Hydrogen booster system

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen pressure rise container capable of improving efficiency of heating and cooling of a hydrogen storage alloy, and capable of efficiently increasing the pressure of hydrogen.SOLUTION: A hydrogen pressurization vessel according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a hydrogen circulation plate that has a hydrogen flow path, and a hydrogen storage alloy arranged around the hydrogen flow path and capable of storing hydrogen circulating through the hydrogen flow path; and a heat medium plate laminated on the hydrogen circulation plate, and having a heat medium flow path through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy circulates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen pressurizing vessel and a hydrogen pressurizing system. [Background technology]

[0002] As the use of hydrogen energy advances, its use as fuel for mobility, such as fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), is expanding. When using hydrogen for mobility applications, it is common to store high-pressure hydrogen within the vehicle. Therefore, hydrogen supply systems for mobility require a compression mechanism to release the high-pressure hydrogen.

[0003] Furthermore, today, processes are being considered to capture carbon dioxide and use it as a raw material for chemical products in order to achieve carbon neutrality. In such processes, hydrogen is generally used as a reducing agent for carbon dioxide. From the perspective of reacting with carbon dioxide, it is desirable for hydrogen to be under high pressure.

[0004] Today, mechanically driven hydrogen compressors are generally used to release high-pressure hydrogen. Mechanically driven hydrogen compressors include reciprocating, hydraulic booster, and diaphragm types, but all have drive components and require periodic maintenance of consumables.

[0005] From this perspective, a chemical compressor using a static mechanism with hydrogen storage alloys has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-211646 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes a hydrogen pressurization storage system in which a hydrogen storage alloy container is arranged inside the peripheral wall of a cylindrical hydrogen storage tank, and a heat exchanger is arranged outside the peripheral wall of the hydrogen storage tank. Patent Document 1 describes that a hydrogen storage alloy is housed in the hydrogen storage alloy container, and a space for storing high-pressure hydrogen is formed inside the hydrogen storage alloy container. Patent Document 1 describes introducing low-pressure hydrogen into the hydrogen storage alloy container and introducing a cooling medium into the heat exchanger to allow hydrogen to be absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes that by introducing a heating medium into the heat exchanger and releasing the hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy into the space, hydrogen can be pressurized and stored in the space to a pressure that can be increased by the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0008] However, with the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to sufficiently improve the heating and cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a hydrogen pressurization vessel that can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling hydrogen storage alloys, and thereby efficiently pressurize hydrogen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A hydrogen booster vessel according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a hydrogen flow path and a hydrogen flow plate disposed around the hydrogen flow path and having a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow path, and a heat medium plate laminated on the hydrogen flow plate and having a heat medium flow path through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy flows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] A hydrogen pressurizing vessel according to one aspect of the present invention can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling of hydrogen storage alloys, and consequently, efficiently pressurize hydrogen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a laminated structure of a hydrogen flow plate and a heat medium plate in a hydrogen pressure increasing container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II showing the arrangement of hydrogen flow paths in the hydrogen flow plate of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of the hydrogen flow plate of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged sectional view of the hydrogen flow path and the composite layer in the hydrogen flow plate of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V showing the arrangement of heat medium flow paths in the heat medium plate of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a laminated structure of a hydrogen flow plate and a heat medium plate in a hydrogen pressure increasing container according to a form different from that of the hydrogen pressure increasing container of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen pressure increasing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] [Description of Embodiment of the Present Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

[0014] A hydrogen pressure increasing container according to one aspect of the present invention includes a hydrogen flow path, and a hydrogen flow plate disposed around the hydrogen flow path and having a hydrogen storage alloy capable of storing hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow path, and a heat medium plate laminated on the hydrogen flow plate and having a heat medium flow path through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy flows.

[0015] Since the hydrogen pressurizing vessel has the heat transfer medium plate stacked on the hydrogen flow plate, the heat exchange efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy can be increased. As a result, the efficiency of heating and cooling the hydrogen storage alloy can be increased with this hydrogen pressurizing vessel, and consequently, hydrogen can be pressurized efficiently.

[0016] The heat transfer medium passage described above is preferably configured so that the refrigerant and the heating medium can be switched between flowing through it. By configuring the heat transfer medium passage so that the refrigerant and the heating medium can be switched between flowing through it in this way, the hydrogen storage alloy can be heated and cooled easily and reliably.

