Hydrogen generator

Abstract

To improve the controllability of hydrogen generation. [Solution] The hydrogen generating device comprises a hydrogen generating material 40 containing a solid hydrogen storage material and having a predetermined amount, a strip-shaped member 41 that encloses and holds a large number of hydrogen generating materials at predetermined intervals and is permeable to liquid, a moving mechanism for moving the strip-shaped member in the longitudinal direction, a reaction liquid supply valve 16 that supplies a reaction liquid 18 that chemically reacts with the hydrogen storage material to generate hydrogen to the hydrogen generating material held in the strip-shaped member, and a control unit configured to control the amount of reaction liquid supplied per unit time from the reaction liquid supply valve. The strip-shaped member is constructed by fixing a lower strip 44 and an upper strip 45 to each other, with the hydrogen generating material sandwiched and held between the lower and upper strips, the upper strip being permeable to liquid, the reaction liquid supply valve drips the reaction liquid from above onto the upper strip covering the hydrogen generating material to which the reaction liquid is to be supplied, the lower strip is impermeable to liquid, and the dripped reaction liquid can remain on the lower strip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generation device.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to use a fuel cell as one means for countermeasures against global warming. A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity by chemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen existing in nature. By using a fuel cell, electricity can be generated without relying on fossil fuels, and the emission of carbon dioxide, which causes global warming, can be suppressed. In practice, power generation is performed by supplying hydrogen generated by a hydrogen generation device to a fuel cell stack.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, in a hydrogen generation device, the entire amount of a predetermined amount of hydrogen storage material is chemically reacted with a reaction solution at once. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen corresponding to the predetermined amount of hydrogen storage material is generated at once, and it is impossible to finely control the hydrogen generation amount, and there is a problem in controllability.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure was created in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a hydrogen generation device with improved controllability of hydrogen generation amount.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hydrogen generation material containing a solid hydrogen storage material and having a predetermined amount, a belt-like member that includes a plurality of the hydrogen generation materials and holds them at a predetermined interval and is permeable to a liquid, A moving mechanism for moving the strip-shaped member in its longitudinal direction, A reaction liquid supply valve supplies a reaction liquid that chemically reacts with a hydrogen storage material to generate hydrogen to the hydrogen generating material held in the strip-shaped member, A control unit configured to control the amount of reaction liquid supplied per unit time from the reaction liquid supply valve, Equipped with, The aforementioned strip-shaped member is constructed by fixing a lower strip material and an upper strip material together, and the hydrogen generating material is sandwiched and held between the lower strip material and the upper strip material. The upper band material is permeable to liquid, and the reaction liquid supply valve drops the reaction liquid onto the upper band material covering the hydrogen generating material to which the reaction liquid is supplied, from above. The lower strip material is impermeable to liquid, and the dropped reaction solution can remain on the lower strip material. A hydrogen generator characterized by the above is provided.

[0007] Preferably, the hydrogen generator is A housing that accommodates the strip-shaped member, the moving mechanism, and the reaction liquid supply valve, A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of hydrogen inside the housing, Equipped with, The control unit controls the reaction liquid supply valve based on the detected pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

[0008] Preferably, a plurality of reaction liquid supply valves are provided, and each reaction liquid supply valve supplies the reaction liquid to the hydrogen generating material which is arranged in accordance with each reaction liquid supply valve.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit controls the multiple reaction liquid supply valves in the same manner.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit controls a plurality of reaction liquid supply valves in different ways.

[0011] Preferably, among the plurality of reaction liquid supply valves, the hydrogen generation material is arranged corresponding to only some of the reaction liquid supply valves.

[0012] Preferably, the hydrogen generator a movement position detection mark provided at a predetermined interval on the belt-like member, a mark detector for detecting the mark, and includes.

[0013] Preferably, the hydrogen generator a recovery tank for recovering and storing the reaction liquid after being used in the reaction with the hydrogen storage material, a liquid leakage prevention mechanism for preventing liquid leakage due to backflow from the recovery tank, and includes.

[0014] Preferably, the liquid leakage prevention mechanism includes a shut-off valve provided at the inlet of the recovery tank.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid leakage prevention mechanism includes a water absorbent provided around the inlet of the recovery tank.

[0016] Preferably, the hydrogen generator a recovery tank for recovering and storing the reaction liquid after being used in the reaction with the hydrogen storage material, a reflux device for refluxing the reaction liquid stored in the recovery tank to the reaction liquid supply valve, and includes.

[0017] Preferably, the control unit is configured to diagnose whether the hydrogen generator is normal based on the detection pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the amount of the reaction liquid supplied from the reaction liquid supply valve.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrogen generator, a fuel cell stack that receives the supply of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator and generates electricity, A hydrogen power generation device characterized by comprising [specific components] is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the controllability of hydrogen generation amount can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a schematic front view showing the hydrogen power generation device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic front view showing the hydrogen power generation device and its configuration on the output side. [Figure 3] It is a schematic perspective view showing the hydrogen generation device. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view IV-IV in FIG. 1) showing the hydrogen generation device. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the reaction liquid supply part. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the reaction liquid supply part. [Figure 7] It shows the joint part of the housing main body and the lid, and is an enlarged view of part VII in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a schematic front view showing an enlarged view of the pressure adjustment device. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart regarding the control of the reaction liquid supply valve. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart regarding the control of the actuator. [Figure 11] It is a time chart schematically showing the change of the second detected pressure. [Figure 12] It is a schematic front view showing the hydrogen generation device of the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a schematic front view showing the hydrogen power generation device of the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a schematic perspective view showing the hydrogen generation device of the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view XV-XV in FIG. 13) showing the hydrogen generation device of the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen generator of a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This graph shows the relationship between the operating time of the hydrogen generator and the pH value of the recovered liquid. [Figure 18] This is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen power generation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen generator of the first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen generator of a second modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen generator of a third modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen generator of a fourth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen power generation device of the sixth modified example of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0022] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen power generation system to which the hydrogen generator of the first embodiment is applied. For convenience, the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions are defined as shown in the figure.

[0023] The hydrogen power generation system 100 comprises, in order from the upstream side in the direction of hydrogen flow, a hydrogen generator 1, a chamber tank 2, a pressure regulator 3, and a fuel cell (hereinafter also referred to as FC) stack 4. These are connected by first to third pipes 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

[0024] The hydrogen generator 1 has a housing 32 which serves as a reaction vessel or pressure vessel. A chemical reaction for generating hydrogen takes place inside this housing 32. The housing 32 is equipped with a pressure sensor, i.e., a first pressure sensor 8, for detecting the pressure inside it. The second pipe 6 connecting the chamber tank 2 and the pressure regulating device 3 is equipped with a moisture filter 9 and a check valve 10. The third pipe 7 connecting the pressure regulating device 3 and the FC stack 4 is equipped with another pressure sensor, i.e., a second pressure sensor 11, and a flow sensor 12.

[0025] These components are housed within the casing 33 of the hydrogen generator 1. In this embodiment, the casing 33 is rectangular in shape, and its interior is divided into three vertical sections by two partition walls 34 and 35. The hydrogen generator 1 is housed in the lower chamber R1, and the components from the chamber tank 2 to the FC stack 4 are housed in the middle chamber R2. The upper chamber R3 houses an electronic control unit (ECU) 50, which is responsible for the electrical control of the hydrogen generator 1 and other components. Each chamber R1 to R3 is airtight and liquid-tightly separated by partition walls 34 and 35, preventing leakage of gas and liquid between chambers.

[0026] The hydrogen power generation device 100 of this embodiment is mounted on a mobile vehicle and generates electricity necessary for driving or operating the mobile vehicle. In particular, in this embodiment the mobile vehicle is an electric vehicle (specifically an electric car), and its drive source is an electric motor.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, a battery 13, which is an energy storage device located outside the hydrogen power generation device 100, is connected to the output side of the FC stack 4. The electric motor 14, which is the power source for the electric vehicle and is an electrical load for a mobile device, is connected to the output side of this battery 13. On the other hand, a discharger 15 is connected in parallel with the battery 13 to the output side of the FC stack 4.

[0028] The ECU 50 is connected to a first pressure sensor 8, a second pressure sensor 11, a flow sensor 12, a battery 13, and a discharger 15. The ECU 50 is also connected to a reaction liquid supply valve 16 provided in the hydrogen generator 1 and an actuator 17 provided in the pressure regulator 3. The ECU 50 is configured to control the reaction liquid supply valve 16, the actuator 17, and the discharger 15.

[0029] Next, the hydrogen generator 1 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the hydrogen generator 1. Figure 4 is a plan view of the hydrogen generator 1 (section IV-IV in Figure 1).

[0030] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the hydrogen generator 1 comprises pellets 40 as a hydrogen generating material containing a solid hydrogen storage material and having a predetermined amount; a strip-shaped member 41 that encloses and holds a large number of pellets 40 at predetermined intervals and is permeable to liquid; a moving mechanism 90 for moving the strip-shaped member 41 in its longitudinal direction; a reaction liquid supply valve 16 that supplies a reaction liquid 18 that chemically reacts with the hydrogen storage material to generate hydrogen; and an ECU 50 configured to control the amount of reaction liquid supplied per unit time from the reaction liquid supply valve 16. The reaction liquid supply valve 16 supplies the reaction liquid 18 to the pellets 40 held in the strip-shaped member 41. The direction of movement of the strip-shaped member 41 is indicated by arrow a.

[0031] The hydrogen generator 1 also includes a housing 32 which serves as a reaction vessel or pressure vessel and houses the strip-shaped member 41, the moving mechanism 90, and the reaction liquid supply valve 16. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 32 has a shape that extends in the direction a of movement of the strip-shaped member 41.

[0032] Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the area surrounding the reaction section 94 where the reaction solution 18 and pellets 40 react. As shown in these figures, pellets 40 are molded products obtained by molding a solid hydrogen storage material 91 into a predetermined shape to have a predetermined quantity (referred to as a single-cycle quantity). The hydrogen storage material 91 is, for example, a metal hydride or a complex hydride. In this embodiment, the hydrogen storage material 91 is a metal hydride, specifically magnesium hydride (MgH2). A number of thin flakes or granules made of this magnesium hydride are bundled together in predetermined quantities, for example, enough to generate the desired amount of hydrogen in one cycle, to form pellets 40. Such pellets 40 are easy to handle, highly safe, and have a large surface area per unit volume, resulting in high reaction performance.

[0033] While water can be used as the reaction solution 18, in this embodiment, an aqueous citric acid solution is used. This allows for an increase in the amount of hydrogen generated compared to using water.

[0034] The strip-shaped member 41 is elongated in its longitudinal direction, has a substantially constant width along its entire length, and is a thin, flexible member. In this embodiment, the strip-shaped member 41 is constructed by fixing a lower strip 44 and an upper strip 45 to each other. The pellet 40 is sandwiched and held between these lower strip 44 and upper strip 45.

[0035] At least the upper strip material 45 is permeable to liquid. The reaction liquid supply valve 16 drops the reaction liquid 18 onto the upper strip material 45 covering the pellet 40 to be supplied with the reaction liquid from above.

[0036] In this embodiment, the lower strip material 44 is impermeable to liquid and is specifically formed from vinyl tape. Adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the vinyl tape. On the other hand, the upper strip material 45 is formed from a mesh-like material that is permeable to liquid and is specifically formed from a resin mesh-like strip material.

[0037] Pellet 40 is adhered and placed at equal intervals on the upper surface of vinyl tape, these pellets 40 are sandwiched from above with a mesh-like strip material, and the mesh-like strip material is adhered to the upper surface of the vinyl tape. This makes it easy to create a strip-like member 41 that encloses the pellets 40.

