HK1061307B

HK1061307B - Integrated fuel pack, reformer and gas purification device for fuel cell power generation system

Info

Publication number: HK1061307B
Application number: HK04103940.1A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 盐谷雅治
Original assignee: 卡西欧计算机株式会社
Priority date: 2001-01-24
Filing date: 2002-01-22
Publication date: 2007-05-18

Description

Integrated fuel package, reformer and gas purification apparatus for a fuel cell power generation system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a byproduct removal apparatus for use in a power supply system, and more particularly, to a byproduct removal apparatus for use in a portable power supply system having high energy utilization efficiency.

Background

In the home and industrial fields, various chemical batteries are used. For example, primary batteries such as alkaline dry batteries or manganese dry batteries are often used for watches, cameras, toys and portable acoustic devices, and have a feature that the production volume thereof is large from a global viewpoint, inexpensive and readily available.

A secondary battery such as a lead secondary battery, a nickel-cadmium secondary battery, a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery, a lithium ion battery is often used in a mobile phone or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) which is widely used in recent portable devices such as a digital video camera or a digital still camera, and such a battery is characterized by superior economic efficiency because it can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Among the batteries, the lead storage battery is used as a starting power source for vehicles or ships or as an emergency power source in industrial facilities or medical equipment, and the like.

In recent years, with increasing interest in environmental conditions or energy problems, problems related to waste materials generated after use of chemical batteries such as those described above or problems related to energy conversion efficiency have been receiving close attention.

As described above, since the primary battery has an inexpensive product price and is easily available, there are many devices that use such a battery as a power source. Further, basically, when the primary battery is discharged once, its battery capacity cannot be recovered, that is, it can be used only once (this is a so-called disposable battery). Large quantities of waste exceed millions of tons per year. Here, there is a statistical information that only about 20% of all the chemical batteries collected for reuse are discarded in nature or disposed of in landfills, and the remaining about 80%. Thus, there are environmental damages and natural environmental damages caused by heavy metals such as mercury or indium contained in the cells that are not collected.

The above-mentioned chemical batteries were examined in terms of the efficiency of use of energy, which is less than 1%, since such galvanic cells are produced using about 300 times the amount of energy that can be discharged. Even in the storage battery, which can be repeatedly charged and discharged and has excellent economic efficiency, when the storage battery is charged from a home power source (convenience receptacle) or the like, the use efficiency of energy is reduced to about 12% due to the efficiency of power generation or transmission loss in a power plant. Therefore, it cannot be said that energy must be effectively used.

Thus, recently, attention has been paid to various new power supply systems or power generation systems (which will be collectively referred to as "power supply systems" hereinafter), including fuel cells, which have less influence (load) on the environment and can achieve extremely high energy utilization efficiency, for example, about 30 to 40%. In addition, for application to a driving power source of a vehicle or a power supply system for commercial use, a cogeneration system for civil use and other applications, or a substitute for the chemical battery described above, research and development for practical application are being widely conducted.

However, in making the energy generating elements of fuel cells with high energy utilization efficiency smaller and lighter and using them as portable or portable power supply systems, such as alternatives to the chemical batteries described above, there are various problems,

in fact, in a power supply system that generates electric energy from hydrogen by discharging hydrogen from an alloy containing hydrogen, there is a problem that the power generation capacity (power concentration) or the energy generated per unit volume of the alloy containing hydrogen is low. Further, there is also a problem that the power concentration and the output level are low in the above-mentioned fuel direct power generation system which directly supplies the organic chemical fuel to the fuel cell.

In one aspect, a fuel conversion power generation system supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell from a fuel reformer (reformer) that converts an organic chemical fuel, such as methanol or methane gas, into hydrogen. The fuel reforming power generation system has an advantage that the amount of energy per unit capacity of the fuel pack is high as compared with a fuel direct power generation system or the hydrogen-occluded alloy power generation system. Here, combining the steam fuel reformer with the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell in the fuel reforming power generation system, a byproduct such as carbon dioxide gas is also generated in addition to the hydrogen gas. There is also a problem that the power generation efficiency is lowered because the concentration of hydrogen contributing to power generation is low in the case where the mixed gas of hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas is simply supplied to the fuel cell. In addition, there is a problem in that fatal carbon monoxide may also be slightly contained in the mixed gas.

Furthermore, the power generation systems known in the prior art do not achieve a power concentration sufficient for portable or portable power supply systems due to the volume of the steam fuel reformer itself.

Then, the present invention has an advantage that sufficient power concentration and energy utilization rate can be easily obtained without discharging by-products as much as possible.

Disclosure of Invention

A by-product elimination apparatus for use in accordance with an aspect of the present invention comprises:

a) a fuel pack provided with a fuel filling portion filled with a power generation fuel having a fluid or gas containing hydrogen; and

b) a power generation module attachable to or detachable from the fuel pack, the module including a conversion portion for converting the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack portion into a first gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide as main components, and a fuel cell for generating electric power using the hydrogen contained in the first gas,

wherein the fuel pack has an absorbent-filled portion for selectively absorbing carbon dioxide contained in the first gas supplied from the reforming portion and supplying a second gas having a carbon dioxide concentration lower than that of the first gas to the fuel cell.

That is, in the by-product elimination device, the power generation fuel containing hydrogen element charged in the fuel filling portion is first converted into hydrogen gas (H) by the conversion portion₂) -carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Mixed gas (first gas). The first gas absorbs and eliminates the carbon dioxide gas by the absorbent filled portion to convert into a second gas mainly of hydrogen. The second gas is supplied to a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell (fuel cell). The second gas has a high hydrogen concentration for power generation as compared with the case where the power generation cell does not include the absorbent-filled portion, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell. As a result, it is possible to use the fuel cell as a portable or portable power supply system having high energy utilization efficiency and high power concentration (power consistency), and can be easily controlled.

A fuel pack for use in a power supply system according to another aspect of the present invention, comprising:

a fuel filling portion, connectable to the fuel pack, containing fuel to be supplied to the reforming portion, the reforming portion producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the fuel, the volume of the fuel filling portion being reduced because carbon dioxide is produced at the reforming portion; and

and a carbon dioxide absorbing section having an absorbent for absorbing the carbon dioxide generated from the reforming section, the carbon dioxide absorbing section having an increased volume due to the carbon dioxide generated from the reforming section.

Expands when the carbon dioxide absorbing portion absorbs carbon dioxide to supply hydrogen gas of high concentration to the fuel cell. However, in the fuel filling portion, since the volume of the fuel filling portion is reduced in the reforming portion to generate carbon dioxide, it is not necessary to make the fuel pack large. As a result, a portable power generation system can be obtained.

A fuel pack for use in a power supply system according to still another aspect of the present invention, comprising:

a fuel-filled portion containing a fuel to be supplied to the reforming portion, the reforming portion generating a mixed gas containing a first by-product produced from the fuel and hydrogen, the fuel being reduced in volume as the first by-product is produced in the reforming portion;

a first byproduct absorbing section having an absorbent for generating a second byproduct by absorbing the first byproduct from the mixed gas, the first byproduct absorbing section having an increased volume because the first byproduct is generated at the converting section; and

a second by-product absorbing section having an absorbent for absorbing the hydrogen gas supplied from the reforming section and the second by-product supplied from the first by-product absorbing section.

The first by-product absorbing portion and the second by-product absorbing portion absorb the first by-product and the second by-product, respectively, to thereby supply a high concentration of hydrogen gas to the fuel cell.

a fuel-filled portion containing a fuel to be supplied to the reforming portion, the reforming portion producing a mixed gas containing a first by-product produced from the fuel and hydrogen, the fuel-filled portion being reduced in volume as the first by-product is produced in the reforming portion;

a first by-product absorbing section having an absorbent for absorbing the first by-product from the mixed gas, the first by-product absorbing section having an increased volume because the first by-product is produced in the converting section; and a second byproduct absorbing portion for collecting a second byproduct from the fuel cell, the fuel cell generating electricity using the hydrogen gas supplied from the first byproduct absorbing portion and generating the second byproduct, a volume of the second byproduct absorbing portion being increased because the fuel cell generates electricity.

Therefore, by-products formed until power generation is performed can be accommodated therein. As a result, the influence on the environment at the time of power generation can be controlled, and high-concentration hydrogen gas can be supplied to the fuel cell, thereby efficiently performing power generation.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1A and 1B are perspective views for illustrating an application of a power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 2A to 2C are block diagrams showing the basic structure of a power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a power generation module applied to the power supply system in accordance with the present invention;

fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the power generating portion of the power supply system according to the above-described embodiment;

fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a first configuration example of a sub power source portion suitable for use in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 6A and 6B are schematic views showing a second configuration example of a sub power source portion suitable for use in the power generation module according to this embodiment;

fig. 7A to 7C are diagrams showing a third configuration example of a sub power source portion suitable for use in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 8A to 8C are diagrams showing a fourth configuration example of a sub power source section adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are two schematic views showing a fifth configuration example of a sub power source section adapted to be used with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 10 is a schematic view showing a sixth configuration example of a sub power source portion adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are two schematic views showing a seventh configuration example of a sub power source section adapted to be used with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 12 is a schematic view showing an eighth structural example of a sub power supply section adapted to be used with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 13 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 1) in another example of the eighth structural example of the sub power source part adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 14 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 2) in another example of the eighth structural example of the sub power source part adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 15 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 3) in another example of the eighth structural example of the sub power source part adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 16 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 1) in another example of the eighth structural example of the sub power source part adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 17 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 2) in another example of the eighth structural example of the sub power source part adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 18 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 3) in another example of the eighth structural example of the sub power source part adapted to be used in the power generation module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a hydrogen generating process in a first structural example of a power generating portion suitable for use with the power generating module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are perspective views showing a fuel conversion portion applied to a power generation portion according to the embodiment;

fig. 21A and 21B are two schematic views showing a second structural example of a power generation portion suitable for use with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 22A to 22D are schematic views showing a third structural example of a power generation portion suitable for use with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 23A and 23B are two schematic views showing a fourth structural example of a power generation portion suitable for use with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 24A and 24B are two schematic views showing a fifth structural example of a power generation portion suitable for use with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are two schematic views showing a sixth structural example of a power generation portion suitable for use with the power generation module according to the embodiment;

fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the main structure of a specific example of a power generation module suitable for use in the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 27 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 28 is a view showing an initial operation (standby mode) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 29 is a view showing a starting operation of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 30 is a view showing a stable operation (stable mode) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 31 is an operational conceptual view showing a stop operation of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 33 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection relationship between a power supply system (power generation module) according to the embodiment and a device;

fig. 34 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supply system according to the second embodiment;

fig. 35 is an operation conceptual view showing an initial operation (standby mode) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 36 is an operation conceptual view showing a starting operation (part 1) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 37 is an operation conceptual view showing a starting operation (part 2) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 38 is an operation conceptual view showing a stable operation (part 1) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 39 is an operation conceptual view showing a stable operation (part 2) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 40 is an operation conceptual view showing a stop operation (part 1) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 41 is an operation conceptual view showing a stop operation (part 2) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 42 is an operation conceptual view showing a stop operation (part 3) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of a power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present invention;

FIGS. 45A and 45B are two schematic views showing a first configuration example of a sub power source portion adapted to the power generation module according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 46A and 46B are two schematic views showing a second configuration example of a sub power source portion adapted to the power generation module according to the embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a byproduct collection apparatus suitable for use with a power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 48A to 48C are schematic views illustrating an operation performed by the by-product collected by the by-product collecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 49 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a byproduct collecting apparatus suitable for the power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 50A to 50C are schematic configuration views showing an example of the outer shape of the fuel pack shown in fig. 49;

FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic structural view showing the fuel package depicted in FIGS. 50A to 50C in a containment portion;

FIG. 52 is a block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a byproduct collecting apparatus suitable for use with a power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a byproduct collecting apparatus suitable for use with a power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 54A to 54C are schematic structural views showing an example of the external shape of the fuel pack shown in fig. 53;

FIG. 55 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a byproduct collection apparatus suitable for use with a power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 56 is a block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a byproduct collecting apparatus suitable for use with the power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 57 is a block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a byproduct collecting apparatus suitable for use with the power supply system according to the present invention; and

FIG. 58 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a byproduct collection apparatus suitable for use witha power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 59 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a residual quantity detection apparatus suitable for use in the power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 60 is a view showing a starting operation of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 61 is a view showing a stable operation (stable mode) of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 62 is an operational conceptual view showing a stop operation of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 63 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 64 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supply system;

fig. 65 is a characteristic diagram showing a change with time of the output voltage of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 67 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of a power generation module applied to the power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 68 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a byproduct collection apparatus suitable for use with a power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 69 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a fuel stabilization device suitable for use with a power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 70 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a fuel stabilization device suitable for use with a power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 71 is an operation conceptual view showing a starting operation of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 72 is an operational conceptual view showing a stop operation of the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 73A to 73F are schematic views schematically showing specific examples of external shapes suitable for use in the power supply system according to the present invention;

fig. 74A to 74C are schematic views schematically showing the correspondence between the external shape suitable for the power supply system according to the present invention and the external shape of a general chemical battery;

fig. 75A to 75H are some schematic views schematically showing the outer shapes of the base portion and the fuel pack of the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 76A and 76B are schematic views schematically showing connectable and separable structures of the power generation module and the fuel pack in the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 77A to 77G are schematic views schematically showing a fuel pack of a power supply system according to a second embodiment of the invention and an outer shape of the fuel pack;

fig. 78A and 78B are schematic views schematically showing connectable and separable structures of the power generation module and the fuel pack in the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 79A to 79F are schematic views schematically showing a fuel pack of a power supply system according to a third embodiment of the invention and an outer shapeof the fuel pack;

fig. 80A to 80C are schematic views schematically showing connectable and separable structures of the power generation module and the fuel pack in the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 81A to 81F are schematic views schematically showing a fuel pack of a power supply system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and an outer shape of the fuel pack;

fig. 82A to 82C are schematic views schematically showing connectable and separable structures of the power generation module and the fuel pack in the power supply system according to the embodiment;

fig. 83 is a perspective view showing a concrete configuration example of the entire power supply system according to the present invention;

FIG. 84 is a perspective view showing a structural example of a fuel conversion portion applied to the specific structural example; and

fig. 85 is another perspective view showing another structural example of the fuel conversion portion applied to the specific structural example.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the power supply system according to the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

An overall overview of a power supply system to which the present invention is applied is explained first with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1A and 1B are conceptual views showing an application structure of the power supply system of the present invention.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a portion or the whole of the power supply system 301 of the present invention can be arbitrarily mounted to and removed from an existing power/electronic device (FIGS. 1A and 1B show a personal digital assistant: hereinafter referred to broadly as "device") DVC driven by a general primary or secondary battery and a specific electric/electronic device.

The power supply system 301 is constructed such that a part or the whole thereof can be carried independently. The power supply system 301 is provided with electrodes for supplying electric power to the device DVC at a predetermined position (e.g., a position corresponding to the general primary or secondary battery, which will be described later), the electrodes including positive and negative electrodes.

The basic structure of the power supply system of the present invention will now be described.

as shown in fig. 2A, a power supply system 301 according to the present invention roughly includes: a fuel pack 20 filled with a power generation fuel FL composed of a liquid fuel and/or a gaseous fuel; a power generation module 10 for generating electric power EG based on at least power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20 according to a driving state (load state) of the device DVC; and an interface portion (which will be hereinafter abbreviated as "I/F portion") 30 provided with a fuel supply path or the like for supplying the power generation fuel FL filled in the fuel pack 20 to the power generation module 10. The respective constituent parts are constructed such that they can be combined with and separated from each other (attachable and detachable) in an arbitrary structure, or they are integrally constructed. Here, the I/F part 30 is configured to be independent of the fuel pack 20 and the power generation module 10 as shown in fig. 2A, or is configured to be integrally formed with the fuel pack 20 or the power generation module 10 as shown in fig. 2Band 2C. Alternatively, the I/F section 30 may be configured to be separate from the fuel package 20 and the power generation module 10.

The structure of each unit block will be described in detail below.

[ first embodiment]

(A) Power generation module 10

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a power generation module applied to a power supply system according to the present invention, and fig. 4 is a schematic view showing the structure of the power supply system according to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 3, the power generation module 1OA according to this embodiment spontaneously generates a predetermined electric power (second electric power) continuously using a power generation fuel supplied from a fuel pack 20A through an I/F section 30A, and outputs and controls driving of a load LD (an element or module having various functions of the device DVC) as a driving electric power (controller electric power) of a controller CNT included in the device DVC connected to at least the power supply system 301. There is also provided a sub power supply section (second power supply means) 11 for outputting electric power as operating electric power of an operation control section 13 to be described later, the operation control section 13 being provided in the power generation module 10A. Further, the power generation module 10A includes: an operation control section 13 which operates to use the electric power supplied from the sub power supply section 11 and control the operation state of the entire power supply system 301; a power generation portion (first power supply device) 12 having a heater (heating device) provided inside as needed, generating predetermined electric power (first electric power) using power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the I/F portion 30A or using a specific fuelcomponent extracted from the power generation fuel, and outputting the electric power as at least load driving electric power to drive various functions (load LD) of a device DVC connected to the power supply system 301; an output control section 14 that controls at least a large amount of supplied power generation fuel to the power generation section 12 and/or controls a temperature of a heater of the power generation section 12 in accordance with an operation control signal from the operation control section 13; a start control section 15 that controls at least to shift (trigger) the power generation section 12 from the standby mode to an operation mode capable of generating electric power in accordance with an operation control signal from the operation control section 13; a voltage monitoring portion (voltage detecting portion) 16 for detecting a change in a voltage component of the electric power (control electric power or load drive electric power) output from the power generating module 10A (the sub power source portion 11 and the power generating portion 12) to the device DVC.

As shown in fig. 4, the power generation portion 12 includes: a fuel reforming portion (fuel reformer) 210a for extracting a predetermined fuel component (hydrogen gas) contained in the power generation fuel FL by using a predetermined reforming reaction with respect to the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20; and a fuel cell portion 210b for driving the device DVC and/or the load LD by generating predetermined electric energy using the fuel composition extracted by the fuel conversion portion 210a through an electrochemical reaction.

The fuel reforming portion (fuel reformer) 210a includes: a steam reforming reaction part 210x which receives the fuel formed of alcohols and water from the fuel control part 14a of the output control part 14 in the fuel pack 20 and generates hydrogen, carbon dioxide and a small amount of carbonmonoxide as byproducts; a water shift reaction portion 210Y that causes carbon monoxide supplied from the steam reforming reaction portion 210X to generate carbon dioxide and hydrogen with water supplied from the fuel control portion 14a and/or the fuel cell portion 210 b; and a selected oxidation reaction part 210Z for allowing carbon monoxide, which is not reacted in the water shift reaction part 210Y, to react with oxygen to generate carbon dioxide, so that the fuel reforming part 210a supplies hydrogen reformed from the fuel charged in the fuel pack 20 to the fuel cell part 210b and performs a detoxifying action to remove a small amount of generated carbon monoxide. That is, the fuel cell part 210b generates power supply energy consisting of controller power and load driving power by using high-density hydrogen generated in the steam reforming reaction part 210x and the water shift reaction part 210Y.

Here, the operation control section 13, the output control section 14, the start control section 15 and the voltage monitoring section 16 according to the present embodiment constitute a system control device of the present invention. In addition, the power supply system 301 and the device DVC according to this embodiment are configured such that the power supply output from the power generation portion 12 to be described later is supplied to the controller CNT and the load LD of the device DVC typically through a single electrode terminal.

Therefore, the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to output a predetermined electric power (load-driving electric power) with respect to the device DVC connected to the power supply system 301 without depending on the fuel supply or control from outside the system (except for the power generation module 10, the fuel pack 20, and the I/F section 30).

(subsidiary power supply section 11)

As shown in fig.3, the sub power supply portion 11 applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment is configured to always autonomously generate a predetermined electric power (second electric power) required for the starting operation of the power supply system 301 by using physical or chemical energy or the like of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A. This power consists essentially of power E1 and power E2. The electric power E1 is constantly supplied as a driving electric power (controller electric power) for the controller CNT included in the device DVC and controlling the driving states (loads LD) of the various functions and an operating electric power of the operation control section 13 controlling the operation state of the entire power generation module 10A. The electric power E2 is supplied as a start-up electric power (voltage/current) to at least the output control section 14 (in which the power generation section 12 may be included according to the configuration) and the start-up control section 15 at the time of start-up of the power generation module 10A.

As a specific structure of the sub power source portion 11, for example, an electrochemical reaction (fuel cell) using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A or the use of thermal energy (thermoelectric power generation) included in the catalytic combustion reaction or the like can be well utilized. In addition, a dynamic energy conversion action (gas turbine power generation) or the like that rotates a generator by using the filling pressure of the power generation fuel FL contained in the fuel package 20A or the atmospheric pressure generated by evaporation of the fuel can also be employed; it is also possible to employ the capture of electrons produced by metabolism (photosynthesis, respiration, etc.) of microorganisms whose nutrient source is the power generation fuel FL and directly convert the electrons into electric energy (biochemical power generation); and conversion of vibration energy, which is generated from fluid energy of the power generation fuel FL according to the filling pressure or the air pressure, into electric energy (vibration power generation) using the principle of electromagnetic induction can also be employed; discharging from an electrical energy storage device such as a battery (battery charger) or a capacitor may also be employed; it is also possible to employ that the electric energy generated by performing the above-described power generation process by each constituent part is stored in an electric energy storage device (e.g., a storage battery, a capacitor) and discharged (discharged), or the like.

Each specific example will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(first structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment. Here, this example will be described appropriately in connection with the structure of the above-described power supply system (fig. 3).

In the first structural example, as a specific example, the sub power supply section has a structure of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell employing a fuel direct supply system, whereby it is possible to use the power generation fuel FL directly supplied from the fuel pack 20A and generate electric energy (secondary electric energy) by an electrochemical reaction.

As shown in fig. 5, the sub power supply section 11A according to this structural example generally includes: a fuel electrode (cathode) 111 composed of a carbon electrode of predetermined catalyst particles; air electrode (Anode)112，A carbon electrode to which predetermined catalyst particles are adhered; andan ion conductive membrane (exchange membrane) 113 interposed between the fuel electrode 111 and the air electrode 112. Here, the power generation fuel (for example, alcohol-based substance such as methanol and water) charged in the fuel pack 20A is directly supplied to the fuel electrode 111, and oxygen (O) in the air₂) Is supplied to the air electrode 112.

As an example of the electrochemical reaction in the sub power source portion (fuel cell) 11A, specifically, methanol (CH)₃OH) and water (H)₂O) is directly supplied from the fuel electrode 111, electrons (e) are generated as shown in the following chemical equation (1)^-) Isolated by catalytic action, hydrogen ions (protons; h⁺) Generated and passed through the ion-conductive membrane 113 to the air electrode 112 side. Further, electron (e)^-) Taken out from the carbon electrode constituting the fuel electrode 111 and supplied to the load 114 (predetermined structure inside and outside the power supply system; here, the controller CNT of the device DVC, the operation control section 13, the power generation section 12, the output control section 14, and the like). It should be noted that small amounts of carbon dioxide (CO) are present in addition to the catalytically generated hydrogen ions₂) And also emitted into the air from, for example, the fuel electrode 111 side.

(1)

On the other hand, when air (oxygen O)₂) Electrons (e) that, when supplied to air electrode 112, are transferred to load 114 by catalytic action^-) Hydrogen ions (H) passing through ion conductive membrane 113⁺) And oxygen (O) in air₂) React with each other and produce water (H)₂O)。

(2)

This series of electrochemical reactions (chemical equations (1) and (2)) is performed in a relatively low temperature environment of about room temperature. Here, water (H) generated as a byproduct by collecting the air electrode 112₂O) and supplies the necessary amount of water to the fuel electrode 111 side, which can be reused as a source material for the catalytic action shown in chemical equation (1), in advanceWater (H) introduced (filled) into the fuel pack 20A₂O) amount is greatly reduced. Therefore, the capacity of the fuel pack 20A can be greatly reduced and the sub power source part 11 can be continuously operated for a long time to supply a predetermined power. Should be notedIntended to collect and reuse by-products, e.g. water (H) produced by air electrode 112₂O) will be explained together with a similar structure of the power generation portion 12 described later.

By applying the fuel cell having such a structure to the sub power supply portion, since the surrounding structure is not required as compared with other systems (for example, a fuel cell of a fuel reforming type described later), the structure of the sub power supply portion 11A can be simplified and minimized, and only by a very simple operation such as connecting the fuel pack 20A with the power generation module 10A, so that the power generation operation is started and continued according to the above-described chemical equations (1) and (2), a predetermined amount of power generation fuel can be automatically fed to the sub power supply portion 11A (fuel electrode 111) through the fuel transport pipe provided to the I/F portion 30A by the capillary phenomenon.

Therefore, the sub power source part 11A always spontaneously generates a predetermined electric power as a controller power of the device DVC and an operation power of the operation control part 13, and a start power of the power generation part 12 or the output control part 14 as long as the power generation fuel is continuously supplied from the fuel pack 20A. Further, in the above-described fuel cell, since electric energy is directly generated by an electrochemical reaction of the power generation fuel, it is possible to achieve an extremely high power generation efficiency. Also, the power generation fuel can be effectively utilized, and the power generation module including the sub power source part can be minimized. Also, since no vibration or noise is generated, this structure can be used for a wide range of devices like general primary or secondary batteries.

In the fuel cell having such a structural example, although a description has been given only of using methanol as the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20A, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any liquid fuel, liquefied fuel, and gaseous fuel including at least hydrogen element are sufficient. In particular, it is possible to use liquid fuels based on alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol or butanol as mentioned above, liquefied fuels consisting of hydrocarbons, such as dimethyl ether, isobutene, natural gas (CNG), or gaseous fuels, such as hydrogen. In particular, it is possible to excellently use the fuel, which is in a gaseous state under a predetermined environmental condition, such as normal temperature or normal pressure, when supplied from the fuel pack 20A, for the sub power source portion 11A.

(second structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a second configuration example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the second structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source portion has a structure in which the power generation apparatus drives the pressure engine (gas turbine) by pressure energy (charging pressure or air pressure) of the power generation fuel contained in the fuel pack 20A and converts the driving energy into electric energy.

As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the sub power supply section 11B according to this structural example includes: the movable blade 122a is arranged in such a pattern that a plurality of blades are curved in a predetermined circumferential direction, arranged in the circumferential direction so as to extend in a substantially radial manner and be rotatable; a generator 125 directly connected to the rotation center of the movable blade 122a and converting the rotational energy of the movable blade 122a into electric energy according to a well-known electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion principle; the fixed blade 122b is configured in a pattern in which a plurality of blades, which are substantially radially arranged and relatively fixed with respect to the movable blade 122a, are bent in the opposite direction to the movable blade 122a along the outer peripheral side of the movable blade 122 a; a suction control portion 123 for controlling the supply of the vaporized power generation fuel (fuel gas) to the gas turbine 122 composed of the movable blades 122a and the fixed blades 122 b; and an exhaust gas control portion 124 for controlling the exhaust of the power generation fuel after passing through the gas turbine 122. Here, as for the structure of the sub power supply section 11B composed of the gas turbine 122, by applying microfabrication technology and other technologies accumulated by semiconductor manufacturing technology or the like, so-called micromachine manufacturing process, the suction control section 123 and the exhaust control section 124, the sub power supply section 11B can be integrated and formed in a small space on, for example, a single silicon wafer 121. In fig. 6A, in order to clarify the structure of the gas turbine 122, although the moving blade 122a and the fixed blade 122B are exposed for convenience of presentation, they are actually covered by an upper cover except for the center of the moving blade as shown in fig. 6B.

In such a sub power source portion 11B, for example, as shown in fig. 6B, when high-pressure fuel gas obtained by vaporizing the liquid fuel charged into the fuel pack 20 is sucked from the fixed blade 122B side to the movable blade 122a side of the gas turbine 122 through the suction control portion 123, a vortex of the fuel gas is generated in a direction in which the fixed blade 122B is curved, and the movable blade 122a is rotated in a predetermined direction by the vortex, thereby driving the generator 125. As a result, the pressure energy of the fuel gas is converted to electrical energy by the gas turbine 122 and the generator 125.

That is, the power generation fuel supplied to the sub power supply portion 11B according to this structural example enters a high-pressure gas state at least when the suction control portion 123 is turned on and the fuel is sucked into the gas turbine 122, and the movable blade 122a is rotated in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotation speed (or a plurality of revolutions) due to the flow of gas generated according to the pressure difference caused when the exhaust control portion 124 is turned on and the gas in the gas turbine 122 is emitted to the lower pressure side, for example, the outdoor air having the normal pressure, to generate predetermined electric power at the generator 125.

The fuel gas, which contributes to the rotation of the movable blade 122a and whose pressure has been reduced (pressure energy has been consumed), is discharged to the outside of the sub power supply section 11B through the exhaust control section 124. Incidentally, in the power generation module 10A shown in fig. 3, although the description is given with respect to the structure for directly releasing the fuel gas (off-gas) emitted from the sub power supply portion 11 to the outside of the power supply system 301, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may have a structure of reusing the fuel gas as the power generation fuel of the power generation portion 12, as described in the following embodiment.

Therefore, in the sub power source portion 11B according to this structural example, the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A does not necessarily have to have inflammability (or combustibility), and in such a structure that directly discharges the fuel gas for generating electric power to the outside of the power supply system 301, the power generation fuel desirably has incombustibility or fire resistance and no toxicity when the power generation fuel FL is considered to be emitted as exhaust gas. Incidentally, it goes without saying that if the power generation fuel is composed of a substance having combustibility or including toxic components, fire resistance treatment or detoxification treatment is required before exhaust gas is emitted to the outside.

In the sub power source portion 11B according to this structural example, in the structure in which electric energy is generated in accordance with the pressure energy of the fuel gas, the fuel gas passes only through the sub power source portion 11B (the gas turbine 122), and by-products (for example, water) are not generated as in the above-described electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell. Therefore, when a substance having incombustibility or fire resistance but no toxicity is used as the power generation fuel, or even if the power generation fuel is a substance having fire resistance or toxicity, when a structure capable of performing fire resistance treatment or detoxification treatment before the power generation fuel is emitted outside the power supply system 301 is adopted, it is not necessary to provide a means for collecting exhaust gas.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to the sub power supply portion, similarly to the first structural example described above, the power generation operation can be started and continued only by a very simple operation of connecting the fuel pack 20A and the power generation module 10A, and the power generation fuel of the high pressure (fuel gas) FL can be automatically charged into the sub power supply portion 11B (gas turbine 122) through the I/F portion 30A. Moreover, the predetermined electric power is always generated spontaneously by the sub power supply section 11B as long as the power generation fuel FL continues to be supplied, thereby supplying the electric power to the predetermined structure inside and outside the power supply system 301.

(third structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 7A to 7C are diagrams showing a third structural example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the third structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source portion has a structure in which the power generation device drives a pressure-driven engine (a rotary engine) by pressure energy (charging pressure or air pressure) of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A and converts the driving energy into electric energy.

As shown in the drawing, the sub power supply section 110 according to the third structural example includes: a casing I31 having an operation space 131a with a substantially elliptical cross section; a rotor 132 rotating around a central shaft 133 along an inner wall of the operating space 131a, having a substantially triangular cross section; and a generator (not shown) directly connected to the central shaft 133. Here, regarding the structure of the sub power supply portion 11C, by applying a micro-mechanical manufacturing process similar to each of the above-described embodiments, the sub power supply portion 11C can be integrated and formed in a small space, for example, in the order of millimeters.

In the sub power supply section 11C having such a structure, the operation space 131a is maintained at substantially normal temperature. When the fuel is charged in the liquid state from the inlet 134a into the operating space 131a, the fuel is vaporized and expanded, and a pressure difference is generated in the operating chamber formed by the inner wall of the operating space 131a and the rotor 132 by controlling the side of the outlet 134b to a low pressure, for example, a normal pressure. As shown in fig. 7A to 7C, the inner circumference of the rotor 132 rotates along the outer circumference of the central shaft 133 due to the fuel gas pressure generated by the flow of the vaporized fuel gas from the inlet 134a to the outlet 134b (arrow P3). As a result, the pressure energy of the fuel gas is converted into the rotational energy of the center shaft 133, and then converted into electric energy by the generator connected to the center shaft 133.

Here, as the generator applied to this structural example, it is possible to excellently apply a generator using a known principle such as electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion, similarly to the second structural example described above.

