Heat generating device and method for cooling a heat generating element

Abstract

To provide a heat generation device which enables quick cooling of a heat generation element, and to provide a cooling method of the heat generation element.SOLUTION: A heat generation device 1 comprises: a heat generation element 5 that is formed so as to be able to absorb hydrogen and that generates heat by using exothermic reaction occurring during hydrogen quantum diffusion; a heater 6 that heats the heat generation element 5 and causes the hydrogen quantum diffusion to occur in the heat generation element 5; a container 2 that accommodates the heat generation element 5 and the heater 6; a heat releasing medium circulation unit 35 that causes a heat releasing medium to circulate to a circulation path 33 provided in an outer periphery of the container 2; an inert gas supply unit 41 that supplies an inert gas for cooling the heat generation element 5 into the container 2; a coolant supply unit 51 that supplies a coolant for cooling the heat generation element 5 into the container 2; and a container opening unit 61 that opens the container 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat generating device and a method for cooling a heat generating element. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been proposed to obtain thermal energy by absorbing hydrogen into a hydrogen storage alloy such as a palladium alloy and utilizing the exothermic reaction that occurs during the quantum diffusion of hydrogen. Patent Document 1 discloses that a heating element that absorbs hydrogen is heated by a heater and evacuated at the same time, causing quantum diffusion of hydrogen and generating excess heat above the heating temperature of the heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-168221 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the heat generating device disclosed in Patent Document 1, during steady operation, the heater is repeatedly turned on and off to control the heat generating reaction in the heat generating element, thereby controlling the temperature of the heat generating element within a predetermined range.

[0005] However, the amount of heat generated by the heating element may become too great due to various factors. In this case, simply turning off the heater may not be enough to stop the heat generation reaction in the heating element, and the temperature of the heating element may continue to rise, possibly causing the heating element to melt.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a heat generating device and a method for cooling a heat generating element that can quickly cool the heat generating element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The heat generating device of the present invention comprises a heat generating element that is formed to be able to absorb hydrogen and generates heat by utilizing the exothermic reaction that occurs in the quantum diffusion of the hydrogen, a heater that heats the heat generating element and causes quantum diffusion of the hydrogen in the heat generating element, a container that houses the heat generating element and the heater, a heat extraction medium circulation section that circulates a heat extraction medium through a circulation path provided on the outer periphery of the container, an inert gas supply section that supplies an inert gas that cools the heat generating element into the container, a coolant supply section that supplies a coolant that cools the heat generating element into the container, and a container opening section that opens the container.

[0008] The present invention also provides a method for cooling a heat-generating element that is formed to be able to absorb hydrogen and generates heat by utilizing the exothermic reaction that occurs in the quantum diffusion of the hydrogen due to the heat of a heater, the method comprising: increasing the flow rate of a heat extraction medium circulating in a circulation path provided on the outer periphery of a container that houses the heat-generating element; after increasing the flow rate of the heat extraction medium, supplying an inert gas that cools the heat-generating element into the container; after supplying the inert gas into the container, opening the container and supplying a cooling liquid that cools the heat-generating element into the container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat generating device and a method for cooling a heat generating element that can quickly cool the heat generating element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a heat generating device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of a heat generating element, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic view explaining excess heat generated in a multilayer film. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a heating element of a first modified example having a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a heating element of a second modified example having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a fourth layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (1) Overall configuration of the heating device of the present invention FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a heat generating device 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat generating device 1 has a container 2 into which a hydrogen-based gas that contributes to heat generation is introduced, and a heat generating structure 3 provided inside the container 2. After the hydrogen-based gas is introduced into the container 2, the heat generating device 1 heats a heat generating element 5 (described below) in the heat generating structure 3 with a heater 6, causing the heat generating element 5 to generate excess heat equal to or higher than the heating temperature. The hydrogen-based gas introduced into the container 2 can be deuterium gas and / or natural hydrogen gas. Note that natural hydrogen gas refers to a hydrogen-based gas that contains 99.985% or more protium gas.

[0013] The container 2 is made of, for example, stainless steel (SUS306 or SUS316). The container 2 has a cylindrical container body 2a and a lid 2b attached to the container body 2a so that the opening of the container body 2a can be opened and closed. When the lid 2b closes the opening of the container body 2a, the inside of the container 2 can be an airtight space. When the lid 2b opens the opening of the container body 2a, the container 2 is open. The container body 2a has a window 2c made of a transparent material such as Kovar glass, which allows an operator to directly visually check the state inside the container 2 while maintaining the airtight state inside the container 2.

[0014] The container body 2a is connected to a hydrogen-based gas supply unit 15 via a hydrogen-based gas inlet path 16. Although not shown, the hydrogen-based gas supply unit 15 includes, for example, a tank that stores hydrogen-based gas, and a pump that sends the hydrogen-based gas stored in the tank to the hydrogen-based gas inlet path 16. The hydrogen-based gas supply unit 15 introduces hydrogen-based gas into the container 2 through the hydrogen-based gas inlet path 16. When a certain amount of hydrogen-based gas has accumulated inside the container 2, the adjustment valves 17a and 17b provided on the hydrogen-based gas inlet path 16 are closed, and the introduction of hydrogen-based gas from the hydrogen-based gas inlet path 16 into the container 2 is stopped.

[0015] The container body 2a is also connected to a vacuum exhaust unit 19 via an exhaust path 18. The vacuum exhaust unit 19 has, for example, a dry pump (not shown). When the vacuum exhaust unit 19 is driven, gas inside the container 2 is exhausted to the outside of the container 2 through the exhaust path 18. In this way, the heat generating device 1 can perform vacuum exhaust and pressure adjustment of the container 2. An adjustment valve 17c is provided in the exhaust path 18, and when the adjustment valve 17c is closed, the exhaust of gas from the container 2 is stopped.

[0016] The container 2 is provided with a plurality of temperature measuring units 11a, 11b, and 12, which can measure the temperature inside the container 2. In this embodiment, the temperature measuring units 11a and 11b are provided along the inner wall of the container body 2a and can measure the temperature of the inner wall. The temperature measuring unit 12 is provided in the holder 4 that holds the heating element 5 in the heating structure 3 and can measure the temperature at the holder 4.

[0017] The heater 6 is, for example, a plate-shaped ceramic heater. The heater 6 is connected to an external heating power source 13 via wiring 10a and 10b and heats the heating element 5 to a predetermined temperature. The heater 6 has a built-in thermocouple that can measure temperature. The heater 6 has substrates 7 made of, for example, SiO2, provided on opposing flat surfaces, and plate-shaped heating elements 5 provided on the surfaces of these substrates 7. Thus, the heating structure 3 has a configuration in which the heater 6 is sandwiched between the heating elements 5 via the substrates 7. Current-voltage meters 14 are provided on the wiring 10a and 10b, and the input current and input power applied to the heater 6 are measured by the current-voltage meters 14. The heating temperature when the heater 6 heats the heating element 5 varies depending on the type of hydrogen-storing metal constituting the heating element 5, but is at least 300°C or higher, preferably 500°C or higher, and more preferably 600°C or higher.

[0018] A circulation path 33 is spirally provided on the outer periphery of the container body 2a. A heat extraction medium heated by heat generated by the heating element 5 flows through the circulation path 33. The circulation path 33 may include a high-temperature side path provided adjacent to the container body 2a and a low-temperature side path provided outside the high-temperature side path.

[0019] The circulation path 33 is provided with a thermoelectric converter 34 that converts heat from the heated heat transfer medium into thermoelectric power. The circulation path 33 is also provided with a heat transfer medium circulating section 35 that circulates the heat transfer medium through the circulation path 33. The heat transfer medium circulating section 35 may include, for example, a pump (not shown) that sends the heat transfer medium to the circulation path 33. The flow rate of the heat transfer medium circulating through the circulation path 33 can be changed by the heat transfer medium circulating section 35. The heat transfer medium may be a gas or liquid, preferably one that has excellent thermal conductivity and is chemically stable. Examples of gases that can be used include helium gas, argon gas, hydrogen gas, nitrogen gas, water vapor, air, and carbon dioxide. Examples of liquids that can be used include water, molten salt (e.g., KNO3 (40%)-NaNO3 (60%)), and liquid metal (e.g., Pb). Alternatively, a multiphase heat transfer medium, in which solid particles are dispersed in a gas or liquid, may be used. The solid particles may be metals, metal compounds, alloys, ceramics, etc. Examples of metals include copper, nickel, titanium, and cobalt. Examples of metal compounds include oxides, nitrides, and silicides of the above metals. Examples of alloys include stainless steel and chromium-molybdenum steel. Examples of ceramics include alumina. When the circulation path 33 includes a high-temperature path and a low-temperature path, different heat extraction media may circulate through the high-temperature path and the low-temperature path.

[0020] (2) Heating elements Next, the heating element 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the heating element 5, and Fig. 2(b) is a schematic view illustrating excess heat generated in the multilayer film 25.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the heating element 5 has a base 22 made of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a proton conductor, and a multilayer film 25 formed on the surface of the base 22. The multilayer film 25 is supported by the base 22. The hydrogen storage metal for the base 22 may be Ni, Pd, V, Nb, Ta, or Ti, and the hydrogen storage alloy for the base 22 may be LaNi5, CaCu5, MgZn2, ZrNi2, ZrCr2, TiFe, TiCo, Mg2Ni, or Mg2Cu. The proton conductor may be, for example, a BaCeO3-based material (e.g., Ba(CeO 0.95 Y 0.05 )O 3-6 ), SrCeO3 system (e.g., Sr(Ce 0.95 Y 0.05 )O 3-6 ), CaZrO3 system (e.g., CaZr 0.95 Y 0.05 O 3-α ), SrZrO3-based (e.g., SrZr 0.9 Y 0.1 O 3-α ), β Al2O3, β Ga2O3 can be applied.

[0022] The multilayer film 25 includes a first layer 23 made of a hydrogen storage metal or a hydrogen storage alloy, and a second layer 24 made of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a ceramic different from that of the first layer 23. The first layer 23 and the second layer 24 are alternately stacked, and an interface 26 of different materials is formed between the first layer 23 and the second layer 24.

[0023] The first layer 23 is preferably made of, for example, any one of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Co, or an alloy thereof. The alloy of the first layer 23 may be an alloy of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, or Co to which an additive element is added, but an alloy made of two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, or Co is particularly preferable.

[0024] The second layer 24 is preferably made of, for example, any of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Co, alloys of these, and SiC. The alloy of the second layer 24 may be an alloy of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, or Co to which an additive element is added, but an alloy made of two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, or Co is particularly preferable.

[0025] The combination of the first layer 23 and the second layer 24, expressed in terms of element types as "first layer 23-second layer 24," is preferably Pd-Ni, Ni-Cu, Ni-Cr, Ni-Fe, Ni-Mg, or Ni-Co. Furthermore, when the second layer 24 is made of ceramics, the "first layer 23-second layer 24" is preferably Ni-SiC.

[0026] Since it is desirable for the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 to maintain a nanostructure that does not exhibit bulk properties, the thickness of the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 is preferably less than 1000 nm. Furthermore, in order to maintain a nanostructure that does not exhibit completely bulk properties, the thickness of the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 is more preferably less than 500 nm.

[0027] The heating element 5 has a first layer 23 and a second layer 24 each having a nano-sized film thickness (less than 1000 nm), and these first layers 23 and second layers 24 are formed alternately, which allows hydrogen (hydrogen atoms) to pass through each dissimilar material interface 26 between the first layer 23 and the second layer 24.

[0028] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram showing how the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 are made of hydrogen-storing metals with a face-centered cubic structure, and how hydrogen in the metal lattice in the first layer 23 permeates the dissimilar material interface 26 and moves into the metal lattice of the second layer 24.