[0038] The lower strip 44 and the upper strip 45 have the same width and shape, and they are fixed together so that their edges in the width direction are aligned. The strip-shaped member 41 has holding portions 92 that enclose and hold one pellet 40, and connecting portions 93 that connect two adjacent holding portions 92, formed alternately in the longitudinal direction. The holding portions 92 and connecting portions 93 have the same width. The strip-shaped member 41 that encloses the pellets 40 can be easily manufactured simply by fixing the lower strip 44 and the upper strip 45 with a number of pellets 40 in between.

[0039] The method of fixing the lower band 44 and the upper band 45 is arbitrary and may be done by heat welding or the like. The liquid permeable portion of the band member 41 can be formed not only from a mesh-like material but also from any liquid permeable material. For example, it can be formed from nonwoven fabric, fibers, porous tape, etc. All of these liquid permeable materials have relatively small pores that allow liquid to pass through but prevent solid hydrogen storage material from passing through.

[0040] In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 90 includes a winding reel 42 for winding up one end (right end) of the strip-shaped member 41 and a feed-out reel 43 for feeding out the other end (left end) of the strip-shaped member 41. The winding reel 42 is positioned on the right side, and the feed-out reel 43 is positioned on the left side, with the reaction unit 94 positioned between the winding reel 42 and the feed-out reel 43. The moving mechanism 90 is configured in the reaction unit 94 to move the strip-shaped member 41 linearly in the direction of movement a.

[0041] One end of the strip-shaped member 41 is wound around the winding reel 42. The other end of the strip-shaped member 41 is wound around the feed reel 43. These reels 42 and 43 rotate simultaneously and intermittently clockwise in Figure 1, causing the strip-shaped member 41 in the reaction unit 94 to move intermittently in the direction of movement a. The direction of movement a is from left to right, and in the direction of movement a of the strip-shaped member 41, the left side is the upstream side and the right side is the downstream side.

[0042] When the strip-shaped member 41 is stopped, a reaction liquid 18 is supplied dropwise to one pellet 40 located in the reaction section 94 from one reaction liquid supply valve 16.

[0043] This combination of the winding reel 42, the feed reel 43, and the strip-shaped member 41 constitutes a single, space-saving, replaceable cartridge. When all the pellets 40 in one cartridge are consumed, that cartridge is replaced with another. In this way, the hydrogen storage material can be replenished easily and quickly.

[0044] The reaction section 94 is the part that generates hydrogen by chemically reacting the pellets 40 and the reaction liquid 18. The dispensing reel 43 forms a supply section that supplies the pellets 40 contained in the strip-shaped member 41 to the reaction section 94, and the winding reel 42 forms a recovery section that recovers the strip-shaped member 41 from the reaction section 94 after the chemical reaction.

[0045] On the other hand, the hydrogen generator 1 includes a strip-shaped member 41 with movement position detection marks 46 provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and a mark detector 47 for detecting the marks 46. In this embodiment, the marks 46 are formed by notches provided at equal intervals on both ends of the strip-shaped member 41 in the width direction. The interval of the marks 46 in the longitudinal direction is equal to the interval of the pellets 40. The marks 46 are provided on each connecting portion 93 of the strip-shaped member 41. The mark detector 47 is formed by, for example, a laser displacement meter, and detects the presence or absence of notches. The mark detector 47 is connected to the ECU 50.

[0046] When the mark detector 47 detects a notch while the strip-shaped member 41 is moving, the ECU 50 determines that there is a mark 46 and stops the movement of the strip-shaped member 41. As a result, one pellet 40 to be supplied with the reaction liquid is precisely positioned directly below the reaction liquid supply valve 16. Then, the reaction liquid 18 dripped from the reaction liquid supply valve 16 is precisely supplied to that pellet 40.

[0047] Once the reaction of pellet 40 is complete, as shown in Figure 6 (and as indicated by the dashed line in Figures 1 and 4), almost all of the pellet 40 dissolves in the reaction solution and virtually disappears. Subsequently, the ECU 50 resumes the movement of the strip member 41 and stops its movement when the mark detector 47 detects the next notch. In this way, the strip member 41 is moved by the length of one pellet, and the next new pellet 40 is brought into the reaction.

[0048] In this way, the ECU 50 repeatedly controls the movement of the strip-shaped member 41 by the length of one pellet each time one pellet 40 finishes its reaction.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, and 6, the hydrogen generator 1 includes a recovery tank 48 for recovering and storing the reaction liquid 18 (i.e., recovered liquid) after it has been used in the reaction of the pellets 40 with the hydrogen storage material, and a leak prevention mechanism 49 for preventing leakage due to backflow from the recovery tank 48.

[0050] The recovery tank 48 is located outside the housing 32. In this embodiment, the recovery tank 48 is located directly below the reaction liquid supply valve 16 and below the housing 32. The recovery tank 48 has an inlet pipe 51 which forms an inlet for introducing the recovery liquid. The inlet pipe 51 extends upward from the recovery tank 48, is connected and fixed to the lower surface portion 32D of the housing 32, and penetrates the lower surface portion 32D in an airtight and liquidtight manner, and is inserted into the housing 32. In this way, the recovery tank 48 is suspended and mounted on the lower surface portion 32D of the housing 32. The recovery tank 48 is also mounted in the center of the housing 32 in the left-right direction.

[0051] As shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6, a receiving tray 52 is connected to the upper end of the inlet pipe 51 inserted into the housing 32, and the recovered liquid received by the receiving tray 52 is sent to the inlet pipe 51 and falls into the recovery tank 48.

[0052] The leak prevention mechanism 49 includes a shut-off valve 53 provided at the inlet of the recovery tank 48, i.e., the inlet pipe 51. The leak prevention mechanism 49 also includes an absorbent material 54 provided around the inlet of the recovery tank 48, i.e., the inlet pipe 51.

[0053] The shut-off valve 53 is located outside the housing 32 and is installed in the inlet pipe 51. The shut-off valve 53 is formed by a solenoid valve and is controlled to open and close by the ECU 50. When the shut-off valve 53 is closed, it is possible to prevent the recovered liquid in the recovery tank 48 from flowing back through the inlet pipe 51 and leaking out.

[0054] In particular, tilting, shaking, vibration, longitudinal G-forces, lateral G-forces, and vehicle rollover during vehicle operation may cause the recovered liquid in the recovery tank 48 to backflow through the inlet pipe 51 and leak out. To prevent such leakage, the hydrogen generator 1 is provided with a tilt / acceleration sensor 55. The tilt / acceleration sensor 55 is configured to detect the tilt angle of the sensor itself with respect to the direction of gravity, as well as the acceleration applied to the sensor itself in any three-dimensional direction. The tilt / acceleration sensor 55 is connected to the ECU 50. In this embodiment, the tilt / acceleration sensor 55 is mounted on the upper surface 32U of the housing 32.

[0055] The ECU 50 determines whether an abnormal condition exists that could cause backflow, based on the output signal from the tilt / acceleration sensor 55. This abnormal condition includes excessive tilting, shaking, vibration, longitudinal G-force, or lateral G-force of the housing 32 or recovery tank 48. When the ECU 50 determines that an abnormal condition exists, it closes the shut-off valve 53. This prevents leakage of the recovered fluid caused by the abnormal condition.

[0056] Thus, the leak prevention mechanism 49 also includes a tilt / acceleration sensor 55 for detecting abnormal conditions and an ECU 50.

[0057] On the other hand, as shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6, adjacent ring-shaped troughs 56 are provided around the entire circumference of the receiving tray 52. ​​The water-absorbing material 54 is contained and filled inside these troughs 56. The top surface of the troughs 56 is open, but this opening is closed by a ring-shaped lid 57. The lid 57 is made of, for example, a mesh-like material made of resin, and allows the recovered liquid to pass from top to bottom and be absorbed by the water-absorbing material 54. The water-absorbing material 54 is made of, for example, a water-absorbing polymer.

[0058] Even if the recovered liquid flows back through the inlet pipe 51 of the recovery tank 48 to the receiving tray 52 and leaks out of the receiving tray 52, this leaked liquid can be absorbed and captured by the absorbent material 54 through the mesh-like lid 57. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the leaked liquid from splashing into the housing 32 and adhering to the unused pellets 40, thus preventing unintended reactions.

[0059] Next, the housing 32 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 3, and 4. In a front view as shown in Figure 1, the housing 32 has a shape that extends in the direction a of movement of the strip-shaped member 41. The direction a is from left to right, and extends in the left-right direction.

[0060] In particular, the housing 32 has an oval shape extending in the direction of movement a. Here, an oval shape is a shape formed by connecting two parallel or nearly parallel (parallel in the illustrated example) lines with two semicircular arcs that are convex outwards and point in opposite directions, as shown in Figure 1.

[0061] In this embodiment, there is a take-up reel 42 on the right side and a feed-out reel 43 on the left side. Assuming a straight line L passing through the central axis C1 of the take-up reel 42 and the central axis C2 of the feed-out reel 43, this straight line L extends in the direction of movement a. In a front view, the housing 32 of this embodiment has a shape that extends in the direction of this straight line L, particularly an oval shape.

[0062] In this embodiment, the central axis C1 of the take-up reel 42 and the central axis C2 of the feed-out reel 43 extend parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction and are positioned at the same height but spaced apart in the left-to-right direction. The take-up reel 42 and the feed-out reel 43 rotate clockwise in Figure 1 with their respective central axes C1 and C2 as the centers of rotation, causing the portion of the strip-shaped member 41 connecting the lower ends of each reel 42 and 43 to move linearly in the direction of movement a.

[0063] The winding reel 42 is rotationally driven by a reel drive motor 58, which acts as an electric actuator. This rotational drive pulls the strip-shaped member 41, which is then fed out from the feed reel 43. The feed reel 43 is equipped with a tensioning mechanism (tensioner) to apply tension to the strip-shaped member 41 in the opposite direction to the feeding direction.

[0064] The reel drive motor 58 is controlled by the ECU 50, thereby realizing the intermittent movement of the strip-shaped member 41 as described above.

[0065] In the left-right direction, the reaction liquid supply valve 16 is positioned at an intermediate position between the central axes C1 and C2.

[0066] The housing 32 has a width W1 in the left-right direction, a depth L1 in the front-back direction, and a height H1 in the up-down direction. Of these, the width W1 is the largest, and the relationship between them is L1

[0067] The left-right direction can be rephrased as the width W1 direction or the longitudinal direction of the straight line L. The front-back direction can be rephrased as the direction of the central axis C1 of the take-up reel 42 or the direction of the central axis C2 of the feed-out reel 43. The up-down direction can be rephrased as the direction perpendicular to the width W1 direction or the longitudinal direction of the straight line L, and perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the take-up reel 42 or the central axis C2 of the feed-out reel 43.

[0068] ​The left-right direction is the horizontal first direction, the front-back direction is the horizontal second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the up-down direction is the vertical third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0069] The housing 32 is divided into a housing body 59 and a lid 61. That is, the housing 32 has a housing body 59 that houses the strip-shaped member 41, the moving mechanism 90, and the reaction liquid supply valve 16. The housing body 59 naturally has an oval shape that extends in the direction of movement a (left-right direction) when viewed from the front.

[0070] In the housing body 59, one end surface in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement a (front-rear direction), that is, part or all of the one end surface in the direction of the central axis of the take-up reel 42 or the feed-out reel 43, is open. In this embodiment, in the housing body 59, the front end surface in the direction of the central axes C1 and C2 of the take-up reel 42 and the feed-out reel 43 is completely open. On the other hand, the other end surface, that is, the rear end surface, is completely closed.

[0071] The housing 32 has a lid 61 that can open and close the opening 60 at the front end of the housing body 59. In other words, in this embodiment, the entire front end surface of the housing body 59 is open, and the opening 60 is closed by the lid 61 in an open and close manner. The lid 61 also naturally has an oval shape that extends in the direction of movement a (left-right direction) when viewed from the front.

