JP2001059658A - Heat utilization system utilizing hydrogen occlusion alloy - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat utilization system utilizing hydrogen occlusion alloy in which the moving quantity of hydrogen per unit time can be increased through a simple structure. SOLUTION: A cell S encapsulates a plurality of kinds of hydrogen occlusion alloy (high temperature, intermediate temperature, and low temperature alloys HM, MM, and LM) in one container wherein the high temperature, intermediate temperature, and low temperature alloys HM, MM, and LM are partitioned into three layers S1, S2, and S3 by a partitioning means 1. The partitioning means 1 passes hydrogen straight at each section and a plurality of pipe filters 2 for passing hydrogen straight penetrate each layer so that hydrogen is moved through the pipe filters 2. Since hydrogen is moved through the pipe filter 2 at each part in one container, moving distance of hydrogen is short and pressure loss is low. As a result, the moving quantity of hydrogen per unit time is increased and the performance is enhanced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage alloy which repeatedly absorbs and desorbs hydrogen to obtain a cold output by utilizing an endothermic effect generated at the time of releasing hydrogen, or to radiate heat at the time of storing hydrogen. The present invention relates to a heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy that obtains a heat output by utilizing an action.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy, a technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-220908 is known. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a cell disclosed in this publication is an independent container in which high-temperature and low-temperature hydrogen-absorbing alloys (hereinafter, high-temperature and low-temperature alloys) having different hydrogen equilibrium temperatures at the same hydrogen pressure are equilibrated. (First, second
Containers J1 and J2), and adopts a structure in which one side of each container communicates with a hydrogen passage.

[0003]

However, in the conventional structure as disclosed in the gazette, for example, in the case where hydrogen in the first container J1 moves to the second container J2, in the portion A in the first container J1. The released hydrogen is guided to the second container J2 through a long path as shown by the arrow B. In particular, since the inside of the first container J1 is filled with the hydrogen storage alloy, the pressure loss for hydrogen transfer is large, and as a result, the amount of hydrogen transfer per unit time is reduced. Further, the conventional cell has a complicated structure, and a simple structure has been desired in order to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object the use of heat utilizing a hydrogen storage alloy having a simple structure and capable of increasing the amount of hydrogen transfer per unit time. In providing the system.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy utilizes heat absorption at the time of release of hydrogen or heat release at the time of hydrogen storage of the hydrogen storage alloy. Then, the cell that encloses the hydrogen storage alloy
Hydrogen storage alloys having different hydrogen equilibrium temperatures at the same equilibrium hydrogen pressure are provided so as to be sealed in separate layers, and the partitioning means for partitioning each layer in the cell is capable of moving hydrogen in each part of the partitioning means, Further, it is characterized in that the movement of the hydrogen storage alloy is prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the heat utilization system using the hydrogen storage alloy according to the first aspect, a plurality of pipe filters through which the hydrogen can pass are disposed in the cell, and the partition means is provided. Is characterized in that the pipe filter is disposed so as to penetrate therethrough, and hydrogen can be transferred in each layer by the pipe filter.

[0007]

[Operation and effect of the invention] [Operation and effect of claim 1] Since the partitioning means allows the passage of hydrogen, it is possible to transfer hydrogen to the adjacent layer through the partitioning means. When the hydrogen storage alloy inside releases hydrogen, the hydrogen moves to the hydrogen storage alloy of another layer through the partition means. Similarly, when the hydrogen storage alloy inside a certain layer stores hydrogen, the hydrogen is absorbed from the hydrogen storage alloy of another layer through the partition means. As described above, since the structure is such that hydrogen is transferred to another layer through the partition means or hydrogen is sucked from the other layer, the pressure loss of hydrogen moving to the other layer is small, and hydrogen is transferred to the other layer. The moving route is much shorter than before. As a result, the amount of hydrogen transfer per unit time increases, and the capability of the heat utilization system using the hydrogen storage alloy can be improved. Further, the cell has a simple structure of a layer of the hydrogen storage alloy in one container and a partitioning means for partitioning the layer, so that the manufacturing cost of the cell can be reduced.

