Heat-generating structures, heat utilization systems, and air conditioning systems

Abstract

To provide a heat generation structure which can achieve good energy density, and a heat utilization system and an air-conditioning system including the same.SOLUTION: A heat generation structure comprises: a heat generation material including a hydrogen occlusion alloy that generates excess heat by occluding and devolatilizing hydrogen; a PTC heater including a PTC material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic for heating the hydrogen occlusion alloy, and a pair of plate-shaped electrodes holding the PTC material therebetween; and a vessel accommodating the heat generation material and the PTC heater. At least a part of a surface of the heat generation material is covered with a heat insulation material. The heat generation material and the PTC material are arranged adjacent to each other in in-plane directions of the electrodes, and the pair of plate-shaped electrodes extend in the in-plane directions of the electrodes to hold the heat generation material between them. A heat insulation layer filled with a heat insulation material containing hydrogen gas is formed in the vessel between the heat generation material the PTC heater, and an inner wall of the vessel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat generating structure, a heat utilization system, and an air conditioning system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a heat generating structure capable of realizing excellent energy density, a heat utilization system including the same, and an air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a heat generation system that can stably obtain heat has been proposed using a heat generating cell that generates heat by using a hydrogen storage metal or a hydrogen storage alloy that is inherently unstable (see Patent Document 1). In this heat generation system, according to the heat generation situation of the heat generating cell that changes over time, the supply position of the hydrogen-based gas supplied into the heat generating cell is appropriately changed to output excess heat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the heat generation system as described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it includes a gas supply unit and the like, and becomes a complicated and very large system.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a heat generating structure capable of realizing excellent energy density, a heat utilization system including the same, and an air conditioning system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to achieve the above objectives and have found that the above objectives can be achieved by arranging a heating material covered with an insulating material and the PTC material of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction of the plate-shaped electrodes of the PTC heater, and by sandwiching the heating material between the plate-shaped electrodes of the PTC heater, thereby completing the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the heat-generating structure of the present invention comprises a heat-generating material containing a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs and stores hydrogen to generate excess heat, a PTC heater equipped with a PTC material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic for heating the hydrogen storage alloy and a pair of plate-shaped electrodes that sandwich the PTC material, and a container for housing the heat-generating material and the PTC heater. In this heating structure, at least a portion of the surface of the heating material is covered with an insulating material. Furthermore, in this heating structure, the heating material and the PTC material are arranged adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction of the electrodes, and a pair of plate-shaped electrodes extend in the in-plane direction of the electrodes and sandwich the heating material. Furthermore, in this heating structure, an insulating layer containing hydrogen gas is formed inside the container, between the heating material and PTC heater and the inner wall of the container.

[0008] Furthermore, the heat utilization system of the present invention comprises the above-described heat-generating structure and at least one of other members and other devices. This heat utilization system is characterized by using the heat generated from the heat-generating structure to warm at least one of the other members and other devices.

[0009] Furthermore, the air conditioning system of the present invention comprises the heat-generating structure described above and an air conditioning device. This air conditioning system is characterized by using the heat generated from the heat-generating structure to warm and output the air inside the air conditioning device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a heating element covered with an insulating material and the PTC material of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater are arranged adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction of the plate-shaped electrodes of the PTC heater, and the heating element is sandwiched between the plate-shaped electrodes of the PTC heater, thereby providing a heating structure that can achieve excellent energy density, a heat utilization system and an air conditioning system equipped therewith. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a first embodiment of the heat-generating structure of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a part of the heat-generating structure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing some of other examples of the heating structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a part of yet another example of the heat-generating structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a part of the heating structure of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a part of the heat-generating structure of the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a heat-generating structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the heating structure of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic end view showing a part of an example of a heating structure according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic end view showing a part of another example of the heating structure of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the heat-generating structure placed in the duct of an air conditioning system. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by line XII shown in Figure 9. [Figure 13] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a part of an example of a heat-generating structure according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a part in another example of the heat generating structure according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing an embodiment of the heat utilization system of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing an embodiment of the air conditioning system of the present invention. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, the heat generating structure, the heat utilization system, and the air conditioning system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios of the drawings cited below are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0013] [Heat generating structure] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the heat generating structure 1 of the present embodiment includes a heat generating material 10, a PTC heater 20, and a container 30. The heat generating material 10 includes a hydrogen storage alloy 11 that absorbs and desorbs hydrogen and generates excess heat. The PTC heater 20 includes a PTC material 21 having PTC characteristics for heating the hydrogen storage alloy 11 and a pair of plate-like electrodes 23, 23 that sandwich the PTC material 21. The container 30 houses the heat generating material 10 and the PTC heater 20.

