JP2003257462A - Generation type power supply - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a generation type power supply using a generation fuel for generating power and being easy to handle in a similar way to that of a general chemical battery. <P>SOLUTION: A fuel pack 21 is filled with the generation fuel and its appearance is shaped into a column of almost elliptical section. A generation module 1 uses the generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 21 for generating power and its appearance is shaped into a column of almost elliptical section. In the state that the fuel pack 21 is mounted on the generation module 1, the whole appearance and size are almost the same as those of a primary battery, called an existent CR-V3 type. Herein, a positive terminal 5 and a negative terminal 6 are provided on the face at the opposite side to the fuel pack 21 of the generation module 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a power generation type power source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various chemical batteries have been used in all fields for consumer and industrial use. For example, primary batteries such as alkaline batteries and manganese batteries are widely used in watches, cameras, toys, portable audio equipment, etc.
Not only in Japan, but also from a global point of view, the production volume is the largest, and it is cheap and easily available.

On the other hand, secondary batteries such as nickel-cadmium storage batteries, nickel-hydrogen storage batteries, and lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PD).
A), it is widely used in portable devices such as digital video cameras and digital still cameras, and has the advantage of being economical because it can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

By the way, in recent years, with the increasing interest in environmental problems and energy problems, the problems of wastes and the problems of energy conversion efficiency that occur after the use of the above-mentioned chemical batteries have been highlighted.

In particular, in the case of a primary battery, as described above, the product price is low and it is easily available, and many devices are used as a power source, and basically, the battery capacity is restored once it is discharged. Since it can not be used, it can be used only once (so-called disposable), and the annual amount of waste is several million tons. Here, there is a statistical data that the rate of recovery by recycling in the whole chemical battery is only about 20%, and the remaining about 80% is dumped in the natural world or landfilled, There is concern about environmental destruction due to heavy metals such as mercury and indium contained in such uncollected batteries, and deterioration of aesthetics of the natural environment.

Further, when the above chemical battery is examined from the viewpoint of utilization efficiency of energy resources, the primary battery is produced by using approximately 300 times the energy that can be discharged, so that the energy utilization efficiency is 1%. Less than On the other hand, even if it is a rechargeable battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged and is economically efficient, when it is charged from a household power source (outlet), energy is consumed due to power generation efficiency and transmission loss at the power station. Since the efficiency falls to about 12%, it cannot be said that the effective use of energy resources is necessarily achieved.

Therefore, in recent years, various new power supply systems including a fuel cell, which have a small influence (burden) on the environment and can realize an extremely high energy utilization efficiency of, for example, about 30 to 40%. Has been noticed, and research and development for practical use have been actively conducted for the purpose of substituting the above-mentioned chemical battery.

[0008]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the future,
In order to reduce the size and weight of power generation members with high energy utilization efficiency, such as fuel cells, and to use them as portable or portable portable power sources, for example, as an alternative (compatible product) to the above-mentioned chemical battery, There's a problem.

Specifically, for example, in an existing chemical battery, basically, by simply connecting the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal to a device such as a portable device, a predetermined voltage and current are supplied to drive the device. Therefore, there is an advantage that the handling is extremely simple.

On the other hand, most power source systems such as fuel cells having a high energy utilization efficiency basically use a power generation means using a predetermined fuel for power generation (for example, direct or indirect conversion of chemical energy of fuel). Since it has a function as a power generator which converts electricity into electric power), it is significantly different from the above-mentioned chemical battery in terms of structure and electrical characteristics.

That is, when replacing a used power source,
In the above power supply system, as in the case of replacing a general-purpose chemical battery, if the power supply itself including the power generation unit and the fuel pack is replaced in order to supply electric power, there is a problem in that it is not worth the cost. .