[0008] [Action and Effect of Claim 2] Since the structure is such that a plurality of pipe filters are arranged over each layer, the hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy at a position distant from the partition means,
It is guided to another layer through a pipe filter. Or,
The hydrogen storage alloy at a position distant from the partitioning means sucks hydrogen from another layer through the pipe filter. in this way,
Even if the hydrogen storage alloy is located at a position distant from the partitioning means, the pipe filter can smoothly store and release hydrogen. In addition, even if another layer is interposed between the layer that releases hydrogen and the layer that stores hydrogen, the intervening layer can be bypassed by the pipe filter, and as a result, the hydrogen can be absorbed smoothly. Or release can be performed.

[0009]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples and modifications. [Structure of Embodiment] This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view of a cross section of a main part of the cell, FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the cell, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stacked cell. The thin cell S (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is used by being stacked as shown in FIG. 3. For example, when used as a cooling device, hydrogen sealed inside the cell S is used. The heat absorbing medium generated by the hydrogen releasing action of the storage alloy cools the cooling medium (for example, water) flowing along the cell S, and cools the air blown into the room by the cooled cooling medium. Then the room is cooled.

In this embodiment, a two-stage cycle is shown, and at least three stacked groups of cells S provided thinly are used. That is, a stacked body group that performs hydrogen driving, a stacked body group that performs the first cooling output, and a stacked group that performs the second cooling output are used.

In a two-stage cycle, one cell S is filled with three kinds of hydrogen storage alloys having different hydrogen equilibrium pressures. The three types of hydrogen storage alloys are a high-temperature alloy HM (a powder of a high-temperature hydrogen storage alloy having the highest hydrogen equilibrium temperature at the same equilibrium hydrogen pressure), a medium-temperature alloy MM (a powder of a medium-temperature hydrogen storage alloy), and a low-temperature alloy MM. LM (low-temperature hydrogen storage alloy powder having the lowest hydrogen equilibrium temperature at the same equilibrium hydrogen pressure) and is divided into three layers in one thin cell S as shown in FIG. Is enclosed. That is,
Inside the cell S, there is a first layer S1 made of a high-temperature alloy HM.
, A second layer S2 of a medium temperature alloy MM, and a low temperature alloy LM.
And a third layer S3 is provided. The relationship between the alloy types will be described with reference to the PT refrigeration cycle diagram of FIG. 4. The characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloy are relatively high on the high temperature side (left side in the drawing) and high temperature alloy HM and low temperature side (shown in the drawing). On the right) is the low-temperature alloy LM, and between the two is the medium-temperature alloy M
M.

The three layers S 1, S 2 inside one cell S
, S3 are partitioned by partitioning means 1. The partitioning means 1 enables the movement of hydrogen between the layers S1, S2, S3 and prevents the movement of the hydrogen storage alloy between the layers S1, S2, S3. Partitioning means 1 of this embodiment
Has a plurality of pipe filters 2 arranged in layers S1, S2, and S3, and the pipe filter 2 enables hydrogen transfer between the layers S1, S2, and S3. The pipe filter 2 is arranged almost uniformly throughout the inside of the cell S. The pipe filter 2 is a pipe-shaped filter through which hydrogen can pass. The pipe filter 2 is provided so that hydrogen can pass through a large number of minute holes formed in the pipe and that the hydrogen storage alloy is prevented from entering the pipe. I have. These minute holes are formed by etching a metal pipe.

The cell S is formed by joining a pair of press-formed plates 3 and 4 by brazing, welding, or the like.
Hydrogen storage alloy (high-temperature alloy H) divided into 1, S2 and S3
M, medium-temperature alloy MM, and low-temperature alloy LM) are formed, and a heat medium passage (a flow of the heat medium is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1) between cells S. Is formed. The heat medium passages are provided so as to flow the heat medium independently for each hydrogen storage alloy in each layer. Plates 3 and 4, which form the alloy storage chamber and the hydrogen passage, are formed in a wave shape, and are provided to improve the heat exchange rate between the heat medium and the hydrogen storage alloy. The partitioning means 1 for partitioning each of the layers S1, S2, S3 is formed in a band shape through which a pipe filter 2 is arranged, and the band-shaped portion has a heat insulating hole 1a for suppressing heat transfer of each layer. Is formed.

The two-stage cycle includes a hydrogen driving unit for moving hydrogen from the high-temperature alloy HM to the low-temperature alloy LM, and a low-temperature alloy LM.
And a second cold output unit for transferring hydrogen from the intermediate temperature alloy MM to the high temperature alloy HM.