[0072] The lid 61 is in close contact with the front end surface of the housing body 59 and is fixed to the housing body 59 in an airtight and liquid-tight manner by a plurality of bolts (not shown). Furthermore, in order to enhance the airtightness of the housing 32, as shown in Figure 7, the housing 32 is equipped with a sealing member 62 for sealing the space between the housing body 59 and the lid 61.

[0073] Figure 7 shows the joint between the housing body 59 and the lid 61, and is an enlarged view of part VII in Figure 4. The sealing member 62 is formed from a packing with a circular cross-section made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is formed in an oval ring shape identical in shape to the front end surface 59A, which is the joint surface of the housing body 59. The sealing member 62 is inserted into a groove 63 formed in the front end surface 59A of the housing body 59. The lid 61 is pressed tightly against the front end surface 59A while compressing the sealing member 62, and the lid 61 is fixed to the housing body 59 with bolts. This seals the joint between the housing body 59 and the lid 61, and reliably prevents hydrogen and reaction liquid 18 from leaking from the joint even if the pressure inside the housing 32 rises.

[0074] Alternatively, a groove may be provided on the rear end surface portion 61A that forms the joint surface of the lid 61, and a packing may be inserted into this groove.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the housing 32 has left and right side portions 32L and 32R, an upper portion 32U and a lower portion 32D, a front portion 32F and a rear portion 32B. Of these, the left and right side portions 32L and 32R, the upper portion 32U and the lower portion 32D, and the rear portion 32B are integrally formed by the housing body 59, and the front portion 32F is formed by the lid 61.

[0076] The right-side portion 32R is formed in a semi-circular shape (in a front view cross-section) or a semi-cylindrical shape (when viewed as a whole) centered on the central axis C1 of the winding reel 42 located on the right side. It is a convex shape that protrudes toward the right side (i.e., outward in the left-right direction). The right-side portion 32R has an inner circumferential surface 32Ri that is close to the outer circumference of the winding reel 42 and runs along its outer circumference.

[0077] The left side portion 32L is similarly constructed and symmetrical to the right side portion 32R. The left side portion 32L is formed in a semi-circular shape (in a front view cross-section) or a semi-cylindrical shape (when viewed as a whole) centered on the central axis C2 of the feed reel 43 located on the left side. It is a convex shape that protrudes toward the left side (i.e., outward in the left-right direction). The left side portion 32L has an inner circumferential surface 32Li that is close to the outer circumference of the feed reel 43 and follows along its outer circumference.

[0078] The upper surface portion 32U continuously connects the upper ends of the left and right side portions 32L and 32R. The lower surface portion 32D continuously connects the lower ends of the left and right side portions 32L and 32R. The upper surface portion 32U and the lower surface portion 32D are parallel to each other, vertically symmetrical, and extend horizontally, i.e., in the front-back, left-right, and right directions.

[0079] The rear portion 32B integrally closes the rear opening formed by the left and right side portions 32L and 32R, and the upper portion 32U and lower portion 32D. In a front view, the rear portion 32B has an elongated oval shape that extends in the left-right direction. The rear portion 32B extends in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0080] The lid 61 forming the front section 32F also has an oval shape that extends horizontally when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the lid 61 is formed in a plate shape. The lid 61 extends in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions.

[0081] The recovery tank 48 also has an oval shape similar to the housing 32 when viewed from the front. The overall shape of the recovery tank 48 is smaller than the overall shape of the housing 32, and is approximately similar to the overall shape of the housing 32.

[0082] The recovery tank 48 is provided separately from the housing 32. The inlet pipe 51 of this recovery tank 48 extends upward and is connected to the lower surface portion 32D of the housing 32.

[0083] The reaction liquid supply valve 16 is L-shaped in side view (see Figure 3), and its base end is attached to the rear portion 32B. The tip of the reaction liquid supply valve 16 is directed downward, and an outlet for the reaction liquid 18 is formed at its tip.

[0084] The hydrogen generator 1 includes a reel drive motor 58 for driving a winding reel 42 and a reaction liquid pump 64 for supplying the reaction liquid 18 to the reaction liquid supply valve 16. These reel drive motor 58 and reaction liquid pump 64 are located outside the housing 32.

[0085] In this embodiment, the reel drive motor 58 and the reaction liquid pump 64 are mounted on the rear surface 32B of the housing 32, directly behind the winding reel 42 and the reaction liquid supply valve 16, respectively. The reel drive motor 58 is positioned coaxially with the winding reel 42.

[0086] Within the housing 32, left and right guide rollers 65 are provided to support the upper surface of the linear strip-shaped member 41, which is located between the take-up reel 42 and the feed-out reel 43, in order to accurately guide the strip-shaped member 41. The guide rollers 65 are rotatably mounted on a support shaft 66 attached to the rear surface portion 32B of the housing 32.

[0087] As shown in Figure 1, the assembly, which integrates the housing 32 and the recovery tank 48, is housed in the lower chamber R1 of the casing 33 and is fixed within the lower chamber R1 by brackets (not shown) or the like.

[0088] An outlet 20 for discharging hydrogen generated within the housing 32 is provided on the upper surface 32U of the housing 32. This outlet 20 is connected to the first pipe 5 described above. The first pipe 5 penetrates the lower partition wall 34 in an airtight and liquid-tight manner and spans the lower chamber R1 and the middle chamber R2.

[0089] The first pressure sensor 8 is mounted on the upper surface 32U of the housing 32.

[0090] Chamber 2 is a container for removing water contained in hydrogen. Specifically, hydrogen containing water vapor is generated by the exothermic chemical reaction between reaction liquid 18 and pellet 40, and this hydrogen is introduced into chamber 2 and stored there. Inside chamber 2, the water vapor condenses into water and separates, which is stored at the bottom of chamber 2. The hydrogen from which the water has been removed is discharged into the second pipe 6. The water stored in chamber 2 is periodically discharged through a drain valve (not shown) when hydrogen generation stops. Alternatively, a steam trap or similar device that continuously discharges only the accumulated water may be used instead of a drain valve.

[0091] The moisture filter 9 removes water vapor from the hydrogen that could not be removed in the chamber tank 2.

[0092] The check valve 10 is a valve that prevents backflow of hydrogen from the FC stack 4 side (i.e., the outlet side) to the hydrogen generator 1 side (i.e., the inlet side). The check valve 10 opens only when the pressure on the inlet side is greater than or equal to the pressure on the outlet side.

[0093] The pressure regulating device 3 is positioned between the hydrogen generator 1 and the FC stack 4 and is a device that increases or decreases the hydrogen pressure to adjust it.

[0094] Figure 8 shows a schematic, enlarged view of the pressure regulating device 3. The pressure regulating device 3 includes a cylinder chamber 26 into which hydrogen is introduced, a piston 27 that changes the volume of the cylinder chamber 26, and the aforementioned actuator 17 that drives the piston 27.

[0095] More specifically, the pressure regulating device 3 has a pressure chamber 28. The pressure chamber 28 is a substantially sealed container and, in this embodiment, is formed in a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. A piston 27, which is slidable in the direction of its central axis C3 (axial direction), is inserted inside the pressure chamber 28. The space below the piston 27 inside the pressure chamber 28 is the cylinder chamber 26. The volume of the cylinder chamber 26 changes as the piston 27 slides, i.e., moves up and down, in the axial direction.

[0096] The lower end of the pressure chamber 28 is provided with an inlet 29 for introducing hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen generator 1 into the cylinder chamber 26, and an outlet 30 for discharging the pressure-regulated hydrogen from the cylinder chamber 26. The inlet 29 is connected to the aforementioned second pipe 6, and the outlet 30 is connected to the aforementioned third pipe 7.

[0097] In this embodiment, the actuator 17 is an electrically operated cylinder equipped with a stepping motor. The actuator 17 has a cylinder body 17A fixed to the upper surface of the pressure chamber 28 via a bracket (not shown), and a piston rod 17B that protrudes downward from the cylinder body 17A, passes through the upper surface of the pressure chamber 28 in a liquid-tight manner, and is connected to the piston 27.

[0098] As indicated by the arrows, the piston 27 moves up and down in accordance with the movement of the piston rod 17B. When the piston rod 17B and piston 27 are lowered, the volume of the cylinder chamber 26 decreases and the pressure of hydrogen in the cylinder chamber 26 increases. At this time, the check valve 10 prevents backflow of hydrogen that would otherwise return to the hydrogen generator 1 side through the inlet 29.

[0099] Conversely, when the piston rod 17B and piston 27 are raised, the volume of the cylinder chamber 26 increases and the pressure of hydrogen in the cylinder chamber 26 decreases.

[0100] Returning to Figure 1, the second pressure sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the hydrogen pressure at the outlet side of the pressure regulator 3.

[0101] The flow sensor 12 is a sensor for detecting the flow rate of hydrogen at the outlet side of the pressure regulator 3.

[0102] As is well known, the FC stack 4 is a device that generates electricity by reacting supplied hydrogen with oxygen from the atmosphere. The FC stack 4 is equipped with a purge valve 31. The purge valve 31 is normally closed. However, when an excess of hydrogen accumulates in the FC stack 4 and the pressure of that hydrogen exceeds a predetermined opening pressure Ppv, the purge valve 31 opens and releases the accumulated hydrogen into the atmosphere. In this way, the purge valve 31 functions as a safety valve.

[0103] As shown in Figure 2, the battery 13 is used to charge the electricity generated by the FC stack 4. The electricity charged in this battery 13 is used by the electric motor 14, which is the power source for the vehicle.

[0104] The electric motor 14 is a type of electrical load. Although only one electrical load is shown in the diagram, the number of electrical loads is arbitrary. For example, other electrical loads in the vehicle (air conditioner, car navigation system, etc.) may be powered by the battery 13.

[0105] The discharger 15 is used to discharge the electricity generated in the FC stack 4. The discharger 15 discharges electricity by converting electrical energy into thermal energy, for example, by heating an electrical resistance with the supplied electricity.

[0106] The ECU50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) with arithmetic functions, storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), input / output ports, and other storage devices besides ROM and RAM.

[0107] Next, we will explain the operation of the hydrogen power generation device 100.

[0108] First, the ECU 50 controls the reaction liquid supply valve 16 based on the detected pressure, i.e., the first detected pressure P1, detected by the first pressure sensor 8, thereby controlling the amount of reaction liquid supplied per unit time from the reaction liquid supply valve 16.

[0109] More specifically, the ECU 50 provides feedback control to the reaction liquid supply valve 16 so that the value of the first detected pressure P1 approaches a predetermined first target pressure P1t.

[0110] Here, the minimum input hydrogen pressure Pfc in the FC stack 4 is predetermined, and it is desirable that hydrogen at a pressure equal to or greater than this input hydrogen pressure Pfc be supplied to the FC stack 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, a relatively high pressure with a margin compared to the input hydrogen pressure Pfc is predetermined as the first target pressure P1t (P1t > Pfc, see Figure 11).

[0111] The reaction liquid volume is controlled, for example, by the following method. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the ECU 50 opens the reaction liquid supply valve 16 at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined opening time. Since the opening time is minimal, droplets of the reaction liquid 18 are supplied from the reaction liquid supply valve 16 with a single opening.

[0112] When increasing the amount of reaction solution per unit time, the time interval between valve openings is shortened, and when decreasing the amount of reaction solution per unit time, the time interval between valve openings is lengthened.

[0113] Droplets of the reaction solution 18 fall from the reaction solution supply valve 16, land on the mesh-like upper strip material 45, pass through it, and are supplied to the pellet 40. This causes a chemical reaction between the hydrogen storage material in the pellet 40 and the reaction solution 18, resulting in the hydrolysis of the hydrogen storage material and the generation of hydrogen.

[0114] Since the lower strip material 44 is impermeable to liquid, the reaction liquid 18 temporarily accumulates on top of the lower strip material 44. This accumulated reaction liquid 18 reacts with the hydrogen storage material to generate hydrogen, and the reaction continues smoothly. Because the reaction liquid 18 temporarily accumulates, the reaction can be carried out with a small amount of reaction liquid 18.

