Hydrogen generating apparatus for generating hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to increase the production volume of hydrogen generated by water electrolysis and to remove hydrochloric acid during the electrolysis of saltwater. The present invention solves the problem by comprising: a container for storing saltwater; a positive electrode and a negative electrode for electrolysis; and a metal member disposed at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas.

Description

A hydrogen generator that produces hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater.

[0001] This invention relates to hydrogen production, which involves generating hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater.

[0002] In recent times, with the increasing emphasis on decarbonization, new energy methods different from conventional ones are being devised. One of these is hydrogen energy, and hydrogen refueling stations are becoming more widespread in society.

[0003] One method of hydrogen production is fossil fuel reforming, which is used in oil refineries and other facilities. However, this method has the drawback of emitting CO2 during the production process. Another method of hydrogen production is by-product hydrogen, but this method has the drawback of having a limited amount of hydrogen produced as a by-product.

[0004] Furthermore, another method of hydrogen production is through the electrolysis of water. However, this method requires a large amount of electricity, resulting in high production costs. In addition, solutions are now being offered that increase hydrogen production by applying a magnetic field from a superconducting magnet to the area where the aqueous solution is electrolyzed. However, using a superconducting magnet presents further challenges in terms of electricity and equipment costs.

[0005] Furthermore, when electrolyzing saltwater such as seawater, there is the challenge that the hydrochloric acid produced during hydrogen generation can have an impact on the environment.

[0006] Furthermore, water makes up approximately 71% of the Earth's surface, and about 97% of that water is seawater. There is also the challenge that this abundant seawater is not being fully utilized as a raw material for hydrogen production.

[0007] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-64080

[0008] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 provides a hydrogen generator that uses an easily formed anode and does not produce harmful by-products such as chlorine even when saltwater such as seawater is supplied without desalination or purification and electrolyzed. However, there is a problem in that there is no method to generate more hydrogen.

[0009] The present invention relates to a hydrogen generation device that generates hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater, comprising: a container for storing the saltwater; a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted into the saltwater stored in the container for electrolysis by passing electricity through them; and a metal member positioned in the saltwater at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas, thereby enabling the generation of a larger amount of hydrogen.

[0010] A hydrogen generation device that generates hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater, comprising: a container for storing the saltwater; a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted into the saltwater stored in the container for electrolysis by passing electricity through them; and a metal member positioned in the saltwater at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas, thereby enabling the generation of a larger amount of hydrogen.

[0011] A hydrogen generation device that generates hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater, comprising: a container for storing the saltwater; a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted into the saltwater stored in the container for electrolysis by passing electricity through them; and a metal member positioned in the saltwater at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas, thereby enabling the generation of a larger amount of hydrogen.

[0012] For the above purpose, the present invention provides a hydrogen generation device comprising: a container for storing saltwater; a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted into the saltwater stored in the container for electrolysis by passing electricity through them; and a metal member positioned in the saltwater at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas, thereby enabling the generation of a larger amount of hydrogen.

[0013] Configuration diagram of one embodiment of the present invention Top view of one embodiment of the present invention Configuration diagram of one embodiment of the present invention Top view showing the position of the aluminum plate of the present invention Example of neodymium magnets used in magnetic treatment of saltwater Four examples of magnet attraction of neodymium magnets used in magnetic treatment of saltwater Two plastic spacers placed on top of four neodymium magnets Example of mounting eight neodymium magnets used in magnetic treatment of saltwater Example of mounting sixteen neodymium magnets used in magnetic treatment of saltwater Configuration diagram of one embodiment having a filter section of the present invention Configuration diagram of one embodiment having an ion exchange membrane of the present invention Configuration diagram of one embodiment having a hot water treatment section of the present invention Configuration diagram of one embodiment having an aluminum plate supply section of the present invention Configuration diagram of one embodiment having an aluminum plate supply section of the present invention

[0014] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] In the drawings, identical elements are denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are intended for understanding purposes, and the actual dimensional ratios may not necessarily match those of reality.

[0016] Furthermore, there may be differences in the dimensional relationships and ratios between drawings.

[0017] Furthermore, the embodiments shown below illustrate devices and methods for realizing the technical idea of ​​this invention, and the embodiments of this invention do not specify the materials, shapes, structures, arrangements, etc., of the components.

[0018] Here, Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Next, Figure 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The electrolysis unit 1 has a positive electrode 2, a negative electrode 3, and an aluminum plate 4 made of aluminum. The electrolysis unit 1 also contains saltwater 5, and the shape of the electrolysis unit is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0021] Here, as an example of salt water 5, 100 cc of water at 20°C is used as the solvent and 20 g of sodium chloride is used as the solute to produce salt water 5, i.e., an aqueous sodium chloride solution, which is then used as salt water 5, and the aluminum plate 4 is placed so as not to come into contact with the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3.