In this structural example, since a structure is also adopted in which electric energy is generated in accordance with the pressure energy of the fuel gas, the fuel gas passes only through the sub power source portion 11C (the operation space 131a in the casing 131) to generate electric energy, whereby the fuel gas as the power generation fuel does not necessarily need to have combustibility (or flammability). It is possible to excellently apply the fuel gas as long as it is a substance which becomes a high-pressure fuel gas vaporized and expanded to a predetermined cubic volume at least under a predetermined environmental condition, for example, normal temperature or normal pressure, when it is supplied to the sub power supply portion 11C.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to the sub power supply portion, therefore, similarly to each of the embodiments described above, only by a very simple operation of connecting the fuel pack 20A and the power generation module 10A, the high-pressure power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL can be automatically charged into the sub power supply portion 11C (the operation space 131a) through the I/F portion 30A, and the power generation operation can be started and continued. Moreover, predetermined electric power is always generated spontaneously by the sub power supply section 11C as long as the power generation fuel FL continues to be supplied, thereby supplying electric power to a predetermined structure inside and outside the power supply system 301.

(fourth structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 8A to 8C are schematic configuration diagrams showing a fourth configuration example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the fourth structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source portion has a structure in which the power generation device generates electric power by thermoelectric conversion using a temperature difference caused by thermal energy generated by a catalytic combustion reaction of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A.

As shown in fig. 8A, the sub power supply section 11D according to the fourth configuration example has a configuration of a thermoelectric generator,and generally includes: a catalytic combustion portion 141 for generating heat energy by subjecting the power generation fuel FL to catalytic combustion; a fixed temperature portion 142 for maintaining a substantially fixed temperature; and a thermoelectric conversion unit 143 connected between the first and second temperature ends, the catalytic combustion section 141 being defined as the first temperature end, and the fixed temperature section 142 being the second temperature end. Here, as shown in fig. 8B, the thermoelectric conversion unit 143 has a structure in which terminals MA and MB of two kinds of semiconductors or metals (which will be referred to as "metals or the like" hereinafter for convenience) (for example, the metals or the like MB are connected to both ends of the metals or the like MA), and respective connection portions N1 and N2 are connected to the catalytic combustion portion 141 (first temperature end) and the fixed temperature portion 142 (second temperature end), respectively. The fixed temperature part 142 has, for example, a structure in which the power supply system 301 is connected to the device DVC and maintains a substantially fixed temperature by being exposed to the outdoor air through an opening part or the like provided to the device DVC. With regard to the structure of the sub power supply portion 11D composed of the illustrated thermoelectric generator, similarly to each of the embodiments described above, the sub power supply portion 11D can be integrated and formed in a small space by applying a micro-mechanical manufacturing process.

In the sub power supply section 11D having such a structure, as shown in fig. 8C, when the power generation fuel (combustion gas) FL charged in the fuel pack 20A is supplied to the catalytic combustion section 141 through the I/F section 30A, heat is generated by the catalytic combustion reaction, and the temperature (first temperature end) of the catalytic combustion section 141 increases. On the other hand, since the fixed temperature part 142 is configured to keep its temperature substantially constant, a temperature difference is generated between the catalytic combustion part 141 and the fixed temperature part 142. Then, a predetermined electromotive force is generated, and the thermoelectric conversion unit 143 generates electric energy by the seebeck effect according to this temperature difference.

Specifically, in the case where the temperature of the first temperature terminal (connection portion N1) is referred to as Ta and the temperature of the second temperature terminal (connection portion N2) is referred to as Tb (<Ta), if the temperature difference between the temperatures Ta and Tb is small, a voltage of Vab ═ Sab (Ta-Tb) is generated between the output terminals Oa and Ob shown in fig. 8B. Here, Sab denotes the relative seebeck coefficient of MA and MB of metal or the like.

Therefore, by applying the power generation device having such a structure to the sub power supply portion, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, the power generation operation of the thermoelectric generator can be started and continued by generating the thermal energy by the catalytic combustion reaction only by a very simple operation of connecting the fuel pack 20A with the power generation module 10A and automatically charging the power generation fuel (liquid fuel or liquefied fuel or gaseous fuel) into the sub power supply portion 11D (catalytic combustion portion 141) through the I/F portion 30A. Moreover, the predetermined electric power is always generated spontaneously by the sub power supply section 11D as long as the power generation fuel FL continues to be supplied, thereby supplying the electric power to the predetermined structure inside and outside the power supply system 301.

Although the description has been given with respect to the thermoelectric generator that generates electric power by the seebeck effect according to the temperature difference between the catalytic combustion section 141 and the fixed temperature section 142 of this structural example, the present invention is not limited thereto, and has a structure that generates electric power according to the thermionic emission phenomenon of free electrons emitted from the metal surface by heating the metal.

(fifth structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a fifth configuration example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the fifth structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source portion has a structure in which the power generation device generates electric power by thermoelectric conversion, which absorbs a temperature difference caused by thermal energy of vaporization reaction by using the power generation fuel (liquid fuel) FL charged in the fuel pack 20A.

As shown in fig. 9A, the sub power supply section 11D according to the fifth structural example has a structure of a thermoelectric generator, and generally includes: a heating and cooling holding portion 151 for holding heating and cooling by absorbing thermal energy when the power generation fuel (particularly, liquefied fuel) FL is vaporized; a fixed temperature portion 152 for maintaining a substantially fixed temperature; and a thermoelectric conversion unit 153 connected between the first and second temperature ends, the heating and cooling holding part 151 being determined as the first temperature end, and the fixed temperature part 152 being the second temperature end. Here, the thermoelectric conversion unit 153 has a structure equivalent to that shown in the above-described fourth structural example (see fig. 8B). Also, the fixed temperature portion 152is configured to maintain a substantially fixed temperature by contacting or being exposed to other areas inside and outside the power supply system 301. Incidentally, regarding the structure of the sub power supply section 11E composed of the thermoelectric generator shown in the drawing, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, the sub power supply section 11E is integrated and formed in a small space.

In the sub power supply section 11E having such a structure, as shown in fig. 9B, when the power generation fuel (liquefied fuel) FL charged in the fuel pack 20A under a predetermined pressure is supplied to the sub power supply section 11E through the I/F section 30A and delivered to a predetermined environmental condition such as normal temperature or normal pressure, the power generation fuel FL is vaporized. At this time, heat energy is absorbed from the surroundings, and the temperature of the heating and cooling holding portion 151 is lowered. On the other hand, since the fixed temperature part 152 is configured to keep its temperature substantially constant, a temperature difference is generated between the heating and cooling keeping part 151 and the fixed temperature part 152. Then, a predetermined electromotive force is generated, and the thermoelectric conversion unit 153 generates electric energy by the seebeck effect according to this temperature difference, similarly to the fourth configuration example described above.

By applying the power generation device having such a structure to the sub power supply portion, therefore, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, only by a very simple operation of connecting the fuel pack 20A and the power generation module 10A, the power generation fuel (liquefied fuel) FL is automatically charged into the sub power generation portion 11E through the I/F portion 30A, the thermal energy is absorbed by the vaporization reaction to be heated and cooled, and the power generation operation of the thermoelectric generator can be started and continued. Moreover, the predetermined electric power is always generated spontaneously by the sub power supply section 11E as long as the power generation fuel FL continues to be supplied, thereby supplying the electric power to the predetermined structure inside and outside the power supply system 301.

In this structural example, although a description has been given of the thermoelectric generator that generates electric power by the seebeck effect according to the temperature difference between the heating and cooling holding portion 151 and the fixed temperature portion 152, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may also have a structure that generates electric power according to a thermionic emission phenomenon.

(sixth structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth configuration example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the sixth structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source portion has a structure in which the power generating device generates electric energy by biochemical reaction with respect to the power generating fuel charged in the fuel pack 20A.

As shown in fig. 10, the sub power supply section 11F according to the sixth configuration example generally includes: a BIO-culture tank (BIO-culture)161 in which BIO is stored with microorganisms or biocatalysts (which will be referred to as "microorganisms and the like" hereinafter for convenience) that grow together with power generation fuel as a nutrient source; and an anode side electrode 161a and a cathode side electrode 161b provided in the microorganism incubator 161. In this structure, the power generation fuel FL, the metabolism, etc. (biochemical reaction) is supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the I/F portion 30AFor example, respiration of BIO such as microorganisms generates and produces electrons (e) in the biological incubator 161^-). The anode-side electrode 161a captures this electron to obtain a predetermined electric energy from the output terminals Oa and Ob.

Therefore, by applying the nutrition of one source to the power generation device having such a structure for the sub power source portion, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, only by a very simple operation of connecting the fuel pack 20A and the power generation module 10A, the power generation fuel FL, which can be a nutrition source of BIO of the microorganism or the like, is automatically charged into the sub power source portion 11F (the microorganism incubator 161) through the I/F portion 30A, and the power generation operation by the biochemical reaction of the BIO of the microorganism or the like is started. Moreover, predetermined electric power can be generated spontaneously at all times as long as the power generation fuel continues to be supplied, thereby supplying electric power to predetermined structures inside and outside the power supply system 301.

In the case of generating electricity by photosynthesis of BIO by microorganisms or the like in biochemical reactions, predetermined electric energy can be constantly and spontaneously generated by employing, for example, a structure in which external light can enter an opening portion or the like provided to a device DVC to which the power supply system 301 is connected.

(seventh structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a seventh structural example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the seventh structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source portion has a structure in which the power generating device converts vibrational energy generated by fluid movement of the power generating fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20A into electric energy.

As shown in fig. 11A, the sub power supply section 11G according to the seventh structural example has a structure of a vibration generator, generally including: a cylindrical vibrator 171 configured in a mode that at least one end thereof is capable of vibrating when power generation fuel consisting of liquid or gas moves in a predetermined direction, and having an electromagnetic coil 173 disposed at a vibrating end 171a thereof; and a stator 172 inserted into this vibrator, having a permanent magnet 174 disposed opposite to the electromagnetic coil 173, and generating no vibration with respect to the movement of the power generation fuel. In such a structure, as shown in fig. 11B, the vibrator 171 (vibrating end 171a) generates a predetermined number of vibrations relative to the stator 172 in a direction (arrow P4 in the drawing) substantially perpendicular to the flow of the power generation fuel FL by supplying the power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20A through the I/F section 30A. The relative position between the permanent magnet 174 and the electromagnetic coil 173 is changed by the vibration to generate electromagnetic induction, so that a predetermined electric power is obtained through the electromagnetic coil 173.

Therefore, by applying the power generation device having such a structure to the sub power supply portion, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, only by a very simple operation of connecting the fuel pack 20A and the power generation module 10A, the power generation fuel FL as a fluid can be automatically fed to the sub power supply portion 11G through the I/F portion 30A, and the power generation operation of the vibrator 171 by converting the vibration energy by the fluid motion is started. Further, it is possible to constantly and spontaneously generate predetermined electric power as long as the power generation fuel FL is continuously supplied, thereby supplying electric power to a predetermined structure inside and outside the power supply system 301.

Each of the above-described structural examples illustrates only one example in which the sub power source portion 11 is applied to the power generation module 10A, and is not intended to limit the structure of the power supply system according to the present invention. In short, the sub power source portion 11 applied to the present invention can also have any other structure as long as it can generate electric power inside the sub power source portion 11 according to energy conversion action such as heat generation or temperature difference involved in electrochemical reaction, electromagnetic induction, endothermic reaction when liquid fuel or liquefied fuel or gaseous fuel is directly supplied in the fuel pack 20A. For example, it may be a combination of a pneumatically driven engine (rather than a gas turbine or a rotary engine) and a generator that utilizes electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion. Alternatively, as will be described later, it is possible to apply a configuration in which an electric energy storage device (power storage device) is provided in addition to the power generation device equivalent to each of the above-described sub power supply portions 11, the electric energy (secondary electric energy) generated by the sub power supply portions 11 is partially accumulated, and then when the power supply system 301 (power generation portion 12) is started, it can be supplied as a start electric energy to the power generation portion 12 or the output control portion 14.

(eighth structural example of sub power supply section)

Fig. 12, fig. 13 to 15, and fig. 16 to 18 are schematic configuration diagrams showing an eighth configuration example and an operation state of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment, and arrows along the wiring of the drawings show the direction in which current flows.

As shown in fig. 12, the sub power supply section 11H configured according to the eighth structural example generally includes: the power generation device (for example, the sub power supply section described in each of the above-described structural examples) 181 is capable of spontaneously generating electric power (secondary electric power) when the power generation fuel (liquid fuel or liquefied fuel or gaseous fuel) FL charged in the fuel pack 20 is supplied directly through the fuel delivery pipe provided to the I/F section 30 by the capillary phenomenon; a charge storage portion 182 for storing a part of the electric energy generated by the power generation device 181 and composed of a storage battery, a capacitor, and the like; and a switch 183 for switching and setting the electric energy storage and discharge of the charge storage portion 182 in accordance with an operation control signal of the operation control portion 13.

In such a configuration, the electric power generated by the electric power generating device 181 is output as the controller electric power of the device DVC and the operation electric power of the operation control portion 13, and when the supply of the electric power generating fuel from the fuel pack is continued, the electric power generating device 181 is constantly driven, and a part of the electric power is appropriately stored in the electric charge storage portion 182 through the switch 183. Subsequently, for example, when the operation control section 13 detects that the device DVC (load LD) is driven to start by detecting the change in the power supply voltage by the voltage monitoring section 16, the connection state of the switch 183 is changed in accordance with the operation control signal output from the operation control section 13, and the electric energy stored in the charge storage section 182 is supplied as the electromotive force to the power generation section 12 or the output control section 14.

Here, when the electric charge in the electric charge storage section 182 consumed by the power generation section 12 or the output control section 14 is reduced to some extent because the device DVC is driven for a long period of time, it is possible to control in such a mode that the electric charge storage section 182 cannot be completely discharged by switching the power generation section 12, thereby supplying the electric power to the device DVC and the electric charge storage section 182. In addition, when the power generation portion 12 supplies electric power to the device DVC, the power generation device 181 may continuously charge the charge storage portion 182. Incidentally, in the second embodiment described later, when this structural example is applied as the sub power supply section 11, the operation control section 13 detects the driving of the device DVC (load LD) and outputs the operation control signal for switching the connection state of the switch 183 by receiving the load drive information indicating that the load LD is started from the off state and switched to the on state from the controller CNT of the device DVC through the terminal section ELx.

Therefore, according to the sub power supply section having such a structure, even if the electric power generated by the power generation device 181 per unit time is set to be low (weak power), it is possible to supply the electric power having sufficiently high driving power characteristics to the power generation section 12 or the output control section 14 by the electric power accumulated inthe instantaneous discharge charge storage section 182. Therefore, since the power generation capability of the power generation device 181 can be set sufficiently low, the structure of the sub power source portion 11 can be minimized.

As the sub power supply section according to this structural example, as shown in fig. 13 to 15, it is possible to adopt a structure in which: in which the power generating device 181 is omitted and only the charge storage portion 182 composed of a capacitor charged in advance is provided.

In fig. 13 to 15, the charge storage section 182 has a function of supplying electric power to the output control section 14 through the switch 183a as needed, in addition to a function of constantly supplying the controller electric power for the controller CNT and the load driving electric power for the load LD from the positive electrode terminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (-) to the device DVC.

The controller CNT has a function of opening the switch LS to supply power to the load LD when the device DVC is started by an operation of an operator of the device DVC or for some reason.

The operation control section 13 has a function of detecting the charge storage state in the charge storage section 182. The operation control section 13 opens the switch 183a, and drives the output control section 14 and the start power generating section 12 only when the electric charge stored in the electric charge storing section 182 is insufficient, regardless of the driving state of the load LD.

In such a configuration, fig. 13 shows a case where the charge storage part 182 supplies power to the controller CNT when the switch LS is turned off because the load LD of the device DVC is not driven and is in a standby state. At this time, since the charge storage portion 182 stores the charge sufficient to supply the predetermined amount of electric energy, the operation control portion 13 closes the switch 183 a.

Fig. 14 shows an environment similar to the setting of the standby state, but the operation control section 13 detects that the amount of charge of the charge storing section 182 is reduced below a predetermined amount and opens the switch 183 a. The output control portion 14 starts driving using the electric energy from the electric charge storage portion 182 and supplies a predetermined amount of fuel or the like from the fuel pack 20 to the power generation portion 12. Also, the output control section 14 supplies the power generation section 12 with electric energy in such a mode that the heater of the power generation section 12 reaches a predetermined temperature within a predetermined time. As a result, the power generation portion 12 generates electric energy, and the charge storage portion 182 enters a charge mode of storing electric charge and maintains a standby power supply discharge mode by using this electric energy to continue driving the controller CNT. Then, from this state, when a predetermined amount of electric charge is stored in the electric charge storage portion 182, the operation control portion 13 switches the switch 183a to the off state as shown in fig. 13 described above.

Fig. 15 shows a situation where the switch LS is opened by the controller CNT detecting an operation by the operator of the DVC of the apparatus or by causing the DVC to start for some reason. When the operation control section 13 detects that the amount of charge stored in the charge storage section 182 is lower than a predetermined amount using the power consumption of the load LD and the controller CNT of the device DVC, the operation control section 13 opens the switch 183a serving as a start control section, and the output control section 14 drives the power generation section 12 to generate electric power, thereby charging the charge storage section 182. Then, when the charge storage portion 182 is charged with sufficient charge, the operation control portion 13 detects this state and closes the switch 183a, so that the power generation by the power generation portion 12 and the driving of the operation control portion 13 are stopped.

The threshold value corresponding to the amount of charge charged in the charge storage portion 182 when the operation control portion 13 detects that the switch 183a has to be opened and the threshold value corresponding to the amount of charge charged in the charge storage portion 182 when the operation control portion 13 detects that the switch 183a has to be closed may be set substantially equal to each other, and the threshold value for closing the switch 183a may be set larger.

In the power supply system having such a structure, the structural and functional operations of this system are different from those of the above-described power supply system shown in fig. 12 in that: the sub power supply part itself does not have a function of generating electric power; the power generation portion 12 generates electric energy according to the charged state of the charge storage portion 182, regardless of the driving state of the load LD; the operation control section 13 detects the charge state of the charge storage section 182, and then controls the switch 183 a; and the charge storage portion 182 supplies electric power to the device DVC. In addition, since the power supply system has a structure that is good enough to control power generation and stop power generation by the power generation portion 12 using only the charge state of the charge in the charge storage portion 182 without obtaining load drive information from the controller CNT of the device DVC. Therefore, the end ELx for inputting the load driving information is no longer necessary, and a two-electrode terminal structure can be adopted, resulting in an advantage of compatibility with any other general battery. Further, since the charge storage portion 182 as the sub power supply portion discontinuously consumes the fuel in the fuel pack 20 to generate power when the power generation portion 12 is stopped, there is also an advantage that the fuel in the fuel pack 20 is not wasted. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that the device DVC does not have to include a circuit for supplying the load driving information from the controller CNT to the power supply system.

Another power supply system having a sub power supply section of a charge storage type according to this structural example will now be described with reference to fig. 16 to 18.

In fig. 16 to 18, the charge storage portion 182 has a function of supplying electric power to the output control portion 14 through the switch 183b as necessary to drive the power generation portion 12, in addition to a function of constantly supplying controller electric power for the controller CNT from the positive electrode terminal EL (+) and the negative electrode terminal EL (-) to the device DVC.

The controller CNT has a function of opening the switch LS to supply power to the load LD when the device DVC is started up due to an operation of an operator of the device DVC or for some reason.

The operation control section 13 has a function of detecting the charge storage state in the charge storage section 182. Only when the amount of charge stored in the charge storage portion 182 is insufficient, the operation control portion 13 opens the switch 183b and drives the output control portion 14 to cause the power generation portion 12 to generate electric energy regardless of the driving state of the load LD. Further, the operation control section 13 opens the switch 183c, and outputs the electric energy generated at the power generation section 12 and the electric energy of the charge storage section 182 as the controller electric energy for the controller CNT and the load driving electric energy for the load LD.

Fig. 16 shows such a situation in such a structure: the operation control section 13 closes the switch 183 (the switch 183b and the switch 183c) and stops driving the power generation section 12 and the output control section 14, and when the device DVC is in the standby mode and the operation control section 13 determines that the charge storage section 182 has sufficient charge stored therein, the charge storage section 182 supplies electric energy to the controller CNT.

Fig. 17 shows an environment where when the device DVC is in the standby mode and the operation control section 13 determines that the electric charge stored in the electric charge storage section 182 is reduced to the predetermined amount, the process of reduction is slow because the load LD is not driven, the operation control section 13 opens the switch 183b and opens the switch 183c to supply the driving electric energy from the electric charge storage section 182 to the output control section 14, the output control section 14 and the power generation section 12 are thereby driven, and the electric energy generated by the electric charge generation section 12 is stored in the electric charge storage section 182. At this time, the output control portion 14 starts driving with the electric power from the charge storage portion 182, supplies a predetermined amount of fuel or the like from the fuel pack 20 to the power generation portion 12, and supplies the electric power to the power generation portion 12 so that the heater of the power generation portion 12 reaches a predetermined temperature within a predetermined time. Meanwhile, the charge storage part 182 continuously supplies power to the controller CN. Then, when a predetermined amount of electric charge is stored in the electric charge storage portion 182 from this state, as shown in fig.16 described above, the operation control portion 13 closes the switches 183 (the switches 183b and 183 c).

Fig. 18 shows a case where the load LD is driven by the controller CNT opening the switch LS, when the operation control section 13 determines that the electric charge stored in the charge storage section 182 is reduced to a predetermined amount and the decay process is fast because the load LD is driven, the operation control section 13 opens the switch 183b and drives the output control section 14 to cause the power generation section 12 to generate power, and the operation control section 13 also opens the switch 183c and outputs the electric energy generated at the power generation section 12 together with the electric energy from the charge storage section 182 as the controller electric energy for the controller CNT and the load driving electric energy for the load LD. The amount of electric energy generated per unit time by the power generation portion 12 may be set to be larger than when electric charge is stored (charged) in the charge storage portion 182 as shown in fig. 17.

The power generation portion 12 applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, has a structure that generates predetermined electric energy (first electric energy) required to drive the device DVC (load LD) by using physical or chemical energy of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20 according to the start control of the operation control portion 13. As a concrete structure of the power generation portion 12, it is possible to apply various structures such as a structure utilizing an electrochemical reaction of power generation fuel supplied from a fuel pack 20 (fuel cell), a structure utilizing thermal energy generated by a combustion reaction (thermoelectric generation), a structure utilizing a dynamic energy conversion action of generating electric energy by rotating a generator by pressure energy generated by a combustion reaction or the like (internal combustion/external combustion engine power generation), or a structure utilizing an electromagnetic induction principle or the like to convert fluid energy or thermal energy of the power generation fuel FL into electric energy (electromagnetic fluid mechanism generator, thermoacoustic effect generator, or the like)

Here, since the power (first power) generated by the power generation portion 12 is a main power source for driving various functions (loads LD) of the entire apparatus DVC, the driving power characteristic is set very high. Therefore, when the above-described sub power supply portion 11 (charge storage portion 182) supplies the controller power of the device DVC or the load driving power for the operation control portion 13, the output control portion 14, the power generation portion 12, and the like and the power generation portion 12 supplies the load driving power for the load LD, the power (secondary power) supplied from the sub power supply portion 11 is substantially different from the power supplied from the power generation portion 12.

Each specific example will now be described briefly below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(first structural example of Power generating section)

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a first structural example of a power generation portion applicable to a power generation module according to this embodiment, and fig. 20A and 20B are diagrams showing a hydrogen gas generation process in a fuel conversion portion applicable to the power generation portion according to this structural example, and here, a description will be given with appropriate reference to the structure of the above-described power supply system (fig. 3).

In the first structural example, as a specific example, the power generation portion has a structure of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell employing a fuel conversion system, thereby generating electric power by using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the output control portion 14 and by an electrochemical reaction.

As shown in fig. 19, the power generation portion 12A is configured to roughly include: a fuel reforming portion (fuel reformer) 210A that extracts a predetermined fuel component (hydrogen gas) contained in the power generation fuel FL with a predetermined reforming reaction with respect to the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A; and a fuel cell portion 210b that generates a predetermined electric energy (first electric energy) for driving the load 214 (device DVC or load LD) by using an electrochemical reaction of the fuel components extracted by the fuel conversion portion 210 a.

As shown in fig. 20A, the gas reforming reaction portion 210X of the fuel reforming portion 210A generally extracts the fuel component from the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A via the output control portion 14 through each process consisting of evaporation and vapor reforming reaction. For example, methanol (CH) used as the power generation fuel FL is used₃OH) and water (H)₂O) production of hydrogen (H)₂) In the case of (2), in the evaporation step, methanol (CH)₃OH) and water (H)₂O) the heater first controlled by the output control section 14 sets methanol and water as liquid fuels at temperature conditions approximately atBoiling point air.

Then, during the steam reforming reaction, air was supplied to evaporate methanol (CH) by using a heater₃OH) and water (H)₂O) absorbs 49.4kJ/mol of heat energy at a temperature of approximately 300 ℃ to generate hydrogen (H) asshown in the following chemical equation (3)₂) And a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO)₂). In the steam reforming process, hydrogen (H) is removed₂) And carbon dioxide (CO)₂) In addition, a small amount of carbon monoxide (CO) is produced as a by-product.

(3)

Here, as shown in fig. 20B, an optional oxidation catalyst portion 210Y for eliminating carbon monoxide (CO) produced as a byproduct of the steam reforming reaction may be provided at a later stage of the steam reforming reaction portion 210X, so that carbon monoxide (CO) may be converted into carbon dioxide (CO) through respective processes₂) And hydrogen (H)₂) These processes consist of water transfer reactions and selected oxidation reactions, thus inhibiting the emission of harmful substances. Specifically, water (steam; H) is caused to react during the water transfer reaction in the selected oxidation catalyst portion 210Y₂O) reacts with carbon monoxide (CO) to generate 40.2kJ/mol of heat energy, and carbon dioxide (CO) is generated as shown in the following chemical equation (4)₂) And hydrogen (H)₂)。

(4)

In addition, the selected oxidation reaction part 210Z may be provided at a later stage of the selected oxidation catalyst part 210Y. By passing oxygen (O) during selected oxidation reactions₂) And has not been converted to carbon dioxide (CO) by a water transfer reaction₂) And hydrogen (H)₂) Generates 283.5kJ/mol of heat energy, and generates carbon dioxide (CO) as shown in the following chemical equation (5)₂). The selected oxidation reaction portion210Z may be in the vapor phaseThe latter stage of the conversion reaction section 210X.

(5)

A small amount of products (mainly carbon dioxide) other than hydrogen gas, which are generated by the above-described series of fuel reforming reactions, is emitted into the air through emission holes (not shown; this will be described in a specific structural example) provided to the power generation module 10A.

The specific structure of the fuel conversion portion having such a function will be explained later in specific structural examples as well as other structures.

As shown in fig. 19, the fuel cell section 210b generally includes, similar to the fuel cell directly supplied with fuel applied to the above-described sub power supply section 11: a fuel electrode (cathode) 211 composed of a carbon electrode to which catalyst fine particles such as platinum, palladium, platinum ruthenium are adhered; an air electrode (anode) 212 is provided,carbon electrodes to which catalyst particles such as platinum are adhered; and a thin-film-like ion-conducting membrane (exchange membrane) interposed between the fuel electrode 211 and the air electrode 212. Here, the hydrogen (H) extracted by the fuel reforming part 210a₂) The power generation fuel FL is supplied to the fuel electrode 211 from the power generation fuel FL, and the amount of supplied FL is controlled by the output control section 14 described later, while oxygen (O) in the air is present₂) To the air electrode 212. Therefore, power generation is performed by the following electrochemical reaction, and electric energy, which may be predetermined driving electric energy (voltage/current), is supplied to the load 214 (the load LD of the device DVC). In addition, a part of the electric power generated by the fuel cell portion 210b is supplied to the fuel control portion 14a and/or the heater control portion 14e as needed.

Specifically, as an example of the electrochemical reaction in the power generation section 12 in this structural example, hydrogen (H) gas is used₂) When supplied to the fuel electrode 211, electrons (e)^-) Separated by the catalytic action of the fuel electrode 211, hydrogen ions (protons; h⁺) Is generated and transmitted to the air electrode 212 side through the ion conductive membrane 213, and electrons (e)^-) The carbon electrode consisting of fuel electrode 211 is withdrawn and supplied to load 214 as shown in the following chemical equation(6) As shown.

(6)

When air is supplied to the air electrode 212, electrons (e) passing through the load 214 by the catalytic action of the air electrode 212^-) Hydrogen ion (H) through ion conducting membrane⁺) And oxygen (O) in air₂) React with each other to produce water (H)₂O) as shown in the following chemical equation (7).

(7)

This series of electrochemical reactions (chemical equations (6) and (7)) is carried out in a relatively low temperature environment of approximately 60 to 80 ℃, and the by-product other than electric energy (load driving electric energy) is substantially only water (H)₂O). Here, water (H) generated as a by-product by collecting at the air electrode 212₂O) and the amount of water necessary for supplying the above-mentioned fuel reforming portion 210a, the water can be reused for the fuel reforming reaction or the water shift reaction of the power generation fuel FL, and stored (charged) in advanceWater (H) for fuel conversion reaction in the fuel pack 20A₂O) amount can be greatly reduced, and the collection amount in the byproduct collecting device that is provided in the fuel pack 20A and collects the byproduct can be greatly reduced. It should be noted that the water (H) generated at the air electrode 212 is collected and reused, for example₂O) will be described later together with the byproduct collecting apparatus in the above-described sub power supply section 11.

The electric energy generated by the above-described electrochemical reaction and supplied to the load 214 depends on the hydrogen gas (H) supplied to the power generation portion 12A (the fuel electrode 211 of the fuel cell portion 210b)₂) Amount of the compound (A). The electric power supplied to the device DVC can be arbitrarily adjusted by controlling the amount of the power generation fuel FL (mainly hydrogen gas) supplied to the power generation portion 12 through the output control portion 14, and for example, it can be set equivalent to a general-purpose chemical cell.

The fuel cell of the fuel reforming type having such a structure is applied to the power generation portion, and since arbitrary electric power can be efficiently generated by controlling the amount of the power supply regeneration fuel FL by the output control portion 14, an appropriate power generation operation based on the driving state of the device DVC (load LD) can be realized according to the load driving information. Further, with such a structure as used as a fuel cell, since electric energy can be directly generated from the power generation fuel FL by an electrochemical reaction, very high power generation efficiency can be achieved, the power generation fuel FL can be effectively used as well or the power generation module 10A including the power generation portion 12 can be minimized.

Similarly to the above-described sub power supply section 11 (see the first structural example), although only the description is given of the case where methanol is used as the power generation fuel FL, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a liquid fuel or a liquefied fuel or a gaseous fuel including at least a hydrogen component suffices. Therefore, liquid fuels based on alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol or butanol, liquefied fuels composed of hydrocarbons that can be vaporized at normal pressure and temperature, such as dimethyl ether, isobutylene or natural gas, gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, and the like, are excellently used.

Here, in the case where liquefied hydrogen or hydrogen gas is actually used as the power generation fuel FL, it is possible to adopt a structure in which only the power generation fuel FL whose amount is controlled by the output control section 14 is directly supplied to the fuel cell section 210b without requiring, for example, the fuel reforming section 210a described in this structural example. Further, although only the fuel cell of the fuel reforming type is described as the structure of the power generation portion 12, the present invention is not limited thereto. Similarly to the above-described sub power source portion (see the first structural example) 11, although the power generation efficiency is low, a fuel cell of a fuel direct supply type may be applied, and liquid fuel, liquefied fuel, gaseous fuel, and the like may be used for power generation.

(second structural example of Power generating section)

Fig. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing a second structural example of a power generating portion which is applied to the power generating module according to this embodiment.

In the second structural example, as a specific example, the power generation portion has a structure in which the power generation device drives a gas turbine (internal combustion engine) and converts driving energy into electric energy by pressure energy generated by a combustion reaction using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the output control portion 14.

As shown in fig. 21A and 21B, the power generation portion 12B according to this structural example generally includes: the movable blade 222 is configured in such a pattern that a plurality of blades are curved in a predetermined direction on the circumference, the suction blade 222in and the discharge blade 222out are arranged on the circumference extending substantially radially, the suction blade 222in and the discharge blade 222out are coaxially connected to each other and are capable of rotating; the fixed vane 223 is composed of a suction vane 223in and a discharge vane 223out which are configured in a pattern in which a plurality of vanes are curved in the opposite direction to the movable vane 222 (the suction vane 222in and the discharge vane 222out) along the peripheral side of the movable vane 222, are arranged extending substantially radially on the circumference and are fixed with respect to the movable vane 222; a combustion chamber 224 for combusting the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL sucked in at a predetermined timing by the movable vane 222; an ignition portion 225 for igniting the fuel gas drawn into the combustion chamber 224; a generator 228 connected to the rotation center of the movable blade 222, and converting the rotational energy of the movable blade into electric energy according to a well-known principle of electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion; a suction control section 226 for controlling supply (suction) of the gaseous fuel gas to the gas turbine, which is composed of the movable blades 222 and the fixed blades 223; and an exhaust gas control section 227 for controlling the discharge of the fuel gas (off-gas) after the gas turbine is burned out. As for the structure of the power generation section 12B including the gas turbine, the suction control section 226 and the exhaust control section 227, the power generation section 12B can be integrated and formed in a space on the order of millimeters on, for example, the silicon chip 221 by applying a micro-mechanical manufacturing process similar to the above-described sub power supply section 11. In fig. 21A, in order to clarify the structure of the gas turbine, suction blades 222in and 223in are illustrated for convenience of illustration.