[0029] When a hydrogen-based gas is introduced into the container 2 (see FIG. 1), hydrogen (deuterium or protium) is absorbed into the multilayer film 25 and pedestal 22 of the heating element 5. Even if the introduction of the hydrogen-based gas into the container 2 is stopped, the multilayer film 25 and pedestal 22 maintain the state in which hydrogen is absorbed. When heating of the heating element 5 by the heater 6 (see FIG. 1) begins, the hydrogen absorbed in the multilayer film 25 and pedestal 22 is released and quantum diffuses while hopping within the multilayer film 25.

[0030] Hydrogen is light and is known to quantum diffuse while hopping between hydrogen-occupied sites (octahedral or tetrahedral sites) in substances A and B. When the heater 6 heats the heating element 5 in a vacuum, hydrogen permeates the dissimilar material interface 26 between the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 by quantum diffusion, or hydrogen diffuses through the dissimilar material interface 26, generating excess heat in the heating element 5 that exceeds the heating temperature. In other words, the heating element 5 generates heat by utilizing the exothermic reaction that occurs in the quantum diffusion of hydrogen.

[0031] 2, a plurality of first layers 23 and a plurality of second layers 24 are alternately stacked, and the multilayer film 25 has two or more dissimilar material interfaces 26. The present invention is not limited to this, and there may be at least one first layer 23 and one second layer 24, and one dissimilar material interface 26. In other words, the multilayer film 25 only needs to have one or more dissimilar material interfaces 26.

[0032] 2(a) and 2(b) can be manufactured as follows. First, a plate-shaped base 22 is prepared, and then a vapor deposition device is used to convert a hydrogen-storing metal or alloy that will become the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 into a gas phase, and the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 are alternately formed on the base 22 by aggregation and adsorption. In this way, the heating element 5 can be manufactured.

[0033] A physical vapor deposition apparatus that physically deposits a hydrogen-absorbing metal or a hydrogen-absorbing alloy can be used as the vapor deposition apparatus for forming the first layer 23 and the second layer 24. As the physical vapor deposition apparatus, a sputtering apparatus that deposits a hydrogen-absorbing metal or a hydrogen-absorbing alloy on the pedestal 22 by sputtering, a vacuum vapor deposition apparatus, or a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) apparatus is preferred. Alternatively, the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 may be alternately deposited by depositing a hydrogen-absorbing metal or a hydrogen-absorbing alloy on the pedestal 22 by electroplating.

[0034] It is desirable that the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 are successively formed in a vacuum state during the manufacture of the heating element 5 so that no natural oxide film is formed between the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 and only a dissimilar material interface 26 is formed.

[0035] (3) Cooling of heat generating elements During steady-state operation, the heating device 1 controls the heat-generating reaction in the heating element 5 by repeatedly turning on and off the heater 6, thereby controlling the temperature of the heating element 5 within a predetermined range. However, the amount of heat generated by the heating element 5 may become too large due to various factors. In this case, simply turning off the heater 6 is not enough to stop the heat-generating reaction in the heating element 5, and the temperature of the heating element 5 cannot be lowered.

[0036] The heat generating device 1 has the following configuration, which allows the heat generating element 5 to be quickly cooled. The configuration for cooling the heat generating element 5 will be described in detail below.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat generating device 1 includes an inert gas supply section 41 connected to the container body 2a via an inert gas inlet passage 42, a coolant supply section 51 connected to the container body 2a via a coolant inlet passage 52, and a container opening section 61 connected to the lid section 2b.

[0038] Although not shown, the inert gas supply unit 41 includes, for example, a tank that stores inert gas for cooling the heating element 5, and a pump that sends the inert gas stored in the tank to the inert gas introduction path 42. The inert gas supply unit 41 introduces the inert gas into the container 2 through the inert gas introduction path 42.