[0022] For comparison purposes, we also consider a configuration in which the electrolysis unit 1 does not include the aluminum plate 4.

[0023] At this time, the electrolysis including the aluminum plate 4 is designated as Sample 1, and the electrolysis without the aluminum plate 4 is designated as Sample 2.

[0024] Furthermore, in electrolysis, platinum electrodes are used as electrodes, and a voltage of 6V is applied.

[0025] Considering the electrolysis involved, in the case of Sample 1, the following changes occur in the sodium chloride aqueous solution.

[0026] Here, 2NaCl + 2H ２ O → 2NaOH + Cl ２ + H ２ As shown above, at the positive electrode 2 of the electrolysis unit 1, chloride ions are oxidized to generate chlorine gas, and at the negative electrode 3, water is reduced to generate hydrogen gas.

[0027] Furthermore, hydroxide ions are generated near the negative electrode 3, but sodium ions are attracted to the vicinity of the negative electrode 3. Therefore, as electrolysis progresses, the aqueous solution near the negative electrode 3 becomes an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution.

[0028] At this time, hydrogen gas can be generated at the negative electrode 3, but the chlorine gas generated at the positive electrode 2 reacts with water to produce hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid.

[0029] The hydrochloric acid generated here is an environmental problem, but it reacts with the aluminum plate 4, and 2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl ３ + 3H ２ As such, aluminum chloride and hydrogen are generated, and by the reaction of aluminum and hydrochloric acid, more hydrogen can be generated, and furthermore, the hydrochloric acid, which is an environmental problem, can be removed.

[0030] Also, aluminum reacts with water at room temperature to produce aluminum hydroxide and hydrogen, but aluminum is usually covered with aluminum oxide on its surface, so the reaction with water does not occur as it is.

[0031] Here, furthermore, when aluminum oxide is present on the surface of the aluminum plate, in the reaction with hydrochloric acid, Al ２ O ３ + 6HCl → 2AlCl ３ + 3H ２ O As such, aluminum chloride and water are generated.

[0032] Also, in this experiment, the aluminum plate 4 is installed so as not to contact the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3, but in order to prevent a decrease in the efficiency of hydrogen generation due to the bubbles of the gas generated from the electrodes colliding with the bubbles of the gas generated from the aluminum plate, it is desirable for the aluminum plate 4 to be at a distance of 5 mm or more from the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3.

[0033] Furthermore, while there is a possibility of dissimilar metal contact corrosion occurring when the aluminum plate 4 contacts the positive electrode 2 or the negative electrode 3, since the aluminum plate dissolves in hydrochloric acid or the like, dissimilar metal contact corrosion is not considered to be a major problem, and also, the aluminum plate 4 can be made to contact the positive electrode 2 or the negative electrode 3, but it is necessary to consider the possibility that the bubbles generated from the aluminum plate 4, the positive electrode 2, and the negative electrode 3 may collide.

[0034] As described above, in the reaction between hydrochloric acid and an aluminum plate, aluminum chloride and hydrogen are generated. Therefore, in addition to the hydrogen generated by electrolysis, more hydrogen can be generated, and furthermore, hydrochloric acid can be removed.

[0035] Furthermore, hydroxide ions are generated near the negative electrode 3. Since sodium ions are attracted near the negative electrode 3, the aqueous solution near the negative electrode 3 becomes a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution as electrolysis proceeds. Sodium hydroxide reacts with the aluminum plate 4, and 2Al + 6H ２ O + 2NaOH → 2Na[Al(OH) ４ + 3H ２ Hydrogen is further generated as shown above, and in this reaction, no chlorides related to hydrochloric acid are produced.

[0036] Next, in the case of Sample 2, which is electrolysis without an aluminum plate 4, a platinum electrode is used as the electrode, and a voltage of 6V is applied.

[0037] Considering the electrolysis at that time, in the case of Sample 2, the following changes occur in the sodium chloride aqueous solution.

[0038] Here, 2NaCl + 2H ２ O → 2NaOH + Cl ２ + H ２ At the positive electrode 2 of the electrolysis unit 1, chloride ions are oxidized to generate chlorine gas, and at the negative electrode 3, water is reduced to generate hydrogen gas as shown above.

[0039] Furthermore, hydroxide ions are generated near the negative electrode 3. Since sodium ions are attracted near the negative electrode 3, the aqueous solution near the negative electrode 3 becomes a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution as electrolysis proceeds.

[0040] At this time, hydrogen gas is being generated at the negative electrode 3. However, the chlorine gas generated at the positive electrode 2 reacts with water to generate hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid.

[0041] Comparing Sample 1 and Sample 2, in Sample 2, the presence of the aluminum plate 4 generates hydrogen and effectively removes hydrochloric acid, while in Sample 1, hydrochloric acid is not removed.