In such a power generation portion 12B, for example, as shown in fig. 21B, when the fuel gas sucked in from the suction blades 222in and 223in side of the gas turbine through the suction control portion 226 is ignited by the ignition portion 225 in the combustion chamber 224 at a predetermined timing, and is burned and emitted from the exhaust blades 222out and 223out side (arrow P5), a vortex of the fuel gas is generated in the curved direction of the movable blades 222 and the fixed blades 223, and the suction and the exhaust of the fuel gas are automatically performed by the vortex. Further, the movable blade 222 continuously rotates in a predetermined direction, thereby driving the generator 228. The fuel energy thus obtained from the fuel gas can be converted to electrical energy by the generator 228 and the gas turbine.

Since the power generation portion 12B according to this structural example has a structure that generates electric energy using combustion energy of the fuel gas, the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A must have at least inflammability or combustibility. For example, it is possible to excellently apply an alcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol or butanol composed of hydrocarbons which can be vaporized at normal pressure and temperature, such as dimethyl ether, isobutylene or natural gas, a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen, orthe like.

In the case of a configuration in which the fuel gas (off-gas) after being burned out is directly discharged out of the power supply system 301, it is needless to say that a fire-resistant (fire-extinguishing) treatment or a detoxification treatment must be performed before the off-gas is emitted, or if a flammable or toxic component is contained in the off-gas, a means for collecting the off-gas must be provided.

By supplying the gas turbine having such a structure to the power generation portion, similarly to the first structural example described above, since arbitrary electric power can be generated by a simple control method that adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL to be supplied, an appropriate power generation operation according to the driving state of the device DVC can be realized. Further, by adopting this structure as a microfabricated gas turbine, electric power can be generated with relatively high energy conversion efficiency, and the power generation module 1OA including the power generation portion 12 can be minimized while effectively utilizing the power generation fuel FL.

(third structural example of Power generating section)

Fig. 22A to 22D are operation diagrams illustrating a third structural example of a power generation portion which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the third structural example, as a specific example, the power generation portion has a structure in which the power generation device drives a one-cylinder engine (internal combustion engine) by pressure energy generated by a combustion reaction using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the output control portion 14 and converts the driving energy into electric energy.

As shown in these drawings, the power generation portion 12C according to the third structural example includes: a housing 231 having an operation space 231a having a substantially elliptical cross section; a rotor 232 rotating in an eccentric circle along an inner wall of the operating space 231a and having a substantially triangular cross section; a known rotary engine equipped with an ignition portion 234 that ignites and burns compressed fuel gas; and a generator (not shown) directly connected to the central shaft 233. As for the structure of the power generating portion 12c composed of the rotary engine, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, the power generating portion 12c can be integrated and formed in a small space by applying a micro-mechanical manufacturing process.

In the power generation portion 120 having such a structure, pressure energy due to combustion of the fuel gas is converted into rotational energy by repeating each stroke of suction, compression, combustion (explosion), and discharge performed by the rotation of the rotor 232, and the converted energy is transmitted to the generator. That is, in the intake stroke, AS shown in fig. 22A, the fuel gas is drawn from the inlet 235a and is flushed toward the predetermined operation chamber AS formed by the inner wall of the operation space 231a and the rotor 232. Subsequently, after the fuel gas in the operating chamber AS is compressed to have a high pressure in the compression stroke AS shown in fig. 22B, the fuel gas is ignited and burned (exploded) at a predetermined timing by the ignition portion 234 in the combustion stroke AS shown in fig. 22C, and the burned-out exhaust gas is emitted from the operating chamber AS through the outlet 235B in the exhaust stroke AS shown in fig. 22D. In this series of driving strokes, the rotation of the rotor 232 in the predetermined direction (arrow P6) is maintained by the pressure energy generated by the explosion and combustion of the fuel gas in the combustion stroke, and the transmission of the rotational energy to the central shaft 233 is continued. Accordingly, the combustion energy obtained by the fuel gas is converted into the rotational energy of the center shaft 233, and further converted into electric energy by a generator (not shown) connected to the center shaft 233.

As for the structure of the generator in this example, a known generator using electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion may be adopted similarly to the second structure example described above.

In addition, since this structural example also has a structure for generating electric power from the combustion energy of the fuel gas, the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL must have at least inflammability or combustibility. In addition, in the case of a configuration in which the fuel gas (off-gas) after being burned out is directly discharged out of the power supply system 301, it is understood that a fire-resistant treatment or a detoxication treatment must be performed before the off-gas is emitted, or if combustible or toxic substances are contained in the off-gas, a means for collecting the off-gas must be provided.

By applying the rotary engine having such a structure to the power generation portion, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, since arbitrary electric power can be generated by a simple control method that adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL to be supplied, an appropriate power generation operation according to the driving state of the device DVC can be realized. In addition, by adopting such a structure as a microfabricated rotary engine, the power generation module 10A including the power generation portion 12 can be minimized while generating electric power with a relatively simple structure, which operation generates less vibration.

(fourth structural example of Power generatingsection)

Fig. 23A and 23B are diagrams showing a fourth structural example of a power generating portion which is applied to the power generating module according to this embodiment. Here, only the basic structure (double piston and displacer-displacer) of the known stirling engine for the fourth structural example is explained, and the operation will be described in a simple mode.

In the fourth structural example, as a specific example, the power generation portion has a structure in which the power generation device drives the stirling engine (external combustion engine) and converts the driving energy into electric energy by the thermal energy generated by the combustion reaction using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the output control portion 14.

In the power generation portion 12D according to the fourth structural example, as shown in fig. 23A, the double piston stirling engine generally includes: a high temperature (expansion) side cylinder 241a and a low temperature (compression) side cylinder 242a configured to allow the operating gas to be interchanged; a high temperature side piston 241b and a low temperature side piston 242b are provided in these cylinders 241a and 242a and connected to a crankshaft 243 so as to be interchanged with a phase difference of 90 °; a heater 244 for heating the high temperature side cylinder 241 a; a cooler 245 for cooling the low-temperature-side cylinder 242 a; a known stirling engine equipped with a flywheel 246 connected to a shaft of the crankshaft 243; and a generator (not shown) directly connected to the crankshaft 243.

In the power generation portion 12D having such a structure, the high temperature side cylinder 241a is kept heated by the thermal energy generated by the combustion of the fuel gas while the low temperature side cylinder 242a is kept cooled by being contacted or exposed to other areas inside and outside the power supply system 301, such as outdoor air, and each stroke of the equal volume heating, the isothermal expansion, the equal volume cooling, and the isothermal compression is repeated. Accordingly, kinetic energy for interchanging the high temperature side piston 241b and the low temperature side piston 242b is converted into rotational energy of the crankshaft 243 and transmitted to the generator.

That is, in the equal-volume heating process, when the thermal expansion of the operation gas starts and the high-temperature side piston 241b starts to descend, in the low-temperature side cylinder 242a having a small volume, which is a space communicating with the high-temperature side cylinder 241a, the low-temperature side piston 242b rises due to the pressure drop generated by the sharp descent of the high-temperature side piston 241b, and the operation gas cooled by the low-temperature side cylinder 242a flows into the high-temperature side cylinder 241 a. Subsequently, in the isothermal expansion stroke, the cooled operation gas that has flowed into the high-temperature-side cylinder 241a is sufficiently thermally expanded and increases the space pressure in the high-temperature-side cylinder 241a and the low-temperature-side cylinder 242a, and both the high-temperature-side piston 241b and the low-temperature-side piston 242b descend.

Then, in the equal-volume cooling stroke, the space in the low-temperature-side cylinder 242a increases as the low-temperature-side piston 242b descends, and thus the space in the high-temperature-side cylinder 241a contracts. The high-temperature-side piston 241b is moved upward, and the operating gas of the high-temperature-side cylinder 241a flows into the low-temperature-side cylinder 242a and is cooled. Thereafter, in the isothermal compression stroke, the cooled operation gas filled in the space in the low temperature-side cylinder 242a contracts, and the pressure in the continuous space in the low temperature-side cylinder 242a and the high temperature-side cylinder 241a decreases. Then, both high temperature side piston 241b and low temperature side piston 242b rise, and the operation gas is compressed. During this series of driving strokes, the crankshaft 243 is kept rotating in a predetermined direction (arrow P7) due to the heating and cooling of the fuel gas and the reciprocating motion of the piston. Accordingly, the pressure energy of the operation gas is converted into the rotational energy of the crankshaft 243, and then converted into electric energy by a generator (not shown) connected to the crankshaft 243.

On the other hand, in the power generation portion 12D according to the fourth structural example, as shown in fig. 23B, the displacer stirling engine is generally configured to include: a cylinder 241c having a high temperature space and a low temperature space divided by a displacer piston 241d, in which operation gases can be interchanged; a displacer piston 241d provided in the cylinder 241c and configured to be interchangeable; a power piston 242d reciprocating according to a change in pressure in the cylinder 241 c; crankshaft 243, displacer piston 241d and power piston 242d are connected thereto so as to have a phase difference of 90 °; a heater 244 for heating one end side (high temperature space side) of the cylinder 241 c; a cooler 245 for cooling the other end side (low-temperature space side) of the cylinder 241 c; a known stirling engine equipped with a flywheel 246 connected to the axial center of a crankshaft 243; and a generator (not shown) directly connected to the crankshaft 243.

In the power generation portion 12D having such a structure, the high temperature side of the cylinder 241c is kept by being constantly heated by the thermal energy generated by the combustion of the fuel gas, while its low temperature side space is kept by being constantly cooled. Also, by repeating each stroke of the equal-volume heating, the isothermal expansion, the equal-volume cooling, and the isothermal compression, the kinetic energy of the reciprocating motion of the displacer piston 241d and the power piston 242d having a predetermined phase difference is converted into the rotational energy of the crankshaft 243 and transmitted to the generator.

That is, in the equal volume heating stroke, when the thermal expansion of the operation gas by the heater 244 starts and the displacer piston 241 starts to ascend, the operation gas on the low temperature space side flows to the high temperature space side and is heated. Subsequently, in the isothermal expansion stroke, the increased operation gas on the high-temperature space side thermally expands and the pressure increases. The power piston 242d therefore rises. Then, in the equal-volume cooling stroke, when the displacer piston 241 starts to descend as the operating gas thermally expanded by the heater 244 flows into the low-temperature space side, the operating gas on the high-temperature space side flows into the low-temperature space side and is cooled. Thereafter, in the isothermal compression stroke, the cooled operation gas in the cylinder 241c on the low temperature space side contracts, and the pressure in the cylinder 241c on the low temperature space side decreases, resulting in the lowering of the power piston 242 d. In this series of driving strokes, the crankshaft 243 is kept rotated in a predetermined direction (arrow P7) by the reciprocating motion of the piston generated by the heating and cooling of the operation gas. Accordingly, the pressure energy of the operation gas is converted into the rotational energy of the crankshaft 243, and is further converted into electric energy by a generator (not shown) connected to the crankshaft 243.

Here, as for the structure of the generator, similarly to the second and third structural examples, a known generator using electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion may be applied. In addition, as for the structure of the power generation portion 12D, the power generation portion 12D is equipped with the stirling engine shown in fig. 23A and 23B, and the power generation portion can also be integrated and formed in a small space, similarly to each of the above-described structural examples. Further, in this structural example, since a structure for generating electric power from thermal energy generated by combustion of the fuel gas is adopted, the power generation fuel (fuel gas) FL must have at least inflammability or combustibility.

By applying the stirling engine having such a structure to the power generation portion, similarly to the third structural example described above, since arbitrary electric power can be generated by a simple control method that adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL to be supplied, it is possible to realize an appropriate power generation operation according to the driving state of the device DVC (load LD). Also, applying such a structure as a minimized stirling engine, the power generation module 1OA including the power generation portion 12 can be minimized while generating electric power with a relatively simple structure, which has less vibration.

Incidentally, in the second to fourth structural examples described above, although the power generation device equipped with the gas turbine, the rotary cylinder type engine and the stirling engine has been exemplified as the power generation device for converting the change in the gas pressure into the electric energy by the rotational energy according to the combustion reaction of the power generation fuel FL, the present invention is not limited thereto. It goes without saying that it is possible to apply various combinations of internal combustion engines or external combustion engines, such as pulse combustion engines and generators using the well-known principles of electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion.

(fifth structural example of Power generating section)

Fig. 24A and 24B are diagrams showing a fifth structural example of a power generating portion which is applied to the power generating module according to this embodiment.

In the fifth structural example, as a specific example, the power generation portion has a structure of a power generation device that generates electric power by using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the output control portion 14 and by thermoelectric conversion power generation using a temperature difference due to thermal energy generated by a combustion reaction (oxidation reaction).

As shown in fig. 24A, the power generation portion 12E according to the fifth structural example has a thermoelectric generation structure, and generally includes: a gas heater 251 for generating thermal energy by causing the power generation fuel FL to undergo a combustion reaction (oxidation reaction); a fixed temperature portion 252 for maintaining a substantially fixed temperature; and a thermoelectric conversion element 253 connected between the first and second temperature ends, the gas heater 251 being determined as the first temperature end, and the fixed temperature portion 252 being determined as the second temperature end. Here, the thermoelectric conversion element 253 has a structure equivalent to that shown in fig. 8B. The gas heater 251 continuously maintains a combustion reaction to maintain a high temperature by receiving the power generation fuel FL, while the fixed temperature portion 252 is configured to maintain a substantially fixed temperature (e.g., a normal temperature or a low temperature) by contacting or being exposed to other areas inside and outside the power supply system 301. As for the structure of the power generation portion 12E, the power generation portion 12E is composed of a thermoelectric generator shown in fig. 24A, and the power generation portion can also be integrated and formed in a small space, similarly to each of the structural examples described above.

In the power generation portion 12E having such a structure, as shown in fig. 24B, when the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20A is supplied to the gas heater 251 through the output control portion 14, a combustion (oxidation) reaction is performed according to the amount of the supplied power generation fuel, heat is generated, and the temperature of the gas heater 251 is increased. On the other hand, since the temperature determination of the fixed temperature part 252 is set to be substantially constant, a temperature difference is generated between the gas heater 251 and the fixed temperature part 252. According to this temperature difference, a predetermined electromotive force is generated, and then electric energy is generated by the seebeck effect of the thermoelectric conversion element 253.

By applying the thermoelectric generator having such a structure, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, since arbitrary electric power can be generated by a simple control method that adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL to be supplied, it is possible to realize an appropriate power generation operation according to the driving state of the device DVC (load LD). In addition, by applying such a structure as a microfabricated thermoelectric generator, the power generation module 10A including the power generation portion 12 can be minimized while generating electric power with less vibration by a relatively simple structure.

Incidentally, although the thermoelectric generator generating electric energy by the seebeck effect according to the temperature differencebetween the gas heater 251 and the fixed temperature part 252 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may have a structure generating electric energy according to a thermionic emission phenomenon.

(sixth structural example of Power generating section)

Fig. 25A and 25B are diagrams showing a sixth structural example of a power generating portion which is applied to the power generating module according to this embodiment.

In the sixth structural example, as a concrete example, the power generation portion has a structure in which the power generation device generates electric power (electromotive force) according to the principles of magnetohydrodynamics using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20A through the output control portion 14.

As shown in fig. 25A, the power generation section 12F according to the sixth structural example has a structure of an MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) generator, and generally includes: a pair of electrodes E1a and E1b which constitute side walls of a flow path along which the power generation fuel FL composed of an electrically conductive fluid passes in the form of a predetermined flow rate and which are opposed to each other; a magnetic field generating device MG including a neodymium-iron-boron-based permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field having a predetermined intensity in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the electrodes ELa and ELb are opposed and a flow path direction of the power generation fuel FL; and output terminals Oc and Od connected to the respective electrodes ELa and ELb, respectively. Here, the power generation fuel FL is an electrically conductive fluid (working fluid) such as plasma, liquid metal, liquid containing conductive substance, or gas, and its flow path is formed such that the power generation fuel FL can flow in parallel to the direction of the electrodes ELa and ELb (arrow P8). It should be noted that the power generating portion 12F according to this structural example can also be integrated and formed in a small space, similarly to each of the structural examples described above, by applying a micro-mechanical manufacturing process.

In the power generation portion 12F having such a structure, as shown in fig. 25B, a magnetic field B is generated in a direction perpendicular to the flow path of the power generation fuel by the magnetic field generation device MG and the power generation fuel (conductive fluid) FL of a flow rate u is moved to the flow path direction, when the power generation fuel FL passes through the magnetic field, electromotive force of μ × B is caused according to faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, enthalpy of the power generation fuel FL is converted into electric energy, and electric current is introduced to flow to a load (not shown) connected between the output terminals Oc and Od. Therefore, the thermal energy of the power generation fuel FL is directly converted into electric energy.

Incidentally, in the case where this structure is used to directly emit the power generation fuel (conductive fluid) FL flowing along the flow path of the MHD generator to the outside of the power supply system 301, it goes without saying that a fire-resistant treatment or a detoxification treatment must be performed before the power generation fuel FL is emitted to the outside, or if the power generation fuel FL contains a combustible or toxic component, a means for collecting the power generation fuel FL must be provided.

By applying the MHD apparatus having such a structure to the power generation portion, since arbitrary electric power can be generated by a simple control method that adjusts the speed of the power generation fuel FL flowing along the flow path, an appropriate power generation operation according to the driving state of the device DVC can be realized. In addition, by applying such a structure as a microfabricated MHD generator, the power generation module 10A including the power generation portion 12 can be minimized while generating electric power with a very simple structure without a driving portion.

Each of the structural examples described above is just one example in which the power generating portion 12 is applied to the power generating module 10A, and is not intended to limit the structure of the power supply system according to the present invention. In short, the power generation portion 12 applied to the present invention can also have any other structure as long as it can generate electric energy according to the electrochemical reaction, heat release, temperature difference by the energy absorption reaction, conversion of pressure energy or thermal energy, electromagnetic induction, or the like of the power generation portion 12 when the liquid fuel or the liquefied fuel or the gaseous fuel is directly or indirectly charged into the fuel pack 20A. For example, it is possible to excellently apply a combination of an external force generating device utilizing a thermoacoustic effect and a power generator utilizing electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric conversion or the like.

Among the above-described respective structural examples, the power generation portion 12 to which the second to fifth structural examples are applied is configured to use the electric energy (secondary electric energy) supplied from the sub power supply portion 11 as the starting electric energy for the ignition operation when the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 is subjected to the combustion reaction to extract the thermal energy as described above, as shown in fig. 3.

As shown in fig.3, the operation control section 13 applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment operates using the operation power (secondary power) supplied from the above-described sub power supply section 11, and various information inside and outside the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment generates and outputs an operation control signal, that is, information on a change in a voltage component (output voltage) of the power supply (specifically, a detected voltage from the voltage monitoring section 16 described later), which changes with the driving state of the device DVC (load LD) connected to the power supply system 301, and controls the operating state of the power generation section 12 described later.

That is, specifically, when the power generation portion 12 does not operate, the operation control portion 13 is driven by the electric power generated by the sub power supply portion 11. When the start command information for the load LD is detected from a voltage change of the control power supplied to the device DVC, the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal (start control) for starting the output control section 14 to a later-described start control section 15. Further, the power generating portion 12 is in an operation mode, and when information indicating that a difference is generated between the electric power required to drive the load LD and the electric power output from the power generating portion 12 to the load LD is detected from a voltage change of the control electric power supplied to the device DVC (controller CNT), the operation control portion 13 outputs an operation control signal for adjusting the amount of electric power (amount of power generation) generated by the power generating portion 12 to an output control portion 14 described later. Therefore, the load driving power supplied to the device DVC (load LD) may be an appropriate value (feedback control) according to the driving state of the load LD.

On the other hand, the power generating portion 12 is in the operation mode, and when a state in which the voltage variation of the load driving power supplied to the device DVC (load LD) deviates from the predetermined voltage range involved in the feedback control and becomes excessive regardless of the feedback control is continuously detected for a predetermined time, the operation control portion 13 outputs an operation control signal (emergency stop control) for stopping the operation of the output control portion 14 to the start control portion 15.

Further, the power generation section 12 is in an operation mode, and when the drive stop command information of the load LD is detected from the voltage variation of the control power supplied to the device DVC, the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal for stopping the drive of the drive output control section 14 to the start control section 15 (normal stop control).

As will be described later, in the case of applying a structure for establishing electrical connection with the device DVC (load LD), that is, using only the positive and negative electrodes as the external shape of the power supply system 301, similarly to a general-purpose chemical battery, the driving state of the load LD can be detected by supplying power composed of controller power or load driving power to the device DVC through the positive and negative electrodes and constantly monitoring the fluctuation of the voltage component of the power supply using the voltage monitoring section 16. Also, if the device DVC has a function capable of outputting load driving information on the driving state of the device DVC (load LD) from the CNT, the power supply system 301 may be equipped with terminals for inputting the load driving information in addition to the positive and negative terminal electrodes.

As shown in fig. 3, the output control section 14 applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment operates with electric energy (start electric energy) supplied directly from the above-described sub power supply section 11 or supplied through the start control section 15 in accordance with the operation control signal output from the operation control section 13, and controls the operating state (start operation, stable operation, stop operation, amount of electric energy to be generated (amount of power generation)).

Specifically, the output control portion 14 includes, for example, a flow rate adjusting means (fuel control portion 14a) for adjusting the flow rate amount and the discharge amount of the power generation fuel; flow rate adjusting means (air control portion 14b) for adjusting the flow rate or the release amount of the generated oxygen, heater temperature adjusting means (heater control portion 14e) for providing the temperature of the heater for adjusting the power generating portion 12 and the like. In the power generation portion 12 explained in each of the above-described structural examples, the output control portion 14 controls the flow rate adjustment means and the heater temperature adjustment means for supplying the power generation fuel (liquid fuel, liquefied fuel, or gaseous fuel) in an amount necessary for generating and outputting the load drive electric power composed of the predetermined electric power and optimizing the temperature of the heater for promoting various reactions in the power generation portion 12 and the like in accordance with the operation control signal.

Fig. 26 is a block diagram showing a primary structure of a specific example of a power generation module applied to the power supply system according to this embodiment.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, when the structure of the fuel cell of the fuel reforming type explained in the above-described first structural example (see fig. 19) is used as the power generation portion 12, it is possible to provide the fuel control portion 14a for controlling the amount of power generation fuel (hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell portion 210b) supplied to the power supply portion 12A in accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control portion 13 and the air control portion 14b for controlling the amount of air (oxygen gas supplied to the fuel cell portion 210b) supplied to the power generation portion 12A as in the structure of the output control portion 14 shown in fig. 26.

In this case, the fuel control portion 14a performs control for taking out the power generation fuel, water, and the like from the fuel pack 20A for generating hydrogen gas (H)₂) The amount of hydrogen gas is necessary for generating predetermined electric energy (first electric energy) and converting them into hydrogen gas (H) by the fuel conversion portion 210a₂) And a fuel electrode 211 that supplies the obtained gas to the fuel cell portion 210 b. Also, the air control portion 14b performs the extraction of oxygen (O) from the air, which is necessary according to the electrochemical reaction using hydrogen (see chemical equations (6) and (7))₂) The amount of which is then supplied to the air electrode 212 of the fuel cell portion 210 b. By adjusting the hydrogen gas (H) to be supplied to the power generation portion 12₂) And oxygen (O)₂) With such a fuel control portion 14a and air control portion 14b, the progress stage of the electrochemical reaction in the power generation portion 12 (fuel cell portion 210b) can be controlled, and the amount of electric energy generated as load driving electric energy or output voltage can be controlled.

Here, the air control portion14b may be configured to constantly supply air without controlling the amount of oxygen to be supplied to the air electrode 212 of the power generation portion 12 when the power generation portion 12 is in the operation mode, as long as the air control portion 14b can supply air corresponding to the maximum oxygen consumed by the power generation portion 12 per unit time. That is, in the structure of the power generation module 10A shown in fig. 26, the output control portion 14 may be configured to control the progressive stage of the electrochemical reaction only by the fuel control portion 14 a. In addition, air holes (slits) described later may be provided instead of the air control portion 14b, so that more air (oxygen) than the minimum amount of the electrochemical reaction for the power generation portion 12 may be continuously provided through the air holes.

<Start-Up control section 15>

As shown in fig. 3, the start-up control section 15 is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment, operates with the electric power supplied from the above-described sub power supply section 11, and performs start-up control for shifting the power generation section 12 from a standby state to an operation mode capable of generating power by supplying electric power (start-up electric power) to at least the output control section 14 (the power generation section 12 may be included depending on the configuration) in accordance with the operation control signal output from the operation control section 13.

Specifically, in the structure shown in fig. 26, the power generation portion 12A (the fuel cell portion 210b) is not operated, and when the start-up control portion 15 receives the operation control signal for starting up the power generation portion 12A from the operation control portion 13, the start-up electric power output from the sub power supply portion 11 is supplied to the fuel control portion 14a of the output control portion 14, and the start-up electric power output from the sub power supply portion 11 is supplied to the heater control portion 14e of the output control portion 14. As a result, the fuel control portion 14a controls the amount of fuel to be supplied to the fuel reforming portion 210a (or both the fuel reforming portion 210a and the fuel cell portion 210b), and the heater control portion 14e adjusts the amount of electric energy to be supplied to the heater of the fuel reforming portion 210a (or the heater of the fuel reforming portion 210a and the heater of the fuel cell portion 210b), thereby controlling the temperature of the heater. The fuel reforming portion 210a reforms hydrogen (H) from fuel or the like₂) To the fuel electrode of the fuel cell portion 210b, the air control portion 14b supplies oxygen (O)₂) Is supplied to the air electrode. Therefore, the fuel cell portion 210b is automatically started and shifted to the operation mode (stabilization mode) for generating a predetermined electric power (secondAn electrical energy).

The power generation portion 12A is driven, and when the start-up control portion 15 receives an operation control signal for stopping the power generation portion 12A (the fuel cell portion 210b) from the operation control portion 13, it stops supplying hydrogen gas (H) to the fuel cell portion 210b by controlling at least the fuel control portion 14a, the air control portion 14b, and the heater control portion 14e₂) And oxygen (O)₂). Therefore, the generation of electric power (generation of electricity) by the fuel cell section 210b is stopped, so the fuel cell section 210b shifts to a standby mode in which only the sub power supply section 11 receiving electric power (operation electric power, controller electric power) from the sub power supply section 11, the operation control section 13, described later, are operatedAnd the controller CNTof the device DVC.

Here, although a description has been given of a case where a fuel cell of a fuel reforming type is used as the power generation portion 12 and the operating state (start operation, stop operation) of the power generation portion 12A is controlled by the start control portion 15 by controlling the supply of start electric energy to the output control portion 14 (the fuel control portion 14a and the air control portion 14b) and the power generation portion 12A so as to control the supply/stop of the power generation fuel and air to the power generation portion 12A, the operating state of the power generation portion 12 can be controlled by substantially equal control even if the other structural examples described above (for example, a power generation apparatus equipped with an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, and the like) are used for the power generation portion 12. In addition, when a fuel cell of a fuel direct supply type capable of generating electricity at room temperature is used as the power generation portion 12, a heater in the power generation portion 12, the fuel reforming portion 210a, or the heater control portion 14e is no longer necessary, and the amount of electric energy generated by the power generation portion 12 can be controlled only by controlling the supply/stop of the power generation fuel. Therefore, the start-up control portion 15 can control the fuel control portion 14a that supplies only the start-up electric power to the output control portion 14.

In addition, although the electric power from the sub power supply portion 11 is supplied to the start-up control portion 15 and the output control portion 14 (the fuel control portion 14a in the configuration shown in fig. 26) as the operation electric power or the start-up electric power in the configuration shown in fig. 3, if the electric power supplied from the sub power supply portion 11 does not satisfy the electric power consumed by the output control portion 14 and the like at the time of stable operation of the power generation portion 12, a part of the electric power generated by the power generation portion 12 is output to the output control portion 14 and the like (see the broken-line arrows of fig. 3 and 26) in addition to the electric power of the sub power supply portion 11, and the electric.

At this time, as the power supply system, the output control section 14 controls the total amount of the power generation fuel to be supplied to the power generation section 12, which is equivalent to the power generation fuel of a part of the power consumed and increased by the output control section 14 itself and the power generation fuel equivalent to the power supplied to the device DVC, so as not to impair the power supplied to the device DVC (load LD) as the load driving power. Incidentally, in the structure shown in fig. 26, the fuel control portion 14a performs control of supplying the total amount of generated electric power to the fuel electrode 211 of the fuel cell portion 210b through the fuel reforming portion 210a, and the air control portion 14b performs control of supplying air to the air electrode 212 of the fuel cell portion 210b, the air satisfying the amount of oxygen necessary for generating sufficient electric power (power generation) in the fuel cell portion 210 b.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the voltage monitor section 16 adapted to the power generation module according to this embodiment detects a shifted voltage component according to the driving state (increase/decrease in capacity) of the device DVC driven by the output power generated by the above-described power generation section 12 and output through the electrode terminals EL (specifically, the anode terminal and the cathode terminal described later, or any other terminal) provided in the power supply system, that is, the supply power supplied to the device DVC connected to the electrode terminals EL, and outputs it to the operation control section 13.

Specifically, when the load LD of the device DVC is not driven, the voltage monitor section 16 detects a change in the voltage component of the controller power generated by the sub power supply section 11 and supplied to the device DVC (controller CNT) through the electrode terminal EL. On the other hand, when the load LD of the device DVC is driven, the voltage monitor section 16 detects a change in the voltage component of the load driving power, which is generated by the power generation section 12 and supplied to the device DVC (the load LD) through the electrode terminal EL. As a result, the operation control section 13 performs start control, feedback control, stop control, and the like for the power supply system according to the detected voltage, which will be described later. Therefore, in this embodiment, each of the controller power and the load driving power generated and supplied to the device DVC by the sub power supply section 11 or the power generation section 12 is a target of voltage detection (monitor voltage) by the voltage monitor section 16.

(B) Fuel package 20

The fuel pack 20A suitable for the power supply system according to the present invention is, for example, a fuel storage container having high sealing performance, in which a power generation fuel FL composed of a liquid fuel, a liquefied fuel, or a gaseous fuel, which contains hydrogen in its composition, is filled. As shown in fig. 3, the fuel pack 20A has a structure that is connected to the power generation module 10A in an attachable and detachable mode through the I/F portion 30A or a structure that is integrally connected thereto. The power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A enters the power generation module 10A through a fuel supply path provided to an I/F section 30A described later, and the power generation fuel FL is supplied to the power generation section 12 by the above-described output control section 14 at any given timing, and the amount of the power generation fuel FL is necessary for generating electric energy (first electric energy) having a predetermined voltage characteristic in accordance with the driving state (load state) of the device DVC.

In the application case, as the sub power source portion 11, with the above-described configuration of generating the electric power (second electric power) using a part of the electric power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A and using an electrochemical reaction, a catalytic combustion reaction, or a kinetic energy conversion action or the like, at least the minimum amount of the electric power generation fuel necessary for generating the electric power which may be the controller electric power of the device DVC and the operating power of the operation control portion 13 is constantly supplied to the sub power source portion 11 through the I/F portion 30A.

In particular, in the case of adopting a structure in which the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A can be connected and separated without limitation as the power supply system 301, the power generation fuel FL is supplied to the power generation module 10A only when the fuel pack 20A is connected to the power generation module 10A. In this case, when the fuel pack 20A is not connected to the power generation module 10A, the fuel pack 20A is equipped with, for example, a fuel leakage preventing means having a control valve or the like that is closed by the fuel supply pressure inside the fuel pack 20A or the physical pressure of a spring or the like to prevent the charged power generation fuel FL from leaking out of the fuel pack 20A. When the fuel pack 20A is connected to the power generation module 10A through the I/F portion 30A, and a device (leak prevention release device) that is provided to the I/F portion 30A and releases the leak prevention function of the fuel leak prevention device comes into contact with or presses the fuel pack 20A, the closed state of the control valve is released, and the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A is supplied to the power generation module 10A through the I/F portion 30A, for example.

