Power generation system, aircraft, and power generation method

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of improving energy efficiency of a power generation system that generates hydrogen from solution containing tetrahydroborate.SOLUTION: A power generation system is equipped in a flight body that flies by electric power, and includes: a stock solution container in which solution containing tetrahydroborate is prepared; a reactor including a catalyst for generating hydrogen and metaborate solution by reacting the solution prepared in the stock solution container; a first power converter that obtains electric power by reacting the hydrogen generated by the reactor with oxygen in the atmosphere; and a second power converter that obtains electric power by thermoelectric generation according to a temperature difference between the reactor and fluid in the outside of the flight body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power generation system, an aircraft, and a power generation method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power generation system for a submarine. This power generation system reacts an aqueous solution such as zinc borohydride to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell and is converted into DC power. The reaction heat generated during hydrogen generation is absorbed externally through a heat exchanger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The submarine described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement from the viewpoint of efficiently using energy. The present disclosure provides a technology capable of improving energy efficiency by converting reaction heat in a power generation system into power.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A power generation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is mounted on an aircraft that flies by power. The power generation system includes a stock solution container, a reactor, a first power converter, and a second power converter. The stock solution container prepares an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate. The reactor has a catalyst that reacts the aqueous solution prepared by the stock solution container to generate hydrogen and an aqueous metaborate solution. The first power converter obtains power by reacting the hydrogen generated by the reactor with oxygen in the atmosphere. The second power converter obtains power by thermoelectric power generation according to a temperature difference between the reactor and a fluid outside the aircraft.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a technology that can improve energy efficiency by converting the reaction heat of a power generation system that produces hydrogen from an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate into electricity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power generation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a car equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. (B) is a schematic diagram showing another example of a car equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a ship equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. (B) is a schematic diagram showing another example of a ship equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. (B) is a plan view showing an example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] (A) is a schematic diagram showing another example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. (B) is a plan view showing another example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of a power generation method according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description. The terms "top," "bottom," "left," and "right" are based on the illustrated state and are for convenience only.

[0009] In the following explanation, tetrahydroborate includes hydrides corresponding to the borates exemplified below. For example, when metaborate is used as the borate, it includes NaBH4 (sodium borohydride), KBH4, LiBH4, Ca(BH4)2, Mg(BH4)2, etc.

[0010] Examples of borates include metaborates, tetraborates, and pentaborates. Examples of metaborates include NaBO2, KBO2, LiBO2, Ca(BO2)2, and Mg(BO2)2. Examples of tetraborates include Na2B4O7, Na2O·2BO3, K2O·B2O3, Li2B4O7, and Mg3B4O9. Examples of pentaborates include NaB5O8, Na2O·5B2O3, KB5O8, K2O·5B2O9, and LiB5O8. In addition, there are naturally occurring borate minerals such as Na2B4O7·10H2O, Na2B4O7·4H2O, and Ca2B6O 11 ·5H2O, CaNaB5O9 ·6H2O, Mg7Cl2B 17 O 30 Other materials can also be used. From the viewpoint of availability, cost of acquisition, chemical stability, ease of hydrogen desorption, and hydrogen storage density, sodium metaborate can be used as the borate.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power generation system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the power generation system 1 comprises a raw material container 10, a water container 11, a stock container 20, a reactor 30, a buffer container 31, a recovery container 32, a first power converter 40, a second power converter 50, and a control unit 70.

[0012] The raw material container 10 stores tetrahydroborate. The raw material container 10 is connected to the stock solution container 20 by piping. The tetrahydroborate stored in the raw material container 10 is supplied to the stock solution container 20 via piping. The raw material container 10 may also be connected to the piping via a first supply device 10a. The first supply device 10a supplies a fixed amount of tetrahydroborate from the raw material container 10 to the stock solution container 20 via piping. The amount of tetrahydroborate supplied by the first supply device 10a is controlled by the control unit 70. The first supply device 10a is, for example, a screw feeder. The first supply device 10a may also be a vibrating feeder.