[0042] Furthermore, comparing Sample 1 and Sample 2, experiments confirmed that Sample 1 could generate more than 5% more hydrogen than Sample 2 under conditions of 20°C.

[0043] Furthermore, by installing a hydrogen storage tank above the electrolysis unit, it becomes possible to effectively store hydrogen.

[0044] Furthermore, it is also possible to install multiple aluminum plates on the positive electrode side, the negative electrode side, or between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrolysis section.

[0045] Furthermore, it is possible to place metals other than aluminum plates that dissolve in hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide on the positive electrode side, the negative electrode side, or between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrolysis section. It is also possible to place other metals that dissolve in hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide in addition to the aluminum plates.

[0046] For example, if we replace the aluminum plate with a zinc plate, the reaction between the zinc plate and hydrochloric acid will be: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl ２ + H ２ As shown, zinc chloride and hydrogen are produced, and the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid makes it possible to produce even more hydrogen, and furthermore, hydrochloric acid, which is an environmental problem, can be removed.

[0047] Furthermore, the reaction between zinc and sodium hydroxide is Zn + 2NaOH + 2H ２ O → 2Na[Zn(OH) ４ ] + H ２ As shown, sodium tetrahydroxozincate and hydrogen are produced, and the reaction between zinc and sodium hydroxide makes it possible to produce even more hydrogen.

[0048] Next, Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In Figure 3, the electrolysis unit 1 has a positive electrode 2, a negative electrode 3, and an aluminum plate 4 made of aluminum. The electrolysis unit 1 also contains salt water 5. Furthermore, an ultraviolet irradiation device 6 is located outside the electrolysis unit 1, and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 through the electrolysis unit 1 onto the aluminum plate 4.

[0050] Considering the photoelectric effect, the wavelength required to extract electrons from a material as a work function is 330 nm or less in the case of aluminum.

[0051] In this example, we are considering aluminum plate 4, but if electrons are extracted from magnesium instead of aluminum, the energy required will be 420 nm or less; for silver, 310 nm or less; for lead, 290 nm or less; for tin and zinc, 275 nm or less; and for copper and iron, 270 nm or less.

[0052] Furthermore, when ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 330 nm or less is irradiated onto the aluminum plate 4 from outside the electrolysis unit 1 using an ultraviolet irradiation device 6, the transmission of ultraviolet light can be enhanced by applying ultraviolet-transmitting glass or the like to the parts of the electrolysis unit 1 through which the ultraviolet light passes.

[0053] At this time, the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 irradiates the aluminum plate 4 with ultraviolet light that has passed through the electrolysis unit, generating electrons in the aluminum plate 4 by the photoelectric effect and performing electrolysis. This electrolysis is referred to as Sample 3.

[0054] Here, as an example of saltwater 5, 100 cc of water at 20°C is used as the solvent and 20 g of sodium chloride is used as the solute to produce saltwater, i.e., an aqueous sodium chloride solution. Using this saltwater 5, the aluminum plate 4 is placed so that it does not come into contact with the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3.

[0055] Furthermore, in electrolysis, platinum electrodes are used as electrodes, and a voltage of 6V is applied.

[0056] At this time, hydrogen was obtained from sample 3. Compared to sample 1, the experiment confirmed that sample 3 produced more than 7% more hydrogen than sample 1 at a temperature of 20°C. It is possible to increase the amount of hydrogen produced by changing the size of the area of ​​the aluminum plate irradiated with ultraviolet light and the intensity of the ultraviolet light.

[0057] Next, Figure 4 shows a top view illustrating the position of the aluminum plate according to the present invention.

[0058] In Figure 4, the aluminum plate 4 is installed on the inside of the left side of the electrolysis unit 1, and the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 is installed on the outside of the left side of the electrolysis unit 1 and has the function of irradiating the aluminum plate 4 with ultraviolet light that passes through the left side of the electrolysis unit 1.

[0059] Furthermore, at this time, the transmission of ultraviolet light can be enhanced by applying ultraviolet-transmitting glass or the like to the left side surface of the electrolysis unit 1 through which ultraviolet light passes.

[0060] Furthermore, for ultraviolet-transmitting glass, glass that suppresses the inclusion of impurities such as iron oxide to 0.01 percent or less and increases the ultraviolet transmittance is effective, and can be applied to the entire surface of the electrolysis unit 1, the entire left side surface that transmits ultraviolet light, or a specific part of the left side surface that transmits ultraviolet light.

[0061] Furthermore, when the aluminum plate 4 is attached to the inside of the left side of the electrolysis unit 1, ultraviolet light penetrates the left side of the electrolysis unit 1 and irradiates the aluminum plate without penetrating the saltwater. With respect to electrons generated by the photoelectric effect on the aluminum surface irradiated with ultraviolet light, it becomes possible to generate electrons from multiple directions, including the aluminum surface opposite to the surface irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0062] Here, an example is described in which the aluminum plate 4 is installed on the inside of the left side of the electrolysis unit 1. However, it is also possible to install the aluminum plate 4 on the inside of the right side, the inside of the front, the inside of the back, or the inside of the bottom of the electrolysis unit 1 and irradiate the aluminum plate 4 with the ultraviolet irradiation device. Furthermore, if the shape of the electrolysis unit is not a rectangular parallelepiped but is circular when viewed from above, it is also possible to install it on the inside of the circular part of the electrolysis unit.

[0063] Furthermore, while this example uses aluminum, it is possible to increase hydrogen production by using other metals such as magnesium, silver, lead, tin, zinc, copper, and iron, and irradiating them with ultraviolet rays, X-rays, or gamma rays that correspond to the photoelectric effect to generate electrons.

[0064] Furthermore, while this example uses saltwater, it is also possible to increase the amount of hydrogen produced by generating electrons through the photoelectric effect in electrolysis using liquids other than saltwater.

[0065] Furthermore, ultraviolet light can be classified into three types based on wavelength: ultraviolet A (UVA) with wavelengths of 315 nm to 400 nm, ultraviolet B (UVB) with wavelengths of 280 nm to 315 nm, and ultraviolet C (UVC) with wavelengths of 200 nm to 280 nm. However, if the object being irradiated with ultraviolet light is not aluminum but another metal, it is possible to select ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, or ultraviolet C according to the photoelectric effect characteristics of that metal, or to select ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength.

[0066] Furthermore, at this time, electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths than ultraviolet rays, such as X-rays and gamma rays, can also be used. Therefore, X-ray or gamma-ray irradiation devices can be used as light irradiation devices instead of ultraviolet irradiation devices.

[0067] Furthermore, considering electrolysis outdoors, it becomes possible to utilize sunlight, which includes ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays, and the additional heating effect from the heat of sunlight can be obtained.

[0068] Furthermore, although Figure 3 shows the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 located outside the electrolysis unit 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 may also be located inside the electrolysis unit 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device may be installed only outside the electrolysis unit 1 (one or more units), only inside the electrolysis unit 1 (one or more units), or both outside and inside the electrolysis unit 1 (one or more units).

[0070] When installing multiple ultraviolet irradiation devices, it is possible to select devices that emit ultraviolet light at different wavelengths, and it is also possible to select electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths than ultraviolet light, such as X-rays and gamma rays.

[0071] Here, we will explain the magnetic treatment of saltwater. In this evaluation, as a comparative sample, 100 cc of water at 20°C that has not been magnetically treated was used as the solvent, and 20 g of sodium chloride was used as the solute to produce saltwater, i.e., an aqueous sodium chloride solution.

[0072] Furthermore, as a comparative sample as just described, we will now explain, with examples, the means of performing magnetic treatment on a solution prepared by using 100 cc of water at 20°C without magnetic treatment as the solvent and 20 g of sodium chloride as the solute to produce saline solution, i.e., an aqueous sodium chloride solution.

[0073] Figure 5 shows the neodymium magnet 7 used in this project for magnetic treatment of saltwater. Its physical dimensions are 50 mm and 10 mm from the longest side, with a thickness of 3 mm, and it is made of N40 material.

[0074] Furthermore, since saltwater will pass over the surface of this neodymium magnet 7, it is possible to prevent contamination of the neodymium magnet's surface by covering it with a thin film that easily conducts magnetism.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, four neodymium magnets 7 are arranged in a direction that attracts each other magnetically in the direction of the planes consisting of a 10 mm side and a 3 mm side, and each of the four neodymium magnets is attracted to the other by magnetic force.

[0076] In this case, if the neodymium magnet at one end has its upper surface as the south pole and its lower surface as the north pole, then the adjacent neodymium magnet will have its upper surface as the north pole and its lower surface as the south pole, and the next adjacent neodymium magnet will have its upper surface as the south pole and its lower surface as the north pole, and the next adjacent neodymium magnet at the other end will have its upper surface as the north pole and its lower surface as the south pole.

[0077] Furthermore, a plastic spacer is prepared to prevent magnets from attracting each other, as shown in Figure 7. The physical dimensions of this plastic spacer are 40 mm and 5 mm from the longest side, and its thickness is 1 mm.

[0078] Next, the two plastic spacers shown in Figure 7 are placed on the surfaces of the four neodymium magnets that are adsorbed in Figure 6. At this time, the long sides of the two plastic spacers are oriented at right angles to the long sides of each of the four neodymium magnets. Furthermore, the two plastic spacers are placed at both ends of the four neodymium magnets, and Figure 8 shows the state in which they are mounted in a grid pattern.

[0079] Furthermore, prepare a device with four neodymium magnets attached, identical to the one shown in Figure 6.

[0080] On the surfaces of the two plastic spacers shown in Figure 8, the four neodymium magnets prepared here are attached, and these are then placed in the Z-axis direction where the attachment is strongest, relative to the four neodymium magnets attached to the lower spacers.

[0081] Furthermore, the four neodymium magnets at the bottom are mounted so that their long sides are parallel to the four neodymium magnets at the top.

[0082] In this configuration, the two plastic spacers are positioned at both ends of the four neodymium magnets at the bottom and the four neodymium magnets at the top. Figure 9 shows an example of this configuration with eight neodymium magnets used in the magnetic treatment of saltwater.

[0083] In this case, if the neodymium magnet at one end of the four lower neodymium magnets has its upper surface as the south pole and its lower surface as the north pole, then the adjacent neodymium magnet will have its upper surface as the north pole and its lower surface as the south pole, and the next adjacent neodymium magnet will have its upper surface as the south pole and its lower surface as the north pole, and the neodymium magnet at the other end will have its upper surface as the north pole and its lower surface as the south pole.

[0084] Furthermore, of the four neodymium magnets on the upper side, the neodymium magnet located at one end of the four neodymium magnets on the lower side has its upper surface as the south pole and its lower surface as the north pole. The neodymium magnet adjacent to it has its upper surface as the north pole and its lower surface as the south pole. The neodymium magnet further adjacent has its upper surface as the south pole and its lower surface as the north pole. The neodymium magnet located at the other end has its upper surface as the north pole and its lower surface as the south pole.

[0085] Furthermore, Figure 10 shows a state diagram with 16 neodymium magnets mounted using the same method as described above. In this state with 16 neodymium magnets mounted, 6 plastic spacers are used, and there are 3 pairs of plastic spacers at the same height position in the Z direction. There are a total of 3 spaces 9 between these 3 pairs of plastic spacers and the neodymium magnets.

[0086] Now, let's discuss an example of implementing magnetization treatment of saltwater.

[0087] Here, taking care to ensure a uniform flow rate of brine in the three spaces 9 between the plastic spacers, a brine solution, i.e., an aqueous sodium chloride solution, is prepared by using 100 cc of 20°C water (which has not undergone magnetic treatment) as the solvent and 20 g of sodium chloride as the solute, and this brine is passed through the spacers for 60 seconds, and the brine is collected.

[0088] The collected saltwater is then passed through three spaces 9 between the plastic spacers in the same manner, taking care to ensure an even flow rate of saltwater, over a period of 60 seconds, and collected again.

[0089] By repeating this same method a total of 10 times, magnetic treatment of saltwater can be performed, and magnetically treated saltwater can be obtained.

[0090] Furthermore, by increasing the magnetic force of the neodymium magnets, or by increasing the amount of neodymium magnets, it is possible to relax the conditions for the passage of saltwater.

[0091] For example, if you arrange 10 neodymium magnets in a series, as explained in Figure 10, and pass saltwater through the three spaces between them, it is possible to reduce the number of times the saltwater passes through to one-tenth, for instance.

[0092] Furthermore, during the magnetization treatment of the saltwater, care was taken to ensure a uniform flow rate of saltwater in the three spaces 9, and the saltwater was passed through them for 60 seconds. However, this was done for the purpose of collecting quantitative data, and from the standpoint of increasing the amount of hydrogen produced, it is not necessarily required to have a uniform flow rate of saltwater, nor is it necessarily required to pass the saltwater through them for 60 seconds, nor is it necessary to pass it 10 times.

[0093] As described above, we obtained saltwater that had not been magnetically treated and saltwater that had been magnetically treated. We then performed electrolysis on each of these saltwater solutions and compared the amount of hydrogen produced.

[0094] In the electrolysis, platinum electrodes were used, and a voltage of 6V was applied.

[0095] As a result, experiments confirmed that the amount of hydrogen produced by electrolysis using magnetically treated saltwater was more than 10% greater than the amount produced by electrolysis using untreated saltwater.

[0096] In a separate experiment, multiple neodymium magnets were installed in the electrolysis section, and electrolysis was performed using untreated saltwater. However, the amount of hydrogen produced by electrolysis when neodymium magnets were installed in the electrolysis section did not show a clear advantage compared to when neodymium magnets were not installed.

[0097] However, in this case, although a neodymium magnet was installed in the electrolysis section for experimental evaluation, there remains the possibility that the amount of hydrogen produced could be increased by applying a larger magnetic field.

[0098] On the other hand, there is also a method of increasing hydrogen production by installing something like a very expensive superconducting magnet in the electrolysis section. However, introducing a superconducting magnet presents challenges, such as requiring a lot of electricity to generate the magnetic force and having enormous installation costs.

[0099] Therefore, the hydrogen generation system described above, which uses commercially available neodymium magnets to inexpensively magnetically treat saltwater, can increase the amount of hydrogen produced and also offers significant cost advantages.

[0100] Next, Figure 11 is a diagram showing the configuration in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Here, during hydrogen generation, it is also possible to make it easier to collect the precipitate produced by electrolysis by creating a slope at the bottom surface 10 of the electrolysis unit 1 and utilizing gravity.

[0102] At this time, since the solubility of aluminum chloride and other substances in water depends on the temperature, precipitates that cannot dissolve can be collected, and increasing the gradient to 50° or more greatly enhances the effectiveness of collecting the precipitates.

[0103] Next, Figure 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention having a filter section, in which the filter section is located before the electrolysis section.

[0104] This invention provides a method for increasing hydrogen production by adding an aluminum plate when electrolyzing saltwater such as seawater. However, since seawater contains various impurities, filtration is necessary when actually using seawater.

[0105] On the other hand, seawater is highly corrosive and can contain a variety of organisms, so it is necessary to select a filtration system that can withstand harsh environments.

[0106] Suitable filtration systems for such situations include automatic strainers for seawater, sand filters, and disc filters.

[0107] By installing a filter unit equipped with such filtration capabilities before the electrolysis unit, it becomes possible to effectively remove various impurities from seawater and other materials through filtration by the filter unit before electrolysis of saltwater.

[0108] Next, Figure 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment having the ion exchange membrane of the present invention.

[0109] The electrolysis unit 1 has an ion exchange membrane 12 that separates the liquid on the positive electrode side from the liquid on the negative electrode side, and the aluminum plate 4 is shown as being installed on the positive electrode side.

[0110] If this ion exchange membrane 12 is a cation exchange membrane, then the space between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 will be separated by a cation exchange membrane that only allows cations to pass through, making it possible to move cations such as sodium ions while preventing the movement of anions.

[0111] Furthermore, if this ion exchange membrane 12 were an anion exchange membrane, the space between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 would be separated by an anion exchange membrane that only allows anions to pass through, thus allowing anions to move while preventing cations from moving.

[0112] In this case, we consider the scenario where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are separated by a cation exchange membrane that only allows positive ions to pass through, the aluminum plate 4 is placed on the positive electrode side, and a sodium chloride solution is added to the positive electrode side, while a diluted sodium hydroxide solution is added to the negative electrode side.

[0113] In this case, hydroxide ions are generated near the negative electrode 3 during electrolysis, but sodium ions are attracted to the vicinity of the negative electrode 3. Therefore, as the electrolysis progresses, the aqueous solution near the negative electrode 3 becomes a sodium hydroxide solution.

[0114] Furthermore, the cation exchange membrane installed in the electrolysis section allows cations such as sodium ions to move from the positive electrode side to the negative electrode side, where they combine with hydroxide ions generated near the negative electrode 3, making it possible to further generate sodium hydroxide.

[0115] Furthermore, if there are cations such as aluminum ions on the positive electrode side at this time, these cations may move from the positive electrode side to the negative electrode side via the cation exchange membrane and react with sodium hydroxide. In this case, Al ３＋+ 3NaOH → 3Na ＋ + Al(OH) ３ As shown above, aluminum hydroxide is produced.

[0116] Furthermore, if an excess of sodium hydroxide is added to the negative electrode side of the electrolysis unit, the aluminum hydroxide precipitate dissolves to form a colorless aqueous solution, producing tetrahydroxoaluminate ions. However, if an excess of sodium hydroxide is not added, the aluminum hydroxide will not dissolve.

[0117] Thus, when a cation exchange membrane is included in the electrolysis section, the effect of being able to generate even more sodium hydroxide can also be obtained.

[0118] Furthermore, in this example, the aluminum plate 4 is installed on the positive electrode side, but it is also possible to install the aluminum plate 4 on the negative electrode side, and even further, it is possible to install the aluminum plate 4 on both the positive and negative electrode sides.

[0119] Furthermore, while this example describes the installation of a single cation exchange membrane, it is also possible to install both a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane simultaneously in the electrolysis section.

[0120] Next, Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention having a hot water treatment unit, which has a hot water treatment unit before the electrolysis unit.

[0121] Here, we will explain an example of hot water treatment.

[0122] In the experiment, we confirmed the hydrogen generation in saltwater at different temperatures. Here, we will describe an example of experimental evaluation of the amount of hydrogen produced by electrolysis in saltwater at 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C.

[0123] In the electrolysis, platinum electrodes were used, and a voltage of 6V was applied.

[0124] As a result, it was confirmed that when using salt water at 30°C, approximately 50% more hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis compared to the amount produced by electrolysis using salt water at room temperature of 20°C.

[0125] Furthermore, it was confirmed that when using salt water at 40°C, approximately 80% more hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis compared to the amount produced by electrolysis using salt water at room temperature of 20°C.

[0126] Therefore, by heating saltwater, it is possible to increase the amount of hydrogen produced by electrolysis.

[0127] Furthermore, regarding heating temperature, while experimental results for 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C are shown here, heating to even higher temperatures is also possible due to the mechanism.

[0128] Furthermore, the water can be heated using heaters or other means as part of the hot water treatment process. In cases where seawater is used as the saltwater, it is also possible to configure the hot water treatment using sunlight, which is naturally present in the environment. When heating is done using sunlight, electricity costs for heaters and other devices are unnecessary, making it possible to construct an inexpensive system.

[0129] In this way, by installing a hot water treatment unit equipped with a heating function such as a heater or solar power before the electrolysis unit, or inside the electrolysis unit, it becomes possible to heat the saltwater before or during the electrolysis of the saltwater, thereby generating more hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide.

[0130] Next, we will explain the usefulness and precautions of liquid stirring.

[0131] In the electrolysis section, for example, an automatic stirrer such as a propeller type is installed, and the saltwater is stirred using this automatic stirrer to equalize the concentration and temperature of the saltwater. Then, by electrolyzing the stirred saltwater, it becomes possible to generate more hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide.

[0132] However, by providing a stirring section with a saltwater stirring function in the electrolysis section, it is possible to generate more hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide, but caution is required when applying this method as precipitates such as aluminum chloride may diffuse.

[0133] Next, Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention having an aluminum plate supply unit, and the aluminum plate supply unit 14 is located on the right side of the electrolysis unit.

[0134] At this time, the aluminum plate supply unit 14 has the function of preventing the liquid inside the electrolysis unit from leaking to the outside of the electrolysis unit, and also has the function of supplying the aluminum plate 4 to the electrolysis unit 1.

[0135] At this time, considering that the saltwater is electrolyzed, 2NaCl + 2H ２ O → 2NaOH + Cl ２ + H ２ As shown above, at the positive electrode 2 of the electrolysis unit 1, chloride ions are oxidized to generate chlorine gas, and at the negative electrode 3, water is reduced to generate hydrogen gas.

[0136] Furthermore, hydroxide ions are generated near the negative electrode 3, but sodium ions are attracted to the vicinity of the negative electrode 3. Therefore, as electrolysis progresses, the aqueous solution near the negative electrode 3 becomes an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution.

[0137] At this time, hydrogen gas is being generated at the negative electrode 3, while the chlorine gas generated at the positive electrode 2 reacts with water to produce hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid.

[0138] The hydrochloric acid generated here reacts with aluminum plate 4, resulting in 2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl ３ + 3H ２ As shown above, aluminum chloride and hydrogen are produced, making it possible to produce even more hydrogen, and furthermore, hydrochloric acid can be removed.

[0139] Here, the amount of aluminum plate required to remove the generated hydrochloric acid is supplied from the aluminum plate supply unit 14 to the electrolysis unit 1, thereby effectively removing the generated hydrochloric acid.

[0140] Furthermore, in addition to hydrochloric acid, it is also possible to adjust the necessary amount of aluminum plate supplied from the aluminum plate supply unit 14 for the reaction, after calculating the reaction with substances generated by electrolysis.

[0141] Here, an example is described in which the aluminum plate supply unit 14 is installed on the right side of the electrolysis unit. However, the aluminum plate supply unit 14 can also be installed on the left side, front, or back of the electrolysis unit 1. Furthermore, the aluminum plate supply unit can be installed even if the shape of the electrolysis unit is not a rectangular prism but has a circular top surface.

[0142] Furthermore, aluminum sheets can be supplied horizontally, from a downward diagonal direction, from an upward diagonal direction, from a rightward diagonal direction, or from a leftward diagonal direction.

[0143] In addition, while aluminum sheets are supplied here, circular aluminum rods, elliptical aluminum rods, and aluminum foil can also be supplied.

[0144] Furthermore, to increase the surface area of ​​the aluminum plate and further activate the reaction with hydrochloric acid, it is also effective to create irregularities on the surface of the aluminum plate.

[0145] Furthermore, although the aluminum plate supply unit 14 is currently located in one place, it is also possible to supply from two or more locations.

[0146] In this case, the aluminum sheet supply unit is supplying aluminum sheets, but it is also possible to supply metals other than aluminum sheets as a substitute, and in addition to aluminum sheets, it is also possible to supply metals other than aluminum sheets.

[0147] Next, Figure 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention having an aluminum plate supply unit, in which the aluminum plate supply unit 14 is located on the left side of the front of the electrolysis unit, and the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 is located on the outside of the left side.

[0148] At this time, the aluminum plate supply unit 14 has the function of preventing the liquid inside the electrolysis unit from leaking to the outside of the electrolysis unit, and also has the function of supplying the aluminum plate 4 to the electrolysis unit 1.

[0149] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 has the function of irradiating ultraviolet light onto the left side of the electrolysis unit 1, with the ultraviolet light passing through the left side of the electrolysis unit 1, toward the left side of the aluminum plate 4 supplied to the electrolysis unit 1 from the aluminum plate supply unit 14.

[0150] Considering the photoelectric effect, the wavelength required to extract electrons from a material as a work function is 330 nm or less in the case of aluminum.

[0151] In this example, we are considering aluminum plate 4, but if electrons are extracted from magnesium instead of aluminum, the energy required will be 420 nm or less; for silver, 310 nm or less; for lead, 290 nm or less; for tin and zinc, 275 nm or less; and for copper and iron, 270 nm or less.

[0152] Furthermore, when ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 330 nm or less is irradiated onto the aluminum plate 4 from outside the electrolysis unit 1 using an ultraviolet irradiation device 6, the transmission of ultraviolet light can be enhanced by applying ultraviolet-transmitting glass or the like to the parts of the electrolysis unit 1 through which the ultraviolet light passes.

[0153] At this time, the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 irradiates the aluminum plate 4 with ultraviolet light that has passed through the left side of the electrolysis unit 1, generating electrons in the aluminum plate 4 by the photoelectric effect, thereby enabling electrolysis.

[0154] Furthermore, in this example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 6 was described as irradiating the left side of the aluminum plate 4 supplied to the electrolysis unit 1 from the aluminum plate supply unit 14 with ultraviolet light, passing through the left side of the electrolysis unit 1. However, even by irradiating the left side of the aluminum plate 4 with ultraviolet light directed at the part not entering the electrolysis unit 1, electrons will be generated from various parts of the aluminum plate due to the photoelectric effect, which is effective for electrolysis.

[0155] As described above, the hydrogen generation device of the present invention, which generates hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater, comprises a container for storing saltwater, a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted into the saltwater stored in the container and electrically energized for electrolysis, and a metal member positioned in the saltwater at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas. This hydrogen generation device makes it possible to generate more hydrogen, allows the use of abundant seawater as a raw material for hydrogen generation, and also has the effect of removing hydrochloric acid, thus contributing to the development of a green energy society and a hydrogen society in the future.

[0156] The hydrogen generation apparatus of the present invention, which generates hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater, makes it possible to generate a larger amount of hydrogen, allows the use of abundant seawater as a raw material for hydrogen generation, and also has the effect of removing hydrochloric acid. This technology can contribute to the development of a green energy society and a hydrogen society in the future.

[0157] 1... Electrolysis unit 2... Positive electrode 3... Negative electrode 4... Aluminum plate 5... Saltwater 6... Ultraviolet irradiation device 7... Neodymium magnet 8... Plastic spacer 9... Three spaces 10... Bottom of the electrolysis unit 11... Filter unit 12... Ion exchange membrane 13... Hot water treatment unit 14... Aluminum plate supply unit

Claims

1. A hydrogen generating apparatus for generating hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater, comprising: a container for storing the saltwater; a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted into the saltwater stored in the container and electrically energized for electrolysis; and a metal member positioned in the saltwater at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas.

2. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal member generates metal chlorides through the chemical reaction with hydrochloric acid, and the metal member is continuously supplied into the brine from outside the container in order to replenish the metal member lost through the chemical reaction.

3. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light irradiation device for irradiating light onto the surface of the metal member in the container to release electrons from the surface of the metal member, wherein when electrolysis is performed by passing electricity through the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the light irradiation device is configured to irradiate light onto the surface of the metal member, and the wavelength of the light emitted from the light irradiation device is a wavelength corresponding to an energy greater than or equal to the work function required to release electrons from the surface of the metal member.

4. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the metal member has a plate-like or rod-like shape, the surface of the metal member is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the container, the back surface facing the surface is exposed in the saltwater, and light is irradiated onto the surface of the metal member.

5. The hydrogen generation apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the metal member is movably attached to the inner wall surface of the container while in close contact with it, and is configured to continuously supply the metal member to the saltwater from outside the container in order to replenish the metal member that has been lost due to the chemical reaction.

6. A hydrogen generation method for generating hydrogen gas by electrolyzing saltwater, comprising: a container for storing the saltwater; a positive electrode and a negative electrode inserted into the saltwater stored in the container and electrically energized for electrolysis; and a metal member positioned in the saltwater at a predetermined distance from at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the metal member is configured to chemically react with hydrochloric acid produced by the electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas.

Images