Hydrogen generation system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a hydrogen generation system that can easily be enlarged. [Solution] A hydrogen generation device 10 comprises: a photocatalyst member 11 that holds a photocatalyst; a first cover member 12 that covers the surface on one side of the photocatalyst member 11; a second cover member 13 that covers the surface on the other side of the photocatalyst member 11; a transparent part that transmits light energy to the photocatalyst member 11; and a seal part 15 that encloses the photocatalyst member 11 together with the first cover member and the second cover member 13, and that seals a fluid retention space 14 in which raw material water is held together with a generated hydrogen gas or both the hydrogen gas and an oxygen gas. The first cover member 12 and / or the second cover member 13 is composed of a soft material. A pressure adjustment means 45 for depressurizing the fluid retention space 14 is provided. Water is supplied to the fluid retention space 14. Furthermore, either hydrogen gas generated in the fluid retention space 14 or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are discharged.

Description

Hydrogen generation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen generation system that uses light energy to generate hydrogen gas, or both hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, with a hydrogen generation apparatus.

[0002] Conventionally, among apparatuses that decompose water using light energy and a photocatalyst, there is, for example, the water splitting apparatus described in Patent Document 1. This water splitting apparatus is an apparatus using a photocatalyst that utilizes solar energy, and comprises a photocatalyst panel, and a reaction vessel that accommodates the photocatalyst panel and a reaction solution and performs a water decomposition reaction in the reaction solution. An internal space of the reaction vessel is partitioned by the photocatalyst panel, and the reaction vessel is configured such that water pressure due to the elevation difference between both ends and water pressure resulting from driving of a first circulation pump and a second circulation pump are applied thereto.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-139749

[0004] However, in the water splitting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the wall surface of the reaction vessel is formed of a hard material because the water pressure as described above is applied thereto, when the size of the apparatus increases, the amount of deflection rapidly increases, which may cause damage. In addition, in order to keep the amount of deflection constant, the wall surface of the reaction vessel must be formed thick, which causes problems such as increased cost and increased weight.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen generation system that can be easily increased in size.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is a hydrogen generation system that generates hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in a hydrogen generation device using light energy, wherein the hydrogen generation device comprises a photocatalytic member holding a photocatalyst, a first cover member covering one side of the photocatalytic member, a second cover member covering the other side of the photocatalytic member, a transparent portion provided on at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member to transmit the light energy to the photocatalytic member, a sealing portion that surrounds the photocatalytic member with the first cover member and the second cover member and seals a fluid holding space that holds water as a raw material and generated hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, a supply means for supplying water to the fluid holding space, and a discharge means for discharging the hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the fluid holding space, wherein at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member is made of a soft material, and the discharge means is equipped with a pressure adjustment means for reducing the pressure in the fluid holding space.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the hydrogen generating device is fixed to a base.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the photocatalytic member is made of a sheet made of a soft material.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 2, the base is made of a soft material and is configured to be able to supply or discharge gas, the base maintains a predetermined shape when gas is supplied to the base, and is configured to be foldable when the gas is discharged from the base.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the pressure adjustment means includes a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the fluid holding space and a controller for adjusting the pressure in the fluid holding space based on the detection result of the pressure sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the hydrogen generation device is installed at an angle.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 6, fluid supply and discharge sections for water, hydrogen gas, or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are provided on the upper and lower sides of the hydrogen generation device, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 2, a fluid supply and discharge section for water, hydrogen gas, or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is provided on the base side of the hydrogen generator, and a notched groove is formed in the portion of the base corresponding to the fluid supply and discharge section.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, a protruding member is provided that causes the first cover member or the second cover member to protrude, and the protruding member forms a gas reservoir where the hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas accumulate, and the hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are discharged from the gas reservoir.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 2, the upper surface of the base is formed as an inclined surface, and the hydrogen generating device is fixed to the inclined surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 11 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 2, the base is provided with an air pressure adjustment means for adjusting the internal air pressure, and the shape of the upper surface of the base is configured to be changeable.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 12 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 2, the upper surface of the base is formed as a raised convex surface, the hydrogen generating device is fixed to the convex surface, and a fluid supply and discharge section for water, hydrogen gas, or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is provided on the upper surface of the hydrogen generating device corresponding to the top of the convex surface.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 13 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the seal portion where the first cover member and the second cover member overlap is crimped and fixed outside the fluid holding space.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 1, deformation of the hydrogen generation device can be prevented by reducing the pressure of the fluid holding space using a pressure adjustment means, making it possible to construct the fluid holding space with a simple structure. Furthermore, it becomes possible to collect hydrogen gas, or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, without depending on the self-pressure of the fluid holding space which could lead to deformation of the hydrogen generation device. Moreover, since a soft material is used for at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member, and a pressure adjustment means is provided, the hydrogen generation device can be made larger.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 2, since the hydrogen generator is fixed to the base, tension is applied to the hydrogen generator made of a soft material, which prevents the hydrogen generator from deforming significantly due to the pressure of water, hydrogen gas, or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 3, since the photocatalytic member is made of a sheet made of a soft material, it is possible to fold and transport the photocatalytic member while it is surrounded by the first sheet and the second sheet and sealed with a seal.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 4, the base is made of a soft material and is configured to be able to supply or discharge gas. The base maintains a predetermined shape when gas is supplied to it, while being configured to be foldable when gas is discharged from it. As a result, the base can also be folded for transport.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 5, the pressure adjustment means detects the pressure in the fluid holding space with a pressure sensor and adjusts the pressure in the fluid holding space with a controller based on the detection result of the pressure sensor, thereby preventing abnormal deformation of the hydrogen generation device.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 6, the hydrogen generation device is installed at an angle, which makes it possible to promote the discharge of hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 7, since water, hydrogen gas, or a combination of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are provided on the upper and lower sides of the hydrogen generator, a water circulation path is formed, and water blockage can be stably resolved.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 8, a fluid supply and discharge section for water, hydrogen gas, or both hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is provided on the base side of the hydrogen generator, and a notched groove is formed in the part of the base corresponding to the fluid supply and discharge section. As a result, when the hydrogen generator is fixed to the base, there are no protruding parts, and damage due to accidental incidents can be prevented.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 9, a protruding member is provided to cause the first sheet or the second sheet to protrude, and this protruding member forms a gas reservoir where hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas accumulate, and by discharging the hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from this gas reservoir, the hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas can be efficiently discharged.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 10, since the upper surface of the base is formed as an inclined surface and the hydrogen generator is fixed to this inclined surface, a jig for tilting the hydrogen generator is not required, and hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas inside the hydrogen generator can be efficiently collected.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 11, the base is provided with an air pressure adjustment means for adjusting the internal air pressure, and the shape of the upper surface of the base is configured to be changeable, thereby promoting the movement of hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas within the hydrogen generator, and enabling more efficient collection of hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas within the hydrogen generator.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 12, the upper surface of the base is formed as a raised convex surface, the hydrogen generation device is fixed to this convex surface, and a fluid supply and discharge section is provided on the upper surface of the hydrogen generation device corresponding to the apex of the convex surface, thereby enabling more efficient collection of hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 13, by providing a fixing means for fixing the sealing portion, deformation of the hydrogen generation device can be efficiently suppressed. In addition, since a member to cover the permeable portion is not required to suppress deformation of the hydrogen generation device, it becomes possible to efficiently generate hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0032] This is a schematic diagram showing the first embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. (a), (b), and (c) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration and operating sequence of the second embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. (a), (b), and (c) are schematic diagrams showing the construction procedure of the third embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. (a) and (b) are schematic plan views and schematic cross-sectional views showing the hydrogen generation apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the section along line A-A in Figure 4(b), and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the section along line B-B in Figure 4(b). (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the construction procedure of the hydrogen generation system according to the same embodiment. (a), (b), and (c) are front views showing various modified examples of the base of the hydrogen generation system according to each embodiment. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydrogen generation apparatus of the fifth embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydrogen generation apparatus of the sixth embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of the first embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen generation system 1 of this embodiment is a system that uses solar energy to decompose water, which is a fluid, in a hydrogen generation device (hydrogen generation module) 10 to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which are fluids. In the following embodiments, examples in which only hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are produced by decomposing water are also applicable.

