Electrostatic charging device and electrostatic charging method

By integrating conductive materials into soil particles with multiple electrodes and a separator, the charging device enhances capacitance and energy storage efficiency in soil-based capacitors.

WO2026133624A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-25JDC INC

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
JDC INC
Filing Date
2025-07-29
Publication Date
2026-06-25

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Abstract

In order to accumulate more electrostatic capacity by using soil particles, this charging device comprises: a conduction portion in which an electrically conductive substance is mixed into soil particles that contain ions; a plurality of positive electrodes that are provided to the conduction portion; a plurality of negative electrodes that are provided to the conduction portion; and a separator that is provided between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes. The electrically conductive substance and the plurality of positive electrodes are connected, and the electrically conductive substance and the plurality of negative electrodes are connected. When a voltage is applied between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, negative ions are guided to the plurality of positive electrodes, and positive ions are guided to the plurality of negative electrodes.
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Description

Charging apparatus and charging method

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device and a charging method that can store electricity using soil particles.

[0002] In recent years, it has been proposed to incorporate electrically conductive nanoporous carbon into cement, form a network of nanoporous carbon using the fluidity of water, and use concrete as a capacitor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] U.S. Publication No. 11512022

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 only proposed storing electricity in concrete to create a capacitor, and did not propose any improvements to the various efficiencies of the capacitor.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a charging device and charging method that can store a larger amount of capacitance using soil particles.

[0006] The charging device according to claim 1 comprises a conduction section in which an electrically conductive material is mixed with soil particles containing ions, a plurality of positive electrodes provided in the conduction section, a plurality of negative electrodes provided in the conduction section, and a separator provided between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, wherein the electrically conductive material and the plurality of positive electrodes are connected, and the electrically conductive material and the plurality of negative electrodes are connected, and when a voltage is applied between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, anions are guided to the plurality of positive electrodes and cations are guided to the plurality of negative electrodes. The charging method according to claim 17 comprises a conduction section in which an electrically conductive material is mixed with soil particles containing ions, a plurality of positive electrodes and a separator provided in the conduction section, the electrically conductive material and the plurality of positive electrodes are connected, and the electrically conductive material and the plurality of negative electrodes are connected, and when a voltage is applied between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, anions are guided to the plurality of positive electrodes and cations are guided to the plurality of negative electrodes.

[0007] According to the charging device described in claim 1, electricity can be stored in soil particles mixed with an electrically conductive material using a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes. According to the charging method described in claim 17, electricity can be stored in soil particles mixed with an electrically conductive material using a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes.

[0008] This is a cross-sectional view showing a container filled with sand and two copper plates inserted into the sand. This is a cross-sectional view showing a container filled with a mixture of sand and carbon black and two copper plates inserted into the mixture. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a capacitor and the process of charging the capacitor. This is a view taken along the line A-A in Figure 3. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the capacitor in Figure 3 with a lid member and a maintenance member. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the capacitor in Figure 5 with a water supply member. This is a block diagram of a control device for controlling the charging and discharging of the capacitor in this first embodiment. This is a flowchart of this first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a capacitor in this second embodiment and the process of charging the capacitor. This is a view taken along the line A-A in Figure 9.

[0009] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In this first embodiment, conductive soil particles are formed by mixing an electrically conductive material with soil particles, and a capacitor 11 described later is provided using these conductive soil particles. In this first embodiment, the electrically conductive material is a material that has both electron conductivity, which moves electrons, and ionic conductivity, which moves ions. In this first embodiment, a combination of carbon black and activated carbon is used as the electron conductive material, and soil particles containing moisture are used as the ionic conductive material, but the invention is not limited to this. The vertical direction is shown as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction in the left-right direction is shown as the X direction. Also, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1 is the Y direction (see Figure 4).

[0010] (Preliminary experiment to confirm the insulating properties of soil) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a glass container 1 with sand 2 as soil particles and two copper plates 3 inserted into the sand 2. The sand 2 was collected from the coast of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Note that a container 1 made of resin may be used instead of glass, and any material that has insulating properties may be used. Furthermore, even if the container 1 is made of a material that does not have insulating properties, it may be used in a state in which insulating properties have been given by coating or spraying, for example, an alkylalkoxysilane-based insulating agent or a silanesiloxane-based insulating agent.

[0011] When soil testing was performed on this sand 2, the density of the soil particles was found to be 2.915 g / cm³. 3 The natural water content was 2.1%. The particle size distribution of sand 2 was 1.6% gravel, 97.6% sand, and 0.8% clay.

[0012] A component analysis of this sand 2 revealed that it contained 44.28% silicon dioxide, 20.79% iron oxide, 13.5% aluminum oxide, 9.23% calcium oxide, 5.83% magnesium oxide, and 1.77% sodium oxide. Therefore, calcium ions (Ca), which are electrolytes with a high ionization tendency, were found to be present. 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) and sodium ions (Na + It was found that ) can be used. Furthermore, if the electrolyte substance in sand 2 is insufficient, calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), potassium ions (K + ), magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), sodium ions (Na + Cations with a high ionization tendency, such as ), can be added to the sand 2 as an electrolyte. When adding an electrolyte to the sand 2, it is preferable to add it as an electrolyte solution obtained by dissolving the electrolyte in water. In this first embodiment, the sand containing ions includes not only the ions originally contained in the sand but also the ions added later.

[0013] When the test leads of the tester were brought into contact with each of the two copper plates 3, no continuity was detected, indicating a non-conductive state. Therefore, conductivity was not confirmed in the sand 2 of this first embodiment.

[0014] (Mixing of sand and electrically conductive material) The aforementioned sand 2 was mixed with an electrically conductive material. As the electrically conductive material, a combination of carbon black and activated carbon was used, but it is not limited to this, and for example, a single carbon-derived material (for example, Binchotan charcoal or activated carbon) may be used as the electrically conductive material. The granular carbon black forms a carbon network and is a suitable material for lowering the internal resistance of the sand 2 and increasing the electrostatic capacitance of the sand 2 when mixed with it. Activated carbon is a suitable material for adsorbing and releasing ions. In this first embodiment, acetylene black produced by the thermal decomposition of acetylene was used as the carbon black. However, registered trademark Ketjenblack, in which the primary particles have a hollow shell structure, may be used, or inexpensive activated carbon may be used. In this case, it is preferable to use activated carbon mainly composed of micropores or mesopores.