[0017] It is preferable that the heat transfer medium plates are laminated on both sides of the hydrogen circulation plate. By laminating the heat transfer medium plates on both sides of the hydrogen circulation plate in this way, the heating and cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy can be easily and reliably increased.

[0018] The hydrogen pressurizing vessel may have two or more unit stacked structures in which the heat transfer medium plates are stacked on both sides of the hydrogen flow plate. By having two or more unit stacked structures in which the heat transfer medium plates are stacked on both sides of the hydrogen flow plate, it is easier to increase the amount of hydrogen stored and released.

[0019] It is preferable that the average diameter of the hydrogen flow channels is smaller than the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid flow channels, and that the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid flow channels is between 1 mm and 5 mm. In this way, by having the average diameter of the hydrogen flow channels smaller than the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid flow channels, and the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid flow channels being within the above range, the hydrogen flow channels can be densely arranged on the hydrogen flow plate, and the heat transfer fluid flow channels can be densely arranged on the heat transfer plate. As a result, the hydrogen pressurization efficiency can be further increased.

[0020] It is preferable that the heat transfer fluid channel bends within the heat transfer fluid plate. By having the heat transfer fluid channel bend within the heat transfer fluid plate in this way, the heat exchange efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy can be further increased.

[0021] It is preferable that the hydrogen channel is linear. By making the hydrogen channel linear, the hydrogen storage alloy can be easily arranged around it.

[0022] The hydrogen pressurizing vessel may include a composite layer in which the hydrogen storage alloy is held within a resin. By including such a composite layer in which the hydrogen storage alloy is held within a resin, hydrogen can be easily and reliably absorbed and released through the hydrogen channel by the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0023] It is preferable that the composite layer surrounds the hydrogen channel. By surrounding the hydrogen channel in this way, the hydrogen storage alloy can more easily and reliably absorb and release hydrogen through the hydrogen channel.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a hydrogen pressurization system comprising a hydrogen pressurization vessel.

[0025] Since the hydrogen pressurization system is equipped with a hydrogen pressurization vessel, it can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling the hydrogen storage alloy, and consequently, efficiently pressurize the hydrogen.

[0026] The hydrogen blasting system comprises a pair of hydrogen blasting vessels, and may further include a control unit capable of independently controlling the hydrogen storage and blasting in the pair of hydrogen blasting vessels. By providing a pair of hydrogen blasting vessels and further including a control unit capable of independently controlling the hydrogen storage and blasting in the pair of hydrogen blasting vessels, stable hydrogen storage and high-pressure hydrogen release can be achieved.

[0027] In this invention, "average diameter" means the average value of the diameters of any five points.

[0028] [Details of the Embodiments of the Invention] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The numerical values ​​described herein can be arbitrarily combined with the upper and lower limits. In this specification, all possible numerical ranges from the upper to lower limits are described as suitable ranges.

[0029] [Hydrogen vasoconverter] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the hydrogen booster vessel 10 comprises a hydrogen flow plate 20 having a hydrogen flow channel 21 and a hydrogen storage alloy 22 arranged around the hydrogen flow channel 21 that can absorb hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow channel 21, and a heat medium plate 30 stacked on the hydrogen flow plate 20 and having a heat medium flow channel 31 through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 22 and a heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy 22 flows. Note that Figures 1 to 5 are examples of the hydrogen booster vessel 10, and the total number of hydrogen flow plates 20 and heat medium plates 30 is not limited to the number shown in Figure 1.

[0030] The hydrogen pressurized vessel 10 has a laminated structure of multiple hydrogen flow plates 20 and multiple heat transfer plates 30. The lower limit of the total number of hydrogen flow plates 20 and heat transfer plates 30 in the laminated structure is preferably 10, more preferably 50, even more preferably 100, and particularly preferably 200. If the total number is less than the lower limit, it may be difficult to sufficiently increase the amount of hydrogen stored and released. On the other hand, there is no particular upper limit to the total number of hydrogen flow plates 20 and heat transfer plates 30 in the laminated structure, but from the viewpoint of facilitating the manufacture and handling of the hydrogen pressurized vessel 10, for example, 700 is preferred, and 600 is more preferred.