[0035] The hydrogen generator 10 is fixed by placing the second sheet 13, which will be described later, in close contact with the upper surface of a base 30 that is integrally molded into a flat plate shape from, for example, expanded polystyrene.

[0036] The hydrogen generator 10 includes a planar photocatalytic sheet 11 as a photocatalytic member holding a photocatalyst, a first sheet 12 as a first covering member covering one side (upper surface) of the photocatalytic sheet 11, and a second sheet 13 as a second covering member covering the other side (lower surface) of the photocatalytic sheet 11. The first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 are each made of a rectangular flexible material sheet such as a transparent polyethylene sheet, and each constitutes the transparent part of this embodiment.

[0037] In this embodiment, for example, the thickness t1 of the first sheet 12 is 0.15 mm, and the thickness t2 of the second sheet 13 is 0.50 mm.

[0038] In this embodiment, polyethylene sheets were used for the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, but they are not limited to transparent, flexible sheets; rigid sheets may also be used. Furthermore, the materials of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet may be different. Moreover, the entire surfaces of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 are not transparent; either the first sheet 12 or the second sheet 13 may have a partially transparent portion on the side where sunlight is incident, which has light-transmitting properties that allow solar energy to pass through. In this embodiment, since sunlight is incident from the side of the first sheet 12, it is sufficient that at least a part of the first sheet 12 has a transparent portion.

[0039] As described above, it is preferable that the thickness of the first sheet 12, which is exposed to sunlight, is thinner than the thickness of the second sheet 13. With this configuration, the thicker second sheet 13 maintains the strength of the hydrogen generation device 10, while the light transmittance of the thinner first sheet 12 is increased, thereby improving the hydrogen generation efficiency.

[0040] The hydrogen generation device 10 is provided with a sealing section 15 that surrounds the photocatalytic sheet 11 with a first sheet 12 and a second sheet 13, and seals a fluid holding space 14 that holds the raw material water and the generated hydrogen and oxygen gases. The four edges of the peripheral portions of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 are joined together in an airtight manner by joining means such as ultrasonic welding, high-frequency welding, heat welding, or laser welding.