[0014] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the portion of the surface 10a of the heat generating material 10 that contacts the PTC material 21 or the electrode 23 is covered with an insulating material 13.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the plate-like heat generating material 10 and the plate-like PTC material 21 are adjacently arranged in one direction (the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 1 (horizontal direction)) in the in-plane direction of the electrode 23 and are arranged alternately.

[0016] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a pair of plate-shaped electrodes 23, 23 extend in one of the in-plane directions of the electrodes 23 (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 1 (lateral direction)) and sandwich the heating material 10.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, an insulating layer 40 is formed inside the container 30 between the heating element 10 and the PTC heater 20 and the inner wall 31 of the container 30, with an insulating material (not shown) containing hydrogen gas filled in between. Although not shown, power is supplied to the electrodes 23, 23 from an external power source (not shown). Also, although not shown, it is preferable that the heating element 10, the PTC material 21 and the electrodes 23, 23 are held towards the center of the container 30 by a holding member (not shown).

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the heat-generating material 10 and PTC heater 20 in the heat-generating structure 1A illustrated in Figure 1. For convenience, the insulating material, container, and heat-insulating layer are omitted in Figure 2.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, in the heating structure 1A of this example, the plate-shaped heating material 10 and the plate-shaped PTC material 21 are arranged adjacent to each other and alternately in one of the in-plane directions of the electrode 23 (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 2 (the direction of the long side of the heating material 10 and the PTC material 21)).

[0020] Furthermore, Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the heating element 10 and PTC heater 20 in heating structure 1B, which is a modified example of heating structure 1A illustrated in Figure 1. Note that, for convenience, the insulating material, container, and heat insulating layer are omitted in Figure 3 as well.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, in the heating structure 1B of this example, the thin plate-shaped heating material 10 and the thin plate-shaped PTC material 21 are arranged adjacent to each other and alternately in one of the in-plane directions of the electrode 23 (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 3 (the direction of the short side of the heating material 10 and the PTC material 21)).

[0022] Furthermore, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the heating element 10 and PTC heater 20 in heating structure 1C, which is a modified example of heating structure 1A illustrated in Figure 1. Note that, for convenience, the insulating material, container, and heat insulating layer are omitted in Figure 4 as well.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, in the heating structure 1C of this example, the plate-shaped heating material 10 and the plate-shaped PTC material 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in two directions within the plane of the electrode 23 (directions indicated by arrows X and Y in Figure 4 (the long side direction and the short side direction of the heating material 10 and the PTC material 21)). In addition, the plate-shaped heating material 10 and the plate-shaped PTC material 21 are arranged alternately in one direction within the plane of the electrode 23 (direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 4).

[0024] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to the heating structure 1 of this embodiment, the heating material 10 covered with insulating material 13 and the PTC material 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction of the plate-shaped electrode 23, preferably arranged alternately, and the heating material 10 is sandwiched between the plate-shaped electrodes 23, 23. The predetermined heat insulating layer 40 described above is formed between the heating material 10 and the PTC heater 20 and the inner wall 31 of the container 30 inside the container 30. As a result, the heating material 10 and the PTC heater 20 can be made thinner, and the heating material 10 can be efficiently heated by the PTC heater 20. This makes it possible to increase the energy density of the heating structure 1.