[0015] Activated carbon can be coarse, fine, or coconut shell activated carbon, but in this first embodiment, fine activated carbon or coconut shell activated carbon will be used from the viewpoint of ion storage and release properties.

[0016] Acetylene black and activated carbon are hydrophobic substances, but they become somewhat more compatible with water after being soaked in water for about a day. In this case, it is preferable to stir them for 10 to 30 minutes immediately after soaking them in water. In this first embodiment, acetylene black and activated carbon were each soaked in water before being mixed with sand 2. This improves the affinity between sand 2, acetylene black, and activated carbon.

[0017] In this case, stirring acetylene black, activated carbon, and water together ensures that the acetylene black and activated carbon, which form a carbon network, are thoroughly mixed. Furthermore, water molecules can be adsorbed into the pores of the activated carbon, allowing for efficient ion storage and release. Alternatively, binchotan charcoal, acetylene black, and water can be stirred together instead of, or in addition to, the activated carbon.

[0018] The amount of acetylene black added is between 5% and less than 20% by weight of sand 2. If the amount of acetylene black added is 5% or more by weight of sand 2, a carbon network can be formed in the sand 2. If the amount of acetylene black added is 20% or more by weight of sand 2, the resistance value of the mixture 4 described later will be further reduced, but considering the price and cost-effectiveness of acetylene black, it is set to less than 20% in this first embodiment.

[0019] The amount of activated carbon added is set to be between 8% and less than 25% by weight of the sand 2. If the amount of activated carbon added is 8% or more by weight of the sand 2, charging using ions from the sand 2 by the capacitor 11 described later becomes possible. The amount of activated carbon added may be 25% or more by weight of the sand 2, but considering the price of activated carbon and cost-effectiveness, it is set to less than 25% in this first embodiment. Also, when using binchotan charcoal instead of activated carbon, the amount of binchotan charcoal added should be between 8% and less than 25% by weight of the sand 2. When using both activated carbon and binchotan charcoal, the combined weight of both activated carbon and binchotan charcoal should be between 8% and less than 25% by weight of the sand 2.

[0020] The amount of activated carbon to be added will vary depending on the properties of sand 2, the amount of electrolytes contained in sand 2, and whether or not electrolytes are added, so the above amount should be used as a guideline. Furthermore, considering the performance of capacitor 11 (charge amount, charging time, etc.) described later, it is preferable that the amount of activated carbon added be greater than the amount of acetylene black added. The amount of acetylene black added may also be determined by considering the internal resistance (several ohms to tens of ohms) when mixed with sand 2. Even when using binchotan charcoal instead of activated carbon, it is preferable that the amount of binchotan charcoal added be greater than the amount of acetylene black added. Furthermore, when using both binchotan charcoal and activated carbon, it is preferable that the combined amount of binchotan charcoal and activated carbon added be greater than the amount of acetylene black added.

[0021] In this first embodiment, sand 2, acetylene black, and activated carbon were mixed in a mixer for several minutes (1 to 2 minutes), and then water and an electrolyte solution were added to create mixture 4. Depending on the amount of electrolyte solution, the addition of water may be omitted.

[0022] (Experiment to confirm the conductivity of the mixture) Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the mixture 4 in container 1 with two copper plates 3 inserted into the mixture 4.

[0023] When the test leads of the tester were touched to each of the two copper plates 3, the resistance was approximately 20-30 Ω, confirming the conductivity of the mixture 4. This confirmed that an electrical conductivity network was formed in the sand 2 by carbon black, a carbon-derived material.

[0024] The reason for the fluctuation of approximately 10 ohms in the resistance value is that gas (air) is mixed into mixture 4, making the contact state of the electrically conductive material unstable. Therefore, the mixture 4 was degassed by manually compacting it using a metal tamping rod, and the resistance value of mixture 4 was measured again.

[0025] After manual compaction, the resistance of mixture 4 was approximately 18-20 Ω, and it was confirmed that the resistance decreased and the fluctuation in resistance also decreased. Furthermore, this resistance can be reduced to a few Ω by increasing the amount of carbon black added to 10-15%.

[0026] In this first embodiment, the mixture 4 is a conductive part in which an electrically conductive carbon network is formed, and a capacitor 11 is realized as a charging device that utilizes ions in the sand 2 using this conductive part. The sand 2 is not limited to sea sand, but may be natural silica sand such as mountain sand or artificial silica sand, as long as it contains silicon dioxide as its main component. Furthermore, the soil particles are not limited to sand 2, for example, the sand 2 may contain gravel, silt, or clay, and their particle size distribution is not particularly limited.

[0027] (Capacitor Configuration) Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of capacitor 11 and the charging process of capacitor 11, and is shown as a cross-sectional view except for the power supply 8. Figure 4 is a view taken along the line A-A in Figure 3. Note that wiring 9 and wiring 10 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 4.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the first embodiment, the positive electrode is composed of the first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12, and the negative electrode is composed of the first negative electrode 7 and the second negative electrode 13. Note that the positive electrode may be composed of three or more electrodes, and the negative electrode may be composed of three or more electrodes. In the first embodiment, the first positive electrode 6, the second positive electrode 12, the first negative electrode 7, and the second negative electrode 13 may be collectively referred to as electrodes.

[0029] The first positive electrode 6 is disposed closer to the separator 5 than the second positive electrode 12. In the first embodiment, the first positive electrode 6 has a portion extending in the Z direction so as to face the separator 5 and an extension portion 6a extending along the -X direction.

[0030] The second positive electrode 12 is disposed farther from the separator 5 than the first positive electrode 6. In the first embodiment, the second positive electrode 12 has a portion extending in the Z direction so as to face the separator 5 and an extension portion 12a extending along the -X direction. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first embodiment, the dimension of the second positive electrode 12 in the Y direction (width direction) is made larger than the dimension of the first positive electrode 6 in the Y direction (width direction). However, the dimension of the first positive electrode 6 in the Y direction may be made larger than the dimension of the second positive electrode 12 in the Y direction. In the first embodiment, in any case, the area of the first positive electrode 6 in the mixture 4 is larger than the area of the second positive electrode 12.

[0031] The first negative electrode 7 is disposed closer to the separator 5 than the second negative electrode 13. In the first embodiment, the first negative electrode 7 has a portion extending in the Z direction so as to face the separator 5 and an extension portion 7a extending along the +X direction.