[0041] The photocatalytic sheet 11 uses solar energy to decompose water and generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. In this embodiment, it is composed of a sheet made of a flexible material, similar to the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13. Specifically, the photocatalytic sheet 11 has, for example, a 0.1 mm glass plate as a substrate, and a photocatalytic layer made of strontium titanate SrTiO ３ It is composed of a soft material sheet such as aluminum. The photocatalytic sheet 11 is arranged in the fluid-holding space 14 so as to be in contact with water, and when irradiated with sunlight, it generates excited electrons and holes, causing a water decomposition reaction that decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen, and is equipped with a photocatalyst that generates hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The photocatalytic sheet 11 is formed from a sheet of soft material in a planar shape, but any other material or shape may be used as long as it holds the photocatalyst.

[0042] Locking holes 16 are each formed in the seal portions 15 on both sides of the hydrogen generator 10. A plurality of support protrusions 31 are respectively provided upright in the vicinity of both side portions of the pedestal 30 corresponding to the positions of the respective locking holes 16. Accordingly, the respective support protrusions 31 of the pedestal 30 are inserted into the respective locking holes 16 of the seal portions 15 of the hydrogen generator 10 to lock the hydrogen generator 10, thereby fixing the hydrogen generator 10 to the pedestal 30. It should be noted that the means for fixing the hydrogen generator 10 to the pedestal 30 is not limited to the above structure, and any means may be used as long as it fixes the hydrogen generator 10.

[0043] A fluid supply and discharge portion 17 is disposed at the center of the first sheet 12 of the hydrogen generator 10, the fluid supply and discharge portion 17 is connected with a supply and discharge pipe 18 serving as a supply means and a discharge means, and the supply and discharge pipe 18 extends to a water supply and gas collection unit 40. A pressure adjustment portion 41 serving as a pressure adjustment means and a three-way valve 42 are installed on the supply and discharge pipe 18 in the water supply and gas collection unit 40. The supply and discharge pipe 18 is branched via the three-way valve 42 into a water supply pipe 43 and a gas discharge pipe 44 that discharges hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0044] The pressure adjustment portion 41 includes a pump 45, a pressure gauge 46 that detects the pressure in the fluid holding space 14, and a controller 47 that adjusts the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 detected by the pressure gauge 46 to reduce the pressure by controlling the driving of the pump 45. Specifically, the pressure adjustment portion 41 controls the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 to be lower than the atmospheric pressure. The pressure difference between the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 and the atmospheric pressure is, for example, a water head of 1 to 50 cm.

[0045] Therefore, by switching the three-way valve 42 to connect the water supply pipe 43 and the supply and discharge pipe 18 and driving the pump 45, water is supplied to the fluid holding space 14 of the hydrogen generator 10 via the water supply pipe 43, the supply and discharge pipe 18, and the fluid supply and discharge portion 17.

[0046] Further, by switching the three-way valve 42 to connect the gas discharge pipe 44 and the supply-discharge pipe 18 and driving the pump 45, the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the hydrogen generator 10 are discharged to the water supply / gas collection unit 40 via the fluid supply-discharge section 17 and the supply-discharge pipe 18, and collected via the gas discharge pipe 44.

[0047] It should be noted that the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas collected via the gas discharge pipe 44 are obtained by decomposing water, and thus are a mixed gas with oxygen gas. This mixed gas passes through a hydrogen-oxygen gas separation module (not shown) based on a polyimide hollow fiber membrane module, and in the present embodiment, hydrogen gas is separated.

[0048] The hydrogen gas collected in this manner may be used as an energy source as pure hydrogen, for example, or may be reacted with carbon dioxide (CO ２ ) emitted from power plants, factories, or the like to synthesize olefins that serve as raw materials for plastics. Further, the separated oxygen gas may be used instead of being discarded.

[0049] Although the photocatalyst sheet 11 of the present embodiment has been described as an example using a photocatalyst that generates a mixed gas of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, a photocatalyst that generates only hydrogen gas may also be used. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a separation module.

