Heating device

Abstract

The present invention provides a heating device for preventing contamination of a heating body. A heating device 3 includes: a sealed container 5 having a double pipe structure, the sealed container including an inner pipe body 501 having a central axis line, and an outer pipe body 502 surrounding the inner pipe body 501 and disposed coaxially with the inner pipe body 501; a heating body 14 provided in a sealed space 9 between the inner pipe body 501 and the outer pipe body 502 and generating heat by occlusion and release of hydrogen; a heater 15 serving as a heat source disposed on the central axis line of the inner pipe body 501; a supply part connected to the outer pipe body 502 and supplying a hydrogen-based gas containing hydrogen to the sealed space 9; and a discharge part connected to the outer pipe body 502 and discharging the hydrogen-based gas in the sealed space 9. The inner pipe body 501 has a heat transmission region 503 for transmitting radiation heat from the heater 15. The heater 15 heats the heating body 14 by the radiation heat transmitted through the heat transmission region 503.

Description

Heating device

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat generating device.

[0002] Recently, a heating device has been proposed that includes a sealed container to which a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied, a heating element that generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen, and a heater that heats the heating element (see Patent Document 1). The sealed container is made of a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant material such as stainless steel. The heating element and heater are housed in the interior space of the sealed container. The heating element includes a base made of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a proton conductor, and a multilayer film provided on the base. The multilayer film includes a first layer made of a hydrogen storage metal or a hydrogen storage alloy and having a thickness of less than 1000 nm, and a second layer made of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a ceramic that is different from the first layer and having a thickness of less than 1000 nm. A heterogeneous material interface is formed between the first and second layers. In the heat generating device of Patent Document 1, after hydrogen is absorbed into the heat generating element, the inside of the sealed container is evacuated and the heat generating element is heated, causing the hydrogen to permeate the interface of different materials in the heat generating element by quantum diffusion, or the hydrogen to diffuse the interface of different materials by quantum diffusion, generating excess heat.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 122097

[0004] However, in the heating device of Patent Document 1, when the heater is replaced or repaired due to a malfunction or the like, the sealed container is opened to the atmosphere, and the heating element is exposed to the atmosphere, which can cause the surface of the heating element to oxidize due to oxygen in the atmosphere or substances such as water in the atmosphere to adhere to the surface of the heating element, thereby contaminating the heating element, or so-called contamination. When the heating element becomes contaminated, the generation of excess heat is inhibited.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a heating device that prevents contamination of the heating element.

[0006] The heat generating device according to the present invention comprises a sealed container with a double-tube structure having an inner tube having a central axis and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube and arranged coaxially with the inner tube; a heat generating element provided in the sealed space between the inner tube and the outer tube and generating heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen; a heat source arranged on the central axis; a supply part connected to the outer tube and supplying a hydrogen-based gas containing hydrogen to the sealed space; and a discharge part connected to the outer tube and discharging the hydrogen-based gas from the sealed space. The device comprises a support formed of a hydrogen-absorbing metal, a hydrogen-absorbing alloy, or a proton conductor, and a multilayer film provided on the support, the multilayer film having a first layer less than 1000 nm thick formed of a hydrogen-absorbing metal or a hydrogen-absorbing alloy, and a second layer less than 1000 nm thick formed of a hydrogen-absorbing metal, a hydrogen-absorbing alloy, or a ceramic different from the first layer, the inner tube having a heat-transmitting region that transmits radiant heat from the heat source, and the heat source heats the heating element by the radiant heat that has transmitted through the heat-transmitting region.

[0007] According to the present invention, contamination of the heating element can be prevented.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat utilization system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealed container, a heat-generating structure, and a heater taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat-generating element. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat utilization system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat utilization system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat utilization system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat utilization system according to a fifth embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description and drawings, common components are designated by common reference numerals. Descriptions of components designated by common reference numerals will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (1) Heat Utilization System According to the First Embodiment In Fig. 1, the heat utilization system 1 includes a piping path 2 through which a heat medium flows, a heat generating device 3 that heats the heat medium flowing through the piping path 2, and a heat utilization device 4 that uses the heat medium heated by the heat generating device 3 as a heat source. The heat generating device 3 and the heat utilization device 4 are incorporated into the piping path 2. The piping path 2 forms a sealed circulation path between the heat generating device 3 and the heat utilization device 4.

[0011] The heat transfer medium may be a gas or a liquid, and is preferably one that has excellent thermal conductivity and is chemically stable. Examples of the gas that can be used include helium gas, argon gas, hydrogen gas, nitrogen gas, water vapor, air, and carbon dioxide. Examples of the liquid that can be used include water and molten salt (KNO ３ (40%)-NaNO ３ (60%)), liquid metal (Pb, etc.), etc. may be used. Alternatively, a multiphase heat transfer medium in which solid particles are dispersed in a gas or liquid may be used as the heat transfer medium. The solid particles may be metals, metal compounds, alloys, ceramics, etc. Metals may include Cu, Ni, Ti, Co, etc. Metal compounds may include oxides, nitrides, silicides, etc. of the above metals. Alloys may include stainless steel, chromium molybdenum steel, etc. Ceramics may include alumina, etc. In this embodiment, helium gas is used as the heat transfer medium, but this may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0012] The heat generating device 3 comprises a hollow sealed container 5, a hydrogen tank 6 connected to the sealed container 5, a vacuum pump 7 connected to the sealed container 5, a heat generating structure 8 housed in the sealed container 5, and a heater 15 as a heat source for heating the heat generating element 14 described later.

[0013] The configuration of the sealed container 5 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealed container 5, the heat generating structure 8, and the heater 15 taken along line II-II in Figure 1. The sealed container 5 is a container with a double-tube structure having an inner tube 501 having a central axis CL and an outer tube 502 surrounding the inner tube 501 and arranged coaxially with the inner tube 501. A sealed space 9 is formed inside the sealed container 5, i.e., between the inner tube 501 and the outer tube 502. The outside of the sealed container 5 is atmospheric space.

[0014] The inner tube 501 has a heat-transmitting region 503 that transmits radiant heat from a heater 15, which serves as a heat source (described later). The radiant heat that has transmitted through the heat-transmitting region 503 is introduced into the sealed space 9 between the inner tube 501 and the outer tube 502. The heat-transmitting region 503 is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves, including infrared rays, and that is heat-resistant and pressure-resistant, specifically, quartz.

[0015] The inner pipe 501 includes an inner pipe body 504 having a heat-transmitting region 503, an expandable bellows portion 505 connected to the inner pipe body 504, and an inner pipe flange portion 506 connected to the bellows portion 505. In this embodiment, the bellows portion 505 is provided to take into account the thermal expansion and deformation of the inner pipe body 504. However, if the inner pipe body 504 is made of a material or operating temperature that does not cause thermal expansion and deformation, the bellows portion 505 is not necessary. In this embodiment, a quartz tube is used as the inner pipe body 504, and the entire inner pipe body 504 forms the heat-transmitting region 503. The bellows portion 505 and the inner pipe flange portion 506 are formed of a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant material, such as stainless steel or a heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel. The bellows portion 505 and the inner pipe flange portion 506 are made of a material appropriate for the operating temperature. For example, stainless steel is used when the operating temperature is up to approximately 700°C, and heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel is used when the operating temperature is above 700°C. In addition, when only a portion of the inner tube body 504 is made into the heat-transmitting region 503, the portion of the inner tube body 504 other than the heat-transmitting region 503 is formed from a material that has heat resistance and pressure resistance, such as stainless steel or heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel.

[0016] The inner cylinder body 504 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Specifically, the inner cylinder body 504 is composed of a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom in a direction along the central axis CL. In the heating device 3, the direction along the central axis CL is defined as the up-down direction, with the open end of the inner cylinder body 504 defined as the upper side and the bottom side of the inner cylinder body 504 defined as the lower side. The open end of the inner cylinder body 504 is located at the upper end of the sidewall. In this embodiment, the bottom of the inner cylinder body 504 is formed into a disk shape, and the sidewall of the inner cylinder body 504 is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. The sidewall of the inner cylinder body 504 has a uniform diameter along its entire length in the direction along the central axis CL (the up-down direction). Note that "uniform" includes not only strictly uniform but also approximately uniform, i.e., variations within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0017] The bellows portion 505 is a flexible expandable tube. The lower end of the bellows portion 505 is airtightly joined, for example, by brazing, to the open end of the inner cylinder body 504. The bellows portion 505 absorbs deformation of the inner cylinder body 504 due to thermal expansion.

[0018] The inner pipe flange portion 506 extends in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL from the upper end of the bellows portion 505. The inner pipe flange portion 506 is airtightly joined to the upper end of the bellows portion 505 by, for example, brazing.

[0019] The outer tube body 502 has an outer tube body 507 that surrounds the inner tube body 504 and the bellows portion 505, and an outer tube flange portion 508 connected to the outer tube body 507. The outer tube body 507 and the outer pipe flange portion 508 are formed of a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant material such as stainless steel or a heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel. The outer tube body 507 and the outer pipe flange portion 508 may be made of the same material as the bellows portion 505 and the inner pipe flange portion 506.

[0020] The outer tube body 507 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. Specifically, the outer tube body 507 is composed of a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom in a direction (vertical direction) along the central axis CL of the inner tube 501. The open end of the outer tube body 507 is provided at the upper end of the sidewall. In this embodiment, the bottom of the outer tube body 507 is formed in a disk shape, and the sidewall of the outer tube body 507 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The sidewall of the outer tube body 507 has a uniform diameter over its entire length in the direction (vertical direction) along the central axis CL.

[0021] The outer pipe flange portion 508 extends from the open end of the outer tube body 507 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL of the inner tube body 501. The outer pipe flange portion 508 is airtightly joined to the open end of the outer tube body 507 by, for example, brazing.

[0022] The inner pipe flange portion 506 and the outer pipe flange portion 508 are airtightly joined. In this embodiment, an annular seal member 509 is provided between the inner pipe flange portion 506 and the outer pipe flange portion 508. The seal member 509 is formed of a gasket or the like. The inner pipe flange portion 506 and the outer pipe flange portion 508 are airtightly joined by being connected with fastening members such as bolts with the seal member 509 sandwiched between them. This defines a sealed space 9 as a sealed space inside the sealed container 5. The sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 is not in communication with the atmospheric space outside the sealed container 5. The sealed container 5 is configured so that air does not flow into the sealed space 9. Note that the inner pipe flange portion 506 and the outer pipe flange portion 508 are not limited to being airtightly joined using the seal member 509, and may also be airtightly joined using welding such as brazing or diffusion bonding.

[0023] The sealed container 5 is disposed in the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 and has a heating element holding portion 510 that holds the heating element 14. The heating element holding portion 510 has a groove into which the end of the heating element 14 fits. The heating element 14 is positioned by fitting the end of the heating element 14 into the groove of the heating element holding portion 510. In this embodiment, the heating element holding portion 510 is provided on the bottom surface of the outer tube main body 507 and supports the heating element 14 from below. The heating element holding portion 510 is not limited to being provided on the bottom surface of the outer tube main body 507, but may also be provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion of the outer tube main body 507, the lower surface of the inner pipe flange portion 506 of the inner tube main body 504, or the like. When the heating element holding portion 510 is provided on the lower surface of the inner pipe flange portion 506, the heating element holding portion 510 suspends the heating element 14 from above.

[0024] The sealed container 5 has a heater holding portion 511 that is disposed outside the sealed container 5 and holds the heater 15. In this embodiment, the heater holding portion 511 is provided on the upper surface of the inner pipe flange portion 506 of the inner pipe body 501, and suspends the heater 15 from above. The heater 15 is positioned by the heater holding portion 511.

[0025] The heat generating device 3 has an inlet pipe 10 that connects the sealed container 5 and the hydrogen tank 6, and an exhaust pipe 11 that connects the sealed container 5 and the vacuum pump 7. The inlet pipe 10 extends from the lower end side of the outer tube body 502 of the sealed container 5 and is connected to the hydrogen tank 6, and constitutes an inlet path that guides the hydrogen-based gas stored in the hydrogen tank 6 to the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. The exhaust pipe 11 extends from the upper end side of the outer tube body 502 of the sealed container 5 and is connected to the vacuum pump 7, and constitutes an exhaust path that guides the hydrogen-based gas sucked into the vacuum pump 7 from the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5.

[0026] The inlet pipe 10 has a supply valve 12 provided between the sealed container 5 and the hydrogen tank 6. The supply valve 12 adjusts the flow rate of the hydrogen-based gas flowing through the inlet pipe 10. For example, an electromagnetic valve or an air valve is used as the supply valve 12. The inlet pipe 10 may have a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the hydrogen-based gas flowing through the inlet pipe 10.

[0027] The exhaust pipe 11 has an exhaust valve 13 provided between the sealed container 5 and the vacuum pump 7. The exhaust valve 13 adjusts the flow rate of the hydrogen-based gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 11. For example, an electromagnetic valve or an air valve is used as the exhaust valve 13. The exhaust pipe 11 may have a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the hydrogen-based gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 11.

[0028] When the exhaust valve 13 is closed and the supply valve 12 is opened, it becomes possible to supply hydrogen-based gas from the hydrogen tank 6 to the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. When the supply valve 12 is closed and the exhaust valve 13 is opened, it becomes possible to exhaust the hydrogen-based gas from the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 by the vacuum pump 7.