[0012] Therefore, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a power generation type power source that can generate electricity using a fuel for power generation and can be handled inexpensively and easily like a general-purpose chemical battery. Further, it is an advantage to provide a power generation type power source capable of improving the power generation efficiency of such a power generation type power source.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fuel pack for enclosing a power generation fuel and having a columnar shape with an outer shape of a substantially oval cross section, and the fuel pack is detachably mounted. A columnar power generation module having an outer shape of an elliptical cross section for generating power using a power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack, wherein the fuel pack is installed in the power generation module as a whole. The external shape is a column shape having a substantially oval cross section. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the overall external shape of the fuel pack mounted on the power generation module is a column shape having a substantially oval cross section. It is characterized in that the central portion of one side surface of the module and a portion of the central portion of one side surface of the fuel pack that is continuous with the one side surface are partly curved. The invention according to claim 3 is the claim 1
In the invention described in (1), the overall appearance shape and dimensions of the fuel pack mounted on the power generation module are substantially the same as those of the CR-V3 type primary battery. The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are provided on a surface of the power generation module opposite to the fuel pack side. It is a feature. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourth aspect, the center of the fuel pack and the center of the power generation module are substantially aligned when the fuel pack is attached to and removed from the power generation module. In this state, the structure is performed by rotating the fuel pack relative to the power generation module. The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein a fuel introduction portion is provided at a central portion of a surface of the power generation module facing the fuel pack, and the fuel pack faces the power generation module. A fuel supply is provided in the center of the surface,
In a state where the fuel pack is mounted on the power generation module, the fuel introduction part and the fuel supply part are in communication with each other. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, a recess is provided in one central portion of the surfaces of the power generation module and the fuel pack that face each other, and the other central portion is provided with a recess. Is provided with a seal ring to be fitted to. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, at least a part of a case for enclosing the fuel for power generation of the fuel pack is made visible for the remaining fuel amount. It is characterized by being transparent. According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, a fuel remaining amount display scale is provided on the outer surface of the case. The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the case is made of a decomposable polymer. Further, according to the present invention, the overall external shape in the state where the fuel pack is attached to the power generation module is a pillar shape having a substantially oval cross section. Therefore, the overall external shape is almost the same as that of the CR-V3 type primary battery. If the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are provided on the surface opposite to the fuel pack side of the power generation module, the power generation fuel can be used to generate electricity, and the positive electrode terminal can be used like a general-purpose chemical battery. Also, the negative terminal can be directly connected to the load for simple handling. Then, by exchanging only the used fuel pack, the power generation module can be continuously used and can be used at low cost. The invention according to claim 11 has a case having a slit, in which a fuel pack containing a fuel for power generation can be removed, a reforming unit arranged in the case for reforming the fuel for power generation, and the case. And a power generation unit that is disposed on the slit side inside and that generates power by the fuel reformed by the reforming unit. According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the eleventh aspect, a plurality of the power generation units are arranged, and the reforming unit is arranged between the plurality of power generation units. is there. The invention described in claim 13 is the same as claim 11 or 1.
In the invention described in 2, the power generation unit is a fuel cell that receives oxygen from the slit side to cause a chemical reaction and generate electric power. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, the reforming section produces hydrogen from the fuel for power generation. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, the reforming section is generated by a fuel reforming section that generates hydrogen from the fuel for power generation and the fuel reforming section. It is characterized by including a carbon monoxide removing section for removing the removed carbon monoxide. According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the fuel reforming section and the carbon monoxide removing section are microreactors each including a substrate having a flow channel, and are stacked on each other. It is characterized by. According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects, a CR-V3 type 1 has an overall external shape and dimensions in a state where the fuel pack is attached to the case.
It is characterized in that it is almost the same as the secondary battery.
According to such an invention, it is possible to arrange the power generation unit so as to efficiently generate power at low cost, and to output sufficiently even if the external shape and dimensions are the same as those of a general-purpose battery.

[0014]

1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a power generating type portable power source viewed from one side, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the power generating type portable power source viewed from the other side. It is shown. This power generation-type portable power supply includes a power generation module 1 and a fuel pack 21 that is detachably attached to the power generation module 1, and the overall appearance shape and dimensions of the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) are manganese dioxide lithium primary battery standards. The primary battery is defined by C8512, and is almost the same as the existing primary battery called CR-V3 type.

That is, the external shapes of the power generation module 1 and the fuel pack 21 are basically columnar shapes having an oval cross section. When the fuel pack 21 is attached to the power generation module 1 as will be described later, the overall external shape is a pillar shape having a substantially oval cross section, and the other side central portion of the power generation module 1 and the fuel pack 21 continuous with the center portion.
A part of the central portion on the other side of the is concavely curved.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a perspective view seen from the side of the power generation module 1 with the fuel pack 21 removed from the power generation module 1, and FIG. 4 shows a perspective view seen from the side of the fuel pack 21 in the same state. It is a thing. Here, the external configuration of the power generation module 1 will be described.

The power generation module 1 includes a pair of cases 2 and 3 made of resin. The pair of cases 2 and 3 has a shape obtained by dividing a cylindrical body having an oval cross section along the major axis of the oval cross section, and a curved concave portion 4 is provided at the center of the other case 3. It is provided. A circular positive electrode terminal 5 and a negative electrode terminal, which are connected to a connector (not shown) of a device such as a portable device, are provided at predetermined two positions on the surface of the cases 2 and 3 opposite to the fuel pack 21 side. 6 is provided.