[0031] The hydrogen flow plate 20 and the heat transfer medium plate 30 are directly stacked (without any other plates in between). In the hydrogen pressurized vessel 10, the heat transfer medium plate 30 is stacked on both sides of the hydrogen flow plate 20. In other words, the hydrogen pressurized vessel 10 comprises at least one hydrogen flow plate 20 with the heat transfer medium plate 30 stacked on both sides. With this configuration, the hydrogen pressurized vessel 10 can easily and reliably increase the efficiency of heating and cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 22.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen pressurizer 10 has a unit stacking structure in which heat transfer medium plates 30 are stacked on both sides of a hydrogen flow plate 20. With this configuration, the hydrogen pressurizer 10 can easily increase the amount of hydrogen stored and released.

[0033] In Figure 1, a stacked unit in which heat transfer plates 30 are stacked on both sides of a hydrogen flow plate 20 is arranged continuously in the thickness direction, thereby forming two or more unit stacked structures. With this configuration, two heat transfer plates 30 can be associated with each hydrogen flow plate 20, making it easier to improve the heating and cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 22.

[0034] On the other hand, as a modification of Figure 1, the hydrogen pressurizer 10 may have a laminated structure in which hydrogen flow plates 20 and heat transfer plates 30 are arranged alternately, as shown in Figure 6. This configuration also allows for a configuration with two or more unit laminated structures in which heat transfer plates 30 are laminated on both sides of the hydrogen flow plates 20. In this case, one heat transfer plate 30 is included in both unit laminated structures of the pair of hydrogen flow plates 20 laminated on both sides of it. That is, one heat transfer plate 30 is configured as a heat transfer plate 30 common to two unit laminated structures. With this configuration, the number of hydrogen flow plates 20 in the hydrogen pressurizer 10 can be relatively increased. As a result, it is easier to increase the amount of hydrogen stored and released.

[0035] Furthermore, the hydrogen booster vessel 10 can also be configured as a stacked structure combining the configurations shown in Figure 1 and Figure 6.

[0036] (Hydrogen circulation plate) The hydrogen flow plate 20 is made of metal. Being made of metal, the hydrogen flow plate 20 has high thermal conductivity. Here, "metal" includes alloys. Examples of such metals include stainless steels such as SUS304 and SUS316. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further improving pressure resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, metals such as SUS316L, SCM435, and SUH660 can also be used.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the hydrogen flow plate 20 is flat. The hydrogen flow plate 20 is rectangular in plan view, more specifically rectangular in plan view.

[0038] The lower limit of the average thickness of the hydrogen flow plate 20 is preferably 2 mm, and more preferably 4 mm. On the other hand, the upper limit of the average thickness is preferably 10 mm, and more preferably 7 mm. If the average thickness is less than the lower limit, it may not be possible to make the hydrogen flow path 21 sufficiently large, or it may be difficult to arrange enough hydrogen storage alloy 22. Conversely, if the average thickness exceeds the upper limit, it may be difficult to make the gap between the hydrogen storage alloy 22 and the heat transfer fluid flow path 31 sufficiently small. Note that "average thickness" means the average value of the thickness of any five points excluding intentionally created irregularities.

[0039] As described above, the hydrogen flow plate 20 has a hydrogen flow channel 21 and a hydrogen storage alloy 22 arranged around the hydrogen flow channel 21 that is capable of absorbing and storing hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow channel 21.

[0040] The hydrogen channel 21 extends in the planar direction of the hydrogen flow plate 20. The hydrogen channel 21 penetrates the hydrogen flow plate 20 in the planar direction. More specifically, the hydrogen channel 21 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen flow plate 20 and penetrates between the end faces of the hydrogen flow plate 20.

[0041] The hydrogen channel 21 is linear. This configuration allows for easy placement of the hydrogen storage alloy 22 around the hydrogen channel 21. The cross-sectional shape of the hydrogen channel 21 is not particularly limited and can be circular, rectangular, semicircular, etc.

[0042] The lower limit of the length of the hydrogen channel 21 is preferably 200 mm, and more preferably 300 mm. If the length is less than the lower limit, it may be difficult to sufficiently increase the amount of hydrogen stored and released. On the other hand, there is no particular limit to the upper limit of the length, but from the viewpoint of facilitating the formation of the hydrogen flow plate 20, it can be, for example, 600 mm.

[0043] The hydrogen flow plate 20 is provided with a plurality of hydrogen channels 21. The plurality of hydrogen channels 21 are arranged in parallel. The lower limit of the pitch of the plurality of hydrogen channels 21 is preferably 1.0 mm, and more preferably 2.0 mm. On the other hand, the upper limit of the pitch is preferably 6 mm, more preferably 5 mm, and even more preferably 4.5 mm. If the pitch is less than the lower limit, it may become difficult to form the hydrogen channels 21 and the composite layer 23 described later. Conversely, if the pitch exceeds the upper limit, it becomes difficult to arrange the plurality of hydrogen channels 21 densely, and the hydrogen pressurization efficiency may decrease.