[0025] More specifically, the PTC material 21 and the heating element 10 can be made thinner by arranging them adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction of the plate-shaped electrode 23. Furthermore, by covering the heating element 10 with an insulating material 13, the heating element 10 covered with the insulating material 13 and the PTC material 21 can be sandwiched between the plate-shaped electrodes 23, 23. As a result, the heating element 10 can be heated not only from adjacent directions (for example, the directions indicated by arrows X and Y in Figure 4) by the PTC heater 20, but also from the thickness direction (for example, the direction indicated by arrow Z in Figure 4) via the electrodes 23, 23, allowing the entire heating element 10 to be heated efficiently. As a result, excess heat is more easily generated from the entire heating element 10 in all directions. Furthermore, the thinned structure can be made even thinner by housing it in the container 30 via an insulating layer 40 filled with an insulating material containing hydrogen gas. This increases the energy density of the heating structure 1.

[0026] Furthermore, since the heat-generating structure 1 of this embodiment does not require a gas supply unit or the like, it is easy to miniaturize and can be mounted on mobile devices such as vehicles. The energy consumption efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 11 contained in the heat-generating material 10 is at least greater than 1, so if it is used, for example, as a heater mounted on an electric vehicle (EV), such as a heating heater, it will be possible to extend the driving range of the EV.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the heating structure 1B, in which the heating element 10 and the PTC material 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in the short-side direction (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 3), has the advantage of making it easier to increase the surface area of ​​the adjacent surfaces between the heating element 10 and the PTC material 21, and thus being able to heat the heating element 10 more efficiently, compared to the heating structure 1A, in which the heating element 10 and the PTC material 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in the long-side direction (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 2), as shown in Figure 2.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the heat-generating structure 1C, in which the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21 are arranged adjacently in the long-side direction and the short-side direction (directions indicated by arrows X and Y in Figure 4), has the advantage of making it easier to increase the surface area of ​​the adjacent surfaces between the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21, and thus heating the heat-generating material 10 more efficiently, compared to the heat-generating structures 1A and 1B, in which the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21 are arranged adjacently only in the long-side direction or the short-side direction (direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 2 or Figure 3), as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In addition, the heat-generating structure 1C shown in Figure 4 also has the advantage of being able to provide a wider and more uniform heat distribution than the heat-generating structures 1A and 1B shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0029] Furthermore, if current were to flow through the heating element 10, the heating element 10 itself would become a heater, negating the advantages of using the PCT heater 20, which achieves self-controlled heating. Therefore, it is preferable that the insulating material 13 is covered to prevent current from flowing through the heating element 10 itself.

[0030] Here, we will explain the specifications and material types of each component in more detail.

[0031] (heating material) The heat-generating material 10 is not particularly limited, as long as it includes a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs and destorages (releases) hydrogen to generate excess heat. For example, such a hydrogen storage alloy is formed from a hydrogen storage alloy containing a first and a second metal having different hydrogen absorption and destorage properties. There are no particular restrictions on the specific types of the first and second metals, and they can be arbitrarily selected from combinations that can exhibit the above-mentioned hydrogen storage function. Whether a metal corresponds to the "first metal" or the "second metal" is a relative matter determined in relation to the other metals it is combined with. Therefore, depending on the combination of these metals, there is a possibility that a metal may correspond to either the "first metal" or the "second metal".

[0032] Examples of the first metal include aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb). Examples of the second metal include nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), and calcium (Ca). These metals are preferred because they can be used to form heat-generating materials with a high heat output.

[0033] From the viewpoint of being able to function as a heat-generating material even at relatively low heating temperatures, it is preferable to use tin (Sn), which has a relatively low melting point, as the first metal. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of generating a large amount of heat, it is also preferable to use aluminum (Al) as the first metal.

[0034] Furthermore, examples of "first metal-second metal" combinations include nickel-zirconium, aluminum-nickel, aluminum-titanium, aluminum-manganese, aluminum-zinc, tin-titanium, and aluminum-calcium. From the viewpoint of being able to construct a heat-generating material with a particularly high heat output, the combinations of aluminum-nickel, aluminum-titanium, and tin-titanium are preferred, the combinations of aluminum-nickel and tin-titanium are more preferred, and the combination of aluminum-nickel is particularly preferred. Of course, other metals and other combinations may also be used.