[0013] The water container 11 stores water. The water container 11 is connected to the concentrate container 20 by piping. The water stored in the water container 11 is supplied to the concentrate container 20 via the piping. A second supply device 11a may be provided in the piping between the water container 11 and the concentrate container 20. The second supply device 11a supplies a fixed amount of water from the water container 11 to the concentrate container 20. The amount of water supplied by the second supply device 11a is controlled by the control unit 70. The second supply device 11a is, for example, a pump.

[0014] The stock solution container 20 prepares an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate. In the stock solution container 20, the tetrahydroborate supplied from the raw material container 10 and the water supplied from the water container 11 are mixed. A stirrer may be provided inside the stock solution container 20. Hereinafter, the aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate prepared in the stock solution container 20 may be simply referred to as "aqueous solution." The concentration of tetrahydroborate in the aqueous solution is adjusted to a predetermined concentration.

[0015] The stock solution container 20 is connected to the reactor 30 by a pipe. The aqueous solution stored in the stock solution container 20 is supplied to the reactor 30 through the pipe. A third supply device 20a may be provided in the pipe between the stock solution container 20 and the reactor 30. The third supply device 20a supplies a certain amount of the aqueous solution from the stock solution container 20 to the reactor 30. The amount of the aqueous solution supplied by the third supply device 20a is controlled by the control unit 70. The third supply device 20a is, for example, a pump.

[0016] The reactor 30 has a catalyst that reacts the aqueous solution prepared by the stock solution container 20 to produce hydrogen and a sodium metaborate aqueous solution. For example, a catalyst is disposed inside the reactor 30. The catalyst is, as an example, a mesh catalyst. The material of the catalyst is, as an example, Raney nickel. Inside the reactor 30, the aqueous solution supplied from the stock solution container 20 reacts with the catalyst to produce hydrogen and a sodium metaborate aqueous solution. A spray nozzle may be provided inside the reactor 30. The spray nozzle sprays the aqueous solution supplied from the stock solution container 20 toward the mesh catalyst disposed inside the reactor 30.

[0017] The aqueous solution that has come into contact with the catalyst is hydrolyzed as shown by the following formula (1) to produce hydrogen and a sodium metaborate aqueous solution. The amounts of the produced hydrogen and sodium metaborate aqueous solution are adjusted by the amount of the aqueous solution supplied by the third supply device 20a. The amounts of the produced hydrogen and sodium metaborate aqueous solution are controlled by the control unit 70. NaBH 4(aq) +2H2O→NaBO 2(aq) +4H2+217kJ (1)

[0018] The buffer container 31 is provided below the reactor 30. The reactor 30 and the buffer container 31 are connected such that the internal space of the reactor 30 and the internal space of the buffer container 31 define one space. The hydrogen and sodium metaborate aqueous solution produced in the reactor 30 is stored in the buffer container 31. A pressure sensor and a water amount sensor may be provided in the buffer container 31.

[0019] The buffer container 31 is connected to the recovery container 32 by a pipe. The aqueous solution of sodium metaborate stored in the buffer container 31 is supplied to the recovery container 32 through the pipe. A liquid regulating valve may be provided in the pipe between the buffer container 31 and the recovery container 32. The liquid regulating valve is, for example, a solenoid valve and is controlled by the control unit 70. The control unit 70 controls the opening and closing of the liquid regulating valve according to the measured value of the water amount sensor provided in the buffer container 31, thereby controlling the amount of the aqueous solution of sodium metaborate supplied from the buffer container 31 to the recovery container 32.

[0020] The buffer container 31 is connected to the first power converter 40 by a pipe. The hydrogen stored in the buffer container 31 is supplied to the first power converter 40 through the pipe. A gas regulating valve 31a may be provided in the pipe between the buffer container 31 and the first power converter 40. The gas regulating valve 31a is, for example, a solenoid valve and is controlled by the control unit 70. The control unit 70 controls the opening and closing of the gas regulating valve 31a according to the measured value of the pressure sensor provided in the buffer container 31, thereby controlling the amount of hydrogen supplied from the buffer container 31 to the first power converter 40.