In the fuel package 20A having such a structure, when the fuel package 20A is separated from the power generation module 10A before the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 20A is used up, the power generation fuel FL can be prevented from leaking out by restarting the leakage prevention function of the fuel leakage prevention means (for example, by turning the leakage prevention release means into a non-contact state to close the control valve again), and the fuel package 20A can be transported independently.

It is preferable that the fuel pack 20A has the function of the fuel storage container described above, is composed of a substance existing substantially in the nature under a specific environmental condition, and can be converted into a substance constituting the nature or a substance causing no environmental pollution.

That is, the fuel pack 20A is formed of a polymer material (plastic) or the like, has a characteristic of various decomposition reactions of materials that can be converted into substances, is harmless to the natural world (substances that are substantially present in and constitute the natural world, such as water and carbon dioxide, and the like), by the action of microorganisms or enzymes in soil, irradiation of sunlight, rainwater, the atmosphere, and the like, even if all or a part of the fuel pack 20A is thrown away in the natural world or subjected to landfill treatment, such as decomposition characteristics of biodegradability, photodegradation properties, hydrolyzability, oxidative degradability, and the like.

The fuel pack 20A may be composed of a material that does not generate harmful substances such as chlorinated organic compounds (dioxin-based; polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin, polychlorinated dibenzofuran), hydrogen chloride gas or heavy metals, or environmental pollutants, or whose generation is suppressed even if artificial heating/incineration treatment or chemical/chemical treatment is implemented. It goes without saying that the material (for example, polymer material) constituting the fuel pack 20A is brought into contact with the charged power generation fuel FL to be unable to decompose at least for a short time and to deteriorate the charged power generation fuel FL at least for a short time, and even it cannot be used as fuel. Further, it is needless to say that the fuel pack 20A composed of a polymer material has sufficient strength against external physical stress.

As described above, considering that the collection ratio of the chemical battery for recycling is only about 20%, and the remaining 80% is thrown away to the nature or to a state of being subjected to landfill disposal, it is desirable to use a material having a decomposition property and a biodegradable plastic as the material of the fuel pack 20A in particular. In particular, it is possible to excellently apply polymer materials comprising organic compounds of the chemically synthesized type, synthesized from petroleum or plant raw materials (polylactic acid, aliphatic polyesters, copolyesters, etc.), bio-polyesters of microorganisms, natural products using polymer materials including starch extracted from plant raw materials such as corn or sugarcane or others, cellulose, chitosan, etc.

As the power generation fuel FL for the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment, it cannot be a pollutant of the natural environment, and even if the fuelpack 20A with the charged power generation fuel FL is thrown away in the nature or subjected to landfill treatment and leaks to the air, soil or water, electric energy can be generated at high energy conversion efficiency in the power generation section 12 of the power generation module 10A, and it is a fuel substance in a liquid or gaseous state that can be kept stable under predetermined charging conditions (pressure, temperature, etc.) and can be supplied to the power generation module 10A. In particular, it is possible to excellently apply an alcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol or butanol described above, a liquefied fuel composed of hydrocarbon which is gaseous at normal temperature and pressure, such as dimethyl ether, isobutane or natural gas, or a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen. Incidentally, as described later, the safety of the power supply system can be enhanced, for example, by providing a structure of a fuel stabilizing device for stabilizing the filling state of the power generation fuel in the fuel pack.

According to the fuel pack 20A and the power generation fuel FL having such a structure, even if all or a part of the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment is abandoned in the nature or is artificially subjected to landfill treatment, incineration, or chemical treatment, it is possible to greatly suppress pollution of air, soil, or water to the natural environment, or to generate environmental hormones, thereby contributing to prevention of environmental destruction, suppression of defects of the natural environment, and prevention of side effects to the human body.

In the case where the fuel package 20A is composed, it is possible to connect and disconnect the power generation module 10A without limitation, and when the amount of the remaining power generation fuel FL charged is reduced or used up, the power generation fuel FL may be replenished to the fuel package 20A, or the fuel package 20A may be replaced or reused (recycled). Therefore, this may contribute to greatly reducing the amount of discarded fuel packs 20A or the amount of power generation modules 10A. Further, since a new fuel pack 20A can be replaced and connected to a single power generation module 10A, which can be connected to the device DVC and used, it is possible to provide a power supply system that can be easily used, similar to a general-purpose chemical battery.

In the case where the sub power supply portion 11 and the power generation portion 12 of the power generation module 10A generate electric power, even if a byproduct is generated in addition to electric power and this byproduct is not favorable to the environment or if it is likely to exert an influence on the function, for example, it may cause a malfunction of the device DVC, it is possible to apply a structure in which a means for holding the byproduct collected by a byproduct collecting device described later is provided at the fuel pack 20A. In this case, when the fuel pack 20A leaves the power generation module 10A, it is possible to apply a structure having, for example, an absorbent polymer capable of absorbing, absorbing and fixing, or fixing the by-products to prevent the by-products temporarily collected and restrained by the fuel pack 20A (collecting/holding means) from leaking out of the fuel pack 20A, or a control valve closed by physical pressure such as a spring. The structure of the byproduct collecting/holding device will be described later together with the byproduct collecting device.

(C) I/F section 30

An I/F part 30 suitable for the power supply system according to the present invention is interposed at least between the power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20. As shown in fig. 3, the I/F portion 30A serving as an example has a function of physically connecting the power generation module 10A and the fuel package 20A to each other, and supplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 20A in a predetermined state to the power generation module 10A through a fuel supply path. Here, as described above, in the case of adopting a structure in which the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A can be connected and separated without limitation as the power supply system 301, the I/F portion 30A includes the leakage prevention releasing means (the fuel delivery pipe 411) for releasing the leakage prevention function of the fuel leakage prevention means (the fuel supply valve 24A) provided to the fuel pack 20A other than the fuel supply path, as shown in fig. 83. Fuel supply valve 24A is provided to be opened by pressing fuel delivery pipe 411. Also, as will be described later, in the case of adopting a structure in which a byproduct collecting means for collecting byproducts generated from the sub power source part 11 and the power generation part 12 of the power generation module 10A is further provided, the I/F part 30A is configured to include a water guide pipe 416 for feeding the byproducts into the fuel pack 20A.

Specifically, the I/F section 30A supplies the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A under predetermined conditions (temperature, pressure, and the like), that is, liquid fuel, liquefied fuel, or gaseous fuel (fuel gas) obtained by vaporizing the power generation fuel FL, to the power generation module 10A (the sub power supply section 11 and the power generation section 12) through the fuel supply path. In the power supply system, the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A are integrally configured by the I/F section 30A, so the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A can be constantly supplied to the power generation module 10A through the fuel supply path. On the other hand, in the power supply system, the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A can be connected and separated without limitation by the I/F section 30A, and when the fuel pack 20A is connected to the power generation module 10A, the leakage preventing function of the fuel leakage preventing means provided to the fuel pack 20A is released by the leakage preventing release means, and the power generation fuel FL can be supplied to the power generation module 10A through the fuel supply path.

Incidentally, in the power supply system, the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A are integrally constituted by the I/F section 30A, and the power generation fuel FL is constantly supplied to the power generation module 10A regardless of the connection/separation of the power supply system to/from the device DVC. Therefore, when electric power is generated at the sub power source portion 11, the power generation fuel is sometimes not efficiently consumed. Therefore, for example, before the power supply system is used (before connection to the apparatus), efficient consumption of the power generation fuel can be achieved with a structure in which the fuel supply path of the I/F section 30A is held in a cut-off (shielded) state, the stop state is released when the power supply system is used, and the fuel supply path is irreversibly controlled (allowed to pass through the fuel) to a fuel supply permission state.

The overall operation of the power supply system having the above-described structure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an initial operation state (standby mode) of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram of the startup operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram of a stable operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram of a stop operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, the operation will be described with reference to the structure of the above power supply system (fig. 3 and 4) as appropriate.

As shown in fig. 27, the power supply system 301 having the structure according to this embodiment is normally controlled to perform an initial operation (steps S101 and S102) for supplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A to the power generation module 10A, continuously and continuously generating electric power (second electric power) which may be the operation electric power and the controller electric power of the sub power source section 11, and outputting the electric power to the device DVC (controller CNT) through the electrode terminals EL (specifically, the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-) shown in fig. 28 to 31; a start operation (steps S103 to S106) for supplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A to the power generation portion 12 in accordance with driving of the load LD in the device DVC (from the non-driving mode to the driving mode), generating electric power (first electric power) that may be load driving electric power, and outputting the electric power to the device DVC (the load LD) through the electrode terminals EL (+), EL (-)); a stabilization operation (steps S107 to S110) for adjusting the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 in accordance with a change in the driving state of the load LD, and generating and outputting electric energy (first electric energy) having a voltage component in accordance with the driving state of the load; and a stopping operation (steps S111 to S114) for shutting down the supply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 and stopping thegeneration of the electric power (first electric power) in accordance with the stop of the load LD (change from the driving state to the non-driving state).

Each operation will now be described in detail with reference to fig. 28 to 31.

(A) Initial operation of the first embodiment

First, in an initial operation, in the power supply system, the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A are integrally configured with each other by the I/F section 30, for example, by releasing the stop state of the fuel supply path of the I/F section 30 when the device DVC is connected, as shown in fig. 28, the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20A enters the fuel supply path by the capillary phenomenon of the fuel supply path and is automatically supplied to the sub power supply section 11 of the power generation module 10A (step S101). Subsequently, in the sub power supply section 11, at least electric power (second electric power) E1, which may be the operation electric power of the operation control section 13 and the drive electric power of the controller CNT (controller electric power) included in the device DVC, is spontaneously generated and output, and then the electric power is continuously supplied to each of the operation control section 13 and the controller CNT (step S102).

On the other hand, in the power supply system, the power generation module 10A and the fuel pack 20A can be connected and separated without limitation, the fuel pack 20A and the power generation module 10A are connected through the I/F section 30, as shown in fig. 28, the leakage preventing function of the fuel leakage preventing means provided to the fuel pack 20A is eliminated, and the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20A enters the fuel supply path through the capillary phenomenon of the fuel supply path and is automatically supplied to the sub power source section 11 of the powergeneration module 10A (step S101). In the sub power supply section 11, the electric power (second electric power) E1, which may be the operation electric power and the controller electric power, is spontaneously generated and output, and then the electric power is continuously supplied to the operation control section 13, the voltage monitoring section 16, and the controller CNT (step S102).

In all cases, only electric power, which may be operating electric power of the operation control section 13 and the voltage monitoring section 16, is output until the power supply system is connected to the device DVC.

The fuel pack 20A and the power generation module 10A are connected by the I/F section 30, and the mode is shifted to the standby mode, i.e., only the operation control section 13 of the power generation module 10A, the voltage monitoring section 16 of the device DVC, and the controller CNT operate. In the standby mode, the power supply (controller power; a part of the power E1) supplied to the device DVC (controller CNT) through the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-) is slightly consumed by the operation control section 13, the voltage monitoring section 16, and the controller CNT of the device DVC. The voltage Vdd slightly falling due to consumption is detected by the voltage monitoring section 16 at any given timing, and the change in the voltage Vdd is monitored by the operation control section 13. Further, the driving state of the load LD of the device DVC is controlled by the controller CNT.

(B) Startup operation of the first embodiment

Subsequently, in the startup operation, as shown in fig. 29, when the controller CNT controls the switch LS that supplies power to the load LD to be in the on state, for example, by the user of the device DVC operating the power switch PS or the like (on) that is supplied to the device DVC, apart of the power supply (control power) supplied to the controller CNT is supplied to the load LD in the standby mode, which results in a sharp drop of the voltage Vdd of the power supply.

After detecting the abrupt change of the voltage Vdd by the voltage monitoring section 16 (step S103), the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal for starting the power generating operation (start) of the power generating section to the start control section 15 (step S104). A part of the electric power (electric power E2) generated by the sub power supply section 11 is supplied to the output control section 14 (or the output control section 14 and the power generation section 12) as the starting electric power in accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control section 13 (step S105), and the starting control section 15 supplies the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20A to the power generation section 12 through the output control section 14 and generates and outputs the electric power (first electric power) which may be the load driving electric power. The load driving power is outputted as the power supply power together with the controller power generated by the power supply portion 11 through the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-) as described above, and supplied to the controller CNT and the load LD of the device DVC (step S106).

Therefore, when the load driving power generated by the power generation portion 12 is supplied to the device DVC, the voltage Vdd of the power supply gradually increases from a falling state and reaches a voltage suitable for starting the load LD. That is, with respect to the driving of the load LD, the power generation fuel FL is automatically supplied, and the power generation portion 12 starts the power generation operation. Also, the load driving power having the predetermined voltage Vdd is spontaneously supplied to the device DVC (load LD). Thus, when the electric energy characteristics substantially equivalent to those of the general-purpose chemical battery are realized, the load LD can be excellently driven.

(C) Stable operation of the first embodiment

Subsequently, in the steady operation, as shown in fig. 30, the operation control section 13 monitors a change in the voltage Vdd of the power supply energy supplied to the device DVC at any given timing through the voltage monitoring section 16 (roughly a voltage change in the load-driving power (step S107) — if the operation control section 13 detects a change in the voltage Vdd such that the voltage of the power supply energy deviates from a voltage range according to a predetermined rated value (for example, the output voltage fluctuation width of a general-purpose chemical battery), the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal for controlling the amount of electric energy (power generation amount) generated by the power generation section 12 to increase/decrease so that the voltage Vdd can be set within the voltage range (step S108).

The output control section 14 adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation section 12 in accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control section 13 (step S109), and performs feedback control so that the voltage Vdd of the power supply (load drive power) supplied to the device DVC is set within a predetermined voltage range (step S110). As a result, even if the driving state (load state) of the load LD on the device DVC side changes, it is possible to control the voltage at which the power can be supplied so as to converge to an appropriate voltage range according to the driving state of the load LD, and it is possible to thus supply the power consumed according to the device DVC.

(D) Stop operation of the first embodiment

Subsequently, in the above-described stable operation, when the device DVC is changed from the on state to the off state during the feedback control of the supply power, or when an abnormal operation of the device DVC or the power supply system 301 is caused for some reason, the operation control section 13 continuously detects, for a predetermined time, a state in which the voltage Vdd of the supply power (load driving power) supplied to the device DVC deviates from a predetermined voltage range, through the voltage monitoring section 16. When it is determined that the conditions of this voltage range and the continuous time are satisfied (step S111), the operation control section 13 performs a process of detecting a state as a voltage error of the supply power, and outputs an operation control signal for stopping the power generation by the power generation section 12 to the output control section 14 (step S112). In accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control portion 13, the output control portion 14 turns off the supply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 and stops the heating of the heater for promoting the energy absorption reaction for generating hydrogen gas (step S113). As a result, the power generating operation of the power generating portion 12 is stopped, and the supply of power to the device DVC in addition to the controller power is stopped (step S114).

That is, for example, if the controller is used when the user of the device DVC operates the power switch PS or the like (off), or if the load runs out (stops) when the power supply system 301 is removed from the device DVC, the load LD stops by turning the switch LS that supplies power to the load LD to an off state, and even after performing feedback control that sets the voltage of the power supply to the voltage range of the above-described stable operation, the voltage of the power supply maygreatly deviate from the predetermined voltage range. Therefore, when the operation control section 13 continuously detects such a state for a predetermined period of time, the operation control section 13 determines that the load LD of the device DVC stops or runs out and stops the power generating operation of the power generating section 12. As a result, since the supply of the power generation fuel FL is stopped with respect to the stop of the load LD of the device DVC or the like, the power generation portion 12 is automatically turned off, and the power generation portion 12 generates power only when the device DVC is normally driven, the electromotive force can be maintained for a long time while the power generation fuel is effectively utilized.

As described above, according to the power supply system of this embodiment, since it is possible to perform the control of supplying and shutting off the electric energy that may be the predetermined load driving electric energy and the control of adjusting the amount of electric energy to be generated in accordance with the driving state of the load (device or the like) connected to the power supply system without receiving the supply of fuel or the like from the outside of the power supply system, the power generation fuel can be efficiently consumed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power supply system with less environmental load and with very high energy utilization efficiency while achieving electrical characteristics substantially equivalent to those of a general-purpose chemical battery.

Further, as described later, the power supply system according to this embodiment is reduced in size and weight by integrating and forming the power generation module in a small space by applying a micro-mechanical manufacturing process, and is constituted to have a shape and size approximately equal to a general-purpose chemical battery, such as an AA-sized battery, satisfyingstandards such as Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). As a result, it is possible to achieve high compatibility with general-purpose chemical batteries in terms of external shape and electrical characteristics (voltage/current characteristics), and it is possible to further promote the spread of the existing battery market. Therefore, instead of the existing chemical batteries having many problems in terms of, for example, environmental conditions or energy utilization rate, it is possible to easily popularize the power supply system of the power generating apparatus, whereby the emission of harmful substances from fuel cells and the like can be greatly suppressed and high energy utilization efficiency can be achieved, whereby energy resources can be effectively utilized while suppressing the influence on the environment.

[ second embodiment]

A second embodiment of a power generation module suitable for use in a power supply system according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 32 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a power generation module adapted to the power supply system according to the present invention, and fig. 33 is a diagram showing an electrical connection relationship between the power supply system (power generation module) according to this embodiment and the device. Here, like reference numerals denote structures similar to those of the first embodiment described above, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

As shown in fig. 32, the power generation module 10B according to this embodiment generally includes: a sub power supply section (second power supply means) 11 having a function similar to that of the above-described first embodiment (see fig. 3); a power generation portion (first power supply device) 12; an operation control portion 13; an output control section 14; a start control section 15; a voltage monitoring portion (voltage detecting portion) 16; and a terminal section ELx for notifying the controller CNT included in the device DVC to which the power supply system is connected of predetermined information. In this embodiment, the power supply system is configured to control the power generation state of the power generation module 10B (specifically, the power generation section 12) in accordance with at least load drive information (power demand) notified from the controller CNT included in the device DVC through the terminal section ELx and corresponding to the drive state of the load LD.

In this embodiment, the controller CNT of the device DVC connected to the power supply system notifies the power supply system of load drive information, (power demand) according to the drive state of the load LD, and has a function of a load drive control device for controlling the drive state of the load LD according to power generation information (regarding voltage components, start-up operation terminal information, and operation stop information) representing the power generation state of the power supply system according to the power demand.

In the power supply system according to this embodiment, as shown in fig. 33, the power supply composed of the controller power and the load driving power outputted from each of the sub power supply section 11 and the power generation section 12 is also supplied to the controller CNT and the load LD of the device DVC in common through the single electrode terminal EL, and the voltage component of the power supply (substantially the load driving power) is detected by the voltage monitoring section 16 at any given timing and monitored by the operation control section 13.

Fig. 34 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supply system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing an initial operation state (standby mode) of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 36 and 37 are schematic diagrams of the startup operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 38 and 39 are schematic diagrams of a stable operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 40 to 42 are schematic diagrams of the stop operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, the operation will be described with reference to the structure of the above power supply system (fig. 32 and 33) as appropriate.

In this embodiment, upon receiving the load drive information concerning the load drive control notified from the terminal section ELx except for the positive electrode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-) by the controller CNT included in the device DVC, the operation control section 13 provided to the power generation module 10B performs a series of operation controls described below. All or only a portion of the overall operations of the first embodiment described above may be performed concurrently in parallel, except for the overall operation of this embodiment as described below.

That is, as shown in fig. 34, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the power supply system 301 having the structure according to this embodiment is generally controlled to perform: an initial operation (steps S201 and S202) for constantly and continuously generating and outputting electric power, which may be operation electric power of the operation control section 13 and driving electric power of the controller CNT (controller electric power), by the sub powersupply section 11; a start-up operation (steps S203 to S206) for supplying start-up electric power to the power generation portion 12 and the output control portion 14 in accordance with driving of the load LD, generating and outputting electric power that may be load driving electric power; a stabilization operation (steps S207 to S210) for adjusting the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 in accordance with a change in the driving state of the load LD, generating and outputting electric power (load driving electric power) in accordance with the driving state of the load; and a stop operation (steps S211 to S214) for shutting down the supply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 in accordance with the stop of the load LD, terminating the electric power, which may be the load driving electric power.

(A) Initial operation of the second embodiment

First, in the initial operation, as shown in fig. 35, similarly to the first embodiment, the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20B is automatically supplied to the sub power supply portion 11 of the power generation module 10B through the fuel supply path supplied to the I/F portion 30B (step S201), and electric energy (second electric energy), which may be operating electric energy and controller electric energy, is spontaneously generated and output by the sub power supply portion 11. In addition, the operation control section 13 is continuously supplied with the operating power, and the power supply system is connected to the device DVC. As a result, the controller power is supplied as a supply power (voltage Vs) to the controller CNT built in the device DVC through the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-) supplied to the power generation system (step S202). Therefore, the mode shifts to a standby mode in which only the operation control section 13 of the power generation module 10A and the controller CNT of the device DVC operate. In the standby mode, the operation control section 13 constantly monitors load driving information (various power requirements described later) notified from the controller CNT of the device DVC through the terminal section ELx according to the driving state of the load.

(B) Start-up operation of the second embodiment

Subsequently, in the startup operation, as shown in fig. 36, for example, when the user of the device DVC operates (turns on) the power switch PS provided to the device DVC, a power supply request signal that requests supply of electric power (first electric power) that may be load-driving electric power is first output from the controller CNT through the terminal portion ELx as load-driving information to the operation control portion 13 of the power generation module 10B. Upon receiving the load driving information from the controller CNT (step S203), the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal for starting the operation (start) of the power generating section 12 to the start control section 15 (step S204). In accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control portion 13, by supplying a part of the electric power (electric power E2) generated by the sub power supply portion 11 as the starting electric power to the output control portion 14 (or the output control portion 14 and the power generation portion 12), the starting control portion 15 supplies the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20B to the power generation portion 12 through the output control portion 14 and generates and outputs the electric power (first electric power) which may be the load driving electric power (step S205). The load driving power is supplied to the device DVC as the power supply power together with the controller power generated by the above-described sub power supply section 11 through the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminalEL (-) (step S206). At this time, the voltage of the power supply supplied to the device is gradually and increasingly changed from the voltage Vs of the above-described standby mode.

Here, in the above-described starting operation, as shown in fig. 36, when the operation control signal for starting the power generating portion 12 is output at step S204, the operation control portion 13 detects a change in the voltage of the power supply (substantially load driving power) generated and output by the power generating portion 12 and supplied to the device DVC at any given timing through the voltage monitoring portion 16, by controlling the switch MS to be in the on state, so that the voltage monitoring portion 16 is connected between the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-). Then, as shown in fig. 37, the operation control section 13 notifies the controller CNT of the device DVC of the voltage data itself for supplying power, which is detected at any given timing by the voltage monitoring section 16, or starts an operation end signal indicating the fact that the predetermined voltage Va according to the power supply requirement has been reached as the power generation operation information, through the terminal section ELx. When the voltage of the supply power supplied through the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-) reaches the voltage Va suitable for driving the load LD, the controller CNT controls the switch LS to the on state and supplies the supply power (load driving power) from the power supply system so as to drive the load LD according to the power generation operation information notified from the operation control section 13.

(C) Stable operation of the second embodiment

Subsequently, in the steady operation, as shown in fig. 38, similarly to the steps S107 to S110 described with respect to the first embodiment, the operation control section 13 monitors the change in the voltage Va of the power supply supplied to the device DVC (roughly the voltage change in the load-driving power) at any given time through the voltage monitoring section 16, and performs feedback control so that the voltage of the power supply can be set within the voltage range according to the predetermined rated value.

In such a stable operation, when the new driving state of the load LD is controlled and captured by the controller CNT of the device DVC, as shown in fig. 39, the power change requiring signal requesting supply of new power (for example, power supply having a voltage Vb) according to the driving state of the load LD is output to the operation controlling section 13 through the terminal section ELx as load driving information. Upon receiving the load drive information, the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal for setting the electric power generated and output by the power generation section 12 with respect to the start control section 15 as the load drive electric power in accordance with the new drive state of the load LD to the output control section 14 (step S208).

In accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control portion 13, the output control portion 14 adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 or the heating time and the heating temperature of the heater (step S209), and controls so that the power supply amount (load drive power) supplied to the device DVC may have a voltage corresponding to the new drive state of the load LD (step S210). That is, the operation control section 13 changes the rated value by receiving the power change requiring signal for setting the voltage range relating to the feedback control to the voltage Vb in accordance with the power change requiring signal, and controls the amount of power generation of the power generating section 12 so that the loaddriving power having the voltage corresponding to the changed voltage range can be generated. As a result, since appropriate power is supplied according to the driving state (load state) of the load LD on the device DVC side, power corresponding to the power consumption of the device DVC (load LD) can be supplied, and the load LD can be excellently driven. Moreover, since a large variation in the supply energy voltage due to a variation in the driving state of the load LD can be suppressed, the generation of an operation failure or the like in the device DVC can be reduced.

(D) Stop operation of the second embodiment

Subsequently, in the above-described stable operation, as shown in fig. 40, similarly to steps S111 to S114 described with respect to the first embodiment, as a result of a change of the device DVC from the on state to the off state (for example, the switch LS that supplies the load-driving electric power to the load LD is controlled to be off) during the feedback control of the supply electric power, or as a result of a failure of the device DVC or the power supply system 301 due to some cause, when a state where the voltage Va of the supply electric power deviates from the predetermined voltage range is continuously detected for a predetermined period of time, the operation control section 13 performs the processing of this detected state as a voltage failure, and outputs the operation control signal to the output control section 14. For example, the control portion 13 is operated to stop the supply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 and to control to stop the power generation operation (automatic power off operation) of the power generation portion 12.

In addition, in the steady operation, as shown in fig. 41, if the load LD is stopped by controlling the switch LS that supplies power to the load LD to the off state when the user of the device DVCoperates the power supply switch PS or the like (off), or if the load is exhausted by moving the power supply system 301 out of the device DVC (stopped), the stop of driving the load LD is controlled and captured by the controller CNT of the device DVC, and a power stop request signal from the power supply system that requests the supply of power (load driving power) is output as load driving information to the operation control section 13 through the terminal section ELx. Upon receiving the load driving information (step S211), the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal for stopping the generation of electric power by the power generation section 12 to the output control section 14 (step S212). In accordance with the operation control signal of the operation control portion 13, the output control portion 14 turns off the supply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 and stops the heating of the heater for promoting the energy absorption reaction for generating hydrogen gas (step S213). The output control section 14 thereby stops the power generating operation of the power generating section 12, and stops the supply of the electric power (load driving electric power) to the device DVC in addition to the controller electric power (step S214).

Then, in the stopping operation illustrated in fig. 40 or 41, when the operation control section 13 catches the turning-off of the power generating section 12, for example, by outputting an operation control signal for stopping the power generation of the power generating section 12, or by detecting a voltage change of the power supply (substantially, load driving power) at any given timing by the voltage monitoring section 16, which is attenuated due to the turning-off of the power generating section 12, as shown in fig. 42, the operation control section 13 electrically separates the voltage monitoring section 16 from a position between the anode terminal EL (+) and the cathode terminal EL (-) and notifies the controller CNT of the device DVC of a turn-off notification signal (auto-power-off notification signal) indicating the stop of the power generating operation of the power generating section 12 from the power supply through the terminal section ELx, or the operation stop signal as the power generating operation information. As a result, the supply of the power generation fuel is stopped and the power generation portion 12 is automatically turned off with respect to the stop of the driving of the load LD in the device DVC. Then, the supply of the load driving power to the device DVC is stopped, and the power supply system 301 and the device DVC enter the above-described standby mode again.

As described above, according to the power supply system of this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the control of supplying and stopping electric energy, which may be predetermined driving electric energy, and the control of adjusting the electric energy to be generated may be started according to the driving state of the device (load) connected to the power supply system, and particularly, the power generation section 12 may perform the power generation operation only during the operation mode during which the device DVC may be normally driven. Therefore, the power generation fuel can be efficiently consumed, and the electromotive force can be maintained for a long time. Thus, it is possible to provide a power supply system that achieves electrical characteristics substantially equivalent to general-purpose chemical batteries, with less environmental load and with extremely high energy utilization efficiency.

In this embodiment, although a description has been given of bidirectional information notification, that is, notification of load driving information from the device DVC to the power generation system and notification of power generation operation information from the power supply system to the device DVC, the present invention is not limited to this. By performing at least one-way information notification, that is, notification of load driving information from the device DVC to the power generation system, load driving power according to the load driving state can be generated and output at the power supply system (power generation module).

[ third embodiment]

A third embodiment of a power generation module suitable for use in the power supply system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 43 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of a power generation module which is applied to a power supply system according to the present invention. Here, similarly to the above-described second embodiment, although a description will be given of a structure in which predetermined information is notified between the power supply system and the device to which the power supply system is connected through the terminal portion ELx, it goes without saying that a structure may be provided in which the power supply system is connected only through the electrode terminals (anode terminal and cathode terminal) and similarly to the first embodiment, no special notification is made between the power supply system and the device. Further, like reference numerals denote members equivalent to those of the first and second embodiments described above, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

In the power generation modules 10A and 10B according to the first and second embodiments, a description has been given of a structure in which the power generation fuel FL utilized by the sub power source portion 11 is directly discharged to the outside of the power supply system 301 as exhaust gas, or the power generation fuel FL is collected by a byproduct collecting device described later. However, in thepower generation module 10C according to this embodiment, when a specific fuel composition, such as hydrogen gas or a hydrogen compound, is contained, even if the power generation operation in the sub power supply portion 11 involves or does not involve a change in the compound composition of the power generation fuel FL, the power generation fuel FL used by the sub power supply portion 11 is reused as the power generation fuel for the power generation portion 12 directly, or is reused by extracting a specific fuel composition.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 43, the power generation module 10C according to this embodiment includes: a sub power source portion 11 having a structure and function similar to those of the above-described second embodiment (see fig. 32); a power generation portion 12; an operation control portion 13; an output control section 14; a start control section 15; a voltage monitoring portion 16; and an electrode portion ELx. In particular, the power generation module 10C is configured in such a mode that all or a part of the power generation fuel (which will be referred to as "discharged fuel gas" for convenience) used by the sub power source portion 11 to generate electric energy can be supplied to the power generation portion 12 through the output control portion 14 without being discharged outside the power generation module 10C.

The sub power supply section 11 applied to this embodiment has a structure capable of generating and outputting a predetermined electric power (second electric power) without consuming and converting the fuel composition of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20 through the I/F section 30 (for example, the power generation device shown in the second, third, fifth, or seventh structural example of the above-described first embodiment), or a structure that generates the exhaust fuel gas containing the fuel composition usable for the power generation operation of the power generation section 12 even if the fuel composition of the power generation fuel FL is consumed and converted (for example, the power generation device shown in the fourth or sixth structural example of the above-described first embodiment).

In the case where the power generation devices shown in the first to sixth structural examples of the first embodiment described above are used as the power generation portion 12, as the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20, a fuel substance having combustibility or inflammability, for example, an alcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol, or butanol, or a liquefied fuel composed of a hydrocarbon such as dimethyl ether, isobutane, or natural gas, or a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen, is used.

That is, the liquid fuel or liquefied fuel is liquid when charged into the fuel package 20 under predetermined filling conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.). When the sub power source portion 11 is supplied with the fuel gas, the fuel is vaporized to become the fuel gas having the high pressure when the predetermined environmental condition, such as the normal temperature or the normal pressure, is changed. Also, when the gaseous fuel is compressed by a predetermined pressure into the fuel pack 20 and supplied to the sub power source portion 11, it becomes a fuel gas having a high pressure according to the charging pressure. Therefore, after electric energy (second electric energy) is generated from such power generation fuel FL using, for example, pressure energy of the fuel gas in the sub power supply portion 11, electric energy (first electric energy) is generated by performing an electrochemical reaction, a combustion reaction, and the like using the fuel gas discharged from the sub power supply portion 11 in the power generation portion 12.

[ fourth embodiment]

A fourth embodiment of a power generation module suitable for use in the power supply system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 44 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a power generation module which is applied to a power supply system according to the present invention. Here, although a description is given about a configuration in which predetermined information is notified between the power supply system and the device to which the power supply system is connected, similarly to the above-described second and third embodiments, a configuration (configuration explained in conjunction with the first embodiment) may be employed in which no special notification is made between the power supply system and the device. Further, like reference numerals denote parts equivalent to those of the first to third embodiments described above, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

With respect to the power generation modules 10A and 10B according to the first to third embodiments described above, a description will be given of a structure in which predetermined electric energy (second electric energy) can be constantly and spontaneously generated using the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel packs 20A and 20B, as the sub power source portion 11. However, the power generation module according to this embodiment has a structure in which the sub power supply section 11 constantly and spontaneously generates the predetermined electric power without using the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 44, the power generation module 10D according to this embodiment includes: a power generation portion 12 having a structure and function similar to those of the above-described second embodiment (see fig. 32); an operation control portion 13; an output control section 14; a start control section 15; a voltage monitoringportion 16; and an electrode portion ELx, and further has a sub power supply portion 11 for constantly and spontaneously generating a predetermined electric power (second electric power) without using the electric power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack.