[0035] As a pretreatment for the heat-generating material, hydrogen is absorbed into a two-phase hydrogen storage alloy under high pressure and high temperature to create an energetically stable heat-generating material. Then, the energy state is shifted, for example, by lowering the pressure to around atmospheric pressure or lowering the temperature to a moderate temperature such as 200°C, to create an energetically unstable heat-generating material.

[0036] When two phases coexist in a heat-generating material, the equilibrium points at which the energy balance between the two phases is different, and the rates of hydrogen absorption and storage differ. As a result, one phase releases hydrogen while the other absorbs it. This state continues until one phase reaches its equilibrium point, at which point hydrogen release from the other phase stops.

[0037] Since the equilibrium point of one phase is offset from the equilibrium point of the other phase, the other phase then releases hydrogen and the first phase absorbs hydrogen, and the release of hydrogen from the other phase continues past the equilibrium point of the first phase until it reaches the equilibrium point of the other phase.

[0038] As described above, the cycle of hydrogen release from one phase, equilibrium point of one phase, hydrogen release from the other phase, and equilibrium point of the other phase is repeated, allowing for continuous pulsed heat generation. Furthermore, as the heat-generating material undergoes repeated hydrogen absorption and storage, the hydrogen-storing alloy gradually transforms into a simple alloy without hydrogen storage capabilities.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable to use, for example, a pelletized version of the aforementioned alloy powder as the heating element. In addition, it is preferable that the insulating material covering the surface of the heating element be made of, for example, a ceramic such as a zeolite having a porous structure. If the heating element has an insulating coating that is permeable to hydrogen gas, the absorption and storage of hydrogen in the heating element is promoted. Also, when coating the surface of the heating element with the insulating material, it is preferable to use, for example, the sol-gel method.

[0040] (PTC heater) The PTC heater 20 is not particularly limited, as long as it comprises, for example, a PTC material having conventionally known PTC characteristics and a pair of plate-shaped electrodes that sandwich the PTC material. Examples of semiconductor ceramics used as the PTC material include barium titanate (BaTiO3), which exhibits a rapid increase in electrical resistance near the Curie temperature (Tc). However, it is not limited to this, and it is preferable to use a PTC material whose Curie temperature is set above the temperature at which the aforementioned heating material can generate excess heat. Furthermore, the pair of plate-shaped electrodes are preferably permeable to hydrogen gas and have heat resistance. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, metals such as aluminum can be suitably used as the material of such electrodes. From the viewpoint of hydrogen gas permeability, metals that are themselves permeable to hydrogen, such as palladium, may be used, but electrodes with a porous structure having communicating pores that allow hydrogen gas to pass through may also be used, as will be described later.

[0041] (container) The container 30 is not particularly limited, as long as it can contain hydrogen gas along with the heating material and PTC heater inside. Preferably, the container has heat resistance and durability. From the viewpoint of heat resistance and durability, metals such as aluminum and steel can be suitably used as the material for such a container.

[0042] (Insulation layer) The thermal insulation layer 40 is not particularly limited, as long as, for example, a thermal insulation material containing hydrogen gas is filled between the heating element and the PTC heater and the inner wall of the container inside the container. Therefore, the hydrogen gas itself may function as a thermal insulation material in the thermal insulation layer. In addition, other thermal insulation materials that suppress the movement of the hydrogen gas may be included. Furthermore, it is also preferable to fill the inside of the container with a small amount of hydrogen gas in order to improve the thermal insulation performance. In this case, for example, it is preferable to keep the internal pressure of the container at 0.1 MPa or less, and more preferably at 1 kPa to 10 kPa.

[0043] Figures 5 to 14 illustrate the second to sixth embodiments of the heat-generating structure of the present invention. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment described above, and detailed inventions are omitted. In addition, for convenience, the descriptions of the insulating material, container, and heat-insulating layer are omitted in Figures 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, and 14.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the heating element 10 and the PTC heater 20 in the heating structure 2 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the heating structure 2 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the heating structure 1 of the first embodiment, except that the pair of plate-shaped electrodes 23, 23 have a porous structure including holes 23a that connect the heating element 10 and the heat insulating layer (not shown). Examples of such electrodes 23 include those made of perforated metal.