[0044] The hydrogen storage alloy 22 is an alloy that can absorb and release hydrogen by controlling pressure or temperature. The hydrogen storage alloy 22 is in powder form. Known alloys can be used as the hydrogen storage alloy 22, for example, binary alloys, ternary alloys, quaternary alloys, pentagonal alloys, etc.

[0045] Examples of the binary alloys mentioned above include LaNi alloys such as LaNi5, TiFe alloys, MnNi alloys, CaNi alloys, TiMn alloys, TiZr alloys, and ZrMn alloys.

[0046] Examples of the above ternary alloys include Ti 25 Cr 50 V 25 Ti25 Cr 25 V 50 and Ti 20 Cr 45 V 35 TiCrV-based alloys such as the above, Ti 36 Cr 32 Mn 32 and Ti 30 Cr 35 Mn 35 TiCrMn-based alloys such as the above, TiVMo-based alloys, etc. can be mentioned.

[0047] As the above quaternary alloy, for example, Ti 30 Cr 45 V 10 Mo 15 and Ti 25 Cr 50 V 20 TiCrVMo-based alloys such as TiCrVMo5, Ti 25 Cr 44 V 25 TiCrVFe-based alloys such as TiCrVFe6, Ti 25 Cr 50 V 20 TiCrVNi-based alloys such as TiCrVNi5, etc. can be mentioned.

[0048] As the above quinary alloy, for example, Ti 11 Cr 12 V 71 TiCrVMoNi alloys such as TiCrVMo5Ni1, etc. can be mentioned.

[0049] The hydrogen storage alloy 22 is held in the resin. More specifically, the hydrogen flow plate 20 includes a composite layer 23 in which the hydrogen storage alloy 22 is held in the resin. Generally, a hydrogen storage alloy expands and contracts due to the absorption and release of hydrogen. As a result, the hydrogen storage alloy is likely to be pulverized. The pulverized hydrogen storage alloy may come out into the hydrogen flow path and block the hydrogen flow path. In this regard, the hydrogen pressure vessel 10 can suppress the hydrogen storage alloy 22 from blocking the hydrogen flow path 21 because the hydrogen storage alloy 22 is held in the resin. As a result, the hydrogen storage alloy 22 can easily and surely absorb and release hydrogen through the hydrogen flow path 21. Examples of the above resin include silicone resin.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the composite layer 23 is arranged across both ends of the hydrogen channel 21. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the composite layer 23 surrounds the hydrogen channel 21. The hydrogen storage alloy 22 has a larger contact area with the heat transfer surface the closer it is to the wall surface of the hydrogen flow plate 20, allowing for efficient heat transfer from the wall surface. In this regard, in the hydrogen pressurizer 10, the hydrogen storage alloy 22 is fixed to the wall surface of the hydrogen flow plate 20 by the resin so as to surround the hydrogen channel 21. Furthermore, in the hydrogen pressurizer 10, the hydrogen channel 21 is provided so as to penetrate the center of the composite layer 23, which helps to suppress excessive pressure loss during hydrogen storage or release. Therefore, the hydrogen pressurizer 10 can more easily and reliably absorb and release hydrogen through the hydrogen channel 21 using the hydrogen storage alloy 22.

[0051] An example of a method for forming the hydrogen channel 21 and composite layer 23 will be described. The hydrogen channel 21 and composite layer 23 can be formed, for example, by a dry blending method. First, through holes are formed in a plate material for forming the hydrogen flow plate 20 by etching. Next, a cylindrical mold for forming the hydrogen channel 21 is inserted from one side of the through hole, and resin and hydrogen storage alloy 22 for forming the composite layer 23 are filled from the other side of the through hole. Then, the composite layer 23 is fixed to the wall surface of the through hole by heat treatment, and then the mold is removed. This results in a configuration in which the composite layer 23 is arranged around the hydrogen channel 21.

[0052] As a result of the formation method described above, the diameter of the hydrogen channel 21 becomes smaller than the diameter of the through hole. The ratio of the diameter of the hydrogen channel 21 to the diameter of the through hole is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1 / 4 or more and 3 / 4 or less.