Plural slits for taking in air (oxygen) necessary for fuel reforming (removal of carbon monoxide) described later are provided at predetermined positions of both cases 2, 3 between both terminals 5, 6. 7 is provided. A plurality of slits 8 for taking in air (oxygen) necessary for power generation, which will be described later, are provided in the central portions of the side surfaces of the cases 2 and 3. A circular recess 9 is provided in the center of each of the cases 2 and 3 on the fuel pack 21 side, and the fuel introduction port 1 is provided in the center of the recess 9.
0 is provided. Fuel pack 21 for both cases 2 and 3
Locking claw receiving portions 11 are provided at both end portions on the side.

Now, the locking claw receiving portion 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 viewed from the same direction as FIG. First, let A be the center point of both cases 2 and 3, and let B be the center point of the left circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surfaces of both cases 2 and 3, and the center point of the right circular outer peripheral surfaces of both cases 2 and 3. Let be C.

The locking claw receiving portion 11 has a root of each inner peripheral surface of two projecting portions 11a having an outer peripheral surface having points B and C as central points and an inner peripheral surface having point A as a central point. 5 at the root side of the inner peripheral surface of the left protruding portion 11a and at the base side of the inner peripheral surface of the right protruding portion 11a in FIG. Groove 10b
Has a structure. In this case, arc-shaped notches 11c are provided at both ends of each protrusion 11a in order to avoid interference with the fuel pack 21 when the fuel pack 21 is mounted, which will be described later.

Next, the fuel pack 21 will be described.
The fuel pack 21 includes a case 22 made of a transparent degradable polymer and having an oval cross section and having a bottom, and an opaque degradable polymer cover 23 fixed to an opening of the case 22. In this case, the case 22 and the cover 23 are formed of a decomposable polymer in order to reduce the environmental impact (burden) of the fuel pack 21, which becomes waste after use, so that the existing chemical cell can be dumped or landfilled. This is to solve environmental problems caused by processing.

As an example, a power generation fuel (not shown, hereinafter simply referred to as fuel) made of an aqueous methanol solution is enclosed in the case 22. As an example, a linear scale 24 indicating that the remaining amount of fuel in the case 22 is 75%, 50%, and 25% is provided at a predetermined position on the outer surface of the case 22. That is, since the case 22 is transparent, the remaining amount of fuel in the case 22 can be visually checked using the scale 24 as a guide. In addition, in the case 22, only the scale portion 24 may be transparent and the other portions may be opaque.

A fuel supply valve 25 is provided at the center of the cover 23. The fuel supply valve 25 is a check valve,
As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, an elastically deformable plate valve 25b is provided inside a cylindrical body 25a. Then, in the state where the fuel pack 21 is not attached to the power generation module 1, the fuel supply valve 25 is the plate valve 25b.
It is closed by the elastic restoring force of itself and further by the pressure of the fuel enclosed in the case 22. A seal ring 26 is provided at the base of the fuel supply valve 25.
Locking tabs 27 are provided at both ends of the cover 23.

Here, the lock tab 27 is shown in FIG.
A description will be given with reference to FIG. 7 viewed from the same direction as. First, the center point of the cover 23 is A, the center point of the arc-shaped outer peripheral surface on the left side of the cover 23 is B, and the center point of the arc-shaped outer peripheral surface on the right side of the cover 23 is C. Lock tab 27
Is located at a point-symmetrical position on the projecting side of each outer peripheral surface of the central projecting portion 26b projecting by forming the notches 26a on each outer side of the circular arc surface having the point A as the central point, that is, the central projecting portion. The left side outer peripheral surface of the portion 26b in FIG. 7 is an upper side, and the right side outer peripheral surface of the central protruding portion 26b in FIG. 7 is a lower side in FIG.

Next, the fuel pack 21 is attached to the power generation module 1
The case of mounting on the will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 8, the locking tabs 27 side of the fuel pack 21 are opposed to the locking tab receiving portion 11 side of the power generation module 1 in a state where the respective center points A are substantially aligned, and , So that both form a cross. In this case, it is not necessary to form a cross with both, and the point is that the central protruding portion 26b including the locking claw 27 does not interfere with the locking claw receiving portion 11 in a state where the respective center points A are substantially aligned. do it.