[0045] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to the heat-generating structure 2 of this embodiment, since the pair of plate-shaped electrodes 23, 23 have the porous structure described above, hydrogen absorption and storage in the heat-generating material 10 containing the hydrogen storage alloy 11 that absorbs and stores hydrogen and generates excess heat proceeds more easily, making it easier to generate excess heat from the heat-generating material 10.

[0046] (Third embodiment) Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the heating element 10 and the PTC heater 20 in the heating structure 3 of the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the heating structure 3 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the heating structure 2 of the second embodiment, except that the pair of plate-shaped electrodes 23, 23 have a porous structure including the aforementioned holes 23a only in the clamping region of the heating element 10. As an example of such electrodes 23, one can be said to be one in which only the clamping region of the heating element 10 is made of perforated metal.

[0047] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to the heating structure 3 of this embodiment, since the pair of plate-shaped electrodes 23, 23 have the porous structure described above only in the area where they are sandwiched between the heating material 10, in addition to the advantages of the second embodiment, there is the advantage that deterioration of the PTC material 21 due to contact between the PTC material 21 and hydrogen can be suppressed or prevented.

[0048] (Fourth Embodiment) As shown in Figure 7, the heat-generating structure 4(4A) of this embodiment has the same configuration as the heat-generating structure 1 of the first embodiment, except that the heat-insulating material 43 containing hydrogen gas that is filled in the heat-insulating layer 40 includes a porous body 43A having voids 43a that contain hydrogen gas 41. Examples of such porous body 43A include those made of foamed ceramics. Such foamed ceramics may be applied to the electrode surface or the inner wall of the container to form a coating.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the heat-generating structure 4(4B) of this embodiment has the same configuration as the heat-generating structure 1 of the first embodiment, except that the heat-insulating material 43 containing hydrogen gas that is filled in the heat-insulating layer 40 includes a fiber structure 43B having voids 43a that contain hydrogen gas 41. Examples of such a fiber structure 43B include woven or nonwoven fabrics made of glass wool. Of course, glass fibers may simply be arranged in the heat-insulating layer.

[0050] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to the heat-generating structure 4 of this embodiment, since the heat-insulating material 43 of the heat-insulating layer 40 includes a porous body 43A having voids 43a containing hydrogen gas 41 and a fibrous structure 43B, in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment, it has the advantage of being able to suppress or prevent excessive temperature rise on the surface of the heat-generating structure while securing a hydrogen-filled space. Furthermore, this eliminates the adverse effect on resin parts even if they are placed around the heat-generating structure.

[0051] (Fifth embodiment) Figures 9 and 10 are schematic end views showing the heating element 10 and PTC heater 20 in the heating structure 5 (5A, 5B) of the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the heating structure 5 (5A, 5B) of this embodiment has the same configuration as the heating structure 4A of the fourth embodiment, except that in one of the in-plane directions of the electrode 23 (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figures 9 and 10 (lateral direction)), there is a region where the widths of the heating element 10 and the PTC material 21 are different.

[0052] More specifically, in the heat-generating structure 5A illustrated in Figure 9, there is a region on the central side where the width of the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21 is relatively small, and there are regions on both ends where the width of the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21 is relatively large.

[0053] Furthermore, in the heat-generating structure 5B illustrated in Figure 10, the left end has a region where the width of the heat-generating material 10 and PTC material 21 is relatively small, while the center and right end have regions where the width of the heat-generating material 10 and PTC material 21 is relatively large. Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to have a heat-generating structure 5B illustrated in Figure 10, with the opposite configuration, where the right end has a region where the width of the heat-generating material 10 and PTC material 21 is relatively small.

[0054] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to the heating structure 5 of this embodiment, in one of the in-plane directions of the electrode 23 (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figures 9 and 10 (lateral direction)), there is a region where the widths of the heating material 10 and the PTC material 21 are different. In addition to the advantages of the fourth embodiment, this has the advantage that more excess heat can be generated in the region where the widths of the heating material 10 and the PTC material 21 are relatively small, and the range to be heated can be appropriately defined depending on the application.