[0053] (Heat transfer plate) The heat transfer plate 30 is made of metal. Because the heat transfer plate 30 is made of metal, it has high thermal conductivity. The same metal used for the hydrogen flow plate 20 can be used for the heat transfer plate 30.

[0054] The heat transfer plate 30 is flat. The planar shape of the heat transfer plate 30 can be the same as that of the hydrogen flow plate 20.

[0055] The heat transfer medium plate 30 is provided with a plurality of heat transfer medium passages 31. The heat transfer medium passages 31 are arranged so that the refrigerant and the heating medium can flow through them in a switchable manner. The refrigerant may be cooling water or brine, etc. The heating medium may be water vapor or hot water, etc. The heat transfer medium passages 31 are arranged so that the heating medium and the refrigerant can flow through them selectively, for example, by a switching valve.

[0056] In hydrogen compression using the hydrogen storage alloy 22, a reaction occurs between the metal and hydrogen to form a metal hydride during hydrogen storage. Since this reaction is exothermic, the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 22 rises. If this reaction heat is not removed, the hydrogen storage rate decreases. On the other hand, when releasing hydrogen as high-pressure hydrogen by increasing the temperature and pressure, a reaction occurs in which the metal hydride is converted into metal and hydrogen. Since this reaction is endothermic, the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy decreases. If the heat absorbed by this reaction is not supplied, the hydrogen release rate and hydrogen pressure will decrease, making it difficult to obtain high-pressure hydrogen at the desired pressure and flow rate. In this regard, by providing the heat transfer medium flow path 31 so that the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium can be switched between, the heating and cooling of the hydrogen storage alloy 22 can be easily and reliably performed, and consequently, the storage and release of hydrogen can be easily and reliably performed.

[0057] The lower limit of the average thickness of the heat transfer medium plate 30 is preferably 2 mm, and more preferably 4 mm. On the other hand, the upper limit of the average thickness is preferably 10 mm, and more preferably 7 mm. The hydrogen pressurization vessel 10 is constructed by stacking a thin hydrogen flow plate 20 with a plurality of densely arranged hydrogen flow channels 21 and a thin heat transfer medium plate 30 with a plurality of densely arranged heat transfer medium flow channels 31, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency by so-called microfields and enabling efficient pressurization of hydrogen. If the average thickness is less than the lower limit, it may be difficult to form the desired heat transfer medium flow channels 31. Conversely, if the average thickness exceeds the upper limit, it may be difficult to sufficiently improve the heat transfer efficiency.

[0058] The heat transfer fluid channel 31 is formed, for example, by etching a plate material used to form the heat transfer fluid plate 30. According to this method, the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid channel 31 is approximately equal to the average diameter of the through holes provided in the hydrogen flow plate 20. In this case, the average diameter of the hydrogen channel 21 is smaller than the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid channel 31.

[0059] The lower limit of the average diameter of the heat medium flow path 31 is preferably 1 mm, and more preferably 2 mm. On the other hand, the upper limit of the average diameter is preferably 5 mm, and more preferably 3 mm. If the average diameter is less than the lower limit, it may become difficult to form the heat medium flow path 31. Conversely, if the average diameter exceeds the upper limit, it may become difficult to densely arrange multiple heat medium flow paths 31. In contrast, if the average diameter of the hydrogen flow path 21 is smaller than the average diameter of the heat medium flow path 31, and the average diameter of the heat medium flow path 31 is within the above range, it becomes easier to densely arrange the hydrogen flow path 21 on the hydrogen flow plate 20 and densely arrange the heat medium flow path 31 on the heat medium plate 30. As a result, the hydrogen pressurization efficiency can be further increased.

[0060] The heat transfer fluid channel 31 extends in the planar direction of the heat transfer fluid plate 30. As shown in Figure 5, it is preferable that the heat transfer fluid channel 31 meanders within the heat transfer fluid plate 30. This configuration allows for a higher heat exchange efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 22.

[0061] If the heat transfer medium channel 31 meanders within the heat transfer medium plate 30, it is preferable that the heat transfer medium channel 31 has a folded structure that is folded back by 180°. This configuration allows for densification of the heat transfer medium channel 31, increasing the heat transfer area, and as a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 22 can be further improved.

[0062] The cross-sectional shape of the heat transfer fluid channel 31 is not particularly limited and can be circular, rectangular, semicircular, or the like.