[0029] The hydrogen tank 6 stores a hydrogen-based gas. In this example, when the supply valve 12 is opened, the hydrogen-based gas is supplied from the high-pressure hydrogen tank 6 to the sealed space 9 inside the low-pressure sealed container 5 via the inlet pipe 10. The hydrogen-based gas is a gas containing hydrogen isotopes. At least one of deuterium gas and protium gas is used as the hydrogen-based gas. The protium gas includes a mixture of naturally occurring protium and deuterium, i.e., a mixture in which the abundance ratio of protium is 99.985% and the abundance ratio of deuterium is 0.015%. The inlet pipe 10 may have a pump that sends the hydrogen-based gas stored in the hydrogen tank 6 to the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5.

[0030] The vacuum pump 7 exhausts the hydrogen-based gas from the inside of the sealed container 5 through the exhaust pipe 11. The vacuum pump 7 is driven to reduce the pressure in the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. The vacuum pump 7 is composed of, for example, a turbomolecular pump and a dry pump. The turbomolecular pump adjusts the rotation speed of the turbine blades based on a control signal input from a control unit 21, which will be described later. The speed at which the sealed space 9 is reduced in pressure is adjusted according to the rotation speed of the turbomolecular pump.

[0031] The heat generating structure 8 heats the heat medium flowing along the outer surface of the sealed container 5 through the sealed container 5. The temperature of the heat medium heated by the heat generating structure 8 reaches a range of, for example, 50°C to 1500°C. In this example, the temperature of the heat medium is set to 700°C.

[0032] The heat generating structure 8 includes a heat generating element 14 that generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen, and a temperature sensor 17 that detects the temperature of the heat generating element 14 .

[0033] The heating element 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and is disposed coaxially with the inner tube 501. In this example, the heating element 14 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The heating element 14 has a uniform diameter over its entire length in the direction along the central axis CL of the inner tube 501 (the vertical direction). The shape of the heating element 14 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be any other appropriate shape, such as an elliptical cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape. The configuration of the heating element 14 will be described later using another drawing.

[0034] The temperature sensor 17 outputs a detection signal that specifies the detected temperature. The temperature sensor 17 has, for example, a thermocouple embedded in the heating element 14. The thermocouple outputs a voltage that specifies the detected temperature.

[0035] The heater 15 is disposed in the atmospheric space outside the sealed container 5. The heater 15 is formed in a hollow or solid cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the heater 15 is formed in a solid cylindrical shape and has a uniform diameter throughout the entire length in the direction along the central axis CL of the inner tube body 501 (the vertical direction). The shape of the heater 15 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be other appropriate shapes, such as an elliptical cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape. Examples of the cylindrical heater 15 include a sheathed heater, a ceramic heater, and a lamp heater. For example, a sheathed heater has a configuration in which a spirally wound heating wire is housed in a metal pipe. The heating wire is disposed in a portion of the pipe other than a portion extending a predetermined distance from both ends of the pipe in the axial direction. A pair of terminals connected to a power source is connected to both ends of the heating wire. The pair of terminals extends from the inside to the outside of the pipe. The heating wire generates Joule heat when a current is applied from a power source via the pair of terminals. The pipe is heated by Joule heat generated by the heating wire.

[0036] The heater 15 has a heat-generating surface 15a surrounded by the heat-transmitting region 503 of the inner tubular body 501. The heater 15 generates radiant heat from the heat-generating surface 15a. The heater 15 heats the heating element 14 with the radiant heat that has passed through the heat-transmitting region 503 of the inner tubular body 501.

[0037] The heater 15 has a heater-side conductive wire portion 20. The heater-side conductive wire portion 20 is connected to a power supply-side conductive wire portion 18. The power supply-side conductive wire portion 18 is connected to a power supply 19, electrically connecting the heater-side conductive wire portion 20 and the power supply 19. When power is supplied from the power supply 19 via the power supply-side conductive wire portion 18 and the heater-side conductive wire portion 20, the temperature of the heating surface 15a of the heater 15 increases.

[0038] The heat generating device 3 includes a control unit 21 electrically connected to the vacuum pump 7, the supply valve 12, the exhaust valve 13, the temperature sensor 17, and the power supply 19. The control unit 21 includes, for example, a microprocessor (MPU) that performs arithmetic processing based on application programs stored in a read-only memory (ROM) or other storage unit, and a random access memory (RAM) that temporarily stores programs and data during arithmetic processing.

[0039] The control unit 21 outputs control signals that control the operations of the vacuum pump 7, the supply valve 12, the exhaust valve 13, and the power supply 19. The vacuum pump 7, the supply valve 12, the exhaust valve 13, and the power supply 19 operate based on the control signals input from the control unit 21.

[0040] The control unit 21 closes the supply valve 12 , opens the exhaust valve 13 , and drives the vacuum pump 7 to exhaust (evacuate) the hydrogen-based gas from the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 .

[0041] The control unit 21 stops the operation of the vacuum pump 7 , closes the exhaust valve 13 , and opens the supply valve 12 , thereby supplying the hydrogen-based gas to the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 .

[0042] The control unit 21 controls the output of the power supply 19 to adjust the amount of power supplied from the power supply 19 to the heater 15 via the power supply-side conductive wire portion 18 and the heater-side conductive wire portion 20. By controlling the output of the power supply 19, the temperature of the heating element 14 heated by the heater 15 is adjusted, and it becomes possible to maintain the heating element 14 within an optimum temperature range for heat generation (for example, 50°C to 1500°C).

[0043] In the heat generating device 3, the hydrogen tank 6, the inlet pipe 10, and the supply valve 12 constitute a supply section that supplies a hydrogen-based gas containing hydrogen to the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. In the heat generating device 3, the vacuum pump 7, the exhaust pipe 11, and the exhaust valve 13 constitute an exhaust section that exhausts the hydrogen-based gas from the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. That is, the heat generating device 3 comprises a supply section that is connected to the outer tubular body 502 and that supplies a hydrogen-based gas containing hydrogen to the sealed space 9, and an exhaust section that is connected to the outer tubular body 502 and that exhausts the hydrogen-based gas from the sealed space 9.

[0044] The heat utilization device 4 includes a containment vessel 41 that stores the sealed container 5 of the heat generation device 3, a first power generation unit 42 that generates power inside the containment vessel 41 using the heat medium (helium gas in this example) heated by the heat generation device 3, a pressure pump 43 that sends the heat medium from the first power generation unit 42 toward the containment vessel 41, and a flow control valve 44 provided between the pressure pump 43 and the containment vessel 41.