[0055] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, when the width of the heating element 10 and the PTC material 21 is relatively small in the central area, the PTC material 21 tends to heat up quickly in the central area, causing the heating element 10 to generate excess heat quickly, and the heating element 10 is also more likely to be heated effectively, leading to the generation of excess heat. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10, when the width of the heating element 10 and the PTC material 21 is relatively small in the leftmost area, the PTC material 21 tends to heat up quickly in the leftmost area, causing the heating element 10 to generate excess heat quickly, and the heating element 10 is also more likely to be heated effectively, leading to the generation of excess heat.

[0056] For example, in a duct 611 as shown in Figure 11 in an air conditioning system, it is known that if the airflow within the duct 611 is laminar, the flow velocity increases as it approaches the center. Therefore, if a heat-generating structure 5A as shown in Figure 12 is placed inside the duct 611 through which such air flows, the excess heat generated in the center can effectively warm the air flowing inside the duct 611.

[0057] (Sixth Embodiment) Figures 13 and 14 are schematic exploded perspective views showing the heating element 10 and the PTC heater 20 in the heating structure 6 of the sixth embodiment. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the heating structure 6 (6A, 6B) of this embodiment has the same configuration as the heating structure 1 of the first embodiment, except that the area of ​​the adjacent surface 21a between the heating element 10 and the PTC material 21 is larger than the area of ​​the projected surface obtained by projecting the adjacent surface 21a from the connection direction (the direction indicated by arrow X in Figures 13 and 13 (lateral direction)).

[0058] More specifically, in the heat-generating structure 6A illustrated in Figure 13, when the connection portion between the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21 is viewed from the direction indicated by arrow Z in Figure 13, the shape traced by the adjacent surface 21a, which consists of a recess 21A and a protrusion 21B, is a rectangular wave shape.

[0059] Furthermore, in the heat-generating structure 6B illustrated in Figure 14, when the connection portion between the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21 is viewed from the direction indicated by arrow Z in Figure 14, the shape traced by the adjacent surface 21a, which consists of a recess 21A and a protrusion 21B, is a triangular wave shape.

[0060] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to the heat-generating structure 6 of this embodiment, the area of ​​the adjacent surface 21a between the heat-generating material 10 and the PTC material 21 is made larger than the area of ​​the projected surface obtained by projecting the adjacent surface 21a from the connection direction. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment, the increased contact area further promotes heat transfer, which has the advantage of effectively heating the heat-generating material 10 and generating more excess heat.

[0061] [Heat utilization system] As shown in Figure 15, the heat utilization system 50 of this embodiment comprises a heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) and other components (other devices) 51. In this heat utilization system 50, the heat generated from the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) is used to warm the other components (other devices) 51.

[0062] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. The heat utilization system 50 of this embodiment has the advantage of being able to be miniaturized because it is possible to warm other components (other devices) 51 using the heat generated from the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) described above. Also, as described above, it can be mounted on moving objects such as vehicles. Since the energy consumption efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 11 contained in the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) described above is at least greater than 1, if it is used as a heater mounted on an electric vehicle (EV), for example, as a heater used in other components (other devices) such as a battery, seat, or steering wheel, it is possible to extend the driving range of the EV.

[0063] [Air conditioning system] As shown in Figure 16, the air conditioning system 60 of this embodiment comprises a heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) and an air conditioning device 61. This air conditioning device 61 includes a duct 611, a blower 613, and a heat exchanger 615. In this air conditioning device 61, the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) is located in the duct 611 downstream of the heat exchanger 615. Air supplied to a room (not shown, specifically the vehicle interior) through the duct 611 is sent to the heat exchanger 615 by the blower 613 as indicated by arrow α, and is heated in the heat exchanger 615. The air heated in the heat exchanger 615 is sent to the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) as indicated by arrow β, and is further heated in the heat-generating structure 1. After that, the air heated in the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) is sent to the room from an outlet (not shown) of the air conditioning device 61.