[0063] The upper limit of the distance between the hydrogen storage alloy 22 and the heat transfer fluid channel 31 in the stacking direction of the hydrogen pressurized vessel 10 (i.e., the distance between the through-hole and the heat transfer fluid channel 31) is preferably 7 mm, and more preferably 5 mm. By setting the above distance to or below the above upper limit, the heat exchange efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 22 can be easily and reliably increased.

[0064] [Hydrogen stoichiometric pressurization system] Referring to Figure 7, a hydrogen blasting system 40 comprising the hydrogen blasting vessel 10 will be described. The hydrogen blasting system 40 in Figure 7 comprises a pair of the hydrogen blasting vessels 10. The hydrogen blasting system 40 also comprises a refrigerant container 41 in which the refrigerant supplied to the heat medium flow path 31 of the heat medium plate 30 is stored, a heat medium container 42 in which the heat medium supplied to the heat medium flow path 31 of the heat medium plate 30 is stored, a first switching valve 43 arranged in a 1:1 ratio with respect to the hydrogen blasting vessel 10 and capable of switching between the refrigerant and heat medium introduced into the heat medium flow path 31, and a second switching valve 44 arranged in a 1:1 ratio with respect to the hydrogen blasting vessel 10 and capable of switching to recirculate the refrigerant discharged from the heat medium flow path 31 to the refrigerant container 41 and to recirculate the heat medium discharged from the heat medium flow path 31 to the heat medium container 42. Furthermore, the hydrogen blasting system 40 comprises a control unit 45 capable of independently controlling the hydrogen storage and blasting in the pair of hydrogen blasting vessels 10.

[0065] An example of how the hydrogen pressurization system 40 operates will be described. Here, we will describe the operation method when one hydrogen pressurization vessel 10 does not contain hydrogen, and the other hydrogen pressurization vessel 10 contains hydrogen.

[0066] First, low-pressure hydrogen is introduced into the hydrogen channel 21 of one of the hydrogen booster vessels 10. At this time, the control unit 45 controls the first switching valve 43 to introduce refrigerant into the heat medium channel 31 of the hydrogen booster vessel 10. The control unit 45 also controls the second switching valve 44 to recirculate the refrigerant discharged from the heat medium channel 31 of the hydrogen booster vessel 10 back into the refrigerant container 41. As a result, hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy 22 in the hydrogen booster vessel 10.

[0067] In response, the control unit 45 controls the first switching valve 43 of the other hydrogen booster vessel 10 to introduce the heat transfer medium into the heat transfer medium passage 31 of this hydrogen booster vessel 10. As a result, the hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy 22 in this hydrogen booster vessel 10 is released as high-pressure hydrogen. The control unit 45 also controls the second switching valve 44 to recirculate the heat transfer medium discharged from the heat transfer medium passage 31 of this hydrogen booster vessel 10 back into the heat transfer medium container 42.

[0068] The hydrogen blasting system 40 can simultaneously store hydrogen in one hydrogen blasting vessel 10 and release high-pressure hydrogen from the other hydrogen blasting vessel 10. Furthermore, by repeatedly performing this operation between the pair of hydrogen blasting vessels 10, hydrogen storage and high-pressure hydrogen release can be performed continuously.

[0069] <Advantages> Since the hydrogen pressurizing vessel 10 has a heat transfer medium plate 30 stacked on the hydrogen flow plate 20, the heat exchange efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 22 can be increased. As a result, the hydrogen pressurizing vessel 10 can increase the efficiency of heating and cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 22, and consequently, efficiently pressurize the hydrogen.

[0070] Since the hydrogen pressurization system 40 is equipped with the hydrogen pressurization vessel 10, the efficiency of heating and cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 22 can be increased, and consequently, hydrogen can be pressurized efficiently.

[0071] The hydrogen pressurization system 40 is equipped with a control unit 45 that can independently control the absorption and pressurization of hydrogen in a pair of hydrogen pressurization vessels 10, thereby enabling stable storage of hydrogen and release of high-pressure hydrogen.

[0072] [Other embodiments] The above embodiments do not limit the configuration of the present invention. Accordingly, the above embodiments allow for the omission, substitution, or addition of components of each part of the above embodiments based on the description herein and common technical knowledge, and all such omissions, substitutions, or additions should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a refrigerant and a thermostat flow in a heat transfer medium channel in a switchable manner. However, the hydrogen booster vessel is not limited to this configuration. For example, the hydrogen booster vessel may include a refrigerant plate having a refrigerant channel and a thermostat plate having a thermostat channel as the heat transfer medium plate. In this case, a configuration can be adopted in which the refrigerant plate is laminated on one side of a single hydrogen flow plate and the thermostat plate is laminated on the opposite side.