[0032] The second negative electrode 13 is positioned further away from the separator 5 than the first negative electrode 7. In this first embodiment, the second negative electrode 13 has a portion that extends in the Z direction so as to face the separator 5, and an extended portion 13a that extends along the +X direction. As shown in Figure 4, in this first embodiment, the dimension of the second negative electrode 13 in the Y direction (width dimension) is larger than the dimension of the first negative electrode 7 in the Y direction (width dimension). However, the dimension of the first negative electrode 7 in the Y direction may be larger than the dimension of the second negative electrode 13 in the Y direction. In this first embodiment, in all cases, the area of ​​the first negative electrode 7 in the mixture 4 is larger than the area of ​​the second negative electrode 13.

[0033] The positive electrode connection portion 23 is conductive and is electrically connected to the first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12. When charging the capacitor 11, the wiring 9 from the power supply 8 is connected to the positive electrode connection portion 23. In this first embodiment, the positive electrode connection portion 23 is connected to the first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12 above the mixture 4.

[0034] The negative electrode connection portion 24 is conductive and is electrically connected to the first negative electrode 7 and the second negative electrode 13. When charging the capacitor 11, the wiring 10 from the power supply 8 is connected to the negative electrode connection portion 24. In this first embodiment, the negative electrode connection portion 24 is connected to the first negative electrode 7 and the second negative electrode 13 above the mixture 4.

[0035] After attaching the separator 5 to the container 1, a certain amount of the mixture 4 is added and compacted. The extendable portion 6a of the first positive electrode 6 is then placed in the mixture 4, and a certain amount of more of the mixture 4 is added and compacted to fix the extendable portion 6a in the mixture 4. After this, the extendable portion 12a of the second positive electrode 12 is then placed in the mixture 4, and a certain amount of the mixture 4 is added and compacted to fix the extendable portion 12a in the mixture 4. In this way, the first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12 can be provided in the mixture 4. As is clear from Figure 3, the first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12 are not in contact in the mixture 4, and the extendable portion 12a is located above the extendable portion 6a.

[0036] Similarly, a certain amount of mixture 4 is added and compacted, the extendable portion 7a of the first negative electrode 7 is placed in the mixture 4, and a certain amount of mixture 4 is added and compacted to fix the extendable portion 7a in the mixture 4. After this, the extendable portion 13a of the second negative electrode 13 is placed in the mixture 4, and a certain amount of mixture 4 is added and compacted to fix the extendable portion 13a in the mixture 4. In this way, the first negative electrode 7 and the second negative electrode 13 can be provided in the mixture 4. As is clear from Figure 3, the first negative electrode 7 and the second negative electrode 13 are not in contact in the mixture 4, and the extendable portion 13a is located above the extendable portion 7a.

[0037] In this first embodiment, since the capacitor 11 is equipped with multiple electrodes, the contact area between the mixture 4 and the electrodes increases. As a result, more ions can be adsorbed onto the electrode surface when the capacitor 11 is charged, increasing the capacitance and thus increasing the amount of energy that the capacitor 11 can store. Also, since the area of ​​the first positive electrode 6 located near the capacitor 11 is larger than the area of ​​the second positive electrode 12, the distance that anions travel to the first positive electrode 6 during charging is shortened, and more anions can be stored in the first positive electrode 6. Similarly, since the area of ​​the first negative electrode 7 located near the capacitor 11 is larger than the area of ​​the second negative electrode 13, the distance that cations travel to the first negative electrode 7 during charging is shortened, and more cations can be stored in the first negative electrode 7.

[0038] Furthermore, although it depends on the charging conditions described later, when the current values ​​of each electrode were measured during the discharge of the capacitor 11, a current of several tens of mA could be measured from the second positive electrode 12 and the second negative electrode 13. Therefore, by providing the second positive electrode 12 and the second negative electrode 13, the capacitor 11 as a whole can store more charge.

[0039] The applicant has found that when the aforementioned mixture 4 is compacted, the adhesion between the mixture 4 and the electrode improves, which in turn lowers the contact resistance between the mixture 4 (especially carbon black) and the electrode, improving the amount of charge stored in the capacitor 11. When compaction is performed along the arrow in Figure 3, a force along the vertical Z direction is applied to the mixture 4, but a force along the X direction is less likely to act on the electrode. For this reason, in this first embodiment, the shape of the electrode is made into an L-shape that intersects the vertical direction so that the vertical force applied to the electrode during compaction is applied to the electrode.

[0040] Here, the lengths of the extension portions 6a, 7a, 12a, and 13a in the X direction can be arbitrarily set as long as they do not interfere with the separator 5. This improves the adhesion between the extension portions 6a, 7a, 12a, and 13a and the mixture 4, thereby improving the amount of charge stored in the capacitor 11 and, consequently, increasing the charging energy of the capacitor 11. Here, charging energy is the product of power and charging time. Note that either the extension portion 12a or the extension portion 13a may be omitted, or all of the extension portions 6a, 7a, 12a, and 13a may be omitted.

[0041] The separator 5 prevents the first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12 from directly contacting and short-circuiting the first negative electrode 7 and the second negative electrode 13, while allowing ions in the mixture 4 to pass through the formed carbon network. In this first embodiment, the separator 5 is arranged along the Z direction. In this first embodiment, the material of the separator 5 can be a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. In addition, the separator 5 can be a cellulose-derived nonwoven fabric or paper (for example, Japanese paper or kitchen paper).

[0042] Furthermore, the separator 5 may be made of a composite material of cellulose-derived nonwoven fabric or paper and polyethylene or glass fiber. The separator 5 is fixed to the container 1 with insulating tape. Alternatively, it may be installed in the container 1 sandwiched between insulating materials. It is also preferable to use a hydrophilic material for the separator 5 in order to facilitate the passage of ions. The separator 5 may be fixed by forming a recess in the bottom of the container 1 and fixing it using this recess, by fixing it with insulating tape, or by other methods.

[0043] Furthermore, the electrodes can be made of materials that do not easily react with ionic substances contained in the sand 2, such as copper, aluminum, platinum, or carbon materials. In this first embodiment, a copper plate 3 was used. The first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12 are connected to a carbon network formed of acetylene black. An electric double layer is formed near the surface of the activated carbon connected to this carbon network, causing the first positive electrode 6 and the second positive electrode 12 to be charged by attracting anions with the opposite charge. Similarly, the first negative electrode 7 and the second negative electrode 13 are charged by attracting cations with the opposite charge.