[0064] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. The heat utilization system 60 of this embodiment has the advantage of being able to miniaturize the air conditioning system 60 because it can use the heat generated from the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) described above to heat and output the air inside the air conditioning unit 61. Also, as described above, it can be mounted on mobile objects such as vehicles. Since the energy consumption efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 11 contained in the heat-generating structure 1 (2-6) described above is at least greater than 1, if it is used, for example, as a heater mounted on an electric vehicle (EV), for example as a heating heater in an air conditioning system, it will be possible to extend the driving range of the EV.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to some embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0066] In this invention, in order to increase energy density, the PTC material of the PTC heater and the heating material covered with an insulating material are arranged adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction of the plate-shaped electrodes of the PTC heater, and the heating material is sandwiched between the plate-shaped electrodes of the PTC heater, in order to effectively heat the heating material containing a hydrogen storage alloy with a PTC heater and generate excess heat from the heating material.

[0067] Therefore, if the above-mentioned effects are obtained, for example, the plate-shaped electrode may be divided in the in-plane direction of the electrode, although this is not shown in the diagram.

[0068] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned effects are obtained, for example, although not shown in the figures, the heating element and the PTC material may be arranged adjacent to each other in either of the in-plane directions of the electrode (the direction indicated by arrow X or arrow Y in Figure 4), or two heating elements and two PTC materials may be arranged adjacent to each other in both directions (the directions indicated by arrows X and Y in Figure 4).

[0069] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned effects are obtained, for example, although not shown in the diagram, a ceramic heater equipped with a thermocouple thermometer may be used instead of a PTC heater, and the temperature of the ceramic heater may be controlled based on the temperature measured by the thermocouple thermometer.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, the components described above are not limited to the configurations shown in each embodiment. It is also possible to change the details of the specifications and materials of the heating element (hydrogen storage alloy, insulating material), PTC heater (PTC material, electrodes), container, and heat insulation layer (heat insulation material), or to replace or combine the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1,2,3,4,5,6 Heat-generating structure 10 Heating material 10a surface 11 Hydrogen storage alloys 13 Insulating material 20 PTC heater 21 PTC material 21A Recess 21B protrusion 21a Adjacent surface 23 electrodes 23a hole 30 containers 31 Inner wall 40 Insulation layer 41 Hydrogen gas 43. Insulation 43a void 43A Porous body 43B Fiber structure 50 Heat utilization systems 51 Other components (other devices) 60 Air conditioning systems 61 Air conditioner 611 Duct 613 Blower 615 Heat exchanger

Claims

1. A heating structure comprising: a heating material containing a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs and stores hydrogen and generates excess heat; a PTC heater equipped with a PTC material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic for heating the hydrogen storage alloy and a pair of plate-shaped electrodes that sandwich the PTC material; and a container for housing the heating material and the PTC heater, At least a portion of the surface of the heating element is covered with an insulating material. The heating element and the PTC material are arranged adjacent to each other in the in-plane direction of the electrode. The pair of plate-shaped electrodes extend in the in-plane direction of the electrodes and sandwich the heating material. Inside the container, an insulating layer is formed between the heating element and the PTC heater and the inner wall of the container, with an insulating material containing hydrogen gas filling the space. A heat-generating structure characterized by the following features.

2. The heating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating material and the PTC material are arranged alternately in at least one direction among the in-plane directions of the electrode.

3. The heating structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the pair of plate-shaped electrodes have a porous structure.

4. The heating structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the pair of plate-shaped electrodes have a porous structure only in the region where the heating material is sandwiched.

5. The heat-generating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat-insulating material includes a porous body or fibrous structure having voids containing hydrogen gas.

6. The heating structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the heating material and / or the PTC material have regions with different widths in at least one of the in-plane directions of the electrode.

7. The heat-generating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the area of ​​the adjacent surfaces between the heat-generating material and the PTC material is larger than the area of ​​the projected surface obtained by projecting the adjacent surfaces from the connection direction.

8. A heat utilization system comprising a heat-generating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and other members and / or devices, The heat generated from the heat-generating structure is used to warm the other members and / or devices. A heat utilization system characterized by the following features.

9. An air conditioning system comprising a heat-generating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an air conditioning device, The heat generated from the aforementioned heat-generating structure is used to warm and output the air inside the air conditioning unit. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

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