[0021] The first power converter 40 obtains electric power by reacting the hydrogen generated by the reactor 30 with oxygen in the atmosphere. The first power converter 40 is, for example, a fuel cell. The control unit 70 may control the opening and closing of the gas regulating valve 31a according to the electromotive force of the first power converter 40, thereby controlling the amount of hydrogen supplied from the buffer container 31 to the first power converter 40. The first power converter 40 supplies electric power to the thruster 60 (see FIGS. 2 to 5 described later). The thruster 60 converts electric power into driving force. For example, the thruster 60 is an electric motor. The thruster 60 moves the system on which the power generation system 1 is mounted by moving the driving unit 61.

[0022] The second power converter 50 obtains power through thermoelectric generation, which is determined by the temperature difference between the fluid outside the system on which the power generation system 1 is installed and the reactor 30. The fluid may be a gas or a liquid. The second power converter 50 is, for example, a thermoelectric element. The second power converter 50 may supply power to the thruster 60. The second power converter 50 may supply power to the system's power supply or control unit 70.

[0023] The second power converter 50 is thermally connected to a flow path 52 that communicates with the outside of the system. Fluid from outside the system flows through the flow path 52. The flow path 52 includes a first flow path 52a, a second flow path 52b, and a third flow path 52c.

[0024] The first channel 52a communicates with the outside of the system. Fluid flows into the first channel 52a from the outside. The second channel 52b is connected to the first channel 52a and is thermally connected to the reactor 30. The fluid that flows in from the outside exchanges heat with the reactor 30 in the second channel 52b. The third channel 52c is connected to the second channel 52b and communicates with the outside of the system. The fluid that has exchanged heat with the reactor 30 flows out to the outside through the third channel 52c. The second power converter 50 is thermally connected to the first channel 52a and the third channel 52c and obtains power by thermoelectric generation according to the temperature difference between the first channel 52a and the third channel 52c.

[0025] The aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate prepared in the stock solution container 20 may also contain metaborate. For example, the metaborate aqueous solution may be supplied to the water container 11 where water is stored from the recovery container 32 where the metaborate aqueous solution is stored.

[0026] The power generation system 1 may include a dehumidifier 31b that removes moisture contained in the hydrogen produced in the reactor 30. The dehumidifier 31b is located, for example, in the piping through which the hydrogen from the buffer container 31 flows toward the first power converter 40. The dehumidifier 31b is, for example, a valve containing silica gel.

[0027] Figure 2(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2(B) is a schematic diagram showing another example of a vehicle equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. Vehicles 2A and 2B are examples of mobile bodies that move using electricity. Vehicles 2A and 2B are one embodiment of a mobile body equipped with the power generation system 1. Vehicles 2A and 2B are equipped with tires. The tires are an example of a drive unit 61. The thruster 60 moves vehicles 2A and 2B by moving the tires.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), in vehicles 2A and 2B, the second power converter 50 is positioned outside vehicles 2A and 2B, relative to the reactor 30. The second power converter 50 generates electricity through thermoelectric power generation, which is determined by the temperature difference between the reactor 30 and the fluid outside vehicles 2A and 2B. The fluid outside vehicles 2A and 2B is the atmosphere. In this case, a temperature difference is more likely to occur between the part of the second power converter 50 facing the outside of vehicles 2A and 2B and the part of the second power converter 50 facing the reactor 30, thus improving the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50.

[0029] Vehicle 2A is equipped with a flow path 52. Air flows through the flow path 52. For example, the first flow path 52a is located on the front side of vehicle 2A. The third flow path 52c is located on the rear side of vehicle 2A. An opening communicating with the first flow path 52a may be formed on the front side of vehicle 2A. In this case, the flow velocity of the air flowing through the flow path 52 increases according to the driving speed of vehicle 2A, which can further improve the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50.

[0030] Vehicle 2B is equipped with a cooling unit 51. The cooling unit 51 is cooled by the atmosphere. The cooling unit 51 may be positioned adjacent to the second power converter 50. The cooling unit 51 is, for example, a heat sink positioned on the surface of vehicle 2B. In vehicle 2B, the second power converter 50 obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor 30 and the cooling unit 51. In this case, the cooling unit 51 is cooled according to the driving speed of vehicle 2A, so the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50 can be further improved.