[0074] The specific stacking structure of the hydrogen flow plate and the heat transfer plate is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment. For example, the hydrogen booster vessel may employ a configuration in which two or more heat transfer plates are stacked with an insulating plate in between. Alternatively, the hydrogen booster vessel may have a hydrogen flow plate on which heat transfer plates are stacked on only one side.

[0075] The average diameter of the hydrogen channel can be made larger than the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid channel. For example, by using a method of bonding together two plate materials having grooves corresponding to the hydrogen channel as a method for forming the hydrogen flow plate, it is possible to make the average diameter of the hydrogen channel relatively large.

[0076] The hydrogen channel described above can be formed in a shape other than a straight line. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid channel is not limited to a meandering shape within the heat transfer fluid plate.

[0077] The hydrogen storage alloy does not need to be held within the resin, as long as it is positioned around the hydrogen channel. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage alloy can also be partially positioned around the hydrogen channel.

[0078] The hydrogen superpressure system may consist of only one hydrogen superpressure vessel, or it may consist of three or more hydrogen superpressure vessels. [Industrial applicability]

[0079] As described above, the hydrogen pressurizer according to one aspect of the present invention is suitable for efficiently pressurizing hydrogen. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10 Hydrogen booster vessel 20 Hydrogen flow plate 21 Hydrogen channel 22 Hydrogen storage alloys 23 Hydrogen storage alloys 30 Heat transfer plate 31 Heat transfer fluid channel 40 Hydrogen Booster System 41 Refrigerant container 42. Heat transfer medium container 43. First switching valve 44. Second switching valve 45 Control Unit

Claims

1. A hydrogen flow channel, and a hydrogen flow plate arranged around the hydrogen flow channel and having a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing and storing hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow channel, A heat transfer plate is stacked on the hydrogen flow plate and has a heat transfer channel through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heat transfer medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy flows. Equipped with, A hydrogen booster vessel in which the average diameter of the hydrogen channel is smaller than the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid channel, and the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid channel is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

2. A hydrogen flow channel, and a hydrogen flow plate arranged around the hydrogen flow channel and having a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing and storing hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow channel, A heat transfer plate is stacked on the hydrogen flow plate and has a heat transfer channel through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heat transfer medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy flows. Equipped with, A hydrogen pressurizing vessel in which the hydrogen flow path described above is straight.

3. A hydrogen flow channel, and a hydrogen flow plate arranged around the hydrogen flow channel and having a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing and storing hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow channel, A heat transfer plate is stacked on the hydrogen flow plate and has a heat transfer channel through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heat transfer medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy flows. Equipped with, A hydrogen pressurized vessel comprising a composite layer in which the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy is held within a resin.

4. A hydrogen flow channel, and a hydrogen flow plate arranged around the hydrogen flow channel and having a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing and storing hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen flow channel, A heat transfer plate is stacked on the hydrogen flow plate and has a heat transfer channel through which at least one of a refrigerant for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heat transfer medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy flows. A hydrogen pressurization system comprising a hydrogen pressurization vessel equipped with, It is equipped with a pair of the above-mentioned hydrogen booster vessels, A hydrogen pressurization system further comprising a control unit capable of independently controlling the hydrogen storage and pressurization in the pair of hydrogen pressurization vessels described above.

5. The hydrogen booster vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat transfer fluid channel is provided so that the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can be switched between flowing through it.

6. A hydrogen booster vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat transfer medium plate is laminated on both sides of the hydrogen flow plate.

7. A hydrogen booster vessel according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the average diameter of the hydrogen flow path is smaller than the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid flow path, and the average diameter of the heat transfer fluid flow path is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

8. A hydrogen booster vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat transfer fluid channel meanders within the heat transfer fluid plate.

9. The hydrogen booster vessel according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the hydrogen flow path is linear.

10. A hydrogen booster vessel according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a composite layer in which the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy is held in a resin.

11. A hydrogen blast system comprising a hydrogen blast vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is equipped with a pair of the above-mentioned hydrogen booster vessels, A hydrogen pressurization system further comprising a control unit capable of independently controlling the hydrogen storage and pressurization in the pair of hydrogen pressurization vessels described above.

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