[0045] The containment vessel 41 has thermal insulation and pressure resistance. It is made of, for example, stainless steel, heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel, or the like. A material appropriate for the operating temperature is used for the containment vessel 41. For example, stainless steel is used when the operating temperature is up to about 700°C, and heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel is used when the operating temperature exceeds 700°C. The containment vessel 41 has an inlet 41a through which the heat medium flows and an outlet 41b through which the heat medium flows. The heat medium that flows into the containment vessel 41 from the inlet 41a flows along the outer surface of the sealed container 5 of the heat-generating device 3 housed inside the containment vessel 41 and is heated by the heat-generating structure 8 housed in the sealed container 5. The temperature of the heat medium rises inside the containment vessel 41, and a high-temperature heat medium is obtained. The high-temperature heat medium flows out of the outlet 41b of the containment vessel 41 and flows into the first power generation unit 42.

[0046] The first power generating unit 42 includes a compressor (not shown) that compresses the high-temperature heat medium supplied from the containment vessel 41, a gas turbine 42a that is driven by the high-temperature, high-pressure heat medium compressed by the compressor, and a generator 42b connected to the gas turbine 42a. In the first power generating unit 42, the temperature of the heat medium is adjusted to, for example, a range of 600°C to 1500°C. The output shaft of the gas turbine 42a is connected to the input shaft of the generator 42b. Rotation of the turbine blades of the gas turbine 42a drives the rotor of the generator 42b, which then generates electricity (power). The heat medium whose heat has been utilized in the first power generating unit 42 flows out of the first power generating unit 42 and into the pressure pump 43.

[0047] The pressure pump 43 sends the heat medium supplied from the first power generation unit 42 at a predetermined pressure toward the containment vessel 41. The pressure pump 43 is, for example, a metal bellows pump.

[0048] The flow control valve 44 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing from the pressure pump 43 toward the containment vessel 41. As the flow control valve 44, for example, a variable leak valve is used.

[0049] Next, the configuration of the heating element 14 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the heating element 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the heating element 14 includes a support 61 (also referred to as a base) made of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a proton conductor, and a multilayer film 62 provided on the support 61. The multilayer film 62 includes a first layer 71 made of a hydrogen storage metal or a hydrogen storage alloy and having a thickness of less than 1000 nm, and a second layer 72 made of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a ceramic different from the first layer 71 and having a thickness of less than 1000 nm. Interfaces 73 of different materials are formed between the first layer 71 and the second layer 72, and between the support 61 and the multilayer film 62. The interfaces 73 of different materials allow hydrogen atoms to pass through the interfaces 73 of different materials. The heating element 14 generates excess heat by hydrogen atoms passing through the interfaces 73 of different materials by quantum diffusion, or by hydrogen atoms diffusing through the interfaces 73 of different materials by quantum diffusion. The heating elements disclosed in International Publication WO2018 / 230447, International Publication WO2020 / 122097, International Publication WO2020 / 122098, etc. can be used as the heating element 14. The detailed configuration, function, and manufacturing method of the heating element 14 are the same as those disclosed in International Publication WO2018 / 230447, International Publication WO2020 / 122097, International Publication WO2020 / 122098, etc., and therefore will not be described here.

[0050] In Figure 3, the multilayer film 62 is configured to be laminated on one surface (e.g., the front surface) of the support body 61, but this is not limited to this, and the multilayer film 62 may be configured to be laminated on the other surface (e.g., the back surface) of the support body 61, or the multilayer film 62 may be configured to be laminated on both surfaces (the front surface and the back surface) of the support body 61.

[0051] The operation and effects of the heating device 3 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the sealed container 5 is opened, the heating structure 8 is placed inside the sealed container 5, and the sealed container 5 is sealed. The heater-side conductive wire portion 20 of the heating structure 8 is connected to the power supply 19 via the power-side conductive wire portion 18. The exhaust valve 13 is opened, and the vacuum pump 7 is driven. The sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 is evacuated. The vacuum pump 7 is stopped, the exhaust valve 13 is closed, and the power supply 19 is driven. Power is supplied from the power supply 19 to the heater 15 via the power-side conductive wire portion 18 and the heater-side conductive wire portion 20. The temperature of the heating surface 15a of the heater 15 increases as a result of the power supply. Radiant heat generated from the heating surface 15a of the heater 15 penetrates the heat-transmitting region 503 of the inner tube 501 and is introduced into the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. The heating element 14 is heated by the radiant heat that penetrates the heat-transmitting region 503. In this way, it is possible to increase the temperature of the heating element 14. For example, by raising the temperature of the heating element 14 to about 200° C., it is possible to remove moisture from the heating element 14.

[0052] Next, the output of the power supply 19 is increased, and the temperature of the heating element 14 further increases. For example, the temperature of the heating element 14 is set to about 300°C. The supply valve 12 is opened. Hydrogen-based gas flows from the hydrogen tank 6 into the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. The sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 is filled with the hydrogen-based gas. The heating element 14 occludes hydrogen. Specifically, hydrogen molecules in the sealed space 9 are adsorbed onto the surface of the multilayer film 62 of the heating element 14 (the surface opposite the support 61), and these hydrogen molecules dissociate into two hydrogen atoms. The dissociated hydrogen atoms then penetrate (occlude) into the interior of the multilayer film 62.

[0053] After hydrogen is absorbed into the heating element 14, the supply valve 12 is closed. The output of the power supply 19 is controlled to set the temperature of the heating element 14 to a desired temperature (e.g., approximately 700°C) within the optimum temperature range for heat generation. At this time, the exhaust valve 13 is opened and the vacuum pump 7 is driven. Hydrogen-based gas is exhausted from the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. The heating element 14 releases hydrogen. Specifically, hydrogen atoms that have penetrated into the interior of the multilayer film 62 return to the surface of the multilayer film 62, recombine, and are released as hydrogen molecules. As a result, the hydrogen atoms pass through the dissimilar material interface 73 by quantum diffusion, or the hydrogen atoms diffuse through the dissimilar material interface 73 by quantum diffusion, generating excess heat in the heating element 14.

[0054] In the heating device 3 according to this embodiment, a heating element 14 is disposed in a sealed space 9 inside a sealed container 5 having a double-tube structure having an inner tube 501 and an outer tube 502, and a heater 15 as a heat source is disposed in the atmospheric space outside the sealed container 5. When replacing or repairing the heater 15, there is no need to open the sealed container 5 to the atmosphere, so the heating element 14 disposed in the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5 is not exposed to the atmosphere. In the heating device 3, the surface of the heating element 14 is not oxidized by oxygen in the atmosphere, and substances such as water in the atmosphere do not adhere to the surface of the heating element 14, so contamination of the heating element 14 can be prevented.