[0044] Furthermore, sheet-shaped carbon fibers may be used as the carbon material for the electrodes. Because carbon fibers are lightweight and strong, they can be used to create easy-to-use electrodes. Also, since sheet-shaped carbon fibers are easier to bend than metal electrodes, it is easier to form stretched portions 6a, 7a, 12a, and 13a.

[0045] Furthermore, the electrode shape may be made zigzag in order to improve the adhesion between the electrode and the mixture 4. By making the electrode shape zigzag, the surface area of ​​the electrode increases, and the contact area between the mixture 4 and the electrode increases, so that more carbon networks come into contact with the electrode, and thus the amount of energy stored in the capacitor 11 can be improved.

[0046] The power supply 8 is used when charging the capacitor 11, and a constant voltage power supply, a constant current power supply, or the like can be used. The charging of the capacitor 11 can be either constant voltage charging or constant current charging, but in the first embodiment, charging is performed by constant current charging from the viewpoint of charging efficiency.

[0047] One end of the wiring 9 is connected to the positive electrode connection portion 23, and the other end is connected to the + output terminal of the power supply 8. One end of the wiring 10 is connected to the negative electrode connection portion 24, and the other end is connected to the - output terminal of the power supply 8.

[0048] (Charge and discharge experiment) In the first embodiment, constant current charging was performed using a constant voltage power supply equipped with a current control circuit as the power supply 8. The current value for constant current charging was set between several tens of mA and one hundred and several tens of mA. The voltage value was set to 1.2 V or less to prevent hydrogen generation when the moisture content of the mixture 4 was high, and to 3 V or less when the moisture content of the mixture 4 was low, that is, when there was no influence of hydrogen generation. Note that the above settings are only examples and are not limited thereto.

[0049] Depending on the state of the mixture 4, after charging for several minutes or about 5 to 10 minutes, when the wiring 9 and the wiring 10 were connected to a rotation motor (not shown), the rotation motor (not shown) rotated. As a result, it was confirmed that a carbon network of acetylene black was formed in the sand 2 and that the storage and release of ions by the activated carbon, which is an ion adsorption substance, were performed. That is, it was confirmed that power storage was possible using the mixture 4.

[0050] Also, the mixture 4 was newly created at the above-mentioned weight ratio, and sodium ions (Na + ) were added. Specifically, several hundred cc of 5% saline solution was added. Then, charging was performed for the same time under the same conditions using the mixture 4 to which sodium ions (Na + ) were added. After that, when the wiring 9 and the wiring 10 were connected to the rotation motor, the rotation motor rotated longer than the mixture 4 to which no sodium ions (Na + ) were added.

[0051] As an electrolyte, calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), potassium ions (K + ), magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), sodium ions (Na + Cations with a high ionization tendency, such as sodium ions (Na), can be used. In this first embodiment, the aforementioned sodium ions (Na) can be used. + ) or potassium ions (K + ) shall be used.

[0052] Depending on the composition and amount of mixture 4, as well as the distance between electrodes and the area of ​​the electrodes, sodium ions (Na + ) or potassium ions (K + After adding (a certain component) and charging with a constant current for 30 minutes to several hours, a resistor of several ohms to more than ten ohms was connected, and the voltage and current values ​​at each time interval during discharge were measured to determine the capacitance, which ranged from 900F to 1800F.

[0053] Also, sodium ions (Na + Compared to adding potassium ions (K + Adding potassium ions (K) reduced the internal resistance of mixture 4. + Depending on conditions such as the amount of sodium ions (Na) added, + Compared to adding potassium ions (K + Adding ) resulted in an increase in the capacitance when charging capacitor 11.

[0054] This is sodium ions (Na + The radius of the potassium ion (K + Since it is smaller than the radius of the sodium ion (Na + This is because it is adsorbed by the silicon dioxide on the surface of the sand 2 contained in mixture 4.

[0055] In this way, the capacitor 11 can supply more power because its charge increases by adding positive ions. For this reason, the amount of binchotan charcoal or activated carbon added to absorb and release these ions may be determined according to the amount of ions in the mixture 4.

[0056] Furthermore, the applicant has found that the energy storage performance of the capacitor 11 deteriorates if the mixture 4 dries out. The drying of the mixture 4 is predominantly due to natural drying, with a portion due to the thermal energy generated during the charging of the capacitor 11. For this reason, it is preferable to place the mixture 4 in an environment where humidity is easily maintained, or to supply it with a liquid such as water if it dries out. This can prevent deterioration of the energy storage performance of the capacitor 11 or recover the energy storage performance of a capacitor 11 that has deteriorated.

[0057] The effect of degradation on the drying of mixture 4 is also due to potassium ions (K + ) is better, sodium ions (Na + It was found to be less than potassium ions (K + The mobility of sodium ions (Na + This is due to the fact that it is higher than the mobility of potassium ions (K). For this reason, the frequency and amount of liquid supplied to mixture 4 are + ) is better for sodium ions (Na + It can be less than ( ).

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a cover member and maintenance member are provided to the capacitor 11 in Figure 3. In Figure 5, in order to avoid making the drawing complex, the power supply 8 is omitted from the illustration, and the wiring 9, wiring 10, and the piping 19, which will be described later, are partially omitted from the illustration.

[0059] The first lid member 17 is a lid that covers the container 1, and in this first embodiment, a circular resin is used. For example, if the container 1 is made of circular resin, a female thread can be formed on the inner surface of the container 1 and a male thread can be formed on the outer surface of the first lid member 17, and the container 1 can be covered by the first lid member 17 by screwing the male and female threads together. Alternatively, the shape of the first lid member 17 may be such that it covers the container 1 from above, and the container 1 and the first lid member 17 may be fastened together with fastening members such as bolts. When fastening members such as bolts are used, the shapes of the container 1 and the first lid member 17 can be any shape such as a rectangle. By providing the first lid member 17, the drying of the mixture 4 can be suppressed.

[0060] The first lid member 17 is provided with communication hole members 18a, 18b, and 18c that communicate with the outside. In this first embodiment, three communication hole members 18a, 18b, and 18c are formed so as to face the separator 5, the positive electrode connection portion 23, and the negative electrode connection portion 24, respectively, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0061] The communication hole member 18a is a hole for maintaining the separator 5, and in this first embodiment, a pipe 19 for supplying water (for example, distilled water such as pure water) to the separator 5 passes through it. In this first embodiment, water is supplied to the separator 5 because ions become less mobile when the separator 5 dries out.