[0031] Figure 3(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a ship equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3(B) is a schematic diagram showing another example of a ship equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. Ships 3A and 3B are examples of mobile bodies that move by electricity. Ships 3A and 3B are one embodiment of a mobile body on which the power generation system 1 is installed. Ships 3A and 3B are equipped with a screw. The screw is an example of a drive unit 61. The propeller 60 moves ships 3A and 3B by moving the screw.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), in ships 3A and 3B, the second power converter 50 is positioned on the bottom side of ships 3A and 3B, relative to the reactor 30. The second power converter 50 generates electricity through thermoelectric power generation, which is determined by the temperature difference between the reactor 30 and the fluid outside ships 3A and 3B. The fluid outside ships 3A and 3B is the water surrounding ships 3A and 3B. In this case, a temperature difference is more likely to occur between the part of the second power converter 50 facing the bottom side of ships 3A and 3B and the part of the second power converter 50 facing the reactor 30, thus improving the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50.

[0033] The vessel 3A is equipped with a channel 52 through which water flows. For example, the first channel 52a is located on the front side of the vessel 3A. The third channel 52c is located on the bottom side of the vessel 3A. An opening communicating with the first channel 52a may be formed on the front side of the vessel 3A and below the waterline. In this case, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the channel 52 increases according to the speed of the vessel 3A, which can further improve the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50.

[0034] Ship 3B is equipped with a cooling unit 51. The cooling unit 51 is cooled by the water surrounding ship 3B. The cooling unit 51 may be positioned adjacent to the second power converter 50. The cooling unit 51 is, for example, a heat sink located on the bottom surface of ship 3B. In ship 3B, the second power converter 50 obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor 30 and the cooling unit 51. In this case, the cooling unit 51 is cooled according to the sailing speed of ship 3A, so the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50 can be further improved.

[0035] Figure 4(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 4(B) is a plan view showing an example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. An aircraft is an example of a mobile body. Aircraft 4A is an example of an aircraft that flies using electricity. Aircraft 4A is one embodiment of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system 1. Aircraft 4A is equipped with a propeller. The propeller is an example of a drive unit 61. The thruster 60 makes aircraft 4A fly by moving the propeller.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), in the aircraft 4A, the thruster 60 rotates the propeller to make the aircraft 4A fly. For example, the aircraft 4A is a quadcopter. The aircraft 4A is equipped with a flow path 52. Air flows through the flow path 52. For example, the first flow path 52a is positioned where it is struck by the airflow generated by the propeller of the aircraft 4A. The third flow path 52c is positioned on the bottom side of the aircraft 4A. An opening communicating with the first flow path 52a may be formed where it is struck by the airflow generated by the propeller of the aircraft 4A. In this case, the flow velocity of the air flowing through the flow path 52 increases in accordance with the rotation speed of the propeller of the aircraft 4A, so the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50 can be further improved.

[0037] Figure 5(A) is a schematic diagram showing another example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 5(B) is a plan view showing another example of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system 1 according to the embodiment. Aircraft 4B is an example of an aircraft that flies using electricity. Aircraft 4B is one embodiment of an aircraft equipped with the power generation system 1. Aircraft 4B is equipped with a propeller. The thruster 60 moves the propeller to make aircraft 4A fly.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), in the aircraft 4B, the thruster 60 rotates the propeller to make the aircraft 4B fly. For example, the aircraft 4B is a quadcopter. The aircraft 4B is equipped with a cooling unit 51. The cooling unit 51 is cooled by the atmosphere. The cooling unit 51 may be positioned adjacent to the second power converter 50. For example, the cooling unit 51 is a heat sink positioned where it is hit by the airflow generated by the propeller of the aircraft 4B. In the aircraft 4B, the second power converter 50 obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor 30 and the cooling unit 51. In this case, since the cooling unit 51 is cooled according to the rotation speed of the propeller of the aircraft 4B, the power generation efficiency of the second power converter 50 can be further improved.

[0039] The aircraft on which the power generation system 1 according to this embodiment is mounted is not limited to a quadcopter. The aircraft on which the power generation system 1 according to this embodiment is mounted may be an airplane, helicopter, airship, glider, or rocket, etc. The airplane may be either a jet or a propeller aircraft.