[0055] As described above, the heating device 3 allows for continuous use of the heating element 14 because the heating element 14 is not contaminated when replacing or repairing the heater 15. The heating device 3 can reduce the time required for maintenance compared to a heating device in which the heater is disposed in the space inside the sealed container together with the heating element.

[0056] The heating device 3 is configured so that even if the metallic substance constituting the heater 15 evaporates, the evaporated metallic substance will not enter the sealed space 9 inside the sealed container 5. Even if the metallic substance constituting the heater 15 evaporates, the heating device 3 prevents the evaporated metallic substance from adhering to the surface of the heating element 14, thereby preventing contamination of the heating element 14.

[0057] As described above, the heating device 3 does not contaminate the heating element 14 even if the metal substance that constitutes the heater 15 evaporates, so various heaters such as metal heaters and carbon heaters can be used as the heater 15, providing excellent design freedom.

[0058] In the heat generating device 3, the heater 15 is disposed in the atmospheric space outside the sealed container 5, and there is no need to use expensive vacuum-compatible parts such as a vacuum introduction terminal for electrically connecting the heater 15 to the power source 19. This allows for a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the device compared to a heat generating device in which the heater is disposed in the space inside the sealed container together with the heating element.

[0059] The heating element 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and is disposed coaxially with the inner tube 501. A heater 15 serving as a heat source is disposed on the central axis CL of the inner tube 501. The heat transmitting region 503 of the inner tube 501 and the heating element 14 are disposed around the heater 15, so that radiant heat generated from the heating surface 15a of the heater 15 is efficiently transmitted to the heating element 14. The heating device 3 can efficiently heat the heating element 14.

[0060] The heat-transmitting region 503 of the inner tube 501 is made of quartz. In the heat generating device 3, the heat-transmitting region 503, which transmits radiant heat from the heater 15 disposed outside the sealed container 5, can be made of a general material.

[0061] The inner tube 501 has an inner tube main body 504 having a heat-transmitting region 503, and an expandable bellows section 505 connected to the inner tube main body 504. The outer tube 502 has an outer tube main body 507 surrounding the inner tube main body 504 and the bellows section 505. Deformation of the inner tube main body 504 due to thermal expansion is absorbed by the bellows section 505. In the heat-generating device 3, even if the inner tube main body 504 deforms due to thermal expansion, damage to the sealed container 5 is suppressed, and the airtightness of the sealed container 5 is ensured.

[0062] The inner tube body 504 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The heat source is constituted by a heater 15 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a heat-generating surface 15a surrounded by a heat-transmitting region 503 of the inner tube body 501. Because the heat-generating surface 15a of the heater 15 is covered by the heat-transmitting region 503 of the bottomed cylindrical inner tube body 504, radiant heat generated from the heat-generating surface 15a of the heater 15 is efficiently transmitted to the heat-generating element 14. The heat-generating device 3 can efficiently heat the heat-generating element 14.

[0063] The operation and effects of the heat utilization system 1 according to this embodiment will now be described. In the piping path 2, helium gas as a heat medium flows into the containment vessel 41 by the pressure pump 43. In the containment vessel 41, heat is transferred from the heat generating device 3 to the helium gas, causing the temperature of the helium gas to rise. The high-temperature helium gas flowing out of the containment vessel 41 flows into the compressor (not shown) of the first power generation unit 42. The high-temperature, high-pressure helium gas flowing out of the compressor flows into the gas turbine 42a and rotates the turbine blades of the gas turbine 42a. The rotation of the turbine blades is transferred to the rotor of the generator 42b. Electric power is generated in the generator 42b.

[0064] The thermal energy of the helium gas is consumed to rotate the turbine blades of the gas turbine 42a. As the temperature of the helium gas decreases in the gas turbine 42a, the pressure also decreases. The helium gas flowing out of the gas turbine 42a is sucked into the pressure pump 43. The pressure pump 43 sends the helium gas toward the containment vessel 41. Power generation continues as the helium gas circulates.

[0065] As described above, the heat utilization system 1 uses, as a heat source, a heat medium heated by a heat generating device 3 equipped with a heating element 14 that generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen, and therefore can supply energy cheaply, cleanly, and safely.

[0066] In the heat utilization system 1, a heating element 14 is provided around the heater 15, covering the heating surface 15a, a sealed container 5 is provided to cover the heating element 14, and a storage container 41 is provided to cover the sealed container 5, so that the heater 15 can efficiently heat the heating element 14, and the heating element 14 can efficiently heat the heat medium.

[0067] (2) Heat Utilization System According to the Second Embodiment Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat utilization system 1a according to the second embodiment. The heat utilization system 1a includes a heat generation device 3a instead of the heat generation device 3 of the first embodiment. The heat generation device 3a is incorporated into the piping path 2 together with a heat utilization device 4. Note that components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0068] The heat generating device 3a includes a sealed container 5a, a hydrogen tank 6, a vacuum pump 7, a heat generating structure 8, and a heat source 150. The heat generating device 3a includes the sealed container 5a and the heat source 150 instead of the sealed container 5 and the heater 15 as a heat source according to the first embodiment.

[0069] The sealed container 5a is a container with a double-tube structure having an inner tube 501a having a central axis CL and an outer tube 502a surrounding the inner tube 501a and arranged coaxially with the inner tube 501a. A sealed space 9a is formed inside the sealed container 5a, i.e., between the inner tube 501a and the outer tube 502a.

[0070] The inner tube 501a has a heat-transmitting region 503a that transmits radiant heat from a heat source 150 (described later). The radiant heat that has transmitted through the heat-transmitting region 503a is introduced into the sealed space 9a between the inner tube 501a and the outer tube 502a. The heat-transmitting region 503a is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves including infrared rays and has heat resistance and pressure resistance, specifically, quartz.

[0071] The inner pipe 501a includes an inner pipe body 504a having a heat-transmitting region 503a, an expandable bellows portion 505a connected to the inner pipe body 504a, and an inner pipe flange portion 506a connected to the bellows portion 505a. In this embodiment, a quartz tube is used as the inner pipe body 504a, and the entire inner pipe body 504a is the heat-transmitting region 503a. The bellows portion 505a and the inner pipe flange portion 506a are formed of a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant material, such as stainless steel or a heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel. The bellows portion 505a and the inner pipe flange portion 506a are made of a material appropriate for the operating temperature. For example, stainless steel is used when the operating temperature is up to about 700°C, and heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel is used when the operating temperature exceeds 700°C. In addition, when only a part of the inner cylinder body 504a is made into the heat-transmitting region 503a, the part of the inner cylinder body 504a other than the heat-transmitting region 503a is formed of a material having heat resistance and pressure resistance, such as stainless steel, heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel, etc. In addition, in this embodiment, the bellows part 505a is provided in consideration of the thermal expansion and deformation of the inner cylinder body 504a, but this is not necessary if the inner cylinder body 504a is made of a material that does not undergo thermal expansion and deformation at the operating temperature.