[0062] The communication hole member 18b is a hole for passing the first pipe member 20 through which the wiring 9 from the positive electrode connection part 23 passes. The communication hole member 18c is a hole for passing the second pipe member 21 through which the wiring 10 from the negative electrode connection part 24 passes. PF (Plastic Flexible) pipes can be used as the first pipe member 20 and the second pipe member 21. The lengths of the first pipe member 20 and the second pipe member 21 can be set arbitrarily.

[0063] The second cover members 22a to 22c are cover members provided in correspondence with the communication hole members 18a to 18c. The second cover member 22a covers the communication hole member 18a and has an opening for the pipe 19 that supplies water (for example, distilled water such as pure water) to the separator 5 to pass through. If it is necessary to prevent rain from seeping in through this opening, the area around the opening can be wrapped with sealing tape or a clay material can be provided.

[0064] The second cover member 22b covers the communication hole member 18b and has an opening for the first pipe member 20 to pass through for the wiring 9 from the positive electrode connection part 23. If it is necessary to prevent rain from seeping in through this opening, the area around the opening can be wrapped with sealing tape or a clay material can be provided.

[0065] The second cover member 22c covers the communication hole member 18c and has an opening for the second pipe member 21 to pass through, which allows the wiring 10 from the negative electrode connection part 24 to pass through. If it is necessary to prevent rain from seeping in through this opening, the area around the opening can be wrapped with sealing tape or a clay material can be provided.

[0066] In this first embodiment, the communication hole member 18 is provided with a female thread, and the second cover members 22a to 22c are provided with male threads that screw into this female thread, thereby engaging the second cover members 22a to 22c with the communication hole members 18a to 18c. If it is necessary to replace at least one of the separator 5 and the electrodes, this can be done with the first cover member 17 removed. At this time, the mixture 4 may be replaced, or an electrolyte substance may be supplied to the mixture 4.

[0067] It is preferable to supply the electrolyte in solution form, for example, by dissolving it in water. This prevents deterioration of the energy storage performance of the capacitor 11 and allows for the recovery of a capacitor 11 whose energy storage performance has deteriorated. If the first lid member 17 is engaged with the container 1, the electrolyte may be supplied to the mixture 4 using the communication hole members 18a, 18b, and 18c.

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a water supply member 14 is provided on the capacitor 11 of Figure 5. In Figure 6, the water supply member 14 is provided on the upper surface of the mixture 4 of Figure 5. The water supply member 14 is also provided near the upper end of the separator 5 so that water can be supplied to the separator 5 as well. In this case, it is preferable to position the water supply member 14 so that it is in contact with the separator 5.

[0069] The water supply member 14 is a superabsorbent polymer that has both water retention and drainage properties. This superabsorbent polymer gradually releases its moisture as the soil dries, so it can supply moisture to the mixture 4 when it dries out. In this way, by using a superabsorbent polymer with drying responsiveness, the drying of the mixture 4 can be prevented.

[0070] Furthermore, some superabsorbent polymers are temperature-responsive, pH-responsive, or ion-responsive, so you should select the appropriate polymer based on the required responsiveness.

[0071] Alternatively, potassium chloride (KCl) or sodium chloride (NaCl) may be dissolved in water to form an electrolyte solution, and this electrolyte solution may be absorbed by the water supply member 14. This allows the electrolyte solution to be supplied to the mixture 4 and the separator 5.

[0072] Since acetylene black is a hydrophobic substance, if the amount of acetylene black added is high, water and electrolyte solutions may not penetrate the mixture 4 easily. Therefore, it takes time for water and electrolyte solutions from the water supply member 14 provided on the upper surface of the mixture 4 to penetrate downwards (in the -Z direction) of the mixture 4.

[0073] Therefore, in Figure 6, holes 15 are formed in the mixture 4, and a water supply member 14 is also provided in these holes 15. This shortens the time it takes for water or electrolyte solution from the water supply member 14 to penetrate downwards (in the -Z direction) of the mixture 4. In this first embodiment, since two holes 15 are formed on either side of the separator 5, the water supply member 14 prevents the separator 5 from drying out and facilitates the movement of ions.

[0074] The number of holes 15 can be set to one or more as desired, and their location can also be set as desired. Furthermore, the direction in which the holes 15 are formed can be diagonally downward. In this case, if the holes 15 are formed toward the separator 5 embedded in the mixture 4, water and electrolyte solution can be quickly supplied to the portion of the separator 5 embedded in the mixture 4. In this first embodiment, the holes 15 may be omitted.

[0075] Alternatively, the water supply member 14 may be mixed into the mixture 4. Note that the water supply member 14 may be provided in a capacitor 11 that does not have the first lid member 17 shown in Figure 3, or a hole 15 may be formed to provide the water supply member 14.

[0076] As described above, by supplying water or an electrolyte solution to the mixture 4 and separator 5 from the water supply member 14, it is possible to prevent the mixture 4 and separator 5 from drying out, and by supplying an electrolyte solution to the mixture 4 and separator 5, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the performance of the capacitor 11. It is preferable to periodically supply water or an electrolyte solution to the water supply member 14. Whether to supply water or an electrolyte solution should be determined based on the performance changes of the capacitor 11. For example, if the capacitance of the capacitor 11 tends to decrease with each charge, it is preferable to supply an electrolyte solution to the water supply member 14. The liquid to the water supply member 14 may be supplied using the piping 19.

[0077] Furthermore, the water supply component 14 is not limited to a superabsorbent polymer; natural materials such as vermiculite, which possesses both water retention and drainage properties, or coco peat may also be used. In addition, the liquid contained in the water supply component 14 may be a liquid other than water.

[0078] A drying prevention material may be used instead of, or in combination with, the water supply member 14. Examples of drying prevention materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polylactic acid.

[0079] Furthermore, burying the capacitor 11 in the ground allows for the utilization of previously unused ground space. Also, if the ground is sandy, such as a beach, using excavated sand to create the mixture 4 can save on the cost of transporting sand.

[0080] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a control device 30 for controlling the charging and discharging of the capacitor 11 in this first embodiment. In this first embodiment, the capacitor 11 is charged using electricity generated by a photovoltaic power generation device 25, but it is not limited to this. Also, a perovskite solar cell may be used as the photovoltaic power generation device 25. In addition, since sand is used in the mixture 4 in this first embodiment, the capacitor 11 may be installed at a solar power plant near the coast, or the capacitor 11 may be charged using electricity generated at an offshore wind power plant.