The hydrogen drive section comprises a heating medium for heating and a high-temperature alloy H
M to heat the high-temperature alloy HM, and heat-exchange the cooling medium and the low-temperature alloy LM to exchange the low-temperature alloy LM.
Is cooled to transfer hydrogen from the high-temperature alloy HM to the low-temperature alloy LM. At this time, the medium-temperature alloy MM is set so that the medium-temperature alloy MM releases hydrogen although the heat exchange between the medium-temperature alloy MM and the heat medium for suppression is performed, but the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber that stores the medium-temperature alloy MM increases.

The first cooling / heating output section cools the medium temperature alloy MM by exchanging heat between the cooling heat medium and the medium temperature alloy MM,
This is to transfer hydrogen from the low-temperature alloy LM to the medium-temperature alloy MM. At this time, the high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with the suppression heat medium, so that the high-temperature alloy HM is prevented from absorbing and releasing hydrogen. Also, at this time, the low-temperature alloy LM exchanges heat with the heat medium for cooling output from which the room air is cooled to remove the cold.
At the temperature of the heat output medium (for example, about 13 ° C.), the low-temperature alloy LM is provided so as to release hydrogen.

The second cooling / heating output section exchanges heat between the cooling heat medium and the high-temperature alloy HM to cool the high-temperature alloy HM,
This is to transfer hydrogen from the medium temperature alloy MM and the low temperature alloy LM to the high temperature alloy HM. At this time, the medium-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM exchange heat with the heating medium for cooling output from which the indoor air is cooled to remove the cooling heat, but at the temperature of the heating medium for cooling output (for example, about 13 ° C.). , Low-temperature alloy LM is provided to release hydrogen.

Here, the heat medium for cooling output that is exchanged with the low-temperature alloy LM and the medium-temperature alloy MM in the first and second cold-output sections generates heat when the low-temperature alloy LM and the medium-temperature alloy MM release hydrogen. It is robbed and becomes low temperature (about 7 ° C) suitable for cooling. The heating medium for heating described above is heated by a heating means (for example, a combustion device) not shown.
The heat medium for suppression uses a part of the heat medium for heating. The heat medium for cooling uses a heat medium cooled by heat exchange with the outside air.For example, a heat medium cooled by evaporating a part of the heat medium into the outside air using a cooling tower or the like is used. Is what you do.

The hydrogen drive section, the first cold output section, and the second cold output section described above are provided with a hydrogen storage alloy (high-temperature alloy HM, medium-temperature alloy MM, low-temperature alloy LM) of each of the layers S1, S2 and S3.
This is effected by switching the heat medium that exchanges heat with the heat medium. The heat medium is switched by a distributor (not shown). In other words, the three or more stacked body groups are switched by the distributor (not shown) in the order of the hydrogen drive unit → the first cooling / heating unit → the second cooling / heating unit.

Next, a hydrogen driving section, a first cooling / heating section, and a second
Each operation of the cooling output unit will be described using an example using numerical values. In the stacked body group switched to the hydrogen driving unit, the high-temperature alloy HM is subjected to heat exchange with the heating heat medium, and the medium-temperature alloy MM
Is exchanged with the heat medium for suppression, and the low-temperature alloy LM is exchanged with the heat medium for heat radiation. The high-temperature alloy HM is used as a heating medium (8
(0 ° C.), the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the high-temperature alloy HM increases, and the high-temperature alloy HM releases hydrogen. When the middle-temperature alloy MM is heat-exchanged with the suppression heat medium (56 ° C.), the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber that houses the middle-temperature alloy MM increases, and the middle-temperature alloy MM releases hydrogen.
When the low-temperature alloy LM is subjected to heat exchange with the heat radiating heat medium (28 ° C.), the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber that stores the low-temperature alloy LM decreases, and the low-temperature alloy LM stores hydrogen.

As described above, the high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with the heating heat medium, the medium-temperature alloy MM is heat-exchanged with the suppression heat medium, and the low-temperature alloy LM is heat-exchanged with the heat-dissipation heat medium. 80 ° C: 1.0M in the alloy containing chamber of alloy HM
Pa, 56 ° C: 1.0M in the alloy chamber of the medium temperature alloy MM
Pa, low temperature alloy LM alloy housing room 28 ° C: 0.9M
Pa, the high-temperature alloy HM releases hydrogen (FIG. 4), the middle-temperature alloy MM also releases a small amount of hydrogen (FIG. 4 '), and the low-temperature alloy LM is released from the high-temperature, medium-temperature alloy HM, MM. It absorbs hydrogen (of FIG. 4). Then, the stack group on which the hydrogen driving unit has been executed is switched to the first cooling / heating output unit by the distributor.