[0072] The inner cylinder body 504a is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. In FIG. 4 , one end of the inner cylinder body 504a is the upper end, and the other end of the inner cylinder body 504a is the lower end. In this example, the inner cylinder body 504a is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The inner cylinder body 504a has a uniform diameter over its entire length in the direction along the central axis CL (the up-down direction). The shape of the inner cylinder body 504a is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be any other appropriate shape, such as an elliptical cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0073] The bellows section 505a has a first bellows 521 connected to one end (upper end) of the inner cylinder body 504a and a second bellows 522 connected to the other end (lower end) of the inner cylinder body 504a. The first bellows 521 and the second bellows 522 are flexible expandable tubes. The lower end of the first bellows 521 is airtightly joined to one end of the inner cylinder body 504a by, for example, brazing. The upper end of the second bellows 522 is airtightly joined to the other end of the inner cylinder body 504a by, for example, brazing. The first bellows 521 and the second bellows 522 absorb deformation due to thermal expansion of the inner cylinder body 504a.

[0074] The inner pipe flange portion 506a has a first inner pipe flange 531 connected to the upper end of the first bellows 521 and a second inner pipe flange 532 connected to the lower end of the second bellows 522. The first inner pipe flange 531 extends from the upper end of the first bellows 521 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL. The first inner pipe flange 531 is airtightly joined to the upper end of the first bellows 521 by, for example, brazing. The second inner pipe flange 532 extends from the lower end of the second bellows 522 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL. The second inner pipe flange 532 is airtightly joined to the lower end of the second bellows 522 by, for example, brazing.

[0075] The outer tube body 502a includes an outer tube body 507a that surrounds the inner tube body 504a and the bellows portion 505a (first bellows 521, second bellows 522), and an outer tube flange portion 508a connected to the outer tube body 507a. The outer tube body 507a and the outer tube flange portion 508a are formed of a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant material, such as stainless steel or a heat-resistant non-ferrous alloy steel. The outer tube body 507a and the outer pipe flange portion 508a may be made of the same material as the bellows portion 505a and the inner pipe flange portion 506a.

[0076] The outer tube body 507a is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. In FIG. 4 , one end of the outer tube body 507a is the upper end, and the other end of the outer tube body 507a is the lower end. In this example, the outer tube body 507a is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The outer tube body 507a has a uniform diameter over its entire length in the direction along the central axis CL of the inner tube 501a (the up-down direction). The shape of the outer tube body 507a is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be any other appropriate shape, such as an elliptical cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0077] The outer pipe flange portion 508a has a first outer pipe flange 541 connected to one end (upper end) of the outer tube body 507a and a second outer pipe flange 542 connected to the other end (lower end) of the outer tube body 507a. The first outer pipe flange 541 extends from the upper end of the outer tube body 507a in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL of the inner tube 501a. The first outer pipe flange 541 is hermetically joined to the upper end of the outer tube body 507a by, for example, brazing. The second outer pipe flange 542 extends from the lower end of the outer tube body 507a in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL. The second outer pipe flange 542 is hermetically joined to the lower end of the outer tube body 507a by, for example, brazing.

[0078] The inner pipe flange portion 506a and the outer pipe flange portion 508a are hermetically joined. In this embodiment, an annular seal member 509a is provided between the first inner pipe flange 531 and the first outer pipe flange 541, and an annular seal member 509b is provided between the second inner pipe flange 532 and the second outer pipe flange 542. The seal members 509a and 509b are formed of gaskets or the like. The first inner pipe flange 531 and the first outer pipe flange 541 are connected with fastening members such as bolts with the seal member 509a sandwiched between them. The second inner pipe flange 532 and the second outer pipe flange 542 are connected with fastening members such as bolts with the seal member 509b sandwiched between them. The inner pipe flange portion 506a and the outer pipe flange portion 508a are hermetically joined. This defines a sealed space 9a inside the sealed container 5a. The sealed space 9a inside the sealed container 5a is not in communication with the atmospheric space outside the sealed container 5a. The sealed container 5a is configured so that air does not flow into the sealed space 9a. Note that the inner pipe flange portion 506a and the outer pipe flange portion 508a are not limited to being airtightly joined using the sealing members 509a and 509b, and may be airtightly joined using welding such as brazing or diffusion bonding.

[0079] The sealed container 5a is disposed in the sealed space 9a inside the sealed container 5a and has a heating element holding portion 510a that holds the heating element 14. The heating element holding portion 510a has a groove into which the end of the heating element 14 fits. The heating element 14 is positioned by fitting the end of the heating element 14 into the groove of the heating element holding portion 510a. In this embodiment, the heating element holding portion 510a is provided on the upper surface of the second inner pipe flange 532 and supports the heating element 14 from below. The heating element holding portion 510a is not limited to being provided on the upper surface of the second inner pipe flange 532, but may also be provided on the inner surface of the outer tube main body 507a, the lower surface of the first inner pipe flange 531, or the like. When the heating element holding portion 510a is provided on the lower surface of the first inner pipe flange 531, the heating element holding portion 510a suspends the heating element 14 from above.

[0080] The heat source 150 is composed of a flow path 151 formed on the inner surface of the inner tube body 504a and a high-temperature fluid 152 flowing through the flow path 151. The heat source 150 generates radiant heat from the high-temperature fluid 152 flowing through the flow path 151. The heat source 150 heats the heating element 14 with the radiant heat that has passed through the heat-transmitting region 503a of the inner tube body 501a.

[0081] The flow path 151 is surrounded by the heat-transmitting region 503a of the inner pipe 501a. The space formed by the inner surface of the inner tube body 504a is the flow path 151. In this embodiment, the space formed by the inner surface of the inner tube body 504a, i.e., the flow path 151, is included outside the sealed container 5a. Therefore, the heat generating device 3a has a configuration in which the heat source 150, which is composed of the flow path 151 and the high-temperature fluid 152 flowing through the flow path 151, is arranged outside the sealed container 5a. The sealed space 9a inside the sealed container 5a is not connected to the flow path 151 outside the sealed container 5a. The sealed container 5a is configured to prevent the high-temperature fluid 152 from flowing into the sealed space 9a.

[0082] A high-temperature fluid inlet 551 that introduces the high-temperature fluid 152 into the flow path 151 and a high-temperature fluid outlet 552 that discharges the high-temperature fluid 152 from the flow path 151 are connected to the flow path 151. The high-temperature fluid inlet 551 and the high-temperature fluid outlet 552 are electrically connected to the control unit 21. The high-temperature fluid inlet 551 and the high-temperature fluid outlet 552 operate based on control signals input from the control unit 21. The high-temperature fluid inlet 551 has, for example, a compressor that compresses the high-temperature fluid 152 and sends it to the flow path 151. The high-temperature fluid outlet 552 has, for example, a flow control valve that controls the flow rate of the high-temperature fluid 152 flowing through the flow path 151.

[0083] The high-temperature fluid 152 may be, for example, a part of the high-temperature heat medium flowing through the piping path 2. Note that the high-temperature fluid 152 is not limited to the high-temperature heat medium flowing through the piping path 2, and may be a high-temperature fluid heated using various heating devices.

[0084] In the heat generating device 3a according to the second embodiment, a heat generating element 14 is disposed in a sealed space 9a inside a sealed container 5a having a double-pipe structure having an inner pipe 501a and an outer pipe 502a, and a heat source 150 is disposed outside the sealed container 5a. Therefore, in the heat generating device 3a, the surface of the heat generating element 14 is not oxidized by oxygen in the air, and substances such as water in the air do not adhere to the surface of the heat generating element 14, so contamination of the heat generating element 14 can be prevented.

[0085] The inner cylinder body 504a and the outer cylinder body 507a are formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The heat source 150 is composed of a flow path 151 formed on the inner surface of the inner cylinder body 504a and a high-temperature fluid 152 flowing through the flow path 151. The flow path 151 through which the high-temperature fluid 152 flows is covered by the heat-transmitting region 503a of the inner cylinder body 504a, so that radiant heat generated from the high-temperature fluid 152 is efficiently transferred to the heating element 14. The heating device 3a can efficiently heat the heating element 14.

[0086] (3) Heat Utilization System According to the Third Embodiment Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat utilization system 1b according to the third embodiment. The heat utilization system 1b includes a heat utilization device 4a instead of the heat utilization device 4 of the first embodiment. The heat utilization device 4a is incorporated into the piping path 2 together with the heat generating device 3. In the third embodiment, water is used as the heat medium. Note that components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0087] The heat utilization device 4a includes a boiler 101 that houses the sealed container 5 of the heat generation device 3, a second power generation unit 102 that generates power based on the gas phase heat medium supplied from the boiler 101, a condenser 103 that cools the gas phase heat medium supplied from the second power generation unit 102 to convert it into a liquid phase heat medium, and a water supply pump 104 that pressurizes the liquid phase heat medium supplied from the condenser 103 and sends it toward the boiler 101.

[0088] The boiler 101 houses a pipe 105 that functions as an evaporator. Water is supplied to the pipe 105 from a water supply pump 104. The pipe 105 is exposed to heat from the heat generating device 3. Heat is transferred from the sealed container 5 to the pipe 105. The boiler 101 generates high-temperature, high-pressure steam (gas-phase heat medium) inside the pipe 105. The high-temperature, high-pressure steam is supplied from the boiler 101 to the second power generation unit 102.

[0089] The second power generating unit 102 includes a steam turbine 102a driven by high-temperature, high-pressure steam supplied from the boiler 101, and a generator 102b connected to the steam turbine 102a. In the second power generating unit 102, the temperature of the steam is adjusted, for example, within a range of 300°C to 700°C. The output shaft of the steam turbine 102a is connected to the input shaft of the generator 102b. Rotation of the turbine blades of the steam turbine 102a drives the rotor of the generator 102b, which generates electricity. The steam after heat utilization is supplied from the second power generating unit 102 to a condenser 103.

[0090] The condenser 103 cools the steam supplied from the second power generation unit 102 using cooling water 103a to return it to water (a liquid-phase heat medium). The condenser 103 outputs low-pressure water. The low-pressure water is supplied from the condenser 103 to a feedwater pump 104. The feedwater pump 104 sends the water supplied from the condenser 103 to the boiler 101 at a predetermined pressure.

[0091] As described above, the heat utilization system 1b uses, as a heat source, a heat medium heated by a heat generating device 3 equipped with a heating element 14 that generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen, and therefore can supply energy cheaply, cleanly, and safely.

[0092] Instead of water, the heat medium may be a substance that changes from a liquid phase to a gas phase in response to the heat of the heat generating device 3. It is preferable to use a substance that has excellent thermal conductivity and is chemically stable as the heat medium.

[0093] (4) Heat Utilization System According to the Fourth Embodiment Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the general configuration of a heat utilization system 1c according to the fourth embodiment. The heat utilization system 1c includes a heat utilization device 4b instead of the heat utilization device 4 of the first embodiment. The heat utilization device 4b includes a Stirling engine 110 that receives heat from the heat-generating device 3 to drive it, and a generator 111 connected to the Stirling engine 110. Note that components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0094] The Stirling engine 110 includes a first cylinder 112 having a closed end at one end, an expansion piston 114 housed in the first cylinder 112 at a position facing the closed end and defining an expansion chamber 113 between itself and the closed end, a second cylinder 115 having a closed end at one end, a compression piston 117 housed in the second cylinder 115 at a position facing the closed end and defining a compression chamber 116 between itself and the closed end, a heater 118 connecting the expansion chamber 113 and the compression chamber 116 and receiving thermal energy from the sealed container 5 of the heat generating device 3, a cooler 119 disposed between the compression chamber 116 and the heater 118, a regenerator 120 disposed between the cooler 119 and the heater 118, and a crankshaft 122 as an output shaft connected to the expansion piston 114 and the compression piston 117 individually by connecting rods 121 a and 121 b.

[0095] A crankshaft 122 (output shaft) of the Stirling engine 110 is connected to an input shaft of the generator 111. When the crankshaft 122 rotates, the rotor of the generator 111 is driven, and the generator 111 generates electricity.

[0096] The expansion piston 114 is displaced within the first cylinder 112 along the axial direction of the first cylinder 112. When the expansion piston 114 moves away from the closed end of the first cylinder 112, the expansion chamber 113 expands. When the expansion piston 114 approaches the closed end of the first cylinder 112, the expansion chamber 113 contracts. The axial reciprocating motion of the expansion piston 114 is converted into rotational motion of the crankshaft 122. A working fluid is sealed in the expansion chamber 113. Here, helium gas is used as the working fluid. In addition to helium gas, a hydrogen-based gas or air may also be used as the working fluid.

[0097] The compression piston 117 is displaced within the second cylinder 115 along the axial direction of the second cylinder 115. When the compression piston 117 moves away from the closed end of the second cylinder 115, the compression chamber 116 expands. When the compression piston 117 approaches the closed end of the second cylinder 115, the compression chamber 116 contracts. The rotational motion of the crankshaft 122 is converted into axial reciprocating motion of the compression piston 117. Because the compression chamber 116 is connected to the expansion chamber 113, the compression chamber 116 is filled with working fluid in the same way as the expansion chamber 113. The working fluid travels between the expansion chamber 113 and the compression chamber 116 via a heater 118, a regenerator 120, and a cooler 119.