[0050] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 that surround the photocatalyst sheet 11 and form the fluid holding space 14 for holding water as a raw material and the generated hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are each made of a soft material. Therefore, the entire hydrogen generator 10 can be flexibly deformed according to the pressure of the raw material water and the generated hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, is not damaged by bending, and can be easily increased in size and reduced in weight.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by reducing the pressure of the fluid holding space 14 with the pressure adjustment unit 41, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen generation device 10 from deforming significantly, thus making it possible to construct the fluid holding space 14 with a simple structure. In addition, it becomes possible to collect hydrogen gas and oxygen gas without relying on the self-pressure of the fluid holding space 14, which could lead to significant deformation of the hydrogen generation device 10. Moreover, because a first sheet 12 made of a soft material is used and a pressure adjustment unit 41 is present, the hydrogen generation device 10 can be made larger.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by enlarging the hydrogen generator 10, it becomes possible to reduce the number of devices that need to be installed for each hydrogen generator 10, such as pumps for supplying water, which is the raw material for hydrogen generation, to the hydrogen generator 10, or for discharging the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the hydrogen generator 10.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to the base 30, tension is applied to the hydrogen generator 10, which is made of a soft material, thus preventing the hydrogen generator 10 from deforming significantly due to the pressure of water, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the photocatalytic sheet 11, the first sheet 12, and the second sheet 13 are all made of a soft material, it becomes possible to fold and transport the hydrogen generation device 10 in a state where the photocatalytic sheet 11 is sandwiched and sealed between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, that is, in a completed state.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 are made of soft materials, but this is not limited to this. As long as the entire hydrogen generator 10 can flexibly deform in response to the pressure of the water used as raw material and the generated hydrogen and oxygen gases, the first sheet 12 may be made of a soft material and the second sheet 13 may be made of a hard material. Therefore, it is sufficient if at least one of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 is made of a soft material and can deform flexibly.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 30 is molded from expanded polystyrene, but it is not limited to this and may be molded from other foamed resins. Other foamed resins include, for example, polyurethane (PUR), polystyrene (PS), and polyolefin (mainly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)). In addition, phenolic resin (PF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), urea resin (UF), silicon (SI), polyimide (PI), melamine resin (MF), etc., may also be foamed to take advantage of their respective properties. Moreover, the base 30 is not limited to foamed resins and may be formed from any polymer foam. In addition, the base 30 is not limited to the foams mentioned above, but may be molded from, for example, a honeycomb-structured polycarbonate. When the base 30 is molded from a honeycomb-structured polycarbonate in this way, it is possible to make the base 30 lighter, more robust, stronger, and have high impact absorption. [Second Embodiment] Figures 2(a), (b), and (c) are system diagrams showing the configuration and operating sequence of a second embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. Parts identical to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are described using the same reference numerals. The same applies to other embodiments and modifications.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2(a), (b), and (c), the hydrogen generator 10 and base 30 of this embodiment are installed at an angle. Fluid supply and discharge sections 17a and 17b are provided on the upper and lower sides of the inclined hydrogen generator 10, respectively. One end of supply and discharge pipes 18a and 18b are connected to these fluid supply and discharge sections 17a and 17b, respectively, and the other ends of these supply and discharge pipes 18a and 18b are connected to three-way valves 51a and 51b of the water supply, water recycling, and gas collection unit 50, respectively. These three-way valves 51a and 51b are connected by a water recovery bypass pipe 52. A gas discharge pipe 54 is connected to three-way valve 51a, and a water supply pipe 53 is connected to three-way valve 51b.

[0058] A pump 55 is installed in the supply / discharge pipe 18a within the water supply / water recycling / gas collection unit 50 to supply water to the hydrogen generator 10 or to discharge the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas produced by the hydrogen generator 10. A pressure sensor 56 for detecting the pressure inside the hydrogen generator 10 and an overflow sensor 57 for detecting when water inside the hydrogen generator 10 overflows from the fluid supply / discharge section 17a are also installed in the supply / discharge pipe 18a within the water supply / water recycling / gas collection unit 50. The detection data detected by the pressure sensor 56 and the detection data detected by the overflow sensor 57 are output to the controller 58. An on / off valve 59 is installed in the water supply pipe 53.

[0059] The controller 58 is primarily composed of a well-known microcomputer equipped with ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ROM stores data and programs that need to be retained even when the power is turned off. The RAM temporarily stores data. The CPU implements various functions by executing programs installed in the ROM. In addition, the ROM has pre-stored appropriate pressure data for the hydrogen generator 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, the storage means may include computer-readable electronic media other than ROM, such as DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and hard disks. The data may be stored in a separate database instead of being stored in ROM. Furthermore, the program may be pre-installed on the hard disk.

[0061] The controller 58 receives detection data from the pressure sensor 56 and the overflow sensor 57. Based on this detection data, the controller 58 controls the switching of the three-way valves 51a and 51b, the drive of the pump 55, and the opening and closing of the on / off valve 59. Therefore, by controlling the drive of the pump 55, the controller 58 automatically adjusts the pressure inside the hydrogen generator 10 to an appropriate value. Thus, the pressure sensor 56 and the controller 58 function as automatic pressure adjustment means.

[0062] The base 30 of this embodiment is made of a soft material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is configured to be able to supply or discharge air, which is a gas. The base 30 has a drop stitch structure in which a large number of threads are stretched around the part that is inflated by supplying air. The base 30 configured in this way maintains a predetermined shape when air is supplied, while being foldable when the air is discharged.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 30 is formed with notched grooves 33 to avoid interference with the supply and discharge pipes 18a and 18b extending from the fluid supply and discharge sections 17a and 17b, and the supply and discharge pipes 18a and 18b are fitted into these notched grooves 33.

[0064] Next, the operating sequence of the hydrogen generation system of this embodiment will be explained based on Figures 2(a), (b), and (c).

[0065] In the water supply operation shown in Figure 2(a), the controller 58 controls the on / off valve 59 to open and the flow paths of the three-way valves 51a and 51b to drive the pump 55, thereby supplying water supplied to the water supply pipe 53 through the on / off valve 59, three-way valve 51b, water recovery bypass pipe 52, three-way valve 51a, and supply / discharge pipe 18a to the fluid supply / discharge section 17a on the upper side of the hydrogen generator 10 so that the amount of water in the fluid holding space 14 becomes a predetermined amount.

[0066] In the water recycling operation shown in Figure 2(b), when water overflows from the fluid supply and discharge section 17a on the upper side of the hydrogen generator 10, the overflow water is detected by the overflow sensor 57, and the detection data is output to the controller 58. Based on this detection data, the controller 58 performs switching control of the three-way valves 51a and 51b, drive control of the pump 55, and opening and closing control of the on / off valve 59.