Next, the fuel pack 21 is connected to the power generation module 1
8, and then the fuel pack 21 is rotated relative to the power generation module 1 by about 90 ° in the clockwise direction in FIG. Then, the locking claw 27 is engaged with the groove 11b of the locking claw receiving portion 11, and the fuel pack 21 is attached to the power generation module 1.

In other words, the fuel pack 21 and the power generation module 1 are brought close to each other with their respective center points A substantially coincident with each other, and at least one of them is rotated in a predetermined direction by a simple operation. The pack 21 can be attached to the power generation module 1. When the fuel pack 21 is removed from the power generation module 1, it can be easily removed by performing the reverse operation to the above.

When the fuel pack 21 is attached to the power generation module 1, the fuel introduction port 10 of the power generation module 1 is inserted into the fuel supply valve 25 of the fuel pack 21, as shown in FIG. The plate valve 25b of No. 25 is pushed by the tip of the fuel introduction port 10 and elastically deforms,
The fuel introduction port 10 communicates with the inside of the fuel pack 21.
Further, the seal ring 26 is fitted in the recess 9.

In this case, the recess 9 and the fuel introduction port 10
Is provided at the center point A of the power generation module 1, and the fuel supply valve 25 and the seal ring 26 are also provided at the center point A of the fuel pack 21, so when the fuel pack 21 is mounted on the power generation module 1. , There is no problem even if at least one of them is rotated. Further, since the seal ring 26 is fitted in the recess 9, the fuel supply valve 25
Even if the fuel leaks into the recess 9 through the gap between the fuel introduction port 10 and the fuel introduction port 10 inserted therein, it is possible to reliably prevent the fuel from leaking between the power generation module 1 and the fuel pack 21.

Here, when the fuel pack 21 is attached to the power generation module 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall external shape and dimensions may be substantially the same as those of the CR-V3 type primary battery. Since the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are provided on the surface of the power generation module 1 on the side opposite to the fuel pack 21 side, the positive electrode terminal 5 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are provided similarly to a general-purpose chemical battery.
Also, the negative electrode terminal 6 can be simply handled by directly connecting it to a device such as a portable device.

Next, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the power generation module 1 and the fuel pack 21 and the main part of the device 101 driven by the power generation module 1. Then, in the following description, it will be described in combination with FIG. 10. However, if only the device 101 is described here, the device 101 is the controller 10
2 and a load 103 driven and controlled by the controller 102.

Next, FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the schematic internal structure of the power generation module 1 taken along line XX in FIG.
11 is a sectional view taken along the line YY of FIG.
The fuel introduction port 10 is connected to the inflow side of a micro pump (fuel flow rate control unit) 42 via a flow path 41. The outflow side of the micropump 42 is connected to the fuel evaporation section 44 via the flow path 43. The fuel evaporating unit 44 heats and vaporizes the fuel, which is the aqueous methanol solution supplied from the fuel pack 21, by the thin film heater 63 described later under the control of the operation control unit 55.

The outflow side of the fuel evaporation section 44 is the fuel reforming section 45.
Is connected to the inflow side of. The fuel reforming unit 45 is composed of a microchemical reactor and reforms the vaporized fuel supplied from the fuel vaporizing unit 44 to generate hydrogen, by-product carbon dioxide, and a trace amount of carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide among them is separated and released into the atmosphere through the slit 11, and its specific structure will be described later. In addition, if necessary, through a flow path not shown,
Receiving water supplied from the micropump 42 and / or a power generation unit 50 described later, reacting carbon monoxide with water to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide as a by-product, and separating carbon dioxide from the hydrogen. Then, it may be released into the atmosphere through the slit 7 (8), and its specific structure will be described later.

The outflow side of the fuel reforming section 45 is connected to the inflow side of the CO (carbon monoxide) removing section 46. The CO removal unit 46 is composed of a microchemical reactor, and hydrogen supplied from the fuel reforming unit 45 and carbon monoxide generated and remaining in the fuel reforming unit 45 are taken in through the slits 7 (8). Are reacted with each other to form oxygen dioxide, and this carbon dioxide is separated from hydrogen and released into the atmosphere through the slit 7 (8). The specific structure thereof will be described later. Here, in brief, the fuel evaporating section 44, the fuel reforming section 45, and the CO removing section 46 have a rectangular shape of the same size and are stacked in this order to overlap the case 2,
It is arranged in the central portion of the inside of 3.

The outflow side of the CO removing section 46 is connected to the inflow side of the micropump 48 via a flow path 47. The outflow side of the micropump 48 is connected to each inflow side of the two power generation units 50 via a flow path 49. Two power generation units 50
Are rectangular shapes of the same size, and are arranged on both sides of the fuel evaporating section 44, the fuel reforming section 45, and the CO removing section 46 at positions facing the slits 8 of the cases 2 and 3. Power generation unit 5
0 receives hydrogen supplied from the CO removal unit 46, generates power using this hydrogen and oxygen taken in through the slit 8, supplies generated power to the charging unit 51, and produces water at that time. Through the micro pump 52 to the case 2,
3 is released into the by-product recovery bag 53 provided outside the device 3, and its specific structure will be described later.

The charging unit 51 has a columnar secondary battery or the like which is charged by receiving the generated power from the power generation unit 50,
The charging power is supplied to the sub charging unit 54 and the load 103 of the device 101.
And the controller 102. The sub-charging unit 54 has a capacitor or the like that receives charging power from the charging unit 51 and charges the micro-pumps 42, 4.
8, 52, the operation control unit 55, and the temperature control unit 56 output necessary electric power. The operation control unit 55 controls all drive operations in the power generation module 1.
The temperature control unit 56 includes a fuel evaporation unit 44, a fuel reforming unit 45,
The temperature of the CO removing unit 46 is controlled.

Next, the power generation operation of this power generation type portable power source will be described. The operation control unit 55 includes a sub charging unit 54.
A command signal is output to supply power to the micro pump 42, and a drive control signal is output to the micro pump 42. Then, the micropump 42 is driven to supply the aqueous methanol solution in the fuel pack 21 to the fuel evaporation unit 44.

Here, the specific structure of the fuel evaporation portion 44 will be described with reference to FIG. Fuel evaporation unit 44
Has a meandering channel 62 formed on one surface of a substrate 61 made of silicon, glass, aluminum alloy, or the like.
A thin film heater 63 and a heater wire (not shown) are formed on the other surface, and the flow path 62 on one surface side of the substrate 61 is covered with a glass plate (not shown). In this case, an outflow port 64 is provided at one end of the flow path 62 of the substrate 61, and an inflow port is provided at a part of the glass plate corresponding to the other end of the flow path 62.

Next, the specific structure of the fuel reforming section 45 will be described with reference to FIG. The fuel reformer 45 is
A meandering channel 72 is formed on one surface of a substrate 71 made of silicon or glass, and Cu / ZnO is formed on the inner wall surface of the channel 72.
A catalyst (not shown) such as / Al2O3 is attached to the substrate 7
Thin film heater 73 and heater wiring (not shown) on the other surface of 1.
Is formed, and the flow path 72 on the one surface side of the substrate 41 is covered with a glass plate (not shown). in this case,
An outflow port 74 is provided at one end of the flow path 72 of the substrate 71, and an inflow port is provided at a part of the glass plate corresponding to the other end of the flow path 72.

Next, a specific structure of the CO removing section 46 will be described with reference to FIG. The CO removing unit 46
A meandering channel 82 is formed on one surface of a substrate 81 made of silicon or glass, and Pt / Al 2 is formed on the inner wall surface of the channel 82.
A catalyst (not shown) such as O3 is attached, a thin film heater 83 and a heater wiring (not shown) are formed on the other surface of the substrate 81, and one surface side flow passage 82 of the substrate 81 is a glass plate (not shown).
The structure is covered with. In this case, an outflow port 84 is provided at one end of the flow path 82 of the substrate 81, and an inflow port is provided at a part of the glass plate corresponding to the other end of the flow path 82.

Then, the temperature control unit 56 includes the operation control unit 5
In accordance with the command signal from 5, the predetermined electric power is supplied to the thin film heater 63 of the fuel evaporation unit 44 to heat the thin film heater 63. To the fuel evaporation unit 44, a predetermined amount of liquid-state fuel supplied from the fuel sealing unit 27 is delivered to the evaporation unit 44 according to a command signal from the operation control unit 55. Then,
The thin film heater 63 generates heat (about 120 ° C.) to evaporate the aqueous methanol solution supplied into the flow path 62. The vaporized fluid moves from the inflow port toward the outflow port due to the internal pressure of the flow path 62, and reaches the inflow port of the fuel reforming section 45.