[0039] When the inert gas is introduced into the container 2, a heat dissipation path from the heating element 5 to the inert gas is formed. In other words, a heat dissipation path for the heating element 5 is added. As a result, the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heating element 5 increases, and the heating element 5 is cooled. The inert gas refers to a gas that is much less reactive than oxygen gas, and includes, for example, nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, helium gas, neon gas, argon gas, krypton gas, xenon gas, and radon gas.

[0040] Although not shown, the coolant supply unit 51 includes, for example, a tank that stores the coolant that cools the heat generating element 5, and a pump that sends the coolant stored in the tank to the coolant introduction path 52. The coolant supply unit 51 introduces the coolant into the container 2 through the coolant introduction path 52.

[0041] When the coolant is introduced into the container 2, a heat dissipation path from the heating element 5 to the coolant is formed. In other words, a heat dissipation path for the heating element 5 is added. As a result, the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heating element 5 increases, cooling the heating element 5. The coolant has a larger heat capacity than the inert gas, and therefore has a stronger cooling effect than the inert gas. Therefore, the heating element 5 can be cooled more quickly.

[0042] The coolant contains zinc ions (Zn + ) to 1E-3 mol / dm 3 It is preferable that the zinc-containing solution contains at least one of these. Zinc has the property of inhibiting the quantum diffusion of hydrogen, so by introducing the zinc-containing solution into the container 2, zinc ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the heating element 5, stopping the quantum diffusion of hydrogen and the exothermic reaction of the heating element 5. Therefore, the heating element 5 can be cooled more quickly.

[0043] The coolant may be heated and undergo a phase change to vapor when cooling the heating element 5. If the container 2 is kept sealed in this case, the internal pressure of the container 2 may rise suddenly, and the container 2 may burst.

[0044] The container opener 61 is provided to prevent a sudden rise in the internal pressure of the container 2. The container opener 61 has, for example, an actuator (not shown) that opens and closes the lid 2b. When the container opener 61 opens the lid 2b, the container 2 is opened. By opening the container 2, a sudden rise in the internal pressure of the container 2 can be prevented even if the cooling liquid turns into vapor. Therefore, the heating element 5 can be cooled without damaging the container 2.

[0045] The heat-generating element 5 can also be cooled by increasing the flow rate of the heat-extraction medium circulating through the circulation path 33 using the heat-extraction medium circulating section 35. Specifically, increasing the flow rate of the heat-extraction medium cools the outer wall of the container 2, thereby increasing the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heat-generating element 5. As a result, the heat-generating element 5 is cooled.

[0046] As described above, the heat generating device 1 includes the heat extraction medium circulating section 35, the inert gas supply section 41, the coolant supply section 51, and the container opening section 61. Therefore, even when the amount of heat generated in the heat generating element 5 becomes too large, the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heat generating element 5 can be increased. Therefore, the heat generating element 5 can be cooled quickly.

[0047] The heat generating device 1 further includes a control unit 70 that controls the heat extraction medium circulating unit 35, the inert gas supply unit 41, the coolant supply unit 51, and the container opening unit 61. The control unit 70 is a microcomputer that includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a control program, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) that stores the control program executed by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores the results of CPU calculations, etc. The control unit 70 may be configured by one microcomputer or by multiple microcomputers.

[0048] The control unit 70 controls the heat extraction medium circulating unit 35, the inert gas supply unit 41, the coolant supply unit 51, and the container opening unit 61 in stages according to the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 12.

[0049] Specifically, when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 12 reaches a predetermined first threshold, the control unit 70 increases the flow rate of the heat extraction medium through the heat extraction medium circulating unit 35. This cools the container 2 and increases the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heating element 5. This makes it possible to slow down the temperature rise of the heating element 5 that has exceeded the first threshold.

[0050] When the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 12 reaches a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value, the control unit 70 controls the inert gas supply unit 41 to supply inert gas into the container 2. This adds a heat dissipation path for the heating element 5, further increasing the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heating element 5. Therefore, the temperature rise of the heating element 5 that has exceeded the second threshold value can be further slowed down.