[0081] The control device 30 includes a power generation side switching unit 31, a power generation power conditioner 32, a voltage conversion unit 33, a charge switch 34, a discharge power conditioner 35, a discharge side switching unit 36, a memory 37, a communication unit 38, and a control unit 39.

[0082] The power generation side switching unit 31 is connected to the photovoltaic power generation device 25 and the control unit 39, and is a switching unit that switches whether to feed the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device 25 back into the power grid via the power generation power conditioner 32, or to charge the capacitor 11. The power generation side switching unit 31 may be configured to supply power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device 25 to both the power grid and the capacitor 11.

[0083] The power conditioner 32 for power generation has an inverter that converts the DC current output from the solar power generation device 25 into AC current. The power conditioner 32 for power generation also has a function to adjust the output voltage in order to feed power back into the power grid, and a function to disconnect from the power grid in the event of an abnormality such as an earthquake. The power conditioner 32 for power generation feeds power generated by the solar power generation device 25 back into the power grid, but it may also be used to supply power to each element that constitutes the control device 30.

[0084] The voltage conversion unit 33 converts the voltage of the DC current output from the solar power generation device 25 to a voltage suitable for charging the capacitor 11 (for example, from 1V to 1.2V) and outputs it to the charging switch 34.

[0085] The charging switch 34 is an on / off switch. When the switch is on, the solar power generation device 25 charges the capacitor 11, and when the switch is off, the solar power generation device 25 does not charge the capacitor 11. The charging switch 34 is turned off by the control unit 39 when it is necessary to prevent overcharging of the capacitor 11.

[0086] The discharge power conditioner 35 has an inverter that converts the DC current output from the capacitor 11 into AC current. The discharge power conditioner 35 also has a function to adjust the output voltage in order to reverse power flow to the power grid or supply power to the load equipment 40, and a function to disconnect from the power grid in the event of an abnormality such as an earthquake. The function to disconnect from the power grid in the event of an abnormality may be performed by the discharge side switching unit 36.

[0087] The discharge-side switching unit 36 ​​is connectable to both the power grid and the load equipment 40, and is a switching unit that switches between flowing the power generated by the capacitor 11 back into the power grid or supplying it to the load equipment 40. The discharge-side switching unit 36 ​​may also be configured to supply the power generated by the capacitor 11 to both the power grid and the load equipment 40.

[0088] Memory 37 is a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) and stores programs for controlling the charging and discharging of the capacitor 11, and programs for controlling the solar power generation device 25. In addition, memory 37 stores the daily power generation amount of the solar power generation device 25, as well as the daily charge and discharge amounts of the capacitor 11. Memory 37 may also store the charge and discharge amounts on an hourly basis. Furthermore, memory 37 may store programs for supplying power to the load equipment 40 (e.g., a program for supplying water).

[0089] The communication unit 38 is a wireless communication unit that accesses a wide-area network such as the Internet. The communication unit 38 may also use wired communication. In this first embodiment, the communication unit 38 communicates with a host computer located remotely.

[0090] The communication unit 38 communicates, for example, the daily charge and discharge amounts of the capacitor 11 to the host computer. The host computer may also issue an instruction to perform maintenance on the capacitor 11 when it detects a decrease in the charge of the capacitor 11 or when it detects drying of the mixture 4 using a sensor (not shown).

[0091] In this case, the host computer may use parameters such as weather conditions (sunny or rainy), seasons (summer or winter), the time elapsed since the capacitor 11 was installed, and the time elapsed since the last maintenance to determine whether or not to perform maintenance. Maintenance includes at least one of supplying water to the separator 5 that constitutes the capacitor 11 and supplying water or an electrolyte substance to the mixture 4.

[0092] The control unit 39 is equipped with a CPU and controls the solar power generation device 25, as well as the charging and discharging of the capacitor 11. In this first embodiment, the control unit 39 monitors the voltage of the capacitor 11 using a voltmeter (not shown), and if the voltage falls below a lower threshold, it controls the discharge power conditioner 35 to prevent discharge. Alternatively, if the voltage rises above an upper threshold, the control unit 39 may turn off the charging switch 34 to prevent charging of the capacitor 11. As will be described in detail later, the control unit 39 also controls maintenance of the capacitor 11.

[0093] The load equipment 40 is equipment driven by the power stored in the capacitor 11, and in this first embodiment, it is equipment used for maintenance of the capacitor 11, or various lighting equipment. The capacitor 11 may also be configured to supply power to the load equipment 40 at night.

[0094] Equipment used for maintenance of the capacitor 11 includes a sensor (not shown) for detecting the drying of the mixture 4, and equipment (hereinafter referred to as a supply device) for supplying water to the separator 5 and supplying at least one of water and the electrolytic solution to the mixture 4. Multiple pipes 19 may be provided to serve as water supply pipes and electrolytic solution pipes. Spray nozzles may also be provided at the ends of the pipes 19.

[0095] The control of the capacitor 11 and the photovoltaic power generation device 25 by the control unit 39 of this first embodiment, configured as described above, will now be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart executed by the control unit 39 of this first embodiment. This flowchart is executed when the photovoltaic power generation device 25 is capable of generating power and the capacitor 11 is not being charged.

[0096] (Flowchart) The control unit 39 determines whether it is possible to charge the capacitor 11 (step S1). If the control unit 39 determines that the capacitor 11 does not require maintenance and that the capacitor 11 is not in an overcharged state based on the voltage of the capacitor 11, it determines Yes in step S1 and proceeds to step S2. If the capacitor 11 is overcharged, the control unit 39 determines No in step S1 and repeats the determination in step S1 until the overcharge of the capacitor 11 is resolved.

[0097] Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the control unit 39 determines that the capacitor 11 requires maintenance and proceeds to step S10.

[0098] In step S10, the control unit 39 performs maintenance on the capacitor 11, which is the implementation of the procedure (step S10). The control unit 39 controls the discharge power conditioner 35 and the discharge-side switching unit 36 ​​to discharge to the load equipment 40. The control unit 39 also uses a supply device, which is one of the load equipment 40, to supply water to the separator 5 and to the mixture 4 with water and the electrolyte solution. Then the control unit 39 returns to step S1. When returning to step S1, the control unit 39 controls the discharge power conditioner 35 and the discharge-side switching unit 36 ​​to stop the discharge to the load equipment 40.

[0099] The control unit 39 makes another determination as to whether it is possible to charge the capacitor 11 (step S1). Since maintenance of the capacitor 11 was performed in step S10, the control unit 39 decides to proceed to step S2.