[0040] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a power generation method according to the embodiment. The power generation method is performed, for example, by the control unit 70 of the power generation system 1. The power generation system 1 is mounted on a mobile body or an aircraft. The power generation method may also be performed by an operator who operates the control unit 70, etc. Below, as an example, an example in which the control unit 70 performs the power generation method will be described.

[0041] First, the control unit 70 performs a preparation step (step S10) to prepare an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate. The control unit 70 may also operate the first supply device 10a and the second supply device 11a to prepare an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate at a predetermined concentration.

[0042] Next, the control unit 70 performs a hydrogen generation step (step S20) in which an aqueous solution is reacted with a catalyst to produce hydrogen and a metaborate aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is the aqueous solution prepared in the preparation step (step S10). The control unit 70 may control the amount of the aqueous solution to be reacted by operating the third supply device 20a.

[0043] Next, the control unit 70 performs a first power conversion step (step S30) in which the generated hydrogen reacts with atmospheric oxygen to obtain power. The hydrogen is the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation step (step S20). The control unit 70 may control the amount of hydrogen flowing from the buffer container 31 to the first power converter 40 by controlling the gas control valve 31a.

[0044] Finally, the control unit 70 performs a second power conversion step (step S40) in which it obtains electricity by thermoelectric power generation based on the reaction heat in the hydrogen generation step (step S20) and the temperature of the fluid outside the mobile or flying body on which the power generation system 1 is mounted.

[0045] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made.

[0046] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure are described in the following sections 1 to 8.

[0047] [Clause 1] A power generation system mounted on an aircraft that flies using electricity, A stock solution container for preparing an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate, A reactor having a catalyst that reacts the aqueous solution prepared in the stock solution container to produce hydrogen and a metaborate aqueous solution, A first power converter that obtains electricity by reacting hydrogen produced by the reactor with oxygen in the atmosphere, A power generation system comprising: a second power converter that obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the fluid outside the aircraft; and a power generation system comprising:

[0048] In this power generation system, electricity can be obtained from both the first and second power converters, thus improving the energy efficiency of the power generation system compared to a power generation system that does not have a second power converter.

[0049] [Clause 2] The cooling section is cooled by the aforementioned fluid, The second power converter obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the cooling unit. The power generation system described in Clause 1. In this power generation system, the flow rate of the fluid cooling the cooling section increases in accordance with the flight speed of the aircraft, thus further improving the energy efficiency of the power generation system.

[0050] [Clause 3] The system includes a channel through which the aforementioned fluid flows, The aforementioned flow path is A first channel through which the fluid flowing in from the outside flows, A second channel is connected to the first channel, and through which the fluid flowing therein exchanges heat with the reactor, It includes a third channel connected to the second channel, which allows the fluid that has exchanged heat with the reactor to flow out to the outside, The second power converter obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the first flow path and the third flow path. A power generation system as described in Clause 1 or Clause 2. In this power generation system, the flow rate of the fluid through the channel increases in accordance with the flight speed of the aircraft, thus further improving the energy efficiency of the power generation system.

[0051] [Clause 4] The catalyst is Raney nickel, as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 3 of the power generation system.

[0052] [Clause 5] The aforementioned aqueous solution contains a metaborate, as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 4. In this power generation system, an aqueous solution containing metaborates obtained by the reaction of an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborates is reused, which allows for a miniaturization of the power generation system's configuration.

[0053] [Clause 6] A power generation system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 5, comprising a dehumidifier that removes moisture contained in the hydrogen.

[0054] [Clause 7] An aircraft that flies using electricity, A stock solution container for preparing an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate, A reactor having a catalyst that reacts an aqueous solution prepared in a stock container to produce hydrogen and a metaborate aqueous solution, A first power converter that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen produced by a reactor with oxygen in the atmosphere, A second power converter that generates electricity through thermoelectric power generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the fluid outside the aircraft, An aircraft comprising a propulsion system that flies the aircraft using power obtained from at least a first power converter.

[0055] [Clause 8] A method of generating electricity for an aircraft that flies using electricity, Preparation steps include preparing an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate, A hydrogen generation step involves reacting the aqueous solution with a catalyst to produce hydrogen and an aqueous metaborate solution, A first power conversion step involves reacting the generated hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen to obtain electricity, A second power conversion step, which obtains electricity by thermoelectric power generation based on the reaction heat in the hydrogen production step and the temperature of the fluid outside the aircraft, A power generation method that includes the following features.

[0056] The following describes an embodiment implemented by the inventors in order to explain the effects of the power generation system and flight method according to the embodiment. In the embodiment, the control of the electric aircraft and the processing of temperature measurement signals were performed using a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0057] (Example 1) 47g of sodium borohydride stored in the raw material container 10 was dispensed by operating the screw feeder, which is the first supply device 10a, for 10 seconds. The dispensed sodium borohydride was then poured into the stock container 20 through piping.

[0058] 308 mL of water stored in the water container 11 was pumped through the piping using the pump, which is the second supply device 11a. The pumped water was then poured through the piping into the stock solution container 20. The sodium borohydride and water in the stock solution container 20 were stirred to prepare an aqueous sodium borohydride solution. Hereafter, the aqueous sodium borohydride solution may be referred to as the "stock solution".

[0059] The concentrate stored in the concentrate container 20 was pumped out by the third supply device 20a. The pumped concentrate was sprayed onto the Raney nickel inside the reactor 30 by a spray nozzle located inside the reactor 30. The reactor 30 was filled with 330 g of Raney nickel held in a retaining mesh.

[0060] The stock solution underwent hydrolysis upon contact with Raney nickel, as shown in formula (1) above, generating hydrogen and an aqueous metaborate solution. The heat of reaction from the reaction in formula (1) caused the temperature of the Raney nickel filled in the reactor 30 to rise. The aqueous sodium metaborate solution and hydrogen generated by the reaction in formula (1) passed through the Raney nickel and flowed into the buffer container 31 located below the reactor 30.

[0061] The sodium metaborate aqueous solution and hydrogen that flowed into the buffer container 31 were separated into gas and liquid. The sodium metaborate aqueous solution flowed into the recovery container 32. The hydrogen was depressurized by the gas control valve 31a and then supplied to the first power converter 40, which is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Power was generated in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The power generated by the polymer electrolyte fuel cell was stable at 0.95 kW.

[0062] Electricity from a polymer electrolyte fuel cell was used to drive an induction motor (rated at 1 kW). The thrust generated by the induction motor propelled an electric vehicle (a four-wheeled automobile). The electric vehicle traveled at a speed of 20 km / h.

[0063] The propelled electric mobile unit drew in external airflow through the first channel 52a. The reaction heat in the reactor 30 was exchanged with the airflow flowing through the second channel 52b. The airflow that exchanged heat with the reactor 30 was discharged to the outside through the third channel.

[0064] The Peltier element, which is the second power converter 50, generated electricity through thermoelectric power generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the first channel 52a and the third channel 52c. This electricity was used as the propulsion power for the electric mobile unit. The power generated by the Peltier element was approximately 50W. The electricity generated by the Peltier element was used for propulsion of the electric mobile unit through a dedicated circuit.

[0065] (Example 2) The following describes an example in which an electric mobile vehicle (boat) is propelled by the thrust generated by an induction motor. The process until the solid polymer fuel cell generates electricity is the same as in Example 1 described above.

[0066] Electricity from a polymer electrolyte fuel cell was used to drive an induction motor (rated at 1 kW). The thrust generated by the induction motor propelled the electric vehicle (boat). The electric vehicle traveled at a speed of 5.4 knots.

[0067] The propelled electric mobile unit drew in external water flow through the first channel 52a. The reaction heat in the reactor 30 was exchanged with the water flow through the second channel 52b. The water flow that exchanged heat with the reactor 30 was discharged to the outside through the third channel.

[0068] The Peltier element, which is the second power converter 50, generated electricity through thermoelectric power generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the first channel 52a and the third channel 52c. This electricity was used as the propulsion power for the electric mobile unit. The power generated by the Peltier element was approximately 50W. The electricity generated by the Peltier element was used for propulsion of the electric mobile unit through a dedicated circuit.

[0069] (Example 3) The following describes an example in which an electric aircraft (quadcopter) is flown using thrust generated by an induction motor. The process until the solid polymer fuel cell generates electricity is the same as in Examples 1 and 2 described above.

[0070] The electricity generated from the polymer electrolyte fuel cell powered four induction motors (rated 0.25 kW). Each induction motor's corresponding propeller rotated in response to its operation. The thrust generated by the four induction motors allowed the electric aircraft to fly to an altitude of 10 meters.

[0071] The flying electric aircraft drew in external airflow through the first channel 52a. The reaction heat in the reactor 30 was exchanged with the airflow flowing through the second channel 52b. The airflow that exchanged heat with the reactor 30 was discharged to the outside through the third channel.

[0072] The Peltier element, which is the second power converter 50, generated electricity through thermoelectric power generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the first channel 52a and the third channel 52c. This electricity was used as the propulsion power for the electric aircraft. The power was approximately 50W. The electricity generated by the Peltier element was used for propulsion of the electric aircraft through a dedicated circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1...Power generation system, 20...Concentrate container, 30...Reactor, 31b...Dehumidification unit, 40...First power converter, 50...Second power converter, 51...Cooling unit, 52...Flow channel, 52a...First flow channel, 52b...Second flow channel, 52c...Third flow channel, 60...Pumper.

Claims

1. An aircraft that flies using electricity, and which is equipped with a propeller, and a power generation system mounted on said aircraft, A stock solution container for preparing an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate, A reactor having a catalyst that reacts the aqueous solution prepared in the stock solution container to produce hydrogen and a metaborate aqueous solution, A first power converter that obtains electricity by reacting hydrogen produced by the reactor with oxygen in the atmosphere, A second power converter that obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the fluid outside the aircraft, A cooling section cooled by the aforementioned fluid, Equipped with, The cooling unit is positioned where it is hit by the airflow generated by the propeller. The second power converter obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the cooling unit. Power generation system.

2. A power generation system mounted on an aircraft that flies using electricity, A stock solution container for preparing an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate, A reactor having a catalyst that reacts the aqueous solution prepared in the stock solution container to produce hydrogen and a metaborate aqueous solution, A first power converter that obtains electricity by reacting hydrogen produced by the reactor with oxygen in the atmosphere, A second power converter that obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the fluid outside the aircraft, The system includes a channel through which the aforementioned fluid flows, The aforementioned flow path is A first channel through which the fluid flowing in from the outside flows, A second channel is connected to the first channel, and through which the fluid flowing is exchanged with the reactor, It includes a third channel connected to the second channel, which allows the fluid that has exchanged heat with the reactor to flow out to the outside, The second power converter obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the first flow path and the third flow path. Power generation system.

3. The power generation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the catalyst is Raney nickel.

4. The power generation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aqueous solution contains a metaborate.

5. The power generation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dehumidifier that removes moisture contained in the hydrogen.

6. An aircraft equipped with a propeller and propelled by electric power, A stock solution container for preparing an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate, A reactor having a catalyst that reacts the aqueous solution prepared in the stock solution container to produce hydrogen and a metaborate aqueous solution, A first power converter that obtains electricity by reacting hydrogen produced by the reactor with oxygen in the atmosphere, A second power converter that obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the fluid outside the aircraft, A propulsion system that flies the aircraft using power obtained at least from the first power converter, A cooling section cooled by the aforementioned fluid, Equipped with, The cooling unit is positioned where it is hit by the airflow generated by the propeller. The second power converter obtains power by thermoelectric generation corresponding to the temperature difference between the reactor and the cooling unit. A flying object.

7. A method of generating electricity for an aircraft that flies using electricity, Preparation steps include preparing an aqueous solution containing tetrahydroborate, A hydrogen generation step involves reacting the aqueous solution with a catalyst to produce hydrogen and an aqueous metaborate solution, A first power conversion step involves reacting the generated hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen to obtain electricity, A second power conversion step, which obtains electricity by thermoelectric power generation based on the reaction heat in the hydrogen production step and the temperature of the fluid outside the aircraft, Equipped with, In the second power conversion step, electricity is obtained by thermoelectric power generation corresponding to the temperature difference between a cooling unit positioned where the airflow generated by the propeller of the aircraft strikes and a reactor having a catalyst. Method of generating electricity.

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