As a specific structure of the sub power supply section 11, it is possible to excellently apply, for example, thermoelectric conversion (thermoelectric generation) according to a temperature difference of the surrounding environment of the power supply system 301, and photoelectric conversion (photoelectric generation) according to light energy entering from outside the power supply system 301.

A specific example of the sub power supply section 11 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

(first structural example of sub power supply section of non-fuel type)

Fig. 45A and 45B are diagrams showing a first configuration example of a sub power supply section which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the first structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source portion 11S has a power generating device of such a structure for generating electric power by thermoelectric conversion using a temperature difference of the outer peripheral environment inside and outside the power supply system 301.

As shown in fig. 45A, the sub power source part 11S according to the first configuration example has a configuration such as a thermoelectric generator including: a first temperature holding portion 311 provided to one end side of the power supply system 301; a second temperature holding portion 312 provided to the other end side of the power supply system 301; and a thermoelectric conversion unit 313 having one end connected to the first temperature holding part side 311 and the other end connected to the second temperature holding part side 312. Here, the first and second temperature holding portions 311 and 312 are constituted such that their heating amounts change at any given time in accordance with the temperature state of the outer peripheral environment within the power supply system 301, and their arrangement positions are set in such a pattern that the temperatures of the first and second temperature holding portions 311 and 312 are different from each other.

Specifically, for example, it is possible to apply a structure in which any one of the first and second temperature maintaining portions 311 and 312 is always exposed to the outdoor air or the air through an opening portion or the like (not shown) provided to the device DVC to which the power supply system 301 is connected so that it can be maintained at a fixed temperature. Further, the thermoelectric conversion unit 313 has a structure equivalent to that shown in the fourth structural example (see fig. 8B) of the above-described first embodiment. Incidentally, regarding the structure of the sub power supply section 11S having the thermoelectric generator, the sub power supply section 11S can also be integrated and formed in a small space, similarly to the structure of the above-described embodiment, to which the micro-mechanical manufacturing process of this embodiment is applied.

In the sub power supply section 11S having such a structure, as shown in fig. 45B, when a temperature gradient is generated between the first and second temperature holding sections 311 and 312 with a deviation of the temperature distribution around the power supply system 301, an electromotive force according to thermal energy obtained from the temperature gradient is generated by the thermoelectric conversion unit 313 through the seebeck effect, thereby generating electric energy.

Therefore, by using the power generating device having such a structure tothe sub power source portion, predetermined power is constantly and spontaneously generated by the sub power source portion 11S, which can be supplied to every structure inside and outside the power supply system 301 as long as there is a deviation in the temperature distribution around the power supply system 301. Also, according to this structure, since all the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 can be used to generate electric power (first electric power) in the power generation portion 12, the power generation fuel can be effectively utilized, and the electric power as the load driving electric power can be supplied to the device DVC for a long time.

Although the description has been given with respect to the thermoelectric generator whose deviation from the distribution of the ambient temperature generates electric power by the seebeck effect in this structural example, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it has a structure that generates electric power based on the thermionic emission phenomenon in which the heated metal emits free electrons from the metal surface.

(second structural example of sub power supply section of non-fuel type)

Fig. 46A and 46B are diagrams showing a second configuration example of the sub power supply section 11T which is applied to the power generation module according to this embodiment.

In the second structural example, as a specific example, the sub power source section has a power generating device of such a structure for generating electric power by photoelectric conversion using light energy entering from outside the power supply system 301.

As shown in fig. 46A, the sub power supply portion 11T according to the first configuration example constitutes, for example, a well-known photoelectric conversion cell (solar cell) having a p-type semiconductor321 and an n-type semiconductor 322 connected together.

When such a photoelectric conversion cell is irradiated with light (light energy) LT having a predetermined wavelength, electron-hole pairs are generated near the p-N junction portion 323 by the photovoltaic effect, electrons (-) polarized by an electric field in the photoelectric conversion cell move to the N-type semiconductor 322, holes (+) move to the p-type semiconductor 321, and an electromotive force is generated between electrodes (between the output terminals Oe and Of) provided by the p-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor, thereby generating electric energy.

Here, in general, since the accommodation space of the battery (or the power generation unit) in the existing device is arranged at a position where light energy (specifically, sunlight or illumination lamp) hardly enters this space on the rear surface side or the like of the device, or the structure has a structure that completely accommodates the device battery, there is a possibility that light cannot sufficiently enter the sub power supply section. In the case of connecting the power supply system 301 in which the sub power supply portion 11T according to this structural example is used for the device DVC, therefore, as shown in fig. 46B, it is necessary to apply such a structure that the minimum light energy (light LT having a predetermined wavelength) necessary for the sub power supply portion 11T to generate a predetermined electric energy can be made by adopting a structure of an opening portion or a portion HL provided to the device DVC in advance or a structure in which the housing of the device DVC is made of a transparent or translucent member so that at least the sub power supply portion 11 or the power generation module 10C can be exposed. .

Therefore, by applying the power generation device having such a structure to the sub power supply section, predetermined electricpower can be constantly and spontaneously generated and supplied from the sub power supply section 11T to each structure inside and outside the power supply system 301 as long as the device DVC is used for a predetermined environment into which light energy can enter, such as an outdoor or indoor environment. In addition, according to this structure, since all the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 can be used by the power generation portion 12 for generating electric power (first electric power), it is possible to effectively use the power generation fuel.

Incidentally, in this structural example, in fig. 46B, although the most basic structure of the photoelectric conversion cell (solar cell) has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a structure having higher power generation efficiency according to any other configuration or principle may be applied.

A byproduct collecting apparatus suitable for use in the power supply system according to each of the above embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 47 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a byproduct collecting apparatus which is applied to a power supply system according to the present invention. Here, similarly to the above-described second to fourth embodiments, although a description will be given of a structure in which predetermined information is notified between the power supply system and the device to which the power supply system is connected, a structure in which no specific information is notified between the power supply system and the device (the structure described with respect to the first embodiment) may be utilized. In addition, like reference numerals denote parts equivalent to those of each of the embodiments described above, so that theexplanation thereof is simplified or omitted.

In each of the embodiments described above, when a structure is used as the power generation portion 12 or the sub power source portion 11, that is, a predetermined electric power is generated by an electrochemical reaction or a combustion reaction of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20E (the sub power source portion or the power generation portion shown in each of the structural examples described above), by-products are emitted in addition to the electric power. Since such by-products may contain substances that cause environmental damage when emitted to the nature or may be a factor in failure of a device to which the power supply system is connected in some cases, a structure including a by-product collecting device described below is preferably employed because emission of such by-products must be suppressed as much as possible.

In the power generation module 10E, the fuel pack 20E, and the I/F portion 30E having the structures and functions equivalent to each of the embodiments described above, as shown in fig. 47, the byproduct collecting device adapted to the power supply system according to the present invention has a structure in which, for example, the separating portion 17 is provided in the power generation module 10E, the separating portion 17 is used to collect all or a part of the byproducts generated when the power generation portion 12 generates electric energy, and the byproduct filling portion 403 for fixedly holding the collected byproducts is provided in the fuel pack 20E. Incidentally, although only the case of collecting the by-products generated by the power generation portion 12 is described in detail, it goes without saying that such a structure can be applied to the sub power supply portion 11 as well.

The separating portion 17 has the structure shown in each of the above embodiments. In the power generation portion 12 (which may include the sub power supply portion 11) for generating electric power, which may be load driving electric power (voltage/current) with respect to the device DVC to which the power supply system 301 is connected, the separation collection portion 17 separates a byproduct generated when the electric power is generated or a specific component of the byproduct, which is supplied to the byproduct filling portion 403 provided in the fuel pack 20E through a byproduct collection path located in the I/F portion 30E.

Incidentally, in the power generation section 12 (which may include the sub power supply section 11) employing each of the above-described embodiments, as a by-product generated at the time of generating electric power, there is water (H)₂O), etc., all or a part of the by-products or only specific components are collected by the separation section 17 and supplied to the by-product collection path. Meanwhile, if the collected byproduct is in a liquid state, a capillary phenomenon may be utilized to automatically supply the byproduct from the separation part 17 to the byproduct filling part 403 by forming a byproduct collecting path so that the inner diameter of the path may be continuously changed.

In addition, the byproduct filling portion 403 is provided inside the fuel package 20E or a portion 1 thereof and is configured to be able to supply and hold the byproduct collected by the separation portion 17 only when the fuel package 20E is connected to the power generation module 10E. That is, in the power supply system configured such that the fuel pack 20E can be connected to and separated from the self-generating module 10E without limitation, the fuel pack 20E is separated from the generating module 10E, and the collected and held by-product or specific component can be held in the by-product filling portion 403 without change or irreversibly, so that the by-product or specific component cannot leak or be discharged outside the fuel pack 20E.

Here, as described above, if the power generation portion 12 generates the by-product of the power generation, water (H)₂O), Nitrogen Oxide (NO)_X) Or Sulfur Oxides (SO)_X) Due to water (H)₂O) at normal temperature and pressureIn a liquid state, the by-product can be excellently supplied to the by-product filling portion 403 through the by-product collecting path. However, by-products, such as Nitrogen Oxides (NO), are slightly produced as the case may be_X) Or Sulfur Oxides (SO)_X) When they have vaporization points lower than ordinary temperature and pressure and are in a gaseous state, because of the possibility that their cubic volume becomes large and exceeds the preset volume of byproduct-filling portion 403, the collected by-product can be liquefied, and its cubic volume can be openedThe gas pressure of the separation portion 17 and the byproduct filling portion 403 is decreased by increasing, thereby keeping the byproduct in the byproduct filling portion 403.

Therefore, as a specific structure of the byproduct filling portion 403, it is possible to excellently apply a structure capable of, for example, irreversibly absorbing, absorbing and fixing, or fixing the collected byproduct or a specific component, for example, a structure in which an absorbing polymer is filled in the byproduct filling portion 403, or a structure including a collected material leakage preventing means, for example, a control valve, which is tightly closed by an internal pressure of the byproduct filling portion 403 or a physical pressure of a spring or the like, similarly to the above-described fuel leakage preventing means provided to the fuel pack 20.

Further, in the power supply system equipped with the by-product collecting device having such a structure, in the case where the fuel conversion type fuel cell shown in fig. 19 is used as the power generation section 12, carbon dioxide (CO) is discharged from the power generation section 12₂) And water (H)₂O) as a by-product, carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Hydrogen (H) generated in the steam reforming reaction, the water shift reaction, and the selective oxidation reaction (see chemical equations (1) to (3)) of the fuel reforming portion 210a₂) Water (H) generated together with electric energy (first electric energy) generated by electrochemical reaction (see chemical equations (6) and (7)) in the fuel cell portion 210b₂O). However, because of the carbon dioxide (CO) supplied₂) The quantity is very small and has little effect on the device, it is discharged outside the power supply system as non-collected matter, on the other hand water (H)₂O) and the like are collected by the separation section 17. Then, it is supplied to the byproduct filling portion 403 in the fuel pack 20E through the byproduct collecting path by utilizing the capillary phenomenon and is irreversibly held in the collection holding portion 21, for example.

Here, since the electrochemical reactions (chemical equations (2) and (3)) in the power generation portion 12 (fuel cell portion) are performed at a temperature of about 60 to 80 ℃, water (H) generated in the power generation portion 12₂O) is substantially discharged in a vapor (gas) state. Thus, the separation portion 17 is formed by, for example, cooling the vapor emitted from the power generation portion 12 or by applyingPressure and separate it from other gaseous components, collecting this component to liquefy only water (H)₂O) component (B).

Incidentally, in this embodiment, a description has been given of the case where a fuel cell of a fuel reforming type is used as the structure of the power generation portion 12 and methanol (CH)₃OH) isused as a power generation fuel. Thus, the by-products produced when generating electricity are mostly water and small amounts of carbon dioxide (CO)₂) The separation and collection of the specific component (i.e., water) by the separation portion 17 can be relatively easily achieved when discharged outside the power supply system. However, when a substance other than methanol is used as a power generation fuel, or when a structure other than a fuel cell is used as the power generation portion 12, there may sometimes be a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Nitrogen dioxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SOx), etc. and water (H)₂O) are produced together.

In this case, for example, after the separation section 17 separates water as a fluid from any other specific gas component (carbon dioxide or the like) produced in a large amount by the above-described separation method, they may be held together or individually in the byproduct filling section 403 provided by the single or a plurality of fuel packs 20E.

As described above, according to the power supply system employing the byproduct collecting apparatus of this embodiment, since the emission or leakage of the byproduct to the outside of the power supply system can be suppressed by irreversibly holding the byproduct of at least one component generated when the power generation module 10E generates electric energy in the byproduct filling portion 403 provided in the fuel pack 20E, it is possible to prevent the malfunction or deterioration of the apparatus due to the byproduct (e.g., water). Also, by collecting the fuel pack 20E holding the by-product, the by-product can be appropriately disposed of by a method that does not load the natural environment, thereby preventing pollution of the natural environment or global warming due to the by-product (for example, carbon dioxide).

The by-products collected by the above separation and collection method are irreversibly held in the collection holding portion by the following holding operation.

Fig. 48A to 48C are schematic views showing an operation of holding by-products by the by-product collecting device according to this embodiment. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

As shown in fig. 48A, the fuel pack 20 according to this embodiment has a fixed capacity, including: a fuel filling portion 401 in which power generation fuel FL such as methanol is filled; a byproduct filling section 403 for holding therein a byproduct such as water supplied from the separation section 17; a collection bag 23 for relatively changing the volume of byproduct filling portion 403 and causing byproduct filling portion 403 to completely separate fuel filling portion 401, as described later; a fuel supply valve 24A for supplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel filling portion 401 to the output control portion 14; and a byproduct inlet valve (inlet port) 24B for bringing the byproduct supplied from the separation section 17 to the byproduct charging section 403.

As described above, the fuel supply valve 24A and the byproduct intake valve 24B have a structure such as a check valve function, so that the supply of the power generation fuel FL or the intake of the byproduct can be started only when the fuel pack 20 is connected to the power generation module 10E through the I/F portion 30E. Incidentally, instead of the check valve function of the by-product entry valve 24B as described above, it is possible to fill the by-product filling portion 403 with such a structure that an absorbing (water absorbing) polymer or the like is filled.

In the fuel pack 20 having such a structure, when the power generation fuel charged inthe fuel filling portion 401 is supplied to the power generation module 10E (the power generation portion 12, the sub power source portion 11) through the fuel supply valve 24A, an operation of generating predetermined electric power is performed, and only a specific component (for example, water) of by-products generated while generating electric power by the separation portion 17 is separated and collected. Then, it is taken out and held in the byproduct filling portion 403 through the byproduct collecting path and the byproduct intake valve 24B.

As a result, as shown in fig. 48B and 48C, the volume of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel filling portion 401 decreases, and substantially the volume of the specific component or substance held by the byproduct filling portion 403 increases. At this time, with the structure in which an absorbing polymer or the like is filled in byproduct filling portion 403, the volume of byproduct filling portion 403 can be controlled, and thus byproduct filling portion 403 can have a volume larger than the actual volume of the byproduct to be taken out.

Therefore, regarding the relationship between the fuel filling portions 401 and 403, these spaces do not increase or decrease relatively simply with the operation of the power generation module 10 to generate electric energy (power generation), but according to the amount of by-products held by the by-product filling portion 403, as shown in fig. 48B, the collection bag 23 is pushed to the outside with a predetermined pressure to apply the pressure to the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel filling portion 401. Thus, the supply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation module 10E can be appropriately performed, and the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel filling portion 401 can be supplied until its by-products held by the by-product filling portion 403 are completely used up, as shown in fig. 48C.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, a description has been given of a case where all or a part of the by-products separated and collected by the separation section 17 additionally provided to the power generation module 10E are collected and held in the fuel pack 20, and the uncollected matter is discharged to the outside of the power supply system 301. However, it is possible to utilize a structure in which all or a part of the collected by-products (e.g., water) is reused as the fuel constituent component when the power generation module 10E (in particular, the power generation portion 12 and the sub power source portion 11) generates electric power. Specifically, in the structure in which the power generating means is composed of the fuel cell serving as the power generating portion 12 (which may include a sub power source portion), water is generated as a part of the by-product. However, as described above, in the fuel cell of the fuel reforming type, since water is necessary for the steam reforming reaction of the power generation fuel and the like, it is possible to adopt a structure in which a part of water in the collected by-products is supplied to the power generation portion 12 and reused for the reaction shown by the broken-line arrow (indicating "collected material to be reused") of fig. 47. According to this structure, since the amount of water previously charged into the fuel pack 20 and the amount of the power generation fuel FL for the steam reforming reaction or the like and the amount of the by-product (water) held in the by-product filling portion 403 can be reduced, a larger amount of the power generation fuel FL can be charged into the fuel pack 20 having a fixed capacity, thereby improving the power supply capability of the power supply system.

Other embodiments of the byproduct removing apparatus capable of collecting byproducts according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 49 is a block diagram showing a part of a power supply system. Similar to the power supply system shown in fig. 2, the power supply system according to this embodiment generally includes: a fuel pack 20C in which power generation fuel (fuel) and the like are filled; and a power generation module 10 which is detachably attached to the fuel pack 20C and generates electric energy (power generation) or the like using the fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20C. The fuel pack 20C is provided with: a fuel filling portion 401; an absorbent-filled portion 402; byproduct filling portion 403; and an I/F section 30C connected to these filling sections 401 to 403, and so on. Similar to the power supply system shown in fig. 47, the power generation module 10 includes: a sub power supply section 11; a power generation portion 12; an operation control portion 13; an output control section 14; a start control section 15; a voltage monitoring portion 16; a separation section 17, and so on.

As shown in fig. 50A to 50C, the fuel pack 20C includes a fuel filling portion 401 having an integrally formed storage bag, an absorbent filling portion 402, and a byproduct filling portion 403 which can be changed without limitation. The fuel pack 20 is formed of biodegradable synthetic resin, and the fuel filling portion 401, the absorbent filling portion 402, and the byproduct filling portion 403 are separated from each other so as not to be confused with each other, thereby obtaining a structure having a high sealing performance.

The fuel filling portion 401 has a fluid (or liquefied) compound or gaseous compound filled therein, which contains hydrogen in its composition, such as methanol or butane, and a fuel FL including water. Only when the fuel pack 20C is connected to the power generation module 10, the power generation fuel charged in the fuel charge portion 401, which is supplied in a predetermined amount necessary for the fuel cell portion 210b to generate the load driving electric power to be output to the load LD, is taken out through the fuel reforming portion 210 a.

The absorbent filling section 402 includes a carbon dioxide absorbing section 404 and a calcium carbonate collecting section 405. The carbon dioxide absorbing section 404 is connected to the selective oxidizing reaction section 210Z through a mixed gas conduit 412, and is connected to the fuel cell section 210b through a hydrogen gas supply pipe 414. Carbon dioxide absorption unitThe portion 404 is adjacent to the calcium carbonate collecting portion 405 so as to contact it and selectively receive hydrogen (H)₂) -carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Only carbon dioxide gas is purged from the mixed gas (first gas) generated by chemical change of the fuel supplied from the fuel filling portion 401 in the fuel reforming portion 210a described later. Specifically, it is configured such that only when the fuel pack 20C is connected to the power generation module 10, the first gas from the mixed gas duct 412 is generated in the fuel conversion section 210a, and the second gas, which is the carbon dioxide (CO) removed from the first gas, is supplied to the fuel cell section 210b₂) Extracted, the main component is hydrogen (H)₂). In the initial state where the fuel FL is filled in the fuel filling portion 401, the calcium carbonate collecting portion 405 is empty because calcium carbonate is not collected at all and water is not collected at all in the water collecting portion 407. In addition, the byproduct filling portion 403 is substantially empty.

The carbon dioxide absorbing agent is filled in the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404. However, as the carbon dioxide absorbent, a substance is used which selectively absorbs only carbon dioxide from the hydrogen-carbon dioxide mixed gas generated from the fuel reforming part 210a, and no harmful substance or environmental pollutant is generated by absorbing carbon dioxide even if it is discarded in nature, buried or burned.

Calcium oxide (CaO) is used as a carbon dioxide absorbent to selectively remove carbon dioxide from the mixed gas through a reaction shown in chemical reaction equation (8).

…(8)

Calcium oxide is a very inexpensive substance. In addition, a carbon dioxide absorption apparatus using these substances absorbs carbon dioxide gas (CO)₂) Conditions such as high temperature and high pressure are not required. By using this substance as a carbon dioxide absorbent, the fuel pack 20C according to this embodiment can be manufactured very economically in a small scale.

Further, although calcium carbonate produced by the reaction shown in the chemical reaction equation (8) is contained in the calcium carbonate collecting part 405, it is a substance harmless to the human body or the natural environment. Even if calcium carbonate is discarded in the nature, buried or burned, it does not produce harmful substances. Thus, the fuel package 20 having calcium oxide or calcium carbonate can be disposed of after use without adversely affecting the environment.

Incidentally, since the reaction shown in the chemical reaction equation (8) is an exothermic reaction, the carbon dioxide absorbing portion 404 may be configured to supply heat generated by absorbing carbon dioxide to the fuel conversion portion 210a and the like described later. As a result, the energy utilization efficiency of the power supply system according to this embodiment can be further improved.

Because the cubic volume per mole of calcium carbonate is greater than that of calcium oxide, the calcium carbonate collection portion 405 expands as calcium carbonate is produced. In addition, since the fuel FL is consumed according to the progress of the reaction of the fuel cell portion 210b, the water generated by the fuel cell portion 210b is supplied to the water collecting portion 407, and the byproduct filling portion 403 is expanded accordingly. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 50A, in the initial state, although the absorbent filled portion 402 is arranged on the left side, the absorbent filled portion 402 includes the carbon dioxide absorbing portion 404 having only calcium oxide, which is moved to the right as the absorbent filled portion 402, and the by-product filled portion 403 expands when the reaction shown in FIG. 5OB is performed. Then, as shown in fig. 50C, at the end result, when the fuel FL is used up, the fuel pack 20C is substantially occupied by the absorbent filling portion 402 and the byproduct filling portion 403. As shown in fig. 51, the fuel packs 20C in the form of thin sheets are wound and accommodated in the accommodating portions 409. Then, it is connected to the power generation module 10. In this case, as will be described later, the power supply system can be easily formed to have substantially the same external shape as a general-purpose chemical battery.

Here, although with respect to 1 mole of methanol (CH)₃OH) and 1 mol of water (H)₂O) 3 moles of water (H) were generated by chemical reaction equations (1) and (2)₂O), liquid 1 mol methanol (CH)₃OH) was 40.56cm3, and 1 mole of water (H)₂O) is 18.02cm³. Therefore, the temperature of the molten metal is controlled,it is assumed that methanol charged in the fuel filling portion 401 in the initial state is Mcm³Liquid fuel (methanol (CH) occupying the fuel filling portion 401₃OH) and water (H)₂O)) is 1.444Mcm³。

Then, when allthe methanol (CH)₃OH) reaction, cubic volume of water (H) as by-product₂O) is 1.333Mcm³Water and liquid fuel in the initial state (methanol (CH)₃OH) and water (H)₂O)) became about 92.31% by volume. Therefore, the volume of the fuel filling portion 401 for the initial state fuel FL is substantially equal to the byproduct filling portion 403 when the fuel FL is used up, and the volume of calcium carbonate generated when the fuel FL is used up is substantially twice as large as that of the initial state calcium oxide. Therefore, because the fuel pack 20C has a volume larger than that of the initial-state fuel pack 20C when the fuel FL is used up, the volume of the accommodating portion 409 is preferably set in a mode in which it substantially fills the fuel pack 20C when the fuel FL is used up. It should be noted that the outer shape of the fuel pack 20C according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described shape.

The separation portion 17 separates water (H) from by-products generated when the fuel cell portion 210b generates load driving power₂O), carbon dioxide is emitted from the power generation module 10 to the outside through the water collecting part 407 provided to the byproduct filling part 403 through the water introduction pipe 416. A part of the water separated by the separation section 17 is supplied to the steam reforming reaction section 210X and/or the water shift reaction section 210Y as necessary and combined with carbon monoxide.

The I/F portion 30C is configured to detachably connect the fuel pack 20C and the power generation module 10. In addition, only when the fuel pack 20C and the power generation module 10 are connected to each other through the I/F portion 30C, the power generation fuel is supplied from the fuel pack 20C to the power generation module 10, and when a specific component of a byproduct generated when electric power is generated is emitted from the power generation module 10 to the fuel pack 20C, gas is supplied/received between the fuel pack 20C and the power generation module 10. The I/F section 30C includes a fuel delivery pipe 411 for delivering the fuel FL to the power generation module by capillary phenomenon; a mixed gas guide 412 for conducting the hydrogen and carbon dioxide reformed by the fuel reforming part 210 to the carbon dioxide adsorption part 404; a hydrogen gas supply pipe 414 for supplying hydrogen of high concentration from the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404; and a water guide pipe 416 for guiding the water separated by the separation part 17 to the water collection part 407. The I/F portion 30C is configured to be able to prevent fuel or waste material from leaking out before the power generation module 10 is connected or when the connection is released during use.

The fuel delivery pipe 411 is inserted into the fuel pack 20C. When the fuel pack 20C is connected to the power generation module 10, the fuel delivery pipe 411 attempts to deliver the fuel to the operation control section 13 through the fuel delivery pipe 411 of the capillary phenomenon. However, when the fuel cell section 210b is not driven, the fuel delivery pipe 411 is controlled to close the valve of the operation control section 13. Further, when the load LD transits from the standby (off) state to a state in which the main function is started by the positive and negative electrodes of the power supply system, the voltage monitoring section 16 detects a potential that proves the transition. When the start signal is supplied to the operation control section 13, the operation control section 13 starts and opens the valve of the fuel delivery pipe 411 with the electric power of the sub power supply section 11, thereby supplying the fuel. Also, the supply of a predetermined amount of fuel to the fuel conversion portion 210a is started.

Here, the fuel pack 20C may be formed of a material that generates a chlorinated organic compound (dioxin-based; polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin, polychlorinated dibenzofuran) or a hydrogen chloride gas, and harmful substances such as heavy metals, or environmental pollutants are little or limited even if artificial heating/incineration or chemical treatment, etc. are performed.

Moreover, since the power generation fuel is used for the power supply system according to this embodiment, it is possible to excellently apply the fuel, which cannot be a pollutant of the natural environment, even if the fuel pack 20C with the power generation fuel charged therein is discarded in the nature or buried and leaked into the air, soil and water, to generate electric energy with high energy conversion efficiency in the fuel cell section 210b of the power generation module 10, specifically, a liquid compound with alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, butanol, etc., or a gaseous compound such as hydrocarbon gas such as dimethyl ether, isobutane, natural gas (LPG), etc., or hydrogen, etc.

In addition, although in the above-described embodiment shown in fig. 83, the carbon dioxide generated from the separation section 17 is emitted through the discharge hole 14d, the carbon dioxide from the separation section 17 may be absorbed by the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404 through the carbon dioxide conduit 415, as shown in fig. 52. In such a power supply system, since the by-product is hardly discharged to the outside, the power supply system is particularly effective as a power source of the device so that the power supply system is connected to a closed space to make airtight, for example, as a wristwatch having a waterproof function.

In addition, although the absorbent filling part 402 is constituted by the calcium carbonate collecting part 405 and the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 having calcium oxide in the above embodiment,the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 can also be constituted by calcium hydroxide instead of calcium oxide, and calcium oxide can be provided as the water absorbing part.

Now, the application of calcium hydroxide to the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404 according to a modification of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 53. Here, like names and like reference numerals give structures equal to those of the above-described embodiments, so that explanations thereof are simplified or omitted. The power supply system according to this embodiment is generally constituted by a fuel pack 20M having power generation fuel (fuel) charged therein and a power generation module 10 detachably connected to the fuel pack 20M, and generates electric energy (power generation) or the like by using the fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20M. Provided to the fuel pack 20M are a fuel filling portion 401, an absorbent filling portion 402, a byproduct filling portion 403, an I/F portion 30E connected to these filling portions 401 to 403, and the like. In addition, similarly to the power supply system shown in fig. 47, the power generation module 10 is constituted by a sub power supply section 11, a power generation section 12, an operation control section 13, an output control section 14, a start control section 15, a voltage monitoring section 16, a separation section 17, and the like.

As shown in fig. 54A to 54C, the fuel pack 20M includes a fuel filling portion 401 having an integrally formed storage bag, an absorbent filling portion 402, and a byproduct filling portion 403 which can be changed without limitation. The fuel pack 20M is formed of a synthetic resin or the like having a biodegradable property, and the fuel filling portion 401, the absorbent filling portion 402, and the byproduct filling portion 403 are separated from each other so as not to be confused with each other, thereby providing a structure having a high sealing performance.

The absorbent filling part 402 includes: IIA carbon oxide absorption portion 404 containing calcium hydroxide;a calcium carbonate collection portion 405, and a water absorption portion 406 comprising calcium oxide. The carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 is adjacent to the calcium carbonate collecting part 405 and the water absorbing part 406 so as to contact them and selectively receive hydrogen (H)₂) -carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Only carbon dioxide gas is purged from the mixed gas (first gas) generated by the chemical change of the fuel supplied from the fuel filling portion 401 in the fuel reforming portion 210 a. Specifically, only when the fuel pack 20M is connected to the power generation module 10, the first gas generated by the fuel conversion section 210a is led out from the mixed gas conduit 412 and carbon dioxide (CO) is eliminated from the first gas₂). Moreover, the by-product may be hydrogen (H) as a major component₂) And water with hydrogen (H)₂) And water to the water absorbing part 406.

Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)) suitable for use in the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404₂) Carbon dioxide is selectively eliminated from the mixed gas by the reaction shown in chemical reaction equation (9).

…(9)

Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)₂) Is a very inexpensive substance. In addition, carbon dioxide absorption devices using these substances absorb carbon dioxide gas (CO)₂) Conditions such as high temperature or high pressure are not required. Therefore, using such a substance as a carbon dioxide absorbent or the like, the fuel pack 20M according to this embodiment can be inexpensively manufactured in a small scale.

Furthermore, calcium carbonate (CaCO) is produced despite the reaction shown in the reaction chemical equation (9)₃) Contained in the calcium carbonate collecting part 405, which is a substance harmless to the human body or the natural environment. Moreover, it does not produce harmful substances even if it is discarded in nature, buried or burned. Thus, the fuel package 20M with the calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide or the like can be discarded after use without adversely affecting the environment.

Incidentally, since the reaction shown in the reaction chemical equation (9) is an exothermic reaction, the carbon dioxide absorbing portion 404 may be configured to supply heat generated by absorbing carbon dioxide to the fuel conversion portion 210a and the like described later. As a result, the energy utilization efficiency of the power supply system according to this embodiment can be further improved.

Here, although water is generated when the carbon dioxide absorbent of the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 absorbs carbon dioxide, the water absorbing part 406 absorbs water in the second gas from the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 through the water/hydrogen moving pipe 413 by the reaction shown in the chemical reaction equation (10). Accordingly, the water absorption part 406 may absorb the water generated from the carbon dioxide adsorption part 404 and the water remaining from the chemical reaction with carbon monoxide in the fuel reforming part 210 a.

…(10)

As a result, the third gas supplied from the water absorbing part 406 through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 414 may be hydrogen of high concentration, and calcium hydroxide generated by equation (10) may serve as the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404.

As shown in fig. 54A, the absorbent filling portion 402 in the initial state is constituted by a carbon dioxide absorbing portion 404 containing calcium hydroxide and a water absorbing portion 406 containing calcium oxide. However, the chemical reactions of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate proceed in the above-described order, and finally the absorbent-filled portion 402 is constituted substantially by the carbon dioxide-absorbing portion 404 containing calcium carbonate and the calcium carbonate-collecting portion 405.

Because the cubic volume per mole of calcium carbonate is greater than that of calcium oxide, the calcium carbonate collection portion 405 expands as calcium carbonate is produced. Since the cubic volume per mole of calcium hydroxide is larger than that of calcium oxide, the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 expands with calcium hydroxide. However, as described above, calcium hydroxide is converted to calcium carbonate, and therefore no significant swelling can be noted. Further, since the fuel FL is consumed in accordance with the progress of the reaction in the fuel cell portion 210b, the water generated by the fuel cell portion 210b is supplied to the water collecting portion 407, and the byproduct filling portion 403 is expanded accordingly.