[0100] The control unit 39 switches the power generation side switching unit 31 to charging the capacitor 11 and also switches the charging switch 34 to ON to start charging the capacitor 11 (step S2).

[0101] As mentioned above, the capacitor 11 can be charged using either constant voltage charging or constant current charging, but constant current charging is preferable considering charging efficiency. When using constant current charging, a current control circuit can be added to supply a constant current between the voltage conversion unit 33 and the capacitor 11. In both cases, charging is performed by applying voltage from the solar power generation device 25.

[0102] In this first embodiment, since the capacitor 11 is equipped with multiple electrodes, the contact area between the mixture 4 and the electrodes increases, and the ion migration distance is shortened at the first positive electrode 6 and the first negative electrode 7, so that a large amount of charge can be efficiently stored in the capacitor 11.

[0103] The control unit 39 determines whether charging of the capacitor 11 is complete (step S3). When charging of the capacitor 11 is complete, the voltage of the capacitor 11 becomes maximum, while the current flowing through the capacitor 11 becomes minimum (almost zero). Therefore, the control unit 39 can determine whether charging of the capacitor 11 is complete by detecting the voltage of the capacitor 11 or the current flowing through the capacitor 11.

[0104] The control unit 39 continues charging until the capacitor 11 is fully charged, and proceeds to step S4 once the capacitor 11 is fully charged. Here, we assume that the capacitor 11 is fully charged and proceed to step S4. When charging is complete, the control unit 39 switches the power generation side switching unit 31 to reverse power flow to the power grid and switches the charging switch 34 to the OFF position.

[0105] The control unit 39 determines whether power supply to the load device 40 is necessary (step S4). If power supply to the load device 40 is not necessary, the control unit 39 terminates this flowchart; if power supply to the load device 40 is necessary, it proceeds to step S5. Here, we will assume that power supply to the load device 40 is necessary and proceed to step S5.

[0106] The control unit 39 supplies power (discharges) to the load equipment 40 using the capacitor 11 (step S5). The control unit 39 controls the discharge power conditioner 35 and the discharge side switching unit 36 ​​to supply power (discharge) to the load equipment 40 using the capacitor 11.

[0107] The control unit 39 determines whether the power supply (discharge) to the load device 40 by the capacitor 11 can be continued (step S6). The control unit 39 can determine whether the power supply (discharge) to the load device 40 can be continued by monitoring the voltage and current during the discharge of the capacitor 11, or by monitoring the amount of energy consumed relative to the capacitance stored in the capacitor 11.

[0108] To avoid interruption of power supply (discharge) to the load device 40, the control unit 39 can set a threshold value (the voltage value, current value, or energy consumption amount mentioned above) for the termination of the discharge of the capacitor 11, and provide a switching circuit so that when this threshold value is not met, it can switch to supplying power (discharging) to the load device 40 with another capacitor 11.

[0109] Furthermore, if the capacitor 11 is unable to continue supplying power (discharging) to the load device 40, the control unit 39 returns to step S1 and determines whether to recharge the capacitor 11 that can no longer supply power (discharge). Here, it is assumed that power supply can be continued, and the process proceeds to step S7.

[0110] The control unit 39 determines whether it is necessary to supply power (discharge) to the load device 40 by the capacitor 11 (step S7). If it is necessary to supply power (discharge) to the load device 40, the control unit 39 proceeds to step S5 and continues to supply power. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to supply power (discharge) to the load device 40, the control unit 39 terminates this flowchart.

[0111] One possible use for the capacitor 11 is to supply power to coastal aquaculture farms. In this case, the capacitor 11 may be used as a backup power source for the coastal aquaculture farm, or as a power source for nighttime lighting or oxygen supply devices for aquariums.

[0112] As described above, according to this flowchart, the electricity generated by the solar power generation device 25 can be used to charge the capacitor 11 located near the solar power generation device 25 (for example, below the solar panels) and also supplied to the load equipment 40. Therefore, even when there is a request to control the output of the solar power generation device 25, the electricity generated by the solar power generation device 25 can be used effectively.

[0113] Furthermore, while U.S. Patent No. 1,151,2022, listed in the prior art section, discloses the storage of electricity in concrete, it does not disclose how to insulate the reinforcing bars when they are present in the concrete. In contrast, in the first and second embodiments of this invention, the container 1 is made insulating, so there is no problem even if there are metal structures around the container 1.

[0114] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 10. Components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the capacitor 11 in this second embodiment and the process of charging the capacitor 11. Figure 10 is a view taken along the line A-A in Figure 9.

[0115] In this second embodiment, a group of rod-shaped positive electrodes 60 and a group of rod-shaped negative electrodes 70 are provided in the mixture 4 as multiple electrodes. The group of positive electrodes 60 and the group of negative electrodes 70 are sometimes collectively referred to as the electrode group.

[0116] The electrode group preferably uses porous carbon such as activated carbon or carbon nanotubes, and preferably has micropores (2 nm or less) and mesopores (2-50 nm). Figure 10 shows a circular electrode group, but the shape of the electrode group may be elliptical or rectangular. Furthermore, by using the same material and having the same dimensions for each electrode in the electrode group, the cost of the electrode group can be reduced and replacement can be easily performed.

[0117] The positive electrode group 60 comprises a first positive electrode group 60a and a second positive electrode group 60b. The first positive electrode group 60a is located closer to the separator than the second positive electrode group 60b and is arranged along the Y direction. Although six first positive electrode groups 60a are shown in Figure 10, the number can be set arbitrarily. In the mixture 4, the first positive electrode groups 60a are arranged so that they are not in contact with each other.

[0118] The second positive electrode group 60b is positioned further away from the separator 5 than the first positive electrode group 60a and along the Y direction. The second positive electrode group 60b is located between the two first positive electrode groups 60a in the Y direction to facilitate the adsorption of anions. In other words, in this second embodiment, the first positive electrode group 60a and the second positive electrode group 60b are arranged in a staggered pattern. Figure 10 shows five first positive electrode groups 60a, but the number can be set arbitrarily. In the mixture 4, the second positive electrode groups 60b are arranged so that they are not in contact with each other.

[0119] The negative electrode group 70 comprises a first negative electrode group 70a and a second negative electrode group 70b. The first negative electrode group 70a is located closer to the separator than the second negative electrode group 70b and is arranged along the Y direction. Although six first negative electrode groups 70a are shown in Figure 10, the number can be set arbitrarily. In the mixture 4, the first negative electrode groups 70a are arranged so that they are not in contact with each other.