[0051] When the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 12 reaches a third threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value, the control unit 70 controls the container opener 61 to open the container 2 and the coolant supply unit 51 to supply the coolant into the container 2. The coolant has a larger heat capacity than the inert gas, and therefore further increases the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heating element 5. Therefore, the heating element 5 can be cooled quickly.

[0052] Furthermore, before the coolant is introduced, the heat extraction medium flow section 35 and the inert gas supply section 41 cause the temperature of the heating element 5 to rise slowly. This prevents the coolant from being suddenly heated when the coolant cools the heating element 5. This also prevents the coolant from evaporating.

[0053] Furthermore, when introducing the cooling liquid, the container 2 is opened by the container opening part 61. This prevents a sudden rise in the internal pressure of the container 2 due to evaporation of the cooling liquid. This allows the heating element 5 to be cooled without damaging the container 2.

[0054] In controlling steam, if the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 12 starts to drop before reaching the second threshold, i.e., if the heat generation by the heating element 5 stops simply by increasing the flow rate of the heat extraction medium, it is not necessary to supply inert gas. Similarly, if the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 12 starts to drop before reaching the third threshold, i.e., if the heat generation by the heating element 5 stops simply by supplying inert gas into the container 2, it is not necessary to supply coolant.

[0055] The control unit 70 is not limited to controlling the heat removal medium circulating unit 35, the inert gas supplying unit 41, the coolant supplying unit 51, and the container opening unit 61 in stages in accordance with the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 12, but may also control the heat removal medium circulating unit 35, the inert gas supplying unit 41, the coolant supplying unit 51, and the container opening unit 61 in stages over time. Specifically, the flow rate of the heat removal medium may be increased, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, an inert gas may be supplied into the container 2. Similarly, an inert gas may be supplied into the container 2, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a coolant may be supplied into the container 2.

[0056] Furthermore, when the circulation path 33 includes a high-temperature side path and a low-temperature side path, during steady-state operation, the flow rate of the heat extraction medium flowing through the high-temperature side path is kept constant by the heat extraction medium circulation section 35, and the flow rate of the heat extraction medium flowing through the low-temperature side path is increased or decreased, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heat generating element 5 and controlling the temperature of the heat generating element 5 within a predetermined range.

[0057] When the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 12 reaches a predetermined first threshold, the flow rates of the heat extraction medium flowing through the high-temperature side path and the low-temperature side path are maximized (STEP 1). This cools the container 2, increases the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heat generating element 5, and makes it possible to moderate the temperature rise of the heat generating element 5.

[0058] When the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 12 reaches a fourth threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the heat extraction medium flowing through the high-temperature side path and the low-temperature side path is switched to a heat extraction medium (e.g., water) with a large heat capacity and a high cooling effect (STEP 2). This further increases the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heat generating element 5, making it possible to further moderate the temperature rise of the heat generating element 5 that has exceeded the fourth threshold value.

[0059] When the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 12 reaches the second threshold value, which is greater than the fourth threshold value, the inert gas is supplied into the container 2 by the inert gas supply unit 41 (STEP 3), as described above. This further increases the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heating element 5, making it possible to further slow down the temperature rise of the heating element 5 that has exceeded the second threshold value.

[0060] When the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 12 reaches a third threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value, the container 2 is opened by the container opener 61 and the coolant is supplied into the container 2 by the coolant supply unit 51 (STEP 4), as described above. This further increases the amount of radiant heat emitted from the heat generating element 5, allowing the heat generating element 5 to be cooled quickly.

[0061] Although the embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0062] [First Modification] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating element 5 has a multilayer film 25 in which the first layers 23 and the second layers 24 are alternately stacked, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the heating element 5A shown in FIG. 3 may also be used. The heating element 5A has a multilayer film 25A formed by stacking, in addition to the first layers 23 and second layers 24, a third layer 24a made of a different type of hydrogen-storing metal, hydrogen-storing alloy, or ceramic from the first layers 23 and second layers 24. Like the first layers 23 and second layers 24, the third layer 24a preferably has a thickness of less than 1000 nm.