In the stack group switched to the first cooling / heating section, the high-temperature alloy HM exchanges heat with the suppressing heat medium,
The medium temperature alloy MM is exchanged with the heat radiating medium, and the low temperature alloy L
M is heat-exchanged with the heat medium for cold output. When the high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with the suppression heat medium (58 ° C.), the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the high-temperature alloy HM increases
Is set to a pressure at which hydrogen is not absorbed and released.
The heat exchange of the medium temperature alloy MM with the heat medium for heat dissipation (28 ° C.) lowers the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for housing the medium temperature alloy MM, the medium temperature alloy MM absorbs hydrogen, and the low temperature alloy LM
Releases hydrogen. Since the low-temperature alloy LM emits hydrogen, heat is absorbed in the alloy storage chamber of the low-temperature alloy LM, and the heat medium for cooling output that has been heat-exchanged with the low-temperature alloy LM is cooled to, for example, 7 ° C. The low-temperature alloy LM exchanges heat with the air blown into the room air, and when the temperature of the heating medium for cooling output whose temperature rises is, for example, about 13 ° C., the internal pressure of the alloy accommodating chamber for accommodating the low-temperature alloy LM is increased to the medium-temperature alloy. It is provided so that it may become higher than the internal pressure of the alloy accommodation room which accommodates MM.

As described above, the high-temperature alloy HM is heat-exchanged with the suppression heat medium, the medium-temperature alloy MM is heat-exchanged with the heat-dissipation heat medium, and the low-temperature alloy LM is heat-exchanged with the cold-heat output heat medium. The temperature of the high-temperature alloy HM alloy chamber is 58 ° C: 0.
The temperature of the alloy storage chamber of the 5 MPa, medium temperature alloy MM is 28 ° C: 0.
13 ° C .: 0.4 MPa, low-temperature alloy LM in the alloy accommodating chamber.
At 5 MPa, the low temperature alloy LM releases hydrogen (FIG. 4), and the medium temperature alloy MM stores hydrogen (FIG. 4).
When the low-temperature alloy LM releases hydrogen, heat is taken from the heat medium for cold output that is heat-exchanged with the low-temperature alloy LM due to an endothermic effect to lower the temperature of the heat medium for cold output. The high-temperature alloy HM exchanges heat with the heat medium for suppression, and the high-temperature alloy HM does not store or release hydrogen. Then, the stacked body group on which the first cooling / heating section is executed is placed in the second group by the distributor.
It can be switched to the cold output unit.

The high temperature alloy HM is exchanged with the heat radiating heat medium in the stacked body group switched to the second cooling / heating output section,
The medium-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM are heat-exchanged with the heat medium for cooling output. High-temperature alloy HM is a heat transfer medium (28 ° C)
The internal pressure of the alloy accommodating chamber for accommodating the high-temperature alloy HM is reduced by heat exchange with the high-temperature alloy HM, and the high-temperature alloy HM stores hydrogen. Since the middle-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM release hydrogen, heat is absorbed in the alloy accommodation room of the middle-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM, and the heat medium for cold output that is heat-exchanged with the middle-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM is, for example, 7. Cool to ° C.
The medium temperature alloy MM is also provided such that when the temperature of the heat medium for cooling output is about 13 ° C., the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the medium temperature alloy MM is higher than the internal pressure of the alloy storage chamber for storing the high temperature alloy HM. .

As described above, the high-temperature alloy HM undergoes heat exchange with the heat radiating heat medium, so that the temperature of the high-temperature alloy HM alloy housing chamber is 28 ° C .: 0.1 MPa, and that of the medium-temperature alloy MM alloy housing chamber is 13 ° C.:0. .2 MPa, the temperature of the low-temperature alloy LM in the alloy accommodating chamber is 13 ° C .: 0.5 MPa. The medium-temperature alloy MM releases hydrogen (FIG. 4), and the low-temperature alloy LM also releases hydrogen (′ in FIG. 4). The alloy HM stores hydrogen (FIG. 4). When the middle-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM release hydrogen, heat is taken from the heat-transfer medium for heat exchange with the medium-temperature alloy MM and the low-temperature alloy LM due to an endothermic action to lower the temperature of the heat output medium. And the second
The stack group in which the cooling output unit has been executed is switched to the hydrogen driving unit by the distributor.