[0115] The hydrolysis reaction of hydrogen storage materials is an exothermic reaction, and the heat of reaction is retained in the retained reaction solution 18. At this time, the amount of reaction solution per unit time is set so that the temperature of the retained reaction solution 18 is within the optimal temperature range suitable for the reaction (for example, 40 to 60°C). If the temperature of the reaction solution 18 is lower than the optimal temperature, the reaction rate will be slow, and if the temperature of the reaction solution 18 is higher than the optimal temperature, there will be a problem of an excess of water vapor in the generated hydrogen.

[0116] The reaction liquid 18 that has leaked out from the lower strip 44 falls onto the receiving tray 52, and then falls into the recovery tank 48 through the inlet pipe 51 for recovery.

[0117] When hydrogen is generated, the pressure inside the housing 32, i.e., the first detected pressure P1, increases. In this embodiment, the time interval between openings of the reaction liquid supply valve 16 is controlled so that the value of this first detected pressure P1 approaches a predetermined first target pressure P1t, thereby controlling the amount of reaction liquid per unit time.

[0118] Each pellet 40 has a predetermined quantity, i.e., a single dose, and the amount of hydrogen generated from one pellet 40 is limited. Therefore, whether or not the single dose has been consumed is determined based on the cumulative value of the first detection pressure P1.

[0119] In other words, the ECU 50 accumulates the value of the first detected pressure P1 at predetermined calculation cycles τ. When the accumulated value reaches a predetermined upper limit, it determines that one pellet 40 has been completely consumed. When a pellet 40 is completely consumed, it effectively disappears.

[0120] When the ECU 50 determines that one pellet 40 has been consumed, it activates the reel drive motor 58 to move the strip member 41 by the length of one pellet in order to start the reaction with the next new pellet 40. This allows hydrogen generation to be restarted using the new pellet 40. As mentioned above, the movement by one pellet is performed based on the output signal of the mark detector 47.

[0121] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control routine for controlling the reaction liquid supply valve 16. The routine shown is repeatedly executed by the ECU 50 at predetermined calculation cycles τ.

[0122] First, in step S101, the ECU 50 determines whether the first detected pressure P1 is lower than the first target pressure P1t.

[0123] If the first detected pressure P1 is lower than the first target pressure P1t, the ECU 50 proceeds to step S102 and controls the reaction liquid supply valve 16 to increase the amount of reaction liquid per unit time. At this time, the time interval between openings of the reaction liquid supply valve 16 is shortened.

[0124] This increases the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time, increases the hydrogen pressure inside the housing 32, and brings the first detected pressure P1 closer to the first target pressure P1t.

[0125] On the other hand, in step S101, if the first detected pressure P1 is greater than or equal to the first target pressure P1t, the ECU 50 proceeds to step S103 to determine whether the first detected pressure P1 is higher than the first target pressure P1t.

[0126] If the first detected pressure P1 is higher than the first target pressure P1t, the ECU 50 proceeds to step S104 and controls the reaction liquid supply valve 16 to reduce the amount of reaction liquid per unit time. At this time, the time interval between openings of the reaction liquid supply valve 16 is increased.

[0127] This reduces the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time, lowers the hydrogen pressure inside the housing 32, and brings the first detected pressure P1 closer to the first target pressure P1t.

[0128] In step S103, if the first detected pressure P1 is not higher than the first target pressure P1t, this means that the first detected pressure P1 is equal to the first target pressure P1t, and therefore the ECU 50 terminates the routine without changing the operating state of the reaction fluid supply valve 16.

[0129] Thus, the hydrogen, initially pressure-regulated, flows downstream from the hydrogen generator 1, and after moisture is removed in the chamber tank 2 and moisture filter 9, it is sent to the pressure regulator 3. There, it undergoes further pressure regulation (intermediate pressure regulation). The advantages of this pressure regulation will be discussed later.

[0130] Regarding the pressure adjustment by this pressure adjustment device 3, the ECU 50 is configured to control the actuator 17 based on the detected pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 11, i.e., the second detected pressure P2.

[0131] More specifically, the ECU 50 provides feedback control to the actuator 17 so that the value of the second detected pressure P2 approaches a predetermined second target pressure.

[0132] As shown in Figure 11, two second target pressures, P2th and P2tl, are predetermined for the high-pressure and low-pressure sides. The second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side is set to be higher than the first target pressure P1t and lower than the opening pressure Ppv of the purge valve 31. The second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side is set to be lower than the first target pressure P1t and equal to or slightly higher than the input hydrogen pressure Pfc of the FC stack 4.

[0133] The second target pressure is a value within the range between the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side and the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side. Therefore, the ECU 50 provides feedback control to the actuator 17 so that the value of the second detected pressure P2 falls within this range.

[0134] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the control routine for controlling the actuator 17. The routine shown is repeatedly executed by the ECU 50 at predetermined calculation cycles τ.

[0135] First, in step S201, the ECU 50 determines whether the second detected pressure P2 is lower than the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side.

[0136] If the second detected pressure P2 is lower than the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side, the ECU 50 proceeds to step S202 and controls the actuator 17 to reduce the volume of the cylinder chamber 26 by a predetermined amount. At this time, the piston rod 17B of the actuator 17 is lowered by a predetermined amount.

[0137] This increases the hydrogen pressure in the cylinder chamber 26, bringing the second detection pressure P2 closer to the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side.

[0138] On the other hand, in step S201, if the second detected pressure P2 is greater than or equal to the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side, the ECU 50 proceeds to step S203 to determine whether the second detected pressure P2 is higher than the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side.

[0139] If the second detected pressure P2 is higher than the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side, the ECU 50 proceeds to step S204 and controls the actuator 17 to increase the volume of the cylinder chamber 26 by a predetermined amount. At this time, the piston rod 17B of the actuator 17 is raised by a predetermined amount.

[0140] This reduces the hydrogen pressure in the cylinder chamber 26, bringing the second detection pressure P2 closer to the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side.

[0141] In step S203, if the second detected pressure P1 is not higher than the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side, this means that the second detected pressure P2 is greater than or equal to the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side and less than or equal to the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side. Therefore, the ECU 50 terminates the routine without operating the actuator 17.

[0142] Next, we will explain the changes in hydrogen pressure during the operation of the hydrogen power generation device 100. Figure 11 is a time chart that schematically shows the changes in the second detection pressure P2 (solid line).

[0143] At time t1, the supply of reaction liquid 18 to pellet 40 begins, and hydrogen generation and power generation commence. The second detection pressure P2 then gradually increases. The reaction liquid supply valve 16 and actuator 17 are controlled as described above.

[0144] In this embodiment, the second detected pressure P2 initially rises sharply, overshooting and exceeding the first target pressure P1t. Then, at time t2, it decreases to the first target pressure P1t and converges to that value. The period from time t1 to time t2 is called the initial transient period.

[0145] In this embodiment, the pressure adjustment device 3 can suppress excessive overshoot of the second detected pressure P2. Specifically, when the second detected pressure P2 exceeds the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side, the piston 27 is raised, and the volume of the cylinder chamber 26 is increased. As a result, the second detected pressure P2 can be reduced, and the overshoot can be suppressed.

[0146] Subsequently, the amount of reaction liquid supplied to the pellet 40 is feedback-controlled, so the second detection pressure P2 is maintained constant around the first target pressure P1t. At this time, as the pellet 40 is consumed, the amount of reaction liquid supplied tends to gradually increase.

[0147] Subsequently, as the reaction of pellet 40 nears completion, even with the supply of reaction liquid at its maximum, the amount of hydrogen generated decreases, and the second detection pressure P2 also decreases. Time 3 indicates the point at which this decrease begins.

[0148] Subsequently, at time t4, the second detected pressure P2 reaches the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side. At this point, the piston 27 in the pressure regulating device 3 is lowered, and the volume of the cylinder chamber 26 is reduced. As a result, the second detected pressure P2 can be maintained at a value equal to or greater than the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side.

[0149] Since the piston 27 is raised during the initial transient period, the downward stroke of the piston 27 during this final phase can be made large, and the second detected pressure P2 can be maintained at a value of or greater than the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side for a long period of time.

[0150] Subsequently, at time t5, when the piston 27 descends to its lowest position, further reduction in the volume of the cylinder chamber 26 is impossible, so the second detected pressure P2 falls below the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side. The second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side is approximately equal to the input hydrogen pressure Pfc of the FC stack 4.

[0151] In this situation, it becomes difficult to supply hydrogen at the appropriate pressure to the hydrogen power generation device 100. However, in this embodiment, the cumulative value of the first detected pressure P1 is set to reach the upper limit at approximately this timing. Therefore, pellet 40 is replaced with the next pellet 40, hydrogen generation is started anew, and power generation can continue.

[0152] Alternatively, pellet 40 may be changed to the next pellet 40, provided that the second detected pressure P2 falls below the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side.

[0153] The dashed line c shows a comparative example where the pressure regulator 3 is absent. In this case, the second detected pressure P2 continues to decrease even after reaching the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side at time t4, and immediately falls below the input hydrogen pressure Pfc of the FC stack 4.

[0154] Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to the comparative example, the power generation time can be extended by the time Δt between time t4 and time t5, substantially extending the lifespan of the pellets 40 and allowing them to be consumed without waste.

[0155] Thus, according to this embodiment, the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time is controlled by controlling the amount of reaction liquid added to the pellet 40. Therefore, compared to conventional hydrogen generators that react a single amount of hydrogen storage material all at once to generate hydrogen all at once, the amount of hydrogen generated can be controlled more precisely, improving controllability.

[0156] Furthermore, the amount of reaction liquid added to the pellet 40 is controlled based on the value of the first detected pressure P1. In particular, the amount of reaction liquid added to the pellet 40 is feedback-controlled so that the first detected pressure P1 approaches the first target pressure P1t. As a result, it is possible to stably generate an amount of hydrogen that is neither excessive nor insufficient compared to the target.

[0157] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a pressure regulating device 3 is provided. Therefore, pressure fluctuations of the hydrogen supplied to the FC stack 4 can be suppressed.

[0158] In particular, according to the pressure regulating device 3 of this embodiment, the pressure regulating device 3 is controlled based on the second detected pressure P2 on its outlet side. Therefore, pressure fluctuations of the hydrogen supplied to the FC stack 4 can be reliably suppressed.

[0159] Then, the pressure regulator 3 is feedback-controlled so that the value of the second detected pressure P2 approaches the target pressure between the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side and the second target pressure P2tl on the low-pressure side. Therefore, the value of the second detected pressure P2 can be accurately maintained at a value near that target pressure.

[0160] In particular, the pressure regulating device 3 of this embodiment can suppress the initial overshoot of the pellet 40 reaction, as seen in the period t1-t2 in Figure 11. Furthermore, as seen in the period Δt from t4-t5 in Figure 11, the power generation time at the end of the pellet 40 reaction can be prolonged, thereby effectively extending the lifespan of the pellet 40.

[0161] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, in this embodiment, when the battery 13 is fully charged, charging to the battery 13 is stopped. However, it is difficult to immediately stop the supply of hydrogen to the FC stack 4. Even if the supply of reaction liquid 18 to the pellets 40 is stopped, the reaction will continue due to the reaction liquid 18 remaining on the lower strip material 44. As a result, there is a problem of excess hydrogen accumulating in the FC stack 4.

[0162] However, this embodiment can solve this problem. Specifically, when the battery 13 is fully charged, a full charge signal is sent from the battery 13 to the ECU 50. Upon receiving this full charge signal, the ECU 50 switches the discharger 15 from the off (inactive) state to the on (active) state.

[0163] As a result, the electricity generated by the FC stack 4 flows to the discharger 15 and is consumed by the discharger 15. Therefore, the hydrogen supplied to the FC stack 4 after the battery 13 is fully charged can be consumed by the FC stack 4, and the accumulation of hydrogen in the FC stack 4 can be suppressed.