In the fuel reformer 45, the thin film heater 73 is heated according to the command signal from the operation controller 55. Then, the methanol and water that have reached the inflow port of the fuel reforming section 45 cause an endothermic reaction as shown in the following formula (1) in the flow path 72 by heating the thin film heater 73, and hydrogen and by-products are generated. Generates carbon dioxide. However, in this case, a trace amount of carbon monoxide is also generated. CH3OH + H2O → 3H2 + CO2 …… (1)

Of these products, hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a vaporized state are supplied to the inflow side of the CO removing section 46, and carbon dioxide is separated and released into the atmosphere through the slit 7 (8). In addition, water (H2O) in the left side of the above formula (1)
May be contained in the fuel of the fuel pack 22 of the fuel pack 21 at the initial stage of the reaction, but the water generated by the power generation of the power generation unit 50 may be recovered and supplied to the fuel reforming unit 45. It becomes possible, and by setting the encapsulation ratio of the liquid fuel containing hydrogen such as methanol or the liquefied fuel or the gaseous fuel in the fuel sealed in the fuel pack 22 to a high state, the above formula (1 The reaction amount of) is increased, and it becomes possible to supply electric power for a longer time. The water supply source on the left side of Expression (1) during power generation by the power generation unit 50 may be only the power generation unit 50, the power generation unit 50 and the fuel pack 22, or only the fuel pack 22. At this time, carbon monoxide may be generated in the fuel reforming unit 45, though the amount is very small.

The produced hydrogen, the by-products carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are vaporized, and CO is discharged from the outlet 74.
It moves to the inflow port of the removal unit 46. At this time, the temperature control unit 56 follows the command signal from the operation control unit 55.
Since a predetermined electric power is supplied to the thin film heater 83, the thin film heater 83 generates heat (about 280 ° C.), and among the hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and water supplied into the flow path 82, carbon monoxide and water React with each other to generate hydrogen and a by-product carbon dioxide as shown in the following formula (2). CO + H2O → H2 + CO2 …… (2)

Water on the left side of the above equation (2) is (H2
O) may be contained in the fuel of the fuel pack 21 at the initial stage of the reaction, but it is possible to recover the water generated by the power generation of the power generation unit 50 and supply it to the fuel reforming unit 45. is there. The water supply source on the left side of the equation (2) during power generation by the power generation unit 50 may be only the power generation unit 50, the power generation unit 50 and the fuel pack 21, or only the fuel pack 21.

Most of the fluid that finally reaches the outlet 84 of the CO removing section 46 is hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
When the fluid reaching the outlet 84 contains a very small amount of carbon monoxide, the remaining carbon monoxide is brought into contact with oxygen taken in through the check valve from the slit 7 to obtain the formula (3). As shown, carbon dioxide is produced, which ensures removal of carbon monoxide. CO + (1/2) O2 → CO2 …… (3)

The product after the above series of reactions is composed of hydrogen and carbon dioxide (including a trace amount of water in some cases). Of these products, carbon dioxide is separated from hydrogen and slit 7 (8 ) Is released into the atmosphere.

The generated carbon dioxide is separated and released into the atmosphere through the slit 7 (8). Therefore,
Only hydrogen from the CO removal unit 46 is supplied to the power generation unit 50. In this case, the hydrogen from the CO removing unit 46 is supplied to the sub charging unit 54 according to the command signal from the operation control unit 55.
The power is supplied to the power generation unit 50 by driving the micropump 48 that is driven by being supplied with power from

Here, a specific structure of the power generation section 50 will be described with reference to FIG. The power generation unit 50 is a well-known polymer electrolyte fuel cell. That is, the power generation unit 50
Is interposed between the cathode 91 composed of a carbon electrode to which a catalyst such as Pt / C is attached, the anode 92 composed of a carbon electrode to which a catalyst such as Pt / Ru / C is attached, and between the cathode 91 and the anode 92. Film-shaped ion conductive film 9
3, and a cathode 91 and an anode 92.
The electric power is supplied to a load 94 provided between and. The load 94 may be the charging unit 51 shown in FIG. 8 or the load 103 of the device 101.

In this case, a space 95 is provided outside the cathode 91. Hydrogen from the CO removal unit 46 is supplied into the space 95. A space 96 is provided outside the anode 92. This space 96
The oxygen taken in from the slit 8 is supplied inside.
Therefore, in FIG. 11, the two power generation units 50 are arranged such that each space 96 thereof faces each slit 8.