It should be noted that the low-temperature alloy L
When the M and the medium temperature alloy MM release hydrogen, the heat medium for cooling output which has been deprived of heat and cooled to a low temperature is supplied to an indoor heat exchanger of an unillustrated indoor air conditioner and air blown into the room. The room is cooled by heat exchange.

[Effects of the Embodiment] Since the pipe filter 2 used as the partitioning means 1 allows hydrogen to pass through, when the hydrogen storage alloy inside a certain layer releases hydrogen,
The released hydrogen flows through the pipe filter 2 as bypass means and moves to the hydrogen storage alloy of another layer. Similarly, when the hydrogen storage alloy inside a certain layer stores hydrogen,
Hydrogen is sucked from the hydrogen storage alloy of another layer through the pipe filter 2 acting as a bypass means.

As described above, the structure is such that hydrogen can be easily transferred between the layers S 1, S 2, and S 3 via the pipe filters 2 arranged in the cell S. Very short in comparison. As a result, the pressure loss for hydrogen transfer is much smaller than in the past, and as a result, the amount of hydrogen transfer per unit time increases, and the heat pump capacity can be increased. Also,
The cell S is composed of hydrogen storage alloy layers S1, S2 in one container.
, S3 and the partitioning means 1 for partitioning the same, and the manufacturing cost of the cell S can be reduced.

[Modification] In the above embodiment, the partitioning means 1
As an example, the pipe filter 2 is used, but the pipe filter 2 may be omitted as shown in FIGS. The partitioning means 1 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a micro-hole forming member or a porous member having a large number of micro-holes formed therein, which allows hydrogen to pass through and prevents movement of the hydrogen storage alloy. . The tube T shown in FIGS.
Is for flowing a heat medium.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the stacking group was fixed and the heating medium was switched and supplied by the distributor. For example, the distributor was integrated with the stacking group, and the distributor was rotated in the stacking group. Alternatively, the heat medium supplied to each laminate group may be switched by other means, such as by rotating the laminate group around the distributor or rotating the laminate group inside the distributor.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the room is cooled is shown. However, it may be used as another cooling device such as a cooling medium or a freezing operation using a heat medium for cooling output. In the above embodiment, the example in which the room is cooled is shown, but the invention may be applied to a cooling and heating device. As a specific example, the heating medium for heating heated by the combustion device may be guided to an indoor heat exchanger of an indoor air conditioner to perform indoor heating. In addition, the heating medium for heating heated by the combustion device is connected to a floor heating mat, a bathroom dryer, etc., and floor heating is performed by supplying the heating medium for heating.
It may be provided to heat the bathroom.

In the above embodiment, water is used as an example of each heat medium. However, another liquid heat medium such as antifreeze or oil may be used, or a gas heat medium such as air may be used. In the above embodiment, a two-stage cycle has been described as an example.
The present invention may be applied to one or three or more cycles.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional perspective view of a main part of a cell (Example).

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a cell (Example).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stacked cell (Example).

FIG. 4 is a PT refrigeration cycle diagram (Example).

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part of a cell (modification).

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part of a cell (modification).

FIG. 7 is a front view of a cell (conventional example).

[Explanation of symbols]

 HM High temperature alloy (High temperature hydrogen storage alloy) MM Medium temperature alloy (Medium temperature hydrogen storage alloy) LM Low temperature alloy (Low temperature hydrogen storage alloy) S cell S1 First layer S2 Second layer S3 Third layer 1 Partition means 2 Pipe filter

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy utilizing heat absorption when releasing hydrogen from a hydrogen storage alloy or heat release when storing hydrogen, wherein cells enclosing the hydrogen storage alloy have the same equilibrium. Hydrogen storage alloys having different hydrogen equilibrium temperatures depending on the hydrogen pressure are provided so as to be sealed in separate layers, and the partitioning means for partitioning each layer in the cell is capable of moving hydrogen in each part of the partitioning means, and A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy, which prevents movement of the storage alloy. 2. A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of pipe filters capable of passing hydrogen are arranged in said cells over said respective layers, and said partition means comprises a pipe filter. Are disposed through the pipe filter, and the hydrogen can be transferred in each layer by the pipe filter. A heat utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy.