so that it can be consumed by the user.

[0031] In contrast to Example 1, the hydrogen gas generation device 20 of Example 2 guides the hydrogen gas to the second liquid storage space 213', thereby allowing the moisture in the hydrogen gas to be collected in the second liquid storage space 213', thereby reducing the moisture content in the hydrogen gas that is discharged from the third gas discharge hole 272 and consumed by the user.

[0032] In contrast to Example 1, the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2 can be used by a user by installing a cover 27, which allows the oxygen gas generated from the anode electrode 23 to be discharged from the second gas discharge hole via the first liquid storage space 213. This allows the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2 to be used as an oxygen gas generator.

[0033] Unlike Example 1, in the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2, the isolation film 22 is installed horizontally. As a result, unlike Example 1, in the hydrogen gas generator 20 of Example 2, oxygen gas generated at the anode electrode can be easily discharged from the first liquid accommodating space 213, and heat generated by electrolysis at the anode electrode 23 can be dissipated by water convection in the first liquid accommodating space 113, preventing excessive accumulation.

[0034] As described above, the hydrogen gas generator according to the present invention can have a simple structure and a small volume, can smoothly discharge oxygen gas, and can prevent excessive accumulation of heat generated during the electrolysis process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10 Hydrogen gas generator 11 Water Tank 111 Aperture 112 Inner wall 113 First liquid storage space 12 Quarantine Films 121 Anode side 122 cathode side 13 Anode electrode 14 Cathode electrode 15 Hydrogen gas guide device 151 Interior wall 152 Hydrogen gas storage space 16 First gas exhaust hole 20 Water Tank 211 Aperture 212 Inner wall 213 First liquid storage space 213' Second liquid storage space 214 First Isolation Plate 215 Communication hole 22 Quarantine Film 221 Anode side 222 cathode side 23 Anode electrode 24 Cathode electrode 25 Hydrogen gas guide device 251 Interior wall 252 Hydrogen gas storage space 26 First gas exhaust hole 27 Cover 271 Second gas exhaust hole 272 Third Gas Vent 273 Second Isolation Plate 28 First Gas Inlet 29 Connecting pipe

Claims

1. a water storage tank having an opening at the top; an isolation film connected to the water storage tank, having an anode side and a cathode side, the anode side and an inner wall of the water storage tank defining a first liquid receiving space; an anode electrode provided on the anode side of the separator film; a cathode electrode provided on the cathode side of the separator film; a hydrogen gas guide device connected to the separator film, the cathode side of the separator film and an inner wall of the separator film defining a hydrogen gas receiving space; the hydrogen gas guide device is provided with a first gas exhaust hole for exhausting hydrogen gas; The isolation film is directly connected to the water storage tank so as to be in fluid communication with the water storage tank; a cover provided on an upper portion of the water storage tank to cover the opening of the water storage tank; the water tank has a first gas inlet hole that receives hydrogen gas discharged from the first gas outlet hole through a communication pipe and extends upward into the water tank; the cover has a second gas exhaust hole and a third gas exhaust hole, the water tank and the cover have a first isolation plate and a second isolation plate, respectively, which are used to isolate a first liquid accommodating space that directly communicates with the second gas discharge hole but does not directly communicate with the first gas inlet hole from a second liquid accommodating space that directly communicates with the third gas discharge hole and the first gas inlet hole; a first isolation plate having a communication hole that fluidly connects the first liquid storage space and the second liquid storage space and is located at a position lower than the upper edge of the first gas inlet hole.

2. 2. The hydrogen gas generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separator film is installed vertically.

3. 2. The hydrogen gas generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separator film is horizontally disposed.

4. 4. A hydrogen gas generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has at least one fastening device that penetrates the water tank and the hydrogen gas guide device to fix the water tank and the hydrogen gas guide device.

5. 5. The hydrogen gas generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fastening device is a combination of a plurality of screws and bolts.

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