Therefore, although the absorbent-filled portion 402 is arranged on the left side, it moves to the right when the reaction proceeds and the absorbent-filled portion 402 and the byproduct-filled portion 403 expand as shown in fig. 54B. Finally, as shown in fig. 54C, the fuel pack 20M is mainly occupied by the absorbent filling portion 402 and the byproduct filling portion 403 when the fuel FL is completely consumed. As shown in fig. 51, the fuel packs 20M in the form of thin sheets are wound and accommodated in the accommodating portions 409. In this state, the fuel pack 20M may be connected to the power generation module 10. In this case, the power supply system can be easily formed to have the same external shape as ageneral chemical battery, as described later.

The volume of the fuel filling portion 401 having the fuel FL filled therein in the initial state is substantially equal to the volume of the byproduct filling portion 403 when the fuel FL is completely consumed, whereas calcium carbonate generated when the fuel FL is used up has a volume twice as large as that of calcium oxide in the initial state. Therefore, since the fuel package 20M has a larger volume than the initial-state fuel package 20M when the fuel FL runs out, it is preferable to set the volume of the accommodating portion 409 so that the accommodating portion 409 is mainly occupied by the fuel package 20C when the fuel FL runs out.

The carbon dioxide separated by the separation section 17 may be discharged through the discharge hole 14d, or may be absorbed by the carbon dioxide absorption section 404 by providing the carbon dioxide conduit 415. Further, a part of the water separated by the separation section 17 is supplied to the steam reforming reaction section 210X and/or the water shift reaction section 210Y as necessary and combined with carbon monoxide.

Although the water absorbing portion 406 is provided separately from the water collecting portion 403 of the embodiment shown in fig. 53, the water absorbing portion 406 containing calcium oxide also serves as the water collecting portion shown in fig. 55. The water absorbing section 406 absorbs water from the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404 through the water/hydrogen moving pipe 413 and also absorbs water from the separation section 17 through the water leakage pipe 416 of the I/F section 30N. At this point, the water absorbing portion 406 of the fuel package 20N may be a polymeric moisture absorbent.

In addition, carbon dioxide is absorbed by the carbon dioxide absorbing portion 404 through the vapor reforming reaction portion 210X, the watershift reaction portion 210Y and the selective oxidation reaction portion 210Z of the above embodiment via the mixed gas leakage pipe 412, but the amount of carbon dioxide generated by the water shift reaction portion 210Y and the selective oxidation reaction portion 210Z is small, and the mixed gas in which carbon dioxide can be reformed from the vapor reforming reaction portion 210X is absorbed by the carbon dioxide absorbing portion 404 containing calcium oxide via the mixed gas guiding pipe 412 as shown in fig. 56. Here, the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 of the fuel pack 20P is connected to the steam reforming reaction part 210X through the mixed gas guide 412 of the I/F part 30P, and is also connected to the water shift reaction part 210Y through the hydrogen supply pipe 414. Although the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404 absorbs carbon dioxide from among hydrogen, carbon dioxide, a small amount of water, and a small amount of carbon monoxide supplied from the steam reforming reaction section 210X, the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404 is not limited to calcium oxide, and calcium hydroxide may be used. In the case of calcium hydroxide, the water produced by absorbing carbon dioxide may be used to combine carbon monoxide in the water shift reaction section 210Y. Incidentally, at this time, the carbon dioxide separated by the separation section 17 may be discharged through the discharge hole 14d, and a carbon dioxide conduit 415 may be provided so that the carbon dioxide absorption section 404 may absorb the carbon dioxide. In addition, calcium hydroxide may be applied to the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 instead of calcium oxide. In this case, as shown in fig. 57, the fuel pack 20Q may be equipped with a water absorbing portion 406 so as to absorb water generated from the carbon dioxide absorbing portion 404. The water absorbing part 406 contains calcium oxide and is connected to the carbon dioxide adsorbing part 404 through a water/hydrogen moving pipe 413. Further, it is connected to the watershift reaction section 210Y through the hydrogen supply pipe 414 of the I/F section 30Q.

The carbon dioxide separated by the separation section 17 may be discharged through the discharge hole 14d, and a carbon dioxide conduit 415 may be provided so that the carbon dioxide absorption section 404 may absorb the carbon dioxide. In addition, a part of the water separated by the separation section 17 is supplied to the steam reforming reaction section 210X and/or the water shift reaction section 210Y as necessary and combined with carbon monoxide.

Although the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404 is connected to only a part of the fuel reforming part 210a of the above-described embodiment, it may be connected to a plurality of units of the fuel reforming part 210a, respectively. A modification of the carbon dioxide absorbing section according to the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 58.

The fuel pack 20R includes a fuel filling part 401, an absorbent filling part 402, and a water collecting part 403, and is connected to an I/F part 30R, which is equipped with a fuel delivery pipe 411, a first mixed gas introduction pipe 421, a first hydrogen supply pipe 422, a second mixed gas introduction pipe 423, a second hydrogen supply pipe 424, a third mixed gas introduction pipe 425, a hydrogen supply pipe 414, and a water introduction pipe 416.

The absorbent filling part 402 has a calcium carbonate collecting part 405, a water collecting part 406 containing calcium oxide, a first carbon dioxide absorbing part 404A, a second carbon dioxide absorbing part 404B, and a carbon dioxide absorbing part 404C. The calcium carbonate-collecting part 405 is empty in the initial state, and the first carbon dioxide absorbing part 404A, the second carbon dioxide absorbing part 404B and the carbon dioxide absorbing part 404C each contain the necessary minimum amount of calcium oxide.

The first carbon dioxide absorbing part 404A is connected to the steam reforming reaction part 210X through a first mixed gas introducing tube 421, the mixed gas introducing tube 421 serves to introduce a first mixed gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, etc., and is also connected to the water shift reaction part 210Y through a first hydrogen supply tube 422.

The second carbon dioxide absorbing part 404B is connected to the steam reforming reaction part 210Y through a second mixed gas conduit 423 for conducting the mixed gas containing carbon dioxide generated from the water shift reaction part 210Y, and the second mixed gas conduit 423 is also connected to the selected oxidation reaction part 210Z through a second hydrogen supply pipe 424.

The third carbon dioxide absorbing part 404C is connected to the selective oxidizing reaction part 210Y through a third gas guiding pipe 425, the third gas guiding pipe 425 is used for conducting carbon dioxide generated by the selective oxidizing reaction part 210Z, and is also connected to the water absorbing part 406 through a water/hydrogen moving pipe 413.

In the first carbon dioxide absorbing part 404A, the second carbon dioxide absorbing part 404B, and the third carbon dioxide absorbing part 404C, calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide contained in the mixed gas and generates calcium carbonate. In addition, calcium carbonate is supplied to the calcium carbonate collecting section 405. In the water absorbing part 406, calcium hydroxide reacts with water generated from the first carbon dioxide absorbing part 404A, the second carbon dioxide absorbing part 404B, and the third carbon dioxide absorbing part 404C, and calcium hydroxide is generated. Then, the calcium hydroxide is supplied to the first carbon dioxide absorbing part 404A, the second carbon dioxide absorbing part 404B, and the third carbon dioxide absorbing part 404C. When the fuel FL in the fuel filling portion 401 runs out, the water absorbing portion 406 is almost calcium oxide, and the absorbent filling portion 402 is provided such that calcium carbonate of the calcium carbonate collecting portion 405 occupies most of the inside of the absorbent filling portion 402.

The carbon dioxide separated by the separation section 17 may be discharged through the discharge hole 14d, and a carbon dioxide conduit 415 may be provided so that the carbon dioxide absorption section 404 may absorb the carbon dioxide. Further, a part of the water separated by the separation section 17 is supplied to the steam reforming reaction section 210X and/or the water shift reaction section 210Y as necessary and combined with carbon monoxide. Also, the water collecting part 403 may be omitted, and the water absorbing part 406 and the water introduction duct 416 may be connected to each other.

In each of the above-described embodiments, although the absorbent filled portion 402 and/or the water collecting portion 403 integrally constitute the fuel filled portion 401, a cutting line may be provided between the fuel filled portion 401 and the absorbent filled portion 402 and/or the water collecting portion 403, and therefore the absorbent filled portion 402 and/or the water collecting portion 403 may be cut and discarded from the fuel filled portion 401.

In each of the above-described embodiments, although the absorbent filled portion 402 is provided to the fuel pack 20, it may be provided in the power generation module 10 if the amount of calcium carbonate to be generated is sufficiently small.

A residual amount detection device for a power generation fuel suitable for use in the power supply system according to each of the above-described embodiments will nowbe described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 59 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a residual amount detecting apparatus which is applied to a power supply system according to the present invention. In addition, fig. 60 is a diagram showing a startup operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Fig. 61 is a schematic view of a stable operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment; and fig. 62 is a schematic view of a stop operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, similarly to the second to fourth embodiments, a description will be given of a case where predetermined information is notified between the power supply system and the device to which the power supply system is connected. However, it is possible to apply the configuration in which no special notification is performed between the power supply system and the device (the configuration shown in the first embodiment). Further, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

As shown in fig. 59, in the power generation module 10F, the fuel pack 20F and the I/F portion 30F have the same structure and function as each of the above-described embodiments, and the fuel remaining amount detecting device adapted to the power supply system according to the present invention has a structure in which the remaining amount detecting portion 18 is provided to the inside of any one of the power generation module 10F, I/F portion 30F and the fuel pack 20F (here, the inside of the power generation module 10F), the remaining amount detecting portion 18 being for detecting the amount of power generation fuel FL (remaining amount) held in the fuel pack 20F and outputting its remaining amount detecting signal to the operation control portion 13.

The remaining amount detecting portion 18 is for detecting the amount of the power generation fuel FL held in the fuel package 20F. For example, when the power generation fuel FL is charged in the fuel pack 20F in a liquid state, a residual amount of the power generation fuel FL is detected by adopting a technique of measuring a liquid level of the fuel by an optical sensor or the like or measuring a change in attenuation (a dimming ratio) of light passing through the fuel. Then, the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL detected by the remaining amount detecting portion 18 is output as a remaining amount detection signal to the operation control portion 13. Based on the residual amount detection signal, the operation control portion 13 outputs an operation control signal for controlling the operating state of the power generation portion 12 to the output control portion 14 and outputs information on the residual amount of fuel for power generation to the controller CNT included in the device DVC. It should be noted that the residual amount detecting portion 18 is driven with the electric power of the sub power supply portion 11 every time the fuel pack 20F in which the electric power generation fuel FL is charged is connected to the electric power generation module 10F and the I/F portion 30F.

In the power supply system having such a structure, the operation control equivalent to the above-described second embodiment (including the case where the operation control of the first embodiment is simultaneously performed in parallel) can be basically applied, and the operation control inherent to this embodiment as described below can be applied in addition to the above-described control.

First, in the starting operation (see fig. 27 and 34) of the overall operation described with respect to the first and second embodiments, when the operation control portion 13 detects a change in the power supply voltage through the voltage monitoring portion 16, or when it receives load drive information from the controller CNT included in the device DVC and requests power supply, the operation control portion 13 refers to the residual amount detection signal from the residual amount detection portion 18 and determines whether or not an amount of the power generation fuel FL sufficient to normally start the power generation portion 12 remains before outputting the operation control signal for starting the power generation portion 12 to the operation of the start control portion 15 (step S104 or S204).

When the operation control portion 13 determines from the residual quantity detection signal that the power generation fuel held in the fuel pack 20F has a sufficient quantity necessary for the starting operation of the power generation portion 12, the operation control portion 13 performs the starting operation (steps S104 to S106 or S204 to S206) described with respect to the above-described first or second embodiment, generates the load driving electric power by the power generation portion 12, and supplies the predetermined power supply capability to the device DVC.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 60, when the operation control section 13 determines from the residual amount detection signal that the power generation fuel held in the fuel package 20F has a sufficient amount necessary for the start-up operation (when it detects a residual amount error), the operation control section 13 notifies the start-up error signal to the controller CNT of the device DVC through the terminal section ELx as power generation operation information according to the residual amount error. As a result, the controller CNT can notify the device DVC user of the residual amount error information and prompt appropriate processing such as replacement of the power supply system or replenishment of the power generation fuel.

Further, in the stable operation of the overall operation described with respect to the first or second embodiment (see fig. 27 and 34), as shown in fig. 61, the operation control section 13 may sequentially monitor the residual amount detection signal (residual amount) detected by the residual amount detection section 18, and notify the controller CNT in the device DVC of a residual amount information signal, such as an assumed residual time, in which the actual residual amount data itself, the residual amount ratio, or the electric power can be output to the controller CNT included in the device DVC as the power generation operation information, through the terminal section ELx.

As shown in fig. 61, the operation control portion 13 may output, for example, an operation control signal to the output control portion 14 for controlling the amount of power generation by the power generation portion 12 based on the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL detected by the remaining amount detection portion 18, adjusting the amount of power generation fuel supplied to the power generation portion 12 so as to decrease as the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL decreases, and controlling the load driving electric power (mainly the voltage of the power supply power supplied to the device DVC) generated by the power generation portion 12 to gradually change (decrease) with time.

Therefore, the controller CNT can accurately grasp the residual amount of the power generation fuel in the power supply system or the assumed time of the driving of the starting device DVC based on the residual amount information signal or the change in the power supply voltage, and notify the user of information urging replacement of the power supply system or replenishment of the power generation fuel. Therefore, for example, the function of notifying the user of the device of the residual amount of the battery can be excellently operated in accordance with the output voltage ofthe power source or the residual amount of the battery, thereby realizing a usage configuration substantially equivalent to the case where a general-purpose chemical battery is used as the operating electric energy of the device.

In this stable operation, when the operation control portion 13 detects a residual amount error, for example, a sharp drop in the residual amount of the power generation fuel FL, from the residual amount detecting portion 18 during the feedback control of the power supply (the load driving power generated by the power generation portion 12) as shown in fig. 62, the operation control portion 13 turns off the supply of the power generation fuel to the power generation portion 12 and stops the power generation operation of the power generation portion 12 by outputting an operation control signal for stopping the power generation portion 12 from generating the power generation fuel FL as the power generation operation information to the output control portion 14. Further, the operation control portion 13 stops the heating of the heater for promoting the energy absorption reaction for generating hydrogen gas, and notifies the controller CNT of the device DVC of an abnormal stop signal as power generation operation information according to a residual error or the stop operation of the power generation portion 12 through the terminal portion ELx. As a result, the controller CNT can notify the device DVC user of information on the operation stop caused by the residual quantity error and prompt appropriate measures to be taken for the occurrence of leakage of the power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack to the outside of the power supply system 301.

The structure of each block will be described in detail hereinafter.

[ fifth embodiment]

(A) Power generation module 10

A description will now be given, with reference to fig. 63, of a fifth embodiment of a power generation module adapted to the power supply system according to the present invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to those of the above-described first embodiment, so that the explanation thereof is simplified or omitted.

The power generation module 10G according to this embodiment is configured to generally include: a sub power supply section (second power supply device) 11 that constantly and spontaneously generates a predetermined electric power (second electric power) using the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20G through the I/F section 30G and outputs it at least as a drive electric power (controller electric power) of a controller CNT included in a device DVC connected to the power supply system 301 and controlling a drive load LD (a unit or module of the device DVC having various functions) and an operation electric power of an operation control section 13 provided in the power generation module 10G to be described later; an operation control section 13 which operates with the electric power supplied from the sub power supply section 11 and controls the operating state of the entire power supply system 301;

the power generation portion (first power supply device) 12 generates predetermined electric power (first electric power) using the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel pack 20G through the I/F portion 30G or a specific fuel composition extracted from the power generation fuel, and outputs it at least as load drive electric power for various functions (loads LD) of the device DVC connected to the power supply system 301; an output control portion 14 that controls the amount of generated fuel supplied to the power generation portion 12 and/or the amount of electric energy to be supplied, in accordance with an operation control signal of the operation control portion 13; and a start control section 15 that controls at least the power generating section 12 to shift from the standby mode to an operation mode capable of generating power in accordance with an operation control signal of the operation control section 13. The operation control section 13, the output control section 14, and the start control section 15 according to this embodiment constitute a system control apparatus of the present invention.

The power generation module 10G has a structure in which the residual amount detecting portion 18 is provided inside the power generation module 10G, I/F portion 30G or the fuel package 20G (here, inside the power generation module 10G) with a residual amount detecting portion 18 for detecting the amount of the power generation fuel FL held in the fuel package 20G (residual amount) and outputting a residual amount detection signal to the operation control portion 13.

That is, the power supply system 301 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to output a predetermined electric power (load-driving electric power) to the device DVC connected to the power supply system 301 without depending on the fuel supply or the control from the outside of the system (except for the power generation module 10G, the fuel pack 20G, and the I/F section 30G).

As shown in fig. 63, the sub power source portion 11 adapted to the power generation module according to this embodiment is configured to be able to constantly and spontaneously generate a predetermined electric energy (second electric energy) necessary for the starting operation of the power supply system 301 by utilizing the physics or chemistry of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20G. In addition, this electrical energy substantially comprises: driving power (controller power) for a controller included in the device DVC and controlling a driving state thereof; an electric power E1 constantly supplied as operating electric power for the operation control portion 13 for controlling the operating state of the entire power generation module 10G and the residual amount detection portion 18 for detecting the residual amount of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20G; and an electric power E2 supplied at least to the output control section 14 (which may further include the power generation section 12 according to the configuration), the start control section 15, and the residual amount detection section 18 as a start electric power (voltage/current) at the start of the power generation module 10G. It should be noted that the electric energy, which may be the operating electric energy of the residual amount detection portion 18, may be configured to be supplied after the start-up control portion 15 starts up the power generation module 10G, and to be supplied continuously.

As a specific structure of the sub power source portion 11, for example, a structure (fuel cell) utilizing an electrochemical reaction of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20G, or a structure (thermoelectric generation) utilizing thermal energy generated by a catalytic combustion reaction can be excellently applied. Further, it is possible to apply a structure (gas turbine power generation) of utilizing the charge pressure of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20G or the kinetic energy conversion action of rotating the generator to generate electric power by generating air pressure by vaporizing the fuel, or the like; a structure (biochemical power generation) that captures electrons produced by microorganisms using the metabolism (photosynthesis, gettering, etc.) of the power generation fuel FL as a nutrient source and directly converts it into electric energy; a structure (vibration power generation) that converts vibration energy generated by fluid energy of the power generation fuel FL into electric energy according to the filling pressure or the inflation pressure by the principle of electromagnetic induction; a structure using discharge from a unit of an electric energy storage device such as a secondary battery (charger) or a capacitor; the electric energy generated by each structure that generates electric power is stored in an electric energy storage device (a storage battery, a capacitor, etc.) and released (discharged), and so on.

Fig. 64 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, description will be given with appropriate reference to the structure of the above-described power supply system (fig. 63).

As shown in fig. 64, the power supply system 301 having the above-described structure is generally controlled to execute: an initial operation (steps S101 and SI02) for supplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 to the power generation module 10 and continuously generating and outputting electric power (second electric power), which may be operating electric power and controller electric power in the sub power source portion 11;

a start operation (steps S103 to S106) for supplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 20 to the power generation portion 12 and driving the load LD in the device DVC according to the remaining amount of the power generation fuel in the fuel package 20, and generating and outputting an electric energy (first electric energy) which may be a load driving electric energy; a stabilization operation (steps S109 to S113) for adjusting the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied tothe power generation portion 12 in accordance with the remaining amount of the power generation fuel and the driving state of the load LD, and performing feedback control of generating and outputting electric energy in accordance with the driving state of the load LD; and a stopping operation (steps S114 to S116) for stopping the supply of the power generation fuel FL of the power generation portion 12 from being turned off and stopping the generation of electric power in accordance with the load LD. As a result, a power supply system suitable even for the existing device DVC can be realized.

(A) Initial operation of the fifth embodiment

First, in an initial operation, in the power supply system, the power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20 are integrally constituted by the I/F part 30, for example, by releasing the stopped state of the fuel supply path of the I/F part 30 at the time of connection to the device, the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20 enters the fuel supply path by a capillary phenomenon of the fuel supply path and is automatically supplied to the sub power supply part 11 of the power generation module 10 (step S101). In the sub power supply section 11, at least electric power (second electric power) which may be the operation electric power of the operation control section 13 and the driving electric power (controller electric power) of the controller CNT included in the device DVC is spontaneously generated and continuously output (only electric power which may be the operation electric power of the operation control section 13 and the residual amount detection section 18 is output until the power supply system is connected to the device) (step S102).

On the other hand, in the power supply system configured such that the power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20 can be connected and separated without limitation, the fuel pack 20 and the power generation module 10 are connected through the I/F part 30, the leakage preventing function of the fuel leakage preventing means provided to the fuel pack 20 is released, and the power generation fuel charged in the fuel pack 20 enters the fuel supply path through the capillary phenomenon of the fuel supply path and is automatically supplied to the sub power source part 11 of the power generation module 10 (step S101). At the sub power supply portion 11, electric power (second electric power) which may be at least the operation electric power and the controller electric power is spontaneously generated and continuously outputted (only electric power which may be the operation electric power of the operation control portion 13 and the residual amount detection portion 16 is outputted until the power supply system is connected to the device) (step S102).

As a result, the operation control section 13 and the residual amount detection section 16 of the power generation module 10 start operating, and monitor the load driving information from the device DVC and the residual amount detection signal from the residual amount detection section 16. In addition, when the power supply system is connected to the device DVC, a part of the power generated by the sub power supply section 11 is supplied to the controller CNT included in the device DVC as controller power, and the controller CNT is driven to control the driving of the load LD of the device DVC. Also, the operation control section 13 of the power supply system 301 (power generation module 10) is notified of the driving information as load driving information.

(B) Start-up operation of the fifth embodiment

Subsequently, in the startup operation, when the device DVC user or the like performs an operation of driving the load LD, a power supply request signal requesting supply of power (first power) which may be load driving power for the operation control section 13 of the power generation module 10 is output from the controller CNT as load driving information. Upon receiving the load drive information indicating the voltage change input through the terminal portion Elx of the power supply system 301 (step S103), the operation control portion 13 refers to the residual amount data of the power generation fuel FL based on the residual amount detection signal output from the residual amount detection portion 16, and determines whether there is the amount of the power generation fuel FL that can normally perform the starting operation (step S104) before the starting operation of the power generation module 10.

Here, when an error is detected in the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL (for example, when the remaining amount is zero), the operation control portion 13 outputs fuel-remaining-amount information on the remaining-amount error to the controller CNT of the device DVC, notifies the device DVC user of this error, and stops the starting operation. On the other hand, when it is determined that the sufficient power generation fuel FL is held in the fuel package 20, the operation control portion 13 outputs an operation control signal for starting up the power generation portion (start-up) of the power generation portion 12 to the start-up control portion 15.

According to the operation control signal of the operation control section 13, by supplying a part of the electric power generated by the sub power supply section 11 to the output control section 14 and the power generation section 12 as the starting electric power (step S106), the starting control section 15 supplies the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 to the power generation section 12 through the output control section 14 and performs an operation of generating the electric power (first electric power) which may be the load driving electric power and outputting it to the device DVC (load LD) (step S107). As a result, upon receipt of the power generation fuel, the power generation portion 12 is automatically started in response to a request from the load LD of the drive device DVC, and supplies the load drive power composed of the predetermined output voltage. Therefore, when the electric energy characteristics substantially equivalent to those of the general-purpose chemical battery are realized, the load LD can be excellently driven.

In this start-up operation, the operation control section 13 may be configured to monitor a voltage change of the power (load driving power) generated by the power generation section 12 and supplied to the device DVC, supply to the device DVC as one of the load driving information, and output a start-up end signal indicating that a predetermined voltage reaches the controller CNT of the device DVC. Therefore, the present invention can also be excellently used as a power source for a device DVC having a configuration for controlling the driving state of the load LD, according to the voltage value of the load driving electric energy.

(C) Stable operation of the fifth embodiment

Then, in the steady operation after the above-described start operation, as the overall control of the output voltage of the load driving electric energy (control of the voltage over time), until the operation control portion 13 shifts to a later-described stop operation in accordance with, for example, the stop of the load LD, the operation control portion 13 detects the remaining amount detection signal from the remaining amount detection portion 16 continuously or periodically and monitors the remaining amount data of the power generation fuel FL (step S109); referring to a predetermined correlation table in which a correlation between the remaining amount of the power generation fuel and the output voltage is determined based on the remaining amount data (step S110); and outputs to the output control section 14 an operation control signal controlled such that the amount of electric energy (amount of electric power generation) to be generated in the electric power generation section 12 is changed in accordance with a predetermined output voltage characteristic (step S111).

Here, by referring to the correlation table, the operation control section 13 outputs the operation control signal so controlled that the output voltage of the load driving electric energy output from the power generation module 10 varies, while proving that the output voltage characteristic is equivalent to, for example, the tendency of the voltage to change with time in a general-purpose chemical battery (e.g., a manganese battery, an alkaline battery, a button-type alkaline battery, a coin-shaped lithium battery, or the like). At this time, the operation control section 13 outputs the actual residual amount data itself or the residual amount ratio or the estimated remaining time during which electric power can be output, as the fuel residual amount information, to the controller CNT included in the device DVC.

The output control section 14 adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation section 12 in accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control section 13 (step S112), and controls such that the output voltage of the load driving electric power supplied to the device DVC can be set to a voltage in accordance with the output voltage characteristic (step S113). As a result, since the output voltage of the load-driving electric energy supplied from the power supply system 301 to the device DVC proves equivalent to the trend over time of the general-purpose chemical battery, the existing residual quantity notification function with which the controller CNT included in the device DVC has can be excellently operated in accordance with the output voltage or the fuel residual quantity information, and the user of the device DVC can be periodically or continuously notified of the residual quantity of the battery or the estimated time at which the load LD can be driven.

In addition, as the partial control (individual voltage control) of the output voltage of the load driving electric power, in addition to the above-described overall control, the operation control section 13 may receive the variation of the output voltage of the load driving electric power supplied from the power generation section 12 to the device DVC as the load driving information, and output an operation control signal for controlling the amount of increase and decrease (power generation amount) of the electric power generated by the power generation section 12 to the output control section 14, so that the output voltage of the load driving electric power can be set within a predetermined voltage range (fluctuation allowable range of the output voltage, which varies according to the output voltage characteristics of the above-described general-purpose chemical battery). As a result, the output control portion 14 adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 in accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control portion 13, and performs feedback control so that the output voltage of the load drive electric power supplied to the device DVC can be set within the above-described voltage range. Therefore, even if the voltage of the load driving electric energy varies due to a variation in the driving state (load state) of the load LD on the device DVC side, it is possible to supply the electric energy in accordance with the power consumption of the device DVC, which varies with the driving of the load LD.

Further, if the driving state of the load LD is grasped by the controller CNT of the device DVC and a function of requesting supply of electric energy according to the driving state on the powersupply system side is provided, as part control of the output voltage of the load driving electric energy, the operation control section 13 may receive the electric energy change request signal from the controller CNT as the load driving information and output an operation control signal for setting the electric energy generated by the power generation section 12 to the output voltage according to the request to the output control section 14. As a result, the output control section 14 adjusts the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation section 12 in accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control section 13, and the control is performed such that the output voltage of the load drive electric power supplied to the device DVC can be set to a voltage in accordance with the request, and an appropriate electric power can be supplied in accordance with the drive state (load state) of the device DVC-side load LD. Therefore, the voltage variation of the load driving power due to the variation of the driving state of the load LD can be greatly suppressed, while the occurrence of the erroneous operation of the device DVC can be reduced.

Here, a description will be given in detail about the output voltage characteristic used for the overall control of the output voltage of the load driving power.

Fig. 65 is a characteristic diagram showing a change over time in the output voltage of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, a description will be given of comparison of electromotive force characteristics between a general-purpose chemical battery and a related-art fuel cell, while appropriately referring to the structure of the above-described power supply system (fig. 63).

As shown in fig. 65, with respect to the output voltage characteristic of the power supply system according to this embodiment (for convenience of explanation, it will be written as "first output voltage characteristic Sa"), the output voltage is controlled so as to exhibit a variation tendency substantially equivalent to that of the output voltage with time produced by the discharge of the general-purpose chemical battery. That is, the amount of the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 is controlled (set to decrease) by the output control portion 14 so that the power generation state of the power generation portion 12 of the power generation module 10 can be weakened according to the elapse of the discharge time (in other words, the remaining amount of the liquid fuel in the fuel pack 20).

Specifically, with regard to the method of controlling the output voltage according to this embodiment, as described above, the amount of the power generation fuel FL held in the fuel pack 20 is first detected by the residual amount detecting portion 16, and its residual amount detection signal is input to the operation control portion 13 continuously (continuously) or periodically. Here, however, the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL decreases with the elapse of the time for which the power generation portion 12 generates electric power, and thus the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL and the elapsed time have close correlation.

On the other hand, the operation control section 13 is provided with a correlation table having a first output voltage characteristic Sa in which the correlation between the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL and the output voltage is uniquely defined so as to conform to the tendency of the output voltage over time generated by the discharge of a general-purpose chemical battery (manganese battery, alkaline battery, button-type alkaline battery, coin-shaped lithium battery, etc.). As a result, the operation control portion 13 associates the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL obtained by the remaining amount detection signal with the elapse of the discharge time, uniquely determines the output voltage according to the characteristic curve (first output voltage characteristic Sa) shown in fig. 65, and performs adjustment so as to supply the amount of the power generation fuel FL corresponding to the output voltage to the power generation portion 12. Here, uniquely defining the correlation between the remaining amount of liquid fuel and the output voltage means that the output voltage value or the output electric energy value conforms to the remaining amount of power generation fuel FL one-to-one correspondence, as shown in fig. 4, which is not limited to the trend shown in the characteristic curve of fig. 65, but may vary in a substantially straight line form.

Moreover, regarding the output of the general chemical battery, since the change over time of the output voltage differs depending on each volume of the battery of, for example, D to AAAA size or the battery of coin shape, the shape and size of the power supply system according to this embodiment may be those of the general chemical battery complying with the standard in accordance with the general chemical battery, as described later, and the correlation table (output voltage characteristic) of the operation control portion 13 may be set in such a mode that the output voltage according to the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL coincides with or approaches or becomes similar to the output voltage based on the remaining life of the same kind of chemical battery. Therefore, for example, the trajectory of the output voltage variation with time of the fuel supply system No. D according to the present invention is set to match the trajectory of the weakened output voltage variation with time in the electromotive force of various chemical batteries, for example, the manganese battery No. D according to JIS or it is enlarged or reduced along the time axis.

That is, as described above, although the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL and the elapsed time have a close correlation, such a relationship does not necessarily match the relationship between the battery remaining amount of the general-purpose chemical battery and the elapsed time of charging. That is, in the case where a fuel cell or the like is used as the structure of the power generation portion 12, since the energy conversion efficiency becomes higher than the characteristic of the general-purpose chemical cell, the voltage may be changed (decreased) per unit time longer than the first output voltage characteristic Sa, which corresponds to the trend of change in the voltage of the general-purpose chemical cell with time, as shown, for example, in the second output voltage characteristic Sb of fig. 65.

Specifically, in the first output voltage characteristic Sa, it is assumed that the lower limit of the voltage range of the guaranteed operation is the voltage V₀And reaches a voltage V₀The time necessary is T₀，1/2T₀I.e., when the remaining duration becomes half, is determined as T_0.5And the voltage at that time is determined as V_0.5. Here, it is preset that when the controller CNT included in the device DVC detects that the output voltage of the power supply system reaches the voltage V₀Then, the residual amount notification Ia is executed.

On the other hand, in the second output voltage characteristic Sb, it is assumed that the voltage is set equal to the voltage V of the chemical cell when the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL is substantially zero₀And to a voltage V₀The necessary time is T₀′，1/2T₀' the time when the remaining life becomes half is determined as T_0.5' the voltage at this moment is set equal to the voltage V of the chemical cell_0.5。

That is, the amount of the power generation fuel FL to be supplied or the amount of oxygen or air to be supplied set by the output control portion 14 is controlled such that the voltage output from the power generation module 10 when the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 becomes half is equal to the voltage when the remaining amount of electromotive force in the operation ensured voltage range of the general-purpose chemical cell becomes half, and the voltage when the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL is substantially zero is equal to the voltage when the remaining amount of electromotive force in the operation ensured voltage range of the general-purpose chemical cell is substantially zero.

As described above, if the power supply system according to this embodiment is used as the power source of the device DVC, when the output voltage uniquely determined according to the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL reaches a voltage lower than the operation guaranteed voltage range of the device DVC regardless of the discharge elapsed time, the remaining amount notification Ib for urging replacement or charging of the battery is executed by the device DVC, which does not necessarily match the time of the remaining amount notification Ia when the general-purpose chemical battery is used.

Therefore, the life T of the power supply system according to this embodiment₀' (the point in time at which the output voltage becomes lower than the lower limit of the operation guaranteed voltage range of the device 1DVC as the power generation fuel FL decreases) need not necessarily coincide with the life T of the general-purpose chemical battery₀The time output voltage characteristics can be satisfied in matching to draw a trace that is enlarged or reduced along the time axis T. Incidentally, the residual amount detecting portion 16 may detect the remaining amount of minute division of the power generation fuel FL, for example, when the remaining amount is 33% or 25%, and is not necessarily limited to only detecting the time when the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL becomes half or substantially zero. In summary, it sets the output voltage to approximately match the output voltage according to the residual amount of the electromotive force of the chemical battery.

According to the power supply system having such output voltage characteristics, since the output voltage of the power supply system shows such a tendency of change that is equivalent to that of a general-purpose chemical battery when the output voltage of the power supply system is applied to the existing device DVC as operating power, when the existing residual quantity notification function is excellently operated by detecting the change of the output voltage by the controller CNT provided in the device DVC, the battery residual quantity or the estimated time during which the device DVC can be driven is periodically or continuously displayed, or when a voltage lower than the operation guaranteed voltage range of the device DVC is reached, the residual quantity notification urging replacement or charging of the battery is accurately performed.

In addition, as will be described, when the power supply system (power generation module) according to this embodiment is integrated into a small space by applying a micro-mechanical manufacturing process, reduced in size and weight, and configured in an external shape or size equivalent to a commercially available chemical battery, it is possible to achieve complete compatibility with the commercially available chemical battery in terms of external shape and voltage characteristics, and can further promote the popularization of the existing battery market. As a result, since a power supply system having high energy utilization efficiency, such as a fuel cell, can be popularized to replace existing chemical batteries having many problems with environmental conditions or energy utilization efficiency without hindrance, energy resources can be effectively utilized while suppressing the influence on the environment.

(D) Stop operation of the fifth embodiment

Subsequently, in the stopping operation, when the operation control section 13 receives the load driving information on the stop of the load LD (S108), the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal for stopping the generation of the electric power by the power generation section 12 to the output control section 14 (step S114). In accordance with the operation control signal from the operation control portion 13, the output control portion 14 turns off the supply of the power generation fuel FL to the power generation portion 12 (step S115), stops the operation of the power generation portion 12 (step S116), and stops the supply of the load driving electric power to the device DVC.

Specifically, even if the feedback control is performed in the above-described stable operation, when the operation control section continuously detects a state where the output voltage of the load drive electric power supplied to the device DVC deviates from the predetermined voltage range for a predetermined time, the operation control section 13 erroneously processes the output voltage as the load drive information and outputs the operation control signal for stopping the generation of the electric power by the power generation section 12 to the output control section 14.

That is, when the user of the device DVC performs an operation of stopping the load LD, or the load runs out due to, for example, the power supply system 301 being detached from the device DVC, even if the feedback control or the like is performed at the above-described stable operation for setting the output voltage of the load driving power within the predetermined voltage range, the output voltage may deviate from the preset voltage range of the load driving power. Therefore, when the operation control section 13 detects such a state continuously for a predetermined time or more, it determines that the load LD of the device DVC is stopped or suspended, and stops the power generating operation of the power generating section 12.

In addition, when the stop state of the load LD is grasped by the controller CNT of the device DVC, a function of requesting the power generation system side to stop supplying electric power is provided, the operation control section 13 receives an electric power stop request signal as load drive information from the controller CNT, and outputs an operation control signal for stopping the generation of electric power by the power generation section 12 to the output control section 14.

As a result, since the supply of the power generation fuel is turned off, the power generation portion 12 is automatically turned off with respect to the stop of the load LD of the device DVC, and the like, it is possible to realize the electric power characteristics substantially equivalent to those of the general-purpose chemical battery while efficiently consuming the power generation fuel FL.

In addition, when the residual amount detecting portion 16 detects a residual amount error, for example, a sudden decrease in the residual amount of the power generation fuel FL, the operation control portion 13 may output an operation control signal for stopping the power generation by the power generation portion 12 to the output control portion 14 based on the detection signal regarding the residual amount error, stop the power generation operation of the power generation portion 12, and output information regarding the residual amount error to the controller CNT included in the device DVC, so that the user of the device DVC can be notified of this information. As a result, it is possible to quickly detect the occurrence of an abnormal state, such as leakage of the power generation fuel FL from the fuel package 20 to the outside of the power supply system 301, and notify the user of the device DVC of taking appropriate measures.

As described above, according to the power supply system of this embodiment, since it is possible to control the supply of electric energy, which may be predetermined driving electric energy, the stop of electric energy, and the adjustment of the amount of electric energy to be generated, in accordance with the driving state (load driving information) of the load LD connected to the power supply system and the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL, without receiving the supply of fuel or the like from the outside of the power supply system. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power supply system having less environmental load but high energy conversion efficiency while achieving electrical characteristics substantially equivalent to those of a general-purpose chemical battery. Therefore, instead of the existing chemical battery having many problems in terms of environmental conditions or energy utilization, the power supply system according to this embodiment can be popularized in the existing battery market without hindrance. Incidentally, although the output voltage varies depending on the remaining amount of the power generation fuel FL in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output current value may be changed.

[ sixth embodiment]

A description will now be given, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of a sixth embodiment of a power generation module adapted to a power supply system according to the present invention.

Fig. 66 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of apower generation module which is applied to a power supply system according to the present invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to those of the above-described fifth embodiment, so that the explanation thereof is simplified or omitted.

In the power generation module 10G according to the above-described fifth embodiment, a description has been given of a structure in which the power generation fuel FL utilized by the sub power source portion 11 is directly discharged to the outside of the power supply system 301, as exhaust gas or collected by a byproduct collecting device described later. However, in the power generation module 10H according to this embodiment, when the power generation operation in the sub power supply portion 11 does not involve a change in the composition of the power generation fuel FL, or when a specific fuel composition is contained, even if the change in composition is involved, the power generation fuel FL for the sub power supply portion 11 is reused as the power generation fuel for the power generation portion 12 directly, or is reused by extracting a specific fuel composition.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 66, the power generation module 10H according to this embodiment includes: a sub power supply section 11; a power generation portion 12; an operation control portion 13; an output control section 14; a start control section 15; and a residual quantity detection portion 16 which has a structure and a function similar to those of the above-described fifth embodiment (see fig. 63), and in particular which is configured such that all or a part of the power generation fuel (off-gas) used by the sub power supply portion 11 to generate electric energy can be supplied to the power generation portion 12 through the output control portion 14 without being discharged outside the power generation module 10H.

The sub power supply section 11applied to this embodiment has a structure capable of generating and outputting a predetermined electric power (second electric power) without consuming and converting the fuel composition of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20G through the I/F section 30G (for example, the power generation device explained in the second, third, fifth, or seventh structural example of the above-described first embodiment), or has a structure that generates an exhaust gas containing the fuel composition usable for the power generation operation of the power generation section 12 even if the fuel composition of the power generation fuel FL is consumed and converted (for example, the power generation device explained in the fourth or sixth structural example of the above-described first embodiment).

In addition, in the case where the power generation devices shown in the first to sixth structural examples of the first embodiment described above are used as the power generation portion 12, as the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20G, a fuel substance having combustibility or inflammability, for example, an alcohol-based liquid fuel such as methanol, ethanol, or butanol, or a liquefied fuel composed of hydrocarbons such as dimethyl ether, isobutane, or natural gas, or a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen, is used.

The liquid fuel or liquefied fuel is liquid when charged into the fuel pack 20G under predetermined filling conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.). If this fuel is changed to a predetermined environmental condition, such as normal temperature, normal pressure, etc., when supplied to the sub power source portion 11, it is vaporized into a high-pressure fuel gas. In addition, when the gaseous fuel is charged in the fuel pack 20G in a state of being compressed at a predetermined pressure and supplied to the sub power supply portion 11, it becomes a high-pressure fuel gas according to the charging pressure. With such a power generation fuel FL, therefore, for example, after electric power (second electric power) is generated using the pressure energy of the fuel gas in the sub power source portion 11, by using the exhaust gas discharged from the sub power source portion 11, the power generation portion 12 performs an electrochemical reaction, a combustion reaction, or the like to generate electric power (first electric power),

[ seventh embodiment]

A seventh embodiment of a power generation module suitable for use in the power supply system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 67 is a block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of a power generation module which is applied to the power supply system according to the present invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to those of the above-described first embodiment, so that the explanation thereof is simplified or omitted.

In the power generation modules 10G and 10H according to the above-described fifth and sixth embodiments, a description has been given of a case where a structure that constantly generates a predetermined electric power (second electric power) spontaneously by using the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20G is used as the sub power source portion 11. However, in the power generation module according to this embodiment, the sub power supply section has such a structure that the predetermined electric power is constantly and spontaneously generated without using the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20G.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 67, the power generation module 10J according to this embodiment includes: a power generation portion 12; an operation control portion 13; an output control section 14; a start control section 15; and a residual amount detecting portion 16 having a structure and function similar to those of the above-described fifth embodiment (see fig. 63), the power generation module 10J is further equipped with a sub power supply portion 11 for constantly and spontaneously generating predetermined electric power (second electric power) without using the electric power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20.

As a specific structure of the sub power supply section 11, it is possible to excellently apply thermoelectric conversion (thermoelectric generation) according to a temperature difference of the surrounding environment of the power supply system 301, piezoelectric conversion (photoelectric generation) according to light energy entering from outside the power supply system 301, and the like.

Any other byproduct collecting apparatus suitable for the power supply system according to each of the above-described embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 68 is a block diagram showing an example of a byproduct collecting apparatus which is applied to the power supply system according to the present invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

In each of the embodiments described above, when such a structure is used as the power generation portion 12 or the sub power source portion 11 that generates predetermined electric power (the sub power source portion or the power generation portion shown in each of the structural examples described above) using the electrochemical reaction or the combustion reaction of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20, by-products are sometimes discharged in addition to the electric power. Since sucha by-product may contain a substance that causes environmental destruction when discharged to the nature or may be a factor that sometimes causes malfunction of a device connected to the power supply system, it is preferable to apply a structure that contains a by-product collecting device described below because it is necessary to suppress discharge of such a by-product as much as possible.

As shown in fig. 68, for example, the by-product collecting device applied to the power supply system according to the present invention has a structure in which, in the power generation module 10K, the fuel pack 20, and the I/F section 30K each having a structure and a function similar to those of each of the above-described embodiments, for example, in the power generation module 10K of this example, the separation section 17 is provided for collecting all or a part of the by-product components generated at the time of power generation by the power generation section 12, and in the fuel pack 20K, a by-product filling section 403 is provided for fixedly holding the collected by-products. Incidentally, here, although only the case of collecting the by-products generated by the power generation portion 12 is described, it goes without saying that such a structure can be applied to the sub power supply portion 11 as well.

The partition portion 17 has the structure shown in each of the above embodiments. In the power generation portion 12 (which may include the sub power supply portion 11), the power generation portion 12 generates electric power, which may be load-driven electric power (voltage/current) separation and collection portion 17 that separates byproducts or specific components of the byproducts generated at the time of power generation using the electrochemical reaction or combustion reaction of the power generation fuel FL supplied from the fuel pack 20K, for at least the device DVC to which the power supply system 301 is connected, and supplies the separated byproducts or specific components of the byproducts to the byproduct filling portion 403 supplied from the fuel pack 20K through the byproduct collection path supplied to the I/F portion 30K.

In the power generation section 12 (which may include the sub power supply section 11) to which each of the above-described embodiments is applied,as a by-product generated when electric energy is generated, there is water (H)₂O), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), etc., and all or a part of the by-products or a specific component thereof is collected by the separation section 17 and supplied to the by-product collection path. Incidentally, if the collected by-product is in a liquid state, a capillary phenomenon may be utilized through the inner diameter forming the by-product collecting path so as to automatically supply the by-product from the separating portion 17 to the by-product filling portion 403, so that the inner diameter of the path may be continuously changed.

The byproduct filling portion 403 is provided inside or a part of the fuel pack 20K. The collection holding portion 21 is configured to be able to supply and hold the by-products collected by the separation portion 17 only when the fuel pack 20K is connected to the power generation 10K. That is, in the power supply system, the fuel pack 2OK may be connected to or separated from the self-generating module 10K without limitation, and the collected and held by-products or specific components are fixedly or irreversibly held in the by-product filling portion 403 without leaking or being discharged to the outside of the fuel pack 20K when the fuel pack 20K is detached from the generating module 10K.

As described above, water (H) is a by-product generated when the power generation portion 12 generates power₂O), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or sulfur oxides (SOx) because of water (H)₂O) is in a liquid state at normal temperature and pressure, water can be excellently supplied to the byproduct filling portion 403 through the byproduct collecting path. However, in the case where the vaporization point of the by-product is usually lower than the normal temperature and pressure and is in a gaseous state, such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) or sulfur oxide (SOx), its cubic volume becomes large and exceeds the volume preset in the by-product filling portion 403. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a structure in which the collected by-product is liquefied and the cubic volume is reduced, so that the by-product can be held in the by-product filling portion 403 by increasing the gas pressure in the separation portion 17 and the by-product filling portion 403.

Therefore, as a specific structure of byproduct filling portion 403, it is possible to excellently apply a structure capable of irreversibly absorbing, absorbing and fixing, or fixing the collected byproduct or a specific component, for example, a structure in which an absorbing polymer is filled in byproduct filling portion 403, or a structure equipped with a collected material leakage preventing means, for example, a control valve which is closed by an internal pressure of byproduct filling portion 403 or a physical pressure of a spring or the like, similarly to the fuel leakage preventing means provided in fuel pack 20 described above.

In the power supply system equipped with the by-product collecting device having such a structure, in the case where the fuel conversion type fuel cell shown in fig. 26 is used for the power generation section 12, carbon dioxide (CO) is discharged from the power generation section 12₂) And water (H)₂O) as a by-product, carbon dioxide (CO)₂) With hydrogen (H) in the steam reforming reaction, the water shift reaction, and the selective oxidation reaction (see chemical equations (1) to (3)) of the fuel reforming portion 210a₂) Together with water (H) generated at the fuel cell portion 210b by the electric energy (first electric energy) generated by the electrochemical reaction (see chemical equations (6) and (7)) together₂O) is discharged. However, because of carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Has little effect on the device so it is discharged as uncollected material outside the power supply system. On the other hand, water (H)₂O) and the like are collected by the separation portion 17, supplied to the byproduct filling portion 403 of the fuel pack 20K through the byproduct collecting path by a capillary phenomenon or the like, and irreversibly held in the byproduct filling portion 403. Here, since the electrochemical reactions (chemical equations (2) and (3)) in the power generation portion 12 (fuel cell portion) are performed at a temperature of about 60 to 80 ℃, water (H) generated in the power generation portion 12 is generated₂O) is discharged in a substantially vapor (gaseous) state. Therefore, the separation section 17 liquefies only water (H) by, for example, cooling the vapor discharged from the power generation section 12 or by applying pressure and separating it from other gas components, thereby collecting this component₂O) component (B). .

Incidentally, in this embodiment, a description has been given of the case where a fuel cell of a fuel reforming type is used as the structure of the power generation portion 12 and methanol (CH)₃OH) is used as a power generation fuel. Thus, when power generation is produced by-products mostly water and a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO)₂) The separation and collection of the specific component (i.e., water) by the separation and collection portion 17 can be relatively easily performed when being discharged outside the power supply system. However, when a substance other than methanol is used as a power generation fuel, or when a structure other than a fuel cell is used as the power generation portion 12, there may sometimes be a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Nitrogen dioxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SOx), etc. and water (H)₂O) are produced together.

In this case, for example, after the separation section 17 separates water as a fluid from any other specific gas component (carbon dioxide or the like) produced in a large amount by the above-described separation method, they may be held together or individually in one or more collection holding sections 21 provided in the fuel package 20E.

As described above, according to the power supply system to which the byproduct collecting apparatus of this embodiment is applied, since the discharge or leakage of the byproducts outside the power supply system can be suppressed by irreversibly holding the byproducts of at least one component generated when the power generation module 10E generates electric energy in the collection holding portion 21 provided in the fuel pack 20E, it is possible to prevent the malfunction or deterioration of the apparatus due to the byproducts (e.g., water). Also, by collecting the fuel pack 20E holding the by-product, the by-product can be appropriately disposed of by a method that does not load the natural environment, thereby preventing pollution of the natural environment or global warming due to the by-product (for example, carbon dioxide).

By the holding operation described with reference to fig. 48A to 48C, the by-products collected by the above-described separation and collection method are irreversibly held in the collection holding portion by such a holding operation.

A description will now be given, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of a fuel stabilizing apparatus adapted to the power supply system according to each of the above-described embodiments.

Fig. 69 is a block diagram showing an example of a fuel stabilization device which is applied to the power supply system according to the present invention. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

As shown in fig. 69, in the power generation module 10L, the fuel pack 20L and the I/F section 30L have a structure and a function similar to each of the above-described embodiments, the fuel stabilizing apparatus adapted to the power supply system according to the present invention has such a structure, that is, a support control valve 25 and a pressure control valve 26 are provided in any one of the I/F section 30L and the fuel pack 20L (the fuel pack 20L in this example), the support control valve 25 is used to detect the filling state (temperature, pressure, etc.) of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L, and stops the supply of the electric power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20L to the electric power generation module 10L (the sub power supply portion 11 and the electric power generation portion 12) when the filling state exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the pressure control valve 26 is used to detect the filling state (temperature, pressure, etc.) of the electric power generation fuel FL in the fuel pack 20L and control the filling state to a predetermined steady state.

When the temperature of the electric power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the replenishment control valve 25 is automatically activated, and the supply of the electric power generation fuel FL to the fuel supply path is shut off. Specifically, it is possible to excellently apply such a control valve, which is closed when the pressure of the fuel pack 20L increases withan increase in the temperature of the power generation fuel FL.

In addition, when the pressure of the fuel package 20L exceeds a predetermined threshold value as the temperature of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 20L increases, the pressure control valve 26 is automatically actuated, thereby reducing the pressure in the fuel package 20L. Specifically, it is possible to excellently apply a pressure reducing valve (relief valve) that opens when the pressure of the fuel pack 20L increases.

As a result, for example, with the power supply system connected to the device DVC, when the temperature or pressure of the fuel pack 20L increases due to, for example, heat generation by the power generation module 10L or a load driving the device, an operation of stopping the supply of the power generation fuel FL or an operation of releasing the pressure is automatically performed, thereby stabilizing the filling state of the power generation fuel FL.

Then, in the overall operation of the above-described power supply system (see fig. 64), in the case where the operation of starting the power supply system is performed, the operation control section 13 determines in advance whether or not the generated fuel FL is normally supplied with reference to the operating state of the replenishment control valve 25, that is, the supply state of the generated fuel FL of the fuel pack 20L, and thereafter performs the above-described operation. Here, when the shut-off of the supply of the power generation fuel FL is detected, the operation control section 13 outputs information on the filling error of the power generation fuel FL to the controller CNT included in the device DVC and notifies the user of the device DVC of this error, regardless of the above-described operation of the fuel stabilization device (particularly, the pressure control valve 26) to stabilize the filling state of the power generation fuel FL.

Further, in the overall operation of the above-described power supply system (see fig. 64), in the case where the power supply system continues to operate stably (feedback control), the operation control section 13 then refers to the operating state of the replenishment control valve 25, that is, the supply state of the power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20L. Then, when it is detected that the supply of the power generation fuel FL is turned off, or when the load driving power of the device DVC is abruptly decreased to be received as the load driving information, the operation control section 13 outputs information on the filling error of the power generation fuel FL to the controller CNT included in the device DVC, regardless of the stable operation of the fuel stabilizing device (particularly, the pressure control valve 26), and notifies the device DVC user of this error.

As a result, it is possible to provide the power supply system with high reliability, which quickly detects the occurrence of deterioration of the power generation fuel FL due to an error in the filling condition (temperature, pressure, etc.) of the power generation fuel FL in the fuel pack 20L, an erroneous operation (e.g., output voltage defect) in the power generation module 10L, or the leakage of the power generation fuel FL of the fuel pack 20L out of the power supply system 301, and ensures the safety of the power generation fuel FL having flammability.

A description will now be given of any other fuel stabilizing device adapted to the power supply system according to each of the above embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 70 is a block diagram showing an example of a fuel stabilization device which is applied to a power supply system according to the present invention. Also, fig. 71 is a schematic view showing a startup operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment, and fig. 72 is a schematic view showing a stop operation state of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, similarly to the above-described second to fourth embodiments, although a description will be given of a case where predetermined information is notified between the power supply system and the device to which the power supply system is connected, a structure (structure explained in conjunction with the first embodiment) in which no special notification is performed between the power supply system and the device may be utilized. In addition, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, so that the explanation thereof is simplified or omitted.

As shown in fig. 70, in the power generation module 10M, the fuel pack 20L and the I/F portion 30L have the structure and function equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, the fuel stabilizing apparatus adapted to the power supply system according to the present invention has such a structure, that is, a replenishment control valve 25 and a pressure control valve 26 are provided for any one of the I/F section 30L and the fuel pack 20L (the fuel pack 20L in this example), the replenishment control valve 25 is used to detect the filling state (temperature, pressure, etc.) of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L, and stops the supply of the power generation fuel FL from the fuel pack 20L to the power generation module 10M (the sub power supply portion 11 and the power generation portion 12) when the filling state exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the pressure control valve 26 is used to detect the filling state (temperature, pressure, etc.) of the power generation fuel FL in the fuel pack 20L and control the filling state to a predetermined steady state 301.

When the temperature of the electric power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20L exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the replenishment control valve 25 is automatically activated, and the supply of the electric power generation fuel FL to the fuel supply path is shut off. Specifically, it is possible to excellently apply the check valve, which is closed when the pressure of the fuel package 20L increases with an increase in the temperature of the power generation fuel FL.

When the pressure of the fuel package 20L exceeds a predetermined threshold value as the temperature of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 20L increases, the pressure control valve 26 is automatically actuated to reduce the pressure in the fuel package 20L. Specifically, when the pressure of the fuel pack 20L increases, a pressure reducing valve (relief valve) is opened.

As a result, for example, with the power supply system connected to the device DVC, when the temperature or pressure of the fuel pack 20L increases due to, for example, heat generation by the power generation module 10M or a load driving the device, an operation of stopping the supply of the power generation fuel FL or an operation of releasing the pressure is automatically performed, thereby spontaneously stabilizing the filling state of the power generation fuel FL.

In the power supply system having such a structure, basically, the operation control equivalent to the above-described second embodiment (including the case where the operation control of the first embodiment is performed in parallel) can be employed. In addition to this, the following operation control showing the feature of this embodiment may be adopted.

In the startup operation regarding the overall operation described in relation to the first or second embodiment (see fig. 27 and 34), when the operation control section 13 detects a change in the power supply voltage through the voltage monitoring section 16, orwhen the operation control section 13 receives load drive information notified from the controller CNT included in the device DVC that requests supply of electric power, the operation control section 13 refers to the operating state of the replenishment control valve 25, that is, the supply state of the electric power generation fuel FL of the fuel pack 20L (step S104 or S204), and determines whether the filling state of the electric power generation fuel FL is normal (or whether the electric power generation fuel is supplied to the electric power generation section 12) before outputting an operation control signal for starting the electric power generation section 12 to the startup control section 15.

When the operation control section 13 determines that the filling state of the power generation fuel FL is normal and the power generation fuel is supplied to the power generation section 12 according to the operation state of the replenishment control valve 25, it performs the starting operation (steps S104 to S106 or S204 to S206) described with respect to the above-described first or second embodiment, generates the load driving electric power by the power generation section 12, and supplies the predetermined power supply capacity to the device DVC.

As shown in fig. 71, according to the operating state of the replenishment control valve 25, when the operation control section 13 determines that the filling state of the power generation fuel FL is abnormal and the supply of the power generation fuel to the power generation section 12 is turned off (when a filling error is detected), it notifies the controller CNT of the device DVC of a start-up error signal as power generation operation information through the terminal section ELx according to the filling error.

In the steady operation among the overall operations (see fig. 27 and 34) described with respect to the first or second embodiment,the operation control section 13 then monitors the operating state of the replenishment control valve 25 during the feedback control of the supply power. Then, as shown in fig. 72, when the operation control portion 13 detects that the state of charge of the power generation fuel FL is erroneous, the pressure control valve 26 is used to stabilize the state of charge of the power generation fuel FL in the fuel package 20L regardless of the pressure reducing operation (stabilizing operation) of the pressure control valve 26, and by outputting an operation control signal for stopping the power generation portion 12 from generating electric energy as the power generation operation information to the output control portion 14, the operation control portion 13 shuts off the supply of the power generation fuel to the power generation portion 12 and stops the power generation operation of the power generation portion 12. Also, the operation control section 13 stops the heating of the heater for promoting the endothermic reaction for generating hydrogen gas, and notifies the controller CNT of the device DVC of an error stop signal as power generation operation information by the terminal section ELx according to the filling error or the power generation section 12 operation shutdown.

As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of, for example, deterioration of the power generation fuel FL due to an error in the filling condition (temperature, pressure, etc.) of the power generation fuel FL in the fuel package 20L, an erroneous operation (e.g., lack of voltage of the power supply energy) in the power generation module 10M, or leakage of the power generation fuel FL from the fuel package 20L out of the power supply system 301. Furthermore, it is possible to inform the device DVC user about the filling error and prompt appropriate measures to be taken, for example, with the environment improvement device or replacement of the power supply system. Therefore, it is possible to provide avery reliable power supply system that ensures the safety of the power generation fuel FL having flammability.

As for the byproduct collecting means, the residual amount detecting means, and the fuel stabilizing means, although the description has been given of the case where they are applied one by one to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. It goes without saying that they may be appropriately selected and used in any combination. Accordingly, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the load of the power supply system to the environment, the energy conversion efficiency, the use configuration, the safety, and the like.

An external shape suitable for the power supply system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 73A to 73F are schematic views showing specific examples of the outer shape which is applied to the power supply system according to the present invention, and fig. 74A to 74C are views showing the outer shape applied to the power supply system according to the present invention and the correspondence between such shape and the outer shape of the general-purpose chemical battery.

In the power supply system having the above-described structure, for example, as shown in fig. 73A to 73F, respectively, the external shape in which the fuel pack 20 is connected to the power generation module 10 through the I/F section 30 or these members are integrally configured is formed so that the external shape and size have the same shape as any of the circular batteries 41, 42, and 43, which are widely used as general-purpose chemical batteries conforming to JIS or international standards or are batteries having specific shapes (non-circular batteries) 44, 45, and 46 conforming to these battery standards. Also, the external shape is configured such that the electric power (first and second electric power) generated by the sub power source part 11 or the power generation part 12 of the above power generation module 10 can be output through the positive (+) negative (-) electrode terminal of each of the cell shapes.

Here, the anode terminal is connected to the upper portion of the power generation module 10, while the cathode terminal is connected to the fuel pack 20, and the cathode terminal is connected to the power generation module 10 through a wire (although not shown). In addition, a terminal portion ELx that winds the power generation module 10 in a band-like shape on one side may be provided. When the power supply system 301 is accommodated in the device DVC, the internal controller CNT and the terminal portion ELx are automatically electrically connected to each other, thereby initiating the reception of the load driving information. Incidentally, it is needless to say that the terminal portions ELx are insulated from the positive and negative electrodes.

Specifically, the fuel package 20 and the power generation module 10 are connected to each other, for example, with a power generation portion of a fuel cell (see fig. 19) having a structure in which the fuel electrode 211 of the fuel cell portion 210b is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal and the air electrode 212 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal. In addition, in a structure in which internal and external combustion engines such as a gas combustion engine or a rotary engine are combined with a generator using electromagnetic induction or the like (see fig. 21 to 23), or in a power generation portion employing a thermoelectric generator or an MHD generator (see fig. 24 and 25), there is provided a structure in which an output terminal of each generator is electrically connected to a positive terminal and a negative terminal.

Here, specifically, the circular batteries 41, 42 and 43 are widely used for commercially available manganese dry batteries, alkaline dry batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, lithium batteries, etc. and have external shapes such as a cylindrical shape (cylindrical shape: FIG. 73A), a button type for wrist watches, etc., a coin type for video cameras, notebook computers, etc. (FIG. 73C), etc., to which many devices can be applied.

On the other hand, the non-circular batteries 44, 45 and 46 have, in particular, external shapes of specific shapes, which are individually designed according to the shape of the device, such as a pocket camera or a digital camera (fig. 73D), an angle type (fig. 73E) corresponding to a side or thickness reduction of a portable sound device or a mobile phone, a flat type (fig. 73F), and the like.

Incidentally, as described above, each structure of the power generation module 10 incorporated in the power supply system according to this embodiment may be realized as a millimeter-scale or micron-scale microchip or a micro-device to which an existing micro-machine manufacturing process is applied. In addition, using a fuel cell, a gas turbine, or the like capable of achieving high energy utilization efficiency as the power generation portion 12 of the power generation module 10, it is possible to suppress the amount of power generation fuel necessary to achieve the capacity equivalent to (and exceeding) the battery capacity of the existing chemical cell to a relatively small value.

In the power supply system according to this embodiment, the existing battery shape shown in the drawings can be excellently realized. For example, as shown in fig. 74A and 74B, it is possible to provide a structure in which the outer dimensions (for example, the length La and the diameter Da) when the fuel pack 20 is attached to thepower generation module 10 or when they are integrally constructed become substantially equivalent to the outer shape (for example, the length Lp and the diameter Dp) of the general-purpose chemical battery 47 as shown in fig. 74C.

Incidentally, fig. 74A to 74C conceptually show only the relationship between the connectable and detachable structure and the external shape of the power supply system according to the present invention, irrespective of the specific electrode structure and the like. The relationship between the connectable and detachable structures and the electrode structure of the power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20 when each cell shape is used in the power supply system according to the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with an embodiment described later.

Further, each of the described external shapes is just one example of a chemical battery that is commercially available and conforms to japanese standards, or is connected to a device and distributed or on sale. Only some of the structural examples to which the invention can be applied are shown. That is, an external shape other than the specific examples described above may be adopted which is suitable for the power supply system according to the present invention. For example, such external shapes match the shapes of chemical batteries released or sold worldwide or put into practical use in the future, needless to say that they may be designed to match the electrical characteristics.

The relationship between the connectable and detachable structures and the electrode structure of the power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20 when each of the above-described battery shapes is used in the power supply system according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(first embodiment of attachableand detachable Structure)

Fig. 75A to 75D and fig. 75E to 75H are external shape views of a fuel pack and a holder portion of the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, front, lateral, and rear. Fig. 76A and 76B are diagrams showing attachable and detachable structures of a power generation module and a fuel pack of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, like reference numerals denote structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, so that their explanations are simplified or omitted.

As shown in fig. 75A to 75D and fig. 75E to 75H, the power supply system according to this embodiment is configured to include: a fuel package 51 (equivalent to the fuel package 20) in which power generation fuel is filled under predetermined conditions; and a base portion 52 serving as the power generation module 10 and the I/F portion 30, to which the fuel pack is detachably disposed. Here, when the fuel pack 51 is a transparent degradable polymer case in which the fuel FL is filled is not used, the case periphery is covered with the outer case 53 for protection from degradation factors such as bacteria. Also, when the fuel pack 51 is attached, as will be described later, it can be satisfied that the outer case 53 is peeled off from the fuel pack 51. In addition, since the fuel pack 51 is a transparent case and the index 51c is engraved thereon, it is possible to confirm the residual amount of the transparent fuel.