Then, on the cathode 91 side, as shown in the following formula (4), a hydrogen ion (proton; H +) in which an electron (e-) is separated from hydrogen is generated, and the anode is formed via the ion conductive film 93. The electrons (e−) are taken out by the cathode 91 while passing to the 92 side, and are supplied to the load 94. 3H2 → 6H ++ 6e -... (4)

On the other hand, on the anode 92 side, the following equation (5)
, The electrons (e
−) And hydrogen ions (H +) that have passed through the ion conductive film 63
Reacts with oxygen to produce water as a by-product. 6H ++ (3/2) O2 + 6e- → 3H2O ... (5)

The above series of electrochemical reactions (formula (4) and formula (5)) proceed in a relatively low temperature environment of about room temperature to 80 ° C., and byproducts other than electric power are basically It is only water. In this case, the electric power (voltage / current) supplied indirectly or directly to the load 94 by the electrochemical reaction as described above is generated by the power generation unit 50 as shown in the formulas (4) and (5). Depends on the amount of hydrogen supplied to the cathode 91.

Therefore, the operation control unit 55 drives and controls the micropump 42 so that the power generation unit 50 is supplied with the amount of fuel required to generate and output a predetermined amount of hydrogen. In addition, in order to promote the reactions of the above formulas (4) and (5), the power generation unit 50 is provided with a temperature control unit,
You may make it set 0 to a predetermined temperature.

The electric power generated by the power generation unit 50 is supplied to the charging unit 51 in the power generation module 1, whereby the charging unit 5
1 is charged. Then, charging power is supplied from the charging unit 51 to the load 103 and the controller 102 of the device 101 as needed. The power generated by the power generation unit 50 may be directly supplied to the load 103 of the device 101 and the controller 102.

Water generated as a by-product in the power generation unit 50 is generated by driving the micro pump 52 which is driven by receiving power from the sub-charging unit 54 in accordance with a command signal from the operation control unit 55. It is recovered in the by-product recovery bag 53 provided outside the module 1. in this case,
As described above, if at least a part of the water generated in the power generation unit 50 is supplied to the fuel reforming unit 45, the amount of water initially enclosed in the fuel pack 21 can be reduced,
Further, the amount of water recovered in the by-product recovery bag 53 can be reduced.

By the way, as the fuel applied to the fuel reforming type fuel cell currently being researched and developed, the power generation section 50 can generate electric energy with relatively high energy conversion efficiency. Fuel, for example, alcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol, butanol, dimethyl ether, isobutane,
It is possible to favorably apply a liquid fuel such as a liquefied gas such as natural gas (CNG) which is vaporized at room temperature and normal pressure, or a fluid substance such as a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen gas.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned evaporative reforming reaction of an aqueous methanol solution, and at least a chemical reaction (endothermic reaction) that occurs under a predetermined thermal condition can be favorably applied. Moreover, the fuel cell is not limited to the above fuel cell as long as it can generate electric power by using a predetermined fluid substance generated by a chemical reaction as a fuel for power generation.

Therefore, the dynamics of rotating the generator to generate electric power by using the thermal energy (temperature difference power generation) associated with the combustion reaction of the fluid substance generated by the chemical reaction or the pressure energy associated with the combustion reaction. By a dynamic energy conversion action (internal combustion of gas combustion turbine, rotary engine, Stirling engine, etc., external combustion engine power generation),
Further, use a power generation device having various forms such as one that converts fluid energy or heat energy of power generation fuel into electric power by utilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction (magnetohydrodynamic power generation, thermoacoustic effect power generation, etc.). You can

Further, the fuel reforming section 46 includes a fuel evaporating section 44.
And the fuel reforming unit 45. Also, when using liquefied hydrogen or hydrogen gas as fuel as it is,
The fuel evaporation unit 44, the fuel reforming unit 45, and the fuel reforming unit 46 may be omitted, and the fuel may be directly supplied to the power generation unit 50.

Here, since the case 22 and the cover 23 of the fuel pack 21 are made of degradable polymer, when not in use, the periphery of the fuel pack 21 is covered with a package for protecting from decomposition factors such as bacteria. It is desirable to be marketed in the state. Then, when mounting the fuel pack 21, the package may be peeled from the fuel pack 21.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the overall external shape of the fuel pack mounted on the power generation module is a columnar shape having a substantially oval cross section, the overall external shape is It can be almost the same as the CR-V3 type primary battery, and if a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are provided on the surface opposite to the fuel pack side of the power generation module, power generation fuel is used to generate power Similar to the chemical battery described in (1), the positive terminal and the negative terminal can be connected directly to the device for simple handling.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view seen from one side of a power generation type portable power supply as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power-generating portable power supply shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the other side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from the power generation module side with a fuel pack removed from the power generation module.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view seen from the fuel pack side with the fuel pack removed from the power generation module.