[0067] Specifically, the controller 58 controls the on / off valve 59 to close, and controls the flow paths of the three-way valves 51a and 51b to drive the pump 55. This allows water overflowing from the upper fluid supply / discharge section 17a of the hydrogen generator 10 to be supplied to the lower fluid supply / discharge section 17b of the hydrogen generator 10 via the supply / discharge pipe 18a, three-way valve 51a, water recovery bypass pipe 52, three-way valve 51b, and supply / discharge pipe 18b, thereby recycling the water.

[0068] As the photocatalytic reaction progresses and hydrogen and oxygen gases accumulate at the top of the hydrogen generator 10, water is discharged from the supply / discharge pipe 18a. The overflow sensor 57 detects that water has been discharged from the supply / discharge pipe 18a, and the water recycling operation ends and the hydrogen and oxygen gas collection operation begins. The water recycling operation is performed not only when water overflows from the fluid supply / discharge section 17a on the upper side of the hydrogen generator 10, but also when the water supply operation is completed and the supply / discharge pipe 18a is filled with water.

[0069] In the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas collection operation shown in Figure 2(c), the pressure sensor 56 detects the pressure inside the hydrogen generator 10. When a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is generated at the top of the hydrogen generator 10 and the pressure inside the hydrogen generator 10 exceeds a predetermined value, the detection data from the pressure sensor 56 is output to the controller 58. The controller 58 controls the on / off valve 59 to close and drives the pump 55 by controlling the flow paths of the three-way valves 51a and 51b, thereby collecting the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the fluid holding space 14 from the fluid supply / discharge section 17a on the upper side of the hydrogen generator 10 via the supply / discharge pipe 18a, the three-way valve 51a, and the gas discharge pipe 54. This hydrogen gas and oxygen gas collection operation controls the pressure inside the fluid holding space 14 of the hydrogen generator 10. When a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is generated at the top of the hydrogen generator 10, the water level drops, and a series of operations, such as the water supply operation shown in Figure 2(a), is repeated.

[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, the base 30 is made of a soft material and is configured to be able to supply or discharge air. The base 30 maintains a predetermined shape when air is supplied to it, while it is configured to be foldable when air is discharged from it. Thus, the base 30 can also be folded and transported.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 is detected by the pressure sensor 56, and based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 56, the controller 58 controls the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 to be lower than atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing abnormal deformation of the hydrogen generator 10. As a result, it is possible to construct the fluid holding space 14 with a simple structure. In addition, it becomes possible to collect hydrogen gas and oxygen gas without relying on the self-pressure of the fluid holding space 14, which could lead to significant deformation of the hydrogen generator 10.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the hydrogen generation device 10 is installed at an angle, which makes it possible to promote the discharge of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0073] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the hydrogen generator 10, which is installed at an angle, is provided with fluid supply and discharge sections 17a and 17b for water or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, respectively, a water circulation path is formed, and water blockage can be stably resolved.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the fluid supply and discharge sections 17a and 17b are provided on the base 30 side of the hydrogen generator 10, and notched grooves 33 are formed in the parts of the base 30 corresponding to the fluid supply and discharge sections 17a and 17b. As a result, when the hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to the base 30, there are no protruding parts, and damage due to accidental incidents can be prevented.

[0075] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the supply and discharge pipe 18a does not need to be routed above the hydrogen generator 10, the amount of pressure reduction by the pump 55 can be reduced when removing the overflowing water from the supply and discharge pipe 18a during water recycling operation. This is because if the supply and discharge pipe 18a were routed above the hydrogen generator 10, the water in the supply and discharge pipe 18a would need to be lifted upwards first. If the amount of pressure reduction by the pump 55 is large, when the water in the supply and discharge pipe 18a starts to descend, it will flow down rapidly, making stable operation difficult. Therefore, in this embodiment, stable operation of the hydrogen generation system is possible.

[0076] In this embodiment, the driving and stopping of the pump 55 are controlled by the controller 58, but this is not limited to this, and if the pump 55 has a flow rate adjustment function, the flow rate of the pump 55 may be controlled by the controller 58. [Third Embodiment] Figures 3(a), (b), and (c) are schematic diagrams showing the construction procedure of the third embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. In this embodiment, although not shown and described, the pressure adjustment unit 41 of the first embodiment is provided.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3(a), a foundation 61 is poured into the ground 60, and a frame 62 is fixed to this foundation 61 with anchors 63. Then, a base 30 made of a soft material is placed inside this frame 62. Multiple protrusions 64 are provided on the upper surface of the frame 62.

[0078] Next, as shown in Figure 3(b), the peripheral edge of the hydrogen generator 10 is attached to the protruding portion 64 of the frame 62.

[0079] Then, as shown in Figure 3(c), the peripheral edge of the hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to the protrusion 64 using the fixing member 65, and then air is supplied into the base 30 to expand it. In this state, the base 30 maintains a predetermined shape and pushes up the hydrogen generator 10.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, by supplying air into the base 30 and expanding it to support the hydrogen generation device 10, even if there are some irregularities on the surface of the ground 60, the portion of the base 30 that contacts the surface of the ground 60 will flex and absorb the irregularities, making it possible to install the hydrogen generation device 10 at a desirable angle.

[0081] In a hydrogen generation system constructed in this manner, the periphery of the hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to the frame 62, and the inside of the periphery is further pushed up by the expansion of the base 30. As a result, tension is applied to the hydrogen generator 10, which prevents the hydrogen generator 10 from deforming significantly due to the pressure of water or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0082] Furthermore, if the photocatalytic sheet 11, the first sheet 12, and the second sheet 13 constituting the hydrogen generator 10 are all made of a soft material, the hydrogen generator 10 can be transported to the installation site in a folded state. In addition, if the base 30 is made of a soft material, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with drop stitching, the base 30 can be transported to the installation site in a folded state. By making the hydrogen generator 10 and the base 30 from soft materials, the above construction procedure becomes possible, and the foundation work can be made very simple, significantly reducing the cost required for construction. [Fourth Embodiment] Figures 4(a) and (b) are schematic plan view and schematic cross-sectional view showing a hydrogen generator of the fourth embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. Figure 5(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion line A-A in Figure 4(b), and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion line B-B in Figure 4(b). Figures 6(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the construction procedure of the hydrogen generation system according to the same embodiment.

[0083] In addition, the same reference numerals are used to describe parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first to third embodiments. Furthermore, in this embodiment, although it is not shown or described, as in the third embodiment, the pressure adjustment unit 41 of the first embodiment is provided in the gas discharge pipe 74.

[0084] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the hydrogen generator 10 of this embodiment is fixed on a base 30 and has a protruding member 70 installed between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, such that the first sheet 12 protrudes. The protruding member 70 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and is positioned in the center of the width direction of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, extending along the entire length direction excluding the seal portion 15. Near the seal portions 15 at both ends of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 in the length direction, the ends of a water supply pipe 73 and a gas discharge pipe 74 are respectively disposed in the fluid holding space 14 between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13.

[0085] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the protruding member 70 has a number of flow holes 71 formed in a semicircular direction, and is configured so that water, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas can flow between the inside and outside of the protruding member 70 through these flow holes 71. In this embodiment, by installing the protruding member 70 so that the first sheet 12 protrudes, a gas reservoir 72 is formed in the upper part of the protruding member 70 and around the protruding member 70 where hydrogen gas and oxygen gas accumulate. The end of the gas discharge pipe 74 extends into this gas reservoir 72 so as to be positioned there.

[0086] In this embodiment, the protruding member 70 is configured to cause the first sheet 12 to protrude, but the configuration is not limited to this; the protruding member 70 may also be configured to cause the second sheet 13 to protrude.

[0087] Next, the construction procedure of the hydrogen generation system of this embodiment will be described based on Figures 6(a) and 6(b).

[0088] As shown in Figure 6(a), with the protruding member 70 installed between the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, the peripheral edges of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 are sandwiched between the frame 62 and the fixing member 65, and the space between the frame 62 and the fixing member 65 is sealed by tightening the bolt 66. An O-ring 75 is interposed at the joint between the fixing member 65 and the frame 62 to maintain the airtightness of the sealing portion 15 of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13. In this way, the sealing portion 15 is formed without fusing the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, so that the photocatalytic sheet 11 that has deteriorated over time can be easily replaced by removing the bolt 66 and the fixing member 65.

[0089] Next, a base 30 made of polystyrene foam is attached to the frame 62 that holds the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 as described above.

[0090] Then, as shown in Figure 6(b), a foundation 61 is poured into the ground 60, and the frame 62 constructed as described above is fixed to this foundation 61 with anchors 63.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, a protruding member 70 is provided to make the first sheet 12 or the second sheet 13 protrude, and this protruding member 70 forms a gas reservoir 72 in which hydrogen gas and oxygen gas accumulate, and by discharging hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from this gas reservoir 72, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas can be efficiently discharged.

[0092] Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, so their description will be omitted. [Modified Bases of Each Embodiment] Figures 7(a), (b), and (c) are front views showing modified bases of the hydrogen generation systems according to each embodiment.

[0093] The base 30a of the first modified example shown in Figure 7(a) has an inclined surface 34 on its upper surface. The hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to this inclined surface 34. The base 30a may be integrally molded from, for example, expanded polystyrene, or made of a soft material such as polyvinyl chloride with drop stitching, and may be configured to supply or discharge air, and to maintain the shape in which the inclined surface 34 is formed on the upper surface of the base 30a when air is supplied to the base 30a. Furthermore, the base 30a is not limited to expanded polystyrene as in the first embodiment, but may be made of other foamed resins.

[0094] According to the base 30a of this first modified example, the upper surface is formed as an inclined surface 34, and when the hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to this inclined surface 34, a jig for tilting the hydrogen generator 10 becomes unnecessary, and hydrogen gas and oxygen gas can be collected efficiently.

[0095] In the second modified example shown in Figure 7(b), the base 30b is formed as a convex surface 35 with a raised upper surface, and the hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to this convex surface 35. In this case, a fluid supply and discharge section 17 (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the hydrogen generator 10, which corresponds to the top of the convex surface 35.

[0096] The base 30b may be integrally molded from, for example, expanded polystyrene, similar to the base 30a in the first modified example, or it may be made of a soft material such as polyvinyl chloride with drop stitching, and it may be configured to supply or discharge air, so that when air is supplied to the base 30b, the base 30b maintains a shape in which a convex surface 35 is formed on its upper surface.