The base portion 52 is generally configured to include: a power generation portion 52a in which the power generation module 10 and the I/F portion 30 having a structure equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments are accommodated and a positive terminal EL (+); opposite portion 52b, providing a negative electrode portion EL (-); and a connection portion 52c electrically connecting the powergeneration portion 52a with the opposing portion 52b and electrically connecting the power generation portion 52a with the negative electrode terminal EL (-). When the fuel package 51 is connected, the perforated space SP1 surrounded by the power generation portion 52a, the opposing portion 52b, and the connecting portion 52c becomes the accommodation position. The base portion 52 includes: a convex portion 52d having elasticity of a spring or the like around the contact portion of the opposing portion 52b and having a hole in the center (see fig. 76A); and a water guide pipe 416 for connecting the hole of the convex portion 52d with the byproduct providing path 17a of the power generation module 10. Since the index 52h is engraved on the base portion 52 instead of the index 51c of the fuel pack 51, it is possible to confirm the residual amount of the transparent fuel. At this time, when the connecting portion 52c is opaque, the index 52h can be easily visually confirmed.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in fig. 76A, with respect to a space SP1 configured by the power generation portion 52a, the opposing portion 52b, and the connecting portion 52c, the fuel supply port (one end side) 51a of the fuel supply valve 24A provided with the fuel pack 51 contacts the base portion 52, and this contact point is determined as a support point when the fuel pack 51 from which the outer case 53 has been removed is supported with the fingers FN1 and FN2, and the other end 51b of the fuel pack 51 is rotated and pushed (arrow P9 in the drawing). As a result, as shown in fig. 76B, the bottom portion (the other end side) 51B of the fuel package 51 contacts the opposing portion 52B, and the fuel package 51 is accommodated in the space SP 1. At this time, the fuel delivery pipe 411, which may be a fuel supply path (fig. 73), presses down the fuel supply valve 24A whose posture is fixed by a spring, thereby releasing the leak-proof function of the fuel pack 51. Further, thepower generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 51 is automatically carried and supplied to the power generation module 10 and the fuel delivery pipe 411 by the surface tension (fig. 73) of the capillary 52 g. Fig. 76B shows an unused power supply system provided with a fuel pack 51 and a base portion 52, the periphery of the housing being covered with a casing 54 for protection from degradation factors such as bacteria. The peeling of the outer case 54 can be satisfied when the power supply system is used as a power source of a device or the like. Further, if the sub power source part 11 consumes the fuel of the fuel pack 51 and constantly generates power like a direct type fuel cell or the like, a hole 54a for supplying oxygen and discharging carbon dioxide may be provided in the case 54 near the power generation module 10. If the sub power source portion 11 does not consume fuel like a capacitor or the like, the hole 54a does not have to be provided.

Here, when the fuel pack 51 is accommodated in the space SP1 and connected to the base portion 52, the external shape and size of the power supply system are configured to be substantially equivalent to the cylindrical general-purpose chemical battery described above (see fig. 73A and 74C). Further, at this time, the fuel package 51 is normally accommodated in the space SP1, and it is preferable to press the other end 51b of the fuel package 51 with an appropriate force so that the fuel supply port 51a of the fuel package 51 can be excellently brought into contact with and connected to the fuel supply path on the power generation portion 52a side, and the other end 51b of the fuel package 51 is brought into engagement with the contact portion of the opposite portion 52b with an appropriate pressure to avoid the fuel package 51 from being unintentionally separated from the base portion 52.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 76A and 76B, an engagement mechanism is applied between a concave portion where the byproduct lead-out valve 24B formed at the other end of the fuel pack 51 is configured to collect water or the like as a byproduct and a convex portion 52d having elasticity of a spring or the like around the contact portion of the opposing portion 52B. At this time, when the convex portion 52d is pushed up, the byproduct discharge valve 24b is changed from the closed state to the open state, which is connected to the water introduction pipe 416. The byproduct supplied from the water introduction tube 416 may thus be collected in the collection bag 23 provided in the fuel pack 51.

As a result, as described in the entire operation (see fig. 27 and 34), electric power (second electric power) is spontaneously generated at the sub power supply section 11, and the operating electric power is supplied to at least the operation control section 13 of the power generation module 10. In addition, when the power supply system according to this embodiment is connected to a predetermined device DVC, a part of the electric power generated by the sub power supply portion 11 is supplied as the driving electric power (controller electric power) to the controller CNT included in the device DVC through the positive terminal EL (+) provided at the power generating portion 52a and the negative terminal EL (-) provided at the opposite portion 52b (initial operation).

Therefore, it is possible to realize a power supply system that is fully compatible with a general-purpose chemical battery, that can be easily operated, that has an external shape and size (a cylindrical shape in this example) equal to or similar to that of the general-purpose chemical battery, and that can supply electric power having the same or similar electric characteristics. Thus, the power can be used as a device, such as an operating power of an existing portable device, similar to a general chemical battery.

In particular, in the power supply system according to this embodiment, when a structure provided with a fuel cell is used as the power generation module and a material such as the above-described degradable plastic is used as the fuel package 51, the fuel package 51 is configured to be connectable to and detachable from the self-power generation portion 52a (power generation module 10) without limitation, and high energy utilization efficiency can be achieved while suppressing an influence (burden) on the environment. Therefore, it is possible to excellently solve the problems of environmental conditions or energy utilization rate caused by, for example, discarding of the existing chemical battery or landfill disposal.

In addition, according to the power supply system of this embodiment, since the space SP1 on the side of the base portion 52 accommodating the fuel pack 51 has the perforated shape of the two opening portions, it is possible to easily attach the base portion 52 while sandwiching the opposite side portions of the fuel pack 51 with the fingers FN1 and FN2, and by pushing the fuel pack 51 from one opening of the two opening portions, the fuel pack 51 is pushed out from the other opening of the two opening portions, thereby easily and safely removing the fuel pack 51.

(second embodiment of attachable and detachable structure)

Fig. 77A to 77C are schematic views showing the external shape of a fuel pack of a power supply system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front, the lateral direction, and the rear. When the fuel package 61 is a transparent degradable polymer case in which the fuel FL is filled and the fuel package 61 is not used, the circumference of the case is covered with the outer case 63 for protection from degradation factors such as bacteria. In addition, in the case of attaching the fuel package 61, as will be described later, it may be sufficientto perforate the outer case 63 from the fuel package 61. Further, since the fuel pack 61 is a transparent case and the index 61c is engraved thereon, it is possible to confirm the residual amount of the transparent fuel.

Fig. 77D to 77G are schematic diagrams showing the external shape of the base portion 62 of the power supply system according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, rearward and lateral directions, and fig. 78A and 78B are diagrams showing the attachable and detachable structures of the power generation module and the fuel pack of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Because the index 62d is engraved in the base portion 62 serving as the power generation module 10 and the I/F portion 30, instead of the index 61b of the fuel pack 61, it is possible to confirm the residual amount of the transparent fuel. At this time, when the connecting portion 62c is opaque, the index 62d can be easily visually confirmed. Here, explanations of structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified or omitted. Fig. 78B shows an unused power supply system provided with the fuel pack 61 and the container portion 62. The periphery of the power supply system is covered by a housing 64 for protection from degrading elements, such as bacteria. The perforation of the housing 64 can be satisfied when the electrical system is used as a power source for a device or the like. Also, if the sub power source part 11 consumes the fuel of the fuel pack 61 and continuously generates electric power like a direct type fuel cell or the like, a hole 64a for supplying oxygen and rejecting carbon dioxide may be provided in the case 64 near the power generation module 10. If the sub power source portion 11 does not consume fuel like a capacitor or the like, the hole 64a does not have to be provided.

As shown in fig. 77A to 77G, the power supply system according to this embodiment is configured to include: a fuel package 61 in which power generation fuel is filled under predetermined conditions; and a container portion 62 configured such that the fuel pack 61 can be connected to and separated from the container portion 62 without limitation. Here, since the fuel pack 61 has a structure and a function equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, the explanation thereof is omitted.

The container portion 62 is generally configured to include: a power generation section 62a in which the power generation module 10 is housed and which provides a positive electrode terminal EL (+); an opposite end 62b for providing a negative terminal EL (-); and a connection portion 62c for electrically connecting the power generation portion 62a with the opposing portion 62b and electrically connecting the power generation portion 62a with the negative electrode terminal EL (-). Here, the recessed space SP2 surrounded by the opposing portion 62b and the connecting portion 62c is a receiving position when the fuel packs 61 are connected.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in fig. 78A, when the fuel pack 61 is put into a space SP2 (arrow P10 in the drawing) constituted by the power generating portion 62a, the opposing portion 62B, and the connecting portion 62c, while the fuel supply port 61a of the fuel pack 61 with the outer case 63 removed is made to contact the fuel supply path on the power generating portion 62a side, the fuel pack 61 is accommodated in the space SP2 as shown in fig. 78B, and the leakage preventing function of the fuel pack 61 is released. In addition, the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 61 is supplied to the power generation module 10 included in the power generation portion 62a through the fuel supply path.

Here, similarly to the first embodiment described above, when the fuel pack 61 is accommodated in the space SP2 and connectedto the container portion 62, the external shape and size of the power supply system are configured to be substantially equivalent to the cylindrical general-purpose chemical battery described above (see fig. 73A and 74C). Further, at this time, the fuel pack 61 is normally accommodated in the space SP2 so as not to accidentally leave the fuel pack 61 from the container portion 62, and it is desirable to provide a structure in which the outer shape of the fuel pack 61 engages with the inner shape of the space SP2 of the container portion 62.

As a result, similarly to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to realize an easily-operated portable power supply system that is fully compatible with a general-purpose chemical battery and has electrical characteristics equal to or equivalent to those of the general-purpose chemical battery. In addition, by appropriately selecting the structure of the power generation device suitable for the power generation module or the material forming the attachable and detachable fuel pack, it is possible to greatly suppress the influence on the environment, and it is possible to solve the problem of environmental problems or the problem of energy utilization rate caused by the existing chemical battery stacking or landfill disposal.

(third embodiment of attachable and detachable structure)

Fig. 79A to 79C are schematic views showing the external shape of a fuel pack of a power supply system according to a third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, the lateral direction, and the rear, and fig. 79D to 79F are schematic views showing the external shape of a container portion of the power supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, the lateral direction, and the rear. And fig. 80A and 80C are diagrams showing attachable and detachable structures of the power generation module and the fuel pack of the power supply system according to this embodiment. Here, explanations of structures equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified or omitted.

As shown in fig. 79A to 79F, the power supply system according to this embodiment includes: a transparent fuel pack 71 in which power generation fuel is filled under predetermined conditions; and a container portion 72 configured in a mode in which a plurality of fuel packages 71 can be accommodated. When the fuel package 71 is a transparent degradable polymer casing in which the fuel FL is filled and is not used, the casing periphery is covered with an outer casing 73 for protection from degradation factors such as bacteria. In the case where the fuel package 71 is attached, as will be described later, it may be sufficient to perforate the outer case 73 from the fuel package 71. Since the fuel pack 71 is a transparent case and the index 71c is engraved thereon, the residual amount of the transparent fuel can be determined. In addition, if the sub power source part 11 consumes the fuel of the fuel pack 71 and continuously generates power like a direct type fuel cell or the like, a hole 74a for supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide may be provided in the case 74 near the power generation module 10. If the sub power source portion 11 does not consume fuel like a capacitor or the like, the hole 74a does not have to be provided.

The container portion 72 serving as the power generation module 10 and the I/F portion 30 is configured to generally include: a power generation portion 72a in which the power generation module 10 is housed, and on the same end face, a terminal portion ELx for transmitting/receiving load drive information is provided in addition to the positive terminal EL (+) and the negative terminal EL (-); a transparent accommodating case 72b provided for forming a space SP3 between itself and the power generating portion 72 a; and an opening/closing cover 72c for enabling the fuel pack 71 to be accommodated in and removed from the space SP3 and SP3, and for pressing and fixing the fuel pack 71 accommodated in the space SP 3. Since the index 72d is engraved on the accommodation case 72b instead of the index 71c of the fuel pack 71, it is possible to confirm the residual amount of the transparent fuel. Here, the explanation of the structure equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified or omitted.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in fig. 80A, the opening/closing cover 72C of the container portion 72 is opened, one surface side of the space SP3 is opened, a plurality of (two in this example) fuel packs 71 from which the outer case 73 is removed are inserted in the same direction, and then the opening/closing cover 72C is closed, as shown in fig. 80B and 80C. As a result, the fuel package 71 is accommodated in the space SP3, and the opening/closing cover 72c pushes the other end 71b of the fuel package 71, thereby bringing the fuel supply port 71a of the fuel package 71 into contact with the fuel supply path (I/F portion; not shown) on the power generation portion 72a side. Therefore, the leak prevention function of the fuel package 71 is released, and the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 71 is supplied to the power generation module 10 included in the power generation portion 72a through the fuel supply path.

Here, when the fuel pack 71 is accommodated in the space SP3 and connected to the container portion 72, the power supply system is configured to have an external shape and size substantially equivalent to, for example, the above-described chemical battery having a specific shape. Fig. 80B and 80C show an unused power supply system in which the fuel pack 71 and the container portion 72 are provided. The perimeter of the housing is covered by an outer shell 74 for protection from degradation factors, such as bacteria. In the case where the power supply system is used as a power source of a device or the like, the perforation of the casing 74 can be satisfied.

As a result, similarly to each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to realize a fully compatible portable power supply system having an external shape and electrical characteristics equal or equivalent to those of the existing chemical batteries. Further, by appropriately selecting the structure of the power generation device suitable for the power generation module or the material forming the attachable and detachable fuel pack, the influence on the environment can be greatly suppressed, and it is possible to excellently solve the problem of the environmental problem or the problem of the energy utilization rate caused by the dumping or landfill disposal of the existing chemical battery.

(fourth embodiment of attachable and detachable Structure)

Fig. 81A to 81C are schematic views showing the external shape of a fuel pack of a power supply system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front, the lateral direction, and the rear direction. Fig. 81D to 81F are schematic diagrams showing the outer shapes of the container portion of the power supply system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above, laterally, and rearward. And fig. 82A and 82C are schematic views showing attachable and detachable structures of a power generation module and a fuel pack of the power supply system according to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 81A to 81F, the power supply system according to this embodiment is configured to include: a fuel pack 81 in which power generation fuel is filled under predetermined conditions; and a container portion 82 configured to be able to accommodate therein a plurality of fuel packages81. Here, when the fuel pack 81 is a transparent degradable polymer cartridge in which the fuel FL is filled and is not used, the cartridge periphery is covered with the outer case 83 for protecting degradable factors such as bacteria. In addition, in the case of attaching the fuel pack 81, as will be described later, it may be sufficient to perforate the outer case 83 from the fuel pack 81. In addition, since the fuel pack 81 is a transparent case and the index 81c is engraved thereon, it is possible to confirm the residual amount of the transparent fuel. Further, if the sub power source part 11 consumes the fuel of the fuel pack 81 and constantly generates power like a direct type fuel cell or the like, a hole 84a for supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide may be provided in the housing 84 near the power generation module 10. If the sub power source portion 11 does not consume fuel like a capacitor or the like, the hole 84a does not have to be provided.

The container portion 82 serving as the power generation module 10 and the I/F portion 30 is configured to generally include: a power generation portion 82a in which the power generation module 10 is housed, and on the same end face, a terminal portion ELx for transmitting/receiving load drive information is provided in addition to the positive terminal EL (+) and the negative terminal EL (-); an opposing portion 82b having a surface opposing the power generating portion 82 a; and a base portion 82c for connecting the power generating portion 82a and the opposing portion 82 b. Here, the recessed space SP4 surrounded by the power generation portion 82a, the opposing portion 82b, and the base portion 82c is a housed position when the fuel pack 81 is attached. Since the index 82d is engraved on the container portion 82 instead of the index 81c of the fuel pack 81, it is possible to confirm the residual amount of the transparent fuel. At this point, if the base portion 82c is opaque, the index 82d can be easily visually confirmed.

In the power supply system having such a structure, as shown in fig. 82A, when the fuel supply port (one end) 81a of the fuel pack 81 contacts the fuel supply path (I/F portion; not shown) on the power generation portion 82A side so that the contact portion is determined as the supporting point, the other end 81B of the fuel pack 81 is rotated and inserted into the space SP4 (arrow Pll in the drawing) configured by the power generation portion 82A, the opposed portion 82B and the base portion 82c, as shown in fig. 82B, the other end 81B of the fuel pack 81 contacts the opposed portion 82B and is fixed, and a plurality of (two in this example) fuel packs 81 are accommodated in the space SP4 in the same direction. At this time, the leak-proof function of the fuel pack 81 is released, and the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 81 is supplied to the power generation module 10 included in the power generation portion 82a through the fuel supply path.

Here, when the fuel pack 81 is accommodated in the space SP4 and connected to the container portion 82, the power supply system is configured to have an external shape and size substantially equivalent to, for example, the above-described chemical battery having a specific shape. Also, at this time, the fuel pack 81 is normally accommodated in the space SP4, and the fuel supply port 81a of the fuel pack 81 excellently contacts and is connected to the fuel supply path on the power generation portion 82a side. Further, in order to prevent the fuel pack 81 from accidentally coming off the container portion 82, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, the contact portion between the other end of the fuel pack 81 and the opposing portion 82b is configured to be engaged with an appropriate pushing force.

As a result, it is possible to realize a power supply system having effects and advantages similar to each of the above-described embodiments.

Fig. 82B and 82C show an unused power supply system in which the fuel pack 81 and the container portion 82 are provided. The perimeter of the housing is covered by a shell 84 for protecting degradable elements such as bacteria. The perforation of the housing 84 can be satisfied when the power supply system is used as a power source for a device or the like.

Incidentally, a fuel delivery pipe having a function equivalent to that of the fuel delivery pipe 411 of the pedestal portion 52 is provided to each of the container portions 62, 72, and 82, and a byproduct collecting path equivalent to the water guide pipe 416 is provided to each of these container portions.

(concrete structural example)

A description will now be given with reference to the drawings about a specific structural example of the entire power supply system to which any of the above-described embodiments (including each structural example) is applied.

Fig. 83 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of the entire power supply system according to the present invention. In addition, fig. 84 is a diagram showing one structural example of a fuel reforming portion applied to this specific structural example, and fig. 85 is another structural example of a fuel reforming portion applied to this specific structural example. Here, it is determined that the fuel direct supply type fuel cell is used as the sub power supply portion 11 supplied to the power generation module and the fuel reforming type fuel cell is used as the power generation portion 12. In addition, each of the above-described embodiments and each structural example will be referred to as appropriate, and like reference numerals denote equivalent structures, thereby simplifying the explanation thereof.

As shown in fig. 83, the power supply system 301 according to this specific structural example has the power generation module 10 and the fuel pack 20, and as shown in fig. 2, the fuel pack 20 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the power generation module 10 via the I/F portion 30, and has a cylindrical outer shape as generally shown in fig. 73A or fig. 74A to 74C. Moreover, these structures (particularly, the power generation module 10) are constructed in a small space by a micro-machine manufacturing process or the like, and this power supply system is configured to have an external size equivalent to that of a general-purpose chemical battery.

The power generation module 10 is generally configured to include: a fuel cell portion 210b extending along an annular side surface of the cylindrical shape; a steam reforming reactor (steam reforming reaction portion) 210X having a fuel flow path with a depth and a width of at most 500 × m, respectively, and a heater for setting a space in the flow path to a predetermined temperature formed therein in the cylindrical power generation module 10; a water shift reactor (water shift reaction section) 210Y having a fuel flow path of a depth and a width of at most 500 μm, respectively, and a heater for setting a space in the flow path to a predetermined temperature formed therein; a selective oxidation reactor (selective oxidation reaction portion) 210Z having a fuel flow path with a depth and a width of at most 500 μm, respectively, and a heater for setting a space in the flow path to a predetermined temperature formed therein; a control chip 90 which is realized as a microchip and is accommodated in the power generation module 10, and on which an operation control section 13 and a start control section 15 are mounted; a plurality of air holes (slits) 14c passing from the cylindrical side surface of the power generation module 10 to the air electrodes 112 and 212 of the sub power source portion 11 and the power generation portion 12 and receiving outdoor air; a separation section 17 for liquefying (concentrating) the by-product (e.g., water) produced on the air electrode 112 and 212 side, separating and collecting it; a byproduct supply path 16a for supplying a part of the collected byproduct to the vapor reforming reaction portion 210X; an exhaust hole 14d that penetrates from the top surface of the cylinder to the air electrode of the power generation portion 12 and discharges at least a byproduct (for example, carbon dioxide) as an uncollected material, which is produced on the fuel electrode side of the power generation portion or in the steam reforming reaction portion 210X and the selective oxidation reaction portion 210Z, to the outside of the power generation module; and a sub power supply portion 11 (although not described). The steam reforming reaction portion 210X and the water shift reaction portion 210Y use at least a part of the water supplied through the byproduct supply path 17a and generated in the fuel cell portion 210b and the water in the fuel FL in the fuel pack 51 as water necessary for the reaction. Also, carbon dioxide generated by each reaction in the steam reforming reaction part 210X, the water shift reaction part 210Y and the selective oxidation reaction part 210Z is discharged to the outside of the power generation module 10 through the exhaust hole 14 d.

Incidentally, it is possible to provide a carbon dioxide conduit 415 instead of the exhaust hole 14d, as shown in fig. 49 to 54, and absorb the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide absorbing section 404.

In this case, the device is particularly valuable due to its power supply system, and the device can be attached to, for example, a closed space to the extent that no gas leaks out, because the by-products are difficult to discharge from the power supply system to the outside.

Similar to the structure shown in fig. 48, the fuel pack 20(51, 61, 71, 81) is generally configured to include: a fuel filling portion 401 in which the power generation fuel FL supplied to the power generation portion 12 or the sub power supply portion 11 as needed is filled; a byproduct filling portion 403 (collection holding portion 21) for fixedly holding the byproduct (water) collected by the separation portion 17; a fuel supply valve 24A (fuel leakage preventing means) which is at the boundary of the power generation module 10 and prevents the power generation fuel FL from leaking out; and a byproduct take-out valve 24B (collected material leakage preventing means) for preventing the leakage of the collected and held byproduct (collected material). Here, the fuel package 20 is formed of degradable plastic such as described above.

When the fuel pack 20 having such a structure connects the power generation module 10 and the I/F section 30, the fuel delivery pipe 411 presses the fuel supply valve 24A, its form is fixed by a spring, and the leak-proof function of the fuel pack 51 is released. Further, the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 51 is automatically transported to the power generation module 10 by the surface tension of the capillary 52g and the fuel transport pipe 411. In addition, when the fuel pack 20 is removed from the power generation module 10 and the I/F portion 30, the fuel supply valve 24A is closed again by the resilient force of the spring, and therefore the power generation fuel FL can be prevented from leaking out.

The I/F section 30 is configured to include: a fuel supply path 31 for supplying the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel pack 20 to the power generation portion 12 or the sub power supply portion 11 as needed; and a byproduct collecting path 32 for supplying all or a part of the byproduct (water) generated in some cases in the power generating portion 12 or the sub power source portion 11 and collected by the separation portion 17 to the fuel pack 20.

Incidentally, although not shown, the fuel package 20 or the I/F portion 30 must have a structure in which a residual amount detecting means for detecting the residual amount of the power generation fuel FL charged in the fuel package 20 or a fuel stabilizing means for stabilizing the state of charge of the power generation fuel is provided, as shown in fig. 59 and 70.

The vapor reforming reaction portion 210X suitable for use according to this specific structural example is configured, for example, as shown in fig. 84, to include: the fuel discharge portion 202 a; a drain portion 202 b; the fuel evaporation portion 203 a; a water vaporization section 203 b; a mixing portion 203 c; a conversion reaction flow path 204; and a hydrogen gas exhaust section 205 each of which is provided on one surface side of the small substrate 201, such as silicon, with a predetermined groove shape and a predetermined planar pattern, using a microfabrication technique such as a semiconductor manufacturing process. The vapor formation reaction section 210X further includes a thin film heater 206 having an area equivalent to that of the flow path 204 for forming the reforming reaction, and provided on, for example, the other surface side of the small substrate 201.

The fuel discharge portion 202a and the water discharge portion 202b have a fluid discharge mechanism for discharging the power generation fuel, which may be the raw material for the steam reforming reaction, and water to the flow path as fluid particles, for example, according to a predetermined unit amount. Therefore, since the stage of progress of the steam reforming reaction shown by, for example, chemical equation (3) is controlled in accordance with the discharge amount of the power generation fuel or water of the fuel discharge portion 202a and the water discharge portion 202b (specifically, the heat amount of the thin film heater 206 described later is also closely related thereto), the fuel discharge portion 202a and the water discharge portion 202b have an adjusting function serving as a part of the fuel supply amount of the above-described output control portion 14 (fuel control portion 14 a).

The fuel evaporation portion 203a and the water evaporation portion 203b perform vaporization processing shown in fig. 20A and vaporize the power generation fuel or water discharged from the fuel discharge portion 202a and the water discharge portion 202b as fluid particles by subjecting the power generation fuel or water to heating processing or pressure reduction processing under vaporization conditions, such as the boiling point of each of the power generation fuel and water, to generate a mixed gas obtained from the fuel gas and the vapor in the mixing portion 203 c.

The thin film heater 206 introduces the mixed gas generated by the mixing part 203c into the reforming reaction flow path 204, and performs the vapor reforming reaction shown in fig. 20A and chemical equation (3) according to a copper-zinc (Cu-Zn) -based catalyst (not shown) formed and adhered to the inner wall surface of the reforming reaction flow path 204, and a predetermined heat energy is supplied from the thin film heater 206 provided according to a region to the reforming reaction flow path 204, in which the reforming reaction flow path 204 is formed, thereby generating hydrogen (H) gas₂O) (vapor reforming reaction treatment).

The hydrogen gas discharge portion 205 discharges hydrogen gas generated in the reforming reaction flow path 204 and containing carbon monoxide and the like, eliminates carbon monoxide (CO) by the water shift reaction treatment and the selective oxidation reaction treatment in the selective oxidation reaction portion 210Z, and thereafter supplies the obtained gas to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell constituting the power generation portion 12. As a result, a series of electrochemical reactions according to chemical equations (6) and (7) are generated at the power generation part 12, thereby generating predetermined electric energy.

In the power supply system having such a structure, for example, when the fuel pack 20 is connected to the power generation module 10 through the I/F section 30 according to the above-described overall operations (initial operation, start-up operation, steady operation, and stop operation), the leak prevention function is released by the fuel supply valve 24A (fuel leak prevention means), and the power generation fuel (e.g., methanol) FL charged in the fuel filling section 401 is supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell directly constituting the sub power supply section 11 through the fuel supply path 31, thereby generating the second electric power. This power is supplied to the operation control section 13 mounted on the control chip 90 as operating power and to a controller CNT (not shown) included in the device DVC as driving power, and the power supply system 301 is electrically connected to the device DVC through a positive terminal and a negative terminal, not shown.

When the operation control section 13 receives information on the driving state of the load LD of the apparatus DVC from the controller CNT, the operation control section 13 outputs an operation control signal to the start-up control section 15, and a part of the electric power generated by the sub power supply section 11 is used for heating the thin film heater 206 of the vapor reforming reaction section 210X. Also, the operation control portion 13 turns to steamThe reforming reaction flow path 204 of the reforming reaction portion 210X discharges a predetermined amount of power generation fuel and water. As a result, hydrogen (H)₂) And carbon dioxide (CO)₂) From the above chemical equation (3)Hydrogen (H) produced by the steam reforming reaction and the selective oxidation reaction shown in (5)₂) Is supplied to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell constituting the power generation portion 12, thereby generating the first electric power. The first power is supplied to the load LD of the device DVC as load driving power. In addition, carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Is discharged to the outside of the power generation module 10 (power supply system 301) through, for example, the exhaust hole 14d provided in the top surface of the power generation module 10.

By-products (gases, such as steam) generated at the time of power generation operation in the power generation section 12 are cooled and liquefied in the separation section 17. Therefore, the byproduct is separated into water and any other gaseous components, and only the water is collected through the byproduct providing path 16a and partially provided to the vapor reforming reaction part 210X. In addition, any other water is irreversibly held in the byproduct filling portion 403 of the fuel pack 20 through the byproduct collecting path 32.

Therefore, according to the power supply system 301 relating to this specific configuration example, appropriate electric energy (first electric energy) according to the driving state of the driving load (device DVC) can be spontaneously output without receiving replenishment of fuel from outside the power supply system 301, and the power generating operation can produce an effect of high energy conversion efficiency while achieving electrical characteristics equivalent to those of a general-purpose chemical battery and being easy to handle. Moreover, it is possible to realize such a portable power supply system, which imposes less burden on the environment at least in the case where the fuel pack 20 is discarded to the nature or subjected to landfill disposal.

In this specific structural example, a description has been given of a case where a part of the by-product (water) generated or collected in the power generation section 12, the steam reforming reaction section 210X, and the like is supplied to the steam reforming reaction section 210X and reused, the water charged in the fuel pack 20 is utilized together with the power generation fuel (methanol, and the like), and the steam reforming reaction is performed in the steam reforming reaction section 210X of the power supply system to which such a structure is not applied.

Therefore, in the case of performing the power generating operation using the power generating fuel filled with the premixed water, as shown in fig. 85, as the structure of the steam reforming reaction portion 210X, it is possible to apply a structure in which a single flow path is formed on one surface side of the small substrate 201, the flow path being composed of only the fuel discharging portion 202, the fuel evaporating portion 203, the reforming reaction flow path 204 and the hydrogen discharging portion 205.

As described above, the power supply system according to the present invention can be realized by arbitrarily combining the members of the above-described structural examples, the power generation modules of the respective embodiments, and the attachable and detachable structures of the respective embodiments. Sometimes, a plurality of sub power supply portions or power generation portions may be provided in parallel, and a plurality of sub power supply portions or power generation portions may be provided in parallel. Since the driving of the power generation portion is controlled by such a structure according to the starting state of the device, it is possible to suppress the waste of the power generation fuel and improve the energy resource utilization efficiency. In particular, the present invention can be widely applied to portable devices in which a detachable general-purpose battery is used as a power source, such as a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a notebook-sized personal computer, a digital video camera, a digital still camera, and the like, or a display unit such as a liquid crystal element, an electroluminescent element, and the like.

Claims

1. A byproduct elimination device for a power generation system, comprising:

a fuel pack provided with a fuel filling portion filled with a power generation fuel having a fluid or gas containing hydrogen; and

a power generation module that can be attached to or detached from the fuel pack, the module including a conversion portion for converting the power generation fuel supplied from the fuel charge portion into a first gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide as main components, and a fuel cell that generates electric power by using the hydrogen contained in the first gas,

wherein the fuel pack has an absorbent-filled portion including calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide for selectively absorbing carbon dioxide contained in the first gas supplied from the reforming portion and supplying a second gas having a carbon dioxide concentration lower than that of the first gas to the fuel cell.

2. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein the volume of said absorbent-filled portion is increased as carbon dioxide is absorbed.

3. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent-filled portion includes a carbon dioxide absorption portion having calcium hydroxide and a calcium carbonate collection portion containing calcium carbonate generated in said carbon dioxide absorption portion.

4. Theby-product elimination device according to claim 3, wherein said carbon dioxide absorption section supplies calcium carbonate generated when carbon dioxide is absorbed to said calcium carbonate collection section.

5. The by-product elimination device according to claim 3, wherein said carbon dioxide absorbing portion contains said calcium oxide or said calcium hydroxide.

6. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent charged portion includes a carbon dioxide absorption portion having calcium hydroxide, a calcium carbonate collection portion for collecting calcium carbonate generated at said carbon dioxide absorption portion, and a water absorption portion for absorbing water generated at said carbon dioxide absorption portion.

7. The by-product elimination device according to claim 6, wherein said water absorption section supplies calcium hydroxide generated when absorbing water to said carbon dioxide absorption section.

8. The by-product elimination device according to claim 7, wherein said carbon dioxide absorption section supplies calcium carbonate generated when carbon dioxide is absorbed to said calcium carbonate collection section.

9. The by-product elimination device according to claim 6, wherein said water absorbing portion contains calcium oxide.

10. The by-product elimination device according to claim 6, said carbon dioxide absorbing section containing said calcium hydroxide.

11. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein the reforming reaction in said reforming portion includes a first reaction that generates hydrogen gas and a second reaction that converts carbon monoxide generated with said first reaction into carbon dioxide, and said absorbent filled portion can absorb carbon dioxide generated by the second reaction.

12. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein said reforming section has at least one of a vapor reforming reaction section, a water shift reaction section and a selective oxidation reaction section.

13. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein said reforming portion has a vapor reforming reaction portion and a water shift reaction portion, and said absorbent filled portion is connected to said vapor reforming reaction portion and said water shift reaction portion.

14. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, further comprising a water collection portion that selectively collects at least water among the discharged materials discharged from said fuel cell.

15. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein said by-product elimination device includes a water collection portion that selectively collects at least water among substances discharged from said fuel cell, and said fuel charge portion, said absorbent charge portion and said water collection portion being separated from each other.

16. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent charged portion is disposed in said fuel package, and said by-product elimination device has a path for supplying a first gas supplied from said conversion portion from said power generation module to said fuel package, and a path for supplying a second gas supplied from said absorbent charged portion from said fuel package to said power generation module.

17. The by-product elimination device according to claim 1, wherein said reforming portion generates the first gas from said power generation fuel by an exothermic reaction, and said absorbent filling portion is provided to supply heat generated by absorbing carbon dioxide to said reforming portion.