FIG. 5 is a diagram shown for explaining a locking claw receiving portion of the power generation module.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a fuel supply valve portion of a fuel pack.

FIG. 7 is a view shown for explaining a locking tab of a fuel pack.

FIG. 8 is a diagram shown for explaining mounting of a fuel pack on a power generation module.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a state in which a fuel pack is attached to a power generation module.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main part of a power generation module and a fuel pack and a main part of a device driven by the power generation module.

FIG. 11: X of FIG. 1 showing a schematic configuration inside the power generation module
-A sectional view taken along the line X.

12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of a fuel evaporation unit.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a part of the fuel reformer.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a part of the CO removing unit.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power generation unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 power generation module A few cases 5 Positive terminal 6 Negative electrode terminal 7, 8 slits 9 recess 10 Fuel introduction port 11 Lock claw receiving part 21 Fuel Pack 22 cases 23 cover 24 scale 25 Fuel supply valve 26 Seal ring 27 Lock tab 42 micro pump 44 Fuel Evaporator 45 Fuel reformer 46 CO removal unit 48 micro pump 50 Power Generation Department 51 Charging section 52 Micro Pump 53 By-product collection bag 54 Sub charging unit 55 Motion control unit 56 Temperature controller

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A fuel pack, which has a columnar outer shape having a substantially oval cross-section, in which a fuel for power generation is sealed, and a fuel for power generation, which is detachably attached to the fuel pack and is supplied from the fuel pack. And a column-shaped power generation module whose external shape is substantially oval in cross section, and the overall external shape in a state where the fuel pack is mounted on the power generation module is a substantially oval column in cross section. Power generation type power supply characterized by. 2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein an overall appearance shape of the fuel pack mounted on the power generation module is a column shape having a substantially oval cross section, and one side surface of the power generation module. A power generation type power source characterized in that a central part and a part of a central part of one side surface of the fuel pack continuous with the central part are curved indented. 3. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the overall external shape and dimensions of the fuel pack mounted on the power generation module are substantially the same as those of the CR-V3 type primary battery. Power generation type power supply. 4. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are provided on a surface of the power generation module opposite to the fuel pack side. Mold power supply. 5. The invention according to claim 4, wherein the fuel pack is attached to and removed from the power generation module while the center of the fuel pack and the center of the power generation module are substantially aligned with each other. A power generation type power source having a structure in which a fuel pack is rotated relative to the power generation module. 6. The invention according to claim 5, wherein a fuel introduction portion is provided at a central portion of a surface of the power generation module facing the fuel pack, and a central portion of a surface of the fuel pack facing the power generation module. A fuel supply unit is provided in the power generation module, and the fuel introduction unit and the fuel supply unit are in communication with each other when the fuel pack is attached to the power generation module. 7. The invention according to claim 6, wherein a recessed portion is provided in one central portion of surfaces of the power generation module and the fuel pack that face each other, and the other central portion is fitted into the recessed portion. A power generation type power supply characterized by being provided with a seal ring. 8. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a part of a case for enclosing the fuel for power generation of the fuel pack is transparent so that the remaining fuel amount can be visually checked. Power generation type power supply characterized by. 9. The power-generating power source according to claim 8, wherein a fuel remaining amount display scale is provided on the outer surface of the case. 10. The power-generating power source according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the case is made of a decomposable polymer. 11. A case having a slit, in which a fuel pack containing a fuel for power generation can be removed, a reforming section arranged in the case for reforming the fuel for power generation, and the slit in the case. And a power generation unit that is disposed on the side and that generates power by the fuel reformed by the reforming unit. 12. The power generation type power source according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the power generation units are arranged, and the reforming unit is arranged between the plurality of power generation units. 13. The power-generating power source according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the power generation section is a fuel cell that receives oxygen from the slit side to cause a chemical reaction and generate electric power. . 14. The power-generating power source according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the reforming section produces hydrogen from the fuel for power generation. 15. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the reforming section is a fuel reforming section that produces hydrogen from the fuel for power generation, and monoxide produced by the fuel reforming section. A power generation type power source, comprising a carbon monoxide removing unit for removing carbon. 16. The invention according to claim 15, wherein the fuel reforming section and the carbon monoxide removing section are microreactors each including a substrate having a flow channel, and are stacked on each other. Generator type power supply. 17. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the overall external shape and dimensions of the fuel pack mounted in the case are CR-V3.
Type power source, which is almost the same as the primary battery.