[0097] According to this second modified base 30b, the upper surface is formed as a raised convex surface 35, the hydrogen generator 10 is fixed to this convex surface 35, and a fluid supply and discharge section 17 (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the hydrogen generator 10 corresponding to the top of the convex surface 35, thereby enabling more efficient collection of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0098] The base 30c of the third modified example shown in Figure 7(c) is made of a soft material such as polyvinyl chloride with drop stitching, and is configured to allow air to be supplied or discharged, and is provided with an air pressure adjustment means (not shown) for adjusting the internal air pressure. The shape of the upper surface of the base 30c can be changed by this air pressure adjustment means.

[0099] According to this third modified example of the base 30c, an air pressure adjustment means for adjusting the internal air pressure is provided, and the upper surface shape of the base 30c is configured to be changeable, thereby promoting the movement of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas within the hydrogen generator 10, and enabling more efficient collection of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas within the hydrogen generator 10. [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a hydrogen generator according to the fifth embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention.

[0100] As shown in Figure 8, the hydrogen generation apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a hard member 81 as a first cover member made of a hard material, and a soft member 83 as a second cover member in which a recess 82 is formed in the hard member 81 and the peripheral edge of the opening end of the recess 82 is sealed. The soft member 83 is provided with a transparent portion (not shown) into which sunlight enters at least a part. The hard member 81 and the soft member 83 surround the photocatalytic sheet 11 and form a fluid holding space 14 that holds the raw material water and the generated hydrogen gas, or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0101] In this embodiment, the fluid-holding space 14 is sealed by sealing the peripheral edge of the soft member 83 with the sealing portion 15 at the open end of the recess 82 of the hard member 81, as described above. The entire circumference of the sealing portion 15 is crimped and fixed by a crimping and fixing means 84 which is provided with fastening means such as bolts. This crimping and fixing means 84 is configured to crimp and fix the sealing portion 15 where the hard member 81 and the soft member 83 overlap, on the outside of the fluid-holding space 14.

[0102] A water supply pipe 85 and a gas discharge pipe 86 are provided near the periphery of the flexible member 83. The water supply pipe 85 supplies water into the fluid holding space 14, while the gas discharge pipe 86 discharges hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the hydrogen generation device 10.

[0103] The gas discharge pipe 86 is provided with a pressure adjustment unit 87 as a pressure adjustment means, similar to the first embodiment. The pressure adjustment unit 87 includes a pump 88, a pressure gauge 89 for detecting the pressure in the fluid holding space 14, and a controller 90 for adjusting the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 detected by the pressure gauge 89 to reduce the pressure by controlling the drive of the pump 88. Specifically, the pressure adjustment unit 87 controls the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 to be lower than atmospheric pressure. The pressure difference between the pressure in the fluid holding space 14 and atmospheric pressure is, for example, a water head of 1 to 50 cm.

[0104] Thus, according to this embodiment, as with the first embodiment, deformation of the hydrogen generator 10 can be prevented by reducing the pressure of the fluid holding space 14 with the pressure adjustment unit 87, making it possible to construct the fluid holding space 14 with a simple structure. Furthermore, it becomes possible to collect hydrogen gas and oxygen gas without relying on the self-pressure of the fluid holding space 14, which could lead to deformation of the hydrogen generator 10. In addition, because a flexible member 83 is used and a pressure adjustment unit 87 is present, the hydrogen generator 10 can be made larger.

[0105] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by providing a crimping and fixing means 84 for fixing the sealing portion 15, deformation of the hydrogen generator 10 can be efficiently suppressed. In addition, since a member to cover the permeable portion is not required to suppress deformation of the hydrogen generator 10, it becomes possible to efficiently generate hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

[0106] In this embodiment, an example was described in which one pressure adjustment unit 87 is provided for each hydrogen generation device 10. However, by providing one pressure adjustment unit 87 for each of multiple hydrogen generation devices 10, the cost of the hydrogen generation system 1 can be significantly reduced. [Sixth Embodiment] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a hydrogen generation device of the sixth embodiment of the hydrogen generation system according to the present invention. In this embodiment as well, a pressure adjustment unit 87 is provided in the gas discharge pipe 86, similar to the fifth embodiment.

[0107] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, there is a hard or soft member 91 as a first covering member made of a hard material, a recess 92 is formed in this hard or soft member 91, and a flange portion 93 is formed continuously with the opening edge of this recess 92. The hard or soft member 91 is installed so as to fit into a drilled hole 60a excavated in the ground 60.

[0108] The flange portion 93 of the rigid or flexible member 91 is sealed by the sealing portion 15 of the flexible member 83, which serves as a second covering member, thereby sealing the fluid holding space 14. The entire circumference of the sealing portion 15 is crimped and fixed by the crimping and fixing means 84.

[0109] A water supply pipe 85 and a gas discharge pipe 86 are provided near the periphery of the flexible member 83. The water supply pipe 85 supplies water into the fluid holding space 14, while the gas discharge pipe 86 discharges hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the hydrogen generation device 10. A pump 88 is provided in the gas discharge pipe 86, and by driving this pump 88, hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are discharged.