[0164] Thus, the ECU 50 is configured to switch between charging the battery 13 and discharging from the discharger 15. Furthermore, when the ECU 50 receives a full charge signal from the battery 13, it switches from charging the battery 13 to discharging from the discharger 15.

[0165] If we assume that there is no discharger 15, after the battery 13 is fully charged, hydrogen will gradually accumulate in the FC stack 4, and the hydrogen pressure inside the FC stack 4 will rise. When this hydrogen pressure reaches or exceeds the valve opening pressure Ppv, the purge valve 31 will open, and the accumulated hydrogen will be released into the atmosphere.

[0166] However, since hydrogen is an explosive, releasing it into the atmosphere is undesirable from an environmental perspective. In this embodiment, the hydrogen supplied after the battery 13 is fully charged is used to generate electricity in the FC stack 4, and the generated electricity can be consumed by the discharger 15. Therefore, the accumulation of hydrogen in the FC stack 4 can be suppressed, and the release of hydrogen into the atmosphere can be suppressed.

[0167] Furthermore, since the hydrogen pressure can be reduced by the pressure regulator 3, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen pressure in the FC stack 4 from reaching the valve opening pressure Ppv. That is, the hydrogen pressure in the FC stack 4 is equal to the second detection pressure P2, and the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side is lower than the valve opening pressure Ppv of the purge valve 31. Therefore, when the hydrogen pressure in the FC stack 4 exceeds the second target pressure P2th on the high-pressure side, the pressure regulator 3 starts reducing the pressure, preventing the hydrogen pressure in the FC stack 4 from reaching the valve opening pressure Ppv. As a result, it is possible to prevent the purge valve 31 from opening and hydrogen from being wasted and released into the atmosphere, and the power generation time can be extended.

[0168] Furthermore, the amount of hydrogen generated may increase sharply during the initial reaction between the pellet 40 and the reaction solution 18. In this case, if the purge valve 31 were not to function, safety concerns would arise. However, in this embodiment, the hydrogen pressure can be reduced by the pressure regulating device 3, thus resolving these safety issues.

[0169] In this embodiment, a leak prevention mechanism 49 is provided to prevent leakage due to backflow from the recovery tank 48. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the recovered liquid in the recovery tank 48 from backflowing and leaking into the housing 32 due to the vehicle tipping over or the like. If such leakage were to occur, the recovered liquid would react with the unused pellets 40, resulting in unintended hydrogen generation, which could cause damage to the device. However, this can be prevented in this embodiment.

[0170] In this embodiment, the leak prevention mechanism 49 includes a shut-off valve 53 provided in the inlet pipe 51 of the recovery tank 48. Therefore, by closing the shut-off valve 53, leakage of the recovered liquid from the recovery tank 48 can be reliably prevented.

[0171] In particular, the leak prevention mechanism 49 of this embodiment includes a tilt / acceleration sensor 55 for detecting abnormal conditions and an ECU 50 for controlling the opening and closing of the shut-off valve 53. Therefore, when an abnormal condition is detected based on the output of the tilt / acceleration sensor 55, the shut-off valve 53 is automatically closed to reliably prevent leakage of recovered liquid from the recovery tank 48.

[0172] In this embodiment, the leak prevention mechanism 49 includes an absorbent material 54 provided around the inlet pipe 51 of the recovery tank 48. Therefore, even if the recovered liquid backflows from the recovery tank 48 and leaks around the inlet pipe 51, this leaked liquid can be absorbed and captured by the absorbent material 54. This ensures that the leaked liquid does not adhere to the unused pellets 40 inside the housing 32, thereby reliably preventing unintended hydrogen generation.

[0173] In this embodiment, a receiving tray 52 is provided at the inlet of the inlet pipe 51, and an absorbent material 54 is provided around the receiving tray 52. ​​Therefore, the recovered liquid that backflows and leaks from the inlet of the inlet pipe 51 can be first received by the receiving tray 52 and then absorbed by the absorbent material 54. This allows the receiving tray 52 to function like a cushion, reducing the amount of recovered liquid absorbed by the absorbent material 54 and extending the lifespan of the absorbent material 54. Furthermore, it is ensured that the recovered liquid that falls after being supplied to the pellets 40 is reliably received by the receiving tray 52.

[0174] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the housing 32 has a shape that extends in the direction of movement a, and in particular, has a shape that extends in the direction of a straight line L that passes through the central axis C1 of the winding reel 42 and the central axis C2 of the feed reel 43.

[0175] A feed reel 43, which forms the supply section, is located upstream of the direction of movement a, and a winding reel 42, which forms the recovery section, is located downstream of the direction of movement a. A reaction section 94 is located between these supply and recovery sections, and a linear strip-shaped member 41 is placed in the reaction section 94. The whole structure generally has a shape that extends in the direction of movement a. Therefore, by making the housing 32 have a shape that extends in the direction of movement a, the housing 32 can be made to the minimum necessary size, and the housing 32 as a reaction vessel can be miniaturized.

[0176] Furthermore, the winding reel 42 and the feed reel 43 are among the largest components of the hydrogen generator 1. Therefore, by making the housing 32 extend in the direction of the straight line L passing through the central axes C1 and C2 of these reels, the size of the housing 32 can be reduced to the minimum necessary size, thereby miniaturizing the housing 32 as a reaction vessel.

[0177] In particular, in this embodiment, the housing 32 has an oval shape extending in the direction of movement a to the straight line L. Therefore, the housing 32 can be miniaturized to the minimum size while having a shape that is advantageous in terms of pressure resistance.

[0178] In this embodiment, the housing 32 is configured by dividing it into a housing body 59 and a lid 61. Therefore, by removing the lid 61 and opening the opening of the housing body 59, maintenance such as replacing the strip-shaped member 41 can be easily performed.

[0179] For example, both ends of the strip-shaped member 41 are pre-wound onto the winding reel 42 and the feed reel 43, and the three together constitute a single cartridge. When all the pellets 40 in the strip-shaped member 41 being used are consumed, the lid 61 is removed and the cartridge is replaced through the opening in the housing body 59. At this time, cleaning of the housing 32, replacement of the absorbent material 54, etc., are performed as needed. In this way, the maintainability can be improved by dividing the housing 32.

[0180] In this embodiment, a sealing member 62, or packing, is provided to seal the space between the housing body 59 and the lid 61. Therefore, sufficient airtightness and liquid tightness of the housing 32 can be ensured.

[0181] In this embodiment, the reel drive motor 58 and the reaction liquid pump 64 are located outside the housing 32. The reel drive motor 58 and the reaction liquid pump 64 are among the largest components of the hydrogen generator 1. Therefore, by placing them outside the housing 32, the housing 32 can be made even smaller and has a structure that is advantageous in terms of pressure resistance.

[0182] Next, a modified version of this embodiment will be described. Parts similar to those in the basic embodiment will be omitted from the description, and the differences from the basic embodiment will be the main focus of the explanation below.

[0183] Figure 12 is a schematic front view showing a first modified hydrogen generator. In this hydrogen generator 1, the shape of the housing 32 is different. In a front view as shown in Figure 12, the housing 32 has an elliptical shape extending in the direction of movement a or the straight line L.

[0184] The housing 32 is divided into a housing body 59 and a lid 61, as described above. The housing body 59 and lid 61 also have an elliptical shape that extends in the direction of movement a to the straight line L when viewed from the front.

[0185] Since the housing 32 is elliptical in shape, the upper portion 32U and the lower portion 32D are arc-shaped with a larger radius of curvature than the left and right side portions 32L and 32R. The radii of curvature of the left and right side portions 32L and 32R are smaller than the radii of curvature of the outer circumferences of the left and right feed reels 43 and take-up reels 42.

[0186] Even if the shape of the housing 32 is changed in this way, the same effects and advantages as described above can be achieved.

[0187] Figures 13 to 15 show the configuration of the second modified example. Figure 13 is a schematic front view of a hydrogen power generation device 100 to which the hydrogen generator 1 of the second modified example is applied. Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the hydrogen generator 1 of the second modified example. Figure 15 is a plan section view of the hydrogen generator 1 (section XV-XV in Figure 13).

[0188] In the basic embodiment described above, there was one reaction liquid supply valve 16. In contrast, in this modified example, there are multiple reaction liquid supply valves 16, specifically three. The three reaction liquid supply valves 16 are arranged in parallel in the direction of movement a or in the left-right direction, and are spaced at intervals equal to the spacing of the pellets 40 in the strip-shaped member 41. One reaction liquid supply valve 16 supplies the reaction liquid 18 to one pellet 40 by dripping. That is, one reaction liquid supply valve 16 corresponds to one pellet 40.

[0189] Since the reaction liquid 18 can be supplied by selectively operating the three reaction liquid supply valves 16, the range and precision of control over the amount of reaction liquid supplied can be increased, and the amount of hydrogen generated can be precisely increased or decreased.

[0190] Various methods can be considered for controlling the reaction liquid supply valve 16 in this modified example. For example, when operating three reaction liquid supply valves 16, all three can be controlled in the same way. This simplifies control. Alternatively, the three reaction liquid supply valves 16 can be controlled in different ways. This allows for more precise control. Two of the three can be controlled in the same way, and the remaining one in a different way.

[0191] Of the total number of reaction liquid supply valves 16 (3), only some (1 or 2) may be operated. If the number of activated reaction liquid supply valves 16 is multiple (2), these valves can be controlled using the same method or different methods.

[0192] By controlling the moving mechanism 90 (winding reel 42 and unwinding reel 43), unused pellets 40 can be positioned only directly beneath the activated reaction liquid supply valves 16, and unused pellets 40 can not be positioned directly beneath the inactive reaction liquid supply valves 16. For example, if only the two upstream reaction liquid supply valves 16 are activated, the moving mechanism 90 can be controlled so that unused pellets 40 are positioned only directly beneath them.

[0193] Even if the number of reaction liquid supply valves 16 is changed in this way, the same effects and benefits as described above can be achieved.

[0194] Furthermore, the size of the receiving tray 52 and trough 56 has been increased so that the reaction liquid 18 that has fallen from the three pellets 40 corresponding to the three reaction liquid supply valves 16 can be collected without leakage.

[0195] Next, a third modified example will be described. Figure 16 is a schematic front view showing the hydrogen generator 1 of the third modified example.

[0196] In this modified example, the hydrogen generator 1 is equipped with a reflux device 101 for refluxing the reaction liquid 18, i.e., the recovered liquid, stored in the recovery tank 48, to the reaction liquid supply valve 16. In this modified example, as in the second modified example, there are multiple (three) reaction liquid supply valves 16. The configuration of the reflux device 101 will be described below.

[0197] The reflux device 101 includes a reflux pipeline 102 connecting the recovery tank 48 and three reaction liquid supply valves 16, and a reflux pump 103, a recovery liquid filter 104, a switching valve 105, a pH sensor 106, and a temperature sensor 107, which are installed in order from upstream to downstream of the reflux pipeline 102. Downstream of the temperature sensor 107, the reflux pipeline 102 branches into three, each connected to one of the three reaction liquid supply valves 16.

[0198] A bypass pipeline 108 is provided to connect the switching valve 105 to the downstream return pipeline 102. A pH regulator 109 is installed in this bypass pipeline 108.

[0199] The recirculation device 101 also includes a heater 110 positioned adjacent to or near the recovery tank 48, a battery 111 that supplies power to the heater 110, and a switch 112 that turns the power supply from the battery 111 to the heater 110 on and off. The recirculation device 101 includes the aforementioned ECU 50 that controls the on / off state of the switch 112.

[0200] The recirculation pump 103, switching valve 105, pH sensor 106, temperature sensor 107, and switch 112 are electrically connected to the ECU 50.

[0201] The recirculation pump 103 is a pump for supplying the recovered liquid stored in the recovery tank 48 to the three reaction liquid supply valves 16. In this modified example, the reaction liquid 18 recovered in the recovery tank 48 is reused and supplied to the pellets 40. Therefore, the reaction liquid pump 64 that was present in the basic embodiment is omitted. This reaction liquid pump 64 receives new reaction liquid 18 from a reaction liquid 18 supply source (not shown) and supplies it to the reaction liquid supply valves 16.

[0202] The recovery liquid filter 104 is a filter for adsorbing and removing residue of hydrogen storage material contained in the recovery liquid. The recovery liquid filter 104 is formed, for example, by a cation filter or an ion exchange resin filter.

[0203] The switching valve 105 is formed by a three-way solenoid valve and can be switched between a normal position, which connects the upstream recirculation pipeline 102 to the downstream recirculation pipeline 102, and a bypass position, which connects the upstream recirculation pipeline 102 to the bypass pipeline 108. The switching valve 105 is normally switched to the normal position.

[0204] The pH adjuster 109 is used to adjust the pH value of the recovered solution. The pH adjuster 109 is configured to add citric acid as an oxidizing agent to the recovered solution, thereby lowering the pH of the recovered solution (i.e., making the recovered solution acidic).

[0205] The pH sensor 106 is used to detect the pH value of the recovered solution. The temperature sensor 107 is used to detect the temperature of the recovered solution. Note that the arrangement of these sensors may be reversed.

[0206] The heater 110 is for heating the recovered fluid stored in the recovery tank 48. The battery 111 is charged by power supplied from the aforementioned FC stack 4. When the switch 112 is turned on by the ECU 50, power is supplied from the battery 111 to the heater 110, and the heater 110 is turned on. When the switch 112 is turned off by the ECU 50, the power supply from the battery 111 to the heater 110 is stopped, and the heater 110 is turned off.

[0207] In this modified example, all of the components shown, except for the ECU 50 and FC stack 4, i.e., all components enclosed by the dashed line f, are housed in the lower chamber R1 shown in Figure 1.

[0208] Next, the operation and control method of the reflux device 101 will be described.

[0209] When the hydrogen generator 1 is in operation, the recirculation pump 103 is turned on by the ECU 50, and the recovered liquid is supplied to the three reaction liquid supply valves 16. As a result, the recovered liquid is supplied to the pellets 40 from some or all of the three reaction liquid supply valves 16, and hydrogen is generated.

[0210] The recovered liquid exiting the recirculation pump 103 passes through the recovered liquid filter 104. Here, residues in the recovered liquid are removed, and the recovered liquid is purified.

[0211] When the switching valve 105 is in its normal position, the recovered liquid that exits the recovered liquid filter 104 reaches the three reaction liquid supply valves 16 through the downstream recirculation pipe 102. Along the way, the pH value of the recovered liquid detected by the pH sensor 106 and the temperature value of the recovered liquid detected by the temperature sensor 107 are sent to the ECU 50.

[0212] If the recovered liquid is circulated and continues to react with the pellets 40, the pH value of the recovered liquid tends to gradually increase, and the acidity of the recovered liquid tends to gradually decrease. When the acidity of the recovered liquid decreases, the reaction between the recovered liquid and the pellets 40 deteriorates, and the amount of hydrogen generated tends to decrease.

[0213] Line d in the graph in Figure 17 shows the situation at this time. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the operating time t of the hydrogen generator 1, and the vertical axis represents the pH value of the recovered liquid. As can be seen from line d, the pH value of the recovered liquid gradually increases as the operating time t increases.

[0214] Therefore, the ECU 50 performs the following control to suppress the rise in the pH value of the recovered liquid. Specifically, when the pH value of the recovered liquid detected by the pH sensor 106 exceeds a predetermined upper threshold pHs, the ECU 50 switches the switching valve 105 to the bypass position, allowing the recovered liquid to pass through the pH regulator 109. This adds citric acid to the recovered liquid, thereby lowering its pH value.

[0215] Subsequently, when the pH value of the recovered liquid falls below the upper threshold pHs, the ECU 50 switches the switching valve 105 to the normal position. In this way, the ECU 50 feedback-controls the switching valve 105 based on the detected pH value of the recovered liquid, thereby feedback-controlling the pH value of the recovered liquid.

[0216] Through this control, the pH value of the recovered solution can be limited to below the upper threshold pH, as shown by line e in Figure 17. This suppresses the decrease in the acidity of the recovered solution, while also maintaining a good reaction between the recovered solution and the pellet 40, thereby obtaining a sufficient amount of hydrogen generation.

[0217] Incidentally, as mentioned above, the reaction solution 18 or recovered solution that reacts with the hydrogen storage material has an optimal temperature range (for example, 40 to 60°C), and it is preferable to keep the temperature of the reaction solution 18 or recovered solution within this optimal temperature range as much as possible.

[0218] Therefore, the ECU 50 controls the temperature of the recovered liquid so that the temperature of the recovered liquid reacting with the hydrogen storage material is within the optimal temperature range. Specifically, when the temperature T of the recovered liquid detected by the temperature sensor 107 falls below a predetermined lower threshold Ts, the ECU 50 turns on the switch 112 and turns on the heater 110. This raises the temperature T of the recovered liquid stored in the recovery tank 48 to a temperature favorable for the reaction.

[0219] Subsequently, when the temperature T of the recovered liquid exceeds a predetermined lower threshold Ts, the ECU 50 turns off the switch 112 and the heater 110. In this way, the ECU 50 feedback-controls the switch 112 and the heater 110 based on the detected temperature T of the recovered liquid, thereby feedback-controlling the temperature of the recovered liquid.

[0220] This control allows the temperature of the recovered liquid reacting with the hydrogen storage material to be maintained within an optimal temperature range, ensuring a good reaction and hydrogen generation.

[0221] In this modified example, the ECU 50 is configured to diagnose whether the hydrogen generator 1 is functioning normally based on the first detected pressure P1 detected by the first pressure sensor 8 and the amount of reaction liquid Q per unit time supplied from the reaction liquid supply valve 16.

[0222] In other words, when the hydrogen generator 1 is functioning normally, there is a correlation between the total amount of reaction liquid Q supplied within a predetermined time and the total amount of hydrogen generated. Furthermore, the total amount of hydrogen generated within a predetermined time correlates with the integrated value of the first detected pressure P1.

[0223] Therefore, in this modified example, the total amount of reaction liquid (specifically, the amount of recovered liquid) Q supplied within a predetermined time is compared with the integrated value of the first detected pressure P1 to determine whether the hydrogen generator 1 is functioning normally.

[0224] Specifically, at predetermined calculation cycles τ, the ECU 50 integrates the value of the reaction liquid volume Q per unit time supplied from the reaction liquid supply valve 16 and the value of the first detected pressure P1 for a predetermined period of time. In this modified example, the sum of the reaction liquid volumes Q supplied from the three reaction liquid supply valves 16 is integrated.

[0225] The ECU50 then calculates the normal range ΔΣP1s of the integrated value ΣP1 of the first detected pressure P1, which corresponds to the integrated value ΣQ of the reaction liquid volume Q, based on a pre-stored relationship (function, map, etc.).

[0226] The ECU 50 then compares the integrated value ΣP1 of the first detected pressure P1 with the normal range ΔΣP1s. If the integrated value ΣP1 is within the normal range ΔΣP1s, the ECU 50 determines that the hydrogen generator 1 is functioning normally. Conversely, if the integrated value ΣP1 is outside the normal range ΔΣP1s, the ECU 50 determines that the hydrogen generator 1 is malfunctioning and activates a warning device (buzzer, lamp, etc.) not shown in the diagram. In this case, the ECU 50 may immediately stop the supply of reaction liquid from the reaction liquid supply valve 16 and shut down the hydrogen generator 1 abnormally.

[0227] When the cumulative value ΣP1 is outside the normal range ΔΣP1s, there are two possibilities: the cumulative value ΣP1 may be higher or lower than the normal range ΔΣP1s. If it is higher, it is expected that the amount of hydrogen generated is excessive relative to the total amount of reaction liquid Q. One possible cause is that the recovered liquid leaked back from the recovery tank 48 adheres to the unused pellets 40, resulting in unintended hydrogen generation. Conversely, if it is lower, it is expected that the amount of hydrogen generated is insufficient relative to the total amount of reaction liquid Q. One possible cause is that the recovered liquid used in the reaction has deteriorated.

[0228] According to this modified example, abnormalities in the hydrogen generator 1 can be detected quickly, thereby suppressing failures of the hydrogen generator 1 caused by these abnormalities.

[0229] Incidentally, the properties of the reaction solution, such as its pH value and temperature, affect the amount of hydrogen produced. For example, the lower the pH value of the reaction solution, the better the reaction with the hydrogen storage material, and the more hydrogen tends to be produced. Also, the higher the temperature of the reaction solution, the better the reaction with the hydrogen storage material, and the more hydrogen tends to be produced.

[0230] Therefore, in this modified example, in light of these trends, the value of the reaction solution volume Q at the time of accumulation is corrected based on the pH value and temperature of the reaction solution.

[0231] When correcting the reaction volume Q during integration, the ECU50 calculates correction amounts KpH and KT corresponding to the detected pH value and temperature T at each calculation cycle τ, based on pre-stored relationships (functions, maps, etc.). Then, at each calculation cycle τ, the ECU50 adds or multiplies the calculated correction amounts KpH and KT to the reaction volume Q to correct the reaction volume Q.

[0232] In this relationship, a lower pH value results in a larger correction amount KpH, and a higher temperature T results in a larger correction amount KT. Therefore, the lower the pH value and the higher the temperature T, the larger the reaction solution volume Q is corrected to.

[0233] By integrating the corrected reaction volume Q at each calculation cycle τ, a final integrated value ΣQ that takes into account the effects of pH and temperature can be obtained, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.

[0234] Thus, the ECU50 is configured to correct the amount of reaction solution based on the properties of the reaction solution during diagnosis.

[0235] Furthermore, the reflux device 101 and the configuration for diagnosing the hydrogen generator 1 in this modified example are also applicable to the basic embodiment described above. In particular, the configuration for diagnosing the hydrogen generator 1 is applicable even when the reflux device 101 is absent.

[0236] The reaction volume may be corrected based on either the pH value or the temperature alone.

[0237] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same aspects as in the first embodiment will be omitted from the description, and the differences from the first embodiment will be the main focus of the explanation below.

[0238] Figure 18 is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen power generation apparatus 100 to which the hydrogen generator 1 of the second embodiment is applied. The hydrogen power generation apparatus 100 of this embodiment is based on the hydrogen power generation apparatus 100 in the basic embodiment of the first embodiment (Figure 1).

[0239] The hydrogen generator 1 includes a support base 70 for pivotably supporting the housing 32, and a vibration-damping member 71 for suppressing the transmission of vibrations from the support base 70 to the housing 32.

[0240] As mentioned above, the hydrogen power generation device 100 is mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, the hydrogen power generation device 100 may tilt or vibrate when the vehicle is in motion. For example, when the vehicle is going uphill or downhill, subjected to longitudinal and lateral G forces, or in the event of a collision, the hydrogen power generation device 100 may tilt. Also, for example, if the vehicle vibrates due to engine vibrations or uneven road surfaces, the hydrogen power generation device 100 may also vibrate.

[0241] At this time, if the housing 32 also tilts or vibrates, the reaction liquid 18 dripped from the reaction liquid supply valve 16 may scatter into the surroundings, causing unintended hydrogen generation and potentially hindering proper chemical reactions and hydrogen generation.

[0242] Therefore, in this embodiment, a support base 70 is provided to pivotably support the housing 32, maintaining the housing 32 in its initial position, i.e., horizontal, as much as possible, and suppressing the tilting of the housing 32 when the vehicle is running.

[0243] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vibration-damping member 71 is provided to suppress the transmission of vibrations from the support base 70 to the housing 32. By absorbing vibrations that are about to be transmitted to the housing 32 with the vibration-damping member 71, the transmission of such vibrations to the housing 32 is suppressed.

[0244] This suppresses unintended hydrogen generation due to the scattering of the reaction solution 18 into the surroundings, while also ensuring proper chemical reactions and hydrogen generation.

[0245] The hydrogen generator 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 18.

[0246] The support base 70 is fixed to the bottom surface of the lower chamber R1 within the casing 33 of the hydrogen power generation device 100, and supports the housing 32 so that it can swing from below. The support base 70 has an upward-facing support surface 72 that faces the housing 32. The support surface 72 is formed in a spherical shape. This allows the housing 32 to swing in the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the support base 70.

[0247] The center of the spherical surface forming the support surface 72 is denoted by O1, and its radius by R1. The support surface 72 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape with this center O1. The center O1 constitutes the pivot point of the housing 32.

[0248] A spherical seating member 74 is attached to the housing 32 via a plurality of support members, or support legs 73. The seating member 74 is spaced inward from the support surface 72 in the direction of radius R1 and is aligned with the support surface 72. The seating member 74 is formed in the shape of a plate of constant thickness and is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape with the center O1 of the support surface 72. The support legs 73 extend in the vertical direction, with their upper ends attached to the lower surface 32D of the housing 32 and their lower ends attached to the upper surface of the seating member 74.

[0249] The vibration-damping member 71 is formed by a plurality of vibration-damping balls 75 sandwiched between a support surface 72 and a seating member 74. These vibration-damping balls 75 are made of an elastic material such as rubber and are arranged to rotate on the support surface 72 along the support surface 72. A substantially hemispherical retainer 76 is provided between the support surface 72 and the seating member 74 to hold the plurality of vibration-damping balls 75 in place. The plurality of vibration-damping balls 75 and the retainer 76 function as a free ball bearing that supports the object (seating member 74) supported on them so that it can move in the sliding direction.

[0250] The seating member 74 is seated on a plurality of vibration-damping balls 75.

[0251] When the vehicle tilts, the hydrogen power generation unit 100 and the support base 70 also tilt, but the seating member 74 moves in a sliding direction on multiple vibration-damping balls 75 to maintain its original horizontal position. At this time, the vibration-damping balls 75 rotate on their own axis, so the movement is smooth. As a result, the housing 32 swings relative to the support base 70 in the opposite direction to the tilt of the support base 70, the housing 32 is maintained in its original horizontal position, and tilting of the housing 32 can be suppressed.

[0252] Furthermore, although vehicle vibrations are transmitted to the hydrogen power generation device 100 and the support base 70, these vibrations are absorbed by the elastic deformation of the multiple vibration-damping balls 75, thus suppressing vibration transmission to the seating member 74. This suppresses vibration transmission to the housing 32.

[0253] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the reaction liquid 18 within the housing 32 and the unintended generation of hydrogen.

[0254] The weight of the housing 32 can be distributed and supported by the entire group of vibration-damping balls 75, and consequently, the entire support surface 72. Therefore, the housing 32 can be supported stably.

[0255] The recovery tank 48 is attached to the lower surface 32D of the housing 32. This lowers the center of gravity of the housing 32 and recovery tank 48 assembly, allowing them to be stably supported. Furthermore, the recovery tank 48 is attached to the center of the housing 32 in the left-right direction. As a result, the weight balance of the housing 32 and recovery tank 48 assembly is good, allowing them to be stably supported.

[0256] The recovery tank 48 is located in the dead space inside the multiple support legs 83. This allows the hydrogen generator 1 to be made compact.

[0257] The reaction liquid supply valve 16 is positioned on the center O1 of the support surface 72. This minimizes the displacement of the reaction liquid supply valve 16 when the housing 32 swings, and minimizes the scattering of the reaction liquid 18 dripped from the reaction liquid supply valve 16. Alternatively, the reaction liquid supply valve 16 may be positioned closer to the center O1 of the support surface 72.

[0258] Next, a modified version of this embodiment will be described. Parts similar to those in the basic embodiment will be omitted from the description, and the differences from the basic embodiment will be the main focus of the explanation below.

[0259] Figure 19 is a schematic front view showing the first modified hydrogen generator 1. Note that other components of the hydrogen power generation device 100 are omitted.

[0260] In this modified example, the configuration of the vibration-damping member 71 is different. The vibration-damping member 71 is formed by a vibration-damping fluid 77 sealed in the gap between the support surface 72 and the seating member 74. The vibration-damping fluid 77 is formed by, for example, a lubricating oil or an inert oil such as silicone oil. An annular sealing member 78 is provided at the end of the gap between the support surface 72 and the seating member 74 to prevent leakage of the vibration-damping fluid 77. The vibration-damping fluid 77 functions as a floating mount that supports the seating member 74 so that it can move relative to the support surface 72 in the sliding direction and in the direction perpendicular to it.

[0261] When the vehicle tilts, the hydrogen power generation unit 100 and the support base 70 also tilt, but the seating member 74 moves in the sliding direction while floating on the vibration-damping fluid 77 so as to maintain its original horizontal position. At this time, the movement is naturally smooth. As a result, the housing 32 swings relative to the support base 70 in the opposite direction to the tilt of the support base 70, the housing 32 is maintained in its original horizontal position, and tilting of the housing 32 can be suppressed.

[0262] Furthermore, although vehicle vibrations are transmitted to the hydrogen power generation device 100 and the support base 70, these vibrations are absorbed by the vibration-damping fluid 77, thus suppressing vibration transmission to the seating member 74. This suppresses vibration transmission to the housing 32.

[0263] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the reaction liquid 18 within the housing 32 and the unintended generation of hydrogen.

[0264] The weight of the housing 32 can be distributed and supported across the entire vibration-damping fluid 77, and consequently, across the entire support surface 72. Therefore, the housing 32 can be supported stably.

[0265] Figure 20 is a schematic front view showing a second modified example of the hydrogen generator 1.

[0266] In this modified example, the same support base 70 as described above is provided. Meanwhile, a fluid damper 79 extending toward the support surface 72 and forming a vibration-damping member 71 is attached to the housing 32. A caster 80 capable of traveling on the support surface 72 is provided at the tip of the fluid damper 79.

[0267] The fluid damper 79 is formed by, for example, an oil damper or a gas damper. A plurality of fluid dampers 79, preferably three or more, are provided and arranged radially at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in plan view. The fluid dampers 79 are arranged coaxially with a radius R1 extending from the center O1 of the support surface 72. Thereby, the housing 32 can be supported in a balanced manner. In this modification, the cylinder side of the fluid damper 79 is attached to the housing 32, but the piston rod side may be attached to the housing 32.

[0268] The caster 80 is formed by a spherical caster and has a holder 81 attached to the tip of the fluid damper 79, that is, the piston rod, and a ball 82 rotatably supported by the holder 81. The ball 82 can rotate (spin) in any direction with respect to the holder 81.

[0269] When the vehicle tilts, both the hydrogen power generation device 100 and the support base 70 tilt, but the caster 80 travels on the support surface 72 so that the housing 32 maintains its original horizontal posture. Thereby, the housing 3 twenty is rocked in a direction opposite to the tilt direction of the support base 70 with respect to the support base 70 and is maintained in its original horizontal posture, suppressing the tilting of the housing 32.

[0270] Also, the vibration of the vehicle is transmitted to both the hydrogen power generation device 100 and the support base 70, but this vibration is absorbed by the expansion and contraction of the plurality of fluid dampers 79. Therefore, the transmission of vibration to the housing 32 can be suppressed.

[0271] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the reaction liquid 18 in the housing 32 and the occurrence of unintended hydrogen generation.

[0272] Since the fluid dampers 79 are arranged coaxially with the radius R1, the casters 80 can always be grounded perpendicularly to the support surface 72. Therefore, the traveling movement of the casters 80 on the support surface 72 and the expansion and contraction operation of the fluid dampers 79 can be accurately performed.

[0273] Figure 21 is a schematic front view showing a third modified example of the hydrogen generator 1.

[0274] In this modified example, the same support base 70 as described above is provided. On the other hand, support legs 83 extending toward the support surface 72 are attached to the housing 32. The same casters 80 as described above, which can travel on the support surface 72, are provided at the tips of the support legs 83.

[0275] Multiple support legs 83 are provided, preferably three or more, and are arranged radially at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in a plan view. The support legs 83 are positioned coaxially with the radius R1 extending from the center O1 of the support surface 72. This allows the housing 32 to be supported in a balanced manner.

[0276] The caster 80 is formed from a spherical caster and has a holder 81 attached to the tip of the support leg 83, and a ball 82 rotatably supported by the holder 81. The ball 82 can rotate (spin on its own axis) in any direction relative to the holder 81.

[0277] A vibration-damping member 71, consisting of a bush 84 made of an elastic material, is provided between the housing 32 and the support leg 83. In this modified example, the bush 84 is made of rubber and is positioned at the connection point between the housing 32 and the support leg 83, sandwiched between them.

[0278] When the vehicle tilts, the hydrogen power generator 100 and the support base 70 also tilt, but the casters 80 move on the support surface 72 so that the housing 32 maintains its original horizontal position. As a result, the housing 32 swings relative to the support base 70 in the opposite direction to the tilt of the support base 70, maintaining its original horizontal position and preventing the housing 32 from tilting.

[0279] Furthermore, although vehicle vibrations are transmitted to the hydrogen power generation device 100 and the support base 70, these vibrations are absorbed by the elastic deformation of the bush 84. Therefore, the transmission of vibrations to the housing 32 can be suppressed.

[0280] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the reaction liquid 18 within the housing 32 and the unintended generation of hydrogen.

[0281] Since the support legs 83 are positioned coaxially with radius R1, the casters 80 can always be placed perpendicular to the support surface 72. This allows for precise movement of the casters 80 on the support surface 72 and accurate elastic deformation of the bushings 84.

[0282] Figure 22 is a schematic front view showing the hydrogen generator 1 of the fourth modified example.

[0283] Support legs 83 are attached to the housing 32, extending toward the support surface 72. Casters 80 similar to those described above are provided at the tips of the support legs 83, allowing them to travel on the support surface 72. No bushings 84 acting as vibration damping members 71 are provided, and the support legs 83 are directly attached to the housing 32.

[0284] On the other hand, the support base 70 includes a support base body 85, a support surface forming member 86 that forms a support surface 72, and a vibration damping layer 87 made of an elastic material that is disposed between the support base body 85 and the support surface forming member 86.

[0285] As described above, multiple support legs 83 are provided, preferably three or more, and are arranged radially at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in a plan view. The support legs 83 are arranged coaxially with the radius R1 extending from the center O1 of the support surface 72. This allows the housing 32 to be supported in a balanced manner.

[0286] The caster 80 is formed from a spherical caster and has a holder 81 attached to the tip of the support leg 83, and a ball 82 rotatably supported by the holder 81. The ball 82 can rotate (spin on its own axis) in any direction relative to the holder 81.

[0287] The support base 70 of this modification example has a three-layer structure, and a vibration isolation layer 87 forming an intermediate layer and a support surface forming member 86 forming an upper layer are laminated in order from the lower side on the surface part or the upper surface part of the support base body 85 forming the base and the lower layer.

[0288] The surface part or the upper surface part 85A of the support base body 85 is formed in a spherical shape centered on the support surface center O1. Also, the surface part or the upper surface part of the support surface forming member 86 forms the support surface 72, and naturally, it is formed in a spherical shape centered on the support surface center O1. The support surface forming member 86 is formed in a plate shape having a constant thickness in the radius R1 direction.

[0289] A vibration isolation layer 87 is formed in the gap between the surface part or the upper surface part 85A of the support base body 85 and the lower surface part of the support surface forming member 86. This gap has a constant thickness in the radius R1 direction. Therefore, the vibration isolation layer 87 also has a constant thickness in the radius R1 direction and is formed in a plate shape. The vibration isolation layer 87 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The lower surface part and the upper surface part of the vibration isolation layer 87 are formed in a spherical shape centered on the support surface center O1 and are respectively in contact with the entire upper surface part 85A of the support base body 85 and the entire lower surface part of the support surface forming member 86.

[0290] A ring-shaped stopper 88 for preventing displacement by abutting against the upper end face parts of the support surface forming member 86 and the vibration isolation layer 87 is provided on the upper end face part of the support base body 85.

[0291] When the vehicle tilts, the hydrogen power generation device 100 and the support base 70 also tilt together, but the caster 80 travels on the support surface 72 so that the housing 32 maintains its original horizontal posture. As a result, the housing 32 swings in a direction opposite to the tilting direction of the support base 70 with respect to the support base 70 and is maintained in its original horizontal posture, and tilting of the housing 32 can be suppressed.

[0292] Also, the vibration of the vehicle is transmitted to the hydrogen power generation device 100 and the support base body 85, but this vibration is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the vibration isolation layer 87. Therefore, transmission of vibration to the housing 32 can be suppressed.

[0293] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the reaction liquid 18 within the housing 32 and the unintended generation of hydrogen.

[0294] Since the support legs 83 are positioned coaxially with radius R1, the casters 80 can always be placed perpendicular to the support surface 72. This allows for precise movement of the casters 80 on the support surface 72 and accurate elastic deformation of the bushings 84.

[0295] The weight of the housing 32 can be distributed and supported across the entire support base body 85 via the support surface forming member 86 and the vibration damping layer 87. Therefore, the housing 32 can be supported stably.

[0296] Next, although not shown in the diagram, a fifth modified example of the hydrogen generator 1 will be described.

[0297] In the basic embodiment and the first to fourth modifications described above, the support surface 72 of the support base 70 is formed in a spherical shape, and the housing 32 is made capable of swinging in both the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0298] In contrast, in this modified example, the support surface 72 of the support base 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The housing 32 is then made pivotable around the central axis of the cylindrical surface.

[0299] For example, if the central axis extends in the front-to-back direction, the housing 32 can only swing in the left-to-right direction. Also, if the central axis extends in the left-to-right direction, the housing 32 can only swing in the front-to-back direction.

[0300] If tilting in only one direction becomes problematic due to the characteristics of the vehicle, the support surface 72 can be set to match the direction of this tilt, and the direction of oscillation can be set accordingly.

[0301] Furthermore, when considering a cross-section cut by a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical surface, the cross-section of the support surface 72 is arc-shaped. On the other hand, in the basic embodiment and the first to fourth modifications, when considering a cross-section cut by a plane passing through the center O1 and parallel to the vertical direction (for example, the cross-section shown in Figure 18), the cross-section of the support surface 72 is arc-shaped. Therefore, it can be said that the support surface 72 of the basic embodiment and the first to fourth modifications, and the support surface 72 of this modification, all have arc-shaped cross-sections.

[0302] Furthermore, the term "spherical" in the basic embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples more precisely means "hemispherical" or "approximately hemispherical." Similarly, the term "cylindrical" in this modified example more precisely means "semi-cylindrical" or "approximately semi-cylindrical."

[0303] When the support surface 72 of the support base 70 is made cylindrical, other related configurations are also modified accordingly.

[0304] For example, in the basic embodiment and first modified example shown in Figures 18 and 19, the central axis of the cylindrical support surface 72 extends in the front-rear direction through the center O1, the housing 32 is pivotable only in the left-right direction, and the seating member 74 is also formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

[0305] In the fourth modified example shown in Figure 22, the central axis of the cylindrical support surface 72 extends in the front-rear direction through the center O1, and the housing 32 is pivotable only in the left-right direction. The surface or upper surface 85A of the support base body 85 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the surface or upper surface and the lower surface of the support surface forming member 86 that forms the support surface 72 are also formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower and upper surfaces of the vibration-damping layer 87 are also formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0306] In the second to fourth modified examples shown in Figures 20 to 22, the central axis of the cylindrical support surface 72 extends in the front-rear direction through the center O1, and the housing 32 is pivotable only in the left-right direction. Multiple fluid dampers 79 and support legs 83 are arranged on each side (e.g., two each), spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Each fluid damper 79 and each support leg 83 is arranged coaxially with respect to the radius extending from the central axis. The casters 80 may be general casters other than spherical casters.

[0307] Next, Figure 23 is a schematic front view showing a hydrogen power generation device 100 to which the sixth modified example of the hydrogen generator 1 is applied.

[0308] In this modified example, the basic embodiment shown in Figure 18 is used as the basis, and, similar to the second modified example of the first embodiment (Figures 13-15), the number of reaction liquid supply valves 16 is multiple (three). Even in this configuration, the same effects and advantages as described above can be achieved.

[0309] In this modified example, of the multiple (3) reaction liquid supply valves 16 arranged in parallel in the left-right direction, one reaction liquid supply valve 16 located in the center is positioned on the center O1 of the support surface 72.

[0310] In the first to fifth modifications of this embodiment, the number of reaction liquid supply valves 16 can be multiple.

[0311] In this embodiment as well, as shown in the third modified example of the first embodiment (Figure 16), it is possible to provide a reflux device 101, to perform feedback control of the pH value and temperature of the recovered liquid, and to diagnose whether the hydrogen generator 1 is functioning correctly.

[0312] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, various other embodiments and modifications of this disclosure are conceivable.

[0313] For example, in the above embodiment, a battery 13 was used as the energy storage device, but other energy storage devices, such as a capacitor, may also be used.

[0314] The hydrogen power generation device 100 can be used for any purpose. For example, the hydrogen power generation device 100 may be used as a stationary emergency power source or a portable power source.

[0315] The application of hydrogen generator 1 is arbitrary, and it may be applied to devices other than hydrogen power generation device 100.

[0316] When applied to mobile objects, the type of mobile object is arbitrary. Examples of mobile objects include heavy machinery, ships, railway vehicles, drones, etc.

[0317] In the strip-shaped member 41, the lower strip material 44 may be permeable to liquid. In this case, the upper strip material 45 may be impermeable to liquid. The point is that at least a portion of the strip-shaped member 41 should be permeable to liquid, and the supplied reaction liquid 18 should reach the hydrogen storage material through at least that portion.

[0318] The housing 32 may be rectangular in shape, etc., when viewed from the front, extending in the direction a of movement of the strip-shaped member 41. In the housing 32, a part of the surface on one end side in the direction of the central axes C1 and C2 (specifically, the front end surface portion 32F) may be open, or that surface may be open at multiple locations.

[0319] In the above embodiment, the amount of reaction liquid from the reaction liquid supply valve 16 was controlled (feedback control) based on the value of the first detected pressure P1. However, the amount of reaction liquid may also be controlled (feedback control) based on the value of the first detected pressure P1 and the hydrogen flow rate value detected by the flow sensor 12.

[0320] The combination of the movement position detection mark 46 provided on the strip-shaped member 41 and the mark detector 47 that detects it may be of a different type. For example, the movement position detection mark 46 may be a protrusion provided on the strip-shaped member 41, and the mark detector 47 may be a contact-type sensor that detects the mark 46 by contacting it.

[0321] The recovered liquid produced after the reaction between pellet 40 and reaction solution 18 is essentially harmless. Therefore, if possible, the recovered liquid may be discharged into the external environment.

[0322] The shape of the pellet 40 does not have to be a flattened ellipsoid; it can be any shape, such as a cylinder. Furthermore, the hydrogen generating material is not limited to the form of the pellet 40. For example, thin flakes or powders of hydrogen storage material may be incorporated into the strip-shaped member 41 in a loose state without compression molding.

[0323] The configurations of each embodiment and each variation described above can be combined in part or in whole, as long as there is no particular contradiction. The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, but include any variations, applications, and equivalents that are encompassed within the spirit of this disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, this disclosure should not be constrained and may be applied to any other art that falls within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0324] 1. Hydrogen generator 4 Fuel cell stack 8. First pressure sensor 16. Reaction liquid supply valve 18 Reaction solution 32 Housing 40 pellets 41 Strip-shaped member 42 Reel 43 Feed-out reel 44 Lower band material 45 Upper strip material 46 Marks for detecting movement position 47 Mark Detector 48 Recovery Tanks 49 Leak prevention mechanism 50 Electronic control units 51 Inlet pipe 53 Shut-off valve 54 Water absorbing material 58 Reel drive motor 59 Housing body 61 Lid 62 sealing member 64 Reaction liquid pump 70 Support stand 71 Vibration Isolator 72 Support surface 74 Seating Member 75 Vibration-damping ball 77 Vibration damping fluid 79 Fluid damper 80 casters 83 Support legs 84 Bush 85 Support body 86 Support surface forming member 87 Vibration isolation layer 90 Moving mechanism 100 Hydrogen power generation equipment 101 Reflux device

Claims

1. A hydrogen generating material containing a solid hydrogen storage material and having a predetermined amount thereof, A strip-shaped member that encloses and holds a large number of the hydrogen generating materials at predetermined intervals, and is permeable to liquid, A moving mechanism for moving the strip-shaped member in its longitudinal direction, A reaction liquid supply valve supplies a reaction liquid that chemically reacts with a hydrogen storage material to generate hydrogen to the hydrogen generating material held in the strip-shaped member, A control unit configured to control the amount of reaction liquid supplied per unit time from the reaction liquid supply valve, Equipped with, The aforementioned strip-shaped member is constructed by fixing a lower strip material and an upper strip material together, and the hydrogen generating material is sandwiched and held between the lower strip material and the upper strip material. The upper band material is permeable to liquid, and the reaction liquid supply valve drops the reaction liquid onto the upper band material covering the hydrogen generating material to which the reaction liquid is supplied, from above. The lower strip material is impermeable to liquid, and the dropped reaction solution can remain on the lower strip material. A hydrogen generator characterized by the following features.

2. A housing that accommodates the strip-shaped member, the moving mechanism, and the reaction liquid supply valve, A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of hydrogen inside the housing, Equipped with, The control unit controls the reaction liquid supply valve based on the detected pressure detected by the pressure sensor. The hydrogen generator according to claim 1.

3. Multiple reaction liquid supply valves are provided, and each reaction liquid supply valve supplies the reaction liquid to the hydrogen generating material that is positioned in accordance with each reaction liquid supply valve. The hydrogen generator according to claim 1.

4. The control unit controls the multiple reaction liquid supply valves in the same manner. The hydrogen generator according to claim 3.

5. The control unit controls the plurality of reaction liquid supply valves in different ways. The hydrogen generator according to claim 3.

6. The hydrogen generating material is positioned to correspond to only some of the reaction liquid supply valves among the multiple reaction liquid supply valves. The hydrogen generator according to claim 3.

7. The strip-shaped member is provided with movement position detection marks at predetermined intervals, A mark detector for detecting the aforementioned mark, Equipped with The hydrogen generator according to claim 1.

8. A recovery tank for recovering and storing the reaction solution after it has been used in the reaction with hydrogen storage materials, A leak prevention mechanism to prevent leakage due to backflow from the aforementioned recovery tank, Equipped with The hydrogen generator according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned leak prevention mechanism includes a shut-off valve provided at the inlet of the recovery tank. The hydrogen generator according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned leak prevention mechanism includes an absorbent material provided around the inlet of the recovery tank. The hydrogen generator according to claim 8.

11. A recovery tank for recovering and storing the reaction solution after it has been used in the reaction with hydrogen storage materials, A reflux device for refluxing the reaction liquid stored in the recovery tank to the reaction liquid supply valve, Equipped with The hydrogen generator according to claim 1.

12. The control unit is configured to diagnose whether the hydrogen generator is functioning normally based on the detected pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the amount of reaction liquid supplied from the reaction liquid supply valve. The hydrogen generator according to claim 2.

13. A hydrogen generator according to claim 1, A fuel cell stack that generates electricity by receiving hydrogen supplied by the hydrogen generator, A hydrogen power generation device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

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