[0098] The heater 118 transfers heat from the sealed container 5 to the working fluid. The working fluid is heated by the heat-generating structure 8 housed in the sealed container 5 and flows into the expansion chamber 113. The expansion chamber 113 expands in response to the expansion of the working fluid. The expansion piston 114 is displaced toward the crankshaft 122. The high-temperature, high-pressure working fluid flows from the heater 118 into the regenerator 120 in response to the contraction of the expansion chamber 113.

[0099] The cooler 119 cools the working fluid using a cooling medium (not shown). The cooling medium is, for example, water. The working fluid is cooled by the cooling medium and flows into the compression chamber 116. The compression chamber 116 expands. The compression piston 117 is displaced toward the crankshaft 122. As the compression chamber 116 contracts, the low-temperature, low-pressure working fluid flows from the regenerator 120 into the heater 118.

[0100] The regenerator 120 absorbs and stores thermal energy from the working fluid flowing in from the heater 118, and transfers the stored thermal energy to the working fluid flowing in from the cooler 119. Therefore, the working fluid in the expansion chamber 113 releases thermal energy in the regenerator 120 before flowing into the cooler 119. The working fluid in the compression chamber 116 is heated in the regenerator 120 before flowing into the heater 118.

[0101] As described above, the heat utilization system 1c uses, as a heat source, a heat medium heated by a heat generating device 3 equipped with a heating element 14 that generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen, and therefore can supply energy cheaply, cleanly, and safely.

[0102] (5) Heat Utilization System According to the Fifth Embodiment Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the general configuration of a heat utilization system 1d according to the fifth embodiment. The heat utilization system 1d includes a heat utilization device 4c instead of the heat utilization device 4 of the first embodiment. The heat utilization device 4c is incorporated into the piping path 2 together with the heat generating device 3. The heat utilization device 4c includes a thermoelectric converter 130 that generates electricity based on a temperature difference. Note that components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0103] The thermoelectric converter 130 has a heat receiving plate 131 and a heat dissipation plate 132. A high-temperature pipe 133 is in contact with the heat receiving plate 131. The high-temperature pipe 133 is connected to the pipe path 2 and allows a heat medium to flow through it. A low-temperature pipe 134 is in contact with the heat dissipation plate 132. The low-temperature pipe 134 allows cooling water to flow through it.

[0104] The thermoelectric converter 130 is sandwiched between a heat receiving plate 131 and a heat dissipation plate 132, and includes a p-type semiconductor 135a and an n-type semiconductor 135b arranged in parallel between the heat receiving plate 131 and the heat dissipation plate 132. The p-type semiconductor 135a and the n-type semiconductor 135b are electrically connected in series alternately based on a first electrode fixed to the heat receiving plate 131 and a second electrode fixed to the heat dissipation plate 132. Electric power is extracted from the second electrodes located at both ends of the series connection.

[0105] As described above, the heat utilization system 1d uses, as a heat source, a heat medium heated by a heat generating device 3 equipped with a heating element 14 that generates heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen, and therefore can supply energy cheaply, cleanly, and safely.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0107] The heat utilization systems 1 b , 1 c , and 1 d may include a heat generating device 3 a instead of the heat generating device 3 .

[0108] The heat generating device 3 is not limited to using the heater 15 as the heat source, and various heating devices may be used as the heat source, such as a burner that burns fuel such as hydrogen gas to generate a flame.

[0109] The heat generating device 3a may include a heater 15 instead of the heat source 150. The heat source 150 is not limited to being composed of the flow path 151 and the high-temperature fluid 152, and various heating devices may be used, such as a burner that burns a fuel such as hydrogen gas to generate a flame.

[0110] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3, 3a Heat generating device 5, 5a Sealed container 6 Hydrogen tank 7 Vacuum pump 8 Heat generating structure 9, 9a Sealed space 10 Inlet pipe 11 Exhaust pipe 12 Supply valve 13 Exhaust valve 14 Heat generating element 15 Heater (heat source) 15a Heat generating surface 17 Temperature sensor 18 Power supply side conductive wire portion 19 Power supply 20 Heater side conductive wire portion 21 Control unit 150 Heat source 151 Flow path 152 High temperature fluid 501, 501a Inner pipe body 502, 502a Outer pipe body 503, 503a Heat transmitting region 504, 504a Inner pipe body 505, 505a Bellows portion 506, 506a Inner pipe flange portion 507, 507a Outer pipe body 508, 508a Outer pipe flange portion 509, 509a, 509b Seal member 521 First bellows 522 Second bellows 531 First inner pipe flange 532 Second inner pipe flange 541 First outer pipe flange 542 Second outer pipe flange 551 High temperature fluid inlet portion 552 High temperature fluid outlet portion CL Central axis

Claims

1. A sealed container having a double-tube structure, the container having an inner tube having a central axis and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube and arranged coaxially with the inner tube; a heating element provided in the sealed space between the inner tube and the outer tube and generating heat by absorbing and releasing hydrogen; a heat source arranged on the central axis; a supply section connected to the outer tube and supplying a hydrogen-based gas containing the hydrogen to the sealed space; and a discharge section connected to the outer tube and discharging the hydrogen-based gas from the sealed space; the heating element having a support formed of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a proton conductor, and a multilayer film provided on the support; the multilayer film having a first layer formed of a hydrogen storage metal or a hydrogen storage alloy and having a thickness of less than 1000 nm, and a second layer formed of a hydrogen storage metal, a hydrogen storage alloy, or a ceramic different from the first layer and having a thickness of less than 1000 nm; the inner tube having a heat-transmitting region that transmits radiant heat from the heat source; The heat source is a heat generating device that heats the heat generating element by the radiant heat that has passed through the heat transmitting region.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and is arranged coaxially with the inner tube.

3. The heat generating device according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube has an inner tube main body having the heat-transmitting region and an expandable bellows section connected to the inner tube main body, and the outer tube has an outer tube main body surrounding the inner tube main body and the bellows section.

4. The heat generating device according to claim 3, wherein the inner cylinder body is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and the heat source is formed in a cylindrical shape and is composed of a heater having a heat generating surface surrounded by the heat transmitting region.

5. The heat generating device according to claim 3, wherein the inner cylinder body and the outer cylinder body are formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and the heat source is composed of a flow path formed on the inner surface of the inner cylinder body and a high-temperature fluid flowing through the flow path.

6. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat-transmitting area is made of quartz.

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