[0110] As described above, according to this embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment, by providing a crimping and fixing means 84 for crimping and fixing the seal portion 15, deformation of the hydrogen generator 10 can be efficiently suppressed. In addition, since a member to cover the permeable portion is not required to suppress deformation of the hydrogen generator 10, it becomes possible to efficiently generate hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. [Other Embodiments] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

[0111] For example, in the embodiments described above, the sealing portion 15 was described as sealing all four sides of the peripheral edges of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13. However, it is not limited to this, and by forming a bag shape with the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, only one side of the peripheral edges of the first sheet 12 and the second sheet 13 needs to be sealed, making manufacturing extremely easy.

[0112] Furthermore, although the above embodiments described examples in which the base 30 is formed in a three-dimensional shape, it is not limited to a three-dimensional shape and may be formed in a plate shape.

[0113] Furthermore, although the fourth embodiment described above describes an example in which the protruding member 70 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, it is not limited to this shape, and any shape is acceptable as long as the vertical cross-sectional shape is such as an inverted U-shape, semi-elliptical shape, or angular shape, as long as the gas reservoir portion 72 is formed.

[0114] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which a photocatalyst sheet 11 was provided as a photocatalytic member by holding the photocatalyst on a planar sheet. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the photocatalyst may be directly provided on the first sheet 12 or the second sheet 13.

[0115] 1 Hydrogen generation system 10 Hydrogen generation device (hydrogen generation module) 11 Photocatalytic sheet (photocatalytic component) 12 First sheet (transparent part, first cover member) 13 Second sheet (transparent part, second cover member) 14 Fluid holding space 15 Seal part 16 Locking hole 17, 17a, 17b Fluid supply and discharge section 18, 18a, 18b Supply and discharge pipe (supply means, discharge means) 30, 30a, 30b, 30c Base 31 Support projection 33 Notched groove 34 Inclined surface 35 Convex surface 40 Water supply and gas collection unit 41 Pressure adjustment section (pressure adjustment means) 42 Three-way valve 43 Water supply pipe 44 Gas discharge pipe 45 Pump 46 Pressure gauge 47 Controller 50 Water supply, water recycling, and gas collection unit 51a, 51b 52 Three-way valve 53 Water recovery bypass pipe 54 Water supply pipe (supply means) 54 Gas discharge pipe (discharge means) 55 Pump 56 Pressure sensor 57 Overflow sensor 58 Controller (automatic pressure adjustment means) 59 On / off valve 60 Ground 60a Recess 61 Foundation 62 Frame 63 Anchor 64 Protruding part 65 Fixing member 70 Protruding member 71 Flow hole 72 Gas reservoir 73 Water supply pipe (supply means) 74 Gas discharge pipe (discharge means) 75 O-ring 81 Rigid member (first cover member) 82 Recess 83 Soft member (second cover member) 84 Crimping and fixing means 85 Water supply pipe 86 Gas discharge pipe 87 Pressure adjustment unit (pressure adjustment means) 88 Pump 89 Pressure gauge 90 Controller 91 Hard or soft member (first cover member) 92 Recess 93 Flange portion

Claims

1. A hydrogen generation system that generates hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in a hydrogen generation device using light energy, wherein the hydrogen generation device comprises: a photocatalytic member holding a photocatalyst; a first cover member covering one surface of the photocatalytic member; a second cover member covering the other surface of the photocatalytic member; a transparent portion provided on at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member, which transmits the light energy to the photocatalytic member; a sealing portion that surrounds the photocatalytic member with the first cover member and the second cover member and seals a fluid holding space that holds water as a raw material and the generated hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas; a supply means for supplying water to the fluid holding space; and a discharge means for discharging the hydrogen gas or hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated in the fluid holding space, wherein at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member is made of a soft material, and the discharge means comprises a pressure adjustment means for reducing the pressure in the fluid holding space.

2. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydrogen generation device is fixed to a base.

3. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the photocatalytic member is made of a sheet made of a soft material.

4. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that the base is made of a soft material and is configured to supply or discharge gas, the base maintains a predetermined shape when gas is supplied to the base, and is configured to be foldable when gas is discharged from the base.

5. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure adjustment means includes a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the fluid holding space and a controller for adjusting the pressure in the fluid holding space based on the detection result of the pressure sensor.

6. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydrogen generation device is installed at an angle.

7. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 6, characterized in that water, hydrogen gas, or a fluid supply and discharge section for both hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is provided on the upper and lower sides of the hydrogen generation device, respectively.

8. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that a fluid supply and discharge section for water, hydrogen gas, or said hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is provided on the base side of the hydrogen generation device, and a notched groove is formed in the portion of the base corresponding to the fluid supply and discharge section.

9. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that a protruding member is provided to cause the first cover member or the second cover member to protrude, the protruding member forms a gas reservoir where the hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas accumulate, and the system is configured to discharge the hydrogen gas or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas from the gas reservoir.

10. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper surface of the base is formed as an inclined surface and the hydrogen generation device is fixed to the inclined surface.

11. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that the base is provided with an air pressure adjustment means for adjusting the internal air pressure, and the shape of the upper surface of the base is configured to be changeable.

12. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper surface of the base is formed as a raised convex surface, the hydrogen generation device is fixed to the convex surface, and a fluid supply and discharge section for water, hydrogen gas, or the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is provided on the upper surface of the hydrogen generation device corresponding to the apex of the convex surface.

13. The hydrogen generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cover member and the second cover member are configured to press and fix the overlapping seal portion outside the fluid holding space.

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