[0120] The second negative electrode group 70b is positioned further away from the separator 5 than the first negative electrode group 70a and along the Y direction. The second negative electrode group 70b is located between the two first negative electrode groups 70a in the Y direction to facilitate the adsorption of cations. In other words, in this second embodiment, the first negative electrode group 70a and the second negative electrode group 70b are arranged in a staggered pattern. Figure 10 shows five first negative electrode groups 70a, but the number can be set arbitrarily. In the mixture 4, the second negative electrode groups 70b are arranged so that they are not in contact with each other.

[0121] In this second embodiment as well, since the capacitor 11 is equipped with a positive electrode group 60 and a negative electrode group 70, the contact area between the mixture 4 and the electrode groups increases, so that more ions can be adsorbed onto the electrode surface when the capacitor 11 is charged, thereby increasing the capacitance and the amount of energy that the capacitor 11 can store. Also, since the number of first positive electrode groups 60a arranged near the capacitor 11 is greater than the number of second positive electrode groups 60b, the distance that anions travel to the first positive electrode group 60a during charging is shortened, and more anions can be stored in the first positive electrode group 60a. Similarly, since the number of first negative electrode groups 70a arranged near the capacitor 11 is greater than the number of second negative electrode groups 70b, the distance that cations travel to the first negative electrode group 70a during charging is shortened, and more cations can be stored in the first negative electrode group 70a. In this second embodiment as well, the positive electrode group 60 and the negative electrode group 70 may be connected in series.

[0122] In this second embodiment, the container 1 is rectangular in shape, with the first positive electrode group 60a and the second positive electrode group 60b arranged along the longer side (Y direction), and the first positive electrode group 60a and the second positive electrode group 60b spaced apart in the shorter side (X direction). Similarly, the first negative electrode group 70a and the second negative electrode group 70b are arranged along the longer side (Y direction), and the first negative electrode group 70a and the second negative electrode group 70b spaced apart in the shorter side (X direction).

[0123] This shortens the distance ions travel in the X direction (the shorter side), allowing the capacitor 11 to store more charge. If the container 1 is elliptical in shape, the first positive electrode group 60a and the second positive electrode group 60b should be arranged along the Y direction (the major axis), and the first positive electrode group 60a and the second positive electrode group 60b should be spaced apart in the X direction (the minor axis). The container 1 of the first embodiment may also be rectangular or elliptical, as in the second embodiment.

[0124] The embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The first and second embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and the capacitor 11 of the second embodiment may be provided with the water supply member 14 and hole portion 15 of the first embodiment, or the first lid member 17 and the maintenance member described above. Furthermore, an electronically conductive polymer may be used as the electronically conductive material. A conductive polymer can be used as the conductive polymer. In this case, the conductive polymer may be dissolved in a solvent and liquefied, or an additive may be added to the conductive polymer and liquefied.

[0125] 1...Container 2...Sand 4...Mixture 5...Separator 6...First positive electrode 6a...Extended part 7...First negative electrode 7a...Extended part 11...Capacitor 12...Second positive electrode 12a...Extended part 13...Second negative electrode 13a...Extended part 14...Water supply member 15...Hole 17...First lid member 22a-22c...Second lid member 25...Solar power generation device 30...Control device 39...Control unit 60...Positive electrode group 60a...First positive electrode group 60b...Second positive electrode group 70...Negative electrode group 70a...First negative electrode group 70b...Second negative electrode group

Claims

1. A charging device comprising: a conductive section in which an electrically conductive material is mixed with soil particles containing ions; a plurality of positive electrodes provided in the conductive section; a plurality of negative electrodes provided in the conductive section; and a separator provided between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, wherein the electrically conductive material and the plurality of positive electrodes are connected, and the electrically conductive material and the plurality of negative electrodes are connected, and when a voltage is applied between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, anions are guided to the plurality of positive electrodes and cations are guided to the plurality of negative electrodes.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of positive electrodes include a first positive electrode and a second positive electrode, and the first positive electrode is positioned on the separator side compared to the second positive electrode.

3. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the area of ​​the first positive electrode is greater than the area of ​​the second positive electrode.

4. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the first positive electrode and the second positive electrode are not in contact within the conductive portion.

5. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the second positive electrode is located above the first positive electrode in the conductive portion.

6. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of negative electrodes include a first negative electrode and a second negative electrode, and the first negative electrode is positioned on the separator side compared to the second negative electrode.

7. The charging device according to claim 6, wherein the area of ​​the first negative electrode is greater than the area of ​​the second negative electrode.

8. The charging device according to claim 6, wherein the first negative electrode and the second negative electrode are not in contact within the conductive portion.

9. The charging device according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the second negative electrode is located above the first negative electrode in the conductive portion.

10. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes are each arranged in a staggered pattern.

11. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a first carbon material in powder form and a second carbon material different from the first carbon material, and the weight ratio of the second carbon material to the soil particles is greater than the weight ratio of the first carbon material to the soil particles.

12. The charging device according to claim 11, wherein the first carbon material is carbon black and the second carbon material is activated carbon or binchotan charcoal.

13. The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply member that supplies liquid to at least one of the conductive part and the separator.

14. The electrostatic device according to claim 13, wherein the water supply member is provided with an electrolyte solution obtained by dissolving an electrolyte in the liquid.

15. The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a supply device for supplying liquid to at least one of the conductive part and the separator.

16. A charging method comprising a conductive section in which an electrically conductive material is mixed with soil particles containing ions, a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a separator provided in the conductive section, the electrically conductive material and the plurality of positive electrodes are connected, and when a voltage is applied between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, anions are guided to the plurality of positive electrodes and cations are guided to the plurality of negative electrodes.

17. The charging method according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of positive electrodes include a first positive electrode and a second positive electrode, and the first positive electrode is positioned on the separator side compared to the second positive electrode.

18. The charging method according to claim 17, wherein the first positive electrode and the second positive electrode are arranged in a non-contact manner within the conductive portion.

19. The charging method according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of negative electrodes include a first negative electrode and a second negative electrode, and the first negative electrode is positioned on the separator side compared to the second negative electrode.

20. The charging method according to claim 19, wherein the first negative electrode and the second negative electrode are arranged in a non-contact manner within the conductive portion.

21. The charging method according to claim 16, wherein liquid is supplied to at least one of the conductive part and the separator.

22. The charging method according to claim 21, wherein the liquid is an electrolyte solution containing an electrolyte.