[0063] The heating element 5A provided with such a third layer 24a has a laminated structure in which the first layer 23, second layer 24, first layer 23, and third layer 24a are laminated in this order on the base 22, with the first layer 23 interposed between the second layer 24 and the third layer 24a, and this four-layer laminated structure is repeatedly provided. Even with this structure, hydrogen can permeate the dissimilar material interface 26 between the first layer 23 and the second layer 24 and the dissimilar material interface between the first layer 23 and the third layer 24a by quantum diffusion, thereby generating excess heat above the heating temperature.

[0064] For example, the third layer 24a is preferably made of any of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Co, alloys thereof, SiC, CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO. The alloy of the third layer 24a may be an alloy of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, or Co with an additive element added, but is particularly preferably an alloy of two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co. If the third layer 24a is made of any of CaO, Y2O3, TiC, LaB6, SrO, and BaO, the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the heating element 5 increases, and the amount of hydrogen permeating the interface between different materials can be increased, resulting in a corresponding increase in excess heat.

[0065] However, because CaO, YO, TiC, LaB, SrO, and BaO are difficult for hydrogen to permeate, it is desirable to form the third layer 24a made of any of these materials as thin as less than 1000 nm, especially 10 nm or less. The third layer 24a made of any of CaO, YO, TiC, LaB, SrO, and BaO may be formed in an island shape rather than as a complete film. It is also desirable to form the first layer 23 and the third layer 24a successively while maintaining a vacuum state, thereby creating a heterogeneous material interface between the first layer 23 and the third layer 24a without forming a native oxide film between them.

[0066] The heating element 5A provided with the third layer 24a may be configured by laminating the second layer 24 and the third layer 24a in any order, such as by changing the order of the second layer 24 and the third layer 24a in Fig. 3, and by interposing the first layer 23 between the second layer 24 and the third layer 24a, and by repeating this four-layer laminate configuration. Also, it is sufficient that one or more third layers 24a are formed in the heating element 5A.

[0067] In particular, the combinations of the first layer 23, the second layer 24, and the third layer 24a, when the types of elements are expressed as "first layer 23-third layer 24a-second layer 24", are Pd-CaO-Ni, Pd-Y2O3-Ni, Pd-TiC-Ni, Pd-LaB6-Ni, Ni-CaO-Cu, Ni-Y2O3-Cu, Ni-TiC-Cu, Ni-LaB6-Cu, Ni-Co-Cu, Ni-CaO-Cr, Ni-Y2O3-Cr, Ni-TiC-Cr, Ni-La B6-Cr, Ni-CaO-Fe, Ni-Y2O3-Fe, Ni-TiC-Fe, Ni-LaB6-Fe, Ni-Cr-Fe, Ni-CaO-Mg, Ni-Y2O3-Mg, Ni-TiC-Mg, Ni-LaB6-Mg , Ni-CaO-Co, Ni-Y2O3-Co, Ni-TiC-Co, Ni-LaB6-Co, Ni-CaO-SiC, Ni-Y2O3-SiC, Ni-TiC-SiC, and Ni-LaB6-SiC.

[0068] [Second Modification] A heating element 5B shown in Fig. 4 may also be used. The heating element 5B has a multilayer film 25B formed by laminating a first layer 23, a second layer 24, a third layer 24a, and a fourth layer 24b made of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a ceramic different from the first layer 23, the second layer 24, and the third layer 24a. The fourth layer 24b, like the first layer 23, the second layer 24, and the third layer 24a, preferably has a thickness of less than 1000 nm.

[0069] For example, the fourth layer 24b may be made of any of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, CO, alloys thereof, SiC, CaO, YO, TiC, LaB, SrO, and BaO. The alloy of the fourth layer 24b may be an alloy of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, or Co to which an additive element is added, but is particularly preferably an alloy made of two or more of Ni, Pd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Co.

[0070] The heating element 5B having the fourth layer 24b preferably has a laminated structure in which the second layer 24, the third layer 24a, and the fourth layer 24b are laminated in any order, with the first layer 23 provided between each of the second layer 24, the third layer 24a, and the fourth layer 24b, and a structure in which these six layers are repeatedly laminated. That is, the heating element 5B is preferably laminated in the order of the first layer 23, the second layer 24, the first layer 23, the third layer 24a, the first layer 23, and the fourth layer 24b as shown in FIG. 4, or in another order (not shown), such as the first layer 23, the fourth layer 24b, the first layer 23, the third layer 24a, the first layer 23, and the second layer 24. The fourth layer 24b may be formed in one or more layers in the heating element 5B.

[0071] In particular, the combinations of the first layer 23, the second layer 24, the third layer 24a, and the fourth layer 24b, when expressed in terms of element types as "first layer 23-fourth layer 24b-third layer 24a-second layer 24", are preferably Ni-CaO-Cr-Fe, Ni-Y2O3-Cr-Fe, Ni-TiC-Cr-Fe, or Ni-LaB6-Cr-Fe.

[0072] The fourth layer 24b, made of CaO, YO, TiC, LaB, SrO, or BaO, increases the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the heating element 5B, increasing the amount of hydrogen permeating the interface between the different materials and generating a correspondingly high excess heat. The fourth layer 24b made of CaO, YO, TiC, LaB, SrO, or BaO is preferably formed extremely thin, less than 1000 nm, especially 10 nm or less. The fourth layer 24b made of CaO, YO, TiC, LaB, SrO, or BaO may be formed in an island shape rather than as a complete film. The first layer 23 and the fourth layer 24b are also preferably formed continuously while maintaining a vacuum, creating an interface between the first layer 23 and the fourth layer 24b without forming a native oxide film. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Heating device 2 containers 5, 5A, 5B heating elements 6 Heater 11a,11b,12 Temperature measurement part 33 Circulation Route 35 Heat extraction medium distribution section 41 Inert gas supply unit 51 Coolant supply section 61 Container opening part 70 Control Unit

Claims

1. a heating element that is formed to be capable of absorbing hydrogen and generates heat by utilizing an exothermic reaction that occurs in quantum diffusion of the hydrogen; a heater that heats the heating element to cause quantum diffusion of the hydrogen in the heating element; a container that accommodates the heating element and the heater; a heat extraction medium circulation section that circulates a heat extraction medium through a circulation path provided on the outer periphery of the container; an inert gas supply unit that supplies an inert gas for cooling the heating element into the container; a coolant supply unit that supplies a coolant for cooling the heat generating element into the container; a container opening section that opens the container, The coolant supply unit supplies a zinc-containing solution as the coolant into the container. Heat generating device.

2. a control unit that controls the heat removal medium circulating unit, the inert gas supply unit, the cooling liquid supply unit, and the container opening unit; The control unit increases the flow rate of the heat extraction medium through the heat extraction medium circulating unit, then supplies the inert gas into the container through the inert gas supply unit, and then opens the container through the container opening unit and supplies the coolant into the container through the coolant supply unit. The heating device according to claim 1 .

3. Further, a temperature measuring unit is provided to measure the temperature inside the container, The control unit increases the flow rate of the heat removal medium through the heat removal medium circulating unit when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reaches a predetermined first threshold, supplies the inert gas into the container through the inert gas supplying unit when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reaches a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, and opens the container through the container opening unit and supplies the coolant into the container through the coolant supplying unit when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reaches a third threshold that is greater than the second threshold. The heating device according to claim 2 .

4. A method for cooling a heat generating element that generates heat by utilizing an exothermic reaction that occurs in quantum diffusion of hydrogen due to heat from a heater, the method comprising: Increasing the flow rate of the heat extraction medium circulating through a circulation path provided on the outer periphery of a container that accommodates the heat generating element; After increasing the flow rate of the heat extraction medium, an inert gas for cooling the heat generating element is supplied into the container; After the inert gas is supplied into the container, the container is opened and a cooling liquid for cooling the heat generating element is supplied into the container; A zinc-containing solution is used as the coolant. A method for cooling heat generating elements.

Images